caledonia courier, february 04, 2015

WEDNESDAY, February 4, 2015 PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com VOL. 37 NO. 49 $1.30 inc. GST

Editorial P. 4Robbie Burns Night P. 5

◆

◆◆Inside

Hockey P. 7◆

Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

New sergeant P. 6

Fearless fi re department braves icy water Matt Kilback- Raven Rescue instructor, Michael Navratil, Brian Schnepf, John Bennison, Pete Panesar, Robert Hughes, Joy Reierson, James Waddell, Richard Sutton, Ben Barak, Curtis MacDonald, Abigail Moore, Julia Vanderham.

Rebecca Watson photo

REBECCA WATSONCaledonia Courier

A group of volunteer fi re fi ghters jumped into frigid Stuart Lake waters this weekend all in the name of res-cue.

An ice-training refresher course has now brought 12 members of the Fort St. James Fire Department up to speed with the most current skills on how to rescue someone that’s fallen in.

Last year volunteers participated in ice rescue training and were fully certifi ed with the ice rescue techni-cian certifi cate which is good for three years. This year was a refresher course, Michael Navratil said, fi re chief.

“This will help us maintain our skills and be much better prepared to

help people while staying safe our-selves. Historically [someone falls in] consistently every winter so with this training if someone falls through the ice we will have the most up-to-date skills to rescue them safely,” Mr. Navratil said.

The training is done by Raven Rescue, the largest training provider in Canada. They provide training for technical rope rescue, confi ned space rescue, ice rescue, tower rescue and a handful of others.

Instructor Matt Kilback, certi-fi ed for swift water and ice rescue, showed participants how to use an-chors and how to properly scout for hazards. Keeping it simple is one of his main priorities and when it comes to ice rescue, you want it simple, he said.

Continued on page 2/3 Photo submitted by Fort St. James Fire department

A2 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, February 4, 2015 Caledonia Courier

NEWSCourier

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

FebruaryFebruary, 2015, 2015District of Fort St. James CalendarDistrict of Fort St. James Calendar

Offi ce:

477 Stuart Drive West

Email:

offi [email protected]:

250-996-8233

Like us at Facebook:

District of Fort St. JamesFollow us on Twitter:

@DFSJames

Munic

ipal

Web

site:

ww

w.fo

rtstja

mes

.ca

Please submit all events by W

ednesday for the next W

ednesday paper distribution.of ce@

fortstjames.ca

The District is seeking volunteers to participate in Winterfest 2015!

Please contact Mel at 996-8233 for more info.

8 9

4 5 6 7

5:30pm Public Skating

Mexican Fiesta Fundraiser for Maureen Howell

141110 12 13

10am Plain & Clear Language Wrkshp @ Hub

4pm Parent tot Skate5:30pm Public Skating6:15pm Hoop Dance6:30pm Curling AGM

FAMILY DAY9:30am Preschool Gym @

Sowchea

7pm Hospital Aux AGM @ Hospital Cafeteria

4pm Parent tot Skate

5pm Mexican Fiesta Fundraiser @ FJSS


6:15pm Hoop Dance

181615 17 19 20 21

9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

Valentine’s Day

7:30pm Live Theatre ‘Maladjusted’ @

Nak’albun


5:30pm Public Skating 9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

4pm Parent Tot Skate


6:15pm Hoop Dance

CAC Ballet of ‘Cinderella’ @ FSJSS

Fri Feb 13th @ High School GymDoors Open 5pm Dinner 6 - 8pm Live Auction. Toonie Auction. Entertainment. $10 Adults, $5 Children & $30 Family.

Tickets will be available soon at the District Offi ce, Window Box and Terri’s Hair Salon. Auction items can be dropped off at the Window Box.

22 2623 24 25 27 28WINTERFEST

4pm Parent Tot Skate


6:15pm Hoop Dance

Music Makers Play

WINTERFEST

Caledonia Classic Sled Dog Races @ Cottonwood Park

Music Makers Play

41 2 3 5 6 7MarchMarch, 2015, 2015

WINTERFEST


WINTERFEST WINTERFEST

7pm Movie Night @ David Hoy

WINTERFEST WINTERFEST WINTERFEST

7pm Dance Recital @ FSJSS

Music Makers Play

WINTERFESTMusic Makers Play

Murray Ridge Ski Hill Activities

Murray Ridge 2for1 Lift Passes, LIVE MUSIC &

Drink Specials

1pm Cancer Support Group at Sue’s 996-8639

RHB SCHMITZ de GRACECHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

RHN SCHMITZ de GRACE

• PERSONAL AND CORPORATE TAX

• FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION

• ASSURANCE

• BOOKKEEPING AND DATA PROCESSING

• ESTATE PLANNING

Fort St. James Of ce (Fridays)Fort St. James Of ce (Fridays)169 Stuart Drive169 Stuart Drive

Fort St. James, BCFort St. James, BCV0J 1P0V0J 1P0

To schedule an appointment, please call1-800-976-7780 (toll-free)

[email protected]

February 6 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

at the Curling Club

Fort St. James Curling ClubANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

ROPE TRAINING: Instructor Matt Kilback shows participants the proper way to anchor the ropes.


Continued from front

“The most important thing is recog-nizing the hazards,” Mr. Kilback said. “On Stuart Lake here, this is a con-trolled environment, but once you are in an area with moving water there are so many more things that can go wrong and so many more variables thrown into it.”

By securing an anchor in the ice far enough away from the edge, it allows the rescuer to attach a rope and poten-tially save someone solely by them-selves.

“But you should always have at least three people, you should never have to resort to [a one person rescue],” Mr. Navratil said.

The ice-rescue suits each participant

wore has thermal protection with flota-tion built in. It’s all one piece and al-though it takes a shorter amount of time to put on then a dry suit, it can be quite uncomfortable, Mr. Kilback said.

“It’s not a cold water suit to float around in all the time but to rescue someone it will keep the person warm and floating,” Mr. Kilback said.

A dry suit is an alternative but comes in many pieces. The boots and gloves are separate but if put on correctly will also

be water proof with thermal protection. The FSJ fire department aquired four

ice rescue suits and rescue ropes during last year’s certification.

The cost of the training was covered by the District of Fort St. James in con-junction with the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako.

Residents are also reminded the fire department is currently hosting a re-cruitment drive which ends March 6. Contact the hall for further information at 250-996-8670.

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, February 4, 2015 www.caledoniacourier.com A3

SStudenttudent of the WWeekeek

Sammi Roesslerhas been reffi ng basketball

games almost every day and

helping with score tables as

well. Sammi is a good PE

student. She was huge help

during the tournament.

Fort St. James SecondaryGrade 10

Nominated by Mr. Waddell

Fearless fi re department braves icy water


SWIMMING: Two fire fighter volunteers give thumbs up in Stuart Lake.


Editorial PageEditorial Page

Look for us online at : caledoniacourier.com

The Caledonia Courier is

a member of the British

Columbia Press Council,

a self-regulatory body

governing the province’s

newspaper industry. The

council considers complaints

from the public about

the conduct of member

newspapers. Directors oversee

the mediation of complaints,

with input from both the

newspaper and the complaint

holder. If talking with the

editor or publisher does not

resolve your complaint about

coverage or story treatment,

you may contact the B.C.

Press Council.

Your written concern, with

documentation, should be sent

to B.C. Press Council, PO

Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C.

V9G 1A9.

For information,

phone 888-687-2213 or go to

www.bcpresscouncil.org

E-mail us at : [email protected]

Distributed every Wednesday in Fort St. James

We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Publisher: Pam Berger

[email protected]

Offi ce: Meriella Drogomatz

offi [email protected]

Editor:Rebecca Watson

[email protected]

Production:Julia Beal

Wendy Haslamwendy@

ominecaexpress.com

Address:Box 1298

Fort St. James, BC VOJ 1P0

Member:B.C. Press Council

Subscriptions (per year) Local: $43.50

Seniors: $37.30 Outside Local area: $60.15

(All rates include GST):Reproduction of contents

either in part or in whole are not permitted without prior consent of the publisher.Copyright Canada No. 22

Serial No. 132934

• Column


Fear Not - there is help for children with anxietyColumn by Dr. David Smith

Everyone has times of feel-ing anxious, scared or fearful. In fact, without our body’s in-nate ability to sense and re-spond to pending danger, we would never have survived as humans.

These days, however, anxi-ety disorders are like a car alarm repeatedly sounding when there is no real threat. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern for children in B.C., affecting an estimated four per cent of all children, impacting their day-to-day life, their friendships, their school performance, their physical health and their sense of well-being. My colleagues and I in the mental health field are concerned that in this mod-ern, fast-paced, wired world, anxiety disorders in children are greatly increasing. We are seeing more children than ever before who are constrained and made miserable by their fears when they should be feel-ing safe, secure, confident and

happy. Anxious feelings include

a rapid heartbeat, difficulty catching one’s breath, a sense of doom, sweaty palms, an upset stomach or stomach ache, even nausea and vomiting. Focusing on the feelings can cause them to intensify, a vicious cycle. Anxious symptoms become a true anxiety disorder when the anxiety leads to avoidance of the situation that is causing the anxiety and causes significant physical distress and disruption of daily life and functioning. An unresolved anxiety disorder can often lead to depression or substance use problems in fu-ture years.

Anxiety, however, exists on a spectrum. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and benefi-cial. It keeps our children safe and conscientious; it motivates them to perform well. Children who tend to be anxious are often model students: high achieving, diligent, analytical, sensitive, alert, creative and imaginative. Too little anxiety and a child or teenager may take foolish risks

or lack motivation to succeed. But too much anxiety and chil-dren become so paralyzed by fear that they may be unable to leave their parent’s side, leave the house, go to school, make friends or participate in normal life.

The good news is that anxiety can be very successfully man-aged or treated when required. Regular exercise and reliable routines in children are often all it takes to quell mild cases. Mild and moderate anxiety is very responsive to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a process of address-ing the unhelpful thoughts and actions that underlie anxiety. Thought stopping, talking back to negative thoughts, not believ-ing everything you think, relax-ation techniques like calming breathing, mindfulness medi-tation, and gradual safe expo-sure to the things you fear are all examples of types of CBT. All children — and adults, too — could benefit from learn-ing simple CBT techniques to turn off their body alarms that

are sounding unnecessarily. In more long term or severe cases of anxiety — such as panic dis-orders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compul-sive Disorder — treatment may include a period of anti-anxiety medication in addition to teach-ing the child age-appropriate CBT techniques, an approach called “pills plus skills.”

If you are worried about your child or teenager’s anxi-ety, there are many places to get help. Many online resourc-es as well as books, some writ-ten for specific age groups, are available to give in depth infor-mation about anxiety and step-by-step instructions for specific CBT techniques. For parents of children and youth, the FORCE Society, in partnership with MCFD’s FRIENDS Program, offers an online parent program for parents of children ages 4-13 years. Anxiety BC (anxi-etybc.ca ) is another great site and offers detailed pages for adults and youth. Other sites include mindcheck.ca and kel-tymentalhealth.ca. If you feel

your child needs professional help, see your family doctor or call Service BC at 1-800-661-8773 and ask for the MCFD Child and Youth Mental Health office in your community.

Next column, we will talk about depression in children and teenagers.

Dr. David Smith is an ado-lescent and adult psychiatrist, the medical director of the Okanagan Psychiatric services for Interior Health, and a con-tracted psychiatrist for Child and Youth Mental Health for the Ministry of Children and Fam-ily Development. This series of columns is a project of the Child and Youth Mental Health and Substances Use Collabora-tive, which involves multiple individuals, organizations and ministries all working together to increase the number of chil-dren, youth, and their families receiving timely access to men-tal health services and support. The Collaborative is jointly funded by the Government of British Columbia and Doctors of BC.

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, February 4, 2015 www.caledoniacourier.com A5

SStudenttudent of the WWeekeek Fort St. James Secondary

Grade 10

Nominated by Mr. Waddell

Jayden Greenawayhas been reffi ng basketball

games almost every day and

helping with score tables as

well. Jayden is a good PE

student. He was huge help

during the tournament.

A bard’s life toastedRUTH LLOYDContributed

There were kilts, haggis, tatties and neeps, and of course, a bit of scotch to toast with.

It was the Robbie Burns supper cele-bration at the Legion in Fort St. James Jan. 23, hosted by the Music on the Moun-tain Society.

While a couple days early for the birthday of Rob-ert Burns, (who was actually born on Jan-uary 25 in 1759), it is considered accept-able to hold Robbie Burns Suppers any-where close to his

actual birthday.Now, if you don’t

know the tradition of Robbie Burns Night Supper, then you have been missing out on a great Scottish tra-dit ion celebrated around the world to honour the life works of the Scottish poet and activist Robert Burns.

Even if you are not immediately familiar with Burns himself, you are guaranteed to know at least one of his compositions.

The song you have heard countless times around New Year’s is “Auld Lang Syne”(if you don’t know

the title, the first line “Should old acquain-tance be forgot….” probably rings a bell) was put to paper by Robbie Burns.

Burns is a famous and much-loved Scotsman and he was celebrated in a proper fashion in Fort St. James.

There were a cou-ple of men in kilts and Music on the Mountain presi-dent Lionel Conant once again read the Address to a Haggis before lifting a glass of scotch whiskey in the bard’s honour - haggis being the traditional Scottish

meat pudding dish served at these sup-pers.

There was a deli-cious meal which included the usual haggis accompani-ments of tatties and neeps (potatoes and turnips) but prepared with the local flavour of The Soup Wallah Cafe.

The meal was extensive and deli-cious, and followed up by the opening act of Steve and Astrid with a ukulele and drums.

But it was Malcolm MacLean and his band who stole the show, with apologies

to Robert Burns.There was a stand

up bass, Joey Only on drums and some great guitar and mandolin, but it was Malcolm MacLean’s voice which ruled them all.

The dance floor saw some use and Johnny Cash was even hon-oured with a cover of Folsom Prison Blues.

Another great night in honour of a great poet and Scotsman.

See Full Page Views

INCLUDES ALLADVERTISING

For as low as $344

You can NOW readTHE CALEDONIA COURIER

ON LINEPAGE BY PAGE

WITH AN E-SUBSCRIPTION

You can subscribe online atcaledoniacourier.com or call 250-567-9258

and we will help you set up your e-sub to

Month+HST

169 Stuart Drive West, at the Lakeshore Realty offi ce

SENIORS COMPUTERS COURSES OFFERED IN 2015!...March 17: Basic Computers Cont’d. April 14: Facebook 101. April 28: Shopping Safely Online. May 12: Working with photos. Come and Join Us! It’s FREE. Call 250-996-7078 for more information. The Learning Hub - College of New Caledonia.

Photo submitted by Ruth Lloyd

Attention BC seniors who enjoy writing. The Cedric Literary Awards will have an official start Feb. 1 welcom-ing all unpublished British Columbian authors and First Nation story tellers age 50 or older to submit their work. It is a first-of-it’s kind literary awards program in Canada created specifically to recog-nize unpublished BC writers

of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and First Nation storytelling.

“As the creator of The Ced-ric Literary Awards, I encour-age all unpublished BC writers in the 50-plus demographic to dust off manuscripts that may have been languishing on bookshelves for far too long. The time has finally come to showcase those literary gems,” Dr. Peter Dale said, the

awards founder. Submissions are invited

starting Feb. 1 and the dead-line for receipt of submissions is May. 1 and will be forward-ed to an independent selection panel made up of members who are recognized in BC and beyond in the fields of writing and publishing.

For full details visit www.thecedrics.ca.

Cedric literacy awards

I F YO U H AV E A V E H I C L E F O R T H I S A U C T I O N I T M U S T B E O N T H E G R O U N D B YM O N D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 R D AT 5 P M - S PA C E P E R M I T T I N G - S E E YO U S A L E D AY !

ALSO. . . SELLING 75-100 CARS,TRUCKS, VANS & SPORT UTILITYVEHICLES FROM MAJOR FLEET,

LEASE, DEALER, PRIVATE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

Central InteriorAuctions Ltd.

• CASH • INTERAC • BANK DRAFT

• CERTIFIED CHEQUE • LETTERS OF CREDIT

4174 COWART RD. Prince George

(250) 562-5200 • FAX (250) 562-9616Website: www.ciauctions.bc.ca

DL 9

069

TERMS OF SALE

VEHICLE AUCTION

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH • 6:30PM SHARP!

VEHICLE MANAGEMENTALSO... Selling 75-100 Cars, Trucks, Vans & SUVs from

Major Fleet Lease, Dealer & Private Financial Institutions

ON HAND WILL BE APPROX 3-5 BANK REPOS & 10 VEHICLES FROM

THURSDAY FEB.5 • 6:30PM SHARP

IF YOU HAVE A VEHICLE FOR THIS AUCTION, IT MUST BE ON THE GROUND BYMONDAY, FEB.2 AT NOON - SPACE PERMITTING - SEE YOU SALE DAY!

ON HAND WILL BE 10-15 VEHICLES FROM

ALSO...Selling 75-100 Cars, Trucks, Vans and SUVs fromMajor Fleet Lease, Dealer & Private Financial Institutions


NEWSCourier

In partnership with

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

JOIN THE FORT ST JAMESFIRE DEPARTMENT TODAY!

Commanding northern communities

REBECCA WATSONOmineca Express

Vanderhoof— There’s a new smiling sergeant in town, commander Svend Nielsen with the Vanderhoof RCMP.

Originally from 100 Mile House, Sgt. Nielsen has been a member for 12 years work-ing as an officer all over the province - Kamloops, Masset, Haida Gwaii, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Fort St. James and now Vanderhoof.

“I do it to help people. It’s an honour getting to do what we do, no matter what the situation is. Sometimes it’s a difficult situation but we can go in and help and ultimate-ly make things better,” Sgt. Nielsen said, who was pro-moted last December as lead commander in Vanderhoof.

He most recently worked in Fort St. James for three and-a-half years where he be-came acting sergeant in June 2014 due to the previous com-mander’s retirement.

“He has great interpersonal

skills and leads by example.He’s a superior supervisor,” acting Cpl. Derek Rondeau said of the Fort St. James de-tachment.

Vanderhoof has functioned without a commander for more than six months now however, the Fort St. James detachment continues to be low on man power, Sgt. Nielsen said, who right now bounces back and forth between the two towns.

“For the time being, I will actually remain acting com-mander of the Fort St. James RCMP and Cpl. Justin Thies-sen will remain acting com-mander in Vanderhoof,” Sgt. Nielsen said.

Sgt. Nielsen moved to Van-derhoof in December with his wife Tanis and four children. He says he likes to live where he works.

“You have to know the community and the best way to do that is get out in it and meet the people of the com-munity,” Sgt. Nielsen said.

Coming to the Nechako Valley has proven to be a shift in dynamic for him having

worked in much larger cen-tres. Yet it’s been a change he was happy to make.

“Generally you have closer relationships with people in the smaller centres. It’s a dif-ferent dynamic but that’s the part I enjoy tremendously,” Sgt. Nielsen said. “Some-times personal relationships in a smaller city can assist in gaining information on files. When people get to know and respect you it influences how they deal with you.”

His duties in both towns currently vary but as acting commander in Fort St. James, he has taken on more of an administrative role.

“In Vanderhoof its more of a bit of both [in-office and pa-trol],” he said.

And with him being in both places it has created an even stronger relationship between Takla landing, Fort St. James and Vanderhoof RCMP.

“Since numbers of mem-bers is low, it’s bound to form a bound between the detach-ments so even the boarders blur,” he said.

Svend Neilsen is seen in his bare office in Vanderhoof. Considering he bounces back and forth from Fort St. James and Vanderhoof he doesn’t have time to decorate.

( V a n d e r h o o f boundaries go east to lloyd drive, west to Willowvale Rd., north to Dog Creek service road and south 30 km. Fort St. James hits Van-derhoof boundary by Dog Creek and goes north roughly three hours.)

Sgt. Nielsen and his wife knew they would like the com-munity since they had knowledge of the area through friends and family ties. They plan on staying in Vander-hoof for a while.

“I like having the advantages of a small town feel but having access to the larger centre. I think I’m going to like it here,” he said with a smile.


AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthly meeting 2nd Wednesday each month. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 4, 2015 www.caledoniacourier.com A7

NEWSCourier

communityfoundations.ca

RECREATION EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT ARTS SOCIAL SERVICES

Conifex employees donate through the Fort St. James Community Foundation “Deductions At Source” program, taking advantage of the best tax incentive for donations to

charity and possibly boost recreational opportunities. They challenge all local businesses and employees to meet or beat their donations. Conifex and their EFAP Committee

held a fundraising, lunch time barbeque at work.

COMMUNITY MAKES YOU.YOU MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY.

THE FOUNDATION

of my community starts with you and me . . .

Conifex Employees and their EFAP CommitteeConifex Employees and their EFAP Committee

To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.

1.855.678.7833 @localworkbc/localwork-bc

Hockey tournament scoresSaturday Ladies

Vanderhoof vs PG 0-3 Mackenzie vs Fort St. James 5-2PG vs Burns Lake 7-1Williams Lake vs Fort St. James 1-4Burns Lake vs Vanderhoof 3-7Williams Lake vs Mackenzie 0-6

Men Saturday

Canfor vs Salty Islanders 6-34th Liners vs Salty Islanders 6-3

beavers vs Canfor 4-3

Sunday ladies playoff

3rd and 4thVanderhoof vs Fort St. James 5-15th and 6th Burns Lake vs Williams Lake 6-01st and 2nd Prince George vs Mackenzie 10-1

Mens SundayBeavers Vs Salty Islanders 2-94th Liners vs Canfor, 4th Liners wonfor 1st place Salty Islanders won.

Fort St. James play Williams Lake in an exciting take down. Williams Lake put up a good fight but were no match for the Fort’s quick agility and persistent puck play.

Flags were lowered to half-mast on Friday, Jan. 30 at the University of Northern British Columbia’s Prince George campus, to honour Louise Burgart, who was laid to rest in Fort St. James on Feb. 1. Louise was a strong supporter and friend of UNBC and served on the Board of Governors from 2008 to 2014.

Rebecc Wason photo

BY TOM FLETCHERBlack Press

The Mount Polley mine dam failed because of an overlooked gla-cial material layer in the foundation and a series of steep additions that even-tually overcame it, an independent engineering review has concluded.

“Basically the weight of the dam was too much for the weak materials in the foundation to bear,” said U.S. consulting en-gineer Steven Vick, one of three experts called in to examine the failure that caused the dam to breach and fail in August 2014.

The report concludes that the concrete-like glacial till material in the base of the dam wasn’t understood in enough detail when the dam was designed and built in 1997. Later raising of the dam to hold more water and tailings weakened the base layer and led to the failure.

Vick said the addi-tions to the dam were

built at a steeper slope than the original dam, and plans to buttress the area were delayed until it was too late.

Energy and Mines

Minister Bill Bennett said the report shows there were no warning signs, and no surface in-spections could have de-tected the problem that

was overlooked in the design and original con-struction.

Two more investiga-tions of the mine failure are pending. Bennett

said the Chief Inspec-tor of Mines is likely to release his report by this summer, and the Conser-vation Offi cers’ Service will also report when its

investigation is complete.Bennett said the gov-

ernment is willing to see the Mount Polley mine reopen, but the other investigations must be complete fi rst. The par-ent company Imperial Metals has applied to

use an existing pit to store tailings and resume operations without using the original tailings pond again.

“This was a horrible accident,” Bennett said. “We now know how it happened.”

Police have found the vehicles in the missing person case of Jordan McLeod 24, of Prince George. Thanks to information received from the public, officers in Van-derhoof were able to locate the grey Chrys-ler 200 and the Prince George RCMP with assistance from Williams Lake RCMP were able to locate the Chevrolet Malibu Jordan was driving. The Malibu was located near Rudy Johnson Bridge that separates West Fraser Road and Soda Creek Road, north-east of Williams Lake.

Police are still searching for Jordan and the police ask the public with any further information to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Police are treating the investigation as a homicide although no body has been found.

They believe Jordan’s disappearance is in connection with shots fired early January on Upper Fra-ser Road near Highway 16 east of the Prince George. Reports say evidence located at the scene may indicate someone was injured. McLeod was last seen in Vanderhoof and Prince George on Jan. 16 and is believed to frequent both commu-nities.

Jordan is described as (see attached photo)

· First Nations male

· 178 cm (5’10”)· 70 kg (154 lbs)· Short brown hair· Brown eyes


NEWSCourier

THE CHURCHESOF

FORT ST. JAMES

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWSROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

SUNDAY LITURGY: Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 10:30 amDAILY MASS: Monday - Friday 9:00 am

PASTORAL TEAM: FATHER FRANK SALMON 250-996-8343SR. MAURINE BARZANTNI, SR.RENEE RICHIE,

SR. DIVINA PEDRO 250-996-2275

(Across from the Petrocan Station)

Mount Polley design, steep addition led to failure

Tailings dam at Mount Polley mine has been modified since the Aug. 4 breach to contain further flow of tailings into Quesnel Lake.

Ministry of Environment photo

Search continues for missing McLeod Another reason to

choose IntegrisSandra Davidson, ACRML

Integris would like to congratulate Sandra Davidson on completing the Consumer & Residential Mortgage Lender (ACRML) Accreditation through the Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC) in partnership with Dalhousie University.

Integris for ten years. “Having the tools available to

”

Congratulations Sandra!

366 Stuart Dr WestFort St. James, BC250.996.8667

integriscu.ca

Accredited Consumer and Residential Mortgage Lender

Virgil Hum-mingbird Thomas of Fort St. James is currently in custody in Prince George. He pled guilty to charges of manslaughter but then skipped out on his court appearance be-fore being picked up in Delta. His matter has now been adjourned until March. 27.

Virgil update


NEWSCourier

THE STUART NECHAKO ADVERTISER CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...

VANDERHOOFOmineca Express office

Vanderhoof Co-op - GroceryCo-op Mall - Lobby

Co-op Mall - Rear EntranceVanderhoof Co-op C Store

Extra Foods Vanderhoof Post Office

Riverside PlaceNechako View Senior’s Home

Speedway RoadMapes

CJ’s Trailer CourtLoop RoadPrairiedale

Braeside RoadJones Road

Sob Lake RoadRedfern Drive

Sinkut Frontage RoadKenny Dam & Lakes Road

J&S Restaurant

ENDAKOEndako Bar & Grill

CLUCULZ LAKE

BROOKSIDE RESORT

FRASER LAKEPar 3 Sports

Fraser Lake RexallFraser Lake Building Supplies

ENGENEngen Road

Giesbrecht Frontage Road

FORT FRASERFort Fraser Petro Can

FORT ST JAMESLakeshore Realty Sana’aih Market

Overwaitea Foods Fort Loonie Bin

Fas Gas Plus Lakeside Pharmacy

LNG part of diversifi ed economy: ClarkBILL PHILLIPSPrince George Free Press

Perhaps listening to critics who have been critical that the province is placing too much emphasis on liquefied natural gas.

Or perhaps it’s because the liquefied natural gas industry has slowed its rush in B.C. Or perhaps it’s because oil prices have dropped and natural gas may follow.

At any rate, Premier Christy Clark touted LNG as only one aspect of a diversified provincial economy during her speech to a standing-room-only crowd at the Civic Centre Wednesday.

“We have very much diversified our economy,” she said. “Because we are diverse, that means we have successfully protected our economy against the worst of the ups and downs of any specific market.”

With Alberta and Newfoundland reeling from the drop in oil prices, Clark said Brit-ish Columbia has an ability to adapt.

That ability to adapt has allowed the province to stick with the economic plan that it adopted in 2011. And the results, she said, will be a balanced budget next month.

Speaking at the Natural Resource Forum, Clark was obviously touting the benefit of natural resources. With the Tsilhqot’in Supreme Court ruling last year, the ground

rules have changed.“In the Tsilqot’in case we were pre-

sented with a new opportunity,” she said. “A new opportunity to strengthen the bond that we have with First Nations. We recog-nize that we need to build a more stable, more predictable, more fair partnership with B.C.’s First Peoples.”

She said the province’s is taking steps to ensure that First Nations are “full and fair partners.”

However, she was greeted in Prince George with a letter signed by eight Car-rier Sekani chiefs saying their concerns regarding LNG development “have been largely ignored” by the provincial govern-ment.

Clark added that while some may be con-cerned that the LNG market has slowed, the province has done everything it can to make sure the industry takes off.

“The work we’re doing with LNG com-panies has been doing really well,” she said. “This is the next big opportunity for diversifying British Columbia’s economy.”

She said the province continues to work with Shell. Exxon has pushed up its hoped-for start date. AltaGas is also continuing to move ahead and Woodside has stepped into the Chevron project in Kitimat.

“We are seeing real progress in the back-ground in LNG,” she said.

Premier Christy Clark shows off a 2015 Canada Winter Games jersey with her name on the back during the 12th annual Premer’s Natural Resources Forum in Prince George Wednesday. Bill Phillips/Free Press


Tel: Tel: 250-567-9258250-567-9258

[email protected]@[email protected]@caledoniacourier.comWeb: www.caledoniacourier.comWeb: www.caledoniacourier.com

Subscriptions

Classifi eds News

FlyersPhotos

Special EventsWEDNESDAY, January 28, 2015PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com

VOL. 37 NO. 48 $1.30 inc. GST

Speedy Desmarais P. 3

Water solution P. 5Inside Sklyer Barfoot P. 7

Publications Mail

Contract #: 40007759

Hockey champs P. 6

TOLL FREE: 1-888-449-4029

250-567-4781

1473 HWY 16 EAST

www.westlineford.com DL # 30423

Year EndCLEARANCE

TO END OF JANUARY

On both New and Used!!!

Time to make more room,

amazing savings on both!!

RCMP

intercept

robbery at

Overwaitea

REBECCA WATSON

Caledonia Courier

The co-accused are Deryl MOORE and Mat-

thew JONES, both from Prince George.

At 2 am on Jan. 15 a suspicious vehicle by

Overwaitea’s unloading dock caught the atten-

tion of Fort St. James RCMP. As the police ap-

proached the grocery store, the truck sped off

leaving an alleged partner-in-crime behind. The

man on-scene was immediately arrested as he

was blatantly caught with multiple items of food

in the middle of the evident robbery. Within sec-

onds of his arrest, dispatch notifi ed the offi cers

of a worker inside the store who had also been

robbed. The police went inside to fi nd a female

custodial worker who had been put inside a

walk-in freezer after the crooks stole her wallet.

There she waited, nearly an hour, until she no

longer herd the thieves. She was then able to get

out of the freezer and call police.

“When the guy in the truck sped off we had

one man in custody and had to investigate in

store. We had to take one issue at a time but we

had the vehicle plate. Sometimes good things

happen quickly,” Sgt. Nielsen said.

Shortly after assisting the custodian, police

received a report that a male suspect had ap-

proached two houses claiming ‘his truck was

stuck in the ditch and he was cold’, asking the

home owners to let him inside. RCMP went out

to investigate and recognized the truck from

Overwaitea. The male driver was arrested and

both perps were taken to the Fort St. James at-

tachment. Later, the suspects truck was indeed

found stuck in the ditch by the National Historic

Site. Evidence collected has shown the two crooks

got in Overwaitea through the front door which

Two men are in custody after

attempting to fi ll a truck with

stolen goods from Overwaitea

Foods in Fort St. James.

THIEVES: Overwaitea grocery store had an attempted robbery Thurs-

day, Jan. 15 at 2am by two males from Prince George.Rebecca Watson photo

SPEED SKATER: Alison Desmarais 17, of Vanderhoof will skate With Team BC for short track in the 2015 winter

games this February in Prince George. See story page 3.Rebecca Watson photo

had no apparent damage with no weapons found

on their person. A number of items were taken

from the store including meat and other types

of food with multiple items thrown around. The

custodial worker was not severely harmed in the

process but a freezer was damaged (separate

from the freezer she was put in).

The two males are currently in custody and

have since had their fi rst appearance on Jan. 19.

Their next court date is scheduled for Feb. 2 in

Fort St. James. Although the Crown has not for-

mally completed the charging process, the two

will likely face charges of robbery, unlawful

confi nement and break-and-entering.

“We’re just thankful no one was hurt. It’s

back to business as usual,” Ryan Witgez said,

store manager.

Speedy Speedy Desmarais Desmarais

skates way to skates way to

2015 Canada 2015 Canada

Winter GamesWinter Games


The Site Administrator oversees the day-to-day operation and maintenance of Riverside Place Seniors Housing Complex performing duties such as ensuring adherence to residence policies and procedures, supervising staff and ensuring residence safety and maintenance. Performs administrative functions related to property management and landlord/tenant relations such as completing annual rent reviews and subsidy application forms, rent collection, security deposits, petty cash, bookkeeping functions, banking, and related record keeping. Riverside Place has 32 rental units which consists of both Assisted Living and Supportive Housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:• Diploma or degree in Community Social Service, or Health Care Administration.• Training and Experience• Certificate in First Aid and CPR• Building Manager (Residential) Certificate• Recent, related experience of two years• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience• Or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work• Must demonstrate an understanding of theory, principles and practices in the field• Must possess basic computer skills

SALARY: Competitive wages and benefits offeredHOURS OF WORK: 25 Hours per week (1 year contract)CLOSING DATE: February 13, 2015START DATE: As soon as possibleThis position is open to female and male applicants. Please apply for this job only in the manner specified failure to do so may result in your application not being considered for the position.

Please send a cover letter of interest and current resume outlining your skills and qualifications for the position and include the job posting # 2015 – 006EMAIL: [email protected]: 250-567-3939MAIL: Tyrell Arnold, Executive Director

Nechako Valley Community Services Society Box 1249, Vanderhoof, BC VOJ 3A0

Nechako Valley Community Services Society is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce. We thank all our applicants, however, only those invited to an interview will be contacted.

SITE ADMINISTRATOR — RIVERSIDE PLACE SENIORS COMPLEX (1 year Temporary Position)

FORT ST. JAMESAND AREA

BUSINESSDIRECTORY

OIL & LUBE

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: [email protected]

vertiserReaching Every DoorADSTUART

NECHAKO

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: [email protected]

NEWSPAPERS

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Pam BergerPublisher

250-996-8482Advertising: [email protected]: [email protected]

Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

BAM BAM Oil & Lube

240 Douglas, Fort St. JamesIn the old Fort Diesel Building

CALL

778-667-0346to book you appointment!

CHANGE AND LUBE“Warranty Approved”

TIRES

Oil

SHARED ACCOMMODATION available for a mature reliable adult. Must be employed with

references. Camp worker preferred. No kids/No parties.

In town limits (Vanderhoof)Apply to Box C in care of Omineca Express or call

250-567-9258.

Shared Accommodation

Career Opportunities

Announcements

InformationAPPLY NOW: A $2,500 Pen-ny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certifi cate Pro-gram at Langara College in Vancouver. Application dead-line April 30, 2015. Send appli-cations: [email protected] More information avail. online: www.bccommunitynews.com /our-programs/scholarship.

Travel

TravelRV LOT rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertain-ment. Reserve by 02/14/2015. www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593

Employment

Business Opportunities

GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000+ per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full De-tails call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com.

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on avg). Covers: hip/knee re-placements, back conditions and restrictions in walking and dressing. 1-844-453-5372.


NEW YEAR, new career! Can-Scribe Medical Transcription graduates are in high demand. Enrol today and be working from home in one year! Email: [email protected]. Call 1-800-466-1535. Website: www.canscribe.com.

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

DRIVERS WANTEDAZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 w/ Airbrake

• Guaranteed 40hr. WorkWeek & Overtime

• Paid Travel & Lodging• Meal Allowance

• 4 Weeks Vacation• Excellent Benefi ts Package

Must be able to have extended stays away from home. Up to 6 months. Must have valid AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 with airbrake license and have previous commercial driving experience.Apply at:www.sperryrail.com,

careers & then choosethe FastTRACK Application.

Help WantedCommunity Health Nurse

sought in Port Hardy, BC. Re-quest job description or apply to [email protected] by Feb 22. Competitive salary offered. Tel. 250-949-6625

Vernon Service Company requires F/T Journeyman Plumber/Gasfi tter. $36/hr. Call 250-549-4444 or email: [email protected]

Home Stay FamiliesHOST FAMILIES needed! Northern Youth Abroad is looking for families to host 2 youth from Nunavut/NWT vol-unteering in your community July/August. www.nya.ca or Toll-Free 1-866-212-2307.

Employment

Medical/DentalMEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online train-ing you need from an employ-er-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career to-day!

Trades, TechnicalCLIMBER/BUCKET operator needed immediately for tree service company in the Fraser Valley. $35.00/hr based on ex-perience. [email protected]

CONSTRUCTION TRADES AND SUPPLIERS NEEDED. Kerkhoff Construction is ten-dering multiple projects in Kiti-mat, BC. Projects include a 49-unit wood-frame apartment; 50 unit townhome develop-ment. Contact for tender pack-age. 604-824-4122. [email protected]. Resumes for site supervision, general la-bour, fi rst aid attendants, etc also welcome.

Services

Financial ServicesGET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com


Services

Financial ServicesIF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

LARGE FUNDBorrowers Wanted

Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Pets & Livestock

PetsStd POODLE pups, CKC, M/F, 16 wks, trained, all shots, health guar’t, exc. pedigree, $1800. Camaraderie Kennels, Victoria (250)381-0855

Merchandise for Sale

AuctionsBUD HAYNES & Ward’s Fire-arms Auction. Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m., 11802 - 145 St., Edmonton, Alberta. One Man’s Collection, store disper-sal, case lots, ammo, etc. Consign now. Catalogue w/pictures online. Phone 403-347-5855 or 780-451-4549; www.budhaynesauctions.com; www.WardsAuctions.com.


Merchandise for Sale

Misc. for SaleSAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD available online: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/ 400OT or call 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for bal-ance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Really big sale!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Call Pioneer Steel at 1-800-668-5422 or on-line: www.pioneersteel.ca

Misc. WantedPrivate Collector Looking toBuy Coin Collections, Silver,Antiques, Native Art, Estates +Chad: 778-281-0030 Local

Rentals Transportation

Trucks & Vans2010 CHEV Silverado 85,700Kms, 6.0 Liter Vortec - 6speed automatic, tow package - brake controller, A/C, powerwindows/locks, Tonneau pack-age, security system/Onstar, extending heated mirrors, allvinyl fl oor - no carpet. Asking$27,000 OBO (250) 691-1641

P.O. Box 1298

Fort St. James, B.C. V0J 1P0

Phone: 250-996-8482

E-Mail: wendy@

ominecaexpress.com

Caledonia Courier

published every Wednesday

Stuart/Nechako Advertiser

published every Friday

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING DEADLINESDEADLINES

Courier -- Friday, Courier -- Friday, 11-noon11-noon

Advertiser -- Tues-Advertiser -- Tues-day, 12-noonday, 12-noon

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Advertisements should be read on the fi rst publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing be-yond the fi rst insertion. NO CASH REFUNDSAGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classifi ed advertiser requesting space that the liability of the pa-per in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the in-correct item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertise-ment.DISCRIMINATION LEG-ISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the pub-lication of any advertise-ment which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justifi ed by a bona fi de requirement for the work involved.COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertise-ments and in all other ad-vertising material appear-ing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permis-sion to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writ-ing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

Your community. Your classifi eds.

250.567.9258

fax 250.567.2070 email [email protected]


SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91(Nechako Lakes)

EnjoyEnjoyFamily DayFamily Day

Monday, February 9thMonday, February 9th20152015

Try something new this Family Day. It might be as simple as agreeing that everyone observe a no-technology or TV day.

If you fi nd your gatherings often involve all the adults sitting around visiting while the youngsters play among themselves and the teens segregate away from both you and the little ones, you’re probably not alone.

A family gathering can be a wonderful opportunity for family to hear the latest on jobs, trips, hobbies and health, but if you fi nd your gatherings following the same tedious patterns consider adding new experiences to the plans, and mak-ing a new and fun tradition out of them. Here are some ideas to get started:

Get out and enjoy our beautiful out-doors – no matter what your weather. If you live in a snowy region of B.C., orga-nize a snowshoe trek, sledding time or ice skating at a community rink. Th e idea is to bring everyone together in

a family activity you’ve never done before.

Make your Family Day gathering a re-treat for all – consider getting your fam-ily out of the house and turn your gathering into a festive retreat. Many venues have activities for all ages to enjoy, from winter outdoor fun to refreshing spa services.

Host a family talent show – Everyone has a special talent in your family, so encourage them to bring their talent to your gather-ing. If you’re really ambitious set up an area to be used as a stage and arrange chairs for audience mem-bers. Many living rooms have dim-mer switches so play with lighting and lamps so the performance area is in the spotlight. You might want to rent a popcorn machine or ask family members to bring along some treats and snacks. By bringing new activities to your family

Here are some activities to enjoy with the family* Put out bird seed or a suet block and feed the neighborhood birds. Compare the diff erent species that come to grab an easy meal. Artistic kids can sketch what they see by looking out the window.* Shovel a shallow path in the snow around the yard to create a snow maze. Build snow blinds, behind which kids can hide.* Gather winter nature items, like pine cones and icicles. Look for frozen “fossils.”* Brew a thermos full of hot chocolate and go sit out with the neighbors who are probably going a bit stir crazy as well.* Check in on elderly friends and neighbors and off er to shovel their driveways and walkways, if necessary.* Pretend you are on a North Pole expedition and hike through the neighborhood in a quest to reach the summit of a moun-tain or to fi nd a hidden treasure.* Use spray bottles or squirt bottles fi lled with water and food coloring to draw masterpieces in the snow.* Gather a clean patch of snow and pour maple syrup onto it. Allow to harden and then enjoy homemade maple candies.* Explore and look for winter plants and other foliage that survive the chill.* Grab skates and head to an ice rink or solid (and safe) pond. * Decorate an outdoor tree with streamers and popcorn garland.* If it’s too chilly for a picnic in the snow, place a blanket on the

family room fl oor and enjoy an indoor picnic.* Rent a movie and cuddle on the couch under blankets.* Put on some tunes and dance around the house.* Play a classic game, such as Twister(R) .* Take out modeling clay or dough and create diff erent play fi gures or ornaments.* Whip up a hearty meal togeth-er, giving kids free reign over the ingredients.* Play with toy trucks and cars in the snow.* Engage in a snowball fi ght.* Find the tallest hill in the area and test your bravery on the back of a sled.* Chase the dog around the backyard. Dogs often like to play in the snow, too.* Sit in sunny windows and read books silently or to the group.* Snowmobiling together* Make sock puppets and put on a show.* Take the family ice fi shing * Bake a batch of brownies or cookies.* Try out downhill and cross country skiingTh ere are many diff erent and fun ways to pass the hours.

Keep busy with fun activities

Create togetherCreating something as a family can mark an

important time in your family history. It cap-tures the age and ability of your children, your interests and a point in time.

By working together on a project your family can develop new skills, collaborate on some-thing truly memorable and enjoy what each family member brings to the endeavor.

Th ink about all the things a family could create together – a family album complete with stories, mementos and funny or poignant memories. Your family might be old enough to handle something more ambi-tious like building a dog house or designing and painting a family recreation area in your home.

Searching online will uncover an astounding number of crafts and projects you could tackle as a family. It can be as simple as building and fl ying a kite. Or you

may look for something you can recycle or re-purpose into a cre-ative new item – whether a work of art or function. It’s bound to make your family members proud environment stewards as well as treasuring your time and project as a family.

BC Family DayFebruary 9th

Th is holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to

people and their communities.

Experience as a Familygathering this year, you’ll be creating many new memories to share in the future, as well as making the event much more enjoyable.

caledonia courier, february 04, 2015

Documents

ice rescue training

pm public skating6

tower rescue

pm public skating5

pm hoop dance6

pm hoop dance181615

technical rope rescue

icetraining refresher