Prince George Citizen January 29, 2026

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 • 6:00PM

$10,000 CASH Jackpot Game

THURSDAY, January 29, 2026

Monday was the rst day of talks to set next tax increase

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council took a first deep dive into the 2026 proposed bud

school taxes, 7.2 per cent is for the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District, 3.15 per cent is for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, 1.13 per cent is for the regional district’s 911 services, 0.42 per cent is for BC Assessment and an almost zero per cent share is for the Municipal Finance Authority.

Complicating things, city manager

Councillors have frst opportunity to queston details

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Prince George has 1,556 lane kilometres of road, 200 km of sidewalks, 4,728 streetlights, 824 km of water pipes, 712 km of sanitary sewer pipes, 445 km of stormwater pipes, 102 parks, 50 playgrounds and 91 km of trails.

Babicz showed a chart comparing the populations, taxable land areas, representative home value, municipal taxes, taxes from other authorities and total taxes of Prince George and several other cities in British Columbia.

Of the nine communities, Prince George was in the middle of the pack in terms of taxes but far below the others in terms of average residential home value.

Revenues and expenses

The proposed 2026 budget includes $134,357,788 in general operating spending, $7,127,737 for infrastructure reinvestment, $11 million for snow control and $7.3 million for road rehabilitation.

That represents $159,785,526 in property tax-funded spending, an increase of around $10 million from 2025. Of that amount, $894,395 in revenue is coming from increases to the assessed values of local property and $9,204,693 is coming from tax increases, a 6.15 per cent increase from 2025.

If approved, the 6.15 per cent tax increase would result in an additional $179.70 for the average household in Prince George.

Director of finance and IT services

Kris Dalio showed a chart comparing Prince George’s cumulative property tax increases from 2021 to 2025 with those of Saanich, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria, Chilliwack and Kelowna.

Of those communities, Prince George had the second-lowest cumulative amount at 33.40 per cent. Only Kelowna was lower at 27.98 per cent. The highest was Saanich at 52.29 per cent.

In 2021, Dalio said, council approved a zero per cent tax increase. He said he understood why that was done, but it set up the following council to have to make up ground against various inflationary pressures.

The road rehabilitation levy was established in 2004 to try to stop the city from financing repairs to its road network through debt. The $7.3 million requested in 2026 is expected to pay for the same amount of work — 50 lane kilometres — as in 2025.

On snow control, Dalio said climate change is giving Prince George milder winters, but the cost of carrying out the work is going up due to increases in fuel prices, collective agreements giving staff raises and other inflationary pressures.

In 2025, council voted to lower the snow control budget from the $10.6 million suggested by staff to $10 million. That gamble paid off, as actual costs are projected to come in at around $9.4 million.

If the city exceeded its budget in a future year, it would have to find a way to pay for the incurred deficit.

Of the city’s $209.5 million in projected revenues in 2025, Dalio said 80.23 per cent is from taxes, 10.24 per cent is from sales of services, 4.09 per cent is from grants, 3.67 per cent is from licences and fees and 1.77 per cent is from investments.

long-term debt comes off the books and isn’t replaced by new payments. To reduce the city’s required tax increase from 6.15 per cent to six per cent, Dalio said the city would need to shave $223,509 in expenses from the budget. To get it down to five per cent, council would need to reduce expenses by $1,720,373. To further reduce it to four per cent, it would need to remove $3,217,237 in expenses.

Capital budget — high-level overview

The capital budget includes both funded and unfunded projects. Funded projects have an identified funding source and are higher on the city’s list of priorities. Unfunded projects still need a funding source and are important but not as critical.

Of the $187.7 million in total general operating expenses, the largest portion is protective services at around $70 million, or 37.51 per cent of the total. That includes both fire and police services. Recreation and culture accounts for around $29.5 million, or 15.73 per cent of the total budget; transportation is around $29 million, or 15.42 per cent; general government is around $25.7 million, or 13.70 per cent; debt servicing is around $13.4 million, or 7.15 per cent; public transit is $8.75 million, or 4.66 per cent; environment and public health is $4.034 million, or 2.15 per cent; miscellaneous fiscal expenses are around $2.246 million, or 1.196 per cent; and planning and development is around $2.676 million, or 1.43 per cent.

Dalio explained that the city is looking to increase the number of events it holds in 2026, something it was waiting to see whether attendance would recover from COVID-19-era numbers before doing. That comes with a projected increase in both expenses and revenues.

Debt servicing costs are expected to decrease by around $664,000 as

In 2026, $7.3 million for capital projects comes from the road rehabilitation levy, $3.6 million is from community works funding, $7.13 million is from the general infrastructure reinvestment fund and $2.4 million is from gaming revenue.

A chart showing funding sources for capital projects rose from 2015 through 2020 as projects such as the Canfor Leisure Pool came online, but it has since dropped alongside a corresponding increase in funding from the city’s financial reserves.

Dalio explained that for capital projects, each of the four utilities — district energy, water, sewer and general — must essentially be treated as separate businesses within the city. Money collected for one utility can’t be used for another.

Q&A break with councillors

Coun. Garth Frizzell asked about the impact of the new stormwater levy, which will add another utility to the list by funding related infrastructure through a separate fee rather than the general property tax levy.

Dalio said it hadn’t been included in the financial plan as council has yet to pass fourth and final reading of the bylaw.

Budget provides forecast on cost of upcoming projects

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Frizzell noted that while the city’s taxes might be low compared with other municipalities, Prince George’s contributions to its local hospital district are the eighth highest in the province.

Coun. Brian Skakun raised comparisons with other communities’ tax levies, saying some residents aren’t comforted by how much lower Prince George’s taxes are because they are still feeling the impact of local increases in recent years.

Skakun also noted that he and his colleagues on the board of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George have been working to limit the amount of funding the hospital district has to collect for local infrastructure projects.

He asked whether the city could review development cost charges (DCCs) levied on developers to build infrastructure that benefits their projects. Dalio said the bylaw hasn’t been

updated in some time, but administration is concerned by messaging from the federal government stating that DCCs might be high enough to dissuade development.

Coun. Ron Polillo asked why gaming revenues are decreasing. Dalio said the city receives 10 per cent of net revenues from the Treasure Cove Casino and is expecting lower returns.

Coun. Cori Ramsay asked about the tax situation with the new parkade at the University Hospital of Northern BC. Dalio said that as hospital infrastructure, it is exempt from both property taxes and grants in lieu.

Ramsay said it might be worth directing the standing committee on intergovernmental affairs to discuss the issue with the province, as the city will continue to see a decrease in tax revenues as the hospital campus expands.

On DCCs, Ramsay said Prince George has kept its charges low over the past 20 years to incentivize development, but it

would hurt the community if the federal government were to disallow them.

Mayor Simon Yu asked Dalio whether he had any insight into why Kelowna has been able to keep its tax increases lower than Prince George’s.

Dalio said he wasn’t an expert on the situation, but contributing factors include the city owning its own airport. It is also, he believed, a high-growth community that has spread the tax burden more widely.

Capital budget — funded projects

Staff returned to the capital budget, offering council an opportunity to request more information about individual projects.

Skakun asked about the planned roundabout at the intersection of Ospika and Tyner boulevards and bus pullouts. The roundabout has an estimated cost of $2.5 million in 2026 and the pullouts $2.210 million.

Director of civic operations Blake

McIntosh said the pullouts are for bus stops on arterial roadways in developing areas as part of the city’s active transportation plan.

On University Way, Skakun said, there are few pullouts and asked whether some could be added. McIntosh said there is one quasi-pullout and others are on hold until the eventual four-lane upgrade to Tyner Boulevard.

On the roundabout, McIntosh said the standing committee on finance and audit was asked about that project and another on the campus of the University of Northern BC. The committee expressed a preference for the Ospika-Tyner roundabout because of traffic volumes. In future, he said, it could be expanded to a two-lane roundabout.

Polillo inquired about the demolition of the former Knights Inn on Dominion Street, which has been a BC Housing facility in recent years.

Budget includes tech at city facilites, new Zamboni

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Dalio said that when the operating agreement with the province was signed, some funds were contributed for the building’s eventual demolition.

The city’s agreement with the province ends March 31. Demolishing the building as soon as possible, Dalio said, is in the city’s best interest due to safety concerns. Director of civic facilities Andy Beesley said the demolition will be a priority.

Ramsay raised the new wifi system scheduled to be installed at the Kin Centre at a cost of $250,000, asking whether the city could find a corporate partnership to help pay for it.

Dalio said the wifi has been provided for free by Telus for years, but that arrangement is ending and continuing the service would require city funding. Facility users, he said, want the service to continue.

If another company were interested, Dalio said the city could try to arrange a naming rights agreement. Beesley noted the city will likely need to implement a fee-for-service model going forward.

Ramsay also asked whether the planned demolition of the Gorse Street parks yard greenhouse could be deferred, as there are no plans yet for the future of the property.

McIntosh said it could be deferred, though he recommended not deferring the replacement of cranes used for fleet repairs at the city works yard.

Ramsay then asked about the CN Centre building envelope renewal and whether it could be funded through the city’s endowment rather than debt through the Municipal Finance Authority.

Dalio said he would need to check whether the endowment could cover the nearly $16 million required in 2026 and 2027, but he didn’t think it could.

Frizzell asked for more detail on the planned expansion of Memorial Park Cemetery, with $150,000 scheduled for 2026 and $5 million in 2027. McIntosh said this year’s spending will involve community consultation and planning for future construction.

He also asked about the planned purchase of a new electric all-utility vehicle for Exhibition Park at a cost of $57,000 and a new Zamboni ice resurfacer for the CN Centre at a cost of $250,000.

Beesley said the city has a lot of equipment at Exhibition Park that cannot be easily moved and sometimes must be left outside. Staff would like a machine to help move it, but a one-year deferral would not be too much of a hardship.

The Zamboni would be more difficult to defer, Beesley said, given how frequently it is used. McIntosh added that the current Zamboni is a decade old.

The planned replacement of two elevators at the Civic Centre is something Beesley said he would like to keep in the 2026 plan, as the existing elevators date back to 1990 and replacement parts are no longer available.

Skakun asked whether the city had considered selling the former sites of the Knights Inn, the Four Seasons Pool and Fire Hall No. 1 rather than converting them into parking lots under the Civic Core Plan.

Staff are not closing the door on any options, Babicz said, and are particularly interested in seeing whether the former Knights Inn site could be redeveloped.

Coun. Kyle Sampson asked whether

upgrades at civic facilities. She also asked whether some Civic Centre upgrades are necessary with Civic Core Plan elements scheduled for future years.

Beesley said administration is avoiding expenses at facilities such as Kopar Memorial Arena, given plans for a new arena.

However, the Civic Centre’s second-floor audio system does not work and is needed for events.

the city could request expressions of interest for the former Knights Inn property to gauge developer interest. Dalio said it would be possible, but the criteria would need to be broad enough not to restrict ideas.

Director of planning and buildings Deanna Wasnik said her department is requesting funds in 2026 to issue a request for proposals for a business case related to development of the Civic Core Plan.

Yu said that given strong attendance at events such as the recent 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum, there is a clear need for more convention space and a five-star hotel in the downtown core.

The mayor also raised the $2.8 million in repairs to the Canfor Leisure Pool scheduled for 2026 and 2027, asking whether the work would involve longterm closures, given that the Aquatic Centre recently closed for two or more years of renovations.

Beesley said studies indicate longterm closures won’t be needed, as the work will focus on areas the public does not access. Only a day or two of closures are expected.

Coun. Trudy Klassen asked about the city’s $250,000 allocation for climate action initiatives. Dalio said previous projects have included energy efficiency

Klassen later asked about the district energy system, which burns wood waste from Lakeland Mills to heat water piped to several downtown facilities. Dalio said it has become a net expense for the city because natural gas prices did not rise as sharply as projected. However, he said the system helps the city meet several climate and emissions targets.

Capital plan — unfunded projects

At the start of discussion on unfunded capital projects, Dalio said estimates and timelines may not be as developed as those for funded projects.

Unfunded items selected by council for inclusion on the funded list will be discussed further at a summer meeting, allowing staff to assess more accurate financial impacts.

Skakun asked about the importance of a new irrigation system for the city-owned Pine Valley Golf Course, estimated at nearly $4 million in 2028. Beesley said it is needed, but has been repeatedly deferred while staff explore alternatives.

Frizzell asked about the $1.2 million unfunded project for a new shelter for the Little Prince historical miniature train, which he said has been repeatedly deferred by successive councils. He asked what would be required to advance it.

Beesley said extensive discussions are underway regarding a long-term operating agreement with the Exploration Place. Constructing a facility, he said, makes little sense without an operator.

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Council hears costs of public safety, roads, snow control

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Once discussions with the museum conclude, Beesley said staff will return with a report likely including a funding request for the shelter. McIntosh added that options for the shelter remain under discussion.

Discussing unfunded capital projects from 2026 to 2030 and future projects from 2031 to 2035, the mayor repeatedly said he believes projected expenditures are far lower than they should be.

Among those future projects is construction of a ring road for dangerous goods to bypass the city rather than pass through downtown.

Klassen asked whether provincial funding might be available, but staff said it is unlikely.

Legislative services

With rising costs associated with managing city records, Ramsay asked whether some expenses would be passed on to residents.

Corporate officer Ethan Anderson said the city continually reviews fees and charges and increased them last year. However, he said the resource intensity of records searches is not increasing.

Fire and rescue services

This category includes bylaw services, the Prince George RCMP and Prince George Fire Rescue.

Fire Chief Bryan Burleigh said there was a slight reduction in the total number of fires in 2026 compared with 2025, but the number of commercial fires more than doubled.

“I’m hopeful that it’s not a trend and

that it’s a one-off,” Burleigh said.

Burleigh said the Boardwalk Apartments fire on May 22, 2025, was PGFR’s biggest challenge last year.

Although the proposed budget includes about $535,000 in additional fire protection expenses, staff also proposed a budget enhancement to hire 12 new firefighters at an estimated cost of $132,354 each, totalling $1,588,248.

A smaller option would fund seven new firefighters at an estimated cost of $926,478.

Burleigh said the request aligns with a five-year staffing enhancement first introduced in 2023 and begun in 2024. He said the enhancement would bring PGFR closer to operating an additional fire apparatus at Fire Hall No. 1 and meeting standards set by the U.S.-based National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA).

During responses to large fires, such as the CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery fire in September and the Boardwalk Apartments fire, Burleigh said staffing levels meant firefighters were unavailable for medical calls.

One factor driving increased call volumes, he said, is that when people don’t know who to call, they call the fire department.

Coun. Tim Bennett expressed doubts the city will ever feasibly meet NFPA staffing levels.

Burleigh said the city is just shy of the staffing standard for single-family residential fires, but falls short of response-time standards for several types of structure fires, particularly larger buildings and high rises.

Sampson said funding 12 additional

positions may not be achievable in 2026, as it would raise the tax increase by nearly another percentage point. However, he said the city ultimately needs to meet NFPA standards sustainably.

Frizzell said the added positions would cost the average household an additional $29 to $44 and could improve the city’s fire protection rating, potentially lowering insurance costs.

Deputy city manager Chris Depenau said there is no guarantee that hiring additional firefighters would improve fire underwriters’ assessments.

Burleigh agreed, noting the most recent underwriters’ report recommended building another fire hall in the southern industrial area, which has not occurred.

Drop in revenue expected with Aquatc Centre shut down

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Policing

The city is budgeting for 130 officers in 2026, including those on leave. Dalio said the city is billed only for officers actively working.

Toward the end of last year, Depenau said the city was being billed for about 123 officers.

Ramsay noted the federal government is considering bail reform, including a reverse onus system, and asked whether that would affect local RCMP costs for holding prisoners.

Prince George RCMP Insp. Chris Riddle said once charges are sworn, suspects become provincial prisoners, making it unlikely they would remain in police custody for more than about 12 hours.

Unlike previous years, Depenau said there are no requests for additional police officers in 2026.

However, four enhancements were proposed for municipal policing staff.

Three relate to managing digital evidence, particularly from body-worn cameras. If approved, the three positions would cost $287,415, or $95,805 each.

The fourth is a court liaison officer at an estimated cost of $111,060. Depenau said the role would help cases meet court deadlines and reduce administrative burdens on the RCMP.

Skakun asked what would happen if the enhancements were not approved. Riddle said the status quo would remain, which is inefficient.

Frizzell asked whether artificial intelligence is helping police process evidence. Staff said AI can assist to some extent, but human verification is still required to prepare materials for Crown counsel.

Bylaw services

In 2025, Depenau said bylaw services adjusted its shift pattern to better align with the RCMP.

Department expenses are expected to drop by about $50,000 following the closure of the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment known as Moccasin Flats

Aquatics

PAGE 26

With the Aquatic Centre closed, Beesley said aquatics staff have been redeployed to the Canfor Leisure Pool, but revenue is expected to decline because it is unclear whether all customers will transition.

Programming attendance in 2026 appears stable so far, but Beesley said a large portion of aquatics revenue comes from drop-in users, and it is unclear whether those users have shifted to the remaining pool.

Sampson said he may bring forward a motion on day two to reduce the aquatics budget by five per cent.

Bennett said he has heard anecdotally that the Canfor Leisure Pool has reached capacity on weekends, turning people away. Beesley said capacity has not been reached, to his knowledge.

Entertainment facilities

last year.

However, administration proposed adding four bylaw officers at a cost of $459,276, including training and equipment.

Depenau said this would allow stronger enforcement of parking bylaws and help manage impacts from the dispersal of the former encampment’s residents.

A 2025 report found a 15 per cent non-compliance rate for related bylaws.

Skakun said bylaw services will require political and financial support from council and said he looks forward to further discussion at the second budget meeting.

Frizzell said he will ask at the second meeting whether members of the public safety committee believe the enhancement would help meet their goals.

Snow control

Skakun asked about fixed costs if there were an entire winter month without snow.

McIntosh said fixed costs would

include retainers, staff wages and equipment leases or rentals, but exact figures were not available.

Polillo asked how much money is in the snow control reserve. Dalio said year-end totals are still being finalized, but estimated the reserve at about $2.7 million.

He said he does not believe it would be too risky to slightly reduce the snow control budget again. Polillo said he plans to propose reducing it to about $10 million.

“Don’t bet against the weather,” Yu said.

Roads

Frizzell noted an increase of about $44,000 in the road-marking budget.

McIntosh said the city exceeded its budget in previous years while piloting new paint types. After winter, he said, there is always significant repainting required.

In 2024 and 2025, about 1,200 and 1,300 potholes were filled, respectively.

Beesley said attendance at the CN Centre has been “okay,” with much of the success attributed to the Cougars.

“We hope they continue to fill up the building — and our revenues,” he said.

Human resources

Another proposed service enhancement for 2026 is the addition of a human resources recruitment and retention adviser at a cost of $135,421.

Babicz said this would effectively give the city in-house headhunting capacity. External headhunters have not been particularly successful in the past, he said.

What’s next

Day 2 of budget discussions will resume on the second floor of Prince George City Hall at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The public may attend in person or watch the livestream provided by the city at princegeorge.ca.

Keep an eye on www.pgcitizen.ca for continued budget coverage.

Lawyers-Ranch Project

Thesis Gold Inc. proposes to develop a gold and silver mine located 275 km northeast of Smithers that is anticipated to produce 5.1 million tonnes of ore per year for 14 to 20 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 Thesis Gold Inc.’s initial project description from January 13 to February 12, 2026

Online Information Sessions

January 22 | 5:00-6:30 pm PST January 29 | 12:00-1:30 pm PST

To register, visit: engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/LawyersRanch-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/90103 or visit the provincial engagement page at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/LawyersRanch-EE

IAAC and the EAO are working cooperatively on the initial phase of the project’s review. A summary of the Initial Project Description, in English or French, as well as information on how to apply for participant funding is available on canada.ca/ciar (reference number 90103).

Comments received will support the preparation of a joint Summary of Issues and Engagement document. The proponent will provide a response which IAAC will consider in its decision on whether a federal impact assessment is required. Comments only need to be submitted once to either IAAC or the EAO to be considered by both agencies. Comments are considered public and will be published online. Feedback sent to IAAC may be submitted in English or French.

To submit a comment, you can visit either of the following websites:

• The Environmental Assessment O ce at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/LawyersRanch-EE. You may also submit comments to EAO by mail - Lawyers-Ranch Project, PO box 9426, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1.

• The Canadian Impact Assessment Registry at canada.ca/ciar (reference number 90103). Participants who wish to provide their input in a di erent format can contact IAAC by writing to LawyersRanch@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. Substitution Request

The Government of British Columbia has requested that if a federal impact assessment is warranted, the EAO conduct the project’s impact assessment on behalf of IAAC, meeting both federal and provincial legislative requirements. IAAC is seeking your comments via canada.ca/ciar.

For media inquiries on the federal process contact media@iaac-aeic.gc.ca and on the B.C. process contact ENVmedia@gov.bc.ca.

OPINION

A zero-increase budget is a promise broken in advance

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Kicking the can down the road when it comes to home maintenance or repairs may save money today, but most homeowners know it leads to expensive consequences later.

Without pre-planning for major repairs — hot water tanks, furnaces, roofs, etc. — a sudden problem can leave homeowners scrambling to cover the costs with their credit cards.

To different degrees, city councils since the 1980s have been kicking the can down the road on our city infrastructure. This is thanks to the cry of “keeping the taxes low” while simultaneously taking on more and more of the costs of areas that are actually the responsibility of the provincial or federal government.

Our city has reached a point where there isn’t much road left down which to kick that can. This is immediately evident given a review of almost every city-owned building, the majority of which were built in the 1970s or earlier. The Elksentre, Kopar Memorial Arena, Studio 2880 and the gymnastics building at CN Centre, just to name a few, are all reaching end of life and require serious attention or replacement.

Infrastructure deficits are a problem for municipalities across Canada. For years, cities convinced themselves that keeping taxes low was fiscally responsible, only to now be stuck with much higher bills as they address what can no

longer be ignored.

As city council headed into its most important week of the year — budget deliberations on Monday, Jan. 26, and Wednesday, Jan. 28 — the numbers tell a pretty clear story.

(Note: This edition of your paper went to press after the first day of budget talks, but before the second, so this is based on

what we knew as of Tuesday morning.)

Administration asked council to approve a 6.15 per cent property tax increase to maintain services and provided council with service enhancements that could increase that to 7.96 per cent.

For the average city homeowner, that works out to about $15 more a month or $180 more a year. That’s not nothing,

but it reflects a reality councils across the province are wrestling with: the cost of running a city keeps going up, and there’s no magic workaround.

Prince George relies on property taxes for roughly 80 per cent of its revenue.

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We acknowledge the fnancial support of the government

Nous reconnaissons l’appui fnancier du gouvernement du Canada.

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In tough times, councillors are urged to say ‘no’ to pay raise

A letter from me to the members of city council: Anyone who has the courage to run for political office has my respect. However, if terrible decisions are made or terrible suggestions are suggested, I always respond.

As many of you already know, times are not the best in Prince George. Many households are struggling to make ends meet. They have been given reduced hours of work, less pay or, even worse, pink slips.

Please say no to any suggestion that you deserve a pay raise, hazard pay or any other non-necessary pay increase. Be an example for others to follow. Anyone running for public office will get criticism.

You need strong shoulders to run, not hazard pay. I do not care what other cities do. If you cannot take criticism or you get hurt feelings, you do not belong

Most of the next city budget is already accounted for OPINION

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The other 20 per cent comes from user fees, charges, investments and funding from senior levels of government. That doesn’t leave much wiggle room. When inflation pushes up wages, fuel, materials, insurance and contract costs, cities can’t just “tighten their belts” without consequences.

A zero per cent tax increase doesn’t make those pressures disappear — it just forces them to pop up somewhere else. That “somewhere else” means deferred maintenance, service cuts or higher user fees. That means fewer city staff to help you, slower response times, reduced hours and new or higher charges for things we once assumed were included or provided.

The proposed 2026 operating budget of $187.7 million isn’t about extravagance. Off the top, 37.51 per cent is protective services (RCMP and the fire department), 7.15 per cent is debt payments and 4.66 per cent is public transit. That’s 49.31 per cent of your

in public office.

I want our city to be represented with authentic leadership, not showboats or those aspiring to hike up the political ladder.

Anyone who is going to put themselves forward to run in our next city election will be getting this question from me: “What is the meaning of authentic leadership? Describe to me how you will represent the members of our community when facing criticism or positive feedback.”

Susan Jensen

Prince George

Snow removal crews deserve our respect and support

Thank you to the snow clearing crews of Prince George.

Snow clearing in Prince George is always a hot-button issue. I get it — there is a lot of snow and we all have places to be. Whether you are trying

to get your kids to school, yourself to work, or just getting to Costco, when the roads are in poor condition it is hard not to question what is going on.

I have lived in Prince George most of my life — out by Tabor Lake, in College Heights, in the Hart, and in the Bowl — and I have seen the roads in all sorts of conditions.

This year, though, I have been so impressed. I know not everyone will agree with me.

As I was trying to clear the end of my driveway to get to work on time, the operators — out in full force on my street — seeing my very sad attempt were right there to help. Within moments of the graders finishing their passes (and undoing my shovelling efforts), an operator was at my driveway.

He cleared it away, pushed back the banks and, with a wave and a smile, was off to rescue the next driveway.

A couple of years ago, city council toyed with the notion of eliminating driveway clearing to cut down on snow clearing costs. If that was implemented, I would have lost a whole day’s work today, or potentially gotten stuck and had to fork out the money for a tow truck to come rescue me.

They are talking budget again. As much as I do not want my taxes to go up, I do not want a single cut to snow clearing.

So, to the city — do not take away this vital service. And to the operators, the real boots on the ground — thank you, thank you, thank you.

Maybe it is not your experience, but I wanted to share my gratitude, and I hope our city workers clearing snow know — we see your efforts and we appreciate it.

JJ McClaskey

Prince George (JJ McClaskey is a Citizen employee)

tax dollars that this council has chosen to spend more on each year and that future councils will have very limited ability to cut.

Next comes recreation and culture at 15.73 per cent and transportation at 15.42 per cent. That’s another 31.15 per cent of the total budget that council has limited ability to cut without dramatically affecting the services and programs the community uses.

Before the budget discussions even began this week, 80.46 per cent of the total city budget was accounted for.

Like our own household budgets, the costs of operating the city have increased over the last year. Freezing taxes while costs rise means cutting services and pushing bills into the future, where they’ll almost certainly be bigger and more painful.

Nobody really wins in that scenario. You’ll still pay — it will be a lot more and, like with the Aquatic Centre, it’s the community that suffers with the loss of those facilities while they are being overhauled or replaced. This is why,

for Prince George — and really for any municipality — a zero per cent increase is self-destructive.

You’re thinking of asking us: “What about 2021, when council approved a zero per cent increase?” That’s worth mentioning, but not as a positive.

That decision didn’t eliminate costs; it delayed them, in large part by using one-time COVID grant money from the province to pay for the first year of that tax increase.

Since then, Prince George has seen annual tax increases above six per cent, reflecting both inflation and the compounding effect of council’s earlier choice to kick the can down the road. Five of those councillors are still sitting at the council table and are now scrambling with the fallout of that decision. This council will approve a 2026 budget with a tax increase. That’s a given. A portion of that increase comes from the causes, new committees, special projects and budget enhancements now coming due that council has approved since being elected in 2022.

However, this is an election year. There will be councillors this week who will have raised their hand to ask for cuts or called into question spending in various areas — councillors who want to be seen as “watching out for your money” and suddenly want to cut a random project or gamble by reducing the budget for some item, knowing that the fallout won’t be until after the next municipal election is over.

Paying a bit more each year is the only way to avoid paying a lot more later or living with a lot less. The promise of a zero-tax-increase budget can help some candidates get elected (or re-elected), but eventually the bloom comes off that rose.

We encourage anyone considering running for office this fall to resist the urge to promise a zero-increase budget. It may get voters’ attention, but it will mean a broken promise in the end.

Have your say on the 2026 city budget with a letter to the editor at editor@ pgcitizen.ca. Our letters policy is outlined on Page 8.

OPINION

Agreement signed in Prince George for Ksi Lisims LNG project

What is the source of all this electricity? It’s great to have all this projected economic expansion but add in data and AI centers but again, what is the source of electricity. Don’t say wind and solar because that is destroying economies all around the world that went all in. Very costly and inefficient. Look at Germany for example, industry leaving because of high energy costs

BC, has coal, oops that’s a nonstarter. Nuclear, that would take a decade or more of red tape. Maybe dam the Stikine or Fraser Canyon?

Well we gave lots of gas and gas generation can be online quite quickly. Oh wait, LNG plants are not allowed to power their operations with cheap natural gas so kind of counter productive for Hydro to build gas generation to power LNG plants when those plants are not allowed to use gas for generation. Seems a socialist government have painted themselves in a corner.

HeeHaw

Grand re-opening for renovated London Drugs in Prince George

A great Canadian company that has committed to upgrades and being a huge anchor tenant downtown. All of this in spite of the huge losses they face in fighting store theft. One-stop shopping; they will continue to receive my business.

Tad Pole

Eby provides update on new involuntary care facility in Prince George

So PG is going to have one of two facilities in the province.

Kinda think that they will bring addicts from all over the northern half of the province for treatment here.

When they have completed the program then what?

Will they be returned to the communities where they came from or given a taxi ride to the downtown streets similar to what PGRCC does.

If they are just released with no additional help will soon fall back into addiction especially when you consider those placed there against their will are the worst of the worst.

A conveyor belt of new drug addicts that will make improving what is left of our downtown all but impossible.

Bobs your uncle

Eby provides update on new involuntary care facility in Prince George

So the government has invested lot a of money in Prince George. Lots of the unhoused are not from Prince George, so make plans to help them get back to their own towns and cities. The sad thing is a lot of money has to try to help people that do not want help, and yet we have seniors housed in the hospital, waiting for placement. Safety of the citizens of Prince George is a BIG concern and we can not take on any more problems. FHR

Editorial: No Prince George senior should have to be homeless

Thank you you for another thoughtful editorial. I’m glad to hear of such a wonderful agency as Shine. Two things:

Please don’t put seniors in buildings where the majority are struggling with addiction; they don’t feel safe (as they have shared with me).

Everybody needs to remember that one day you will be old as well.

Kimetheus

COFI launches petition to seek forestry changes

My gripe with the forest industry is how certain companies have exploited the communities and resources and then reinvested elsewhere.

I am employed in the industry currently and I feel like there is a lot of forestry practices, that are just plain bad and it’s all to line somebody’s pockets in Vancouver. I’d like to see a return to smaller communitybased mills, to more selective logging practices and a more diverse industry.

The spraying, the monocultures of trees, the clearcutting, the destruction of hardwood species, it’s all lazy, greedy practice in my opinion but it isn’t good for the province long-term and I think we are seeing the final result, of decades of exploitation.

This city used to be wealthy decades ago and locally owned forestry was a big part of that. Zangief

Editorial: No Prince George senior should have to be homeless

So terribly sad. Seniors have worked hard all their lives without any help from government programs and this is what happens. It’s time the government and community do better in supporting seniors that built our province

Jennifer Lussier

COFI launches petition to seek forestry changes

They can start by the forestry requiring companies to haul every stick they log. I have seen far too much fibre left in the bush after a logging company has pulled out because they thought it was too expensive to haul.

Yes, this happens, even though some can’t imagine a company doing that. It is all about the bottom line. When a company gets the cutting rights and pay for it, they can do what they want with the fibre because they now own it.

Especially after the big wildfires of 2023, there are right of ways and fire guards throughout the region that have decks and decks of unprocessed logs just sitting along the roadside and no one wants to take on the contract to recover it because they don’t get top dollar for it. It’s shameful really.

Chestor

Roy Stewart launches second bid to become city mayor

Lawyer and longtime volunteer is the rst candidate to announce

CITIZEN STAFF

Lawyer and local volunteer Roy Stewart has announced he is running for mayor of Prince George.

Stewart, who has lived in Prince George for decades, said in a press release that his decision to run is rooted in a strong connection to the community and a belief that steady, practical governance is especially important at this time.

“I’m not running to make noise,” Stewart is quoted as saying in his campaign announcement. “I’m running to do the work. That means listening to residents, working with council, and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen Prince George — not just today, but for the next generation.”

Stewart ran for mayor in 2022,

finishing third with 2,424 votes behind Simon Yu (6,092 votes) and Terri McConnachie (4,152 votes), and ahead of three other candidates.

Stewart has a long record of involvement in education, health care, the arts and local government. For more than 20 years, he served as legal counsel to the City of Prince George and other northern BC communities.

Education has also played a central role in Stewart’s public life. He played a role in the creation of the University of Northern British Columbia as a member of the UNBC Foundation and the Interior University Society, helping advance the vision that ultimately brought a university to the region.

Stewart was a School District 57 trustee and board chair in the 1980s. He was part of the push to build a new downtown courthouse and served as president of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.

“As a lawyer in private practice

Students display extra-credit work

LUND

Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary School student Hayden Logan showcases how he turned his basketball skills into an opportunity to continue his education during SD57’s dual-credit career program presentations at the College of New Caledonia on Thursday, Jan. 22. The program lets secondary school students start their post-secondary educations a year early through extra-credit work.

(Stewart) was the solicitor for the City of Prince George for 20 years, until 2001, advising on all legal matters,” a statement issued by Stewart’s campaign said. “As well, (Stewart) acted as solicitor for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the District of Mackenzie and other local governments. This provides a unique knowledge of how mayor and council can and should take responsibility for the administrative process at city hall.”

Stewart’s campaign will be focused on practical leadership, fiscal responsibility and respectful collaboration with council and residents, his announcement stated.

Additional details about Stewart’s campaign platform and opportunities for public engagement are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Stewart is the first mayoral or council candidate to formally announce a run.

The municipal election will be held on Oct. 17.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Urban Indigenous Skill Development

Funding for Prince George Area

The Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Associaton (PGNAETA) is now acceptng proposals for Industry-Driven Skill Development Projects in Northwestern BC.

The Urban Aboriginal Working Group is submitng a RFP for Urban Indigenous organizatons.

We are seeking community‑based, industry‑partnered initatves that help prepare unemployed Indigenous citzens for real employment opportunites in today’s labour market.

Ideal Projects Include:

√Industry‑identfed skill development

√Confrmed industry partners & commitments

√Clear hiring outcomes

√Creaton of new employment opportunites

√Relevant training components

√Deadline: February 19, 2026 — 4:00 PM (PST)

Submit to: pennyp@pgnaeta.bc.ca

For more informaton, contact: Penny Perloto, Senior Program Ofcer

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Associaton (PGNAETA)

Roman Catholic Diocese set to close St. Mary’s Parish

Congregation will be divided between Sacred Heart and Christ Our Saviour

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A member of St. Mary’s Parish says its closure will affect his family and church community in ways that go beyond a longer drive to Mass.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George announced the closure of the centrally located Gillett Street church on Sunday, Jan. 25, with its congregation moving to two other churches.

Despite the parish closure, St. Mary’s Elementary School will continue to operate.

“I guess the defence will be, ‘you just gotta drive down the road five minutes.’ But a community is more than just the building it’s domiciled in,” said parishioner Shane Sienaert. “There’s going to be that loss of an easily accessible place where you can have conversations or discuss whatever’s going on in your life. It’s definitely going to impact our family for sure.”

He believes the closure may drive some people away from attending church in Prince George altogether.

“You look at the numbers of parishioners going to St. Mary’s and compare that to Christ Our Saviour — half as many people go to that Hart one. We’ve got 1,500 practising Catholics in the area, and I feel like this move is probably going to reduce that number. If their mission is to increase that or at least try to hold fast to what they have, I don’t understand this as a policy decision in any way.”

Sienaert added that he and some members of his church community feel St. Mary’s Parish is open and welcoming, and that some parishioners may feel uncomfortable attending other parishes viewed as more traditional.

“I think the barrier will be just that feeling of inclusion,” he said. “I’m sure some people will go to Immaculate Conception, some to Christ Our Saviour, but

I’m sure some people just won’t go to church anymore. That’s my big concern — we’ll lose people.”

The diocese said declining attendance, fewer volunteers and financial instability led to the decision to close one of the four Catholic parishes in the Prince George area.

Participation in the church has dropped significantly over the past 40 years, with Sunday Mass attendance declining by about 50 per cent and parish collections falling by more than 30 per cent over the past 15 years.

With these declines, the diocese said it is no longer financially viable to operate St. Mary’s.

The central location of St. Mary’s Parish was also cited as a factor, as closing parishes in the Hart or South Prince George could have a greater impact on churchgoers coming from outside the city.

Church officials were not available for comment on Monday, Jan. 26.

While Sienaert said he is glad St. Mary’s School will remain open, he noted there may be lost learning opportunities for students who attend school alongside a church of their faith.

“Sometimes I’ll go to a weekday Mass, and it’s very common for a teacher in any of the classrooms to just bring somebody in on a Tuesday or Wednesday,” he said.

“They’ve got their structured monthly

school Masses, but I bet most days there’s a class just in there doing a Mass. But with the priest being moved and that church being closed, that’s not going to be possible anymore. If that parish is financially viable, as it is, if it’s growing, as it is, and linked to a school that has the potential for evangelism within the school population, as it does, then why was that one closed?”

The diocese stated that staff at St. Mary’s will receive appropriate notice and severance, with adjustments made if employees secure positions elsewhere in the diocese or are moved to other parishes in the city.

New parish boundaries will be established, and parishioners reassigned based on where they live.

Parishioners will be sent to either Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish on Patricia Boulevard or Christ Our Saviour Parish in the Hart.

Assets and liabilities of St. Mary’s will be distributed between the two receiving parishes in accordance with canon law, following consultation with diocesan finance and advisory bodies.

Diocesan leaders say three parishes are sufficient to serve Prince George’s Catholic population of fewer than 1,500 weekly attendees.

The two downtown parishes — St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Cathedral — are within a five-minute drive of one another, a proximity the diocese

considers an unsustainable duplication of services.

“The issue is not the financial situation of any one parish,” diocesan officials stated in background documents. “It is the long-term, city-wide decline in parish populations and participation.”

The diocese emphasized the decision is not solely financial. Officials cited persistent challenges in recruiting volunteers for parish councils, liturgical ministries, youth programs and charitable outreach. Consolidation, they say, will allow remaining parishes to pool personnel and resources and focus more effectively on worship, evangelization and social service.

Parishioners who believe they have been adversely affected by the decision may file a canonical appeal within 15 days.

A meeting will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. at the St. Mary’s gymnasium.

Sienaert said St. Mary’s Parish has been growing in recent years, and seeing his church improve and bring meaningful change to people’s lives has been one of the highlights of his adult life.

“Everybody I talked to is very upset,” he said. “We had our potluck feast, which we do every couple of months, and everybody was there. You could tell there was just a mood in the room of people who feel like their faith is being challenged and their spiritual life is being taken away from them.”

Struggle over cigarete money in group home leads to charge for teen

It’s alleged that a worker was hit in the face during dispute

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George 18-year-old who pleaded guilty Jan. 22 in Quesnel to assaulting a group home support worker in 2024 was sentenced to a conditional discharge with one-year probation.

Provincial Court Judge Sabena Thompson agreed to the sentence, which was proposed by Crown and defence lawyers.

The teen was charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be named.

Court heard that, on Aug. 24, 2024, a struggle ensued in the group home when the offender unsuccessfully asked the support worker for money to buy cigarettes.

The support worker was backed up against the wall, smacked in the face and told to leave the home.

The offender also took the woman’s work phone while she tried to call for help, blocked her from seeking her keys and continued to smack her in the face.

The worker eventually fled and called

911 from her parked car using her personal phone.

The offender has lived under Ministry of Children and Family Development care since age 13 and had no prior criminal record.

Thompson heard that the offender is pregnant, but identifies as an Indigenous male, and is being treated for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

“I have blackouts, have for years,” the offender said. “I get so enraged that I get everything goes blank. I don’t remember anything.”

Under the sentence, there can be no contact with the victim, except for the purposes of an approved restorative justice conversation. An apology must be written, with approval of a youth worker, and sent to the victim by the end of March.

If all of Thompson’s conditions are met, the offender will have no record of the assault.

“Parliament’s recognized that young people mess up, make mistakes, and shouldn’t have that as an anchor around their necks for the rest of their lives moving forward,” Thompson said.

Thompson encouraged the offender to move forward, one step at a time, with counselling and consider completing studies for a Grade 12 diploma.

“The world is your oyster,” the judge said.

No injuries in Ahbau Street fre

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George Fire Rescue crews made quick work of a late-night structure fire on the 500 block of Ahbau Street.

Crews responded to the call at approximately 12:57 a.m on Thursday,

Jan. 22 and found light smoke issuing from the front of the building.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the area where it started inside.

Damages are estimated at $50,000 and the fire is under investigation.

There were no injuries to residents or firefighters reported.

BC Timber Sales Prince George

INVITATION TO COMMENT – FOREST OPERATIONS MAP

The public is invited to review and comment on the BC Timber Sales Prince George (BCTS TPG) Forest Operations Map, showing proposed road construction and cut block development under Forest Stewardship Plan #24 within Forest Development Units in the Mackenzie Forest District, Prince George District and Headwater District. This map will be valid for the operating period from March 1, 2026 – March 1, 2029

During the operating period, the Timber Sales Manager may invite applications for Timber Sale Licenses for the harvesting of cut blocks shown on the map and apply for road permits to construct roads shown on the map.

The map is available for public review and comment online at: fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects

The map is also available for in-person review and comment by appointment at the BCTS TPG o ce, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at:

BC Timber Sales Prince George 2000 Ospika Blvd S Prince George, B.C., V2N 4W5 Telephone: 205 614-7400

Comments will be accepted from January 30 – February 28, 2026. Comments may be submitted online at fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, emailed to tpg.ref@gov.bc.ca, delivered in-person to the address above during business hours, or mailed to the address above to the attention of Jonathan Taylor.

If you have questions or require assistance, please contact: Jonathan Taylor, Planning O cer, by phone: 250 649-4366, or email: tpg.ref@gov.bc.ca

Eby provides update on new involuntary care facility

The

premier was in Prince George for the BC Natural Resources Forum

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Plans for the new involuntary care facility for the city announced last September are moving forward, Premier David Eby said Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Prince George.

Discussions surrounding the involuntary care facility started when Eby announced that Prince George was identified as one of two new BC locations for involuntary care facilities to support people facing complex mental health and addiction issues.

The two facilities will provide 100 additional involuntary care beds across the province. It was also suggested that existing buildings have been identified for these sites, allowing them to become operational more quickly.

Eby told media that an announcement will be made on the location of the facility in the coming months and that more details are expected after budget talks in February.

The premier was in town for the BC Natural Resources Forum, running Jan. 20-22 at the Civic Centre.

Eby spoke to local media during the forum about the outcome of a meeting

with the Chamber of Commerce and the next steps for involuntary care facilities in Prince George.

“I feel some real urgency around that,” said Eby. “I had a meeting with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce today and they’ve underlined their

anxiety about community safety and the safety of people in the streets in terms of their mental health. We’ve had discussions that there will likely be a 60-bed facility.”

He also said he has heard from the chamber about local concerns around

safety in the area and wants to close the gap between the work being done by the provincial government and the safety issues faced by residents.

“There are key concerns for public safety, especially in the downtown area in Prince George,” said Eby. “We had a discussion about exactly how the work that we have done with the RCMP here in terms of increasing patrols worked out, the camera pilot project that’s underway, the impact of the closure of the encampments.

“From my perspective, BC has invested a lot of money in Prince George to close the encampments, around policing pilot projects and other initiatives. We are going to be opening up involuntary care and the results are not manifesting in terms of the downtown core from their perspective. Our conversation was all about how to close that gap between the work that BC is doing as a province supporting Prince George and the reality on the streets faced by store owners.”

Eby added that the chamber meeting reinforced that more work remains to be done in the downtown core.

“It was a very constructive conversation and we will take their feedback back to our team and we are going to find a path forward. The minister of public safety was here in November and we clearly have more work to do with Prince George to ensure that sense of safety in the downtown area,” he said.

Probaton for teenager guilty of weapons, thef charges

ABIGAIL POPPLE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 16-year-old pleaded guilty Jan. 20 in Quesnel Provincial Court to stealing merchandise from a Circle K convenience store and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Judge Sabena Thompson sentenced the teen — who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act — to one-year of probation. A third count, assault with a weapon, was stayed by

the Crown.

Court heard that the crime took place May 6, 2025 around 11:20 a.m. A witness alerted RCMP that a male and female had shoplifted chocolate bars and Slushies. They were confronted as they left by employees who followed them and demanded payment for the items.

The 16-year-old noticed they were being followed, so he pulled out a meat cleaver from his pocket and threatened to use it if they did not back off.

He discarded the chocolate bars and

kept running, but was arrested and released into the custody of his father with an undertaking to appear in court.

The youth’s lawyer, Airi Cipelletti, told the judge that her client identifies as Metis, but proceeded to sentencing without a report analyzing how that influenced his offending.

Cipelletti said the youth brandished the cleaver after he saw a box cutter in the hand of one of the store employees. While it did not excuse his behaviour, she said “it is relevant to the

chronology.”

Thompson told the youth that “it’s just really important” to learn from his mistakes, return to high school and finish a Grade 12 education.

“Do you really need alcohol and marijuana right now? No, you’re shaking your head,” Thompson said. “I’m happy to hear you’re taking steps not to have anything stronger than that. There’s a lot of scary drugs that do a lot of bad things very quickly. Hear how quickly fentanyl kills.”

Fatal crash on snowy highway

An RCMP SUV and an ambulance remain at the scene of a fatal collision involving a pickup truck on Highway 97 just north of the Stone Creek RV Park and Campground about 35 kilometres south of Prince George Monday, Jan. 26. Traffic is reduced to a single lane through the crash scene. There was no immediate word on details of the incident. The crash happened on a snowy day in the area, with temperatures expected to rise in the days ahead and the possibility of rain on Thursday with a high of 5 C.

CRIME NOTES

IIO continues to probe man’s death in Prince George

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has provided an update on the investigation of a death that occurred on Aug. 24, 2025.

Prince George RCMP were called to a noise complaint shortly after 5 a.m at a home in the area of Village Avenue and Lillooet Street.

The IIO states that when officers arrived, they attempted to speak to a person they believed to be the source of the complaint and then saw him holding an object or weapon in a room.

About 45 minutes later, officers re-entered the room and the man was found to be in medical distress. He was subsequently pronounced dead. IIO investigators have collected evidence, which includes body-worn camera footage from police, and is continuing to interview civilian witnesses and police officers.

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call 855-446-8477 or email info@iiobc.ca.

Weekend shooting leaves 37-year-old in hospital

RCMP are investigating a shooting that took place over the weekend on the 1300 block of Porter Avenue.

The incident took place shortly after 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 17, when officers responded to the scene of a vehicle that had collided with another unoccupied car.

Officers then located a 37-year-old male who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are looking for any dash camera, cell phone or video surveillance footage from the Porter Avenue area from between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the night of the shooting.

They are also looking to speak with anyone who witnessed the incident and has not already spoken with the police, asking them to call 250-561-3300 with any information or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Judge gives RCMP detectves investgaton extension

Two people died in a transport-SUV crash on Hwy. 5 last year

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge in Prince George approved an application from the RCMP on Jan. 21 to keep a USB stick until the end of April because it contains evidence from a deadly truck crash last spring.

On April 14, 2025, a 2022 Western Star

semi tractor/trailer unit collided with a Subaru SUV on Highway 5 near Tete Jaune. Two occupants of the SUV died on-scene. A third succumbed to injuries in August.

Police obtained a search warrant on April 30, 2025 to seize data from the truck’s electronic control module for analysis.

A judge originally allowed detention of the data until the end of last July. However, since the order expired, federal Crown prosecutor Robin Whittaker went before Judge Cassandra Malfair for a new detention order.

Malfair said the data is required for an expert to write an accident reconstruction report so that Crown prosecutors can decide whether to proceed with charges.

“The driving behaviour and the activity of the transport vehicle leading up to the accident are highly material to the issue of criminal liability and some of that information may be captured in the electronic control module data,” Malfair said in her oral decision.

Whittaker said the trucking company, Reliance Logistics B.C. Inc., was provided a copy of the RCMP application

but did not contest the application.

The RCMP also attempted to serve the driver with a copy of the application.

A person at his last known address said he was in Alberta or India, but did not provide a forwarding address.

Reliance said it has also attempted to contact the driver, but has been unable to speak to him since the collision.

Malfair was satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the driver left the jurisdiction and that police made a reasonable effort to try and locate him.

Three weeks in jail for banned driver caught behind wheel

He was arrested after being spotted walking away from a vehicle on re

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man whose driving record was described as “terrible” received a 21-day jail sentence on Jan. 21.

Lyle Robert Suter, 45, pleaded guilty in Prince George Provincial Court to driving while prohibited under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Judge Cassandra Malfair also banned him from driving for a year and ordered him to pay a $500 fine.

Court heard that a Prince George RCMP officer arrested Suter on Aug. 23, 2024 after a citizen recognized Suter walking away from a vehicle on fire.

The witness described Suter as quite dirty at the time, carrying a bag and walking east on Tyner Boulevard toward the Canadian Tire store.

The officer observed Suter walking across the highway and shoulder-checking in the direction of the vehicle, about 200 metres away.

The officer confirmed that Suter’s driver’s licence was invalid and he was prohibited from driving under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Court heard a local man drove while knowing he was prohibited, because he was selling firewood to support himself.

Suter was supposed to stand trial for the offence last Oct. 14, but did not show up in court. Judge David Simpkin issued an unendorsed bench warrant

for Suter’s arrest.

Morgan Loyst, an articled law student with the B.C. Prosecution Service, told Judge Cassandra Malfair that Suter

had a record of convictions in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2024, which led to multiple one-year driving bans and jail sentences.

“As you can see through the criminal record provided and the ICBC driving record provided, Mr. Suter has a terrible record for driving and has a long history of driving while prohibited.”

Loyst said a jail sentence was necessary to denounce Suter’s behaviour and deter the public from doing the same.

Suter’s defence lawyer, Connor Carleton, agreed with the Crown sentencing proposal.

He said his client drove while knowing he was prohibited, because he was selling firewood to support himself.

On the day in question, Carleton said Suter was hauling too much and the vehicle caught fire.

“Knowing he was prohibited at the time, it was somewhat of a calculated risk he took, which backfired, and every pun intended,” Carleton said.

“(He) found himself before the courts again, which is regrettable, but Mr. Suter is quite prepared to serve his time in custody.”

Malfair agreed to Carleton’s request to delay the beginning of Suter’s sentence at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre to Jan. 23 so that he could attend a scheduled appointment with a doctor on Jan. 22.

London Drugs holds grand reopening afer renovatons

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The London Drugs at Parkwood Place has received an upgrade and is now its grand reopening with its customers in Prince George.

The retail chain has invested millions in improving the pharmacy, tech and cosmetics departments.

Renovations include the removal of the walls separating the tech department from the rest of the store, opening up the space, as well as an improved layout and customer service options in the cosmetics and pharmacy departments, including more seating, among other changes. In addition, London Drugs has invested in a brighter interior and an updated exterior.

President and COO Clint Mahlman was at the new and improved location on Friday, Jan. 23.

“We’ve been in Prince George since 1997,” said Mahlman. “It’s been a great location for us since the beginning. Obviously, we’re all aware — and Prince George citizens are aware — of the challenges of downtown, and we wanted to make a commitment not only to Mayor (Simon) Yu but to the citizens that we believe in the future of downtown, hence this renovation. We’ve had such loyal customers over the years that we thank them so much. We wanted to give them a better experience through a refreshed door.”

Mahlman went into more detail about the improvements that have slowly been added to the store over the past several months.

“There are two significant improvements that people will see,” he said. “A refreshed pharmacy experience — larger, much easier seating to sit and have the counselling done, improved counselling booths because we offer a lot of services in our stores that aren’t just prescriptions, and we wanted to make sure customers felt comfortable. An improved beauty cosmetics experience with some of our latest looks and feels of what that looks like. It’s bright, beautiful and shows off the brands much more extensively. In our tech

department, they’ll notice that a lot of walls have come down, which gives customers an experience of being able to see all our tech offerings in an easy, convenient way in a bright atmosphere.”

To celebrate the reopening, London Drugs hosted a day-long celebration Friday, Jan. 23, Mahlman explained.

“We have a spin-the-wheel program; we were giving away gift cards for the first people in line this morning,” said Mahlman. “We’re giving away coffee and cupcakes for those people who are down here today. We’ve got events, educational events scheduled throughout the day and the weekend. A lot of fun and a lot of excitement for people to come and explore the whole store.”

Some of these events include learning how to create calendars, learning how to do media transfers and many more.

The London Drugs in Parkwood has also been giving back to the community through donations to United Way’s Period Promise and the Salvation Army, and by helping deliver gifts to up to 400 isolated seniors through London Drugs’ annual Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program.

BC resources forum sees biggest turnout in 20 years

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Civic Centre was packed to the brim as 1,700 members of the natural resources industry met to network, connect and celebrate their industry.

This makes the 2026 forum the most well-attended in the more than two decades it has been running.

In addition to the record-setting attendance, the forum featured 74 booths, 85 speakers and 14 panels.

The first day of the forum kicked off with workshops on renewable energy, navigating benefit-sharing agreements in BC and proven communication strategies.

Booths were also set up following the workshops, ranging from industry giants like CN Rail and the BC Council of Forest Industries to newcomers like Tano T’enneh Enterprises, the economic and business development arm of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

General manager Glen Bjorklund spoke to The Citizen about what makes Tano T’enneh so important.

“I think it provides inclusion for Lheidli T’enneh,” said Bjorklund.

“Inclusion is the biggest thing, first and foremost. It’s getting our name out there and having some skin in the game in the resource industry and all sorts of other industries, and just being part of the opportunity to compete.”

Bjorklund noted a few of the projects worked on during his time at the company.

“This year alone, we’ve not only been in the logging portion, but we’ve done some work on the (fisheries) project for the fish hatchery on River Road. We’ve worked with BC Hydro, Fortis, the Ministry of Transportation and YRV, so we’re starting to branch out a little bit into civil construction, but mostly logging, so it’s been awesome,” he said.

“Obviously, with a large logging contract, you’re influxing money into the economy,” said Bjorklund. “But also into the community because we have numerous community members working. Then also, for Lheidli, we submit to

the education fund every year directly with a large cash donation, which I think is super important. I think education is one of the most important things for the future of all Lheidli members.”

Another company taking part was Strategic Natural Resource Group, the largest Indigenous majority-owned resource consulting firm in Western Canada.

The company specializes in primary access development and helps develop the first roads that lead to natural resources across Western Canada.

The company has also helped develop Prince George’s wildfire resilience plan and has helped contractors and city staff implement a plan to maintain a FireSmart ring around the city, as CEO Domenico Lannidinardo shared during an interview with The Citizen

“Strategic Natural Resource Group has used its relationship with the city and implemented a contract to inventory the type of timber, the type of terrain and the type of natural fire breaks, and put together recommendations,” said Lannidinardo. “This includes recommendations for thinning, prescribed burning and further collaboration with neighbourhoods, First Nations and businesses in the wildland-urban interface so that the city can still have a nice timbered environment that everyone knows and loves, but also be able to feel

more confident that if there were to be a fire, they would have more time to get organized and prepare a response.”

He added that cities like Prince George are setting a strong example when it comes to planning for the worst when it comes to wildfires.

“Prince George and the city of Prince George are leading by example in terms of engaging experts like ourselves — our professional foresters and our biologists — to make the city’s wildfire-resilient plan and to plan and execute smooth, safe wildfire processes, to make sure people can play in the forests but be that much safer,” he said.

Among the networking business leaders and exhibitors were many local elected officials, who have seen the benefits the forum has brought to the city and the North.

Among them was Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens, who shared why he views the forum as an important venue for business in the North.

“This really puts Prince George on the map,” said Giddens. “We are the epicentre of everything from forestry, mining, oil and gas to agriculture. All these conversations are happening in one place. It means everybody is coming to Prince George to have those conversations. These folks make the trek up from the Lower Mainland or from out east and

really make Prince George stand out as a place where these industries are important. They are critical for our past, present and future, and I think we need to seize the opportunities.”

He emphasized that he wants to see Prince George develop as a resource hub and make the area a place to invest in the future, something he noted the forum will help make a reality.

“We already have the pulp mills that are critical for the forest sector,” said Giddens. “We have a burgeoning renewable fuels industry, obviously with Arbios and Tidewater Renewables, and we need to expand on that. This should be a place where we have sustainable aviation fuel. Hydra is actually doing a return-to-fleet hydrogen option. We need to look at Prince George as the resource capital, I believe, in this province, and I’m going to continue telling that story to make sure people know that this is where you come to live, work and invest. I think this is where young people should find opportunities.”

Giddens said he believes the current NDP government is not providing enough certainty in the natural resources industry, something he noted is a major theme at this year’s conference.

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‘A ton of enthusiasm and energy, ready to work together’

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“A theme of this conference is that we need more certainty for industry to be able to invest,” said Giddens. “That’s something that we’re not getting under the current provincial government, the NDP government. We need to build certainty for industry, whether that’s certainty from the reconciliation side with Indigenous communities or certainty in permitting timelines. That’s something we don’t have, and it’s a constant theme I hear every day in my office. I’m going to work every day to make sure we push the current government toward that.”

Thursday, Jan. 22 concluded the event with eight events and talks, including a BC resource ministers breakfast, a talk on the economic impact of Northern BC’s mining industry, how to secure BC’s economic future through critical minerals and mining, how to build the talent pool of the natural resource

industry through involvement in post-secondary institutions in the North and more.

One of the more than 70 booths at the forum belonged to Ecofor, an environmental and cultural heritage consulting company.

Approximately 80 per cent of Ecofor’s work is field work for natural resource development companies, which helped staff make connections with both construction and resource development companies at the forum.

Viveka Jensen, a graduate of UNBC, has been a professional archaeologist since 2021 and spoke to The Citizen about her work with Ecofor.

“We do a lot of archaeological impact assessments,” said Jensen. “That basically entails doing survey work and subsurface testing to check for any archaeological findings in an area that will potentially be developed. There are a lot of different things that can happen if you find something. It’s basically

the preliminary stages of going to find archaeological sites.”

Sarah Weber, chair of the BC Natural Resources Forum Advisory Committee, has been working over the past year to put on the event and shared what it was like to see that work pay off.

“The highlight was the number of people who came this week,” said Weber. “We had more than 1,700 registered delegates and they came with a ton of enthusiasm and energy, ready to work together.”

She added that another standout was how well forum attendees were received by the people of Prince George.

“It’s been running super-smooth,” said Weber.

“The city really opens up to this group

Weber said the record number of attendees was a sign of where the country is headed.

“The heightened excitement around this year is just where we are in terms of the global perspective,” said Weber. “BC has a lot of natural resources that could be developed and there’s a lot of interest from the provincial government. They brought up eight cabinet ministers, with the parliamentary secretary from the federal government representing Natural Resources Canada, to do a fireside chat (on Thursday, Jan. 22).

“With Mark Carney’s trip overseas, the BC premier (David Eby) was just in India trying to open up global markets for Canada. These are the conversations we’re having this week in Prince

Clare promises more emphasis on conservatve values

Area MLA is running for the provincial Conservative leadership

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Government spending, SOGI curriculum in schools and the BC coastal tanker ban were among Sheldon Clare’s targets as the Prince George-North Cariboo MLA officially launched his campaign to be the next leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

There were 20 people total in a banquet room in the Sandman Signature Hotel on Recplace Drive in Prince George for the afternoon event, including one of Clare’s daughters and Langley-Abbotsford Conservative MLA Harman Bhangu.

Clare, a rookie MLA and former instructor at the College of New Caledonia, first told The Citizen that he intended to run to replace John Rustad in a Jan. 7 phone interview.

While some of the leadership candidates thus far like former Port Moody-Westwood MLA Iain Black, Caroline Elliott and Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar were once part of the BC Liberal/BC United party and may be further towards the centre in BC’s free-market coalition, Clare’s platform as described at his launch was unmistakably on the conservative end of the spectrum.

In fact, he said, he would push for unapologetic conservative leadership and not a rebranding of the old BC Liberals.

Among the first words uttered once he got to the podium were that he was putting himself forward because “British Columbia deserves better that what it’s getting and because I believe that our conservative values are exactly what this moment demands.”

He criticized both the current NDP government and the previous BC Liberal government for what he called ideological experiments, the carbon

tax, legislation enshrining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, “weak accountability and blurred principles.”

On the fiscal front, he said a Conservative government under his leadership would lower income taxes by raising each British Columbian’s basic personal amount on their provincial tax returns from the current $13,216 to $30,000, establish a provincial sales tax holiday on the Family Day long weekend and eliminate both the PST charged on the sale of used vehicles and the two per cent small business corporate tax.

He pledged to balance the budget by 2034 and establish a law mandating a debt-to-GDP ratio of 35 per cent while carrying out a “major expansion of capital investment” over four years.

That would be focused on the construction of psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment facilities and transportation projects like replacing the Taylor Bridge between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, building a Vancouver Island rail corridor and an alternative route along Highway 97 to the South Okanagan.

Peoples Act (DRIPA).

After Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding on building a pipeline to the BC coast, several First Nations in the area have said they do not want to see federal tanker ban legislation repealed.

Asked about that, Clare talked about building partnerships with First Nations being essential to economic success.

To help pay for these measures, he said he would cut 50,000 jobs from the public service over four years. The first positions would be eliminated through attrition, then a hiring freeze on administrative roles.

Clare also said that once red tape is eliminated for resource projects, government royalties would help pay for his economic goals. He also emphasized that this goal would be achieved not immediately, but by 2034.

Criticizing the provincial government’s decriminalization experiment — something the NDP has said they will not seek to renew — Clare said it hurt people and, coupled with a lack of consequences for repeat criminal offenders, has turned communities into places of fear.

“Our downtowns look like ghettos,” Clare said. “It’s not acceptable.”

A government under his watch, he said, would have zero tolerance for repeat offenders, enforce mandatory treatment for severe addictions when crime is involved and provide more resources to both police and prosecutors.

Clare pledged to invest in smaller craft for BC Ferries while scaling up the province’s shipbuilding capacity, expand uranium mining, building nuclear power plants, build new oil refineries and support a pipeline carrying Alberta oil to BC’s North Coast.

He called the oil tanker ban on BC’s North Coast “virtue signalling” that was never about protecting the environment and promised to repeal the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous

He emphasized that these cuts would focus on the administrative side and that he would not touch frontline health care, corrections and education staff.

As part of this, he said he would audit the provincial government and provide additional funding to the provincial auditor general, the ombudsperson, merit commissioner and the information and privacy co-ordinator.

In the realm of social policy, Clare promised to end the teaching of matters related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), fight back against the federal government firearm buyback program and rehire public servants terminated because they did not get vaccinated against COVID-19.

On SOGI, he said that it was his understanding that the curriculum was originally sold as an anti-bullying program but has instead become “an ideological issue that has divided families, stigmatized people and created a lot of anger, resentment and division.

“I think that what we’re going to do is stop confusing children,” Clare said, adding that parents should be an important component of teaching kids about sex and their identity.

Valemount to see lowest RDFFG tax increase in ’26

ABIGAIL POPPLE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Valemount saw the lowest property assessment increase of any Regional District of Fraser-Fort George municipality, according to a report directors discussed in a committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 16.

Staff presented a slideshow on converted property assessment figures — an assessment based on the Community Charter which distributes tax requisitions among residents based on

whether their property class is residential, recreational, nonprofit or for farm use. According to the presentation, converted property assessment changes ranged from a 0.96 per cent increase in Valemount to an 8.92 per cent increase in Electoral Area F.

Valemount’s increase is far lower than the 4.44 per cent average increase across the regional district. McBride saw a 6.59 per cent increase, while Electoral Area H saw a 5.64 per cent increase. This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

Party chooses new leader May 30

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Under previous party leader John Rustad, the BC Conservatives’ big tent frayed at both ends as both moderates and social conservatives were either ejected from caucus or motivated to leave.

“Everyone keeps talking about tents and I think that the issue is not so much about how big the tent is, it’s about where you put it,” Clare said. “And the thing about a tent analogy is when you start getting people into the tent that want to chop the poles down, you really have to be careful what you’re doing.”

He said that under his leadership, dissent in caucus would be welcome.

“You need to hear contrary opinions so you can get to the best result,” he said. “

I think when you actually value dissent and support the ability of people to speak up and say their piece, you’re going to have a much better result.”

This is similar to Rustad’s original vision for his party after the 2024 provincial election.

Amid an early bout of caucus infighting over comments former party member Elenore Sturko made about a member of the Vancouver Police Board in December 2024, the CBC reported that Rustad said differences of opinion were welcome.

About nine months later, Rustad kicked Sturko out of the Conservative caucus.

When the similarity between Clare’s statement and Rustad’s comments was pointed out, Clare praised his former boss for bringing together a diverse group of people to form the largest opposition in BC history.

“At some point, it became something that he just lost a bit of control over and we’re here to pick up that torch that John put down and carry it forward,”

Clare said.

“There are things we will do differently. There are things we will probably do the same, but I think John deserves a tremendous amount of kudos for being the statesman that he is.”

Though Bhangu was in the audience, Clare said he was not seeking endorsements from any of his caucus colleagues because he didn’t want to put anyone in a position where it could be held against them but he would be happy to take them as they came along.

As the rules for the leadership race had only recently been released, Clare said he had not made much progress yet in collecting the required 250 signatures from party members or fundraising towards the $115,000 in required fees.

The winner of the leadership contest will be announced on May 30.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN’S

What’s happening in PG

Discover Tchaikovsky Passion and Fate goes Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Ave. Maestro Michael Hall’s unique multimedia experience pulls back the curtain on Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony — a perfect storm of fate and passion! Great for first timers and seasoned fans alike. For more information and tickets visit www.tickets.pgso.com/tickets/ discover-tchaikovsky

Live Pro Wrestling goes Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31 from 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Plaza. Presented by Primetime Entertainment and features many great bouts including Vance Nevada’s last match ever. For tickets and more information visit https://www.ticketseller.ca/ live-pro-westling

I Was Banned from the Lambda Welcome Back Party goes Friday, Jan. 30 at 1177 Third Ave. Were you ever banned from the Lambda Cabaret 15-20 years ago? The new owner of 1177 Third Avenue welcomes you back into the new Underground Show Lounge & Bar. The old triple buckets will be on sale again. Enjoy the photo booths, karaoke, a dance floor & swag to take home. $10 cash cover at the door.

Pineview Annual Snow Frolics go from Jan. 31 to Feb 8. Sno Pitch and Pickleball tournaments will run on the first weekend. Followed by a Wednesday evening Crib Tournament, Thursday night Merchandise Bingo and Friday night Karaoke. The final weekend will be filled with the famous Pineview Snowshoe Volleyball tournament, plus a Sunday morning Pancake Breakfast and children’s games. There will be a full concession offered on both weekends plus Bingo and Karaoke nights (cash only). Come and play or just have a burger and cheer on the gang. For more information call 250963-8214 or 587-257-2049 or visit www. facebook.com/pgpineviewhall

Out of This World – A Night of

Comedy goes Saturday, Jan. 31 from 8 to 10:30 p.m at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Presented by Improv Shmimprov with the Out of This World theme featuring new games for a night of improv comedy. We will present live theatre, on stage, based on the audience suggestions. You bring the suggestions, we supply the funny. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at www.shmimprovimprov. ca/event-out-of-this-world

Folky Strum Strum goes Saturday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. at Legion 43 PG, 1110 Sixth Ave. Coming through the Pine Pass from Peace Country to the north, Folky Strum Strum is celebrating the release of new album Little Miss Takes and is joined by Paul Jago and his new secret all-star band. Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 9 p.m. 19+ event. Tickets $20 at the door or $15 in advance at www.madloon.ca/tickets/p/ folkystrumstrum

Woven in Song presented by

Coldsnap Music Festival goes Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This event features Linda McRae, Aleskie Campagne and Theo Story during an exceptional roots and folk music celebration of deep storytelling and multi-instrumental artistry. For tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ events/32149-woven-in-song

Frost Proof Gardening goes Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2880 15Th Avenue. This event is hosted by Wildflower Farm and talks about building the best soil, ways to extend the growing season and techniques on how to grow more frost-tolerant plants/seeds. Regitration is $10 each to help cover room rental. To register text Lisa at 250961-3519 or email wildflowerfarmpg@ hotmail.com.

Cutbank Craic presented by Coldsnap Music Festival goes Thursday, Feb. 5 at Knox Performance

Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Featuring Morgan Toney and Brianna Lizotte this event kicks off with foot-stomping energy and the dynamic Juno-nominated flair of Métis fiddling which seamlessly blends classic sounds with the sophisticated verve of big band jazz. For details and tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ events/32124-cutbank-craic

Good-Time Old-Time presented by Coldsnap Music Festival goes Thursday, Feb. 5 at 9:30 p.m. at Legion 43 PG, 1116 Sixth Ave. Get transported to a 1930s speakeasy with raw jug-band blues, ragtime dance numbers, and rattling washboard rhythms. Just as you get settled, the Vipers hit the stage, steering the night into uncharted territory — a wild collision of rockabilly, western swing, and avant-country. For details and tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ events/32143-good-time-old-time Coldsnap Music Festival Sonic-Subterranean goes Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. at the Legion 43 PG, 1110-Sixth Ave. The event features artists Rich Aucoin, Kayla Williams & The Yacht Daddies and special guest. Experience a high-energy journey combining multi-sensory spectacle with glitter-drenched, retro-grooves. This night promises an immersive performance where theatrical visuals meet infectious yacht-pop swagger, channeling the best of the 70s and 80s soft rock. Tickets are $25 each and are available at www.coldsnapfestival. tickit.ca/sonicsubterranean Echolocation presented by Coldsnap Music Festival goes Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This event features Fontine, Sam Tudor and Corbin Spensley exploring indie rock that pairs gritty energy with deeply vulnerable songwriting. For detail and tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival. tickit.ca/events/32144-echolocation

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Coldsnap for Kids: Act One goes Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Featuring Missy D this is an inspirational and high-energy musical adventure designed for kids and families, blending infectious rap & soul rhythms with positive messaging. This bilingual performance celebrates diversity, culture, and community, encouraging young audiences to dance and sing along. For details and tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival. tickit.ca/events/32147-coldsnap-forkids-act-one

2026 Northern BC Rapid Chess Tournament (CFC Rated) goes Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Great White Toys Comics Games, Spruceland Shopping Centre 795 Central St. W. Format is Six Round Swiss in 1 open section. Entry fee is $25 until Jan. 31. For all the details and to register visit NorthernBCRapidChessTournament Winter Blues Burner presented by Coldsnap Music Festival goes Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Featuring Jesse Roper, Garret T. Willie and Simbiyez Wilson expect an evening of raw, down-and-dirty blues rock delivered by formidable guitar-driven artists. This show offers a dynamic mixture of classic rock, soulful blues, and high-energy performances that ignite the room. Expect powerful vocals, flawless tone, and electrifying performances steeped in raw sound and cosmic storytelling. For details and tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ events/32150-winter-blues-burner Dream Waves presented by Coldsnap Music Festival goes Saturday, Feb. 7 at 9:30 p.m. at Legion 43 PG, 1116 Sixth Ave. This event features MoonRiivr, Aladean Kheroufi and Limelight during a hazy, dreamlike evening blending vintage pop psychedelia with soulful,

COMMUNITY

idiosyncratic grooves. This show creates a timeless sonic landscape, mixing intricate melodies with neosoul warmth and a touch of dark humour. For details and tickets visit https://coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ events/32153-dream-waves

Rural Roots, Coldsnap Music Festival Show goes Sunday, Feb. 8 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave at 7 p.m. includes performances from Pharis & Jason Romero, Sarah Jane Scouten and The Bentalls. Expect songs that draw on Canadiana and old-time genres, weaving stories of rural life, love and resilience with conviction and delicacy. For more information about the show and tickets visit www.coldsnapfestival.tickit. ca/ruralroots

Ice Man Prince George goes Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Experience winter in Prince George during the annual Prince George Iceman. This multi-sport event brings together winter pursuits, showcasing the city’s great recreation facilities. It’s a race for everyone from beginner to elite athletes and offers solo and relay team categories. The event is spectator-friendly, with many opportunities to cheer on participants at the Otway Nordic Centre, the Outdoor Ice Oval and the pool. Ages 16 plus do an 8km ski, 10km run, 5km skate, 5km run and 800m swim. Ages 10-15 do a 4km ski, 5km run, 3 km skate, 5km run and 400m swim.

Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.

Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome

who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.

Parkinson Support Group meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.

Chronic Condition Support Group takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library, 6547 John Hart Hwy. This is a

community social group where people with any chronic condition can come together to socialize, connect and learn from each other. This is a free drop-in event.

Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066. Open Mic at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Open mic is hosted by Danny Bell and friends. Come on down and share songs, poetry, dance, stories, and anything else you can think to do on stage. Everyone is welcome.

If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF

Public Consultation

Temporary Use Permit No. 292

Subject property: 304 Cruise Road

Purpose: To permit Campground use on the subject property for a three-year period.

Next Steps: There is a public consultation meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7 pm at the Hixon Community Hall, 502 Hixon Subdivision Road, Hixon, BC.

For more details visit rdffg.ca/landuseapps

ABOVE: Nadine Jagow and kids Dallan Hickson, 9, and Hayden, 12, take a closer look at some of the 32 registered vintage snowmobiles.

BELOW: Ben Appler, 4, proves that there are more things than snowmobiles to enjoy at the Vintage Show and Shine.

Classics on the snow

PG Snowmobile Club hosts the Vintage Show and Shine on Scott Road on Sunday, Jan. 25

Big show of support for library during city budget talks

Council also hears about the current state and future needs of Tourism PG

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

When Prince George city council’s first budget meeting resumed after a dinner recess on Monday, Jan. 26, the audience was fuller than it was an hour previously.

As councillors and staff took a break, representatives from the Prince George Public Library and Tourism Prince George filed in ahead of their scheduled budget presentations.

But on top of that were dozens of people there to promote the library’s funding request.

Many people in the crowd wore buttons saying “Voters (heart) Libraries,” a reminder to councillors that local elections are about nine months away.

One woman brought in big orange signs with slogans like “libraries are for everyone” and “fines hurt poor families.”

During the 2025 budget deliberations, the library’s yearly funding request became perhaps the bitterest topic after Coun. Kyle Sampson chided the organization’s representatives for asking for more money while revenue levels hadn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

In an early preview of the 2026 budget talks, library finances were once again a source of acrimony. When Coun. Garth Frizzell was re-elected as council’s representative on the library board, Sampson moved for his colleague to pass along a message that council wanted it to pursue alternative revenue sources. That discussion led to Mayor Simon Yu expressing disbelief about the request and Sampson to demand an apology from Coun. Trudy Klassen when she said she felt the motion was disparaging of Frizzell.

A letter written by library board chair Anna Duff to council for Monday’s budget meeting stated that its $300,973

An audience listens during the first day of budget talks as city council meets on Monday, Jan. 26.

funding increase is due to the need to negotiate a new collective agreement with staff represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees with the current agreement expiring mid-year and a 50 per cent increase in the Nechako Branch’s lease — the first such increase since 1994.

Going over some key metrics during their presentation, Duff and library director Paul Burry noted that while the borrowing of physical items dropped slightly in 2025, the number of library visits, digital borrowing and website visits all increased over their 2024 totals.

They showed several slides offering various ways to assess the financial performance and use of the library. One slide showed that the PGPL has lower per capita funding than many of its counterparts, including those in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, North Vancouver, Nelson, Squamish and Whistler.

Burry said that the cost per usage of the library’s resources has outpaced increases to its funding in recent years. Duff said that the $300,973 funding addition was only to continue current service levels, not to expand them.

As an example of alternative revenue sources the library has brought in, Duff

revenue generation, creating a five-year financial plan and collecting metrics demonstrating library usage.

Coun. Tim Bennett noted that the library reported a deficit of $81,834 in 2025 and asked for an explanation. Burry said it was one-time, related to the accounting of amortization in the budget.

He also asked about the projected 3.85 per cent funding increase requests for 2027 through 2030. Burry said the final numbers will be somewhat dependent on the result of the bargaining with CUPE.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said she appreciated the library implementing five-year financial planning.

Coun. Ron Polillo said he applauded the library for meeting the challenges that council presented them with. He asked about the request for funding for an additional security officer.

presented a list of in-kind donations from local businesses and organization who waived part or all of their fee as a contribution.

Another slide shown by Duff showed that around $180,000 in revenue was collected through fundraising and internally generated revenue, the highest amount in six years. She also called attention to the recently launched “All Hands on Deck” campaign looking to raise $100,000 to improve the deck at the Bob Harkins Branch.

At this point, Duff said, that campaign has brought in $130,000. Contributions have included $100,000 from the Prince George Community Foundation, $5,000 from Canadian Tire and $10,000 from Friends of the Prince George Public Library.

Another extra expense this year, Burry said, is the hiring of an additional security staffer.

Unlike previous years, Burry said the budget accounts for amortization costs.

After the presentation, Yu asked people who were there to support the library to raise their hands. Most people in the audience did so.

Frizzell said he thought the library had met the challenges set by council over the past few years, like enhanced

Burry said the position was added last year and the funding increase is to make sure there’s enough coverage at all times.

Sampson complimented the library reps on a great presentation. Regarding the new security staffer, he requested that the library consider making that decision early in the year so that council can weigh in on it. Burry said it was considered an urgent need, to which Sampson said he understood.

Once the presentation was over, the majority of the audience filed out alongside Burry and Duff, cueing up a quieter atmosphere for Tourism Prince George. It was the first presentation for executive director Scott McWalter, who took over the position on Nov. 24 after previous incumbent Colin Carson departed on Aug. 1. He was accompanied by board chair Jamie Valcourt.

McWalter said TPG is expecting $2.286 million in revenues in 2025: 77 per cent from the local hotel tax, 14 per cent from the City of Prince George and nine per cent from other partnerships and revenue streams.

That’s an increase of three per cent from 2025.

It’s that old-tme fddling sound

Amanda Hollingsworth and the other members of the Prince George Old Time Fiddlers play polkas, waltzes, two-steps, barn dances and called group dances for all attend at the Senior Activity Centre Saturday, Jan. 24.Their music brought people out onto the floor for a night of traditional music and dancing. The fiddlers will play their next dance at the centre Feb. 28.

Tourism PG reports its highest-selling item: Mr. PG socks

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Operational expenses in 2026 are projected to be $659,000 in 2026, a decrease of around five per cent from 2025.

Capital expenses are pegged at $65,000, an increase of 117 per cent from 2026. That includes the purchase of a new vehicle approved by the TPG board.

McWalter said TPG only has one vehicle, purchased in 2011, that is falling apart and requires $7,000 to $10,000 in annual maintenance. However, he added that the organization is looking to enter a marketing deal with a local dealership to get a break on the price.

Marketing expenses are forecast at $1.562 million in 2026, a one per cent increase from last year.

This year, McWalter said, TPG will be developing a new strategic plan for 2027-2032 and would be announcing its

partner in working on it in the coming days.

At TPG’s new headquarters at the Prince George Civic Centre, McWalter said visits are up 65 per cent since it moved.

City manager Walter Babicz noted that the city is looking to see how it can partner with Tourism Prince George and the Prince George Public Library on security in and around the Civic Centre and had set up a meeting to discuss the matter.

Asked at one point if TPG was planning any partnerships with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, McWalter said that the chair of Tano T’enneh — the First Nation’s business arm — just joined the organization’s board of directors.

As for the visitor centre gift shop’s No. 1 all-time seller? McWalter said it’s the socks featuring the locally beloved Mr. PG.

Winter fun returning to Pineview with Snow Frolics

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Snow Frolics are back featuring all the traditional games and tournaments, karaoke and a pancake breakfast to celebrate Pineview’s community spirit this winter.

Presented by the Pineview Recreation Commission there’s a big list of events taking place in and around the Pineview Community Hall, 6470 Bendixon Rd., between Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 8.

“When this event started it was so the community could have something to do in the winter,” Linda Meise, a commission board member, recalled.

Karen Empey started the event with snowshoe volleyball and it grew from there, she added.

The event has grown over the last 51 years it has been in existence and saw the infamous outhouse races, traditional logger sports, arm wrestling and the snow pitch that’s similar to slow pitch as its staples and through the years events have changed but the heart of the community is still the same,

Meise said.

“For next year we’re looking at bringing back some of the old favourites like the outhouse races, the Pineview Queen contest and arm wrestling and we’re starting to put the call out for people who might be interested in those event now and for this year we’ll keep the events as they are,” Meise said.

“We want to give a shout out to all the volunteers, participants and those who come to watch all the competitions. And we can always use more volunteers for this event that brings the whole

community together.”

On the list of things to do is a snowshoe volleyball tournament, milk jug curling, snowpitch, a pickleball tournament, bingo, crib, karaoke and the ever-popular pancake breakfast.

First up is the pickleball tournament and deadline to register is Saturday, Jan. 31 for the indoor cats and for those who love the outdoors snow pitch comes in the form of a tournament with a 10-team limit on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1.

The cribbage tournament goes

Wednesday, Feb. 4 with doors open at 6:30 and games start at 7 p.m. Cash prizes for winners and there’s refreshments and snacks available by donation.

Bingo takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5 with first call at 6 p.m. and because it’s so popular people are advised to come early to get a seat for the merchandise prize games featuring a prize for adults and a prize for children.

The Hill Sisters will keep the fun flowing during karaoke on Friday, Feb. 6 with doors opening at 6 p.m. This is the event where young and old are encouraged to come be the star of the show as they sing their hearts out.

Snowshoe volleyball takes place Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday Feb. 8 and the snowshoes are provided so don’t let that stop you from forming a team and joining the fun.

Sunday, Feb. 1 sees a great start to your day with a traditional Pancake Breakfast and children’s games.

For more information or to volunteer call Pineview Hall at 250-963-8214, text Maggie at 587-257-2049 or email admin@ pineviewhall.com.

Robbie Burns Day

Dancers from Excalibur Theatre Arts perform a highland dance at the PGSO Robbie Burns Night fundraiser held at the Coast Inn Saturday, Jan. 26.The event included the traditional piping in of the haggis and more.

Throwback Thursday: Week of January 29

Jan. 29, 1979: Al McGregor, a freestyle skier from Kimberley, landed on one ski after this jump on Tabor Mountain during the annual Ski Week. The eight-day event featured more than a dozen events, including slalom runs and freestyle aerials as well as snow tubing for kids.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DOUG WELLER

Jan. 29, 1962: Bea Dezell, wife of then-mayor Garvin Dezell, formally accepted the new community grand piano, a Heinzman, on behalf of the city after the Community Arts Council’s Dollar Band Fund concert raised the $2,500 to buy it. More than 100 performers entertained an audience of more than 1,000 people at the high school eldhouse.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Jan. 29, 2014: Instructor John Giannisis helped Nia Fleury, 11, and other kids learn about snowboarding as part of a six-week program at Tabor Mountain Ski Resort. The free program, which included lessons, equipment, transportation and lift passes, was covered by the Logan Whitmer Legacy Fund.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

Jan. 29, 1996: More than 6,000 people had to be evacuated from South Fort George after a damaged tank car leaked thousands of litres of a propanebutane compound. BC Rail’s hazardous materials team, seen here, used gas-detection devices as another crew prepared to move the car from the tracks across the Fraser River from the affected neighbourhood. There were no injuries during the 26-hour ordeal.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

The YMCA’s free Choose to Move program aims to help older adults become more physically actve

An information session will be held Jan. 31 at The Foundry

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Choose to Move is a free program designed to help people 55 years and older integrate activity into their daily routines, meet new friends and make positive changes in their lives.

The Northern BC YMCA offers the 12-week program for those who want to become more active, regardless of ability.

Choose to Move consists of eight group sessions that give participants an opportunity to meet peers, share community resources and learn about various health topics.

“It is important to note that the sessions are not exercise classes or personal training sessions but informal and guided education meetings,” said Lindsay Marriott, Choose to Move activity coach at the YMCA North Region.

“Each week I provide people the option to share about the different fitness classes they’ve tried, clubs they’ve joined, etc. It always blows me away how interconnected Prince George is and the various activities available for seniors.”

Participants receive a YMCA pass and are connected with classes and fitness programs at the Y, helping them increase their fitness. They are also encouraged to access other activities in Prince George, she added.

“Prince George has so many different clubs, activities and volunteer opportunities for seniors. During information sessions, people start to chat about what they do in the Hart, for example, and then they invite others to come try what they are doing. Everyone in this town is super friendly, but it’s hard to find information nowadays because everyone is posting on Facebook or other social media. A lot of the older

The local YMCA’s Choose to Move is a free program for those 55 years and older geared to help them integrate more activity into their daily routines.

generation is not online, so much of the information is by word of mouth. It’s really cool to see that when each group graduates from the program, they are all intermingled, have gotten to know each other and have connected with things other people have been interested in. I can’t even keep up because so many different things pop up in town.”

Choose to Move started in Prince George in 2023, and over eight cycles, 91 participants completed the program.

“This program is for people to get more active, whatever that means to them,” Marriott said.

“Whether that’s a fitness class, joining a chess club, learning about the different seniors’ centres in town or going for coffee with new friends. It’s just a way to facilitate conversation over those few weeks, and then people can choose what they want to do based on their current interests, what they consider fun and what suits their body. Just show up to the eight

meetings in your jeans and a T-shirt, bring your coffee and consider it more of an information and educational meetup session where people can get to know each other.”

The sessions are limited to 15 participants to help build a sense of community, she added.

The program was developed by the Active Aging Society with the help of researchers at the University of British Columbia, with funding from the Government of British Columbia. It uses a science-based approach to help introduce the habit of physical activity into daily life in ways that make sense for each person.

The collaborators drew on the best available scientific evidence and the experience of their team and partners to develop a model to help seniors become and stay active.

Choose to Move has been delivered in partnership with many organizations in more than 65 communities, with thousands of seniors participating.

“It’s important for people to attend the information session before they register so they understand what it is,” Marriott said. “Then people can decide if they can make the meetings, if it’s a good time for them to make the commitment — especially since it’s winter — manage their expectations and hear about the experience they can have during the program.

“It’s just a really good opportunity for people to understand if this program is a good fit for them.”

The next information session will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. to noon at The Foundry Prince George, 1148 Seventh Avenue, across from city hall. Attendees will learn about the program and its commitment requirements. An online option is also available.

Registration for the winter cycle closes Feb. 6. The program begins Saturday, Feb. 7, and runs to mid-April. For more information, visit https://nbc. ymca.ca/choose-to-move/.

Financial boost for local physician recruitment efort

The money will fund trips to Vancouver and Quebec City

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

After months of consideration, the Fraser–Fort George Regional Hospital District board has voted to approve $27,229.33 in financial assistance for a local group’s efforts to recruit family doctors to the region at a meeting Thursday, Jan. 15.

At the Regional District of Fraser–Fort George’s November 2025 board of directors meeting, correspondence was presented from Errol Winter, executive director of the Northern Interior Rural Division of Family Practice. He wrote that his organization, made up of physicians and nurse practitioners

in BC’s northern interior, has run a recruitment and retention program to bring doctors to the region for the past five years.

While the program has had some success — including recruiting two medical students to Mackenzie as permanent physicians earlier that year — Winter said the organization was seeking funding to attend two rural health conferences in 2026 to pitch prospective doctors on working in the region.

The group requested $27,229.33 to fund two visits to Vancouver, one visit to Quebec City and attendance at a BC rural health conference scheduled to take place in Prince George in 2026.

When discussing the letter last November, directors expressed interest but also concern, noting that medical recruitment is neither the responsibility of the regional district nor the hospital board it operates.

They decided to postpone a decision until more information was provided.

At the hospital district’s Jan. 15 meeting, Winter and Dr. James Card appeared before the board to expand on their request and describe their work.

Card is a Valemount-based physician who also oversees medical residency programs in Prince George. He told the board that, on reflection, he felt he should be seeing patients rather than presenting, but said the state of the medical system requires trying different approaches to improve it.

Winter said the organization’s original mandate was to implement physician-led initiatives and pursue systemic change where possible, but funding has been reduced over time.

“I’m sure you folks recognize more than others that a lot of the programs that are leaving the province are being downloaded onto the municipalities and

such,” Winter said.

“But for us, health care has always been the central focus of the north. It’s so integral to life in the north, especially the smaller communities. If there is no health care, there is no economy.”

With reduced funding, Winter said the organization has worked over the past five or six years to find innovative ways to recruit doctors. Card said attracting physicians to northern communities can be challenging.

“We see a lot of physicians in the north who have come because they had to, on a return-of-service agreement,” Card said. “And we see a lot of new physicians who had some exposure during their medical education and then start their practice in the north. What we don’t see are physicians mid-career transitioning to the north.”

One of Prince George’s two health clinics closed last year

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

When Card began his medical career in Mackenzie in 2010, he said the community and clinic were in crisis, staffed by locums with no permanent physicians.

Within weeks, he realized he could become the next in a long line of doctors who worked intensely for a year, burned out and left the community frustrated, he said.

Card said he wanted to break that cycle by bringing in students and resident doctors and encouraging young people to pursue medical education.

He said there has been some success. A physician who signed on to work in Mackenzie last year first visited the community as a medical student during a rotation in a previous year. He added that the only physician in McBride not under a return-of-service agreement followed a similar path.

To continue that progress, Card said the organization needs to focus on longterm strategies, including outreach to first- and second-year medical students.

In the past, the division has travelled to the Vancouver area to speak with students who had no prior exposure to the north. Some later came north for their two-year residency, which Card likened to an apprenticeship.

“Unfortunately, there is a cost associated with that,” Card said. “Some of that cost is creating an opportunity for these students to come up and visit our communities, because it’s one thing to go down and see them, and I don’t think this can be done virtually.

“This is relationship-building, and it’s essential to be in person, offering the opportunity to come up and actually witness the context, the environment, the community and meet community members.”

Winter said those efforts have helped recruit 71 physicians to northern communities over the past five years. During the same period, however, the region lost 67 physicians.

Card said the organization’s work extends beyond Fraser–Fort George to communities within the Bulkley

Valley–Nechako and Cariboo regional districts, among others.

“I would argue what’s good for Burns Lake is going to support Vanderhoof and then, in turn, Prince George,” Card said. “I was on a call last week with the ER group here in Prince George, and they’re struggling. Part of why they’re struggling is because of what’s happening to the west of Prince George.”

Director Brian Skakun said he empathized with Winter and Card and expressed frustration with costs he believes should be covered by the provincial government and Northern Health being downloaded to local governments.

He suggested that supporting the proposal could serve as another example of responsibilities being taken on by regional districts.

Director Art Kaehn asked whether the organization planned to approach other northern regional districts for support. Card said they had to start somewhere and chose Fraser–Fort George, but agreed support should be shared where possible.

“If we’re successful at this table, it gives us a little more push, a little more

physicians lost over the past five years left due to retirement or relocation. Winter said it was a combination of both. Responding to a question about recruiting physicians from the United States, Card said the organization does engage American doctors at conferences, but most prefer urban or so-called “sexy rural” locations. To his knowledge, the only American physician practising in the north is based in Quesnel.

Director Simon Yu asked why recruitment work of this importance was not being handled and funded by Northern Health. Winter said the organization and the health authority serve different roles.

HThe division, he said, operates through physician-to-physician relationships, while the health authority works through administrator-to-physician channels.

leverage to start those discussions elsewhere,” he said.

Director Jerrilyn Kirk said she had seen the organization’s work firsthand while living in Tumbler Ridge before moving to Fraser–Fort George six years ago.

She said she lost her family doctor when she moved and later attended the Salveo Medical Clinic in Prince George. As previously reported by The Citizen, the clinic closed last year, and Kirk said she is now trying to determine where to fill her prescriptions.

She said she supported the funding request.

Winter said one lesson learned from Tumbler Ridge was the importance of community champions who can help sell their community to prospective physicians.

Director Lara Beckett asked whether the organization had partnered with the Northern Medical Program Trust, which assists with medical student placements across the north. Card said there is no formal relationship, but he works with the trust through his teaching roles and could explore collaboration.

Beckett also asked whether the 67

Director Owen Torgerson said he has seen the organization’s success in bringing students through Valemount. Director Joan Atkinson said she has seen Card’s impact in Mackenzie. Both said they supported the request. Chair Kyle Sampson said he had mixed feelings, noting that while he supports the work, he believes the costs should be covered by Northern Health or the provincial government.

Nevertheless, he said he would support the request, citing the importance of improving health outcomes.

In response to a question from Director Dannielle Alan, Card said the medical system requires roughly half of graduates to become family physicians and half specialists. Last year, about 29 per cent of graduates chose family medicine.

However, he said between 55 and 60 per cent of Northern Medical Program graduates chose family medicine last year.

The board approved the funding request unanimously.

Following the vote, Sampson asked that the organization report back on the outcomes of its efforts. Card said the group would welcome the opportunity to continue the discussion.

Coming soon to hospitals: Standardized ‘crash carts’

NORTHERN HEALTH

A Northern Health multidisciplinary project team is working toward developing and implementing a standardized resuscitation — or crash — cart model across Northern Health.

The resuscitation cart, commonly known as a crash cart, is a self-contained, mobile unit that contains virtually all the materials, drugs and devices needed to respond to immediate resuscitation requirements or life-threatening medical emergencies.

The initiative aims to ensure consistency, safety and efficiency in emergency response while still meeting the unique needs of each site.

The project also seeks to streamline equipment and medication availability, reduce variability and support best practices aligned with Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocols, ultimately improving patient outcomes during critical events.

Why cart standardization matters:

• Enhances patient safety — ensures essential emergency medications and equipment are consistently available and appropriately stocked across all sites

Website lets patents know if area emergency rooms are closed

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

In the wake of numerous emergency department closures across the region, Northern Health has launched a website that lets residents know which facilities are open.

In December 2025, the emergency room in Dawson Creek closed temporarily. Mackenzie experienced service interruptions last summer.

Other ERs temporarily closed in places like Burns Lake and Tumbler Ridge in the last 12 months.

Northern Health announced it had launched an online listing of which emergency departments are open so that residents know what options are available to them in case of a medical crisis.

The page at northernhealth.ca/emergency-department-status lists all 18

emergency departments in Northern Health as well as the eight health centres that may offer after hours care but not 24-7 emergency service.

Lisa Zetes-Zanatta, Northern Health’s vice-president of clinical operations, said in a media release that in a region where hospitals are so far apart, the current status of emergency departments is key information for residents.

“Our partners in patient transport are always aware of local ED operations and challenges and of the need to ensure patients are transported to the appropriate facility for their care,” she said.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said it’s important for people to know where else they can turn in a crisis.

“This webpage helps people quickly see the status of emergency departments in their community and find clear information about other options when they need non-emergency care,”

• Supports staff confidence — familiarity with standardized carts improves response times during high-stress situations

• Facilitates training and education — a consistent setup allows for more effective training and simulation exercises across the region

• Improves operational efficiency — streamlined restocking processes and clear guidelines reduce waste, duplication and errors

• Addresses site-specific needs — while standardization is the goal, flexibility is built in to accommodate differences in service levels, staffing models and equipment availability

• Reduces variability — minimizes confusion and delays during critical events by aligning cart contents with Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines and best practices

Standardizing resuscitation carts minimizes stress and maximizes efficiency for staff when seconds count during critical events such as cardiac arrest, directly improving patient outcomes.

Local Sports Special Olympics curlers host bonspiel

Teams from Fort St. John and Quesnel compete against Prince George athletes

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Citizen Staff

There was an Invitational Curling Bonspiel held on Saturday, Jan. 24, for Special Olympics athletes to participate in as a warm up for the regional qualifiers to be held in Quesnel in March.

The Prince George Golf and Curling Club event saw teams come from Fort St. John and Quesnel to join Prince George athletes as they get a feel for competition before the big qualifier.

Special Olympics runs on a four-year cycle and the regional qualifier for winter sports takes place this year.

Athletes who do well at these region 7/8 qualifiers then get a chance to compete at the 2027 Special Olympics BC Winter Games (location to be confirmed), which in turn gives them the opportunity to advance to Nationals in 2028, ultimately leading to the world games in 2029.

Kelowna has just been named the host city for the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, happening February 28 to March 4, 2028.

It’s the first time Special Olympics Canada Winter Games has been held in BC.

Prince George athletes will be busy in the next few months as they attend various region 7/8 qualifiers beginning with the snowshoe regional qualifier being held in Burns Lake on Feb. 14, the curling regional qualifier in Quesnel on March 7-8, five-pin bowling qualifier in Quesnel on March 14-15, and floor ball qualifier in Terrace on April 11.

Cougars keep hot streak going with wins over Giants

Next up are weekend home games against Rockets, Blazers

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

After lighting the lamp twice to put the Prince George Cougars in front of the Vancouver Giants 4-2 with less than half a period left in their game Saturday, Jan. 24 at CN Centre, you wouldn’t expect Dawson Seitz to spend a good chunk of the rest of the game banished to the Cats’ doghouse.

But that’s what it felt like to the Cougars left winger when he was forced to sit out four minutes of penalty time after getting caught breaking the rules of hockey before his teammates could put the finishing touches on a 5-2 victory.

Luckily for Seitz and the Cougars, the understaffed Giants, missing four injured mainstays from their lineup, weren’t able to take advantage of all that power-play time to cast doubt on the eventual outcome. But still, it was nervous times for the 20-year-old Seitz, now six games into the final chapter of a five-season WHL career.

“We had a really good start and got it going right off the bat and we had a little lapse there halfway through the game and I took a couple stupid penalties but we still get ’er done, so it’s all right,” said Seitz. “I just have to be more mentally disciplined next time I guess, it got a little bit out of hand there and I’ll know for next time.”

Seitz was caught tripping with less than two minutes to play and was in the box watching the Giants try for a 6-on-4 goal with their goalie on the bench when Terik Parascak stole the puck in the PG end. He took off with Brock Souch as his companion and dished it to Souch, and the Cougars centre nailed the empty net to seal it — the sixth shorthanded goal of the season for the Cougars.

Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb was happy with his team’s effort, for the most part, but the killer instinct was missing.

“You’ve got to play 60 minutes, and that’s what we’re pushing for, there was parts of our game that I didn’t like, especially when you’re trying to close out the game, taking penalties down the stretch, it’s stuff you don’t do if you’re going to be a winning hockey team,” said Lamb. “We didn’t play the right way, and you’ve got to learn that.”

Seitz, a Medicine Hat native, was one of the final transactions registered on trade deadline day Jan. 8, sent to Prince George from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for an eighth-round pick in the 2029 draft. Like many of the deals Lamb has made in his eight years wearing the Cougars’ GM hat, the Cougars appear to have won that one hands-down.

Seitz, who won a WHL championship in 2022, his rookie season with the Edmonton Oil Kings, last year was a 17-goal, 32-point forward with the Wild, and as he showed Saturday he still has a nose for the net. In 28 games this season he has six goals and eight assists for 14 points, and Cougars fans are getting familiar watching his speed and ability to get in on the forecheck with physicality, playing on a line with Aiden Foster and Jett Lajoie.

Each team scored twice in the second period. Despite getting outshot 12-7, the Giants put some doubt in the minds of the Cougars and their fans this wasn’t going to be a cakewalk.

Early in the period, the Cats power play ended an 0-for-10 drought that dated back four games with a strike from Kooper Gizowski eight seconds after Lance McCloskey was sent off for a double high-sticking penalty. Gizowski was in his usual spot in the right circle and he one-timed Parascak’s on-a-platter feed for his team-leading 23rd goal.

At the tail end of that extended power play, Cats goalie Alexander Levshyn came up with his best save of the game, stretching out his six-foot-three frame while flat on the ice to get his leg in the way of Jaxson Pawlenchuk’s breakaway deke that started at centre ice when Cougars defenceman Bauer Dumanski ran into the linesman while backtracking with the puck.

The first period was all Prince George. In one of their most dominant opening 20 minutes of any game this season, they outshot the Giants 22-5 but managed to get just two pucks behind Hood. It very easily could have been five.

Seitz scored his first goal as a Cougar a minute in. He forced a neutral-zone turnover and eventually got a return feed from Corbin Vaughan at centre, then turned on the jets with an outside move on Will Sharpe to get free and went high on the short side on Burke Hood with his wrister into the top corner.

The Cougars’ WHL-leading power play, which had just one chance to operate in Friday’s 7-2 win over the Giants, went to work twice in the first period. They held the zone both times and launched several high-danger shots at Hood but were unable to beat him.

Seitz made it 2-0 late in the period, finishing off a scramble in front of the Vancouver cage. Carson Carels and Aiden Foster each fired pucks that Hood stopped with his pads, and the puck was left in front of the net for Seitz. He tried to lift it quickly into the open side, but it hit the shoulder of Giants centre Sam Charko and dropped into the goal.

Jakob Oreskovic let go a blistering wrist shot from the left side to get the Giants on the scoreboard on Vancouver’s first power play of the game six minutes into the second period.

The Cougars’ fourth line got into the scoring act to put them ahead 4-1.

Townes Kozicky knocked down Koy Funk’s alley-oop pass streaking up the left wing to set up an odd-man rush, and Kozicky pushed a perfect pass over to Cole Hajt, a six-foot-five rookie from El Segundo, Calif., who snapped it in for his third goal.

Misha Volotovskii answered late in the period for Vancouver — the first goal for the 20-year-old centre since being acquired in a deadline deal from the Medicine Hat Tigers.

After losing seven in a row and 10 of their last 11, the Cougars (28-16-2-0) have now won five straight. Three of those wins have come at the expense of the Giants (18-27-1-2), who have lost their past six games.

Shots were 43-18 in the Cougars’ favour. They’ve had at least 40 shots in each of the five wins. Levshyn picked up his eighth W after he made 16 saves.

Spruce Kings sweep Island trip, close in on division lead

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Prince George Spruce Kings are making a move toward the top of the standings.

After sweeping both games of their BC Hockey League Coastal West Division tour over the weekend on Vancouver Island, the Spruce Kings are now within three points of catching Coquitlam for first place in the Coastal East.

They defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-3 Saturday, Jan. 24 in Port Alberni.

Goals from River Arnason, Ryan Wachtel, Carter Hesselgrave and Tai Ushio did the damage for the Spruce Kings. Colin Reay made 40 saves in net to preserve the victory.

Arnason opened the scoring just 48 seconds in, taking advantage of a strong forechecking display from linemates Hesselgrave and Mason Loewen to score his fifth of the season. Hesselgrave dropped to one knee to protect the puck and swept it over to Loewen, whose shot from the slot was deflected in by Arnason.

In the second period, not long after Jackson Lackas tied it up for the Bulldogs, Wachtel restored the Prince George lead, picking the far side behind goalie Owen Lunneborg with a wicked shot on a 2-on-1 rush.

Hesselgrave made it a 3-1 game on a Kings power play 13 minutes into the second, jumping all over the rebound of

The Prince George Spruce Kings celebrate their victory over the Bulldogs in Port Alberni on Saturday, Jan. 24.

an Ushio shot from the left circle.

Wyatt Blace brought the Bulldogs within a goal, scoring 17 seconds before the second intermission.

Ushio’s power-play goal and eventual game-winner started with him moving the puck out of the zone. He gained centre and sent a pass over to Marcus Lougheed, then went to the net, timing it perfectly to chip in Lougheed’s return feed from the corner for his 19th goal of

the season.

Brandon Gill scored with 34 seconds left, but that’s as close as it got for the Bulldogs (17-15-2-0, third in Coastal West).

The Spruce Kings (20-13-1-0), 2-1 winners in overtime Friday in Victoria, got some good news after their game when they learned the Nanaimo Clippers defeated the Coastal East Division-leading Coquitlam Express 5-4 in overtime

Saturday, tightening the gap atop the division standings.

Coquitlam (21-9-1-1) has played two fewer games than the Spruce Kings.

The Kings will be back home Friday, Jan. 30 to host the Surrey Eagles at Kopar Memorial Arena, then will be on the road for the next six games, including the two-game BCHL Roadshow Feb. 14-15 against Coquitlam at Tom Forsythe Arena in Burns Lake.

Newcomer Seitz seals the deal with a two-goal night

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

“We’ve flipped it around pretty good since all the new guys came in and it’s good, it’s a lot of fun,” said Seitz.

“I think we all slid into the lineup pretty well and it’s been a lot of fun, we’re all loving it.”

Seitz was just 16 when he got his first regular gig with the Oil Kings, playing on a team that included former Cougar Jaxsen Wiebe and Carter Souch, the

older brother of Cougars forward Brock Souch.

“That was exciting, it was a pretty special team, I was a young buck on that team with a lot of old guys,” said Seitz. “But I learned a lot and played with a lot of special guys.”

He sees similarities on a talented Cougars team that has just added a few key ingredients.

“The depth of this team and all the character and guys gelling together, we

know we’ve got the tools,” Seitz said. “We’ve got everybody on board so we just have to make sure we play our game and we should be good.”

LOOSE PUCKS: The Cougars are on the road next weekend with games in Kelowna on Friday, Jan. 30 and Kamloops on Saturday, Jan. 31. They’ll play four games in early February at home to Red Deer (Feb. 3), Kelowna twice (Feb. 6-7) and Kamloops (Feb. 13) before they leave on an epic eight-game trip that

will take them to East Division outposts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The D.P. Todd Jazz Band set up on the rink during the second intermission for a lively three-song set that included a jazzed-up Enter Sandman by Metallica that drew rave reviews and an enthusiastic response from the CN Centre crowd of 4,233. Cougars play-by-play announcer Cole Waldie, a D.P. Todd alumnus, blew the saxophone for that band in his high school days.

Turner wins all three races at world biathlon trials

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

What a weekend for Prince George biathlete Aliah Turner.

The 19-year-old Caledonia Nordic Ski Club racer won all three junior women’s races at the Biathlon Canada Youth Junior World Trials at Whistler Olympic Park.

As the top qualifier, Turner will represent Canada at the IBU Youth Junior World Biathlon Championships in Oestersund, Sweden, Feb. 24-March 5.

Turner capped off the weekend Sunday, Jan. 18 in the sprint event with a 10-for-10 day on the shooting range.

The junior women raced with senior women and Turner was third overall, finishing 58.5 seconds off the winning pace on 17:15.7 set by Ema Chlepkova of Calgary, with Quinn Morgan of Vernon in second place, 26.7 second behind Chlepkova.

The junior category is for athletes who turn 20, 21 or 22 during the season, from November to October. Turner turns 20 in March.

The youth category is for 17-, 18- and 19-year-olds.

Iona Cadell of the Caledonia club was second to Turner in the sprints Thursday and Sunday and was 10th overall in the combined senior/junior women’s mass start race on Saturday.

Cadell, whose family is from Scotland, will race for Great Britain at the junior world championships in Sweden.

In youth women’s sprint results Sunday, Jan. 18 from the youth/junior trials, Skye Cadell finished 10th , one spot ahead of Caledonia clubmate Maisie Hoehn. Hoehn was 10th in the mass start on Saturday, Jan. 17, while Cadell placed 12th.

In other local results, Ryan Elden of

Quesnel was second in the senior/junior men’s sprint and Oscar Nelson of Caledonia was 10th in the youth men’s race.

In Saturday’s mass start, Elden was sixth. In youth men’s race, Oscar Nelson was 19th and Sullivan Nelson was 26th.

Meanwhile, at the BMW World Cup biathlon in Ruhpolding, Germany, Shilo Rousseau of Thessalon, Ont., finished a career-best 21st in the 10-kilometre women’s pursuit on Sunday.

Rousseau shot 18-for-20 and ended up 4:06 off the 29:26.6 winning pace set by gold medalist Lou Jeanmonnet of France. Rousseau qualified with her 26th-place finish in Saturday’s sprint.

Nadia Moser of Whitehorse, Yukon was 31st in the pursuit (28th in the sprint) and Pascale Paradis of Calgary finished 51st (59th in the sprint).

Benita Peiffer of Whistler just missed the top-60 cut for the pursuit after placing 61st in the sprint.

In the men’s 12.5 km pursuit Adam Runnalls of Calgary was the lone Canadian qualifier after he placed 47th in the sprint. He shot 18-for-20 and placed 49th, 2:25.9 behind gold medalist Johannes Dale-Skjevdal of Norway, who had one miss on the range and finished in 30:23.9.

Zachary Connelly of Chelsea, Que., was 88th and Logan Pletz of Regina was 97th in Saturday’s sprint.

At the IBU Cup in Brezno-Oserblie, Czechia, Emily Dickson of Burns Lake posted a 57th-place finish in the women’s mass start 60 race on Sunday. Dickson, 55th in Saturday’s sprint, shot 15-for-20 and was 4:48.3 behind race winner Celia Hanaff of France.

Moira Green of Prince George was 69th in the sprint on Saturday and did not qualify for the mass start.

Other Canadian IBU Cup sprint results were: Women – Gillian Gowling, Whistler, 71st, Janice Grundahl, Saskatoon, 93rd; Men – Haldan Borglum, Calgary, 69th, Matthew Strum, Bragg Creek, Alta., 87th, Francois Gauthier, Sherbrooke, Que., 97th.

PG ski cross racer Gavin Rowell makes Olympic team

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

It came down to the weekend races in Veysonnaz, Switzerland to decide who would get the fourth Olympic spot for Canada’s men’s ski cross team.

One of either Gavin Rowell of Prince George or Kristofor Mahler of Canmore would stake that claim to be part of the five-ring festivities coming up next month in Milan-Cortina, Italy.

Rowell, 26, knew going in to Veysonnaz he needed one more top-16 World Cup finish to meet the Olympic qualifying criteria and on Friday, Jan. 23 he did exactly that, finishing 16th after just barely making it as the 32nd and final qualifier.

Rowell missed qualifying the Saturday, Jan. 24 race by two-hundredths of a second, placing 33rd, and that made for nervous times while he stood on the sidelines watching Mahler race. Mahler already had one top-eight finish this season and two top-eights would have trumped Rowell’s three top-16 results. But Mahler finished 13th and Rowell was in.

He knew then he was on the team, and his coaches and teammates were telling him he made it, but he still couldn’t believe it until it became official Saturday afternoon.

“I didn’t have a spot until two days ago, I was behind,” said Rowell, from his hotel room in Moenna, Italy. “A lot of my teammates were kind of sitting good, had their spots, and I was fighting to get that spot, so for me it’s still sinking in, it’s still a bit of a shock.

“I’ve been doing everything I can to make it happen but it felt like a real small chance and it feels insane how it turned out. It’s really exciting.”

There was a box waiting for Rowell when the team got its hotel in Verona, Italy after the races. In it was his Team Canada hoodie and sweat pants, an Air

He found a Team Canada hoodie and plane ticket to Italy in his hotel room SUBMITTED PHOTO

the Winter Olympics.

Howden is a three-time Crystal Globe points champion (2021, 2023, 2025) and has won four of the five World Cup races this season.

He’s the king of the sport right now and that makes it fun for rest of the team but incredibly difficult to dislodge him.

“It’s sometimes frustrating but sometimes awesome because we get to train with him,” said Rowell. “When we miss the wax, he still wins.”

This will be the third Olympics for Drury, at 37, the veteran of the team.

Rowell, the world junior silver medalist in 2019, has been competing in ski cross for eight years. He started ski racing at age 12 with the Prince George Alpine Ski Team.

He attended school at Austin Road Elementary, Heather Park Junior Secondary and Kelly Road Secondary. Rowell was in Kelowna for his Grade 11 and 12 school years.

His mom Audrey is a teacher and she kept one of his assignments from Grade 4 where Rowell talked about his goal to make the Olympic team. Now he’s made that a reality.

Rowell will be racing this week at the World Cup in Val di Fassa, Italy. Training runs start Tuesday and qualifying for both races is on Wednesday.

The Olympics start Feb. 6 with the opening ceremony and Rowell will be there for that.

Three other Prince George-area athletes will be there with him.

Meryeta O’Dine of Prince George and Evan Bichon of Mackenzie are on the snowboard cross team and Carolina Hiller-Donnelly made the grade in long track speed skating.

Ski cross will take place Feb. 20 (women) and 21 (men) at the Livigno Snow Park in Livigno, Italy.

Canada ticket to Milan and a carry-on bag.

The Olympic team was announced Monday morning. Rowell will be on the men’s team with Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, Jared Schmidt of Ottawa and Kevin Drury of Toronto.

Marielle Thompson of Whistler, Hannah Schmidt of Ottawa and Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant, Que., will represent Canada on the women’s ski cross team.

Rowell is the only Canadian team member who has never competed in

Canada has won 12 Olympic medals in alpine skiing, dating back to 1936 and has seven medals in ski cross, which made its Olympic debut in 2010 at Vancouver-Whistler.

Team Canada has won at least one medal in women’s ski cross in every Olympic Winter Games.

Life Events

In Loving Memory

Richard Allan Murchie

Passed away - Jan 30, 2022 age 54 years

Always in our hearts and never forgoten. Love, your family and friends

Angela “Gela” Loeschmann (née Oten)

March 1, 1964 - January 14, 2026

Our beloved Gela was taken home by the Lord on January 14th 2026 in Prince George B.C.

She is survived by husband and soulmate Michael Loeschmann, son Stephen Langhjelm (Melonie), aughter rissi artn (Tyler , gran chil ren ayley, Jacob an Jireh, father regor en, sisters oni a McMillan & Karen Varela, brothers Ben & Rainer, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. he was pre ecease by her mother eltrau en in 2 1

Born in Victoria, grew up in Vancouver and North Vancouver, also lived in the Fraser Valley, as far a el as ran e rairie, nally urns a e he was “Dr. Mom” in First Aid, loved being out with her Nikon camera, trying new recipes in the kitchen, or wandering through forest glades.

Our cherished wife, mom, Oma, sister, aunt, niece, will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and especially her gentle spirit, kind heart, quiet strength an unsel shness he truly put hillipians into practce et your gentle spirit be nown to all

e e ten special appreciaton to r eung, r ainchu , an the sta of the urgery outh war at C, who care for her with such compassion and kindness in the last month of her life.

Funeral service planned for 1PM on January 30th 2026 at St. Paul’s United Church in Burns Lake.

Judith B. Robertson

December 14, 1941 - January 18, 2026

It is with deep sadness that Dave King (Judith’s spouse), announces the passing of Judith Robertson at age 84. She is survived by sisters Lois and Muriel and by brother David. She was predeceased by brother Bruce and her parents. She will be deeply missed by many friends here in Prince George and elsewhere. She loved to travel the world. And loved the out oors an was a ery act e member of the Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club. Celebraton of ife will be hel in the spring

Gary Patrick Cowell

1947 - 2025

With sad hearts we announce the passing of Gary Cowell on December 23, 2025 at the McBride General Hospital. He was 78.

Gary is survived by his daughter Celine Cowell, his sister Gina Beddome, his nieces Crystal Beddome (Dwayne Clayton) and Barb Mohr (Clint) and also by his ex- spouse Karin Birch Cromar whom he was with for 17 years.

Following in his fathers footsteps, Gary was a logger for most of his life. In 1991 he proudly opened up the Dome Creek Diner on Highway 16 East which kept him busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Gary had lived in Dome Creek for 40 years.

There will be at celebraton of his life on January 31, at 2pm at the Robson Valley Recreaton Centre (curling club upstairs) at 461 Columbia Street, McBride

In Loving Memory

Rita Murray

Loving memories never die As years roll on and days pass by In my heart a memory is kept May her soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her

JERRY AND FAMILY

Nancy Geddes

January 12, 1 ugust , 2 2

With the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our dearest mother/grandmother Nancy Geddes.

She has been laid to rest with her husband Bob e es, reunite a er 11 years apart he is sur i e by her sons Jason (Mireille) and Kevin (Marie) and a ectonately nown as ana to her gran chil ren ic , en, Jon, Robbie, Thomas, Jor yn, hoen, Max and Gemma.

She was loved by many and a great friend to many more. She will be forever remembered and missed.

pecial than you to her sister Colleen an her husban Ross for ta ing ama ing care of her in her retrement for the last years

March 29, 1971 - December 20, 2025

With heavy hearts, we remember John Willem VanderWiel; a loving father, devoted husband, and cherished son whose presence brought joy, strength, and love to everyone around him.

He was a man whose care was shown in countless ways—through his actons, his laughter, and his unwavering commitment to his family. To be loved by him was to feel safe, supported, and truly seen. John had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgetable memories. His unmistakable laugh could fll a room, his hands were always ready to jump in and fx a stubborn motor, and his playful energy meant that even a simple meal could end with him slamming his fst on the table in mock frustraton while joking around. He had a special way with children, sharing patence, warmth, and genuine joy. A lifelong motorcyclist, John loved the open road and the freedom it brought, yet he carried that same spirit into family life, flling it with energy, humor, and love. He worked hard in everything he did, approaching life with integrity, determinaton, and pride—but always made tme for laughter and the moments that matered most.

John was deeply loved, and his loss leaves a profound emptness. His spirit lives on in the stories shared, the lessons taught, and the love that will never fade.

John is survived by his parents, Morris and Sharon VanderWiel, and his sister, Kim DeSteiger (Rod); his wife, Donna VanderWiel; his children, Morgan VanderWiel and Laura Sinclair; his grandson, Damon VanderWiel; and his stepchildren, Cassie Savage (Brennan) and Mike Champagne (Marianne).

A Celebraton of Life will be held on May 17. For more informaton, please contact Morgan VanderWiel at 250-640-6346

Shirley Isabella Akehurst

August 18, 1932 - December 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts the family of Shirley Isabella Akehurst, announce her passing on the evening of December 22, 2025

She was 93. She is survived by her children Elmer, Allan (Elaine), Hazel, Glenn (Mona), Arlene (Bruce), Gwen (Gary), Brother Gene Roberts. The joys of her life her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and her extended family.

She was predeceased by her son Dale, Grandson Jeremy, Husband Lawrence Statham In 1999, Husband Robert (Bob) Akehurst in 2015. No service by request Always Loved Miss You Forever

Doris Dasilva

August 2 , 19 - anuary 20, 202

A er a brief illness, we lost our beloved mother to cancer on uesday, an 20th, 202 . he was diagnosed in ovember.

Mom was born in enya and spent most of her life there untl she met her future husband dwin. A er ge ng married to dwin, she was soon blessed with kids. Her oldest was Debra who passed away as a baby then came andra, eter, and Alan. he lived in ilembe mines in ganda untl 1972, when we had to move because of politcal unrest. his brought the family rince eorge C.

Patrick Eric Jeppesen

July 30, 1945- December 22, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Pat Jeppesen announces his passing, at the age of 80, in Prince George, BC, on December 22, 2025.

Patrick Eric Jeppesen was born on July 30, 1945 in London, Ontario, but lived most of his life in Prince George, having moved there as a young child. Pat was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Elaine on March 22, 2023 and their daughter, Teena Louise Hue-Jeppesen.

He will be deeply missed by his son, Lance, his brother Robert (Bob), Elaine’s remaining family and a large number of nieces and nephews scatered across the country.

Pat was the youngest of 5 siblings, and was predeceased by his parents, Knud and Else Jeppesen, his step-mother Dorothy Jeppesen (Harris) and by his sister Anna and his brothers Paul and Kenneth. at spent many years boatng and fshing at his beloved Clucul Lake, living there for a period of tme in a log cabin that he bought in his early adulthood, in a community built around the old Cluculz Lake Lodge. He also made this property available for his parents to build their retrement home on. ver the years, and even a er the property had changed hands, at s cabin” was a magnet for Jeppesens from far and near to gather for summer tme at the lake.

He also organized memorable weekend camping / fshing trips with his friends and his brother and son to remote lakes that teamed with Rainbow Trout.

During his later working years and his retrement, he spent many a happy hour taming a 20-acre wood-lot he owned West of Prince George. He called it his playpen.

Pat had was always willing to aggressively share his strong opinions on almost any topic, tempered by an incredible sense of humour and compassion for all things living. During his last year, knowing that the end was in sight, he weaned all the wild pets that he fed o his back deck, not wantng to leave them cold turkey with nothing to eat.

A er working for a few families, she went back to school and received her early childhood degree. he began work at elody Daycare and did so her whole career. A er retrement mom spent all her tme volunteering, and she was always making new friends wherever she went. he touched so many lives with her kindness and humility and she will be sadly missed by family and friends.

We miss you so much mom. Love you forever.

at took great pleasure in hostng friends and family visitng from distant parts of the country. He welcomed all with an open door, an open table and an open heart. His large heart and generous nature will be sorely missed.

A celebraton of life will be held at a later date. n lieu of owers, donatons may be made to the CA.

Classifeds

Sekani Forest Products

Public Notce: Forest Operatons Map Review and Invitaton for Comment.

Se an orest Pro u ts t . peratons ap #2894, public review and comment from January 29, 2026 to February 28, 2026, at link below, y ma l or n person y appo ntment on- r am- pm. onta t the forestry epartment at the ema l or phone num er elo n or er to s he ule an appo ntment. h s s appl a le for 3 years and may be relied upon to apply for a u n or roa perm t to har est a ut lo or onstru t a roa splaye on the .

trate atural esour e roup

3 reat t Pr n e eor e 7 778 7 3

derek.mclean@snrc.ca

h ps //fom.nrs. o . . a/pu l /pro e ts

NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to Standing Order 97 of the Legislatve Assembly of Britsh Columbia, applicatons for Private Bills must be fled with the Clerk of the Legislatve Assembly not later than 14 days afer the opening of a Session. A new Session is expected to open on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Applicatons for Private Bills must conform to Standing Orders 97-115 of the Legislatve Assembly (available online at www.leg.bc.ca). For further informaton, please contact the Ofce of the Clerk, Room 221, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4, Tel: 250-387-3785, E-mail: OfceofheClerk@leg.bc.ca.

• 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 Feb. 2, 1925, musher Gunnar Kaasen and his 13 dogs successfully delivered an antitoxin serum to Nome, Alaska, which was dealing with a widespread diptheria outbreak, in a relay spanning 674 miles in five and a half days and in temperatures as low as 85 degrees below zero.

* On Feb. 3, 1780, Barnett Davenport murdered Caleb Mallory, in whose house he was a boarder, along with Mallory’s wife, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, in their home. One of post-Revolution America’s most famous crimes, it contributed to a change in the way the country viewed lawbreakers.

* On Feb. 4, 1703, 47 samurai were forced to display the ultimate act of loyalty to the regional Japanese lord they had followed by committing seppuku -ritually disemboweling themselves -- for

the crime of killing the official who had ordered the forced suicide of said lord.

* On Feb. 5, 2003, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell gave a speech to the United Nations outlining America’s case that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and making an argument for the invasion that would take place the following month. Unfortunately, some of his talking points were either incorrect or misleading, and Powell later described the speech as a blot on his record.

* On Feb. 6, 1998, a judge reinstated schoolteacher Mary Kay Letourneau’s

suspended sentence and returned her to prison for seven years after she was caught violating a no-contact order with her former student, Vili Fualaau, when she was found in a parked car with the boy.

* On Feb. 7, 1984, Navy captain Bruce McCandless II became the first human to perform an untethered spacewalk while in orbit 170 miles above the earth, maneuvering freely with a jet pack of his own design after exiting the Challenger space shuttle.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Although you’re getng kudos and other positve reactons to your suggestons, don’t let the cheers drown out some valid critcisms. It’s beter to deal with them now rather than later.

• 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.’”

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your eagerness to immerse yourself in your new assignment is understandable. But be careful that you don’t forget to take care of a pressing personal situaton as well.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Although you can weigh all the factors of a dispute to fnd an agreeable soluton for others, you might need the skilled input of someone you trust to help you deal with an ongoing situaton.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Like your zodiac sign, the surefooted Goat, you won’t allow obstacles in your path to keep you from reaching your goal. Don’t be surprised by who asks to tag along with you.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Following your keen Bovine intuiton pays of as you not only reassess the suggestons that some people are putng in front of you but also their agendas for doing so.

• 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.”

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You contnue on a high-enthusiasm cycle as a new project that you’ve assumed takes shape. You’re also buoyed by the antcipaton of receiving some good news about a personal mater.

• 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.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good tme to learn a new skill that could give the clever Cat an edge in an upcoming competton for workplace opportunites. On another note, enjoy the arts this weekend with someone special.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

You could risk creatng an impasse if you insist on expectng more from others than they’re prepared to give. Showing fexibility in what you’ll accept could prevent a stalemate.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

The good news is that your brief period of self-doubt turns into a positve “I can do anything” attude by midweek. The beter news is that you’ll soon be able to prove it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good tme for Sagitarians to start making travel plans while you can stll select from a wide menu of choices and deals -- and not be forced to setle for lefovers.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

Let your head dominate over your heart as you consider the risks that might be involved in agreeing to be a friend’s co-signer or otherwise actng as their backup in a fnancial mater.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

Resolve to close the door and let your voicemail take your phone calls while you fnish up a task before the end-ofweek deadline. Then go out and enjoy a fun-flled weekend!

Homes & Living

How to Deal With Ice Dams on Your Roof

Ice dams are a common winter headache, especially in colder climates where snow, fluctuating temperatures, and older housing stock collide. They form when heat escaping from your home melts snow on the upper part of the roof. That meltwater runs down to the colder eaves, refreezes, and gradually builds a ridge of ice. The problem isn’t just the ice itself—it’s the water that backs up behind it and seeps under shingles, leading to leaks, damaged insulation, stained ceilings, and even mold.

Immediate steps if you already have an ice dam

If you notice thick ice along the roof edge or water stains inside,

act quickly but carefully. Avoid climbing onto an icy roof—falls cause more injuries than ice dams ever will. Instead, use a roof rake from the ground to remove excess snow, starting a few feet above the eaves and working upward. Removing snow reduces the amount of meltwater feeding the dam. You can also create drainage channels through the ice. Filling old pantyhose or socks with calcium chloride ice melt (never rock salt) and laying them perpendicular to the ice dam can help melt a path for water to escape. This is a temporary fix, but it can prevent further interior damage. If leaks persist, calling a professional

roofer or ice-dam removal service that uses low-pressure steam is the safest option.

Preventing ice dams in the long run

The real solution to ice dams starts inside your home. The goal is to keep your roof surface cold and uniform in temperature so snow doesn’t melt unevenly. Start with insulation. Inadequate attic insulation allows heat to rise and warm the roof deck. Upgrading insulation—especially above living spaces and around attic hatches— can make a major difference. Just as important is air sealing.

continued on next page

SNOW REMOVAL:

Seal gaps around light fixtures, plumbing vents, chimneys, and ductwork to stop warm air from leaking into the attic.

Ventilation is the next key factor. A well-ventilated attic allows cold outdoor air to circulate, keeping the roof temperature consistent. Ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents all help when properly balanced. A professional energy audit can identify where your home is losing heat and guide upgrades that pay off beyond winter.

Roof and gutter considerations

Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris in the fall so meltwater can drain freely. In chronic problem areas, heated roof cables can be installed along eaves and valleys. These don’t prevent ice dams entirely, but they do create channels for water to escape during freeze-thaw cycles.

The bottom line

Ice dams are a symptom, not the root problem. Quick fixes can limit

damage, but lasting protection comes from better insulation, air sealing, and ventilation. Address those fundamentals, and you’ll protect your roof, your ceilings, and your peace of mind—winter after winter.

Property & Strata Management Aspire Realty

#2 1829 Hegert Road

$1200 2 beds 1 bath

851 Harper St. Unit B

$1425 p/m 2 Bed 1 Bath Middle Unit shared laundry

1343 Strathcona

$2400 per month, BED- 5 BATH2 KITCHEN- 2 Kitchens. 2 Fridges, 2 Stoves. YARD, LAUNDRY, In suite UTILITIES- Not Included PETS- 1 small negotable with deposit. PARKING- Carport In-law suite NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

1344 Aleza Cres Unit A

$2,000.00 per month BED- 3 BATH- 1, Fridge, Stove YARDLAUNDRY Shared UTILITIES- Not included (70% utlites) PETS- Yes, one small pet may be considered with pet deposit EXTRA- Garage NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

7009 Irene Rd B

Price

$1,300 per month (photo Atached)Available Feb 1st 2026

BEDS- 1 BATH- 1 YARD, Fridge, stove, dishwasher LAUNDRY in suite PARKING Of Street PETSNegotable with deposit UTILITIESIncluded EXTRA DETAILS- Ground Level Suite, Close to Bus stops, Outside storage. No smoking Tenant insurance is required.

1970 12th Ave Unit B

Price $1,400 Per month (Available Now). BEDS- 1 BATH- 1 YARD- No, Fridge, Stove, Over Range Microwave, Dishwasher. , LAUNDRY- Yes, in suite PARKING- 1 of street parking PETS- 1 small pet negotable ( no dogs) with deposit UTILITIES- Included, in-foor heatng . No smoking Tenant insurance is required.

849 Harper Street Unit B $1200 per month Available March 1, 2026 * 0 BEDS, 1 BATHS, Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher LAUNDRY ROOM, Shared, Detached Garage UTILITIES- Included. BC Hydro required for garage. PET FRIENDLYYes small pets considered with deposit. NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

2680 Parent Rd

$2,600.00 per month

Available Now BED- 4 BATH- 3, Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher LAUNDRY, UTILITIESNot Included, NO PETS- Garage, Carport and Driveway **SHED IN BACK YARD IF FOR LANDLORD USE ONLY** NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

7029 Irene Road Unit A $1300 per month

Available Now! Ground Level Suite BEDS-1 BATHS-1 Fridge, Stove, Microwave, Dishwasher, A/C LAUNDRY ROOM, PARKING Shared UTILITIES-Included PET FRIENDLY-Yes small pets considered with deposit. No smoking Tenant insurance required

309-2478 Upland

$1350, 2 Beds 1 Bath, Coin Laundry in building of street parking. Top Floor unit

2212 Redwood St. $1200 +utl 2 bedrooms 1 bath Units 3, 5 & 6

Unit 1 price - $1,000.00 + utl, 1 bed, 1 bath, fridge, stove building laundry room no pets, no smoking, tenant insurance is required.

unit 301 *$1350 per month* beds-2 bath-1 yard-no kitchen appliances- fridge, stove, dishwasher + overrange microwave laundryyes (coin operated) storage- yes parking, 1 assigned spot pet friendly, small pets considered with deposit. utlites- bc hydro required

386 Paterson St. Unit B Price

104-2505 Oak Street

$1,750.00 per month Available Feb 1st BED-3 BATH-2 , Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher YARD, LAUNDRY- In-Suite UTILITIESBC Hydro and Forts BC PETS- 1 small pet may be considered with deposit PARKING: Of Street NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

**FURNISHED UNIT**

2860 Gangi Crt Unit B Price

$1,300 per month Available Now BEDS- 1 BATH- 1 YARD- NO YARD Fridge, Stove/Oven LAUNDRY in suite PARKING- 1 of street parking UTILITIES- Included NO PETS No smoking Tenant insurance is required.

7728 St Mathew Pl. unit B

Price-$1,500 per month Available

Feb 1st . BED- 2 BATH- Fridges, Stoves, Fireplace YARD (Shared) LAUNDRY- In suite UTILITIESIncluded PETS- 1 small negotable with deposit. PARKING- Of Street NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

1005 Jarvis St

$2,500.00 per month Available Now, (photo atached) BED- 4 BATH- 2.5, Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher large rec room in basement YARD, LAUNDRY- Yes UTILITIES- Not Included NO PETS ,Driveway, NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

4404 5th ave Unit 103

$2,200.00 per month Available Feb 1, 2026 BED-3 BATH-2.5, ridge, Stove, Dishwasher , YARD LAUNDRY- Yes UTILITIES- Not Included , NO PETS, PARKING: Garage and area in front of Garage NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

104-2505 Oak Street

$1,750.00 per month Available Feb 1st BED-3 BATH-2 , Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher YARD, LAUNDRY- InSuite UTILITIES- BC Hydro and Forts BC PETS- 1 small pet may be considered with deposit PARKING: Of Street NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

360 Ruggles Unit B

Price-$1,100 per month *Newly Renovated* BED- 1 BATH-1 kitchen- fridge, stove laundry in-suite. yard- shared utlitesbc hydro required. pets- 1 pet negotable with deposit parking-1 of street parking NO SMOKING Tenant insurance is required.

$1,200 per month Available Now ,BEDS- 2 BATH- 1 YARD- Yes, Shared KITCHEN APPLIANCES- Fridge, Stove, Microwave. LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM- Yes, LAUNDRY- Yes, Shared PARKING- Of street parking (front driveway) PETS- No UTILITIES- Included Close to Quinson Elementary, Spruceland shopping Centre and Bus Stops. No smoking Tenant insurance is required.