caledonia courier, march 09, 2016

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com VOL. 38 NO. 02 $1.30 inc. GST

Council Notes - pg 2Town Hall - pg 3

◆

◆Inside Community Forum - pg 6OARH Co-ordinator pg 7

◆

◆

Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

NEWS BRIEFS

Published by Black Press Ltd

at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC

V0J 3A0

1473 HWY 16 EAST www.westlineford.comTOLL FREE: 1-888-449-4029 250-567-4781 DL # 30423

22 BBLLOO WW OOUU TT001155ALL REMAINING NEW 2015 MODEL YEAR MUST GO!!ALL REMAINING NEW 2015 MODEL YEAR MUST GO!!

Daylight Saving Time starts

Sunday, March 13, 2016, 2:00:00 AM clocks are turned forward 1 hour

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

Fort St. James is ready to do their part and welcome two Syr-ian families to their home town.

And the Syrian Refugee Group of Fort St. James is ready as fundraising is underway.

Only after four meetings, the group has already committed to sponsoring two Syrian fami-lies and budgeting is now in the works.

Over 8 million Syrians have been displaced and 4 million have fl ed confl ict and poverty in hope of fi nding a better fu-ture and a new opportunity else-where.

About 25,000 refugees are set to arrive in Canada in 2016.

“It’s all about making them feel safe,” said group member, Louise Evan-Salt.

Evan-Salt has played an in-tegral part in fi nding out more about the process of sponsorship through the Mennonite Central Committee who are based in Abbotsford B.C.

This international organiza-tion has been approved for this purpose and it is keen to help various groups like the one in Fort St. James get through the sponsorship process.

And with the situation being as desperate as it is, Fort St. James could see a Syrian family in the community within 1-4 months.

But fi rst, it’s all about money. The blended sponsorship

program seems the most favored option as government assistance will be made available through-out the one year commitment.

About $27,500 needs to be secured and ready before the process can even begin.

Priorities such as a budget (for clothing, food, etc.) and housing must be presented as

Syrian Refugee Group: all set for fi rst fundraiser

well before applying for sponsorship.The group is committed and is now

asking for donations and support from the community.

The fi rst Syrian refugee fundraising event will take place on March 19th.

A Toonie Gift Basket Fundraiser is inviting anyone, including all local companies and organizations to donate a basket of gifts.

The draw for the gift baskets will

take place at a pot luck ethnic dinner at the Fort St. James High School gym. Baskets are to be ready for collection on March 11.

The ethnic dinner invites all to bring an ethnic dish to the school gym for a family night of food, fun and even some belly dancing, drumming, a perfor-mance by a Syrian Family from Prince George and face painting thrown in to complete the evening.

For more information, contact: Nan-cy at (250) 996-3671 [email protected]

Joyce at (250) 839-3134 [email protected]

The next Syrian Refugee Group meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday March 16 at the Fort St. James Public Library. All are welcome.

The Caledonia Courier is proud to wel-come the Syrian families to Fort St. James.

Students at David Hoy Elementary school are doing their part by creating decorations for the first fundraising event set for March 19.

Members of the Syrian Refugee Group are busily planning for the arrival of a Syrian Family into the Fort St. James community.

Photos by Barbara Latkowski

VICTORIA - British Columbia residents who are making an effort to lead healthier lifestyles can now be rewarded with loyalty points such as Aeroplan, PetroPoints, Scene and MoreRe-wards, thanks to an in-novative new mobile app called Carrot Rewards.

The app, available fi rst to B.C. residents, was launched today by Kamal Khera, Parlia-mentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Terry Lake, Minister of Health for British Columbia, and Andreas Souvaliotis, founder and CEO of So-cial Change Rewards, at an event at the Parlia-ment Buildings in Vic-toria, British Columbia.

See more on page 3

Canada’s fi rst wellness rewards program launches in B.C.

A2 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Caledonia Courier

NEWSCourier

Council Meeting

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 Story Time at the Library





20 21 22 2423 25 26

27 28 29 3130 1 2

3 4 5 76 8 8

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

Slush Cup & Bath Tub Races

Slush Cup & Bath Tub Races

Council would like to thank Lynda Currie, Louise Evans-Salt and Keith Playfair for their help with the remuneration committee

April

Daylight Savings Time Starts

Easter Sunday Easter Monday

Good Friday

Suffragette Movie, 6 pm at Community Centre

Fundraiser Dinner 6-9 Old Gym

District Offi ce closed

District Offi ce Closed

Council Meeting

Women’s Support Group 1 pm info 8081/1214





6pm Music Makers Hall, Restorative Justice Theater/Panel info 0003

March 21 Stuart Lake Golf Club AGM 7pm,

at club house

MayorRob MacDougall

CouncillorBrenda Gouglas

CouncillorKris Nielsen

CouncillorDave Birdi

CouncillorBrad Miller


Fort St. James Council held a meeting on Feb. 24. The following are some high-lights and conclusions from that evening:

Representative, Monica Grill from Nahounli Kennels provided a year-end report.

In the last year, 57 percent of the dogs picked up were reclaimed in Fort St. James.

About 14 percent went to the Humane Society and 20 percent were transported to either the SPCA in Prince George or

Petland.“Even though small, we work together

with the Humane Society,” Grill saidThe Canadian Animal Association

Team will be coming back for a third year from June 8-11 to provide inoculations.

Fundraising for this took place on Feb. 29. Cupcakes were sold at David Hoy Elementary School to help support local animals.

Minutes from The Key were included. The resource centre is currently going through a transition period.

Minutes from the Housing Co-op and The Chamber of Commerce minutes were

discussed. The Co-op Housing presentation took

place on March 3 at the Seniors Centre in Fort St. James.

District donated funds towards the Ski and Board Team. They will be competing in Fernie, B.C.

District has agreed to acquire the old engine from the Fort St. James Fire Dept. A suitable space to accommodate the en-gine is currently being looked into.

The truck will be restored. It is a 1962 International Pumper Truck which was originally purchased by the village of Fort St. James for use by the Fort St.

James Volunteer Fire Dept. This was the first truck that the town ever bought brand new. The truck had a long career and was in service until the early 1990’s.

Nak’azdli’s “Think Big Annual Career Fair will be held from May 6-7 at the Fort St. James Secondary School. The District of Fort St. James will provide a booth in support of the event.

The event is set to benefit 350 students as vendors will attend to share informa-tion about job opportunities after gradu-ation.

Registration and sponsorship forms for the event are due no later than April 1.

Fort St. James

Council Meeting: Feb. 24

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, March 9, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A3

CNC 2016/17 BUDGET CONSULTATION SESSIONSCNC is undertaking its annual budget consultation process. The consultation provides anopportunity for community members to present their views on the 2016/17 College Budget.Presentations are limited to 10 minutes and written presentations will also be accepted.

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016 Time(s): 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Place: Room 1-306, Prince George Campus

Registration for the consultation meetings opens 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2016,closing Tuesday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m. To register, email [email protected]; include thepresenter, organization, name(s), contact information, and specify whether you wish topresent during the afternoon or evening session. More information is available atwww.cnc.bc.ca under “Budget” tab.

EVERYONE IS INVITED

College of New CaledoniaB R I T I S H C O L U M B I A • C A N A D A • W W W . C N C . B C . C A

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN AND GRADE 1

Pre-registration for children who will be entering Kin-dergarten and Grade 1 in September 2015 will take place March 21 – 24, 2016 at the times listed below.

NOTE: Students who will be entering Grade 1 in September 2016 and who are presently enrolled in Kindergarten need NOT register.

VANDERHOOF PRE-REGISTRATION TIME

W.L. McLeod Elementary 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. English

Ecole W.L. McLeod Elementary 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. French Immersion

Mapes Elementary 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Evelyn Dickson Elementary 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Sinkut View Elementary 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. FRASER LAKEMouse Mountain Elementary 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

FORT ST. JAMESDavid Hoy Elementary 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS1. Kindergarten student must be ve (5) years old by December 31, 2016.2. Grade 1 students must be six (6) years old by December 31, 2016.3. An adult must accompany each child.4. Please bring the child(s) care card and birth certi cate. We encourage that immunizations be up-to-date prior to starting school. Inquiries regarding immunization can be made by contacting the Health Unit at 250-567-6900.

TO ASSIST US IN STAFFING FOR THIS COMING SEPTEMBER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REG-ISTER YOUR CHILD FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR. IF YOU ARE UNSURE AS TO WHICH SCHOOL IS IN YOUR CATCHMENT AREA, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST SCHOOL OR ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AT 250-567-2284.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91 (NECHAKO LAKES)


The national SPCA Humane Society Cupcake Day arrived on Feb. 29 at David Hoy Elementary School in Fort St. James.

Whether white, chocolate or gluten free, there was a wide as-sortment of tasty treats to choose from.

Students licked their lips wait-ing in line to have a taste in support of the animals in their community.

The David Hoy Humane Society Club thanks everyone who baked cupcakes to

help support the Canadian Animal As-sistance Team (CAAT).

The team is set to come to Fort St.

James in June for the third year in a row.

According to the vets and animal health care technicians, there has been amazing care given to the ani-mals in the community and that’s be-cause of the community.

“We have given about 250 free spay and neuters. We are very blessed to have such a compassionate and caring team working for our pets,” said Luisa Johnson, volunteer for the Fort St. James Humane Society. “It was a fantastic day,” Johnson said.

“It was a good sale with lots of volun-teers and we couldn’t have done it with-

SPCA Humane Society Cupcake day: takes the cake

Delicious cupcakes await at David Hoy El-ementary school in support of the Humane Society.


Federal infrastructure spending plans are underway and MP Na-than Cullen is determined to hear what this means for residents in the Skeena Bulkley Valley riding.

Cullen is currently in the fi rst leg of a riding-wide town hall tour to speak with constituents about their priorities for future federal infra-structure spending.

“It is fantastic that our commu-nities were able to secure almost 13 percent of the funding allocated to the entire province for much-need-ed capital and capacity building projects,” Cullen said.

The new federal government in Ottawa was elected on a promise to make major investments in towns and communities and as economic development ramps up in the north-west of B.C., Cullen wants support

from the federal government to re-pair roads and build stronger com-munity infrastructure.

So what are the priorities in Fort St. James?

About 20 members of the com-munity attended the meeting on Feb. 29 at the Seniors Centre and they were ready to share their ideas.

Cullen, thrilled to see his rid-ing receive close to $9.2 million of the $73 million of federal funding, was eager to hear what community members in Fort St. James had to say.

Issues raised and needs present-ed included areas in: transportation, housing and health.

Everyone who attended broke up into smaller groups and as they started to share, the ideas began to fl ow.

Main priorities in Fort St. James include: the building of a new hos-pital, making transportation more

readily available in town, more opportunities for youth, environ-mental issues surrounding sewage, quality of water and road repair and connectivity and communication.

“This is the beginning,” Cullen said. “We now have a starting point. You have contributed to the pitch. Now the government will know what’s needed.”

Cullen will continue to hear from other constituents from all across the Skeena-Bulkley Valley as he continues his tour.

“The infusion of federal funds to help Northwest communities build, upgrade or outright replace com-munity infrastructure will really help to get some of these important projects off the ground,” Cullen said.

“I want to recognise the hard work of municipal governments and staff for their roles in bringing this money to their communities.”

Town hall meeting with Nathan Cullen: What does Fort St. James need?

Nathan Cullen leads the Town hall meeting in Fort St. James on Feb. 29.

out the support of local businesses and special thanks go out to Gail Hiebert.”

A total of $1,787.70 was raised to help sup-port animals in Fort St. James.

From frontFour-time Olympian Simon Whitfi eld also joined

the event to share his support for the initiative.More Canadians than ever are living with chron-

ic diseases, with four out of fi ve at risk of develop-ing diseases, such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Carrot Rewards provides users with incentives to increase their physical activity, eat better and quit smoking, with the goal of encour-aging healthy lifestyle habits that help reduce the risks of developing a chronic disease.

Users across the province who sign up for Carrot Rewards will be able to earn their choice of leading, brand-name loyalty points for completing activities centred on making healthier lifestyle choices. This can include anything from completing a health pro-fi le, to participating in learning activities and quiz-zes, and in later phases will include activities like going to the gym, visiting a fl u clinic, or buying produce from the grocery store. The app is also designed to link up with wearable devices in later stages to track and reward healthy behaviour.

Carrot Rewards is delivered through a partner-ship between the Public Health Agency of Canada, the B.C. Ministry of Health, Social Change Re-wards, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Ca-nadian Diabetes Association, and YMCA Canada. The app works on smartphones and is available free of charge on iTunes and Google Play, or by visit-ing: http://www.carrotrewards.ca

The Government of Canada is investing $5 mil-lion in this project, and the Government of British

Wellness rewards programColumbia has provided $2.5 mil-lion to the Canadian Cancer Society to work with the British Columbia Healthy Living Alliance to support the program in British Columbia. With funding from the private sec-tor and other partners, this repre-sents a total investment of over $15

million. In the next fi ve years, Carrot Re-

wards is expected to expand to in-terested provinces and territories to reach millions of Canadians, encour-aging them to participate in a variety of healthy living interventions that lead to a healthier lifestyle.

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


• Guest Editorial

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


For Nathan Cullen, it’s the smaller towns that make up the real backbone of Canada.

“Towns like Fort St. James need support. They are the heart and soul of this country and they need attention,” Cullen said.

The 43-year-old MP for Skeena Bulkley Valley continues to be a strong voice for the Northwest and British Columbia in Parliament.

Cullen is currently in the fi rst leg of a riding-wide town hall tour to speak with constituents about their priorities for future federal infrastructure spending.

The MP led a Town hall meet-ing at the Seniors Centre in Fort St. James on Feb. 29.

The new federal government in Ottawa was elected on a prom-ise to make major investments in towns and communities and as economic development ramps up in the Northwest of B.C., Cullen wants support from the federal

government to repair roads and build stronger community infra-structure.

Cullen, thrilled to see his rid-ing receive close to $9.2 million of the $73 million of federal funding, was eager to hear what community members in Fort St. James had to say.

For him, it’s all about mak-ing sure that smaller towns like Fort St. James continue to have a voice.

“The infusion of federal funds to help Northwest communities build, upgrade or outright re-place community infrastructure will really help to get some of these important projects off the ground,” Cullen said.

“I want to recognise the hard work of municipal governments and staff for their roles in bring-ing this money to their communi-ties.”

“I feel hopeful that these needs reach reality. The fi rst step is to make a connection. The sec-ond step is to work with local

municipalities and lastly, is tak-ing community needs to the fed-eral government to get prospects approved,” Cullen says.

Cullen who was born in To-ronto, Ontario, now enjoys small town living with his wife two 5-yr-old twin boys in Smithers, B.C.

“The northwest of B.C. is so beautiful and rich. It’s not the people that make the land, the land makes the people. We are so lucky here. The land is powerful and rich and this is what makes people stronger,” Cullen said.

“It’s important that towns like Fort St. James are heard. I want to see this money spent properly, not from Ottawa, but from the people on the ground.”

Its towns like Fort St. James that matter most according to Cullen.

“This town had great ideas. The people of Fort St. James care about their land and their com-munity. I want to make sure that they continue to be heard.”

Nathan Cullen: big vision for a small town

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Vancouver – The Canadian Fed-eration of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling for an end to the un-fair and costly “bridge benefi t” perk – a little known incentive for govern-ment workers who retire early.

When workers in the private sector choose to take CPP/QPP early, they receive a lower benefi t for the rest of their lives. For most public sector workers, however, the bridge benefi t essentially ensures that they receive their full CPP/QPP benefi ts even if they retire well before age 65.

“Government workers already enjoy much more generous pen-sion benefi ts than most Canadians could dream of,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB president. “Asking taxpayers to give even more so government workers can get those rich benefi ts sooner is, frankly, completely un-fair.”

The bridge benefi t varies across

public sector pension plans and can benefi t a typical government work-er an amount in the range of $7,500 to $8,800 in 2015. In 2010-2011, about 55,000 federal civil servants received the perk at a total cost of more than $385 million to taxpay-ers. “With massive defi cits ahead for most provinces and the federal government, making changes to this entitlement for the future could provide meaningful fi scal relief,” Kelly added.

More than 80 per cent of public sector retirees who left the work-force between 2007-2011 did so before age 65, compared to 60 per cent of private sector retirees, and 47 per cent of self-employed.

“It’s costing British Columbi-ans a lot of money to allow public sector workers to retire earlier than those in the private sector,” said Richard Truscott, Vice-President, BC and Alberta. “The BC govern-ment should take a stand and en-sure that all workers are treated equally.”

Stop paying government workers

to retire early

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, March 9, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A5

NEWSCourier

VANDERHOOFVANDERHOOFOmineca Express offi ce Omineca Express offi ce

Vanderhoof Co-op - GroceryVanderhoof Co-op - GroceryCo-op Mall - LobbyCo-op Mall - Lobby

Vanderhoof Co-op - C-Store Vanderhoof Co-op - C-Store Extra Foods Extra Foods

Vanderhoof Post Offi ceVanderhoof Post Offi ceRiverside PlaceRiverside Place

Nechako View Senior’s HomeNechako View Senior’s HomeSpeedway RoadSpeedway Road

MapesMapesCJ’s Trailer CourtCJ’s Trailer Court

Loop RoadLoop RoadPrairiedalePrairiedale

Braeside RoadBraeside RoadJones RoadJones Road

Sob Lake RoadSob Lake RoadRedfern DriveRedfern Drive

Sinkut Frontage RoadSinkut Frontage RoadKenny Dam & Lakes RoadKenny Dam & Lakes Road

J&S RestaurantJ&S Restaurant

CLUCULZ LAKE

BROOKSIDE RESORT

FRASER LAKEPar 3 Sports

FraserFraser 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

Lakeside Pharmacy

Reaching Every Door

567-9258 or 996-8482 bcclassifi eds.com

FREE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

REAL ESTATE P. 4-5

Inside


A division of

Put your leadership and management skills

to work serving democracy in British Columbia.

Elections BC is looking for local leaders t

o serve as Distri

ct

Electoral Officers and Deputy D

istrict Electoral Officers

throughout B.C. These roles plan for and manage the

administration of the 2017 Provincial General Election and

related projects.

District Electoral Officers a

nd Deputy Distri

ct Electoral Officers

represent the Chief Electoral Officer in their e

lectoral district and

play a critical role ensuring voters

and stakeholders experience an

impartial, fair, accessible and inclusive electoral process.

For more information, visit elections.bc.ca/jobs.

Apply now. Application deadline is January 31, 2016.

LOCAL LEADERS WITH

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

www.elections.bc.ca / 1- 8 0 0 - 6 6 1 - 8 6 8 3

The BC Games So-

ciety and Coast Capital

Savings have teamed up

once again to support the

pursuit of achievement

and leadership through

a bursary program. Ath-

letes (and youth coaches

and offi cials) taking part

in the Penticton 2016 BC

Winter Games can apply

to receive one of 16 bur-

saries in the amount of

$500. The program was

fi rst offered at the 2014

BC Summer Games with

over 250 applicants for

the bursary.

The bursary is in-

tended to recognize ath-

letes who have achieved

in sport and education

but, more importantly, go

above and beyond in their

communities through

leadership and volunteer

activities. Youth coaches

and offi cials (under 19

years of age) who are at-

tending the Games as part

of a development oppor-

tunity are also welcome

to apply.

“Coast Capital Sav-

ings is excited to spon-

sor these bursaries as

part of our commitment

to building richer futures

for youth in our com-

munities,” said Wendy

Lachance, Director of

Community Leadership

at Coast Capital Savings.

“The dedication these

young people show in

pursuing excellence as

athletes, students

and

community leaders is in-

spirational.”

Coast Capital Sav-

ings is a valued Corporate

Partner of the BC Games

Society and has made a

promise “To help build a

richer future for youth in

our communities.” Coast

Capital delivers on this

promise through initia-

tives that support health,

build self-reliance and

confi dence, and inspire

youth to become lead-

ers. Sport is an avenue

to achieve all of these and

the BC Games provides

young athletes, coaches,

and offi cials from across

the province with an im-

portant competitive op-

portunity and exceptional

experience to learn about

teamwork, goal setting,

friendship, and commu-

nity excellence.

“BC Games athletes

commit signifi cant time

and energy to their sport,”

said Kelly Mann, Presi-

dent and CEO of the BC

Games Society. “We

hope that this fi nancial

support of our young par-

Coast Capital Savings and the BC Games

Society launch youth Bursary Program

ticipants, who are leaders

both on and off the fi eld

of play, will help give

them an extra boost to

continue to make a differ-

ence to their sport and in

their communities.”

Athletes (and youth

coaches and offi cials)

who have qualifi ed for the

2016 BC Winter Games

can apply for the bursary

by completing the online

application form at www.

bcgames.org. A refer-

ence letter from a coach

or teacher must be includ-

ed. The deadline for ap-

plications is February 8,

2016 and winners will be

announced at the Closing

Ceremony of the Pent-

icton 2016 BC Winter

Games on February 28.

An Inter-Church Christmas Festival

held Saturday Dec. 19 in Riverside Park

brought families out to see and hear the

Christmas story. With live animals and

people dressed in costume this was a

great way to present the Christmas story

and nativity.

Christmas Festival

Reaching Every Door


FREE


REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY P. 3-5

Inside


Homeowner grant

threshold increases

VICTORIA - British Columbians who

own homes valued up to $1.2 million may

be eligible to receive a full home owner

grant this year, while a partial grant may be

available if the home is v

alued above this

threshold.

The home owner grant provides mod-

est property tax relief to those who need

it most. Last year, this program returned

nearly $800 million to B.C. residents. F

or

2016, more than 91% of homes are below

the threshold.

BC Assessment estimates the values of

all homes based on their market value on

July 1 each year. For homes valued below

the threshold, the basic grant can reduce

residential property taxes on an owner’s

principal residence by up to $570.

An additional grant up to $275 is avail-

able for homeowners who are aged 65 or

over, who qualify under the persons with

disabilities category, or who are eligible

to receive certain war-veteran allowances.

The northern and rural home owner benefi t

provides an additional $200 in property tax

relief to households outside the Greater

Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Capital Re-

gional Districts.

Low-income homeowners who would

have received the additional home owner

grant except for the high value of their

home can apply for a low-income grant

supplement.

Homeowners who face diffi culty keep-

ing up with rising property assessments in

B.C. may also be eligible to defer all or a

portion of their property taxes. The proper-

ty tax deferment program provides low-in-

terest loans that allow eligible homeowners

to defer payment of annual property taxes

until their home is s

old or becomes part of

an estate. This program is available to own-

ers who are 55 or older, su

rviving spouses

of any age, and persons with disabilities.

Families who are fi nancially supporting

children may also qualify.

Asset limit fo

r

disability assistance

increases

As of Dec. 1, 2015, people receiving dis-

ability assist

ance can now receive regular

gifts from family, frie

nds, and community

groups, their assistance from the govern-

ment being affected.

Allowing repeated gifts of cash within

the asset limit with no impact on eligibility

for assistance, the changes also include rais-

ing the asset limit fro

m $5,000 to $100,000,

and from $10,000 to $200,000 for families

where two people with the PWD designa-

tion receive disability assist

ance.

There is also more fl exibility

in spend-

ing money from trust funds, according to

the provincial government.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive

reaction to these major changes for people

with disabilities,” said Michelle Stilwell,

B.C.’s minister of Social Development and

Social Innovation. “B.C. now has the most

generous gifts and assets policies in Canada

- meaning fi nancial security, independence

and peace of mind for people receiving dis-

ability assist

ance and their families.”

Jane Dyson with Disability Alliance BC

said, “Some of our clients are struggling

to believe the new policy on gifts is tr

ue.

It means some folks will enjoy a happier

holiday season this year, and over the year

many more will benefi t fr

om this new fl ex-

ibility.”

B.C.: more support fo

r homeowners, people

with disabilities, and home support services

#UsedHelps

A division of

Reaching Every Door


FREE


REAL ESTATE P. 4-5

InsideCLASSIFIEDS P. 6, 7


IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK PRESS COMMUNITY NEWS MEDIA

Take your first step to

the international stage!

Applications now being accepted for

Miss Teen BC, Miss BC & Mrs BC!

To apply visit your community newspaper

website and click on contests.

VANCOUVER -

The Province is work-

ing in partnership with

the BC Nurses’ Union

(BCNU) to create over

1,600 additional regu-

lar nursing positions to

the B.C. health system,

to improve care for pa-

tients and better support

nurses on the frontlines

of health care.

“Nurses are impor-

tant, highly-skilled

members of health

care teams throughout

British Columbia, and

today’s announcement

acknowledges their in-

tegral role in the health

system,” said Health

Minister Terry Lake.

“Over the past year,

we have been working

closely with nurses to

make health care im-

provements that ben-

efi t both patients and

staff. We are confi dent

this spirit of partner-

ship will continue as

we work together on a

new collective agree-

ment that meets the

goals of nurses, health

authorities and the

Province.”

The Ministry of

Health, along with

health authorities, the

Health Employers As-

sociation of BC (HE-

ABC) and BCNU have

jointly committed to

work togetherto create

1,643 regular nursing

positions by March 31,

2016.“To nurses

who

are trying to provide

safe patient care while

working short in ERs

and operating rooms

and nurses who cope

with overwhelming

workloads, this agree-

ment means that relief

is on the way,” said

Gayle Duteil, president

of the BCNU. “I urge

nurses who are working

casual and who want a

permanent position to

send an email today to:

[email protected].

BCNU is supporting the

hiring process by pro-

viding a fi rst point of

contact for all qualifi ed

nurses.”

Recruitment targets

Health authorities improve patient

care with creation of nursing positions

are as follows:

* Fraser Health: 400

* Interior Health: 300

* Island Health: 290

* Northern Health: 100

* Providence Health Care: 80

* Provincial Health Services

Authority: 238

* Vancouver Coastal: 235

“Fraser Health welcomes this

opportunity to work with the

BCNU in order to recruit new

nurses to the region,” said Fraser

Health president and chief execu-

tive offi cer Michael Marchbank.

“This will provide even greater

levels of care for patients.”

HEABC and BCNU will

contract with HealthMatch BC

to work in partnership with the

health authorities on a recruit-

ment campaign.

“Nurses are a key pillar of

BC’s health care system, de-

livering quality treatment to

thousands of patients every day

throughout the province,” said

HEABC president and chief

executive offi cer David Logan.

“This recruitment effort will con-

tribute immensely to maintain-

ing these high standards while

supporting our current efforts at

the bargaining table as we work

to reach a collective agreement

over the next couple of months

that serves the primary aim of

providing the best care possible

to British Columbians.”

In the last year, BCNU and

the Province have equally funded

$2 million for violence preven-

tion actions at sites that deal

with some of the province’s most

complex patients, as well as

specialty and community nurse

funding.

Last April, the Ministry

of

Health and HEABC reached an

agreement with BCNU and the

Nurses Bargaining Association to

improve patient care, with about

$5 million allocated towards spe-

cialty nurse training for positions

such as emergency room, operat-

ing room, obstetric and neonatal

nurses. As part of this agreement,

the ministry has also provided $1

million to assist Licensed Practi-

cal Nurses pursuing registered

nurse education and $2 million

to provide new mobile technol-

ogy to community nurses.

On Jan. 22, Vanderhoof will

celebrate its 90th birthday, and

the District of Vanderhoof is

hosting two major events to

mark the occasion! At the fi rst

event we’ll wish Happy Birth-

day to Vanderhoof at the arena,

and the following day we’ll cel-

ebrate at Riverside Park with

sleigh rides, live music, and

fi reworks.

Friday, Jan. 22 – Vander-

hoof Arena

Local school children will

be invited for skating at the

Vanderhoof Arena at 12:30pm;

cupcakes will be served and ev-

eryone will gather on the ice to

sing “Happy Birthday”. Seniors

are invited to join for tea, cof-

fee, and cake, and to enjoy the

historical photo series. Mem-

bers of the public are welcome

to join in the festivities, with a

free skate happening from 2pm

to 5pm.

Saturday, Jan. 23 – River-

side Park

Join us at Riverside Park for

food, music, and fi reworks! Be-

ginning at noon, the Nechako

Nordics Ski Club is hosting a

cross-country ski tournament

until 2pm. Then, gather around

a bonfi re for chili dogs, ban-

nock, and hot chocolate. Enjoy

horse-drawn sleigh rides and a

historical photo series of Van-

derhoof since its i

ncorporation.

Live music will begin at 3pm

with speeches at 5:30pm. The

afternoon will end with a bang

when the fi reworks kickoff at

6pm.

These events will k

ick off a

year-long birthday celebration

for Vanderhoof and surrounding

communities, as Fort St. James

celebrates its 210th birthday

and the Nechako Valley Exhibi-

tion celebrates its 50th.

Happy 90th birthday, Vanderhoof!

NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS

Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

Integris in Vanderhoof is currently searching for an individual

to fill the position of Financial Planning Support. T

his position

focuses on assisting the Financial Planner in the Vanderhoof

branch and contributing as part of the dynamic Financial

Planning team across the organization. This Permanent, Full-

time position will work Monday to Friday from 9AM

-4:30PM

.

The Financial Planning Support provides a wide variety of

clerical support to the Financial Planner(s),

along with organizing

and maintaining client files. The successful applicant for this

position will have 1-2 years’ administrative experience, preferably

with some exposure to the investments or security industry.

Additionally, the selected candidate will have a working

knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

FINANCIAL PLANNING SUPPORT

Vanderhoof; Permanent, F

ull-Time

For more information and to apply for this position, please visit us

at www.integriscu.ca/careers. Upload your resume/cover letter by

locating the corresponding position under the current openings tab.

The deadline to apply for this position is Wednesday, January 27th.

Integris Credit Union is looking for an individual to join us as

a Member Service Representative (Teller) on a temporary

(1 year), part-ti

me basis in our Vanderhoof Branch. For

this position, we require the successful applicant to have

a fl exible schedule between Monday and Saturday and to

work no less than three (3) days a week.

The main focus of the position is to provide exceptional

service to our members, make quality referrals, and handle

member issues while maintaining a positive attitude.

Integris off ers a wage commensurate with experience,

a highly competitive benefi ts program, and a reputable

corporate culture.

To apply, please upload your resume/cover letter by visiting

www.integriscu.ca/careers and locating the corresponding

position under the current openings tab. The deadline for this

position is Wednesday, February 3rd , 2016.

MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Vanderhoof; Temporary (1 year), Part-Time

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


On March 4, women of different nationalities, backgrounds and cul-tures came together.

They gathered together to cel-ebrate women, a day dedicated to women and in honour of women.

Women’s World Day of Prayer was celebrated at Our Lady of the Snows Roman Catholic Church in Fort St. James.

All denominations were welcome. World Day of Prayer was begun

by women in Canada and the United States in 1922. It is now celebrated and observed in over 170 countries throughout the world.

Those who participated in this year’s World Day of Prayer service joined in worship with Christians around the world in almost 2,000 communities.

The World Day of Prayer is fa-cilitated by the World Day of Prayer International Committee which meets every fi ve years to discuss upcoming themes and countries for upcoming services.

The theme this year was Cuba: its culture, history, the economic and po-litical struggles and the struggles of various girls and women within the country.

The service highlighted these girls and women: how they coped, their feelings, their prayers, their love of their country, and what they hoped for the future.

This World Day of Prayer recog-nised the plight of these women and many women around the world.

According to the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, the hope is that the many prayers of the world and for the Cuban people can be a ris-ing light of support and love for them.

The council began in Canada in 1918 when women representing the Anglican, Congregationalist, Meth-odist and Presbyterian women’s missionary societies met to discuss “united prayer and a stronger voice in national questions.”

This meeting led to the fi rst Na-tional Day of Prayer in Canada in 1920 and then became the World Day of Prayer in 1922.

As an independent organization of Canadian Christian women, WICC is dedicated to ecumenism, women’s spiritual growth, women’s issues and social justice.

The council coordinates the Cana-dian celebration of the World Day of Prayer.

It was an evening full of joy, hope, solemnity, prayer and thankfulness, for all women of the world.

Women’s World Day of Prayer was held on March 4, at Our Lady of the Snows Roman Catholic Church in Fort St. James.

Photo by Barbara Latkowski

Women brought together in World Day of Prayer


NEWSCourier

CONGRATULATIONS!

See photos, videos, and results at BCGAMES.ORG

Thank you to the coaches, officials, volunteers, and families who support these growing champions.

59 athletes from the North West competed at the 2016 BC Winter Games bringing home 13 medals.


Both Fort St. James District and Nak’azdli Whut’en got together to help better understand each other’s roles within the Fort St. James com-munity.

The forum invited a number of students from Fort St. James Secondary High school who were there to learn, ask questions and voice their opin-ions.

“This was a great bringing together of both sides,” Fort St. James Councillor, Brenda Gouglas said. “It was so great to have the students partici-pate, to learn more about what municipal govern-ment does and why it’s so important.”

Presentations on both municipal government and band governments were given.

District Councillor, Kris Nielsen offered infor-mation about the “Action Team” on Social Health and Resources in Nak’azdli and in Fort St. James.

A Truth and Reconciliation presentation and discussion was also given by Chief Justa Monk and Nicholette Prince.

Dinner at Murray Ridge followed in celebration of the day’s events.

Fort St. James and Nak’azdli Whut’en

Community Forum: keeping community together

Shirts were available for all participants to mark the event.


Fort St. James Secondary School students: Krista Best, Sarah Samp-son and Amanda Geernaert took part in and filmed the Fort St. James/Nak’azdli Whut’en Community Forum.

Gary Miller, Nak’azdli Band member and man-ager of Carrier Food and Fuel was excited about all of the new people on board.

“It was so good to see all of the young people. And it’s exciting to see and meet all the new people in government. It’s a good feeling. Things are hap-pening.”

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]

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, March 9, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A7

Print & Online SolutionsThe Results are black and white!

Use e-commerce, the solution to get the employees you need./localwork-bc @localworkbc1-855-678-7833

Volunteer Opportuni es!

Looking for a rewarding volunteer experience that makes a real

di erence in your community?

Join MADD Fort St. James its work to save lives and support vic ms

of impaired driving.

A number of volunteer opportuni es are available. Contact us today to nd out more.

Email: [email protected]

All volunteers are welcome. Together, we can make a di erence!


For April Hilland, her new role as OARH (Organizing Against Racism and Hate) is not about reinventing the wheel, but about continuing the valuable projects and conversations that her predecessors left behind.

“I love how this is all about put-ting barriers up and not about tear-ing barriers down,” Hilland says.

Hilland, who began her new role in February, is thrilled with what prospects lie ahead.

The B.C. government, through EmbraceBC, has awarded a grant to the College of New Caledonia to continue awareness and under-standing of ethnic, social, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in Fort. St. James.

According to Hilland, this isn’t new funding. CNC has received funding for this purpose since 2010 through EmbraceBC.

“It’s all about fi nding ways in which these issues can be addressed to help make our community safer,” Hilland said.

Hilland will be working closely with the Leadership Advisory Committee, an established group of organizations and individuals who work collaboratively to fi nd new ways to address incidents of racism and hate by actively helping community capacity and skills.

“My goal is to develop a standard and easy to follow community protocol to respond to an incident of racism or hatred in Fort St. James,” Hilland said.

“This allows us to bring resources into the community and to connect and

network with businesses so that we can have these important conversations that we don’t normally have.”

Another focus of the OARH program is the delivery of the Safe Harbour train-ing to businesses, organizations and community members.

In 2013, CNC hosted Safe Harbour training to 15 individuals who repre-sented various businesses and organiza-tions in the Fort St. James area.

“My hope is that those businesses who were part of the training will want to recertify as a Safe Harbour location by participating in the newly developed

training as well as help draw in new or-ganizations and individuals,” Hilland said.

The goal of offering this training is two-fold according to Hilland.

“It recognises the effort that busi-nesses and organizations make to sup-port diversity and inclusion as well as prepare employees and worksites as to how to provide support and an immedi-ate safe place for someone experiencing discrimination.”

For Hilland, it’s not just about stop-ping racism. It can also include issues where gender roles and ageism are con-

New OARH (Organizing Against Racism and Hate) coordinator looks forward to increasing awareness

in celebration of diversity in Fort St. James

April Hilland is excited about her new role as OARH program coordinator.Photo by Barbara Latkowski

cerned. “It encompasses everyone,” Hilland says.“I grew up in a very sheltered environment.

It wasn’t culturally diverse. The more I was ex-posed at university and beyond, the more I re-alised what a rich tapestry B.C. is and I’ve seen people not as excepting of diversity,” she said.

“We should not be threatened by it. We should celebrate it.”

Safe Harbour workshops are expected to be offered in April or May.

If you are interested in either participating in the Leadership Advisory Committee or in taking the Safe Harbour training, please contact OARH Coordinator, April Hilland at the Learning Hub at: (250) 996-7078 or at: [email protected]

“It’s all about

fi nding ways in

which these issues

can be addressed

to help make our

community safer,”- April Hilland

NewsroomBarbara:

[email protected]


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)


Have you ever experienced abuse? Has your mental or physical health been affected as a result of abuse?

If your answer is yes, then there is a sup-port group in Fort St. James waiting for you.

All women are welcome. The program is being hosted by the Fire-

weed Safe Haven in Fort St. James. Fireweed’s house manager, Talia Wyssen

is looking forward to another successful pro-gram.

“We’ve already had one successful expe-rience and we are looking forward to anoth-

er,” Wyssen said. “Women who experience violence are often confronted with mental health issues and addiction. These are things that often follow.”

“We are hoping that women come and are able to gain some meaningful relationships and connections.”

The 16 week program begins on March 8

at 1pm at 477 Stuart Drive W., in the District Offi ce basement.

Coffee, tea and snacks will be served and if you require transportation, it can be ar-ranged.

For more information or if you would like to take part in the support group contact: Talia at: (250) 996-8081 or Pearl at (250) 996-1214.

VIVIAN CHUIOmineca Express

This season, a Vanderhoof author proposes a self-empow-ering strategy based on the principles of quantum mechan-ics — the study of tiny particles — for scientists and non-scientists alike.

Along with fellow author Vicky Ford, who introduced her new children’s book series at the event, Jeremy Blattner launched on Feb. 17 evening his fi rst book Out of the Quan-tum Closet to over 50 friends and family at Vanderhoof Pub-lic Library.

“I believe we’re made of feelings…all of us are blobs of feelings in this reality,” Blattner said. “Each of us is free to choose how we feel.”

With audience volunteers whose emotional tags — in-cluding stress, love, and expectation — are exchanged with those of other volunteers as they encounter each other, Blattner demonstrated the idea that people are made of en-ergy, in constant motion. In a room fi lled with people, for example, different vibes and feelings are transferred among people like mingling atoms and molecules, he explained.

“We are autonomous and connected at the same time,” Blattner said. “Feelings are made of energy, and our actions are motivated by how we feel.”

In another exercise, volunteers were given fl ashlights to either shine on their own or in one location.

“The fl ashlight represents your own light within,” he said. “Where you shine your energy refl ects your beliefs.”

Lights shone together can be likened to shared perspec-

tives.“When we focus our lights, we show cultural beliefs,”

Blattner said. “The brighter the object, the stronger the evidence for your reality.

“There’s a lot of us looking at the refl ection, but forgetting our inner light, if we shine autonomously.”

With stories to explain various concepts of empower-ment, the book is a 25-year quest written for three reasons, he explained.

“To feel better, to satisfy my curiosity, and to share with others awesome stuff about how to reduce and manage stress,” Blattner said. “All of this time and searching has led me to understand that it is a matter of believing that we

each are more — more amazing then we may give ourselves credit.”

The proposed strategy is a way for people to handle daily stress by tapping into their own inner wisdom, he explained.

“To get to that inner wisdom and to begin to minimize that personal stress load, can be simply a matter of learning how to take actions that balance our best sense of who we are and who we want to become — our best sense of self gained out of a lifestyle balance,” Blattner said.

Ford: six children’s books to come

Also at the evening book launch was Vicky Ford, Vander-hoof’s resident contributing author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us. Introducing her latest project of children’s books including Does a Lizard Have a Gizzard and Today I Am a Monkey, the inspiration of which came from her grandson Max, Ford told the audience that she looks to launch six books at once in May this year.Ford’s past work also includes a series of two books titled From Bitchy To Bitchin’: 13 Tips to be Happy Now, as well as adult colouring books and colouring journals for self-refl ection.Having moved to Vanderhoof when she was seven years old, Ford have always loved reading since she was little, she ex-plained.“My mother told me, “Books off the table,’” Ford said. “I was the one who propped up a math textbook to hide a trashy novel.”

Vanderhoof authors book launch

Support group offering women help in Fort St James

TOM FLETCHERBlack Press

Premier Christy Clark had her danc-ing shoes on as yet another “climate change” meeting ended in disarray in Vancouver last week.

“This is not the end,” Clark assured reporters after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers emerged with no agreement on a national minimum carbon price. No kidding.

Trudeau declared victory by an-nouncing the unanimous consent to a “Vancouver Declaration,” which basi-cally pays lip service to the concept of “carbon pricing” and kicks another grand federal election promise down the road.

As the rest headed for jets waiting at Vancouver airport, Clark expressed the hope that the public would say “they got together and they made progress.” Did they? Let’s take a look.

Going into the Whistler-Vancouver stop on Trudeau’s globe-trotting glam-our tour, Clark correctly noted that it’s other provinces that need to make prog-ress. B.C. has a clear price on carbon emissions; it’s been held at $30 a tonne since Clark succeeded its creator, Gor-don Campbell.

Clark’s advice for other premiers is to follow Campbell’s example of a

revenue-neutral carbon tax, offset by income tax reductions. You won’t build public support for a carbon tax that makes people poorer, she said.

Of course that’s what Alberta is do-ing, at a time when many residents are getting poorer already. Alberta’s NDP government plans to match the rate of B.C.’s carbon tax within two years and spend the proceeds.

Other premiers have more creative definitions for pricing carbon.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen Mc-Neil pointed to transmission lines and power purchases from the Muskrat Falls dam under construction in Lab-rador, to substitute hydro for coal-fired power. The highest electricity prices in Canada are their “carbon pricing” plan.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall pointed to SaskPower’s Boundary Dam carbon capture and storage project. It is the world’s first coal-fired power station to capture carbon dioxide after combustion. The CO2 is sold to oilfield operators who inject it into declining wells to push more oil out, and the proj-ect intends to capture sulphur dioxide and fly ash to process and sell for other industrial uses.

Wall is the only Canadian leader to state a couple of inconvenient truths. The purpose of this exercise is to re-duce carbon emissions, not to raise tax

revenues. And now is the worst pos-sible time to impose more taxes on the oil and gas industry.

Clark’s stand-pat strategy on the B.C. carbon tax is going to change this year, as positioning begins for the 2017 election. A B.C. government advisory panel has recommended a 33 per cent increase, conveniently starting in 2018, with annual increases after that.

The current seven-cent-per-litre carbon tax on gasoline sold in B.C. is hardly a deterrent these days, as pump prices have tumbled and could stay low for years to come. And with a fragile economy, it seems unlikely that a big boost in carbon taxes will find favour with voters a year from now.

The B.C. NDP is trying to rebuild its credibility on climate policy. NDP leader John Horgan tried to revise the party’s history, claiming in year-end interviews that the NDP didn’t oppose the carbon tax, only making it revenue neutral rather than spending the money on green initiatives, as Alberta wants to do.

Alas, the NDP’s “axe the tax” cam-paign going into the 2009 election is a matter of record. The party’s election platform warned that Campbell’s plan “increases taxes for average families by tripling the gas tax” to its current level.

Last week the NDP issued a news

Premiers do the carbon shuffl erelease denouncing Clark for presiding over in-creasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @tomfletcherbc


Vanderhoof celebrating 90 yearsFort St. James celebrating 210 years

Bits n’ pieces...Nechako Chronicle 1928

School Division Two Report

The following is the monthly report for May of Division Two of the Van-derhoof Superior School, examined by Mrs Arthur M. Johnston, the teacher.

Grade Two: First, Jack Roberts; second, Mu-riel Mitchell; third, Alvin Stokes.

Grade Five: First, Stella Roberts; second, Garry Cook; third, Ruth Dock-ing.

Grade Six: First, Flor-ence Docking; second, Ei-leen Mitchell; third, Har-old Jones.

Grade Seven: First, Murray Page; second, Jean Docking; third: Jessie Em-bley.

***Fire at Hulatt

We regret to report that John W. Sackner lost his house on his Hulatt farm by fi re last Sunday. He was at the barn attending to the stock when he fi rst noticed fl ames coming from the upper part of the house. He rushed to the fl aming building and man-aged to get a few things out, although it was hope-less to save the house, and the principal household effects. We have been in-formed the loss was par-tially covered by insur-ance.

***Radio owners in this

District who have not yet paid their license are re-quested to do so without delay. The fee is one dol-lar.

***One of the fastest trips

made between Vancouver and Vanderhoof was made

last weekend. Mr. R.C. McCorkell left the south coast on the Friday night train for Ashcroft where he entered his Mclaughlin automobile early Saturday morning and arrived home last night (Sunday).

***Under the auspices of

the Nechako Farmer’s In-stitute the annual farmers’ picnic will be held next Thursday on the farm of William Smith, three miles north of Vanderhoof, well known as the Fred Borhav-en farm. Seeding is over and the prospects for an abundant harvest look un-usually bright, so the forth-coming picnic is a good time to take a holiday and make merry. The Vander-hoof Superior School will be closed for the occasion, and will be in session on Saturday to do Thursday’s work. Everyone is invited to attend this picnic.

***1951 Nechako Chronicle

The start of Kenney Dam

Bulldozers working on Nechako Dam Road link may reach within fi ve miles of the dam site today.

Marking the start of ac-tual construction work on a mighty hydro-electric proj-ect for the $500,000,000 Aluminum Company of Canada plant at Kitimat, two bulldozers owned by Campbell and Johnson, of Vanderhoof are today probing their way through light bushland south-west of Vanderhoof.

Latest reports are that the two machines may reach within fi ve miles of their goal today – site of a big dam on the low-er Nechako River which

The rush to the gold fieldsThe rush to the Omineca gold fi elds be-

gan in the spring of 1869.In July of 1870 coarse gold was found

in Germansen River. It was to become the heaviest producer in the area. A mining town known by the name of Artic City, Om-ineca City or Germansen soon appeared. It was a typical mining camp with about 20 log cabins and several make-shift stores and saloons. By that fall, a total of $55,000 in gold had been recovered from the near-by diggings. (Gold was worth much, much less than todays value).

The following summer, another strike was made south of Germansen on Manson River, prospectors streamed to the area and soon found that many of the nearby creeks

also carried goldThe sluices and rockers were soon op-

erating and the results were excellent. “Twelve Foot” Davis of Cariboo fame, mined 140 ounces in a single week, and many averaged 100 ounces per week.

At the height of the boom in 1871, the entire area was alive with an estimated 1,200 miners on the creeks. As in all min-ing camps, there were price gougers, and by the end of August of that year many of the miners left, unwilling to pay the exorbitant prices, and fearful of the coming Omineca winter. By winter only a handful of miners remained.

Germansen River produced almost $500,000 during the boom days. In 1987,

a 27 ounce nugget was found by the Craton Company.

Manson River, like Germansen and most of the placer creeks in the area, was re-nowned for its coarse gold.

Nuggets of two ounces were quite usual on most of the creeks before 1900, but, as in other gold rushes throughout history, some made it and some didn’t.

The lure of gold did not diminish with time as during the Great Depression, “Gold Fever” struck once again. Men once more ventured north to seek their fortunes. Sev-eral large companies employed many of the local people and supplies and equipment were freighted in to the north.

Times were hard during those days, but

the men were tough and willing. There were many hardships to be encountered, as men worked long and hard for the meagre pay they received, but in most cases they were glad for the chance to earn a few dollars.

Many were the men who walked every mile from Vanderhoof to Fort St. James, and then to Germansen, only to return with-out having found work.

Of all the mines in operation during the Depression years, one did remain operat-ing.

It was the old Germansen Ventures at Germansen, which had been taken over by George Loper in the late 30’s and had been run as a family operation for many years. It was operated as Northgain Minerals.

Nechako Chronicle 1977 The Vanderhoof Herald 1918

will turn westward the huge Eacha – Eutsuk, Tahtsa waterways system and impound millions of tons of water to create cheap power for the Kitimat producer.

The Vanderhoof-Nechako supply road follows the old main highway to Fort Fraser as far as Nulki Lake. From there the road veers south for fi ve miles to the Greer Valley road leading to the Hobson Ranch, by-passing a narrow, winding stretch of existing road through Bearhead hills. The road follows the Nechako River to the dam site.

Two years ago when the Alcan project was fi rst mooted, a bulldozer plazed a trail over the route now being followed, and little diffi culty should be experienced in construct-ing an all-year road for transporting the large quantity of equipment and material which will be required to build the Nechako dam.

***1956 Nechako Chronicle

CNC tests diesel motive power on Jasper-Prince Rupert run

Sample of the latest in railway

propulsion – the diesel locomotive – pulled through Vanderhoof early Wednesday morning. Canadian National Railways car-ried out a test run of its double-unit, 3,200 hp diesels on the Smithers Division, which includes Prince Geroge. It is reported that the CNR line servicing this town from both east and west will be completely dieselized by 1957. The locomotives left the yards here with 59 loaded cars.


Chartered Accountants

e re n the o ce e er r da

We’re proud to join forces with RHB Schmitz de Grace

www.pwc.com/ca/private

© 2016 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. 5044-02 0116

ort t a es ce r da s

PwC Prince George

169 Stuart DriveFort St. James, BC V0J 1P0Phone: 1-800-976-7780 (toll-free)

or i de randt [email protected]

a Pannu [email protected]

personal and corporate ta nancial statement

preparation assurance boo eepin and data

processin estate plannin

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


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


NEWSPAPERS

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Pam BergerPublisher

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

Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A

CALL: 250-567-9258

MAKE YOUR POINT-

OF-SALE

Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily. Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.

250-996-8482

GET 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

CANADA BENEFIT Group - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canada-benefi t.ca/free-assessment

HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefi ts? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222 or visit www.dcac.ca [email protected]

HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 re-fund. Apply today for assis-tance: 1-844-453-5372.

Travel

TimeshareCANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program stop mort-gage & maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

TravelSAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic adventure. Visit Inuit communities in Greenland and Nunavut aboard the com-fortable 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. Call for details! 1-800-363-7566 or visit online www.adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400)

NEW EXCITING mini VLT’S. Produce buckets of cash monthly. Attracts customers like money magnets. Loca-tions provided. Ground fl oor opportunity. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com

Career Opportunities

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: Care-erStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Education/Trade Schools

HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today. www.canscribe.com. 1-800-466-1535 [email protected]

START A new career in graphic arts, healthcare, busi-ness, education or information tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.

Farm WorkersTREE To Me: Farm Manager (Or-ganic) Tree To Me is a new organic farm operation located in Kereme-os, BC that has a farm market, cof-fee shop, bakery and bed and breakfast. The company requires a full time Farm Manager. This is a career position with the opportunity for equity ownership in the busi-ness. The current farm operation in-cludes tree fruits, perennial vegeta-bles and berries, annual vegetables and a greenhouse operation. Along with increasing production in these areas, additional farming activities will be added in the future. The suc-cessful candidate will have both academic and practical farm experi-ence, an aptitude for equipment and building maintenance and be capable of functioning within a man-agement team. An attractive remu-neration package will be offered. Reply by email to [email protected]. www.TreeToMe.ca

RETIREMENT home in Kamloops seeking hair stylist to rent salon space and provide services to our residents. Call 250-376-3131 for more info

Misc ServicesMisc Services

TAX FREE MONEYis available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mort-gage 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

Accounting/Tax/Bookkeeping

Accounting/Tax/Bookkeeping

Announcements Employment Employment Services Services Services

Information Business Opportunities

Haircare Professionals

Financial Services Financial Services Home ImprovementsFULL SERVICE Plumbingfrom Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you presentthis ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

Misc Services Misc Services

To advertise in print:Call: 250-567-9258 Email: offi [email protected]

Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

Browse more at:

A division of

AGREEMENTIt is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORYLEGISLATIONAdvertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHTCopyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

INDEX IN BRIEFFAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRAVEL

EMPLOYMENT

BUSINESS SERVICES

PETS & LIVESTOCK

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

AUTOMOTIVE

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

LEGAL NOTICES

Buy!

Sell!Sell!SELL!

Buy!Buy!

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD

www.habitat.ca

More than 1.5 million Canadian

families are in need of affordable

housing. Your contributions

provides Habitat with the resources

it needs to help families.

DonateToday!

FightBack.Volunteeryour time,energy andskills today.



MAKE YOUR POINT-

OF-SALE

Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily. Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.

250-996-8482

Nechako Mechanical, in Vanderhoof is hiring! Wage is negotiable depending on experience.

Please drop resumé off to our office 3446 Mountainview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC or

email Philip Simoes: [email protected]

• Machinists • Millwrights• Fabricators • Painters

• General Labourers


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING District of Fort St. James Municipal Council proposes to adopt a bylaw to amend the permitted uses in the “Social Services/Congregate Care” (I-4) zoning district. The bylaw adds “Dwelling units for rental use consistent with other permitted uses” and “Thrift store or gift store consistent with other permitted uses” to the list of permitted uses in the I-4 zoning district.

This bylaw, if adopted, may affect future uses of all properties in the I-4 zoning district, but it will not change the present zoning designation of any property. At present there is only one parcel zoned I-4, located at 241 2nd Ave West. The owner of 349 Stuart Drive West may apply for rezoning to I-4 once the amendment is adopted.

Copies of the proposed amending bylaw may be viewed at the District Offi ce, 477 Stuart Drive West, Fort St. James, from March 2 to 23, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except statutory holidays.

A public hearing on the proposed bylaw will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Offi ce at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. All persons who believe their interest in property will be affected by the proposed amendments will be given an opportunity to be heard at that time.

Kevin CrookChief Administrative Offi cer

Merchandise for Sale

POLE BARNS, Shops, steel buildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and in-stallation. Call John at 403-998-7907; or email: jcameron @advancebuildings.com

REFORESTATION Nursery seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelter-belts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free Shipping. Replacement guar-antee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw-mills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Legal NoticesLegal Notices

Real Estate

Misc. for Sale Real EstateTIRED OF the snow and cold? Instead, relocate to sun-ny Sunshine Coast, just an hour away from Vancouver. Enjoy a serene family home-stead, consisting of 14.88 acres of lush forest, meadows, your own private waterfall, an enormous 3374 sq.ft. work-shop, a great family home and a carriage suite above a triple garage and a beautiful in-ground pool. For more infor-mation call Susanne Jorgen-sen, Remax Oceanview 604-885-1398.

Stop Bullies in their Tracks!


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.


A potluck Dinner at the Se-niors Recreation Centre on March 3 brought out a full crowd.

Following dinner, a co-op presen-tation by Pete Valk was given on be-half of the Stuart Lake Co-op Hous-ing Board.

The presentation was aimed to discuss substantial progress made in moving the co-op housing project ahead and allowed for any questions to be voiced by seniors in the com-munity.

“It’s all about being able to pro-vide affordable housing to seniors in Fort St James,” Valk said.

According to Valk, a demographic survey concludes that rural Canada is getting older.

“In Fort St James, we just don’t have enough housing for our seniors,” Valk said. “We need to fi nd housing here, to keep them in town and with their families.”

In an effort to make this happen, a site has been agreed upon and in 2015

a concept design and business plan began to take shape.

A 16 unit building is in the plans with a $3 million budget expected.

“We need to raise $900,000 in or-der to make this happen,” Valk said.

The project is currently under con-struction by Ouellette Bros. from Fort St. James.

Units could be made available to seniors as early as April, 2016.

Pledge sheets were handed out at the presentation for interested seniors to state what type of unit they might be interested in, availability and other additional comments.

Site planes were also available for anyone to take a peek and get an idea of what the end project will look like.

“There are still many options to explore but the key here is to be able to provide a place for seniors so that they know they have a place to go if anything happens,” Valk said.

For anyone interested in viewing a unit or if you have any questions and would like more information, contact: Pete Valk at: [email protected]

COMMUNITYCourier

Co-op Housing Presentation: in

support of the future of seniors in

Fort St. James

Above - Andrew Kuzli and Dave Birdi, president of the Seniors Asso-ciation, enjoy a potluck dinner in celebration of the seniors in Fort St. James.

Left - Community members take a peek at site plans of the new co-op housing complex.

Centre - Pete Valk, gave a presentation regarding progress made in moving the co-op housing project ahead.


caledonia courier, march 09, 2016

Documents