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PM’s priorities, province’s problems

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A Prince George-area MLA says he’s glad to see the federal government step up to support major projects in BC but is concerned that the provincial government isn’t putting the same effort toward matters under its jurisdiction.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Terrace to announce he was referring several new projects to the Major Projects Office he created last summer.

Those included BC Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line program aimed at doubling the capacity of electrical lines between Prince George and Terrace, the Ksi Lisims LNG project in Northwest BC near the Alaska border and a new Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor in Northwest BC and Yukon. Projects referred to the Major Projects Office are assessed to see if they should be expedited through reviews and approvals under federal jurisdiction.

Prime Minister Mark Carney talks to reporters about the North Coast Transmission Line between Prince George and Terrace as a project of national importance as federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson looks on on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Skeena substation.

Speaking to The Citizen on Friday, Nov. 14, Kiel Giddens said it’s more important than ever to diversify BC’s economy and push for major projects

considering the challenges being faced by the forestry industry right now. Ksi Lisims, Giddens said, is the type of critical, nation-building project Canada needs to be a global player.

“While it’s very good to see the federal government step up to the plate with fast-tracking, the reality is on the LNG project that the vast majority of the permitting — almost all of it, in fact — is provincial and unfortunately, LNG projects and pipelines are currently omitted from the provincial fast-tracking legislation that the NDP government passed in the spring,” Giddens said. “It’s unfortunate that the federal government is coming to the table here for this LNG project, but the province is still really the biggest barrier for it to move forward in a quick enough way to gain that final investment decision.”

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NDP legislation a barrier to Northern growth: Giddens

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

In late October, Giddens’ party attempted to get a hoist motion through the BC Legislature that would have delayed consideration of a bill aimed at fast-tracking the transmission line on the provincial side of things.

After that, Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations sent a letter to the city’s three Conservative MLAs — including Giddens — saying that the city supports the project given its potential economic benefits.

Giddens said that he and his party are concerned with the lack of transparency around the project and the NDP’s proposed legislation.

“It exempts the project from oversight by the BC Utilities Commission, which means that BC Hydro and the government won’t have to answer for where the electrons are actually coming from,” Giddens said. “We have a real energy self-sufficiency problem in this province and the fact is this energy from Site C is already fully committed down in Southern BC, so where is the power going to come from to feed this line?”

Giddens shared a copy of a response letter he sent to the committee on Nov. 12.

He told the committee that he shares the same vision of expanding access to reliable electricity across Northern BC but outlined many of the same concerns he articulated to The Citizen.

“Bill 31 gives cabinet the discretion to decide which industries or projects (and the communities that support them) receive electrons in our power grid,” Giddens wrote. “It is not a responsible course of action to give cabinet this authority and there are real risks to the public interest in relying on such political discretion. It is my opinion that projects with merit and the best business case for economic benefits should

This rendering offers a look at the future Ksi Lisims LNG project, which would run across Northern BC. It’s one of the projects Prime Minister Mark Carney called a federal priority last week in Terrace.

prevail and not simply those with political preference. Prince George experienced first-hand a breakdown in BC Hydro’s system impact study process that led to the cancellation of a high-profile proposed hydrogen project. Bill 31 implicitly acknowledges that BC Hydro’s processes are flawed — but rather than fixing those problems, the government has chosen to create a political workaround that suits them.”

SEE RELATED STORY ON PAGE 5

Conservatives’ labour critic since last year’s provincial election. He also said he’s trying to get WorkSafeBC to audit hospitals to make sure they’re safe workplaces for nurses and other front-line health-care workers because of an “alarming” rate of incidents they face.

and called Carney’s solution another level of bureaucracy for businesses to hurdle.

Premier David Eby’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Giddens’ assertions.

Instead of granting cabinet more power, Giddens argued that BC Hydro should instead be reformed.

The BC Legislature returns to regular business on Monday, Nov. 17. Giddens said he’s keeping a close eye on Bill 30, titled the Employment Standards Amendment Act.

He said it would provide up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for workers and he’s trying to make sure it’s implemented in a way that makes it workable for both employers and employees. Giddens has served as the BC

The Citizen also reached out to both of Prince George’s two Members of Parliament for comment on the prime minister’s announcement.

Staff for Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty said he was travelling and unavailable for an interview. Calls to Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer’s Ottawa office were not returned. However, on X (formerly Twitter), Zimmer reposted a video from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s account where the Opposition leader slammed the length of time it’s taken for natural resources projects to get approved since the Liberals took power in 2015

However, while speaking to reporters at an unrelated media availability in Langley on Nov. 13, Eby said it wasn’t a surprise to him that so many of the major projects announced by Carney are in BC.

“British Columbia is going to be the economic engine of this new economy that we’re building going forward and it is great to see some recognition from Ottawa that this is going to be the case,” Eby said.

He said the North Coast Transmission line would use “clean electricity to drive growth” and that Ksi Lisims would “lift whole communities out of poverty and create opportunities that haven’t been seen for a treaty First Nation — Nisga’a First Nation — as well as neighbouring First Nations but also the region as well.”

UNBC student Nathan Menounos shares images and video as he recounts his journey along the 4,270-kilometre Pacific Crest Trail during a presentation at the Cabin Fever fundraiser held Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 at PG Golf and Curling Club. The event was held to support the The Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society (PGBRS), which handles the continued maintenance of local wildnerness cabins.

Carney gives North Coast Transmission Line a boost

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

BC Hydro’s planned North Coast Transmission Line project doubling electrical capacity from Prince George to Terrace got a big boost from the federal government on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Speaking in Terrace, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that morning that the project is one of six new projects that will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office to be expedited.

Created this past summer, the MPO is aimed at streamlining the federal review process for projects deemed to be in the national interest.

That same morning, the Canada Infrastructure Bank announced it would provide BC Hydro with a $139.5 million loan to support the early stages of the project.

Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations recently approved sending letters to the city’s three Conservative MLAs voicing the city’s support for the project after their party attempted to delay a bill trying to fast-track it at the provincial level.

Also being referred to the Major Projects Office is the Ksi Lisims LNG project proposed for Pearse Island, located in Northwest BC near the Alaska Border. That project is co-owned by the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Partners and American firm Western LNG.

The power that the transmission line carries out west is aimed to support industrial projects like Ksi Lisims and critical minerals developments in BC’s Golden Triangle area.

A media release from the Prime Minister’s Office said Ksi Lisims’ referral to the MPO will include an 800-kilometre Prince Rupert gas transmission line and a 95-kilometre electrical transmission line. The project, it said, is expected to generate around $30 billion in investments.

Both projects are part of what Carney referred to as the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor spanning Northwest BC and Yukon.

“This corridor sits atop vast deposits

This slide from a BC Hydro open house on the North Coast transmission line expansion project held on Tuesday, June 24 shows potential routes for Phase 1 of the project.

of critical minerals and has the potential to unlock world-class resources while creating a conservation area the size of Greece,” a media release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“Referring this corridor to the MPO ensures it can realise its extraordinary potential for critical minerals development and clean power transmission, while upholding Indigenous rights and supporting Indigenous project leadership … Realizing this potential will require a coordinated effort with provincial and Indigenous partners to build transmission lines, upgrade highways, install fibre and cell towers, and invest in communities, ports, and railway lines.

“Infrastructure investments under this strategy also link clean electricity to Canada’s ability to export LNG. Extending transmission to the Yukon can also power the North and has the potential to unlock additional resources.”

The Red Chris copper mine, located within the same region and operated by Newmont Mining and Imperial Metals, was referred to the MPO during the first

tranche of projects back in September.

The four other projects being referred to the MPO include:

• Canada Nickel’s Crawford Project, a nickel mine near Timmins, Ont.

• Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawanie Mine, which will mine graphite for defence and battery applications near Saint-Micheldes-Saints, Que.

• Northcliff Resources’ Sisson Mine in New Brunswick, which will produce tungsten for defence, production and industrial purposes

• Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project, which will build the first completely Inuit-owned hydro-energy project near the capital of Nunavut Combined, the release said, all 12 projects referred to the MPO in the first and second tranches represent a combined investment of more than $116 billion in the Canadian economy.

In the release, Carney called the announcements a response to uncertain

times.

“Faced with uncertainty, Canada’s new government is making bold choices to grow our economy stronger than ever before – with major investments, faster approvals, and a clear signal to workers and industry: it’s time to build,” Carney said.

“We are building sustainably, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, and we are building Canadian, with Canadian workers, materials, and expertise. We’re taking control of our future and building Canada strong.”

In a statement released before the announcement, Association for Mineral Exploration president and CEO Todd Stone — a former BC Liberal/BC United cabinet minister — said his organization was pleased to see support for the transmission line.

“The North Coast Transmission line will power the region and enable more mineral exploration projects to develop into the future mines that are so important to the Canadian economy,” Stone said.

Officials re-affirm commitment to working together

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Representatives from different levels of government gathered Thursday, Nov. 13 in downtown Prince George to reaffirm their commitment to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on regional advocacy.

The MOU was originally signed in 2024 by Mayor Simon Yu, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Chair Lara Beckett and former MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris. This update was necessary to have it signed by Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens and Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare.

It was also originally signed by local MPs Bob Zimmer, who represents Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, and Todd Doherty, who represents Cariboo-Prince George. Both local MPs were unable to be present at the signing as they were in Ottawa at the time, but their signatures will be in effect shortly.

Also attending were city councillors Brian Skakun, Ron Polillo and Trudy Klassen, who were joined by Lheidli T’enneh councillors Clayton Pount ney, Kyle McIntosh, Jamie Bird, Doug Olson and Crystal Gibbs, who signed for Logan, who was unable to be present.

Development Initiative Trust building in downtown Prince George.

Area elected officials take part in the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding between all levels of government on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Northern Development Initiative Trust building in downtown Prince George.

have been elected since September, the re-signing was intended to renew a collaborative approach from all levels of government to address the crisis throughout the Prince George region.

The issues mentioned in the MOU include health care, mental health, addictions, illicit drugs, organized crime and the effects of natural disasters.

“We are facing a lot of problems in this province and in this community and in our region,” said Clare. “There are big problems that are going to take a lot of effort to solve.”

in the different governments,” said Yu. “In this particular setting, we know that the minister receives the advocacy. They will know this is from a region as a whole — it’s all MLAs, MPs and regional directors. We have all looked at it and this is a reflection of our genuine wishes as a group, as a community, because all politics in the end are local.”

Gibbs said these issues affect everyone, including her nation, and require the support of all signers.

“We are all on board to continue our advocacy,” said Gibbs. “To support all of the challenges our nation, along with

options, with interest in a regional treatment centre

• Enhanced regional health-care services, with a focus on staffing

• Timely public safety responses, including collaboration with law enforcement agencies, that address both immediate needs and root causes

• Economic development opportunities, including tools to address local infrastructure

“You’ll see a common theme of really that mental health and addictions and public safety is so top of mind for people,” said Giddens.

“That is number one. But all of that is tied to economic opportunity because when you have socioeconomic challenges, then all those other problems actually get worse. A healthy economy and a safe community are actually intertwined and we have to work together to make sure we have both.”

He added that the MOU is just a piece of paper without actions taken by the signers.

“Just because we sign a piece of paper, that isn’t enough,” said Giddens. “We actually have to regularly communicate about all of these issues to

Pineview reverses plan to restrict water shed access

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

After a back and forth with users, a group offering water access to rural property owners in the Pineview area has backed down on a plan to heavily restrict operating hours.

For decades, the Pineview Improvement District has operated a water shed located on the property of the Pineview General Store.

Residents of properties not hooked up to water systems can pay for a membership that allows them to hook a hose up to a pipe at the shed and fill up large water tanks that they can replenish their cisterns with.

Users who access the shed have been able to come and go as they please, but one of the residents who relies on it recently informed The Citizen that changes are in the works.

Tom Hamilton, who has used the shed for 27 years, said the district recently informed users that the water shed would only be accessible for four hours a week starting Wednesday, Nov. 19.

“They want to monitor who’s spilling water from what I can understand,” Hamilton said in a Wednesday, Nov. 12 phone interview. “The water shed is located at the Pineview General Store. I guess it’s the owner that is complaining about the water spilling over.”

The new hours, he said, were listed as Wednesdays and Saturdays between 1 and 2 p.m. and 6 and 7 p.m. Making all users visit at the same time is likely to cause lineups, he said.

“A lot of people work, so the one to two time is not going to work,” Hamilton said. “And the six to seven time, most people that I know pick up the water on their way home, so now they’ve got to go home, turn around, come back and make a special trip to get their water.”

That same day, The Citizen visited the property at the corner of Old Cariboo Highway and Bendixon Road, just south of Pineview Elementary School.

A notice on an orange sheet of paper taped to the shed alerted users to the upcoming changes.

“It has come to the board’s attention

that there have been a few people who continually ignore the rules of the water shed, causing water waste and damage to the property,” the notice said.

“As of Nov. 19, 2025 the hours will be changing to Wednesday & Saturday from 1-2 p.m. & 6-7 p.m. We will have someone there to monitor people’s usage.

“This has come about as we do not own the property the water shed sits on. The owner is fed up with the disrespect and damage done to the property.

“This is our last effort to keep this service in place. If this does not fix the issues we will be forced to shut down the water shed indefinitely. We will be monitoring this and reviewing it again in the new year.”

Another undated notice on blue paper next to the other notice from the Pineview Improvement District board said that there has been a lot of spillage at the shed and asks users to make sure their hoses are attached securely, their clamps are secure, to inspect their hoses for leaks, not to overfill water tanks and to remain next to the water tanks until they are full.

In a Friday, Nov. 14 phone interview, general store owner Tammy Keller said there were a few users of the water shed ruining it for everyone else.

“They come here and they don’t have the proper equipment, like broken hoses and such,” said Keller, who has owned the store for seven years.

“You come outside and there’s gallons and gallons and gallons of water being poured on the parking lot and then on the other hand you get customers coming in complaining that there’s holes in the parking lot. So, then you try to fix the holes and then you go out and there’s another guy spilling gallons of water.

“They’re inside the store and you go ‘hey buddy, you’re overfilling.’ He finishes doing his shopping, goes and gets his lotto and then slowly goes back out and turns it off. It’s wet all the time.”

To make the parking lot more damage-resistant, Keller said, she had recycled asphalt installed to replace the gravel that was there before. She said she still has to have someone with a Bobcat come in and deal with the area

closest to the water tower for two to three hours every Tuesday.

Some of the users, she said, don’t have jugs with lids on them, causing water to slosh out as they leave the property. There was one user who didn’t have the bottom plug in his jug in, causing all the water to immediately flow out and onto the parking lot.

In the winter, the spilled water freezes, which is hard on the plow they use to clear the parking lot. Keller shared a video of one user filling up at the shed, water pouring out of their pickup truck’s bed and pooling around the vehicle.

Some of the water seeps into the general’s store basement, which Keller said she has three sump pumps running to deal with.

Though the improvement district announced restricted hours, Keller said she wasn’t sure it was going to work given how many people take multiple trips to get enough water for their needs.

Her suggestion to the improvement district was to dig a drainage trench. She said their response was to say they would revoke the access cards over those using the shed improperly.

In a follow-up email sent on Monday, Nov. 17, Keller said the improvement society had decided not to proceed with the new hours.

“We do not want the water filling station removed, as we think it’s a much

needed service to the community,” Keller said in the email.

“The issue is the abuse to the water, and the damage it causes to the yard. We are working with the water improvement district to avoid these issues, and they are our friend, not our enemy. They are trying to figure out a solution as soon as possible in the only way they know how, and the hours are not going to be changed as the hours proposed won’t work. Trial and error kind of thing, but everyone involved is trying.”

Reached again by phone on Nov. 17, Hamilton said the improvement district had sent out an email on Nov. 14 announcing that they weren’t going ahead with the change in hours.

He said he’s relieved that other solutions are being looked at and agreed that users of the shed should be more responsible.

Hamilton said the shed has a five-minute timer that shuts off the water feed and requires users to flash their access card again, wondering whether they could reduce that to a shorter amount of time to keep people from wandering away.

However, he said he’d decided to get his water elsewhere and he’s not the only one.

“A lot of people have found that they can get water from the city (of Prince George) on Boundary Road,” Hamilton said.

“I talked to the city guy (at the facility) last week and he said five people had gone over to the city and there was a whole bunch the week before that … I’m going to start going to Boundary Road because, I’ve been doing this for 27 years and all of a sudden, they’re going to limit when I can get water.

“I hold water for an elderly lady next door who had hip surgery and a brain tumour, so I need to come here more often than normal.”

Hamilton said that while the Boundary Road facility is more expensive, he doesn’t want the threat of reduced or removed access at the Pineview shed hanging over him.

The Pineview Improvement Society declined requests for comment for this story.

Reconnect with the Odd Couple at TNW

‘My friend Murray the cop is right. Let’s just play cards and please hold them up. I can’t see where I marked them.’

Felix (Connor Riopel) delivers a BLT sandwich to Vinnie (Sarah Higgins) at the poker table during a rehearsal of Theatre NorthWest’s upcoming production of The Odd Couple, opening Thursday, Nov. 20 and running to Wednesday, Dec. 10. The neat-freak Felix and slovenly Oscar are two unlikely roommates in New York, famous from stage, film and TV. It’s the first time at TNW for director Mark DuMez.Tickets are available at the TNW box office: 250-563-6969 ext. 306 or at ci.ovationtix.com/36885/ production/1227381.

Bible camp looking to build new cabins, restore shoreline

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The owners of Ness Lake Bible Camp are looking for permission from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George to build new cabins, remove vegetation and trees and restore eroded lakeshore areas. A development permit application from camp owners Canadian Sunday School Mission was up for consideration at the Thursday, Nov. 20 meeting

of the district’s board of directors.

Ness Lake Bible Camp, located about 30 kilometres northwest of Prince George, was established in 1953 on property provided by George and Nellie Campbell.

The application covers four properties that collectively make up the bible camp. One is home to the residence for the caretaker and staff, two comprise the camp itself and associated bunkhouses, dining halls and other

structures and the last one is a treed area.

“The applicant is proposing a maintenance, development, and restoration plan for their four properties, which make up the Ness Lake Bible Camp,” said a report written by district staff.

“The works include the removal of vegetation and trees around buildings, structures and existing accesses.

Construction of up to 28 shelters/ cabins with a maximum footprint of

10.0 square metres. Erosion restoration works in select sites near the shoreline and the construction of an access road in the northern part of the property.”

The owners must apply for the development permit as the properties are within the regional district Ness Lake Development Permit Area, which is designed to protect the natural environment around the lake.

District staff said that issuing the permit would be reasonable .

OPINION

Big politics, big projects ... with one glaring problem

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

BC wants to be on the cusp of an economic transformation driven by mining and LNG, but the province, which is a net importer of electricity, doesn’t have the electrical capacity to support that growth.

In pointing out the obstacles standing in the way of BC’s economic future, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens is right — but the problem is bigger than provincial permitting.

If the province really intends to build the next century’s worth of growth-generating power infrastructure, it has to first absorb the sobering lessons laid out in BC Hydro’s new 234-page Site C report.

Everyone agrees that diversifying BC’s economy is urgent, especially as the forestry sector struggles with mill curtailments and closures. Projects like the Ksi Lisims LNG facility, the North Coast Transmission Line and expanded critical mineral development could spark decades of Northern prosperity.

Even Ottawa sees the potential, referring several BC projects to its Major Projects Office for possible expedited review.

But as Giddens notes in a Citizen interview, most of the permitting power lies with the province — and right now, political choices and structural shortcomings are holding back the industries Premier Eby says he wants to grow.

The biggest (and most fundamental) barrier is electricity. Site C is finally

producing power, but its output is already committed to the population down south (you know, the ones who make decisions for the whole province) as they move away from natural gas for heating and toward more electric vehicles.

If we expect to be able to electrify new mines, support LNG terminals and look to having forestry operations in remote regions, one Site C on the Peace River is not nearly enough.

We need the equivalent of two more just like it, a daunting prospect given

what we now know about how difficult and expensive major hydro construction has become.

The Site C report makes that clear. It details billions in cost overruns triggered by underestimated geotechnical risks and major mid-project redesigns. Tension cracks, foundation movement and structural uncertainty delayed construction by years.

BC Hydro admits it lacked the internal capacity at the outset, failing to scale up engineering and management resources early enough. That miscalculation alone

contributed hundreds of millions in added costs.

Weather disruptions delayed reservoir filling. Rising interest rates forced costly debt-hedging strategies. Contractor coordination problems and weaknesses in project governance compounded the challenges.

BC Hydro says it’ll build a “lessons learned” database to avoid repeating these mistakes, but the takeaway is unavoidable: building major new power infrastructure in BC is harder than ever, more expensive than expected and BC Hydro isn’t as good at it as it should be. Meanwhile, building the physical pathways to resource development — roads, rail corridors and industrial sites — requires immense power long before mines or LNG terminals can begin operating.

The province remains focused on proposed wind and solar opportunities, even though the combined output of these projects fail to come close to generating what is needed to meet demand, demand that is the equivalent of two more Site Cs.

Without electrical power, the North has a limited future for development. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia are currently building or planning to build new natural gas power plants. New small modular reactors are being built in Ontario, and considered in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.

SEE ‘SITE C’ ON NEXT PAGE

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OPINION

Reporting how each councillor votes helps us vote in return

I greatly appreciate the way The Prince George Citizen is reporting on council meetings.

Clearly stating the stand taken by each councillor will make it very easy come election time.

Wendy Barteluk

Prince George

There’s much more to Cowichan decision than in a recent letter

Re: Cowichan land decision has local implications (Letters to the Editor, Nov. 6)

I question whether James Cluff or the editor at The Prince George Citizen have taken the time to speak with local First Nations — or with any First Nations person — before publishing fear-based conclusions.

Although I am not a member of the Cowichan Nation, I do not believe its people intend to evict homeowners. What they are seeking is accountability from the government, which sold land that was never theirs to sell.

My guess is that the Cowichan will want compensation from the government for lost revenue and for resources taken without consent.

Yet opinions like those published recently shift blame in the wrong direction and fuel unnecessary fear.

Consider this: if I unknowingly bought a stolen car, who is truly at fault? Who rightfully owns the vehicle? Would it be criminal for me to keep it once the truth is known?

Homeowners affected by unresolved land claims are not the villains; they too are victims of government actions. They deserve justice and

compensation. I

f I owned property in Richmond, I would be demanding that the government make me whole — not blaming First Nations people whose land was taken.

The idea that First Nations communities are preparing to “take back” land by force is not only absurd; it is racist.

Government institutions have long used racism to divide the public, especially when they fear being held accountable.

If citizens are busy fighting one another, they are less likely to question the government’s role in creating these problems.

Is that what reconciliation is supposed to look like?

My only request is that people seek out credible information and listen to all sides before reaching conclusions driven by fear rather than truth.

Lori Gauthier

Fort St. James

Here’s what’s really going on as regional district workers strike

As a concerned Prince George resident, I feel compelled to speak up. I do not work for the regional district, but I do know several people who do.

The public has heard a great deal from managers and directors — the people who run the district — but very

little from the workers who keep it functioning.

It’s time the public heard their side.

These workers are out there every day — rain, snow, heat — processing and disposing of everyone’s garbage responsibly and safely.

They maintain landfills and park facilities that all of us rely on, despite it being far from glamorous work.

Now they are asking for a fair contract and being met with a firm refusal.

Does the public know there are currently 19 managers and six exempt staff overseeing just 100 workers? That’s roughly one salaried supervisor for every four workers.

Does the public know how much money is being spent to renovate private offices for management?

Does the public know it was management who cut part-time workers’ hours, altered landfill operating days and forced the city to change garbage pickup schedules — decisions that left workers little choice but to strike?

And are people aware that the recent waiving of landfill fees — while popular — is also a strategic move to gain public support, even as management refuses to offer workers a fair deal?

Since the strike began, management has done everything possible to retaliate against workers — everything except return to the table to negotiate a solution.

It is my hope that the public will take a closer look at what is happening, recognize the value of these workers and decide for themselves which side truly deserves support.

Karen Stuart

Prince George

Site C can’t meet the energy needs of Northern growth

Much of the electricity that British Columbia is importing is coming from Washington, which uses nuclear and gas power generation in addition to renewable sources.

And remember, Bill 31’s ability to let cabinet decide who’ll get to plug in only heightens investor uncertainty, as Giddens points out.

Instead of concentrating power in cabinet, BC should reform BC Hydro’s planning systems, strengthen risk

management and commit to long-term electrical power generation expansion informed by the hard lessons of Site C.

The province can’t electrify industrial growth with blind optimism and political discretion (and visits from the prime minister).

It needs a grounded, realistic and adequately resourced plan to generate far more electricity than it produces today. Giddens is right about the stakes. The question is whether the province is willing to build — and learn — enough to meet them.

OPINION

Editorial: Council is no place for performative politics

It would appear that Coun. Kyle Sampson and Coun. Ron Polillo need to Learn what “performative” means.

To quote the Oxford Dictionary: it refers to “Of action, speech, behaviour, etc.: done or expressed for the sake of appearance, esp. to impress others or to improve one’s own image (typically with the implication of insincere intent or superficial impact)”.

Shane Miller’s comments in no way fit this definition. He is simply trying to make the case for the harm that the closure will cause the swim club.

On the other hand, Mr. Sampson’s behaviour and posturing would seem to fit this definition quite well. To a lesser extent Ms. Ramsay and Mr. Polillo might also qualify.

The irony is further compounded when the said councillors have pushed forward motions on citizenship awards and World Cup block parties.

Oldfatguy

Council argues over library finances

Libraries are struggling in the era of screens and post-COVID habits.

Reducing funding for what has long been a cornerstone of our community risks more than it saves. It affects safety, accessibility, and livability, especially for families and children.

While the library should continue exploring sponsorships and other revenue sources, it also needs stable funding to reach its potential. The library is not just a cost; it’s an essential investment in our Civic Core.

Alongside the Art Gallery, it’s one of the few public spaces open year-round, serving as a natural hub for learning, creativity, and connection in our downtown.

If we have to, take it out of the road budget. Roads serve cars, but the library serves our people.

S Goods

Council argues over library finances

It’s disappointing to see Councillor Sampson pushing to cut library funding when public libraries aren’t meant to make money, they’re meant to make a difference. Libraries aim for social return on investment (ROI) rather than financial profit. Studies in Canada show that every $1 invested in a public library returns $4–6 in community value — through literacy support, digital access, job-seeking help, and safe public spaces. So yes, libraries usually operate at a financial deficit, but their community and educational value is the real measure of success. Cutting that investment isn’t “saving money,” it’s shortchanging the people who rely on these services most.

BReader

Canada Post finalizes transformation plan

Had the PO been realistic when community mailboxes first became a practice they could have worked with the union to achieve labour force downsizing through attrition and switched to community boxes over a period of time, e-mail, websites, online ordering etc., have drastically reduced the volume of mail coming to our door and I suspect that is true for a large portion of the population. I am not unsympathetic to the workers that now may lose their jobs and would place responsibility for that at the feet of PO management for the most part.

Renoguy24

Canada Post finalizes transformation plan

I wonder what the statistics are on the level of ‘robberies’ in the community boxes, vs. 10 years ago? I don’t hear as much chatter regarding mail/ packages going missing from the newer boxes that seem to dot the landscape. Let’s face it, packages left at the door by other delivery systems get stolen or go missing with some frequency too.

It is hard to know what is true or valid in this argument.

Even those of use who are retired/older get much of our mail via email vs. the mailbox these days. Most of the stuff arriving in my mailbox is the junk mail, ad mail and government documents. The numbers of us who still get checks mailed to their homes are dwindling as direct deposit is faster and more secure.

Canada Post does have a need to re-organize and fit into the current state of affairs in our evolving world. We could go to a 2-3/days a week schedule easily. Unfortunately this will change the required workforce.

HJMSPG

Woman testifies she slept through Achillion explosion

She’s accused of being part of a plan to steal while police were distracted

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A woman charged with break and enter to commit an indictable offence testified in Provincial Court on Nov. 13 that she was extremely exhausted from an urgent round-trip to Winnipeg, so she did not hear the natural gas explosion that rocked downtown Prince George.

Sonya Joyce Cecilia Korolyk, born in 1981, pleaded not guilty. She is accused of driving a pickup truck to help remove a fence so her ex-husband and another man could steal a dirtbike on Aug. 22, 2023.

Korolyk said she was staying in the Moccasin Flats homeless camp. Only 800 metres away, around 7 a.m., the former Achillion Restaurant near Fourth Avenue and Dominion Street blew up. She said someone told her later about the blast.

“You had no idea that somebody may have thought that, because all the police resources were consumed downtown, that they could go steal some dirt bikes at the time?” Crown prosecutor Rodney Withall asked Korolyk before Judge David Simpkin.

“I was exhausted, I didn’t know,” Korolyk replied.

Korolyk said she agreed to drive elsewhere — an ICBC lot near Ospika Boulevard and 15th Avenue — as long as she could park and get some rest. She said she was recovering from an urgent,

24-hour road trip to Winnipeg and back in order to rescue her granddaughter from “an unsafe environment.”

Withall doubted she could have made the trip so fast. Korolyk said it took her “maybe a little longer,” but claimed she drove at 170 kilometres-per-hour to Winnipeg.

Withall also asked about a rope attached to the trailer hitch of Korolyk’s truck and suggested it was used to pry

the fence open.

“There’s no way I can attach that to my truck and then attach the other side to the fence,” Korolyk replied.

Korolyk indicated that she realized her ex-husband was trying to steal a dirt bike and she decided to leave. The two men jumped in the back of the pickup truck and she drove to Moccasin Flats.

“I’m going to suggest to you that, even on your evidence, you help these

individuals escape from the scene at which they were committing a crime,” Withall said.

Korolyk denied and reiterated she was tired at the time, “but, now that I look at it, yes, I could see it that way.”

Korolyk’s lawyer, Wes Perrin, told Simpkin that his client is entering a residential treatment program next week. So the trial was adjourned to Nov. 26 to schedule a date for closing arguments.

CrossRoads arson suspect’s case hits another court delay

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The lawyer for the man accused of the CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery arson did not appear in BC Supreme Court in Prince George as scheduled on

Monday, Nov. 17.

Richard Alex Gordon Titchener was charged after the Sept. 5 fire destroyed the downtown location.

Justice Marguerite Church adjourned the matter to Nov. 24 due to the absence of Georges Rivard.

Crown prosecutor Rodney Withall said he is in frequent contact with Rivard, who is seeking instructions on next steps from Titchener after receiving new evidence disclosure from the Crown.

Titchener, who remains in custody,

pleaded not guilty on Sept. 24 in his last Prince George Provincial Court appearance.

He also chose to be tried by judge alone in BC Supreme Court and waived his right to a preliminary inquiry. The trial has not been scheduled.

Guilty plea to manslaughter for killer of Lydia McFarlane

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Prince George man charged with the second-degree murder of Lydia McFarlane in 2023 pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Nov. 10 in BC Supreme Court.

Clarence Lee Engstrom, 57, maintained his not guilty plea to the second-degree murder charge, but agreed to a statement of facts read in court before Justice Ronald Tindale. The statement said Engstrom was motivated to “teach her a lesson” for allegedly stealing cash from his wallet.

An autopsy in Vernon found she died of multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

Crown prosecutor Eric Rines read the statement in which Engstrom admitted he struck and killed McFarlane between 12:43 a.m. and 12:46 a.m. on July 14, 2023.

McFarlane’s neighbour at the North Star Inn and Suites had not seen her for a few days and she became concerned. A housekeeper opened the door to McFarlane’s suite on July 17, 2023 and found the 53-year-old’s body on the

The death of a woman at the former North Star Inn in 2023 has led to a guilty plea of manslaughter for a 57-year-old man.

floor with large amounts of blood on the walls.

In July of 2023, Engstrom resided at the Ketso Yoh Centre housing shelter where he was enrolled in a substance abuse recovery program.

Engstrom agreed to give a statement

to Prince George RCMP on July 22 at the detachment. He said he offered to assist McFarlane by getting her food and medication, as she was banned from attending Save-on-Foods.

“He had last seen Miss McFarlane 10 or 11 days prior, and he had attended

her residence for approximately an hour around 8 or 9 p.m.” Rines said.

“He denied being in a romantic relationship with Miss McFarlane. He denied killing Miss McFarlane.”

Police seized items from Engstrom, including a cloth grocery bag. He gave two more statements to police in 2023 on Aug. 21 and Sept. 13 and confirmed he was the individual seen on the North Star security video footage.

Engstrom was charged on Oct. 18, 2024. While in RCMP custody on Oct. 19, 2024, officers confronted him with the evidence police collected.

“Mr. Engstrom stated the following: he didn’t mean to kill Miss McFarlane,” Rines said.

“He attended her residence and discovered she had taken $500 from his wallet. She had stolen from him before, and he had let it slide. He had to teach her a lesson for stealing from him. He didn’t think he hit her that hard. He hit her with a blue bag with a can of soup inside it. He wanted to jump off a bridge once he realized he’d killed her. He only struck her once.”

Engstrom will return to court on Jan. 5 to schedule a date for sentencing.

Man accused of assaulting ex-girlfriend found not guilty

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend was found not guilty on Nov. 10 in Prince George Provincial Court.

Judge Peter McDermick concluded the Crown had not met its duty to prove the case against Robert Douglas Hoggan and the judge believed the accused man was acting in self-defence.

Hoggan shared a house with the complainant, with whom he began dating in July 2020. They broke up in January 2024, but continued to live in different parts of the house and care for two dogs. The woman and her daughter would only stay in the house when Hoggan was not there.

A judge has ruled that a man accused of assault was acting in self-defence.

On March 5, 2024, the woman was surprised when she arrived and found Hoggan, who worked a rotating twoweek schedule, standing at the garage door.

They had a verbal dispute which escalated into a pushing and slapping match. The complainant testified he grabbed her by the hair and slammed her on the ground.

McDermick called the woman a good witness and that he was “slightly troubled” by Hoggan’s purported belief that she was there to take the dogs. Hoggan testified in his own defence and disavowed any wrongdoing, “noting that any contact by him was in self-defence.” McDermick said the Crown conceded there was an “air of reality to the self-defence” and noted that the

complainant struck Hoggan in the face twice with a closed fist.

Hoggan and the complainant gave materially differing accounts, leaving McDermick to gauge their reliability and credibility. He said he would “easily conclude that Mr. Hoggan probably assaulted [the woman], just like she said he did,” but that is not the threshold.

“Although I have concerns with Mr. Hoggan’s testimony, I don’t reject it outright,” McDermick said. “Even though I do not necessarily fully accept the accused’s evidence, nevertheless, after considering it in conjunction with the full body of evidence before me, I believe, or have a reasonable doubt, that he was acting in lawful self-defence.”

Judge acknowledges new diversion program in ruling

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge acknowledged the new Indigenous Diversion Centre in Prince George in his Oct. 28 ruling that said a mandatory 30-day jail sentence for an Indigenous sex offender would violate the constitution.

In May, Judge David Patterson sentenced Dion Evan Jackson, 50, to three months of house arrest, three months of curfew and three years probation for exposing himself in front of children at a park in Prince Rupert.

The Crown had sought a fivemonth jail sentence and two years of probation.

Because it proceeded by summary conviction, Jackson was subject to a 30-day mandatory minimum sentence. Patterson ruled that a mandatory minimum sentence in this case contravenes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms section against cruel or unusual treatment or punishment.

Owner co-operating after RCMP undercover probe at restaurant

The owner of a downtown restaurant that was the focus of an RCMP narcotics probe said he’s co-operating with police as the investigation continues.

The Twisted Cork, located on Fifth Avenue, has been the subject of an active investigation that began earlier this year, RCMP announced on Monday, Nov. 10.

Investigators said they suspected the eatery was being used as an “open-air drug market.”

Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP, defined an open-air drug market as “any location where drugs are being sold in an overt manner, not covertly, in order to attract the most customers.”

The business was the focus of an undercover investigation during which

In an end note, Patterson said Jackson would have been jailed at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre if the mandatory minimum sentence applied. The provincial jail is overcapacity and 63 per cent of inmates identify as Indigenous.

The new diversion program opened Oct. 14 through the BC First Nations Justice Council and RCMP. Some Indigenous offenders who have committed minor crimes will undergo 90 days of therapy, including taking responsibility for their actions and meeting their victims.

It can result in charges being dropped, Patterson explained.

“While Mr. Jackson would not qualify at this time for the program due to the sexual offence for which he was convicted, this remains the kind of programming Indigenous offenders such as Mr. Jackson need,” Patterson said. “Not an MMS.”

In Jackson’s case, Patterson said it was “significantly better” for him to serve his sentence and receive treatment in the community than in jail, “given his unique circumstances and notable deficits.”

Jackson, who is unemployed and diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, has a criminal record that includes three previous sex assaults on four victims. He was deemed a moderate-to-low risk to reoffend. Patterson weighed that against Jackson’s Indigenous heritage and his current treatment for kidney cancer.

“From an Indigenous perspective, fully understanding the realities of Mr. Jackson’s life, Canada’s history with its Indigenous peoples, and the history of the Tsimshian in the Pacific Northwest of British Columbia, the MMS is grossly disproportionate and not just excessive, relative to an appropriate and proportionate sentence,” Patterson concluded.

officers were allegedly sold illicit substances, prompting the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant at the location on Friday, Nov. 7.

The Citizen called Troy Mackenzie, the owner of the Twisted Cork, who confirmed he was unaware of the employee’s actions and has fully cooperated with the RCMP investigation, but declined to comment further.

A 46-year-old employee was arrested as a result of the investigation, and suspected illicit substances were seized by the RCMP.

RCMP also told The Citizen that the restaurant and its other staff are not actively under investigation and no other charges have been laid at this point.

RCMP stated in a news release that the suspect was subsequently released, as charges are pending further laboratory analysis and approval by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Encampment resident threatened to burn down house

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man who was connected to the Moccasin Flats homeless camp was found guilty in Provincial Court on Nov. 14 of uttering threats to burn down a nearby resident’s house more than a year ago.

But Judge Cassandra Malfair acquitted Patrick Williams of assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The one-day trial heard testimony from one witness.

Federal government employee Neil Busse told the court that he arrived home around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2024 when he noticed Williams, who was hunched over and handling a pallet.

Busse assumed Williams was a resident of Moccasin Flats and he became concerned that the man would use the pallet to start a fire.

From his front yard, Williams called

RCMP arrested a suspect after a man reported threats made by a resident of Moccasin Flats in 2024.

to the man, then swore at him to get his attention and threatened to call Prince George RCMP, who had previously told people living near the encampment to report any suspicious activity.

That angered Williams who crossed the street to Busse’s property to confront him.

“I accept Mr. Busse’s evidence that the accused told him more than once that he was going to kill Mr. Busse and burn his house down,” said Malfair,

who called Busse a reliable, forthright witness.

Malfair was satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt with Crown prosecutor Katie Diehl’s case that Williams spoke the words with the intention to intimidate Busse, so she found Williams guilty of uttering threats.

Busse also testified that he believed Williams had a four-inch knife when he reached into his pocket, made a flicking motion and threatened to stab him.

Residential fire does $250K damage on Eighth Avenue

Prince George Fire Rescue crews from three halls had an early start Sunday, Nov. 16 dealing with a residential structure fire on the 1600 block of Eighth Avenue.

Firefighters responded to the call at approximately 6 a.m. and found extensive flames in a single-story residential structure.

Crews quickly extinguished the blaze before it was able to spread to nearby homes.

RCMP also assisted with the removal of the occupants of the home during the fire.

Busse said that prompted him to retreat to his home and call police.

RCMP officers responded in three vehicles.

Officers found Williams down the embankment, in Moccasin Flats, jumping up and down on a pallet and arrested him at gunpoint. They searched Williams and the vicinity, but could not locate a knife.

Busse agreed in cross-examination that the actions combined with the words caused him to perceive Williams had a knife.

Malfair said Williams was angry and the object could have been a knife. She was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt because Williams did not wave, point or lunge with the object. Also, Williams did not flee or hide from police and a knife would not have been something to be casually discarded by someone in Williams’s economic circumstances.

Sentencing is to be scheduled.

FIRE NOTES

No firefighters or occupants were hurt as a result of the blaze.

The estimated damage is $250,000 and the fire is currently under investigation.

Fire department gets stuck ring off jewelry shopper’s finger

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John firefighters were on hand to help with a sticky situation at a local jewelry store.

The Fort St. John Fire Department was called on Wednesday, November 12th to Carters Jewellers at 9908 101st Avenue, after a patron had a ring stuck on her finger.

Representatives from the store, who asked not to be named, confirmed the story and said the fire department is called in those situations to remove stuck rings.

The representative confirmed both parties had left the premises, as the fire engine was dispatched to another call.

Local Journalism Initiative reporting by Ed Hitchins, energeticcity.ca

Lheidli T’enneh looks to renew fire deal with Shell-Glen

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation is looking to renew its contract with Shell-Glen Fire/Rescue to provide firefighting services for its reserve on the south side of the Fraser River, according to documents set to be presented at the most recent meeting for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.

In 2015, the regional district and Lheidli T’enneh entered into a 10-year fire protection service agreement for Fort George Reserve No. 2.

The reserve is located on both the north and south banks of the Fraser River, but the proposed agreement with the regional district would only provide service for the section on the south side, located just north of Shelley.

With that agreement expiring on Dec. 31, 2025, the board will be asked to consider entering a new one from Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2030.

A draft copy of the new agreement attached to the meeting agenda states that Lheidli T’enneh will pay the regional district an annual service fee

Referendum approves new fire hall, engine in 150 Mile House

that will start at $14,000 in 2026 and will be adjusted based on BC’s consumer price index rate in subsequent years. Services rendered will include fighting

structural fires or fires threatening structure in the reserve, but it will not include fighting forest fires, fire inspection or prevention services or any other services not specified in the agreement.

As part of the agreement, Lheidli T’enneh agrees to let Shell-Glen Fire/Rescue use its reservoir and fire hydrants at the reserve to fight fires and to keep that equipment in good working condition.

The agreement also specifies that members of the First Nation can become members of the fire department on the same basis and receive the same training as any other volunteer.

Every year, a representative of the First Nation and the regional district are to meet to review the agreement.

Either party can terminate the agreement by providing 60 days’ notice. If the agreement expires and a new one has yet to be negotiated, the parties can agree to keep the existing terms in place on a month-to-month basis while talks are ongoing.

Preliminary results show voters in the 150 Mile House fire protection area have approved of two referendums to borrow funds for a new fire hall and fire engine.

The first referendum — which received 181 favourable votes out of 222 — sought authorization for the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) to borrow funds over a 25-year period to design and construct a new fire hall without interrupting ongoing services.

The second referendum — which received 204 favourable votes out of 222 — sought authorization for the CRD to borrow funds for a new fire truck over a 10-year rather than five-year period. The 150 Mile Volunteer Fire Department’s current fire enginge has reached the end of its service life and needs to be replaced to ensure safety, reliabilty and

The vote was held on Saturday, Nov. 8. Official results were declared on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

The community’s existing fire hall, originally built by local volunteers, does not meet structural, fire-safety and accessibility requirements, and a 2023 independent analysis determined that upgrading or repurposing the hall through renovations would require a full structural rebuild, which was not feasible.

Among the building’s issues are the ventilation systems which are inadequate for removing exhaust and contaminants, the steep, slippery stairs which have no tactile warning strips or proper handrails and the exit doors — one of which is barred shut — which swing in the wrong direction. This story originally appeared in The Williams Lake Tribune.

Former lawyer, cabinet minister Jack Heinrich dies at 88

He

held

several

high-profile posts in the Bill Bennett Social Credit government

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

When the BC government fired nine Vancouver School Board trustees on May 6, 1985, Education Minister Jack Heinrich’s name was on those pink slips.

Heinrich was forced to act when the Vancouver board refused to trim $14 million from its budget, so he installed an interim trustee until a by-election was held. The decision touched off protests around the province and picketers swarmed the Prince George district office.

“I don’t relish the thought of it at all but I’ve taken an oath of office to uphold the law,” said Heinrich at the time. “The Vancouver School Board was using a strategy that was creating anxiety among the public. If that continued the public confidence would be undermined and the prospect to follow would be one of chaos.”

A week after the Vancouver board dismissal, Heinrich fired trustees on the Cowichan School Board.

The Prince George commercial real estate lawyer, who represented Prince George North for seven years as an MLA while holding several high-profile cabinet posts in Bill Bennett’s Social Credit government, died at 88 on Oct. 21 in Calgary.

Known as a “fearless” politician and staunch supporter for his Prince George North constituents, Heinrich was first elected provincially on May 10, 1979 and spent seven months as a backbencher before he joined Bennett’s cabinet.

“Formidable, incomparable and kind,” said Ianna Selkirk, a ministerial assistant who worked in Heinrich’s Prince George constituency office and his law office. “He was really committed to the North, he was very intelligent and he had street smarts.”

Heinrich took on three cabinet positions during his 7½ years in Victoria, serving as minister of education, labour and municipal affairs. His skills as a lawyer led to him being called in briefly to serve in other ministries, including health, environment and parks, aboriginal affairs and intergovernmental relations.

Appointed forests minister in February 1986, Heinrich held that position until the Socreds chose Bill Vander Zalm to replace the retiring Bennett. Vander Zalm was sworn in Aug. 6, just before the October election, and he named Heinrich interim municipal affairs minister to replace Bill Ritchie, who resigned his post. Two weeks later, Heinrich announced he was stepping down from politics.

“He needed a rest,” said Bruce Strachan, MLA for Prince George South.

“He was a strong supporter for Prince George, he served in three of the province’s toughest ministries.”

At the time of his resignation, Heinrich told The Citizen it was a decision between him and his wife and that his only plan was to get “some exercise, some sun and some rest.

politician and he held various cabinet posts at a time in provincial politics when there was very much a polarization between left and right. He did a remarkably good job in some very difficult portfolios, including forests and labour, and he did a sterling job on that, very conscientious and hardworking.

“He was the type who would speak his mind and often paid the price for it, but that was him. He was very capable (as a lawyer), he had a tremendous ability to bring business in, so we had banks and that kind of clientele. He was loyal, hardworking and he cared a lot about his clients and when he was in politics, about his constituents. He was the glad-handing type that brought the business in the door, very affable, very approachable, had a ready ability to laugh and a good sense of humour.”

Known as a right-wing liberal, Heinrich entered politics in 1968, when he was elected for the first of two terms as a Prince George alderman.

“I don’t think people know the horrendous strain that’s placed on people in cabinet positions when you take them very seriously,” Heinrich said.

Heinrich was born and raised near Mission and he earned a law degree from UBC. He met his wife Linda (nee Strachan), a registered nurse, while she was on shift at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver and they were married in 1962. Jack and Linda moved to Prince George in 1964 with their infant son Paul, and a year later they welcomed a daughter, Kim.

Heinrich, Allan Hope and Les Cashman established the Cashman Hope Heinrich law firm in August 1965 in downtown Prince George. Heinrich worked closely with his good friend and real estate partner Bob Cooper of RJ Cooper Construction on contracts that built hundreds of Prince George homes.

Heinrich was named to Queen’s Counsel in 1986 but he didn’t practise law after his political career came to an end.

“He was a good solid person with good instincts, honest as the day is long,” said Gary Brown, who knew Heinrich well as a partner in the firm.

“Certainly I remember him as a

President of the Fort George Liberal Association, he switched allegiances to the Social Credit Party in the fall of 1974 to fight the NDP government and the following year became the Socred candidate for Prince George-Peace River, which became Prince George North in 1979.

“He did like (municipal politics) and I could never understand it because, as he said, ‘Suddenly I’m living in a fishbowl.’ He had to be accessible and reachable to Joe Public any hour of the day or night and he enjoyed it.”

Heinrich was a devoted family man and a gifted athlete who excelled in basketball in high school and beyond in Mission. He also loved racquet sports, especially squash.

“Boy, could he hit a baseball,” said Brown. “He was a natural athlete.”

Linda retired from nursing before she moved to Prince George and became a master weaver and world authority on linen, writing a popular book, Linen: From Flax Seed to Woven Cloth. She and Jack moved to Kelowna in 1993, where they lived until her death in 2021. He moved to Calgary last year to be closer to his grandchildren.

School board releases staff pay, trustee remuneration

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Employees and elected officials with School District 57 earned around $140.3 million in salaries and benefits in the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to documents that was set to be presented at the Tuesday, Nov. 18 board of education meeting, after this edition of The Citizen was printed.

Like municipalities, school districts in BC are required to publish statements of financial information that include details on compensation for employees making more than $75,000 a year, elected officials, payments to suppliers of goods and services worth more than $25,000 within six months of the end of a fiscal year.

Those documents showed that the seven-person board of education earned a collective $186,610.20 in compensation in the 2024-25 school year and claimed $36,526.96 in expenses. Here’s what each trustee earned and claimed in compensation in 2024-25:

• Craig Brennan (chair): $32,082 in remuneration, $5,199.99 in expenses

• Erica McLean (vice-chair): $28,572 in remuneration, $5,879.66 in expenses

• Robert Thompson: $25,748.04 in remuneration, $6,542.21 in expenses

• Cory Antrim: $25,052.04 in remuneration, $5,642.76 in expenses

• Sarah Holland: $25,052.04 in remuneration, $5,315.16 in expenses

• Shar McCrory: $25,052,04 in remuneration, $5,315.16 in expenses

• Rachael Weber: $25,052.04 in remuneration, $2,695.48 in expenses

While there are too many employees over the $75,000 salary threshold to list, here are the top 10 earners in 2024-25:

• Jameel Aziz (superintendent): $320,246.15 in remuneration, $28,861.92 in expenses

• Pam Spooner (assistant superintendent): $214,264.57 in

remuneration, $18,938.15 in expenses

• Kap Manhas (assistant superintendent): $213,701.83 in remuneration, $12,880.96 in expenses

• Lee Karpenko (assistant superintendent): $212,615.36 in in remuneration, $15,595.40 in expenses

• Brett Apolczer (director of facility services): $199,672.03 in remuneration, $5,380.58 in expenses

• Hannah Brown (director of finance): $192,732.72 in remuneration and $5,307 in expenses

• Tracy Cole (district principal): $182,951.69 in remuneration and $1,540.47 in expenses

• Andrew Bond (director of curriculum and innovation): $176,583.12 in remuneration and $10,623.21 in expenses

• Martin Dugan (principal): $170,628.62 in remuneration and $2,872.46 in expenses

• Derrick Shaw (principal): $173,029.81 in remuneration, $4,554.39 in expenses

Together, all the employees making more than $75,000 in 2024-25 earned around $88.5 million and claimed around $902,500 in expenses combined.

Employees under the $75,000 threshold made around $51.7 million and claimed $456,400 in expenses.

All employees combined earned around $140.3 million and claimed around $1.4 million in expenses.

On top of that, the school district paid around $8.5 million in Canada Pension Plan and employment insurance premiums.

The list of payments for goods and services in the 2024-25 fiscal year shows just over $62 million in expenditures.

Of that, around $54.1 million went out

in payments of more than $25,000. Like with the salaries, there are too many to list, but here are the top 10 recipients of payments from the district:

• Commissioner of Teachers’ Pensions: $10,198,516.74

• First Canada ULC: $5,477,625.99

• Pacific Blue Cross: $3,831,314.44

• Commissioner of Municipal Pensions: $3,511,685.97

• Datoff Bros. Construction: $3,357,465.29

• Ministry of Finance (employer health tax): $2,712,070.53

• Public Education Benefits Trust Fund: $2,200,749.10

• Worksafe BC: $2,012,382.58

• BC Hydro: $1,508,724.04

• Prince Sheet Metal and Heating: $1,364,696.12

• On top of those expenses, another $7.9 million was paid out to suppliers in increments of $25,000 or less.

Trustees will be asked to approve this draft Statement of Financial Information during the meeting.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the school district’s administrative building at 2100 Ferry Ave. in Prince George. For those who can’t attend in person, the meeting will be livestreamed and a video of the meeting will be archived online at sd57.bc.ca.

With no meeting scheduled for December, the Nov. 18 meeting will be the last one in 2025. The first board meeting in 2026 is set for Tuesday, Jan. 13.

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Living wage increases by 1%;

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A recent report issued by Living Wage BC stated that Prince George’s living wage has increased by one per cent, bringing the total wage needed to meet basic needs to $23.15 per hour — noted to be $5.30 per hour more than BC’s minimum wage.

The report states that only 450 employers across the province pay employees the living wage.

The living wage for Prince George was calculated by Living Wage BC working with Integris Credit Union, factoring in local costs of housing, food, clothing, childcare, transportation and many other daily expenses.

The cost is also reduced by amenities provided by employers or the BC government, including health and dental benefits, professional development, paid sick leave and vacation.

The data also accounts for family type — whether a household contains a single adult, a single parent with one child or a family of four with two adults and two children.

These are then weighted by their prevalence in the population to produce a single living wage for Prince George and the Cariboo region.

Factors not included are retirement savings, student loans or credit card payments, and the costs of caring for an older or disabled family member.

The gap between the living wage and the minimum wage is explained in Living Wage BC’s report as a disparity between the legal minimum wage set by

experts say it’s not enough

This map outlines the

wage required to meet basic needs in BC communities.

the province and the fluctuating cost of living across BC.

Anastasia French, managing director of Living Wage BC and a co-author of the report, noted a few reasons why the cost of living is particularly high in Prince George, despite generally lower housing costs compared to other cities in the province.

“Prince George, and within that region, I think there needs to be more focus on lowering the cost of food,” French said. “How do we make food more affordable for people? You are eight hours from Vancouver. That’s additional food costs to get into those other regions. Also, how do we improve transit and access to transit? Driving a car is really expensive and in Prince George, there’s no other choice, really, except to own a vehicle to get around.” She added that despite what some

might consider a bleak outlook, Prince George rests in the middle of the pack when it comes to living wage in BC overall.

“In terms of how Prince George compares to the rest of the province,” French said. “It’s in the middle of the pack. There are places where housing is a lot more affordable and childcare is a lot more affordable. In those places, the living wage is a lot lower. So if we can get more action on housing and childcare, that will help lower the living wage a lot.”

Issues faced by Prince George are compounded in other northern towns. A lack of housing and increased industry have pushed living wages even higher in some communities.

“We released calculations for Prince Rupert and Kitimat for the first time and their living wages are even higher

and the main story there is housing costs,” French said. “You’ve got new big infrastructure projects that are opening but you haven’t actually got anywhere for these workers to live. In Kitimat, that means you’ve got a living wage of over $27 an hour. Food costs in Kitimat and Prince Rupert are significantly higher than those in Prince George. So, while Prince George is definitely — the living wage is too high — there are other places in the North where it’s even higher.”

One of the key aspects of the report was how living below the living wage can affect more than your wallet. French noted that it can also impact health and relationships.

“There’s a lot of research out there that shows the impact that living in poverty can have on your physical health and your mental health,” French said. “We ran some focus groups this year with low-wage workers to find out how much, in particular, the cost of food and the fact that food is so expensive right now, makes decisions difficult and how it impacts their lives. When you’re hungry, you’re more stressed. I mean, we’ve all been hungry because we skipped breakfast. But imagine if that’s kind of when you’re having to make those decisions because you can’t afford food. That affects your relationships with your loved ones. It makes you stressed and anxious. It’s a never-ending cycle of you never knowing how you’re going to be able to make it to the next paycheck.”

If you are interested in learning more, you can visit https://www.livingwagebc. ca/

Downtown businesses offering Plaid Friday on Nov. 28

Black Friday that encourages Prince George residents to support local independent businesses.

On Black Friday, wearing your best plaid shirt will get you more than compliments.

Downtown PG has announced that on Nov. 28 it is inviting locals to participate in Plaid Friday, a local alternative to

The “plaid patrol” will be roaming around downtown Prince George between 4 and 6 p.m.

Any locals spotted supporting downtown businesses or wearing plaid could be rewarded with “plaid bucks,” whichc

can be used at participating downtown businesses.

Plaid bucks will be valid on Nov. 28 and 29 to give people more time to spend at local restaurants, shops and cafés.

Plaid bucks will also be handed out at the Civic Light Up event on Nov. 28 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

“Plaid Friday is our version of Black

Friday, but with a Prince George twist,” said Chrisie Berry, executive director of Downtown Prince George. “We swap the rush for community, the crowds for connection, and turn supporting local into something joyful. It’s about highlighting local entrepreneurs, spreading holiday cheer, and keeping the heart of our city thriving.”

Trans Mountain Corp. looks to build along pipeline

The drag reduction systems will be in 16 seacan-like buildings

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Trans Mountain Corporation plans to apply for permission to install drag reduction systems on its pipelines from Edmonton, Alta., to Burnaby, BC, according to documents presented at the Wednesday, Nov. 12, Village of Valemount council meeting.

The original pipeline, which carries both crude and refined oil products, began operating in 2013, and an expansion opened in 2024.

The federal government purchased the pipeline from Kinder Morgan in 2018.

After the pipelines cross into BC from Alberta in the Rocky Mountains, they pass through the Valemount area on their way south toward Kamloops and the Lower Mainland.

Attached to the Nov. 12 Valemount council meeting agenda was an information package provided by a Trans Mountain representative on the proposed drag reducing agent (DRA) program.

If it proceeds, the company would install 16 seacan-like buildings of about 320 square feet near pump stations along both parts of the pipeline, in addition to a pilot unit already installed near Jasper.

These buildings would include “an injection pump, power and communication equipment to allow for monitoring and operation from Trans Mountain’s control center.”

“DRA, when injected into a pipeline carrying petroleum product, acts as a lubricating agent which reduces friction within the pipeline to improve flow efficiency, thereby increasing throughput capacity without the need for significant new infrastructure,” the package said.

As part of the application process, Trans Mountain said it will engage with Indigenous groups and stakeholders “to

ensure that local input, environmental considerations and safety standards are addressed before proceedings with implementation.”

The closest DRA stations to Valemount would be along Trans Mountain’s line one, near Rearguard Falls Provincial Park, as well as another to the south near Pyramid Creek Falls Provincial Park.

The company wrote that it expects to file an application with the Canada Energy Regulator in the first quarter of 2026 and hopes to start the project in either the second or third quarter and carry it through to December of the same year.

If construction goes ahead, the company warns the public to expect increased activity near pump stations, temporary changes in access to areas around the stations, noise and lights from construction, and the transportation of equipment and materials along highways.

As construction will take place along the fence line of existing installations, the company said it expects limited environmental impacts.

“However, Trans Mountain will have appropriate environmental protection measures in place, such as migratory birds and wildlife sweeps, spill prevention, erosion and sediment control and waste management practices,” the documents said.

“Given the limited duration of project activities at each pump station and limited workforce, the project activities are similar to the scale and scope of routine maintenance activities and are not anticipated to have a material community impact related to workforce presence beyond existing activity levels.”

The company said it expects the benefits of the project to include business opportunities for companies, communities and Indigenous groups near the construction sites, as well as supporting Canada’s energy reliability.

During construction, pump stations will remain active, and efforts will be made to keep the pipelines operational.

BC Hydro outlines lessons learned from Site C project

A new report details the costly and lengthy dam construction

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

BC Hydro released an extensive report on Oct. 30 outlining lessons learned from the costly and lengthy construction of the Site C hydroelectric dam.

Construction began in the summer of 2015 and was marred by setbacks and rising costs.

The report, titled Lessons Learned Report to Inform Future Major Capital Projects, is 234 pages long and contains summaries of the project, budget increases and the lessons BC Hydro learned as it moves forward.

The report outlines lessons in contract management, risk management, geotechnical risks, project governance, Indigenous consultation and community management.

One key aspect was the budget increases, which nearly doubled from $8.775 billion to $16 billion from the start of the project to the end.

BC Hydro notes that the first increase in 2018 was driven primarily by higher costs for the main civil works, generating station and spillways contracts.

Work involving two tension cracks also caused delays and resulted in a oneyear river diversion delay.

The second budget increase in 2020 was driven primarily by the COVID19 pandemic, which led to the loss of approximately 60 per cent of the summer 2020 construction season and an estimated $1.606-billion budget increase.

The report states that the 2020 construction season was expected to be the project’s peak workforce year, with a forecasted 5,000 workers. However, due to complications from the virus, the project’s workforce was limited to 3,029.

Another complication arose from a significant geotechnical issue on the project’s right and left banks. According to the report, small displacements

occurred below the roller-compacted concrete buttress in 2018.

This led to the need for foundation enhancements to achieve the required structural stability, increasing the budget by an estimated $1.141 billion to ensure stability beneath the powerhouse, spillways and dam core areas.

In February 2017, a significant tension crack developed on the left bank, followed by a smaller one in May 2017, leading to an estimated $610-million budget increase and the previously mentioned one-year river diversion delay.

BC Hydro acknowledges in the report that it was aware of issues associated with construction on these banks but considered the risk low and did not factor the cost of these complications into approved project budgets.

Another delay arose from weather, when planned reservoir filling had to be postponed from November 2023 to fall 2024 due to colder conditions.

Further issues emerged during construction of the dam’s penstock. The upper flexible coupling failed its hydrostatic pressure test in June 2021.

The contractor proceeded with redesigns and re-tests between October and November 2021, but it soon became clear that the root cause was the contractor’s design of the coupling, which was initially accepted by BC Hydro.

Various teams contributed data points, which were identified as lessons for Site C and future projects.

“BC Hydro teams are encouraged to tailor lessons learned to the specific scale and complexity of each project. The standard Lessons Learned Practice framework enables teams to individually review the full Lessons Learned Database, apply relevant insights appropriately, and benefit from ongoing refinement of both the Lessons Learned Database and Project and Portfolio Management practices,” the report states.

Site C is BC Hydro’s largest project since the 1980s and, as the report notes, significantly larger than any project in its current 10-Year Capital Plan.

These issues and the subsequent redesign cost approximately $55 million for redesign, supply, installation, schedule delays, interface coordination and additional project resources.

The budget increases and construction delays also raised overall interest costs, leading BC Hydro to undertake debt hedging to manage interest-rate risks.

This increased interest during construction from the approved final investment decision budget of $1.4 billion to $2.0 billion in the 2021 approved budget.

Another issue outlined in the report was the increased need for internal resourcing, as the project was more complex and challenging for both BC Hydro and its contractors.

These challenges led to cost increases of $368 million between the final investment decision budget and the 2018 approved budget, and $658 million between the 2018 and 2021 approved budgets.

The report states that while these internal complications improved during the project’s lifespan, BC Hydro should have scaled up these resources more proactively and sooner.

These issues and their root causes prompted BC Hydro to establish a dedicated lessons-learned database.

“Overall, BC Hydro reflects on the Site C project with pride and a commitment to learn and improve,” the report states. “Site C is an inspiring example of the transformative impact made possible through public infrastructure investment, but BC Hydro also has a responsibility to our customers and the province to learn from the challenges and lessons discussed in this report and are committed to taking these lessons forward as we continue to advance important public infrastructure projects and deliver on our mandate to safely provide reliable, affordable and clean electricity.”

The report notes that BC Hydro will rely on this document in the future to reduce the probability of similar issues arising.

“The lessons learned discussed in this report under the six areas identified by the commission should mitigate or reduce the potential for similar budget challenges on future major capital projects,” the report states. “In particular, BC Hydro should have ramped up its internal project resources more proactively and sooner and, going forward, should consider how to better communicate the breadth of low-probability, high-consequence risks that have the potential to result in significant budget and schedule impacts if they materialize.”

Property owners’ fine reduced after logging law appeal

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Forest Appeals Commission upheld a Ministry of Forests decision against two property owners west of Quesnel, but reduced the biggest fine by almost $69,000.

In December 2022, ministry delegate Rob Jonasson levied a $222,447.67 fine against Henry Guglielmin and $5,000 for Nichole Hawkins for unauthorized timber harvesting on a Baker Creek property.

In an Oct. 23 ruling, panel chair Stacy Robertson agreed that Guglielmin and Hawkins broke the law. Hawkins’s penalty remained the same, but Robertson recalculated the administrative penalty for Guglielmin, finding the delegate overcounted some items.

Robertson noted that the new administrative penalty of $153,671.51 is more than 6.5 times greater than the $23,026.66 profit and Guglielmin’s conduct is “deserving of rebuke.”

Two property owners west of Quesnel were fined in 2022 for unauthorized timber harvesting on a Baker Creek

“I have found that all of the logging was on Crown land which is a flagrant contravention and he instructed others several times that it was his land when he knew it was not,” Robertson wrote. “His disregard for proper forestry management and wildlife, creek maintenance, biodiversity and Indigenous

rights is astounding which justifies the maximum penalty.”

The ministry issued timber mark NDUXT to Guglielmin and Hawkins on Oct. 10, 2012 for land near Baker Creek in the Cariboo Land District where they lived.

Timber was harvested between

October 2012 and January 2013, but “minimal timber remained after that time or was on site at the time of the contraventions found in the decision.”

The timber mark was set to expire in September 2024, but the ministry cancelled it on Dec. 16, 2020 after the contraventions.

What’s happening in PG

Rustic Sign Paint Night at the Brewhouse goes Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Canadian Brewhouse, 3026 Recplace Dr. This event is offered by Chantel’s Custom Creations. Choose a size, a stencil and your paint colours. All supplies and instructions included. For more details and to register visit https://chantelscustomcreations.com/

Hiromi Goto Reads goes Friday, Nov. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. Come out for a reading by this award-winning author. The event is part of the week-long 2025 IWAU (Inspiring Women Among Us) presented by UNBC. Hiromi Goto is a queer emigrant from Japan whose first novel, Chorus of Mushrooms, won the 1995 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Best First Book. Rob Budde will also be doing a short reading to start the evening off.

Prince George Cougars vs Lethbridge Hurricanes goes Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd. For more information and tickets visit https://www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event_category/hockey/

Prince George Cougars vs Edmonton Oil Kings goes Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd. For more information and tickets visit https://www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event_category/hockey/

Big Enuff Big Band presents Things That Swing! goes Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1488 Fifth, downtown PG. A tribute to the Swing Era, presented in ‘theatre style’ seating. This promises to be a great evening, featuring many of the classics from the greats including Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. For tickets visit www.showpass.com/ things-that-swing-2025/

The BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Dance goes Saturday, Nov. 22 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Live fiddle music will be performed so folks can do polkas, waltzes, two-steps, barn dances and called group dances. A great family event. Prizes and ice cream bar snacks

included. Coffee, water, pop and chips available by donation. Everyone is welcome. Tickets at the door are only $10 for adults, children with parents are free.

Winter is Coming goes Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. and is presented by the Prince George Conservatory of Music as part of their Chamber Music Concert Series. Music is for piano, voice, flute, violin and harp inspired by the changing of the seasons. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Waiting for the Parade, a staged reading of a Canadian play by John Murrell goes Sunday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Avenue. Appearing in the play is Melissa Glover, Catherine Hansen-McCarthy, Laura Heagy, Katherine Trepanier and Sandra Clermont. Proceeds go to the Inspiring Women Among Us Award at UNBC offering assistance to women facing challenges while pursuing their degree. General admission is $20, $15 for students cash at the door or visit www. knoxcentre.ca/waiting-for-the-parade

Spirit of the North’s Festival of Trees goes Wednesday Nov. 26 to Sunday, Nov. 30 at CN Centre. At the new venue there’s more room for more tree displays and attractions embracing fresh ideas. With extended public hours, more to see and do than ever before, and stunning displays that delight guests of all ages, this year’s Festival promises to be the most spectacular celebration yet, building on 32 years of holiday magic in Northern BC. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/event/2025-festival-of-trees/

A Legendary Christmas at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club goes Thursday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. and features Legends Live! Tribute Show. This is an all-ages show. It’s Elton John’s legendary holiday party and all he wants to do is celebrate and sing with his fabulous friends. Featured in this glitzy, time-bending musical extravaganza the stars signature styles add to the most star-studded soirée of the season. Entertainment provided by Cory Hicks as Elton Enough, Kat Fullerton as Almost Marilyn, Audrey Layne as Basically Britney and Tyree Corfe as Pelvis. Seating

starts at 5 p.m., show at 7. Ticket are $25 each at www.tee-on.com/PGGolf/ LegendsLive.

Whimsy & Wonder Holiday Market goes Friday, Nov. 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Civic Plaza. Shop and celebrate in a warm, joyful atmosphere filled with holiday music, offering a raffle featuring works made by spectacular artisans, a cozy café with warm drinks and sweet treats from The Open Door Cafe, and a magical Candy Cane Lane Craft Corner for kids. The market aligns with the 30th Annual Civic Light Up on Friday, Nov. 28.

30th Civic Light Up goes Friday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. at Canada Games Plaza. Visit with Santa, BCNE horse drawn rides, free ice skating with Tourism Prince George, face painting by Mandy, Nanguz’an outdoor market vendors, storytime at the PG Public Library at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Plaid Friday shopping with Downtown PG, The Whimsy & Wonder Market & Kids Corner at Two Rivers Art Gallery from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and street hockey with the Cariboo Cougars and Northern Capitals. Enjoy free hot chocolate and other holiday goodies while taking in some live music & entertainment featuring the Chris Goodwin Band, Nove Voce Choral Society, Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Centre and College Heights Ecole Choir. Tabor Creek Band with Rick Stavely goes Friday Nov. 28 at 8:30 p.m. at Nelly’s Pub, 2274 John Hart Hwy. Great country music with favourite classic covers and some original songs that have been released worldwide. Tabor Creek Band is a local five-piece band featuring recording artist Rick Stavely. Prince George Spruce Kings vs Chilliwack Chiefs goes Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena, 888 Dominion Street. For more information and tickets visit https://www.sprucekings.bc.ca/ tickets CONTINUED ON

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Kopar Holiday Parade goes Saturday, Nov. 29 at noon, starting at CN Centre. This year the route is doubled to bring more holiday cheer. The new parade route goes along 18th Ave to Foothills Blvd to 15th Ave. to Ospika and then back down 18th Ave. Inviting all community groups, businesses and festive folks to be part of the magic and enter a float. Grab some tinsel, gather the team and get ready to make spirits bright. For more information or to register call 250-565-2515 or email fotparade@gmail.com.

Spruce Capital Seniors Vendor Market goes Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3701 Rainbow Drive. There will be great shopping taking place with amazing vendors selling their wares including homemade baking, crocheting, diamond dot art, health products, jewelry, wood crafts, Christmas ornaments and so much more.

Improv Shmimprov Gets Old Timey goes Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Improv is back from the past and an awesome night of improv comedy is in store. They’ve got new games and they’re not afraid to use them. Come, relax, have a drink as they present live theatre, on stage, based on the audience suggestions. You bring the suggestions, they supply the funny. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 each at www. shmimprovimprov.ca/tickets

Choral Story Time of How the Grinch Stole Christmas goes Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is a classic reading of the Grinch with songs from the original cartoon and movie presented by multi-award winning Nove Voce Choral Society. Richard Bjarnason will be joining Nove Voce to read the original story as the choir performs songs from the cartoon and movie. Appearing as the adorable Cindy Lou Who will be Mira Yang, Sophia Yu, Norah McDonald, and Charlotte Paul. There are some

wonderfully awful Grinchy costumes made by Pat Jorgensen, great music based on the Dr. Seuss cartoon and appearance by Max the dog. Come on out and enjoy popular Grinch Songs like You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch, Where Are You Christmas and Welcome Christmas. The show is 30 minutes long, perfect for audiences of all ages. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/choral-story-time-of-how-the-grinch-stolechristmas-tickets.

Free Food Preservation Workshops go every Thursday and are presented by PG Aboriginal Business Development Centre, 1200 LaSalle Avenue. Want to learn how to make jam or pickle fresh veggies? No experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity. Participants will learn jam-making and vegetable pickling step by step. All supplies are provided and everything made will be shared among participants to take home. Building community skills, one jar at a time. RSVP by calling Cheryl Doering at 250-562-6325 to register.

Elder Citizens Recreation Association Christmas Dinners go Sunday, Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. at 1692 Tenth Avenue. The meal is a traditional Christmas dinner. There will be live entertainment featuring the Theresa Jordan Band on Nov. 30 and Past Due Band on Dec. 6. There are door prizes and a 50/50 draw (must be in attendance to win). Advance tickets only are on sale at the Centre for $25 each.

Golden Age Social goes Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way. This is a free event for seniors. There is refreshments and entertainment. Doors open at 1:30 and entertainment starts at 2 p.m.

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.

Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250562-8066. 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. All are 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

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Meet the family that crafts together

For the Vandenburgs and their three children, it’s all about creativity and imagination

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Crafting becomes a family affair when the 10-year-old who just hand-sewed trendy wallets attends the local craft fair in a five-piece suit to sell them.

For the Vandenburg family that includes Mom Kaelyn, Dad Ren, children Violet, 11, Toby, 10, and Xavier, 9, it’s teamwork that makes this dream work where the children are artistically involved as much or as little as they’d like.

The family just started attending craft fairs this year so are pretty new to the scene in Prince George.

Years ago Kaelyn started crafting in university in San Diego, making her own clothes on her roommates’ sewing machine, then over the years progressed to sewing costumes for her family when the kids were younger.

Kaelyn used to be a teacher but when circumstances led to a portion of her leg being amputated six years ago, she retired due to further health issues and pivoted to supplementing her income using her sewing talent.

“We fled the United States six years ago and we’ve been in Canada ever since and we love it up here,” Kaelyn said. “We’ve made friends, which is important and the kids are decently supported in school.”

Kaelyn’s slogan is ‘you dream it, I make it’ and she can create matching pajamas, something that’s super popular around Christmas time, matching aprons for a family of bakers, dresses, costumes, quilts created with clothing from baby’s first year, for example, and whatever else pops onto someone’s wishlist.

“For the quilts I can keep the clothing mostly intact so it’s a sensory blanket for them so there are buttons and snaps and I make them in a twin size so children can use them for years,” Kaelyn explained.

“And when I can’t find the exact pattern, I can modify it or create my own for

that specific costume or outfit, especially when it comes to kids’ costumes when there’s a very specific vision in mind.”

Another popular item Kaelyn sews is bowl koozies for when that hot dish comes out of the microwave.

“And then a customer came up at one of the craft fairs and said she uses hers for her ice cream dish, too, so her hands don’t freeze,” Kaelyln said.

Kaelyn owns a Cricut machine that is a smart cutting machine used for creating customized items by cutting, drawing, and writing on a wide variety of materials like paper, vinyl, cardstock, and fabric.

Kaelyn has an eye for detail that makes each one of her projects unique, like the H20 2Go piggy bag with contrasting pink zipper and attached wallet that sees other farm animals featured on the interior lining. When she couldn’t find a zipper pull she liked she asked Ren to make a tiny pig using his 3D printer and that’s now the most adorable zipper pull.

“I try to pay attention to details to stand out a little bit and at first I tried to do custom orders but without enough

samples for people to look at, people don’t really know my skill level so then I started sewing more items for people to purchase,” Kaelyn explained how her home-based business evolved.

Kaelyn started with a memorial stuffie by using a piece of clothing from a lost loved one. She now offers the service to turn the clothing item into a stuffed animal of the customer’s choosing, she added.

Opening up her repertoire, Kaelyn answers any callouts on social media that require a creative seamstress.

“People ask on Facebook — ‘Is there anyone out there that can do this?’ –and regardless of what it is I say yes,” Kaelyn said.

“I am very mathematically inclined, I taught math for nine years, so everything is just a big puzzle to me so I can see the finished product they want and work backwards to get it done.”

Making an item stand out is the whole goal.

“Because we’re not plain people in our household so I don’t want anything plain when I create something,” Kaelyn said.

“I want it to be fun and different.”

When people see Kaelyn’s products at the craft fairs the biggest misconception is the items are manufactured elsewhere and then resold to the customer.

But that’s not the case. These items are uniquely handmade by the family in their home and that includes the stunning creations Ren manufactures with his 3D printers.

“When I was about the kids’ age, I went to Disney Land and in the Haunted Mansion they have busts that when you move their eyes follow you and I was fascinated by those and I figured out at a very young age that how they do that is by using an inverse bust,” Ren said.

“So now I want to offer people this service where I can do a photo session with them and get a scan of their head and then I can do busts and I can also do bobble-heads of people. So if you want a custom bobble-head of yourself, I can do that.”

Ren also creates a massive amount of creatures, real and fantastical, that are available for fans of 3D created artwork.

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They’re new to the Prince George craft-show scene

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The family has been doing markets together as Ren goes through the process to get his BC real estate licence.

As with all artist’s work, sometimes things don’t work out just right and that’s when Ren will spend time modifying a project if it’s not working out as he had envisioned, Kaelyn said.

Toby and Xavier pass their time sewing the wallets offered on their craft tables at the markets.

“I get to choose the colour of the thread I use to sew the wallets and I usually choose pink, yellow and another one is blue,” Xavier explained.

Xavier also makes other design choices including snap closures.

“Xavier often chooses which prints to use, too, and Ren will then cut the wallet pattern out with the Cricut,” Kaelyn explained.

“My mom will start the wallet off for me and then after I do two rounds of sewing I need to take a break. Then mom will finish off the last three stitches and tie the knot,” Xavier said.

Xavier explained that 100 per cent of the profit from each wallet a family member makes and sells is theirs to keep.

“So that’s $5 and why don’t you get the rest of the money we charge for each wallet?” Kaelyn asked.

“Because then mom and dad lose money,” Xavier said with a firm nod demonstrating a clear grasp of profit margins.

“Because the rest covers the cost of the materials,” Kaelyn said and Xavier nodded in agreement.

Life lesson learned: materials cost money.

“Toby, what’s your favourite thing to make?” was the question asked.

“Noise,” Dad Ren deadpanned.

Toby didn’t seem so sure about that.

“My favourite thing to sew is probably the wallets, they’re easy to do and they always sell,” Toby said.

“I like to make them when I have extra time.”

Toby fondly recalls the day he put on his five-piece suit to sell his wares at a

fair earlier this summer and the reason behind the wardrobe choice.

“I’m a businessman and in total I made over a hundred bucks,” Toby said.

“Toby has two modes, either fivepiece suit or pajamas and really not much in between,” Ren said.

“Toby is a voracious reader,” Kaelyn added.

“It’s a life skill that will help me in the future,” Toby nodded wisely. “I like it that books take me on an adventure.”

“We have an extensive kids’ library,” Ren added.

“Just up here we have over 2,200 books and we didn’t finish counting,” Toby said, gesturing to the main floor of their home.

Violet, their oldest, has made wallets

In the Vandenburg household it’s important for the children to learn the ways of the world, including tasks to be completed at home and for the creations that are sold to earn money.

“So the children get to keep a portion of the money made on each item,” Kaelyn said.

And Toby shared that sometimes he gets most of it, especially when he had sewn the item and then sold it.

“It’s important for the children to learn the value of money,” Kaelyn said.

“Toby is personally saving up to fund his McDonald’s chicken nuggets, where Xavier is saving for a horse. A very short-term goal and a very long-term goal. Toby is a real sweetheart and has already bought Yule presents for the family with his own money and often buys his sister things she wants - anything from stuffies to bannock. Anytime Violet wants something and she doesn’t have enough money for it she goes to Toby and he immediately helps her out.”

It’s truly a family affair when the suncatchers created by Kaelyn’s mother are occasionally sold at Kaelyn’s Krafts’ booth.

“So then there’s literally three generations of crafters represented at our booth,” Kaelyn said.

“So we are a fully family-oriented business.”

and other items for friends and recently made a pillow for dad, Ren, for Father’s Day. She contributes to the wares being sold by painting the eyes on the 3D printed creatures.

Violet is a very shy person, her mom explained.

“Violet has social anxiety so she will not go out and sell because she does not like to talk to strangers whereas Toby and Xavier have no fear of that,” Kaelyn said about the children.

“Violet is now making catnip toys since I have taught her how to sew but she’s not as motivated by money as her siblings so she won’t sell the items.”

The children get to choose patterns and colours when it comes to creating items for sale at the craft sales, she added.

And the same principles are implemented at home with everyone helping out.

“We teach the kids a skill, regardless of gender, because they are going to need those skills when they become adults,” Kaelyn said.

“So we teach all three kids how to cook, all three kids learn how to do home repair and all three kids learn to sew.”

Important skills to have, she added.

“It takes a lot of work to teach them but it’s worth it knowing when they become adults they will be equipped for their lives,” Kaelyn said.

The family will be set up for the Spruce Capital Seniors Vendor Market on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3701 Rainbow Drive.

Bakery adds to its menu after one culinary question

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

“Do you have any borscht?” was the question.

“Not today but we’ll have some next week,” was the answer.

And that’s how quickly the decision was made for Deb’s Café & Specialty Bakery to feature borscht every Wednesday.

The request initially came from a patron who had come from Ukraine and missed that traditional taste of home.

“But we had other requests for borscht,” Deb Ross said.

There was one woman whose English was limited, so she kept repeating the word.

“And then she would bring her daughter and then another lady came in who spoke better English and she said ‘you need borscht’ and so I said ‘you know what? We will have borscht next week.’”

Then the woman who made the initial request did something wonderful.

“She gave me her recipe for borscht,” Ross said with a smile. “And it was a Doukhobor recipe.”

Doukhobors lived in Russia and were known for their pacifism and traditional oral history, hymn-singing and verse.

Facing persecution by the Russian government for their unorthodox beliefs, about one-third migrated to Canada between 1899 and 1938, according to Wikipedia.

“So I had a Ukrainian recipe and she had a Doukhobor recipe and they were quite similar,” Ross said.

But there was a twist.

“Interestingly enough, the Doukhobor recipe just simmers the beets — so you’ve got your cabbage and they do a lot of potato and carrot and they had fresh dill in the Doukhobor recipe — but they throw away the beets,” Ross explained. “In this recipe it said discard the beets and I thought ‘uh, no!’ So I talked to her about it and she said do what you want to do.”

So Ross decided to combine the Russian and Ukrainian recipes.

Ukrainian borscht is typically made with pork and includes more tomatoes

and potatoes, while Russian borscht typically uses beef and has more cabbage.

“I didn’t want to disrespect either culture, so it was a combined effort because I was getting requests for borscht from Ukrainians and from Russians,” Ross said.

“And so they came together. So our recipe is an authentic combining of these two flavours.”

They really aren’t that vastly different, she added, and the café offers it as a vegetarian dish.

“And when people eat the borscht they say it is more than comfort food,” Ross said.

“The way that it was communicated to me, it was going to help people feel like they had come home. If we could create something that made people who had come from a war-torn country feel like we were trying to be a home for them then I wanted to be part of that.”

Deb’s Combined Borscht Recipe

• 3 cups cooked beets, diced or shredded

• 1 14 oz can of tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage, sautéed in butter

• 1/2 cup onion, sautéed in butter

• 1 tbsp dill (freeze dried or fresh is best, not dill weed)

• 2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 3 cups water

Simmer until the flavours are blended.

Top with sour cream if desired.

The origin story of Deb’s Café & Specialty Bakery

Deb’s Café & Specialty Bakery offers lunchtime meals and takeaways that are safe for those with diabetes and those with celiac disease.

“So our retail and all our breads — nothing increases blood sugar here, so it all has to tick both boxes. It’s all sugar free and gluten free and it all has to be so tasty you can’t tell that it’s healthy for you,” Ross explained.

Deb’s also makes food that’s diabetes- and celiac-safe

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Eating without gluten and high levels of sugar was something Ross’s family began in 2010 after a family member’s sudden onset of gut health issues.

After extensive research — because at the time there wasn’t much information available — the family adapted their food intake by following a then little-known ketogenic program.

Eventually, missing sweet treats that had always been part of every celebration, they began experimenting.

“So we started doing some baking trials,” Ross said.

“I learned how to bake cupcakes and muffins and cakes. So we were then able to have these other foods.”

They succeeded and expanded their meals through trial and error, developing creative substitutions for mashed potatoes and pizza crust.

The idea of sharing what they had learned came after a family friend, Uncle Kent, who has Type 1 diabetes, received a kidney transplant.

Ross had a café in downtown Prince George at the time, and Uncle Kent became the building’s security guard after recovering.

“He came over and said ‘you know, I’d like to buy lunch,’ and I had made that day butter chicken over cauliflower rice,” Ross said.

He had never eaten cauliflower rice or butter chicken prepared keto-style.

“He had his meal and had a slice of cake or a brownie. An hour later he came back and said ‘Deb, you have to tell me what you did.’”

He told her he had checked his blood

In addition to specialty foods for people with celiac disease or diabetes,

Cafe & Specialty Bakery offers a variety of coffee syrups.

sugar and it hadn’t increased.

Unconvinced, Ross shrugged. But 45 minutes later, he returned again.

“He said ‘seriously, you have to tell me what you did because I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 29 years and I have not had one single meal that I did not have to give myself insulin after until today,’” Ross said.

“I didn’t realize we were ticking that box. Anything that has gluten is a highcarb product, but I just didn’t realize the ketogenic piece of it and no gluten was also incredibly beneficial for diabetic people.”

For 30 days, Uncle Kent ate meals from Deb’s Café & Specialty Bakery.

“And we sent food home with him on the weekends and he didn’t use insulin for a whole month, which was unheard of,” Ross said.

“He said that we needed to bring this into our story of why we do what we do because we’re diabetic safe.”

Uncle Kent later fell in love with a French cuisine chef who doesn’t follow a strict diabetic-friendly diet, but he continues to manage his condition well.

As Deb’s Café & Specialty Bakery outgrew its downtown space, it moved

20, 2025 - DEC. 10, 2025

to Central Street. It was originally set to partner with Kup at a Time, an environmentally friendly beverage supply store, but when the owner decided not to continue that business, she became an employee at the café instead.

So the shop still features an aisle of coffee syrups.

“It just made sense to continue to offer the syrups — no one has this variety available,” Ross said.

During the transition, Ross also purchased a company called Sugar Free Please and moved the entire operation from Kelowna to Prince George.

“So we have a separate production, manufacturing and shipping kitchen and this has been a secret until now,” Ross said.

“This is zero sugar and very good fibre, which is good for gut health. There is nothing unhealthy in the Sugar Free Please items and people cannot tell it is sugar free.”

Products include a variety of fudges, Moka Roka, Everything Bark, Almondine Nougat and a popular Choffee — dark smooth chocolate covering an airy sponge toffee.

“We bought that company in April and moved everything to Prince George, hired all local people and we ship all across Canada,” Ross said.

“The café and bakery are all about providing a safe space for those who need gluten-free and sugar-free alternatives.”

For more information about Deb’s Café & Specialty Bakery and Sugar Free Please, visit 834 Central Street East or check out the website at https://debscafe.ca/

Rescuers save pigs in trouble and give them a home

Some of the residents include Big Red, Miss Ellie and Bonk

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

When most people think of pigs, they often don’t think of them as anything more than food.

However, one local animal rescue has seen firsthand both the intelligence and personality of some of the local pig population.

Tickled Pig Animal Rescue is a Prince George-based rescue that takes in all sorts of pigs from all sorts of situations.

The majority of these pigs are mini pigs rescued from local ranches, breeders, farmers and others who were unable to care for these pets, as well as pigs found wandering throughout the North.

In total, Tickled Pig has 13 pigs on the property, with 12 of them being mini pigs and one formerly a farm pig that was going to be used for meat.

Don’t let the name of the sanctuary fool you; the two operators take in more than pigs.

So far, the two operators, Keri Hegel and Steven Fisher, have rescued geese, chickens, kittens, rodents and dogs, and are even looking to add a rescued cow to their property.

Hegel spoke to The Citizen about what led the two to start their rescue and how they expanded it over the years.

“I actually purchased my first pig in 2017 and then after that, I was trying to find a second pig to join our family,” Hegel said.

“Most of the pigs that I went to see at the time were kind of kept in unfavourable conditions. There were a lot of sick pigs. One place had a couple of pigs that had recently died. It kind of just opened up my eyes to the breeding world. When people breed animals for money, sometimes there’s not a lot of care given to the animals. And so from there, that’s kind of where the rescue part started.”

Hegel rescued her first pig, Tater, in

2018. He was suffering from mange, a contagious skin disease, which continued to plague him throughout his life.

Tater eventually passed away due to these complications and was laid to rest at the PG Pet Memorial beside his mini pig friend Rupert, who had also passed away on the farm.

Despite some tragedies, Hegel was more than happy to share some highlights from her years of rescues.

“We’ve done so many trips to pick up pigs that are just kind of abandoned in the middle of nowhere,” Hegel said.

“I would say Big Red was definitely a favourite, being a farm pig coming from a very large farming area. He was wandering along the highway. He was seen a week later like 20 kilometres further down the highway. He ended up at a lady’s house and she fed him and he wouldn’t leave. She had posted in some of their local groups but of course everybody wanted him for food purposes. They said, ‘Oh, I’ll put him in my freezer,’ right? She didn’t want that for him, and so we drove down, picked him up near Clinton, put him in the van and brought him home.”

Beyond Big Red, many of Tickled Pig’s

animals come from unique situations like Tank, whose pig friend passed away and whose previous owner wanted to see him form bonds with other animals.

Another pig, Bonk, was found in need of medical attention at just a week old. He was found unresponsive with an eyeball out of its socket. Bonk was surrendered to Tickled Pig and made a full recovery.

However, as a result of the trauma to his head, Bonk was left fully deaf and blind in one eye. Despite this, he remains happy and active under the watchful eye of Tickled Pig.

Another pig that has found a home at Tickled Pig is Ellie May, who ended up

permanently staying despite assurances from her owner they would return.

Hegel told The Citizen that Ellie May’s situation helped illustrate for them how intelligent and often emotional these pigs can be.

“She had been with her family for five years and then all of a sudden she was dropped off with us,” Hegel said. “She doesn’t know us. So it’s similar to taking a three-year-old child away from their family, dropping them off and leaving them with somebody they don’t know. A lot of people don’t realize that pigs can go through depression as well. They often cry tears and then you get the behavioural outbursts from the ones that are trying to adjust. It’s really challenging to care for them. But in her case, her mom just ghosted me and never came back for her.”

Tickled Pig is entirely run from funds and the hard work of both Hegel and Fisher. However, the community of Prince George has played an active role in the development of the rescue over the years.

From providing frozen food scraps or leftover Halloween pumpkins to the pigs, to visiting the farm or even providing tips on pigs in need of rescue, Hegel is happy to see the community engaged with her rescue and its animals.

“It’s touching how many people are interested in learning more about pigs,” Hegel said. “I think that’s the big thing for us, is teaching people about mini pigs, teaching people about how smart and intelligent they are, how pigs aren’t just food. They’re one of the top five smartest animals in the world. A lot of people aren’t aware of that. I wasn’t aware of that until one of my pigs was inside and all of a sudden she could open my pantry and my fridge and it was just child locks everywhere all over again.”

Tickled Pig currently does not accept monetary donations; however, they are more than happy to accept food donations and are always open for visits from interested locals.

If you are interested in learning more about Tickled Pig, visit their website at: https://tickledpig.ca/

New standup comedy contest offering cash for laughs

Masters of Laughter

happens Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 at the Underground

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Masters of Laughter is a contest for standup comedians where first prize is $1,200.

And that’s no joke.

The contest takes place over two days, Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Underground Lounge, 1177 Third Avenue.

During the first evening’s competition comedians get five minutes to impress the audience who will vote on their favourites and then the second night audience and judges decide who the big winners are as there’s a $500 prize for second place and a mystery box for the third place winner.

“Masters of Laughter is really the brainchild of me and my friend, Job Wylie, who is huge into comedy,” Kylie Holt, comedian and one of the organizers of the event, said.

“We just wanted to bring something back to Prince George because I myself when I moved here got my start in comedy by winning some of Sonar’s comedy competitions. It’s been nine years now and we just decided to ask a few of our friends to get on board and do this two-day competition in Prince George.”

Sonar was a comedy and night club that was so popular it won the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award in 2018, which was just a little more than a year after they opened. Since then the club has closed down.

“What Masters of Laughter entails is we’re looking to get at least 20 comedians and amateurs and on the first night everyone gets five minutes and it’s an audience vote. We’ll have the ballots on the table and the audience will whittle it down to pick the top 10,” Holt explained.

“Then on the second night we’ll go

with pretty much the same structure style and will see judges and audience determine who takes the money.”

So far there’s 15 people already signed up, coming from Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops and they’re looking for at least another five to join in the fun.

“I’m very excited for it because the comedy scene here has really died down,” Holt said.

“And I’m hoping doing a contest like this will actually bring that out.”

Holt said she’s loved comedy her whole life.

She grew up in Toronto and wanted to pursue comedy before starting her post-secondary education.

“So I went down to Yuk Yuks in downtown Toronto and the two comedians before me were eviscerated – like it was so bad that I didn’t go on stage – so I

experience and add it to my set and do my thing.”

Eventually Holt booked shows in Vancouver and began her headliner journey, she added.

She found two other ladies who opened for her and they traveled around the north.

Holt appeared at the Nubian Show at Yuk Yuks in Toronto which for more than 25 years was the Original Night of Urban Comedy, the hottest comedy show in the country, with guests like Dave Chappell, Kevin Hart and Russell Peters appearing.

“Then I kinda stepped back from comedy because my kids are at such a time in their lives where they need me more — my oldest son is in university, my other son does Judo and we travel a fair bit for that, my daughter plays volleyball and my youngest one plays baseball so life happens and I kinda stepped back but I have done a few charity shows here and there,” Holt said.

went to New Brunswick to go to school and that’s where I met my husband,” Holt said.

“I had four children and I got life experience. So when I came to Prince George and I saw that Sonar was running the comedy competition at 33 from that 18-year-old girl — I was like ‘this is the time for me to do it’ and so I did it and I won. Then I started doing more.”

Holt said she was doing four and five shows a weekend and would perform as an opening act, host a show or perform solo. It was all valuable experience and she recognized that.

“I would host the early show at Sonar, run over to Nancy O’s to do five to seven minutes then run back to Sonar, do the late night show and it was just incredible,” Holt said.

“I was able to build on all of the life

“I’m just waiting. I’m biding my time until my kids are outta high school because the fun thing about comedy and the best thing about comedy is it doesn’t have an age limit nor does it have a time limit. If you’re funny, you’re funny and your number one goal is to make the people laugh and that’s where I’m at. I call it my sporadic hiatus. If my kids are all aligned and it’s something worth my time I will go do it.”

Holt hopes to be able to run these showcases regularly.

“We’re hoping to build up more of a scene here,” Holt said.

“Winning those contests when I first came to Prince George really launched my career and that’s what this is all about. We’re trying to find that relatable person because comedy is for everyone.”

This is the test run for future competitions like this, Holt added.

“Just to see how it goes,” she said.

“We are hoping to do this at least three times a year.”

For more information and tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masters-of-laughter-tickets-1767432922449

All-female cast for staged reading of wartime play

Waiting for the Parade will be staged for Inspiring Women Among Us week

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

In honour of Inspiring Women Among Us week being celebrated by the University of Northern BC, an all-women led stage reading of Waiting for the Parade will be presented at Knox Performance Centre on Sunday, Nov. 23 and Monday, 24.

Proceeds from the readings go to the Inspiring Women Among Us Award that assists women facing challenges while pursuing their degree at the UNBC.

Sandra Clermont has organized this event but says it’s a collaborative effort by all those involved, including Katherine Trepanier, Catherine Hansen-McCarthy, Melissa Glover and Laura Heagy.

Waiting for the Parade is a play written by John Murrell about five Calgary women who each respond differently to civilian life during WWII, providing a portrait of Canadian society in the 40s, says the Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia.

“When we do a play reading it’s really collaborative and all the women are really talented so that makes it easy,” Clermont said.

“Katherine plays Margaret, who is the oldest character at 50, and she has two sons who are of age to go to war and she is constantly worrying about them and she’s on her own.”

Catherine Hansen McCarthy plays Janet, who organizes the ladies in their volunteer work.

are doing a

reading is a fundraiser for the

need a bit of support while earning their

“During the play we’re getting things ready for the boys who are going to be shipped off,” Clermont explained.

“So we all get together to make these little kits and Janet is that woman that takes charge and Catherine does it beautifully. There’s some singing so she also leads us in a few songs.”

Laura Heagy plays Eve.

“Laura’s character is a young married teacher,” Clermont said. “This might be the first time in her life that she gets to do something important that’s just her own.”

Melissa Glover plays Marta, a German

immigrant whose father is interned as a spy.

“So there’s a story line that goes along with that about how she is now being regarded by the women, the town and how they feel about her being German.”

Catherine — the character in the play, not the actor — played by Clermont is featured at a time where her husband is overseas.

“Catherine is independent but misses her husband and might still feel a little lost without him.”

The women in the play aren’t necessarily close and don’t know each other

outside of their volunteer time together.

“This play is about the women who stayed home and kept the home fires burning. It’s about women finding their independence because of the war.”

Waiting for the Parade takes place Sunday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, cash at the door and for more information and tickets in advance visit https://www.knoxcentre.ca/event-details-registration/ waiting-for-the-parade

Canadian Cancer Society looking for volunteer drivers to help patients

The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for Wheels of Hope drivers who make a significant impact on the lives of those battling cancer. By providing crucial transportation to treatment appointments volunteers offer not only a ride but also a supportive presence. This role involves flexible scheduling, confirming travel arrangements, ensuring client safety

while adhering to CCS policies. CCS will provide training as volunteers join a team of more than 1,600 drivers.

The comittment is to a minimum of half a day to one day per week and be part of a mission to support and uplift

those in need. For more information contact Wheels of Hope at 1-800-9393333 or email volunteer@cancer.ca or visit www.cancer.ca//living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/cancer-travel-and-accommodation-services-bc

Throwback Thursday: Week of November 20

Nov. 20, 1964: Jean Brown, a reservation clerk for Canadian Pacific Airlines at the Prince George Airport, was photographed “up in the air” over flight schedules for the front page of The Citizen. Most air traffic in and out of Prince George was on hold because of heavy fog. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY PETE MILLER

Nov. 20, 1979: For its front page, The Citizen featured a photo of a driver heading down a slippery PG street, with some advice: The fender-bending season is here again. The gleam of icy streets in the morning should warn drivers to travel a bit slower and take extra care in stopping, although such warnings apparently go unheeded because police and body shops say it’s their busiest time of the year. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

Nov. 21, 2014: Shirley Gratton was photographed putting together Bea’s Tree for the Festival of Trees. Bea Dezell bought the tree at Perry’s Pharmacy in the early 1950s, and was used to celebrate Christmas the Brownies and the Weavers Guild before Gratton bought at a garage sale and was used to start the Festival of Trees in 2004. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

SEED launches to inspire future health-care workers

FURQANA KHAN

Northern Health

The Northern Health (NH) Student Practice Education team is once again collaborating with School District 57, the College of New Caledonia, University of Northern BC, Northern Health Volunteer Services, and Northern Health Recruitment in a joint effort to deliver our Seek, Experience, Explore, Discover (SEED) program.

SEED is a great opportunity for local high school students to engage in career observations for health care. We are strengthening our relationships with our internal and external agency partners while we provide our community with high-quality job shadowing experiences to recruit future health care workers.

A pilot of the program was conducted back in February 2025, and after thorough analysis of the data, we now are thrilled to launch our first cohort for this experience in November 2025!

Through participation in this program, students will learn about health care career paths that they may not have otherwise considered for their futures. This program is also

a testament to our local education partners to see the commitment NH has to fostering our collaborative relationships and enhance student experiences. Students who are interested in learning more about the SEED program, can inquire with their school for details. Stay tuned as we follow the journey of our first official SEED cohort and witness the incredible insights and inspiration these students will gain as they explore the world of health care.

Northern Health digitizes one million lab requisitions

SHAR MCCRORY

Northern Health

In Northern BC, something remarkable has happened in health care. The Northern Health (NH) Lab Outpatient Improvement Project (LOIP) has reached a major milestone — one million lab requisitions digitized.

That means one million times patients were able to get the lab tests they needed faster and more easily than ever before.

The LOIP project began in 2021 with a bold vision to improve access to lab services across the North. At the time, patients were facing long wait times — sometimes two weeks or more — and inconsistent processes across different communities.

The final site went live in April 2022, marking the completion of a regionwide transformation.

Over two years, the LOIP team worked tirelessly to improve lab

services at 26 sites across the region. They introduced new ways for patients to book appointments, including:

• Online booking through the HealthElife portal.

• Phone booking via the regional contact centre (1-888-223-1530), where patients can speak directly with someone for support with their lab appointment.

• Drop-in visits using the NH Check-In app at select locations.

• Another major improvement: health care providers no longer need to fax lab requisitions to different numbers depending on the site. There is now one centralized fax number for all outpatient lab requisitions, making the process simpler, faster, and more reliable.

LOIP has also helped standardize outpatient lab services and interconnect labs, allowing patients to access lab services at any NH facility, regardless of location.

These changes drastically reduced wait times for lab appointments — from more than two weeks to just a few days.

These changes have given patients more options and helped reduce long lineups.

Patients can now bring their lab requisition — the form from their primary care provider — with them, or have it sent directly to the lab, streamlining the entire experience.

The project didn’t just benefit patients — it also makes work easier for lab staff. By modernizing tools and processes, staff can focus more on what they do best: helping people. The LOIP team included medical lab technologists, medical lab assistants, clinical information system administrators, lab managers and patient partners. Their collaboration and dedication made this success possible.

Thanks to their hard work, LOIP received the BC Quality Award for Excellence in Quality: Strengthening

Health & Wellness in 2024, and was nominated for two Charles Jago Awards — a testament to its impact and innovation.

Lisette Vienneau, Northern Health’s regional director of diagnostic services, summed it up beautifully: “Thank you to the wonderful and dedicated Northern Health medical laboratory professionals, the clinical lab information system team, and other dedicated staff who were involved in this project. Your resilience, perseverance, and trust were priceless.”

Now, with one million requisitions completed, NH is looking forward. The organization will continue listening to patients, health care providers and lab staff to make services even better. This milestone is more than just a number — it’s proof that when people work together, big changes can happen. And for patients across northern BC, it means better access to care, shorter wait times and a healthier future.

Local Sports Duchess Park, D.P. Todd take senior volleyball titles

Boys will represent the North in PG, while girls head to Kelowna

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Eva Allen has endured some close volleyball battles in her high school career with the D.P. Todd Trojans.

But never had she been through one match where the stakes were so high that was as close and lasted as long as Saturday’s North Central zone double-A girls final against the Shas Ti Kelly Road Grizzlies at the D.P. Todd gym.

The winner-takes-all match to determine who will represent the North at the BC Secondary Sports double-A championship in Kelowna came down to one final set that turned into a cliffhanger laced with momentum swings that kept the crowd guessing who would be the first to reach 15 points.

Meanwhile, the Duchess Park Condors took the double-A boys’ championship against the College Heights Cougars Saturday night.

In the girls’ final, the Trojans won the first and third sets, 25-17 and 25-22, and the Grizzlies, 25-21 winners in the second set, forced the tiebreaker with a 25-22 victory in the fourth.

Just when it looked like the Trojans were about to run away with it, building a 9-4 lead, back came the Grizzlies. Katie MacDonald put together a serving salvo and delivered an ace, and her teammates backed that up with timely net blocks and kills that found hardwood. All of a sudden it was a tie game.

The Trojans grabbed the lead again and were two points away from the trophy when Grizzlies server Ashelyn Martin went a bit too heavy on her serve, and Allen ended it when she got hold of the ball at the net and used her powerful shoulder to pound down a cross-court winner for a 15-12 final-set victory.

Shas Ti Kelly Road hitter Ashelyn Martin taps the over the net as D.P. Todd’s Dilynne Crittin goes to block during the AA Sr. Girls Zone Final at D.P. Todd Secondary School on Saturday, Nov. 15.

“It was quite surreal, I’ve never been to a fifth set before and it was actually quite a good experience,” said Allen, a Grade 12 right-side hitter. “It makes me feel so proud of myself and my team because we pushed so hard throughout the season. It was hard work but it really paid off.

“(Her game-winning point) was a relief, because I was getting tired at the end. They’re a wonderful team to play against. I am very excited about provincials, this is my second year and we went last year and I’m just glad to finish off my senior season with this team, we’re going to represent PG well.”

The Trojans and Grizzlies have been pretty dead even throughout the season, and the need for a fifth set to

determine zone bragging rights was no surprise to head coach Jarrett Potskin.

“It’s been 50/50 all season with them, they’re a great team,” said Potskin. “Our girls never gave up and they worked hard, it was good to see.

“Delaney Turner was unreal.”

Turner was picked tournament MVP.

The Trojans’ Grade 12 power hitter was a point machine in the championship match and showed her Team BC pedigree throughout the final with consistent serving, strong defence and rally-ending finishes.

“That was stressful but we pulled through and it was good, I’m so happy for this team,” said Turner. “We just have so much fun and we’re always pushing together. We just have such

a great dynamic and we work well together.”

Each team’s defensive specialists — Elena Barber for the Grizzlies and the Trojans’ Sadie Billborough — shared the top libero award. Grizzlies setter Faith Lawrence and power hitter Olivia Medhurst were selected to the all-star team.

“I really appreciate the chance to just be able to play, I love the sport and I love that my dad (Jon) was able to help me as a coach,” said Lawrence, one of three graduating Grizzlies.

“They’re definitely our biggest rivals and it was just a little bit of our hesitancy, we just weren’t as confident as we could have been. It was a tough loss but I think that moving forward our juniors that were on the team are really going to thrive.”

Other members of the victorious Trojans squad are Emma Breen, Nevaeh Horsley, Mya Mikovich, Abby MacDonald, Katie MacDonald, Addison McLellan, Liliana Marques, Kali Doane, Dilynne Crittin, Lauren Lewis and Jade Neilson. Dallyn Long is the assistant coach.

Condors swoop down on College Heights

The Duchess Park Condors would not be denied.

The top-seeded team in the eightteam North Central zone AA boys volleyball championship lived up to their billing Saturday night, defeating the host College Heights Cougars in three sets (25-23, 30-28, 25-18) to claim their fifth straight zone banner.

With the BC School Sports AA provincial championship returning to the same College Heights gym in less than two weeks, the Condors offered a convincing preview of why they are considered a top-two contender in the province.

Three local teams spent the season in province’s top 5

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

The Cougars pushed hard in the opening sets, but Duchess Park’s veteran roster — loaded with Grade 12 talent — proved too composed and too powerful when it mattered. Setter Sam Cramer and libero Brayden Woroshelo anchored the Condors’ system, feeding a lineup stacked with attacking options. Middle blocker Santiago Gonzales, rightside hitter Owen Martin, and power hitter Jude Poulin delivered a steady stream of kills, while Cramer kept the Cougars guessing with clever tips and well-timed deception.

“It feels awesome,” said Martin. “Last year I did it as a Grade 11, and to win again as a senior is super special. Having provincials here in town will be a great way to go out.”

College Heights found offensive success of their own, especially through power hitter Tolu Bankole and middle blocker Mitch Costley, who capitalized on sets from Nate Groenveld and passes from libero Oliver Connelly. But the Cougars struggled to sustain pressure against the Condors’ consistency and serve strength. Martin and Poulin unleashed heavy spin serves that often left College Heights scrambling.

Poulin, a transfer from Cedars who red-shirted last year, stood out as the tournament MVP. His quick defensive reads and ability to attack from anywhere on the court made him a constant threat.

“We’ve battled with that team all year,” said Condors head coach Griffin Olexyn. “They’re super solid, and it’s awesome to take them in three to show we’re the best in the zone. This is a tight group of boys who love playing together, and when things click, it’s awesome.”

Duchess Park, College Heights, and D.P. Todd have shared space in the top five of the provincial rankings throughout the season, giving the zone uncommon depth. That strength means the Cougars and two other North Central teams will join the Condors at provincials.

“We thrive in five-set matches,” said Cramer. “We’ve battled College Heights

for four years and it’s always close. Having tough competition every weekend prepares us for provincials. You’re never off the gas. I think we can bring it home.”

The Condors roster also includes Jesse Bomford, Sawyer Roberts, Taylor Hodgin, Jonah Barette, Rhome Secor, Tomi Afolabi and Jake Birkheim.

Cougars right-side hitter Angus MacFarlane is eager for another chance at Duchess Park when provincials begin Wednesday, Nov. 26.

“We knew it could go either way — we’ve battled them all year,” he said. “We’ve had injuries, and we knew it would be mental. Hosting provincials is special. It’s been our goal longer than any team because we’ve known we’d host.”

Duchess Park has dominated the head-to-head matchup this season, winning all seven meetings. Cougars head coach Jay Guillet said his team once

again fought from behind.

“We got down early in the first, came back, and fell a bit short. Same in the second — 30-28 — and suddenly you’re down 2-0,” he said.

The Cougars reached the final after a marathon five-set semifinal win over D.P. Todd that lasted two hours and 13 minutes. After losing the first two sets (27-25, 28-26), College Heights stormed back 25-21, 25-19, 15-10.

“We were down 2-0 to D.P. Todd and came back, so we said let’s do it again,” Guillet said. “But Duchess Park played a solid game. We needed more kills, aces, and blocks. They’re consistent, they pass well, and their errors aren’t as noticeable.”

Duchess Park also faced resistance in their semifinal, dropping the first set 25-17 to Cedars Christian before recovering 25-16, 25-19, 25-23.

Cedars then delivered the tournament’s biggest surprise, seizing the third provincial berth with a four-set victory over D.P. Todd (24-26, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22) in the bronze-medal match.

“The boys just played solid volleyball from start to finish,” said Eagles head coach Frank Crosina. “They never got too high or low; they just kept battling.”

Cedars, the 2023 single-A provincial champion, was forced up to AA this season under a new BC School Sports rule. With only 30 Grade 12 boys, they compete against schools with up to 225. But that didn’t limit them Saturday.

Setter Malcolm Ceaser frequently connected with hitters David Okebie and Malachi Norton, while libero Trace Wilkins excelled stepping in for injured starter Andrew Boutcher. Middle blocker Kaeden Paulsen earned all-star honours.

Skating for the BC Cup

PG Blizzard skater

Waylan Matte pushes to stay ahead of Tri-Cities’ Elsa Chen while competing in a 200 metre semi-final during Speed Skating BC’s BC Cup Short Track competition at Kin 1 Sunday, Nov. 16. The BC Cup season kicked off in Prince George as young skaters from across the province compete to earn their spots at the BC Provincial Short Track Championships in March.

College Heights girls repeat as triple-A champions

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The College Heights Cougars recovered from a shaky start in the final match to repeat as zone champions Saturday in Quesnel.

They defeated the Duchess Park Condors in a five-set affair at the North Central zone triple-A girls volleyball championship at Correlieu Secondary School.

The Cougars needed a late push to lock up the win against their crosstown rivals. After losing the first set 25-14, College Heights took the second one 25-19, but faced elimination after a 25-23 loss in the third set. They closed it out winning the fourth set 25-18 and took the fifth and deciding set 15-10.

“It was a battle, we lost the first set pretty badly,” said Cougars head coach Hali Drezet.

“We just said to the girls there’s lots of game left; best of five is the best-case scenario because you’ve got time to settle in, and they figured it out in the second set and it went back and forth a bit there and luckily we pulled ahead on the fifth and got it done.”

The Cougars were led by outside hitter Olivia Young, the tournament MVP. Young played for Team BC in the summer and has been a constant standout for the Cougars this season.

“She holds the girls together and she’s an amazing player,” said Drezet. “She’s smart, she hits the ball hard, she’s very consistent, but I think what sets her apart is her leadership and how good of a teammate she is.

The Cougars also received all-star performances from setter Taylor Freeman and outside hitter Maggie Glover.

“Maggie played unreal in the final,

probably the best I’ve ever seen her play, she was on fire,” said Drezet.

“At city finals we had our starting setter (Emma Young) roll her ankle and our backup setter (Annaka Wotten) tore her meniscus, so Taylor Freeman, who is a setter but hasn’t been setting for us, did amazing in city’s and we won and she’s definitely one of the reasons we pulled off the win on Saturday night. The girls rallied around her and she earned that all-star (selection).”

Zahra Ngabo, Ana Mackenzie and Bella Saro represented Duchess Park on the all-star team.

The Cougars, ranked fifth in the province, will represent North Central in the 16-team double-A provincial championship in Vernon, Nov. 27-29.

Meanwhile at the triple-A boys zone championship in Fort St. John, the Prince George Polars won a best-of-three

series 2-0 over the host North Peace Grizzlies to claim the North Central title.

PGSS swept North Peace in three straight on Friday and needed four sets on Saturday, winning 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16. The Polars advance to the 16-team triple-A provincial tournament in Langley, Jan. 26-29.

The PGSS girls also traveled to Fort St. John and were eliminated in consecutive matches by North Peace.

At the single-A girls championship in McBride, the Cedars Christian Eagles, ranked seventh in the province, lost a three-set final to Lakes District Lakers of Burns Lake.

The final match was supposed to be a best-of-five, according to BC School Sports guidelines. Cedars athletics director Steve Wilson said the Eagles made that known to tournament organizers but were overruled.

Fast, skillful, hard-hitting rivals finally face off again

Cougars and Blazers go at it for the first time this season

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

It took nearly two months of the WHL season to get the Prince George Cougars and Kamloops Blazers together on the same ice surface but the wait was well worth it.

The two teams played hockey the way it’s meant to be — fast, skillful, hard-hitting, with sharp goaltending at either end and almost dead even.

In a game that had few whistles and took just two hours 15 minutes to complete, Aaron Foster’s goal late in the second period proved the difference in a 3-2 Cougars win Friday at CN Centre in front of 3,929 witnesses.

Goals were hard to come by despite each team having three of the league’s top-20 point-getters. Terik Parascak certainly did his part for the Cougars, notching his 16th goal and 31st point to remain tied for third in the WHL scoring race.

Defenceman Kayd Ruedig scored both Kamloops goals and Blazers sniper JP Hurlbert collected two assists to add to his league-leading 37-point total.

But it wasn’t enough to derail the Cougars (14-7-0-0), not with goalie Josh Ravensbergen playing the way he has been lately. He made 21 saves to improve his record to 11-6.

For the 15th time in 21 games they opened the scoring — a good sign for the Cougars considering they went on to win 11 of those games.

Cole Hajt, a 17-year-old rookie from El Segundo, Calif., deflected in a point shot from first-year Cougars defenceman Phoenix Cahill. Cahill already had a shot on goal before he intercepted a clearing attempt from the Blazers to allow Hajt to score his second of the season.

“The net was open so I went to go shoot for it and I thought I was going to score that, but then Cole Hajt tipped it, and it was still pretty exciting to get another point,” said Cahill, a Colorado

College recruit who earned his second WHL point.

The Cougars played nine games in just 15 days and six of them were on the road, but with their narrow win over Kamloops they managed to maintain their grip on first place in the BC Division.

“It’s always fun to get the win, especially with all the games we’ve gone through in a short period of time,” said Cahill, a 17-year-old from Cottage Grove, Minn. “It’s always hard after that type of road trip and then playing three more games that next week. (The Blazers) were pretty good but we stuck to the game plan and got it done.”

Cahill was paired with 20-year-old veteran Bauer Dumanski and they worked well together as a defensive unit.

“He’s fun to play with,” said Cahill. “He likes to push up the pace and I like to play that style of play, and if I mess up he’s helping me get back on my feet, telling me what I could do better.”

The Blazers got back on even terms 14 minutes into the game, scoring off a rush into PG territory. Ruedig, a former

Portland Winterhawk, took a pass from Hurlbert and used Dumanski to obstruct the vision of Ravensbergen and the shot eluded him.

About a minute later, Brock Souch took the puck off a pileup of players on the end boards and went behind the net to feed it out to Parascak, who caught Ruedig puck-watching and was left alone in front to fire in his 15th goal in 21 games.

The Blazers had a carryover power play to start the second period with Carson Carels off for cross-checking and Ruedig took advantage, rolling his wrists for his second goal of the game and sixth of the season to tie it 2-2 just 28 seconds into the period.

The deadlock lasted 14 minutes until Foster converted a 2-on-1 chance when he dragged the puck in from the left side and had just enough skating room to chip a shot through the legs of goalie Logan Edmonstone. That capped the scoring with 5:42 left in the second period.

Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb was proud of how

his players held the high-octane Blazers offence to just two goals.

“They have a couple real high-end players and they have the leading scorer in the league, so you’ve got to keep an eye on him. I just like the way our team game is and the way we played in the third,” said Lamb. “I like our first and our third but we got a little sloppy in the second. We took a couple penalties but it’s been a grind these last three weeks.

“I give the guys a lot of credit, there was a lot of travel and good hockey teams. We were in every game, even the ones we lost — a couple 2-1 games — but we need a lot of rest, the guys are dead. We need practice time because we haven’t had a lot.”

LOOSE PUCKS: This was the first of nine meetings between the Cougars and Blazers this season. They’ll meet again Dec. 12-13 at CN Centre ... Prince George native Dan De Palma is in his 19th season as the Blazers’ director of goaltending. The Cougars’ next game is set for Friday, Nov. 21, when they host the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Spruce Kings back in second place with pair from Ushio

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Tai Ushio has been one of the go-to offensive catalysts all season long for the Prince George Spruce Kings and he was up to his old antics again Saturday in Langley.

The 20-year-old native of Japan, in his last game with the Kings before he heads overseas to play for his country at the Asian Hockey Championships in Beijing, China next week, scored two goals to power the Kings to a 6-2 win over the Langley Rivermen.

Ushio combined with linemates Kazumo Sasaki and Marcus Lougheed to open the scoring 8:37 into the third period and collected his second of the night late in the period on another setup from Lougheed. In between Ushio’s goals, Dominic Szczyiel also scored on former Spruce Kings goalie Dylan Johnson.

Ushio’s 10th and 11th goals this

season, to go with 12 assists, left him with 23 points, good for ninth in BCHL scoring. Sasaki’s assist on the opening goal was his 27th point and he’s tied for the league lead with Joseph Sinclair of the Sherwood Park Crusaders.

In the second period the Rivermen finally got a puck in behind Kings goalie Colin Reay when Aaron Reirson scored his 13th 5:46 in.

Dracen Campbell restored the threegoal lead late in the period and the Kings got two more in the third period.

Carter Hesselgrave connected on a Prince George power play and 17-yearold rookie River Arnason picked up his first career BCHL goal.

Langley forward Christian Chouha capped the scoring late.

Reay made 22 saves to improve his record to 4-5. The Spruce Kings outshot the Rivermen 32-24.

With their second road win of the weekend, which started Friday with an 8-1 triumph over the Surrey Eagles, the

Players and fans ready to Drop the Gloves and Sock It to ’Em

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

December is just around the corner and the Prince George Spruce Kings have a plan in place to help the St. Vincent de Paul Society support those in need through the cold days of winter.

Their annual Drop the Gloves and Sock It to ’Em promotion is less than a month away.

Hockey fans who come to Kopar Memorial Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6 to watch the Spruce Kings play the Victoria Grizzlies are asked to bring bags of socks, toques, gloves and other warm clothing items and toss them onto the ice after the Kings score their first goal.

Food donations will also be accepted.

“We really see the generosity of our fans come out during that game for such a great cause,” said Kyle Anderson, the Spruce Kings’ business operations manager.

Kings leapfrogged the Rivermen back into second place in the BCHL Coastal East Division standings. The Spruce Kings (9-8-0-0) are tied in points with the Rivermen (9-10-0-0), each with 18, but Prince George has played two fewer games.

The Spruce Kings were back on the road Tuesday to make the trip to Nanaimo, where they faced the Clippers Wednesday, followed by backto-back encounters with the Cowichan Valley Capitals in Duncan Friday and Saturday.

They’ll be back in Prince George Nov. 28-29 to take on the Chilliwack Chiefs at Kopar Memorial Arena.

LOOSE PUCKS: Sasaki will also play for Japan at the Asia championship.

Japan, which finished second in the inaugural tournament in 2024, will open the four-team tournament Thursday against China. The other two teams are Kazakhstan — the defending champions — and Korea.

Spruce Kings winger Tai Ushio moves the puck into Langley Rivermen territory during their game Sunday, Nov. 2 at Kopar Memorial Arena. After scoring two in a rematch in Langley on the weekend, Ushio is heading to play for Japan at the Asian Hockey Championships in China, as will teammate Kazumo Sasaki.

Traditionally, the Drop the Gloves game has always been a popular draw and tickets are expected to sell out quickly, with multiple groups already expressing interest in attending.

“This is always one of the most well-attended games in the season, seeing over 2,000 fans attend in 2023 against Trail, and another 1,400-plus last season,” said Anderson. “St. Vincent de Paul is always admiring our fans’ dedication to this game.”

For information about group ticket packs, e-mail the Kings’ office at info@ sprucekings.bc.ca or drop the office at Kopar Memorial Arena to buy tickets from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. You can purchase a ticket online at any time at https://www.showpass.com/ pgskdropthegloves/

Tickets cost $17 (adult), $14 (seniors) and $6 (youth). Discounts are available for groups that buy more than 10 tickets at a time.

PG wrestler goes prospecting in the American south

Isaiah Berra, aka Wes Barker, the Prospector, celebrates his ties to Barkerville in the ring

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Trump’s tariffs have made Kentucky bourbon scarce on Canadian retail shelves, but the US president’s protectionist policies didn’t stop Prince George professional wrestler Wes Barker, The Prospector, from making a cross-border incursion.

He packed up his pickaxe, threw some street clothes into a suitcase next to his wrestling tights and boots and headed south to pursue his professional wrestling dreams fighting for fame and fortune in the squared circles of Kentucky, Texas and the Deep South. Based in Lexington, Ky., far from the hockey rinks of BC where he used to score goals with the Cariboo Cougars, Isaiah Berra has struck gold with wrestling fans in the United States who have fallen under the charm of his Wes Barker alter ego.

Now six months into his migration to America, Berra is making significant headway in his efforts to carve out a career dishing out backbreakers and body slams as a familiar face wrestling with the Appalachian Mountain Wrestling and National Wrestling Alliance-Texas circuits. He lives in Lexington with his girlfriend, Halee-Faye, who was born and raised in Kentucky.

Berra makes it known to wrestling fans in the States he’s from Western Canada and northern British Columbia, and Americans can identify with his gold-mining character, Wes Barker, because they know about the California Gold Rush.

“The Prospector character is a frontiersman,” said Berra. “It is so easy for people to understand the concept and what that word stands for — pioneer, a cowboy, the Old West — so being Billy Barker’s great-great-great-grandson from the Cariboo Gold Rush that started in 1862.

“I’ll tell those details to the commentator to put over for the televised product. People make the connection just based on what I do in the ring. I come out with a pickaxe and right away people want me to hit someone with it. It always gets over.”

Berra’s matches and promotional videos are available online on YouTube and Instagram he does monthly podcasts on ESPN.

He started out four years ago wrestling in Calgary, mostly on the CanAm Wrestling circuit, which also took him to Lethbridge and Edmonton. Being a day’s drive or an hour’s flight from

Prince George took a toll that first year and he found an alternative to what was a gruelling travel schedule waiting for him in the States.

“There’s so much wrestling in America, especially in the Deep South, it’s a full-time job in the summer months,” said Berra. “Some awesome opportunities have been coming my way because I’m putting myself in that position. I’m constantly on the road trying to work for different promotions in different places and learn different styles.”

He was wrestling four or five days a week, and now that his schedule has slowed to two shows each week, he’s

had more time to devote to his passion for writing. Berra’s first novel, The Ballad of Wes Barker, a historical fictional account of the town of Barkerville during the height of the Cariboo Gold Rush in the 1860s, is being released later this month.

Berra got his start in the fight game in 2022 when he was 25 and started training with his mentor, Chris Knight, in Calgary. His first matches were with CanAm Wrestling, where he got in a cage with Vance Nevada and won the CanAm match of the year award in 2024.

SEE ‘BERRA’ ON NEXT PAGE

Team North wins Joy Hoffman Memorial U-19 title

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

It appears winning is a hard habit to break for the North U-19 ringette team. They went all the way to the top last spring to claim the Ringette BC provincial championship in Surrey and with 10 players back for another season they were unstoppable at the Joy Hoffman Memorial Tournament in Prince George.

In the U-19 final on Sunday, Nov. 9 at Kin 1, North cruised to a 6-4 win over Team East (Lower Mainland).

Abby McLeod scored what turned out the winning goal six minutes into the second period and defencman Molli Stonehouse added an insurance goal with 53 seconds left on the clock to lock up the victory.

Alexa Talbot, Sasha Davies, Alexis McHone and Elyce Anderson also scored for North, a team made up of players from Prince George, Quesnel, Houston and Terrace.

Alexia Reirson picked up the win in goal for Team North.

The three-day tournament, Nov. 7-9, drew more than 300 players from all over the province.

Berra

BC West U19 goalie Khaliya S. covers the goal as BC

skate into the goal crease during the Joy Hoffman

In other Joy Hoffman final results, the Richmond Riptides blanked Terrace Blue 5-0 to claim the U-14 division title.

Final game results from the U-12, U-16 and open division were not available.

The annual tournament, organized by the Prince George Ringette Association, included a tribute to longtime Prince

George ringette coach Keith Sullivan, who died on Oct. 10.

All North zone players are wearing ‘KS’ initials on the shoulder of the game jerseys this season to remember Sullivan and his contributions to the game as a coach, referee, manager and league executive.

Boosted by matching donations from Ray’s Stucco and Falcon Contracting, a weekend total of $5,210 was raised for the Keith Sullivan Legacy Fund. The fund will pay for registration fees and equipment for families in need. Donations can be emailed through electronic bank transfers to kslegacy@pgringette.ca.

got his start in sports playing Cariboo Cougars hockey

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Berra’s legend in the ring continued to grow with Primetime Wrestling in Prince George, when he was voted the most popular wrestler in 2024. He was a finalist in Jacques Rougeau’s Lutte Académie tournament in Montreal in 2024 and that led to a three-month stint training in Houston, Tx., with his childhood wrestling hero — two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T — where Berra was featured on the Reality of Wrestling TV show.

He won his first belt in 2025 as the Canadian Apex Wrestling heavyweight champion in Vancouver. In a sport that demands physical strength, agility and flexibility, Berra has managed to stay healthy. While

outcomes are predetermined, there’s nothing fake about what wrestlers have to endure to make a career of it.

“Pro wrestling is all about pain tolerance, you can love it, but if you don’t have a high pain tolerance it’s not going to work out,” said Berra. “I’ve seen tons of athletes from other sports show up and they get bruised and battered and they know, ‘This is not for me.’

“On the flipside, I’ve seen kids who have never played a sport in their lives come in and the next thing you know they’re getting hit with steel chairs and loving it. Wrestling is a weird animal. I work out five days a week, I eat healthy and I’m constantly training. I prepare for wrestling in the same way I used to prepare for hockey. To have an athletic background in this made it

significantly easier.”

Berra has two older brothers, RJay and Hayden-James, both of whom played junior hockey, and his dad, Renzo, started the hockey program as a coach and phys-ed teacher at Prince George Secondary School. From a young age, Isaiah was surrounded by competitive athletes and he always took good care of himself to build a lean and flexible six-foot-two, 209-pound body that can handle the rigours of wrestling.

At 28, he’s at an age at which most pro wrestlers are entering the height of their careers.

“It’s not like hockey or baseball or football. In pro wrestling, mid-to-late 30s is when guys’ careers peak,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of opportunity in a short amount of time.”

Like stuntmen, wrestlers are masters of making their punches, kicks and pile-drivers appear as though fullforce contact is being made. The best wrestlers are the ones who can do that consistently without hurting their opponents and make it look like they’ve just landed a killing blow.

“My finisher is a top-rope elbow drop and when I jump up 10 or 12 feet in the air and come down, the guy taking it is not going to feel it or be worse for wear, and that’s me jumping 12 feet and landing on my hip,” said Berra.

“People think the rings are trampolines. I’ve seen it a million times. The first time anyone ever gets in a wrestling ring and tries to land on it, they’re winded. You’re assuming it’s a padded mattress experience and it’s really not.”

Life Events

Christine Kowalski

August 23, 1938 - November 6, 2025

Christine Kowalski passed away peacefully November 6, 2025 in Abbotsford. Born in Vancouver, mom moved to Prince George in 1957 where she met and married the love of her life Peter Kowalski. Upon retiring, they moved to Abbotsford in 1993. Together, Mom and Dad were the foundation of our family. Dad predeceased mom in February 2023. Lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her sons, Glen (Lidia), Gary (Sandra), grandkids Ryan (Alexandra), Brianna, Larissa (Vincenzo), Mitchell (Mercedes) and Spencer. No service by request.

In loving memory of Steve Walker

July 5, 1960 - November 17, 2018 Time passes. Love remains. Yesterday, tomorrow and always. Love Wendy

We are pleased to announce this year’s recipient of the Stephen Walker Memorial Bursary (2025). Anna Giese of DP Todd has aspirations to become a student of Environmental Engineering. She intends to use her education to assist in the preservation of our Earth and its environment. We want to wish Anna good luck and success in her educational endeavours. The Taylor and Walker Families.

February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025

Charles

Roy Burkitt

April 12, 1937 - October 31, 2025

His Celebration of Life is on Saturday, November 29, 2025 1:30pm at the Evangelical Free Church at 5th & Killoren, Prince George.

Brenda Lee Zatorski (née Richet)

June 20, 1953 - October 12, 2025

Cy Fortin

Cy Fortin

February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025

In loving memory of Brenda Lee Zatorski (Richet) It is with great reverence that we acknowledge the passingof Brenda Lee Zatorski, a devoted wife to Garrett, mother to Patrick, grandmother to Khloe and Isabelle,an aunt to many nieces and nephews. A friend to many. Brenda was predeceased by her parents Lois and Ivan, brothers Harold and Ron. Brenda will be remembered for her compassionate heart and radiant smile. She will be deeply cherished.

Gary Armel Gurnsey

February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025

March 18, 1943 - November 7, 2025

Gary peacefully passed away at home at the age of 82. Born in Victoria, Gary spent the majority of his years in Prince George. Despite serious health challenges in his final years, Gary’s resilience in the face of adversity remained strong and his faith in God never wavered.

Survived by his wife Betty, brothers Colin (Laurel) and Deryl (Heather) niece Alysa, nephew Matt (Lena), stepsons Richard Lee (Debbie) and David Lee (Cindy), son Christopher (Karlyn) and daughter Katie Gamble (Jeff) and 14 grandchildren. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Gary’s amazing medical team: Dr. Joss, Dr. Gross, Dr. Pettersen and hospice nurses who helped us so much throughout his final days.

A memorial service will be held November 29 from 3 - 5 p.m., Westwood MB church.

As family and friends, and all who knew Brenda, came to gather to celebrate Brenda’s life at the House of Ancestors on Nov 17 2025 -11am - 2pm

Classifieds

PG Alano Society AGM 2:00pm

Sunday December 14, 2025 725 Alward Street Prince George, BC.

LEGAL NOTICE

Between or anyone related, with the belief of abandonment of the storage UNIT C08 located at AAA Self Storage 6700 Pacific Street, Prince George, BC V2N 6Y2. Belongings of Ashley Harris of 2855 14TH AVE PG, BC V2L-2V8 (587-336-0561) will be dispose the aforesaid property unless the person being notified takes possession and liability of the property within 30 days from the date of this publication. Manager of AAA Self Storage.

LEGAL NOTICE

Between or anyone related, with the belief of abandonment of the storage UNIT A 18 located at AAA Self Storage 6700 Pacific Street, Prince George, BC V2N 6Y2. Belongings of Robert Ward of 196 Tabor Blvd PG, BC V2M 4L4 (250-552-8399) will be dispose the aforesaid property unless the person being notified takes possession and liability of the property within 30 days from the date of this publication. Manager of AAA Self Storage.

Connaught Youth Centre

Will hold it’s annual general meeting on Friday November 21, 2025 from 7-9pm

Interested in investing in Prince George’s youth? Community members of all ages are welcome to attend For more info; call 250-561-1467 email connaughtyouth@gmail.com

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

Location: Smithers B.C.

Travel: Required to all NWCDC locations throughout Northwest British Columbia. Travel compensation is provided. Salary Range: $85,000 -$98,538 www.nwcdc.ca | Apply to hr@nwcdc.ca

By JoAnn Derson

• Medication labels can fade, so when you get yours, put a piece of clear tape over the instructions. This way, you’ll always be able to read the instructions.

“When there are big family jobs to be done (like getting ready for the holidays), we write all the tasks down on slips of paper and put them in a hat. We take turns choosing tasks until all the paper is divvied out. Sometimes we trade, but we all get a fair chore list.” -- V.O.

• “During the holidays (the height of baking season for me), I keep a large plastic saltshaker filled with flour and a bit of dry rice. The rice helps the flour to shake out without getting clumped up, and I use it to dust cake pans, rolling pins, kneading boards, etc.” — W.F. in Canada

• “One of the household cleaners I prefer comes in a spray bottle, and it’s on the expensive side. I make sure to get all of the liquid out by adding some regular glass marbles to the bottle. It displaces the liquid up, ensuring it finds the bottom of the sprayer’s suction tube.” — T.H. in Mississippi

• “Stack pucks in the holes of a cardboard soda six-pack carrier. Tell your coach. And to keep them bouncy, store them in your freezer (as long as your mom says it’s OK).”

* “Let one person be responsible for putting prep dishes, pots and pans in the dishwasher while another prepares the bird and side dishes for the table. You will be halfway done with dishes by the time the meal is over.” -- M.A.

* Leftover bread can be repurposed as croutons or breadcrumbs. In fact, this is an excellent job for kiddos. With clean hands and a butter knife, older children can cut leftover rolls into manageable size pieces. Spray with olive oil cooking spray and bake at a low temperature (225 F) to dry out. Or crumble stale bread into crumbs and store in the freezer.

* On Dec. 1, 1992, police in Lilly, Pennsylvania, were summoned to a video store after a concerned passerby reported seeing a gunman inside, only to come face-to-face with a promotional cardboard cutout of a gun-toting Denzel Washington from the thriller “Ricochet.” The no-doubt

• 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.

amused cops chose to use the experience as a training day.

* On Dec. 2, 2023, KISS completed their final “End of the Road” tour at New York City’s Madison Square Garden with a performance featuring the band’s digital avatars. After the actual musicians left the stage, their virtual versions launched into a performance of “God Gave Rock and Roll to You.”

* On Dec. 3, 1847, escaped slaveturned-abolitionist Frederick

Douglass, assisted by philanthropist Gerrit Smith, published his first antislavery newspaper, The North Star. The title referred to the bright star Polaris that helped guide fleeing slaves to the North, and freedom. The paper later merged with Smith’s under the new name Frederick Douglass’ Paper.

* On Dec. 4, 1942, a group of Polish Christians in Warsaw, led by Zofia Kossak and Wanda Filipowicz, put their own lives at risk by setting up the Council for the Assistance of the

Jews. As their fates were not clear, it is also uncertain whether their mission was ultimately successful.

* On Dec. 5, 1873, Bridget Landregan was found dead in the Boston suburb of Dorchester, the first victim of Warren Avenue Baptist Church sexton Thomas Piper, aka the Boston Belfry Murderer. His second victim, Mary Sullivan, was killed the following year, and his third and fourth victims in 1875 and 1876. Piper was finally arrested and confessed to all four crimes, and was hanged in 1876.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time to let your intrepid ARIES temperament take charge. Your strong leadership skills will help settle stillunresolved situations. Support comes from a surprising source.

• 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) Don’t waste time trying to learn why someone you relied on is wavering in their support of your stand on a workplace issue. Move on with the help of more steadfast allies.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Ask your partner for an explanation of what seems to be a sign of strain in your relationship. The sooner you understand the problem, the sooner you can both act to resolve it.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You’re deep into your new project, which is just fine. But don’t neglect your family and friends. Spending time with people you care for is always a wise investment.

• 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.”

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your problem-solving talents shine as you move to cool down heated emotions. You also inspire trust in all parties when you act with careful consideration of their feelings.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Relationships enter a brighter period, both at home and in the workplace. Prospects also look good for single LEOs and LEOnas, who can expect a welcome visit from Cupid.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A new challenge in the workplace holds an exciting promise for the future. But be aware of the fact that you haven’t been told about all the demands you might have to meet.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

Past feelings are suddenly reawakened. This could make you emotionally vulnerable. Be careful about decisions that you might be asked to make at this time.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A longdelayed commitment begins to look better to you. But there’s still a crucial fact or two that you need to know about it. Meanwhile, a health problem needs to be taken care of.

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolsheviks and minority Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks went on to become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Those mixed signals that were complicating your life are giving way now to clear, definitive guidelines. This makes it easier for you to weigh your options and make decisions.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your financial picture brightens as you get into sorting out realistic goals from those that are not reachable at this time. “Caution” remains your fiscal watchword.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’ve come to a place where you’ll be facing important decisions that can affect your future. Rely on your strong moral compass to guide you toward making the right choices.

Homes & Living

Using diffusers around pets can be a wonderful way to create a calm, pleasant-smelling home, but it’s important to understand how certain essential oils may affect animals. Pets—especially cats, dogs, birds, and small mammals—are far more sensitive to scents and airborne particles than humans. Their bodies process chemicals differently, which means that even natural oils can cause irritation or health issues when not used carefully.

Many essential oils commonly used in diffusers, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, and pine, can be harmful to pets if inhaled in concentrated amounts. Cats are particularly vulnerable

because they lack the liver enzymes needed to break down many of the compounds found in essential oils. Dogs can also experience respiratory irritation, coughing, or lethargy if they breathe in strong scents. Birds, with their very delicate respiratory systems, are at even higher risk and can become ill quickly when exposed to airborne irritants.

If you enjoy using diffusers, there are ways to do so more safely. Always place diffusers in wellventilated areas and never confine pets in a room where a diffuser is running. Use only a few drops of oil at a time, and consider limiting use to short intervals. Reed diffusers and passive diffusers tend to be

gentler than ultrasonic or nebulizing models because they release a lower concentration of fragrance. Keep all essential oils—and the devices themselves—out of reach, as ingestion can be more dangerous than inhalation.

Watch for changes in your pet’s behaviour, such as sneezing, coughing, drooling, acting withdrawn, or avoiding certain rooms. If you notice any unusual reactions, turn off the diffuser immediately and move your pet to fresh air.

With mindfulness and moderation, you can enjoy aromatherapy while keeping your pets safe and comfortable.

Inspecting old Christmas lights is an important step in keeping your home safe and ensuring your holiday decorations shine the way they should. Over time, lights can become worn, brittle, or damaged, especially if they’ve been stored in basements, garages, or attics where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Before plugging anything in, start with a visual check. Look closely at the wiring for cracks, fraying, or exposed copper—any of these signs mean the strand should be discarded immediately. Older sets may have wires that stiffen or crumble, making them unsafe to use.

Next, examine each bulb. Loose, missing, or broken bulbs can cause

the entire string to malfunction and may even create a fire hazard. Replace damaged bulbs with the correct type and wattage to prevent overheating. Also check the sockets for dark scorch marks or corrosion, which indicate electrical issues. Make sure the plug and prongs are intact and fit securely into an outlet. When you test the lights, do so in a safe area, away from flammable materials. If the lights flicker, spark, or produce a burning smell, unplug them right away. Sometimes replacing a fuse in the plug can fix minor issues, but if problems persist, it’s safest to purchase new, energy-efficient LED lights.

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