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Wednesday, November 21, 2018 | Your community newspaper since 1916

CITIZEN PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

Coats for Kids Ron Brent students Malikai Jack, 9, left, and Carli Sauer, 8, show off their new jackets donated by The Knights of Columbus. Jay Lazzarin (back left) and Vern Buchwald (back right) of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart council and St. Mary’s council presented the coats to Ron Brent Elementary community coordinator Jenna Hanson (back, centre), who helped distribute more than 50 coats at the school. The Knights of Columbus allocated more than $6,400 for their annual Coats for Kids campaign that will go to schools from the district along with schools in Fort St. James.

Cool cash

Regional district to waive recycling fee on fridges, freezers

Mark NIELSEN Citizen staff mnielsen@pgcitizen.ca The Fraser-Fort George Regional District will be taking in old fridges, freezers and any other major appliances containing ozone-depleting substances at no charge starting in January. It means the current charge of $22.50 per unit will be waived with the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable, an agency operating on behalf of producers, covering the handling costs under a oneyear pilot program. FFGRD waste diversion program leader Laura Zapotichny said more than 1,500 units were accepted at the Foothills landfill last year and there was an “overwhelming response” when the items were accepted for free during a roundup in September. “Based on what happened a couple short months ago with one round-up event, I’m really hopeful that people will come and bring us back these appliances now at no charge because everything is being taken care of by this stewardship program.” The program will apply to much more than fridges and freezers. Zapotichny recited an extensive list of items containing refrigerants and other gases harmful to the planet’s ozone layer: wine coolers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, washers, dryers, range hoods, ranges, built-in ovens, surface cooking units, dishwashers, food waste disposal units and trash compacters. “The regional district has accepted most of those products already for no charge as most of our facilities have a metal-recycling bin,” she added. “The bonus in signing on with MARR is that now they cover the cost of recovering the ozone-depleting substance – the freon – out of the chiller unit in it.” — see ‘THERE’S DEFINITELY, page 3

Today’s Weather Hi +5° Low -5°

LOCAL HOROSCOPE OPINION MONEY SPORTS

Parking lot crashes peak in December, ICBC says Citizen staff

CITIZEN PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

The Fraser-Fort George Regional District will stop charging a dumping fee for old fridges and freezers starting on Jan. 1.

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A&E COMICS CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS

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Loggers could be bucked by market LOCAL 2

See page 2 for more details and short-term forecasts

www.pgcitizen.ca

As the holiday shopping season officially kicks off this week for Black Friday, drivers are being urged to prioritize safety over finding the perfect parking spot. About 150,000 crashes happened in or near parking lots last year resulting in 5,400 injuries, according to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia statistics. A sample of seven malls showed they were the scene of about 200 crashes per lot per year. Most occurred on a Friday or Saturday, and between noon and 3 p.m. and they peaked in December. “Although some mistakenly believe that driving in parking lots is safer due to lower travel speeds, drivers need to continue practicing their safe driving habits, even while travelling in parking lots,” ICBC said in a statement on Tuesday. “Parking lots present drivers with unique challenges such as increased congestion and heavy pedestrian activity. The holiday season could add a layer of distraction with people more apt to be preoccupied with their shopping list or finding a parking spot.” ICBC offered the following safety tips: • The rules of the road still apply, even on private property: Drivers should know that the law still applies, even in mall parking lots. Avoid cutting diagonally through a lot – travel only in the appropriate lanes. Don’t use your phone while driving, instead, program your navigation or holiday tunes before you start your car. • Have your car facing out in your parking spot: This position is safest for drivers because it helps you avoid the risk of reversing into a lane with potential blind spots when leaving. • Park further away, if you can: Instead of circling endlessly to get a spot that’s closest to the mall entrance, pick a spot that’s further away. — see DON’T BLOCK TRAFFIC, page 3

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