caledonia courier, march 02, 2016

12
WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com VOL. 39 NO. 01 $1.30 inc. GST Bladerunners - pg 2 FSJ Facade - pg 3 Inside Heritage Week - pg 5 Caledonia Classic - pg 6 & 7 Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759 NEWS BRIEFS Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 BARBARA LATKOWSKI Caledonia Courier The Caledonia Classic was in full race fashion in Fort St. James. From Feb 26-28, the race was on. Craig Houghton, event organizer, was ex- cited with what this year’s event had in store. “Because of the warmer weather this year, one of the highlights is that we will have more teams participate in the stage race as compared to previous years,” Houghton said. And so it was. The Caledonia Classic brought in a great number participants and spectators over the weekend. The Caledonia Classic has been a staple of the winter season in Fort St. James for about 18 years. It is the only race that combines sprint, mid-distance and long distance races into one exciting weekend. Houghton, along with co-organizer, Joanne Vinnedge, has helped organise the event since the very beginning and he has seen many changes over the years. “It’s been a great turn out this year,” said Vinnedge. “There are three races in the province but we are the biggest,” Houghton says. The other two are in 100 Mile House and Fort Nelson, B.C. Mushers from all over attended the Classic. Some seasoned and some first timers, even from as far as Germany participated. “We’ve had mushers from western Can- ada, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Montana and Washington take part,” Hough- ton said. There was even a first time musher from Germany taking part this year. For Houghton, the Classic has been a pas- sion for him since the beginning and he is grateful for all of the support received from the community, the snowmobile club and the District of Fort St. James over the years. “And it wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers,” he said. Approximately 30-35 volunteers helped with the Classic during the week and 10 dedicated volunteers continue to help put it together leading up to the event every year. According to Houghton and Vinnedge, the event is much more spectator friendly than in previous years. Complete with a noon politician event and a kid and mutt race, the event proved to be something for everyone. Get ready, get set, go….. Photo by Vivian Chui As the 2016 BC Winter Games came to a close, Penticton was praised for their volun- teers, venues and hospi- tality during the Games. Minister of Com- munity Sport, Develop- ment and Culture Peter Fassbender said the energy throughout the community was palpa- ble during the Games. “Penticton has a great history,” said Fassbender. “The South Okanagan has always opened its arms to tour- ists and we are going to continue to do that. We are blessed to live in British Columbia.” Fassbender praised former Premier Bill Bennett for his vi- sion in creating the BC Games program, which launched in Penticton in 1978. He added the Games is more than the estimated $1.8 mil- lion in economic impact they are expected to have on Penticton and the area. “The young people are not only here to compete but they are building memories for their future that are just being written this week- end,” said Fassbender. “Hospitality is in the DNA of the residents of Penticton. The host- ing of these BC Winter Games has excelled on so many levels and all of the volunteers and the entire community have so much to be proud of,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We look forward to seeing the future suc- cess of these 1,700 ath- letes, coaches and offi- cials who performed so well this weekend.” See more on page 12 2016 BC Winter Games come to a close in Penticton

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March 02, 2016 edition of the Caledonia Courier

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Page 1: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com VOL. 39 NO. 01 $1.30 inc. GST

Bladerunners - pg 2FSJ Facade - pg 3

◆Inside Heritage Week - pg 5Caledonia Classic - pg 6 & 7

Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

NEWS BRIEFS

Published by Black Press Ltd

at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC

V0J 3A0

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

The Caledonia Classic was in full race fashion in Fort St. James.

From Feb 26-28, the race was on.Craig Houghton, event organizer, was ex-

cited with what this year’s event had in store.“Because of the warmer weather this year,

one of the highlights is that we will have more teams participate in the stage race as compared to previous years,” Houghton said.

And so it was. The Caledonia Classic brought in a great

number participants and spectators over the weekend.

The Caledonia Classic has been a staple of the winter season in Fort St. James for about 18 years.

It is the only race that combines sprint, mid-distance and long distance races into one exciting weekend.

Houghton, along with co-organizer, Joanne Vinnedge, has helped organise the event since the very beginning and he has seen many changes over the years.

“It’s been a great turn out this year,” said Vinnedge.

“There are three races in the province but

we are the biggest,” Houghton says. The other two are in 100 Mile House and

Fort Nelson, B.C. Mushers from all over attended the Classic.Some seasoned and some fi rst timers, even

from as far as Germany participated. “We’ve had mushers from western Can-

ada, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Montana and Washington take part,” Hough-ton said.

There was even a fi rst time musher from Germany taking part this year.

For Houghton, the Classic has been a pas-sion for him since the beginning and he is grateful for all of the support received from the community, the snowmobile club and the District of Fort St. James over the years.

“And it wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers,” he said.

Approximately 30-35 volunteers helped with the Classic during the week and 10 dedicated volunteers continue to help put it together leading up to the event every year.

According to Houghton and Vinnedge, the event is much more spectator friendly than in previous years.

Complete with a noon politician event and a kid and mutt race, the event proved to be something for everyone.

Get ready, get set, go…..

Photo by Vivian Chui

As the 2016 BC Winter Games came to a close, Penticton was praised for their volun-teers, venues and hospi-tality during the Games.

Minister of Com-munity Sport, Develop-ment and Culture Peter Fassbender said the energy throughout the community was palpa-ble during the Games.

“Penticton has a great history,” said Fassbender. “The South Okanagan has always opened its arms to tour-ists and we are going to continue to do that. We are blessed to live in British Columbia.”

Fassbender praised former Premier Bill Bennett for his vi-sion in creating the BC Games program, which launched in Penticton in 1978. He added the Games is more than the estimated $1.8 mil-lion in economic impact they are expected to have on Penticton and the area.

“The young people are not only here to compete but they are building memories for their future that are just being written this week-end,” said Fassbender.

“Hospitality is in the DNA of the residents of Penticton. The host-ing of these BC Winter Games has excelled on so many levels and all of the volunteers and the entire community have so much to be proud of,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We look forward to seeing the future suc-cess of these 1,700 ath-letes, coaches and offi -cials who performed so well this weekend.”

See more on page 12

2016 BC Winter Games come to a close in Penticton

Page 2: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

A2 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Caledonia Courier

NEWSCourier

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

MARCHMARCH, 2016, 2016District 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 W

ebsit

e: ww

w.fo

rtstja

mes.c

aPlease submit all events by Wednesday for the next

Wednesday paper distribution.of [email protected]

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nakalbun

Get ac ve in 2016!Get ac ve in 2016!

Lunch Program@ The Anglican Church

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nak’azdli

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nakalbun

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nak’azdli

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nakalbun

Lunch Program@ The Anglican Church

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nakalbun

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nak’azdli

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nak’azdli

Lunch Program@ The Anglican Church

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nakalbun

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nak’azdliLast Public Skating of

the season5:30-7:00

Lunch Program@ The Anglican Church

Lunch Program@ The Anglican Church

Women Connect NVCSS Boardroom

349 Stuart Drive6-8pm

9:30 Story Time at the Library

9:30 Story Time at the Library

9:30 Story Time at the Library

9:30 Story Time at the Library

9:30 Story Time at the Library

20 21 22 2423 25 26

27 28 29 3130 1 2

28 29 1 32 4 5

Music Makers Family Night 7:00pm

Music Makers Adult Night 7:00pm

6 7 8 109 11 12

13 14 15 1716 18 19

Community Foundation AGM - 7pm at

Community Centre

Food Bank

TBar Everest Challenge Troll vs

Murray Ridge

TBar Everest Challenge Troll vs

Murray Ridge

Slush Cup & Bath Tub Races

Slush Cup & Bath Tub Races

Deadline for Mascot Contest Entries

All the best to the youth athletes at provincial competitions this week. High School Ski & Board Teams at Provincials, Fort St. James Falcons Speed Skaters

April

February

Daylight Savings Time Starts

Easter Sunday Easter Monday

Good Friday

Suffragette Movie, 6 pm at Community Centre

World Day Prayer7pm Lady of Snow

Catholic Church

Federal Infrastructure Town Hall 7 pm

Seniors Rec Centre

Fundraiser Dinner 6-9 Old Gym

District Offi ce closed

District Offi ce Closed

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

Nak’azdli is now running the Bladerunners Program from Janu-ary through to March 2016.

The program is geared for youths between the ages 16 – 30 who have been out of school and unemployed or under-employed to participate in: certifi cated trades training, pre-employment training, career de-velopment, support and guidance, work placement, job coaching, life skills, computer training and essen-tial skills in numeracy, English and reading.

The 12 week pre-employment training program runs three groups every year and accepts fi ve partici-pants per group.

According to Bladerunner Team Leader, Caroline Ahuille, employ-ment training is the main empha-sis of the program but they honour community talents, wisdom and knowledge to prepare young people for their futures.

“In the past, we’ve had a high

success rate in terms of persons get-ting employment. It boosts skills and self-esteem,” Ahuille said.

The Bladerunners Program is now in its 5th year running in Fort St. James.

Participants engage in various courses in: construction safety, fork lift and chainsaw training, computer skills, cashier training, food safety, fi nancial fi tness and tours are of-fered at Conifex Mill and the New Gold Mill.

Tim Boyes, Safety Chargehand at Conifex regularly leads tours for Bladerunner participants.

“It’s all about youths who are having a hard time fi nding employ-ment. It’s great to be able to help,” Boyes said.

“We usually give them a tour, a talk about the plant and we help with resume writing-things we look for when hiring,” Boyes said.

For more information about the Bladerunners, visit: [email protected] or call: Amelia Stark or Caroline Ahuille at: (250) 996-7171.

Nak’azdli Bladerunners: running strong

Tim Boyes (left) with students from the Bladerunners program during a tour of Conifex.

Photo submitted by Tim Boyes

Page 3: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, March 2, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A3

blackpress.ca

Andrew Franklin, Director of Digital Development

is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura

Baziuk as B.C. Digital Editor.

Laura graduated from Carleton University’s journalism

program in 2007. She worked in various newsrooms,

including the Peace Arch News, the Province, the

Canadian Press, and most recently, CKNW Radio. She

spent four and a half years there, as a reporter and

anchor, and was sent to Tofi no to cover the whale-

watching boat capsizing in 2015.

Laura grew up in south Surrey and lives in Vancouver.

She enjoys reading crime novels, baking and

eating cookies!

Please join us in congratulating

Laura on her appointment as

B.C. Digital Editor.

Laura Baziuk

Black Press Digital

Appointment

Applications for businesses interested in the Façade Improvement Program are due on April 29

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

Applications are now available for any business-es interested in the Fort St. James Façade Improvement Program.

The appearance of a com-munity can create a sense of appreciation and civic pride for citizens and make a place more attractive to visitors ac-cording to the District of Fort St. James.

The program is made available by a grant through Northern Development Initia-tive Trust.

“We believe the build-

ing frontages of the busi-ness community should be a refl ection of how our town is valued by its citizens, the character and quality of life that we welcome here.”

The District is pleased to continue to provide this pro-gram to businesses by provid-ing monetary assistance as an incentive to improve the charac-ter and physical appearance of a particular business while still maintaining their own identity.

According to District, the program intends to:

Make the downtown com-munity more inviting and a more interesting place to shop, eat, walk and play.

Promote the marketabil-ity of commercial ventures to visitors and community mem-bers in Fort St. James.

Help building owners at-tract and retain tenants

Improve the quality of life for residents, workers and visitors to the community.

Build civic pride among businesses and the citizens of Fort St. James.

The deadline for applica-tions is April 29 at 4:30 p.m.

For detailed program in-formation visit: https://fort-stjames.civicweb.net/fi lepro/documents/17838

Or call Lina at the District Offi ce at: (250) 996-8233.

Fort St. James Façade Improvement Program: applications now available

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

A New Gold Black-water Information Ses-sion was held at the com-munity centre in Fort St. James on Feb. 10.

Community members were encouraged to pop in to the public comment period, view the informa-tion boards, enjoy some refreshments and ask any questions about the project.

New Gold Inc. is proposing the construc-tion and operation of an open pit gold and silver mine located approxi-mately 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George and 110 kilome-tres southwest of Vander-

hoof, BC.The proposed Black-

water Gold Project is currently undergoing a provincial and federal environmental assess-ment.

New Gold is an in-termediate gold mining company and according to the company, their ob-jective is to be the lead-ing intermediate gold producer, focused on the environment and social responsibility.

The proposed Black-water Gold Project has a 17 year mine life with proven and probable reserves of 8.2 million ounces of gold and 60.8 million ounces of silver with the potential to pro-duce 485,000 ounces of

gold per year for the fi rst nine years.

The project includes a transmission line about 140 kilometres long that will connect the mine site to the existing substation located in Endako.

Throughout 2015, New Gold gathered community information and engaged with local communities and First Nations to learn how to build and operate the proposed Blackwater Mine to best benefi t area residents, current and future employees, busi-nesses, contractors and the environment.

“It’s so good to be able to get out into the communities and connect with them,”

said Claudette Gouger, community manager at New Gold Blackwater Project.

According to Black-water, the projected expenditures including for the construction of Blackwater will be ap-proximately $1.576 bil-lion.

They expect to em-ploy 1,000+ workers during construction and employ 500 full-time employees to operate the mine.

Other information sessions were held in Quesnel, Burns Lake and Prince George.

For more information about the project, visit: www.newgold .com/blackwater

Questions answered at New Gold Blackwater Project information session

Blackwater Project, New Gold Inc.

Letters are welcomed up to a maximum of 250 words. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, brevity and legality. All letters must include the writer’s name, daytime telephone number and hometown for verification purposes. Anonymous, or pen names will not be permitted. Not all submissions will be

published. Letter may be e-mailed to: [email protected]

Page 4: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

Tom FletcherBlack Press

The B.C. government is adding admin-istrative fi nes and strengthening permit re-quirements for new mines in response to in-vestigations into the Mount Polley tailings dam failure.

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Ben-nett said the new fi nes will be available to

provincial offi cials to compel compliance with safety orders, even when inspectors fi nd conditions that are not offi cially per-mit violations.

The size of the new fi nes will not be de-termined until amendments to the Mines Act pass in the B.C. legislature, but Ben-nett said they will be in the range of what is available in forestry and oil and gas regu-lations. Administrative penalties for high-risk conditions in oil and gas operations range from $2,000 to $500,000.

Bennett said such penalties wouldn’t have prevented the August 2014 dam fail-ure, which was caused by a weak glacial layer under the dam that was not detected when the mine was built. But they would have allowed inspectors to require estab-lishment of “beaches” to protect the dam from erosion by water held inside the tail-ings, or to lower the water level even if it was within permitted limits.

Legislation introduced Thursday also gives the Environmental Assessment Of-fi ce authority to require different designs for tailings storage at new mines, then to specify which option it will accept for each proposed site.

Bennett said the existing Mines Act gives inspectors only three options to regulate a

mine: order it shut down, revoke a permit or prosecute the company. The changes also increase maximum penalties for prosecu-tion, with maximum fi nes increased from $100,000 to $1 million and possible jail sentences increased from one year to three years.

Mount Polley’s owner has spent $170 million so far to restore Hazeltine Creek, which was washed out as a torrent of water and mine tailings poured down into Ques-

nel Lake. Water monitoring continues at the lake, with water continuing to test within regulations for fi sh habitat and human con-sumption.

Two engineering reviews of the dam failure have been completed, with no per-mit violations discovered. The B.C. Con-servation Offi cer Service is expected to report later this year, and may recommend charges related to damaging fi sh habitat.

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 Bergerpublisher@

ominecaexpress.com

Offi ce: Denise Smith

offi [email protected]

Editor/Reporter:Barbara Latkowski

[email protected]

Production:Julia Beal

[email protected]

Address:Box 1007

Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0Member:

B.C. Press CouncilSubscriptions (per year)

Local: $43.50Seniors: $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

A4 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Caledonia Courier

• Guest Editorial

Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

New penalties coming to B.C. mine regulations

Construction of tailings facility at Red Chris copper-gold mine in northwestern B.C., which started production last year after extra safety reviews in the wake of the Mount Polley tailings dam failure near Williams Lake.

Photo from Black Press Files

Page 5: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, March 2, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A5

Community EventsCommunity EventsCommunity Events are free of charge as they are

sponsored by the Caledonia CourierCOMING EVENTS... Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profi t organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofi t organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to [email protected] or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our offi ce located at #111-250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is fi nal.

***Holy Trinity Anglican Church are holding their Prime Rib Dinner on Friday, Feb 26 at the Evelyn Hall from 5-8pm. Accompanied by roast potatoes, yorkshire puds and veggies. All are welcome!

***We are looking forward to the 38TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS!...Dates are March 7- 20, 2016 and will be held at Nechako Valley Secondary School. Monday March 7, Speech Arts. Friday March 11, Strings. Monday March 14- Thursday March 17, Piano. Please check the website at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako for program details

***MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE... advocating for better services in our communities, such as: housing, counseling, education and job opportunities. Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month via – video conferencing from the communities of; Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ft. St. James, Southside and Vanderhoof. 1:30 – 3:00. In Vanderhoof meetings are held in the boardroom at the hospital. Clients, family members and community partners are invited to attend. Your

voice is IMPORTANT. For more info on the committee and it’s works contact: Heather @ 250-692-7500. Or your Mental Health Service Provider

***VOLUNTEER WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY!...Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? No matter your age or your interests, there are plenty of opportunities for you or your family members to volunteer within our community. At Volunteer Fort St. James we assist local non-profi t organizations in recruiting volunteers and assist volunteers to fi nd an organization(s) they want to work with. If you chose to become a volunteer you are in control. You get to choose the event(s) you volunteer for, how often you volunteer and how much time you’d like to volunteer. Volunteers are not obligated to volunteer for any opportunities, no questions asked. It is as simple as that! If you’d like to become a volunteer, when opportunities become available you have the option to be notifi ed by email, or you can check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/volunteerfsj or stop by the Volunteer Fort St. James Offi ce Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. You can sign up today to become a volunteer at www.volunteerfsj.ca. For more information you can e-mail us at [email protected] or call us at 250-996-8284 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11:30 – 12:30 pm).

***STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP FOOD BANK SCHED-ULE... is the third Wed of each month: 10:00 am to noon at the Food Bank behind St. Patrick’s An-glican Church, Stuart Drive. Volun-teers needed. Call 250-567-6744. Food Bank needs canned meals, beans, stews, soups, tuna, salmon, sandwich meats, pasta and sauce,

tea, coffee, toilet paper, canned milk, cereals, etc. At this time we have lots of sugar! Thank you for your generosity.

***UNTOLD TRAUMA...author seeks contributions from non-First Nations students and staff who experienced Catholic residential or day schools abuse in Northern BC. For more info email [email protected]

***FIREWEED STOPPING THEVIOLENCE & OUTREACHSERVICE For those who believe all is possible!...Provides free Confi dential, Safe, and Supportive counselling and outreach services for women. Hours of Service: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Location: Room 203, 349 Stuart Drive, Fort St James, BC Phone: (250) 996-1214 Fax: (250) 996-7647 Email: fi [email protected]

***STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP... hosts a free hot lunch each Tuesday from 10.00am to 1.00pm in the space behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church. Meals are served by members of area churches and other volunteers from the community. We wish to thank all those who assist by cooking, serving, and cleaning up. Your help is invaluable. We also host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day to all who are lonely or in need. Volunteers for these programs are needed. Please call Gwen at 250-567-6744.

***FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... New members are welcome, training is provided for more information please contact Paul at 250-996-7478 or Rod at 250-996-3231

***FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS...

Tuesday 11:30-8:00Wednesday 11:30-4:30

Thursday 11:30-4:30Friday 11:30-8:00

Saturday 11:00-3:00 ***

AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthlymeeting 2nd Wednesday eachmonth. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

***NECHAKO VALLEYCOMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY...Child and YouthMental Health and CounselingServices available at no cost.Monday to Friday 8:30 am to4:30 pm. Call 996-7645 for appointment.

***FORT TRAP AND HANDGUNCLUB... meets last Sunday of every month. Contact (Sue)at 250-996-7728 (h) for moreinformation.

***MUSIC MAKERS...Newmembers always WELCOME. Not everyone has to be on stage, thereis lots of work behind the scenes. Call Heike Fonda at 250-996-7006 for more info.

***PUBLIC SERVICEANNOUNCEMENT...If youknow anyone, including a child, who has been abused or harmedby a psychiatrist call the CitizensCommission on Human Rights at:1-800-670-2247.

***AA MEETINGS...Thursdays at8:00pm. United Church on 2ndAve West. Call 250-996-8290 for more information.

***FIREWEED SAFE HAVEN...asafe place for women and their children leaving violence or abuse. 24 hour access - please call 996-8000.

***FORT ST. JAMES PARENT ADVISORY...3rd Tuesday everymonth 7 p.m. at High School.

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

Every February, Nak’albun Elementary School continues to keep culture alive and well in Fort St. James.

From Feb. 2 – 25, children, teachers and community members engaged in a week full of history, story telling, outdoor survival skills and most of all, just some good old fash-ioned fun.

Sara Sam, the orga-nizer of Heritage Week at the school says that even though this type of thing might be part of the school curriculum, it’s still so important to the school community and not just for students but for staff as well.

“I like to share the knowledge of our Car-rier language, our cul-ture and our traditions,” Sam said.

“It’s also all about the oral history and keeping it alive. In years past, people did not have televisions. They relied on storytelling and hav-ing these stories passed down from generation to generation.”

The event has been running for over 20 years and Sam says that it keeps getting more and more popular with schools from outside Fort St. James.

“David Hoy will be participating in vari-ous events this year and we’ve also had schools join us from Prince George, Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake,” Sam said.

The week will be full of various activities including: medicine sta-tions, ice fi shing, drum making, drumming and storytelling at the camp-fi re and trapping dem-onstrations.

“Activities like this

are also important for survival,” Sam says.

“You never know when a tornado or earthquake will hit. Or if you get lost, would you know what to do? It’s so important that we teach survival skills today.”

Even the medicine displays, according to Sam, will allow the kids to see how medicines are made and what healing affects they can have.

The week will con-clude with the ever popular winter Olym-pics which will be held on Friday Feb. 26. This event will take place outdoors and each teacher from Nak’albun will set up a station for students to attempt and conquer.

“We try to make this as fun and special for the kids as we can,” Sam said. during Heri-tage Week.

Heritage Week: keeping culture alive in Fort St. James

Students from David Hoy Elementary school join in the Heritage Week festivities at Nak’albun School complete with tea and bannock.

Drummers from Nak’albun School performing.

Violet Prince, story teller, sharing a tale about “the Loon”.Photos by Barbara Latkowski

Page 6: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

A6 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Caledonia Courier

The Caledonia ClassicThe Caledonia Classic

Photos by Photos by Barbara Barbara

Latkowski and Latkowski and Vivian ChuiVivian Chui

Page 7: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, March 2, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A7

The Caledonia ClassicThe Caledonia Classic

Photos by Vivian Chui

Page 8: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

A8 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Caledonia Courier

Vanderhoof celebrating 90 yearsFort St. James celebrating 210 years

The Nechako Chronicle wrote an article on pioneer George Ogston.

“In 1914 George Ogston a Scottish im-migrant fresh from serving his apprentice-ship with the Hudsons Bay Company decid-ed to go it alone and hung out his shingle as a real estate and insurance agent and business councillor. Backed with the vigor and perseverance characteristic of the ear-ly pioneer the business forged ahead under the guidance of its founder and today is the oldest business in the district being oper-ated by its originator.”

Also reported was how Ogston was keeping a table from founder Herbert Van-derhoof in his offi ce.

The fi rst tenant of what is now the Ogs-ton Building was the Royal Bank of Cana-da. Then it was billiards, the RCMP, an An-glican Church and a Government Liquor Store.

In 1926 The Vanderhoof Board of Trade and George Ogston led the movement for Vanderhoof to become self-governing. As a result the Corporation of the Village of Vanderhoof came into being.

Memories from George Ogston: The year 1916 saw the building of the

bridge across the Nechako River at Vander-hoof. Prior to this time, the only means of crossing was a ferry under the command of an old-timer named Dick Stuart. The old Abbie V, was a stout ship and did its duty very well until the growing traffi c, and especially the increasing importance of

the road north, made a bridge imperative. During 1914-15-16, there was a slight re-vival of interest in the Manson Creek gold properties and several parties were working there during those years.

During 1918 Vanderhoof had the Men-nonite invasion. Many of these people came in with their families, and after a stay in Vanderhoof moved our north west and settled in the Braeside country. It was not a successful attempt at colonization, because they did not stay in the district very long. It is doubtful if they intended to stay in any case. As a sect, they are opposed to war and especially conscription, and were no doubt subjected to a certain amount of harass-ment during the war, and in all probability decided to move into the interior of British Columbia where they could more or less drop out of sight. The conclusion of hos-tilities and the rapid return to normal con-ditions soon afterwards undoubtedly has-tened their return to the place from where they had come It is a somewhat noteworthy fact that afterwards a number of them set-tled in Mexico.

There is a saying which has a local cur-rency that he who has drunk the waters of the Nechako must perforce return and drink again. There is a great deal of truth in the saying. Many a wanderer has left the Nechako, tried out other places, which has seemed good at the time, and has returned to stay. The name Vanderhoof has always given rise to a good deal of discussion. Some people are under the impression it is

German, and the centre of a German set-tlement and that the English tongue is not spoken much in the district. Dr. Morrison admits that he had something of that im-pression while in Ottawa. He further admits that when he got a telegram from me, he decided that I was the only Scandinavian among the bunch of Germans.

As it so happens, Vanderhoof has a greater preponderance of Anglo Saxon stock than almost any other place in the Central Interior. The name Vanderhoof was adopted from the name of one of the fi rst owners of the townsite – Herbert Vander-hoof of Chicago. The Vanderhoof family have been settled in the United States for about as long as the Vanderbilts, and like the name of Vanderbilt, the name of Van-derhoof is pure Dutch, and meaning ‘of the farm’ – rather an appropriate name for a locality where farming is still the main means of industry. An agitation will arise to change the name, but it usually dies away, and we worry along somehow without any change begin made. The favorite choice of those wishing for a change is ‘Nechako’ – an Indian word meaning simply ‘big wa-ter’.

When I fi rst looked back over the very wide fi eld I had to cover, I realized that much of the story would have to remain un-told. The story of the gradual growth of the district is to me at least, very fascinating and I hope that some many gifted chroni-cler may come along and put the material in permanent form before many incidents

Memories of a pioneer by the late George Ogston1886-1970

Nechako Chronicle March 3, 1966

A hep group of Vanderhoof teen-agers are making their mark in the entertainment fi eld around town.

The Tremolones, four high school students have become a very popular part of the local teenage group.

Gord Keith, 18 on the rhythm guitar and Dave Snell, 16 on bass guitar are producing very catchy music and are much in demand at teenage dances.

Three of the group have been playing together since December and they have been joined recently by Dave Snell.

None of these boys have been trained to read music but have picked up the tunes by ear.

A major problem is in purchas-ing equipment, since they have not charged to date for their services. At present they have jointly invested $1,500 on instruments, amplifi ers and mikes.

Two of the boys, Gord Keith and Wayne Deorksen, who both work part time at the Philips ’66 service station have invested their wages in their equipment.

They play a variety of types of music including country and west-ern, rock and roll, rhythm and blues.

are forgotten. In conclusion, may I ask what the message of

the past brings to us. Will the faith of the early pioneers be fully justifi ed? I think it will. We are just coming through the most critical period of our existence here and have weathered the storm just as well as any other district in Canada. Down underneath the grumbling and discontent one hears, the early faith and confi dence must be there.

Th e Termolones

They would like to fi nd a suitable place to practice. At present they meet noon hours in the

home room of their sponsor, Miss Geri Simpson, but would like to put more time into practicing.

Page 9: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, March 2, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A9

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

Murray Ridge Ski Area is not about to complain!

Whatever the conditions, Murray Ridge is ready to em-brace it.

The annual slush cup and bath tub race is now scheduled for March 5.

“The hill is thin, but soft. Groomers are still holding up, but we are on the home stretch. Come and enjoy some last turns of the season,” said Jana Gainor, manager of Murray Ridge.

The Everest Chal-lenge, bathtub race, slush cup are still in the works.

Come and enjoy!

Forget the Slush: Murray Ridge still running strongA kindergarten class from David Hoy Elementary School continue to  enjoy the conditions, whatever they may be, at Murray Ridge. 

Photo by Barbara Latkowski

BARBARA LATKOWSKI Caledonia Courier

Family Night at the Music Makers Play House in Fort St. James was full.

I Only Have Fangs for You was performed at the theatre on February 26 – 27.

The play is a comedy melodrama by Craig Sodaro. “It’s got a little bit of everything: blood, gore, heroines and vampires. It’s very contemporary,” cast member, Eileen Bennison said.

Bennison is no stranger to the stage and with the commitment involved in preparing a full production.

“It’s a lot of work but it’s a funny play. We are hav-ing so much fun and that’s what it’s all about,” Ben-nison said.

And the crowd on Feb. 26 couldn’t agree more as they laughed the night away.

The cast, who now consider themselves family, have been busily rehearsing twice a week since Oc-tober.

Allison Eytcheson is co-directing with Elyse Gam-mon. “It’s a farce, it’s a comical physical comedy,” Eytcheson said.

“There’s also a bit of a plot twist with a character who ends up being not what you expect,” Gammon adds.

The cast is also thrilled with the new lights and sound system that the theatre recently had installed. “We are so excited. It will make a big difference,” Eytcheson said.

The cast has also been receiving regular feedback from a professional instructor from Theatre Northwest in Prince George.

“It’s been so helpful to have professional eyes look-ing at us. It gives us a better perspective,” cast member Raquel Friesen said.

All in all, costumes are coming together, sets are being designed and lines are being learnt. As each per-former comes onto the stage, it’s clear that this is a farce not to be missed.

“It really is so funny. We just want everyone to come out and enjoy and to laugh with us and at us,” Friesen said.

I only Have Fangs For You: brings full house

at Music Makers BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

Rugby is not a sport you normally see being played on a pitch in Fort St. James.

But, for Harrison Hooke, the sport has become his fi rst love.

The 16-year-old from Fort St. James is excited to be invited to participate in the rugby U17 De-velopment Program in March.

“I’m really excited,” Hooke says. “This is something I’m really good at.”

And good he is. Hooke began playing in grade 8 at Fort St.

James Secondary School. The school no longer offered the sport so

Hooke decided to follow it himself. He attended Brentwood College from 2014-2015 where he continued to play.

While at the school, Hooke had the opportu-nity to tour Argentina for 18 days with the senior rugby team.

He also played for East Vancouver U15 in 2014 and for Okanagan U16.

Hooke also captained against Team USA U16 at the B.C. selection camp. He also played for B.C. U16 at the Western National Finals in Kelowna where he received fi rst place.

In the fall of 2015, Hooke played for North Star U18 sevens team and in November, he was selected the national U17 Development Program.

The Canada U18 National Team will eventu-ally be selected from this group of 50 kids from across Canada.

But with all of his rugby achievements, Hook is always happy to come back home to the Fort with his friends and family.

There, he enjoys working out and riding horses while attending Fort St. James Secondary School.

“I love the freedom here. I’m not much of a city kid,” Hooke said.

Regardless, Hooke continues to look forward to his rugby prospects.

“I’m excited. I do see rugby as being a big part of my life in the future.”

Fort St James rugby player: selected for national U17 development program

Harrison Hooke from Fort St. James is ready to take on the U17 Canadian National Team Development Program in March.

Photo by Barbara Latkowski

Page 10: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

A10 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Caledonia Courier

COMMUNITYCourier

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

The E-Free Church Echo Lake is hosting an Artic Adventure Day Camp from March 29-31.

The camp is calling for all young polar ex-plorers between 6-10 years.

Echo Lake is known and loved by many in the community as a summer camp but in recent years kids have had the oppor-tunity to enjoy camp fun with their friends during

Echo Lake

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

On Feb. 20, a charity hockey game took place at the Fort St. James Forum.

It was the fi rst between the Apollo Hockey League and Team Conifex.

“We didn’t expect this to happen,” one of the or-ganizers, Brett Musa said. “This ended up being a lot bigger than we expected.”

The game was a great success and brought in $1059.25 in donations for mental health services in Fort St. James in the loving memory of Michael Wiebe.

Special thanks go out to Tim Boyes (co-organiz-er), Brian Amyot, Joran Wingerter, Jaclyn Boyes, Tara Frederick, Christie Hoy, Jessica Gooding as well as the Fort St. James Women’s Hockey Club.

For anyone wanting to make an additional dona-tion, contact Spirit of the North Healthcare Founda-tion, 1475 Edmonton Street, Prince George, B.C.

Charity hockey game in the Fort

To the Editor:A big thank-you everyone that came out to watch, participate, volunteer

and donate for our fi rst charity hockey game held on Feb 20th between the Apollo Hockey League and team Conifex. The game was a great success and raised $1059.25 in donations for Mental Health Services Fund #1052, in loving memory of Michael Wiebe.

Special thanks to Tim Boyes (Co-organizer), Brian Amyot, Joran Wingerter, Jaclyn Boyes, Tara Frederick, Christie Hoy, Jessica Gooding, as well as the Fort St. James Women’s Hockey Club for making it possible. Hope to see you all again next year!

Anyone who would like to make an additional donation can make a cheque out to Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation for Mental Health Services fund #1052, and mail it to:

Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation1475 Edmonton Street

Prince George, B.C.V2M 1S2

Thank you,Brett Musa

Kids Camp offered over Spring Break: calling all young polar explorers

spring break too. According to program di-

rector, Laura Campbell, the camp’s free registration in-cludes games, crafts, skits as well as lunch.

“I love that we get the opportunity to bring a bit of camp back into kids’ lives during spring break,” Camp-bell said.

“So often a week of camp

is a highlight in a child’s year and this way we get to enjoy camp before summer even starts.”

To register, visit: www.elbc.ca

Letter to the editor

Page 11: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, March 2, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A11

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Page 12: Caledonia Courier, March 02, 2016

A12 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Caledonia Courier

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)

From front

Mann said the vision Mr. Bill Ben-nett had for the games - bringing fami-lies together from the four corners of the province under the banner of sport - continues to accomplish that today along with it the Games provide the beginning of a pathway to higher sport performance.

“One thing, though, has remained the same. The spirit and passion so ev-ident on that rainy August day of the

very first Games is alive and well here in Penticton,” said Mann. “Judging by what we have seen over these past many months of planning and knowing of your success, Penticton has certainly preserved that dedication and spirit.”

That was apparent by the comments from the young athletes who competed over the four days of the BC WInter Game, Feb. 25-28.

“It was a great experience getting to meet everybody all over B.C. and I can’t wait to do it again. “ said Sarah

Friedman, wheelchair basketball ath-lete from Richmond representing Van-couver Costal Zone 5.

Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games President Bill Bidlake thanked the tire-less effort of the over 1,800 volunteers who made the Games a success.

“There is a saying: if you want to go fast, you go alone; but if you want to go far, you go together,” said Bidlake. “This weekend shows how far Penticton will go together in showcasing its pas-sion for sport, community and youth.”

2016 BC Winter Games come to a close in Penticton

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

On February 28, the gym at Nak’albun School was full.

Children from 0-6 years and their families en-joyed a bouncy gym, toys, games, dirt, lego, lunch and exciting door prizes.

The fair, in its 8th year, brought a greater amount of people than in previous years according to orga-nizer, Cheryl Work.

“In previous years this was called the Children’s Festival but it has now been renamed this year to refl ect the fact that it is now a combination of the annual children’s festival and the annual three year old, “Ready, Set, Learn Health Fair,” Work said.

For Work, the event helps families get to know what programs and services are available in our community as well as being able to treat families to a fun afternoon with food, prizes and entertain-ment.

Fort St. James Early Fair: a day of fun learning

Above: Fort St. James  Fire Fighters, Abigail Moore, and Curtis Macdonald take part in the Early Years Fair at Nak’albun School.Left: Clown making balloon animals.

Photos by Barbara Latkowski