houston today, december 30, 2015

By Flavio NienowBlack Press

In the story ‘Huckleberry Mine lays off 20 employees’ published in the Lakes District News’ Dec. 2 issue, 20 workers were laid off through a restructuring of the Huckleberry Mine.

According to

Randall Thompson, Chief Operating Of� cer at Huckleberry Mine, the company has been facing higher operating costs and a drop in copper prices.

Copper prices have been falling for the last few years, trading be-low the $2 U.S. level on Canadian markets on Nov. 23, 2015, a low

not seen since 2009.Giovanni Gallipoli,

Associate Professor at the University of

British Columbia, explains that copper

prices have been fall-ing due to a general slowdown in aggregate demand around the world, and notably in China.

“Simply put, the world economy is not growing as fast as it was, at least as com-pared to the period before 2008,” he said. “Prices are set inter-

nationally, so changes in the demand of large consumers such as China, the U.S., or Western Europe are immediately re� ected in the price paid to producers.”

Since copper is widely used in manu-facturing, when manu-facturing growth slows

Houston in SledTown finals

Small communities hardest hit by commodity price plunge

News StaffHouston Today

Houston has made it to the � nal round vying for the title of 2016 Sled Town Champion of Western Canada.

The contest clos-es at midnight on December 31, 2015.

At press time last Thursday, Houston had 52 percent of the vote and Yorkton, Sk had 48 percent.

The Sled Town promo is sponsored by Sno Riders West magazine.

Sno Riders West publisher Keith Powell said the win-ner “...gets bragging rights of being the number one sled des-tination according to the magazine poll. The winning desti-nation gets a trophy and is featured in

a magazine article in Sno Riders West magazine.

H o u s t o n Snowmobile Club president Shea Long said the promotion “…has been good for us because people are � nally getting to see where on the map Houston is and what Houston has to of-fer.”

Long urged people to vote for Houston in the showdown � nals at: http://snoriderswest.com/sledtown_show-down/2015_� nals

““Voting deadline is December 31, 2015.”

““...the company has been facinghigher operating costs and a drop in

copper prices” - Randall Thompson, Huckleberry Mine COO

TODAY TOMORROW TOYOTA

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Happy New Year and Safe Travels to AllHappy New Year and Safe Travels to All

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015 Proudly serving Houston and District - Home of Canada’s Largest Fly Rod www.houston-today.com NO. 52 $1.30 Inc. GST

Robin Vander Heide/Houston TodaySLIDING into the New Year!Everybody is taking the opportunity over the holidays to get out and enjoy the beautiful winter weather. There are so many great winter activities to participate in and around Houston, like curling, skating, ice fishing, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or like Caroline Thomson, Maris, and Sawyer (pictured above), you could try sledding right into the New Year!

Publications Mail Registration#0040028607

See COPPER on Page 2

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May the spirit of the season warm you and may you enjoy a prosperous new year.

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Mining industry is “very much boom and bust cycle industry”down or goes nega-tive, metals such as copper are one of the � rst commodities to suffer. Gallipoli explained that when the price goes low enough, producers try to reduce their production costs and often this is re� ected in reductions of the labor force.

“This is unfortu-nately what is hap-pening in many places in which copper is produced, not only in Canada but also in South America,” he explained. “The bad news is that small communities in Canada are suffering disproportionately from this commodity price plunge because they rely more heav-ily on extraction and processing of natural resources.”

During an open house and presenta-tion at the Burns Lake and District Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 26, 2015, Kyler Hardy, President of Equitas Resources Corp., said

the mining industry is “very much a boom and bust cycle indus-try” - with periods of extreme wealth cre-ation and periods of extreme wealth de-struction.

However, Gallipoli

says the current slow-down has some fea-tures that may be called “structural” rather than purely “cyclical.” He ex-plained that China is transiting from being an emerging economy

to the stage of a more mature economy.

“This transition is always painful and is usually accompa-nied by a sharp drop in growth rates,” said Gallipoli. “The U.S. economy might pick

up some of the slack in world growth, but this may take a year or two.”

“While I hope things may stabilize and get better, I am not overly optimistic,” he added.

COPPER from Page 1

Nasdaq chart shows the price of copper in U.S. dollars since January 2015. Copper prices have been falling for the last few years due to a slowdown in global demand. Submitted graphic

NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, December 30, 2015 www.houston-today.com 3

Pacifi c Northern Gas Ltd.Applicati on for Approval of 2016-2017 Revenue Requirements

for the PNG West Service AreaOn November 30, 2015, Pacifi c Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) fi led its 2016-2017 Revenue Requirements Applicati on (Applicati on) with the Briti sh Columbia Uti liti es Commission (Commission), pursuant to secti ons 58 to 61, 89 and 90 of the Uti liti es Commission Act (UCA) seeking Commission approval to, among other things, increase the 2016 delivery rates. The Applicati on also seeks relief to allow PNG to amend its rates on an interim and refundable basis, eff ecti ve January 1, 2016, pending the regulatory process for the review of the Applicati on and orders subsequent to that process.

PNG is requesti ng a delivery rate increase on an interim and refundable basis of 1.8 percent from $11.775/GJ to $11.987/GJ for residenti al service, a 1.7 percent increase from $9.941/GJ to $10.109/GJ for small commercial service, and a 2.2 percent increase from $6.678/GJ to $6.822/GJ for Granisle propane service.

Based on the gas cost recovery and Gas Cost Variance Account (GCVA) rate riders eff ecti ve April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, the overall average bundled rate increase for a typical residen-ti al customer consuming 70.5 GJ per year is 4.3 percent, an increase of $56 per year. Similarly, the overall bundled rate increase for a typical small commercial customer consuming 316.4 GJ per year is 4.7 percent or $235 per year and for Granisle residenti al propane customers consuming 38.8 GJ per year the overall average bundled rate increase is 0.7 percent, an increase of $6 per year.

PNG is also requesti ng an increase in the Revenue Stabilizati on Adjustment Mechanism (RSAM) rate rider on an interim and refundable basis applicable to residenti al and small commercial cus-tomers of $0.608/GJ from $0.243/GJ to $0.851/GJ.

REGULATORY PROCESSThe Commission wishes to hear from aff ected parti es before determining the public process nec-essary for the dispositi on of the Applicati on. Commission Order G-207-15 establishes a prelimi-nary Regulatory Timetable and a Procedural Conference on Friday, January 29, 2016.

HOW TO GET INVOLVEDPersons wishing to acti vely parti cipate in the proceeding must register as an intervener through the Commission’s website at www.bcuc.com or in writi ng by Friday, January 15, 2016. Registrants must identi fy the issues they intend to pursue and indicate the extent of their anti cipated involve-ment in the review process. Interveners will each receive a copy of all non-confi denti al correspon-dence and fi led documentati on, and must provide an email address if available.

Persons not expecti ng to acti vely parti cipate, but who have an interest in the proceeding, should register as an interested party through the Commission’s website or in writi ng, by Friday, January 15, 2016, identi fying their interest in the proceeding. Interested parti es receive a copy of the de-cision when it is released. Please note that only those parti es who register on the Commission’s website will receive electronic noti ce of submissions.

Lett ers of comment may also be submitt ed. All submissions and/or correspondence received re-lati ng to the Applicati on are provided to the panel and all parti cipants in the proceeding. Submis-sions are placed on the public record and posted to the Commission’s website. By parti cipati ng and/or providing comment on the applicati on, you agree that all submissions will be placed on the public record and posted on the Commission’s website.

If you wish to att end the Procedural Conference please register with the Commission Secretary using the contact informati on provided at the end of this noti ce.

VIEW THE APPLICATION The Applicati on and all supporti ng documentati on are available on the Commission’s website on the “Current Applicati ons” page. If you would like to review the material in hard copy, it is avail-able to be viewed at the locati ons below:

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTERFor more informati on or to register please visit www.bcuc.com or contact the Commission Secre-tary at [email protected] or Philip Nakoneshny, Director, Rates, as listed above.

PUBLIC NOTICEB�� C�� U�� C��

Pacifi c Northern Gas Ltd.Suite 950, 1185 West Georgia StreetVancouver, BC V6E 4E6Phone: 604-691-5680Toll Free: 1-800-667-2297www.png.ca

Briti sh Columbia Uti liti es Commission Sixth Floor, 900 Howe Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N3Phone: 604-660-4700Toll Free: 1-800-663-1385 www.bcuc.com

Procedural ConferenceThe Commission will consider the regulatory process to be followed, the scope of the review and the contents of the Updated Applicati on.

Date: Friday, January 29, 2016 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Locati on: Commission Hearing Room, 12th Floor, 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC

PUBLIC LIBRARIESPrince Rupert, Terrace, Kiti mat, Houston, Smithers, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof and Fort St. James

Burns Lake

165 Francois Lake Dr.Phone: 1-250-692-7725

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scvmnGod bless your

year ahead!

We look forward toserving you in 2016

Grants for public safetySubmitted

Five Nechako Lakes organizations will bene� t from $105,000 thanks to the B.C. govern-ment’s Community Gaming Grant pro-gram.

The organiza-tions receiving fund-ing are:

-Burns Lake Search and Rescue Society - $38,000

-Topley Fire Protection Society - $22,500

-Houston Search and Rescue - $19,500

- H o u s t o n Volunteer Fire Fighters Association - $22,000

-Burns Lake Citizens on Patrol Society - $3,000

“Search and res-cue responders, � re-� ghters and citizens on patrol provide a critical service to people,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said.

“Public safety is a top priority for our government and

this funding will help communities throughout our re-gion continue their work.”

This grant is awarded under the Public Safety category of the Community Gaming Grant program, which allows non-pro� t organizations to apply for provin-cial gaming revenues from the Ministry of Community,

Sport and Cultural D e v e l o p m e n t . Gaming grants are also awarded in the categories of Human

and Social Services, E n v i r o n m e n t , Sports and Arts and Culture.

O r g a n i z a t i o n s interested in apply-ing for Community Gaming Grants can � nd information and applications at gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/.

““Among organizations receiving funding from B.C. government’s Community

Gaming Grant program are Houston Search and Rescue- $19,500 and Houston Volunteer Fire Fighters Association-

$22,000.”

B.V. Driving School Ltd. is offering an air brakes course in Houston on

Friday (evening) January 15th: 6-10pm, Saturday, January 16th: 9am-6pm &

Sunday, January 17th: 9am.

AIR BRAKES COURSE Anyone interested in taking the course or wants more information about the air

brakes course, please call

250-845-3288 or Cell 250-845-1112

Toll Free: 1-888-644-3555Email: [email protected]

www.bvdrivingschool.caSpaces are limited so call ASAP

In our opinion:

OpinionPublished by Black Press Ltd. 3232 Hwy 16 W,Upstairs Houston MallP.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0

Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893News: [email protected]

or: [email protected]: [email protected]

Why next year will be better

Like most people I know, I always start feel-ing optimistic around this time of year about what the next year has in store for me.

While I know that, strictly speaking, the turning of the calendar means about as much in the grand scheme of things as a piece of gum stuck to the bot-tom of my shoe, because we’re always exactly one year away from this day one year from now, the end of December still becomes a time of re� ection, intro-spection and goal-setting for me, as it does for many others.

While I also think this kind of re� ection should be done more frequently, I’ll leave that thought for an-other time. For right now, I’ll just say this: Next year will be better than this year.

Yeah, yeah, I know. That’s what everyone says. But do you know why I’m feeling that way? Because I’m choosing to.

I’m not dwelling one what went wrong this year – although I’m generally one who looks at things going wrong as an opportunity to learn something, anyway – but more importantly, I’m making a conscious at-tempt to see the good in the world. I’ll be trying even harder to see opportunities for improvement instead of possibilities of failure.

I won’t be letting fear drive my decisions. I’ll be looking at what “could be” rather than worrying about what “might happen if…”

I’m celebrating those who do good things rather than lament that some people do bad things. I’m de-ciding to focus on (or rather, reaf� rming my commit-ment to focussing on) the positives in the world.

For example, while I will not trivialize the reasons we’ve lost people from our streets this year, or fail to lament their passing, or recognize that there are oth-ers in danger of having the same thing occur, I will focus my attention on celebrating those who work tirelessly to try and prevent that from happening, and do what I can myself, to help.

I will focus on my appreciation for the people in our community who hold the doors for those ap-proaching the store behind them and those who wait patiently at the intersection for a big enough gap in traf� c that won’t force others to slam on their brakes when they pull out rather than lamenting that there are those among us who are all about “me � rst.”

I will continue to realize that even seemingly-bad things happening are opportunities to grow and learn and improve. I will continue to consider time with my friends and family integral to my state of mind – in-stead of an interruption of things I could be “accom-plishing.”

Maybe I’ll � nd time to read some of the backlog of books on my shelves that I haven’t gotten to. Wait…I’m being optimistic, so I should say, “I will � nd some time to read some of the books that are waiting pa-tiently on my shelves for me to explore them.”

I will see more people play live music in 2016 than I did in 2015. I will paint more. I will sing more.

Because I’m choosing to see the good in the world.I hope you will, too.

-Mike Davies

The magic of ChristmasI remember what

Christmas felt like when I was a little girl: it felt magical. This was in large part be-cause of the big, jolly guy in the bright red suit.

You know the fella - Santa Claus. He was as old as my grandpar-ents, maybe even older. And while I loved my grandparents with all my heart, this mythical man I saw once a year had a signi� cant im-pact on my childhood as well.

I didn’t start out loving him. As a baby and a toddler I was ter-ri� ed to go anywhere near him and there are pictures to prove it.

But he was an effec-tive role model during my formative years, despite our somewhat rocky start.

It wasn’t just at Christmas that I thought of him. For some reason I had it in my head that

Santa and God were best friends and were watching me through-out the year, keeping tabs on whether I’d been bad or good.

I imagined they had a tally sheet with two columns: naughty and nice, and they would make check marks ac-cordingly.

One year when Christmas rolled around I wondered if I’d get any presents at all. I was a good kid and usually did what I was told, but some-times I messed up.

What if I got ex-tra points under the naughty heading for that time I scared my younger cousin by pouring a bucket of cold water over him? Or what about the day I dropped my younger brother on his head?

I agonized over my crimes and expected to get nothing except a lump of coal in my stocking.

Ironically, I had no idea what a lump of coal even was, I just knew I didn’t want one. What a nice sur-prise to get real pres-ents instead. Could it be that the good things I did and nice thoughts I had outweighed the bad?

Questioning my parents, they told me that it was okay to make mistakes, it just wasn’t okay to not al-ways try my best. So I tried to get more check marks under the “nice” column after that. It was important that Santa and his best friend were proud of me.

Getting to play with my cousins added to the enchantment of Christmas.

Even though they didn’t live far from us, we didn’t spend a ton of time with them except on special oc-casions. And every Christmas afternoon

we’d get to see them and spend the rest of the day and night play-ing.

We would excit-edly tell each other all about our eventful mornings and what Santa brought. We’d play games, eat good-ies and listen to our little cousin tell joke after smutty joke.

Even at the kids’ ta-ble with the grown-ups nearby, David would continue to make us giggle uncontrollably with his off-colour hu-mour that was far be-yond his years.

Now that I’m a mother, I feel fortunate to have experienced the magic of Christmas through the eyes of my own children. I found it interesting how de-lighted our kids got about the exact same things that I did: Santa Claus and playing with their cousins primarily.

Now that they’re 12 and 15 we don’t visit

Santa at all anymore, but hanging out with their cousins is their biggest holiday perk. Spending time with great grandma, grand-parents, aunts and uncles is a wonderful blessing as well.

My mother will sure be missed though. As will my grandparents who are no longer with us, and our dog who’s been missing since March.

Loving memories of the departed, com-bined with new memo-ries of the living will be our cherished gift.

4 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Houston Today

On a brighter note

Lori Welbourne

On a brighter note

Lori Welbourne

On a brighter On a brighter

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M.A. Ruiter - Sales Manager

Xuyun Zeng - Reporter/Photographer

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Tim AndersonHouston Councillor

“2016, I want to see some projects come to fruition. I want to see the town’s

infrastructure improved — sidewalks, roads, and parks and trails.”

Passages of 2015: Bill Bennett, former B.C. premier

What are your goals for Houston in

2016?

On theStreet...

OpinionHOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council”Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston MallP.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0

Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893News: [email protected]

or: [email protected]: [email protected]

Houston Today Wednesday, December 30, 2015 www.houston-today.com 5

By Tom FletcherBlack Press

The death of for-mer B.C. premier Bill Bennett on Dec. 4 prompted the tradi-tional round of polite tributes.

He was the man from Kelowna who re-made Vancouver, with SkyTrain, BC Place stadium and Expo 86 to put the city on the world map. He won three majority govern-ments before handing over the steering wheel of a smoothly running Social Credit Party to Bill Vander Zalm.

Outside B.C., the wire service obitu-aries ran to a few paragraphs, de� ning

Bennett � rst as the “ar-chitect of � nancial re-straint in the province.”

It seems an ordinary notion today, but when Bennett unleashed his “restraint program” on the B.C. government in 1983, it was presented as a right-wing coup on a socialist utopia.

I was in journalism school in Vancouver when unions orga-nized a general strike and mass street dem-onstrations under the banner of Operation Solidarity, appropri-ated from the struggle against Poland’s com-munist dictators. Their goal was to bring the recently re-elected gov-ernment to its knees.

The newly tabloid

Vancouver Province, itself largely controlled by some of B.C.’s most militant unions, was a screeching banshee of the big-labour left.

“Socred hitmen swoop on rights work-ers,” its front page de-clared after 400 layoff notices were issued to provincial staff. This propaganda was the public’s guide and my professional role mod-el.

A bit of back-ground: the B.C. econ-omy was in the grip of an international reces-sion, hitting resource industries and govern-ment revenues hard.

Bennett had ousted the Dave Barrett NDP government in 1975,

but the legacy lived on. During its three-year reign, for example, education spending increased 13 per cent in the � rst year and 23 per cent in each of the next two.

The blitz of re-straint legislation re-asserted government’s authority to control the size and wages of provincial staff, rein-stated the province’s ability to pay, elimi-nated various boards, and increased the provincial sales tax to seven per cent to pay the bills.

Another Bill Bennett legacy was dis-mantling the monopo-ly chokehold of big international unions

on public heavy con-struction.

Growing up in northeastern B.C., I had seen the impres-sive pay for jobs on highway construction, about twice what I earned labouring for a non-union contractor doing city work.

A couple of friends discovered the inside track to securing la-bouring jobs on a provincially-funded highway project. After joining the union, those in the know could visit a business agent and hand over $500 cash. Within days, the lucky win-ner would be “name requested” to join the crew, vaulting over

those who thought paying dues and work-ing their way up the seniority list would be enough.

This struggle over public construction continues today, with BC Hydro’s decision to make the Site C dam an open shop. The main contract was awarded to a consortium work-ing with the Christian Labour Association of Canada, an alterna-tive union known by more colourful names among old-line build-ing trades.

After graduat-ing from journal-ism school, I landed my � rst full-time job as a reporter for the Kelowna Capital

News, shortly before Bennett announced his retirement from the premier’s of� ce to � n-ish his term as a back-bench MLA.

Bennett and I would sometimes arrive for work together, park-ing our rusty 1976 Chevrolets on Bernard Avenue, where he kept an of� ce above the family furniture store.

I found out later that Bennett’s modest old sedan was the gov-ernment-issue car he had used during his en-tire 10 years as premier.

The party bought it for him as a humour-ous retirement gift, and he continued to drive it to work. No frills. That was Bill Bennett.

Sorry I don’t have Xuyun in

colourBy Xuyun Zeng

Shane BrienenHouston Mayor

“We’ve been in a state of transition in the district with the mill swap. So just to get back on track with our infrastructure and moving forward with our official commu-nity plan and all the plans that go along with that — our highway transportation plan and Jamie Baxter Park plan and just

all those things within the OCP.”

Rick LundriganHouston Councillor

“My goals for 2016 are help Houston move forward in a responsible manner,

while continuing to be cognoscente of our budget constraints.”

Dawn PotvinHouston Councillor

“My goals for 2016 are to continue to listen and respond to our community’s thoughts and concerns. To be proactive in efforts to strive as a community to

achieve the increase in services in Hous-ton - transportation, health and social services and education opportunities

should continue to be at the forefront.”

John SiebengaHouston Councillor

“Number one is I’m going to continue to learn the ropes of working on council and secondly, continue to work to make Houston a nice safe and better place to

live. That’s my goals for 2016.”

Jonathan Van BarneveldHouston Councillor

“To increase the tourism profile of Houston and to always promote the positive stories of our community.”

By Xuyun ZengHouston Today

The Upper Bulkley River Streamkeepers have an elaborate setup in a Tweedie Avenue backyard that they hope will raise 6,000 coho salmon.

With the help of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), a group of

volunteers have been involved in the community stewardship hatchery funded and supported by various sponsors around the community.

“It’s a very small pilot project,” said project coordinator Cindy Verbeek. “This project, there’s two things that come out of it. One is, of course, that there’s more

fish. There’s more salmon in the river system.”

Verbeek said that a hatchery yields a 90 per cent survival rate over the 50 per cent that salmon have in the wild. To date, they have 5,776 live eggs and a survival rate of 89.2 per cent.

“The other thing is that it’s a way of getting the community engaged. So,

getting the community learning about salmon, being able to interact with salmon closely,” said Verbeek. “And it’s an avenue for school groups, environmental education, tourism, all those kinds of things.

A volunteer comes daily to monitor the hatchery system, which includes a cooler to keep the water

at an optimal temperature for growing salmon, a UV light that sterilizes the water and a water aeration system.

Every week, volunteers come to pick dead eggs because fungus could grow on them. They do this by examining eggs by eye to see if the embryo is still intact, and picking out ones that are not.

“We have about six or seven core volunteers right now. We have about 40 people that are hovering around in the background on our Facebook page. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans have been training us, so teaching us, at every step,” said Verbeek.

The Streamkeepers estimate that it takes about 420 accumulated temperature units before the eggs become fry. ATU is measured by adding up the temperature of the water every day. Verbeek said they are currently at 290 ATU.

“We’re expecting possibly that they’ll hatch out of their eggs in the new year,” said Verbeek.

They will feed off their yolk sacs which provides nutrients. Once the sac is depleted, they will then be considered fry. The volunteers will release them into the river a few weeks after that point.

The DFO helps groups like the Streamkeepers through by providing professional oversight,

seed funding and paperwork assistance, under the salmon enhancement program.

“This group, they are now doing [salmon] enhancement,” said DFO community advisor Brenda Donas. “Since the mid-90s, there have been maybe two years of good returns while we were running a strategic stock enhancement program specifically for Upper Bulkley coho.

“Since after about 2005, the coho has been low again.”

She added that a similar program has been in Hazelton for about 20 years.

The 6,000 coho that the Streamkeepers hope to raise would not significantly help the low rate of salmon returns, which have fallen to about half the expected returns due to a warm Pacific ocean this year.

“It’s really not a lot, but what it does is it creates a great learning experience for people and it’s an eyeopener for people,” said Donas. “And education goes a long way, because then you have more people trying to take care of a river system that really needs some help right now.”

The Upper Bulkley River Streamkeepers is a project of A Rocha, a Christian group dedicated to the environment.

Featuring the spirit of the local people

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CourageousBattles

HumanInterest

AthletesPioneers

Achieving

Serving the communities of...

Houston

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad

John Rustad, MLANechako Lakes

Box 421183 First Street, VanderhoofTel: 250-567-6820Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650Email: [email protected]

Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

Bulkley Streamkeepers raise over 6,000 coho salmon

Volunteer Kathy Ismond and project coordinator Cindy Verbeek [black toque] pick out dead salmon eggs. The group hopes to raise 6,000 coho salmon.

Xuyun Zeng/Houston Today



B.C.’s population reached 4.7 million by Oct. 1, a gain of less than one per cent from the same time last year.

The province’s pop-ulation growth rate was down to 0.8 per cent by the third quarter of 2015, Central 1 Credit Union reports in its latest B.C. Economic Briefing. Net interna-tional migration was the main reason for the slowdown, with 11,100 international arrivals during what is usually the highest period of the year for immigra-tion gains.

Within Canada, interprovincial migra-tion climbed to nearly 5,000 in the third quar-ter of 2015, as people returned home to a relatively buoyant B.C. economy from prov-inces hit by slump-ing oil prices, notably Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.

While permanent international resident arrivals were slower, in-ternational tourism de-mand climbed to more than 400,000 people by October, due mainly to U.S. visitors taking advantage of a lower Canadian dollar.

Site C dam contract commits $1.75 billion

BC Hydro has signed its main civil works contract for the Site C dam on the Peace River, for an eight-year project ex-pected to cost $1.75

billion and generate 8,000 person-years of employment.

The contract is with Peace River Hydro Partners, made up of Petrowest Corp. of Calgary, ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada, a division of a Spanish construction firm, and Samsung C&T Canada Ltd., a divi-sion of the Korean en-gineering and electron-ics company.

The contract cov-ers construction of the earth-fill dam, two diversion tunnels and a concrete foundation for the generating sta-tion and spillways. Site preparation work is underway for the third dam on the Peace River near Fort St. John, and a work camp capable of hosting up to 1,500 workers is under con-struction.

NDP leader John Horgan and B.C. Federation of Labour president Irene Lanzinger both de-nounced the lack of job guarantees for B.C. workers in the con-tract. BC Hydro says three quarters of the workers currently on the site are from B.C.

BC Ferries, union reach five-year deal

BC Ferries and the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union have ratified a five-year agreement that pro-vides for wage increas-es of 8.55 per cent by its expiry in October 2020.

BC Ferries CEO

NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, December 30, 2015 www.houston-today.com 7

A division of

2815 - 5th Street, Houston Industrial SiteHouston • Phone: (250) 845-3255

Cub Cadet Garden Tractors

Snow Blade Attachments

ALL 3 STAGE

CA330HDReg $1934.00

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3 x 26”Reg $1524.00

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CA28DT TrackReg $2184.00

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$150 OFF150 OFFALL SNOW

THROWERS!

SEASON PASS PRICES

Morice MountainNordic Ski Club

We also have a large well stocked ski library with 50 brand new pairs of skis generously donated by many local businesses. Skis are free to use with a membership

(based on availability). This has been a very popular program for families or individuals who have never skied before, and want to try it out before buying equipment.

MEMBERSHIPPRICES

For returning members

Adult (19+yrs) .......................$120Senior (60+yrs) ....................... $95Student (6-18yrs) .................... $95Child under 6 .......................... $20Family of 3 ............................$250Family of 4+ ..........................$270

INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

For people who have not held a Season Pass since the 2010 season.

Adult (19+yrs) ............................$85Senior (60+yrs) ..........................$60Student (6-18yrs) .......................$60Child under 6 .............................$20Family of 3 .............................. $160Family of 4+ ............................ $180

Greatest Bargain in Kids Sporting Activities! JACKRABBIT SKI DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

www.xcskimoricemtn.com

Please register on line as it saves our volunteers a lot of manual work.www.xcskimoricemtn.com/membership-information

If this option is not available to you please pick up a registration form at Country Wide Sports.

The Skill Development Program (SDP) is comprised of three levels or stages, Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Track Attack. The overall objective of the program is to assist children in the

development of a love of the outdoors, a healthy lifestyle, excellent technical skills and a good level of physical � tness within a sport environment. Children must be members of the club. For more information please refer to the Membership Information page on our website at

www.xcskimoricemtn.com

Dog Trail (3km) • Lit Trail Loop • 26 km of Groomed Trails • Ski PlaygroundSkill Development Lessons

$25 per child plus a membership

No skis? No problem! The Ski Library is there for you!Jackrabbits start on

Sunday, January 10 at 2 pm.10 sessions including Family BBQ

For more information contact Jaime Yeomans: [email protected]

Deadline for registration: December 31, 2015

You can sign up on our web pageor at Countrywide Sports

Population growth Mike Corrigan de-scribed the wage and benefit provisions of the new contract as “fair and modest,” not-ing that the latest agree-ment means the coastal

ferry service will have gone 17 years without a labour dispute affect-ing its operations.

The agreement, rati-fied by members after it was endorsed by

the union executive in October, provides av-erage pay increases of 1.71 per cent per year. There are about 3,500 union members work-ing for BC Ferries.

NEWS8 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Houston Today

1656 Hwy 16E, Telkwa B.C. 250.846.5529 • Mon. to Sat. 10 - 6

www.allforless.ca

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, touched with wonder and filled with love.

Where the deals are!

Open December 24 • 10-4Closed December 25 to 29

Open December 30 & 31 • 10-4Closed January 1 to 3

Fireworks

Call Jean MarrInvestors Group

to book your appointment today.

Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

Serving the Burns Lake & Houston areas

Jean MarrInvestors Group, ConsultantCell: (250) 691-1641Fax: (250) [email protected] - 3rd Ave., Burns Lake2430 Butler Ave. Houston

RRSP SEASONI� H��

Need to make an RRSP contributionor need an RRSP loan? Call me � rst...

Wishing everyone the best of the season

and a most happy New Year!

From everyone at School District 54 Bulkley Valley Sponsored by

Riverside Gardens3707 East Valley Road, Houston • 250 845-7707

HOPE forHOPE forHOPE forforTodayTodayFacing Our Fears

My grandmother never drove a car or rode a bicycle. My parents informed me that when she was young, she got on the bicycle, fell and never tried again. Later on she tried to drive a vehicle and on her � rst attempt forgot where the brake pedal was and ran over her rose bush. She never tried driving again. Maybe it was fear of being embarrassed, maybe fear of crashing and getting hurt but I am quite sure it was fear that kept her from trying again.

I can understand how she felt as my � rst attempt at driving was similar. I could not even � nd � rst gear and kept stalling the old Austin Healey. It was embarrassing and the temptation was to give up and quit. After many more attempts and God’s help, I was able to learn to drive.

We have many fears. Fear of being failing, fear of being alone, fear of heights, fear of being embarrassed, fear of darkness…the list is endless, especially if we think we must live this life out on our own. We are often paralysed or at least limited by fear.

God’s word, the Bible, is very clear that he has a purpose for all who trust in Him. When the Israelites were in captivity, he promised his people “For I know the plans I have for you….They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope…when you pray I will listen...if you look to me wholeheartedly, you will � nd me.” Jeremiah 29:11,12 NLT

As we surrender in faith to God and allow him to control our lives; as we grow in our personal relationship with him that is available in Christ Jesus, his love and care for us becomes more and more evident. We can then proclaim, “I am in the hands of the Almighty Creator, he is my God, there is none other. Surely he can handle whatever I am facing right now!” With him in the driver’s seat there is no reason to be immobilized by fear.

As we approach another New Year, may you and I face our fears as we � nd our con� dence in the Almighty God.

“Such love has no fear; because perfect love expels all fear.” 1John 4:18 NLT Submitted by Ken Penner


The B.C. govern-ment is making licence plates mandatory for quads, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles starting Nov. 1, re-quiring helmets and restricting use by chil-dren under 16.

The B.C. legislation imposes a $230 fine for

driving an unlicensed off-road vehicle, and a $368 fine for careless operation. For some offences under the Off-Road Vehicle Act related to reckless use or environmental dam-age, penalties can go as high as a $5,000 fine and six months in jail.

Forests Minister Steve Thomson said the $48 licence fee ap-

plies only once when a vehicle is purchased, and was set to recover the costs of the pro-gram administered by ICBC. Once startup costs are paid for, a portion of the licence revenue will go to off-road clubs to use for trail improvements, Thomson said.

The province esti-mates there are 200,000 off-road vehicles that require licensing, in-cluding snowmobiles that have been licensed since the 1970s. About 35,000 of those have

registered voluntarily since the new licences were offered a year ago.

Jeff Mohr, past president of the Quad Riders Association of B.C., said his members are most of the volun-tary registrants so far, and they are pleased B.C. has a system to control the few users who ride recklessly or damage the environ-ment.

“We want to get more people out on the trails, sharing and en-joying the outdoors,” Mohr said.

The licence system also allows police to track stolen vehicles, even if they are tak-en out of the prov-ince. B.C. is the last Canadian province to implement a licensing system.

The Quad Riders and B.C.’s 72 snow-mobile clubs are pre-pared to publicize the new regulations to their members, and Thomson said they will act as “eyes and ears” for conservation and natural resource en-forcement officers.

Submitted photoJeff Mohr, past president of the Quad Riders Association of B.C., said his members are pleased to have a licence system that allows safety and environmental enforcement, and gives police a way to track stolen off-road vehicles

Quads need licence plates as of Nov. 1


BUSINESSES & SERVICES around Houston & the Bulkley Valley...

Call Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890 or email: [email protected] your business for only $5/week (with 1 year commitment)

GST not included

Advertiseyour business for only $5*

Reach over 1100 households every week!

To be included next week call

Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890

or email: [email protected] *Based on a 1-year commitment

GST not included

RED ROCKET SERVICESSeptic Removal, Portable Toilet Rentals

Expediting and Hotshots

Les Willson250-845-3761Cell: [email protected]

Now a dealer for BIO-CLEANA septic enzyme and tank cleaner

Cell: [email protected]

A septic enzyme and tank cleaner

BURNS LAKEBill and Patsy Miller, Owners

29850 Hwy 16 West • PO Box 450 • Burns LakePh 250-696-3211 • Cell: 250-692-9940

email: [email protected]

www.pbagrimech.ca

• HAY FORKS• PALLET FORKS• SNOW BLADES• QUICK ATTACH UNITS• REPAIRS & EQUIPMENT

YourDealer

Give us a call for any of your att achment needs.

HOUSTON BARBERSHOP

ANGEL’S FLOWERS & GIFTS

Phyllis250.845.2329

Janet250.845.0058

� eresa250.844.1118

� eresaMETAMORPH JEWELRY, GEMS

& NAILS

Open six days a week

Open six days a week

2216 Nadina Ave. North, Houston Phone: 250-845-2700

Tire Shop hourS: Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm - Sat. 8am - noon

Car WaSh hourS: Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm - Sat. 8am - 4pm

Come see us for all

your tire needs!

Dan [email protected]

CALDERWOODREALTY

CALDERWOOD

If you are buying or sellingcall me today: 250-845-8234

I also offer Free Home MarketEvaluations and information on the

current real estate market.

Pleasant Valley Cleaners

3356 10th Street, Box 68, Houston • Phone: 250-845-7000

So much more than your local commercial laundry serviceOpen: Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm

Sat: 10am - 4pmServing the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District

WALK-OFF MATS SERVICE • LAUNDRY FACILITIES • COMPLETE LINEN SERVICESHOP SUPPLIES • DROP OFF LAUNDRY SERVICE • SEWING SERVICES - REPAIRS ETC.

Full Coverall Service: • Sales - New & Used• Rentals • Repairs• Cleaning• 3M Re� ective Striping available & installed

Serving the Bulkley Valley and Lakes DistrictFULL LINE OF WORK WEAR!

Jeans • Jackets • Duck Coats

& Overalls • Work BootsShirts & Safety Clothing

Highway 16, Houston1-888-408-2839D5631

See our inventory at: www.smprv.ca

The best

RV DEALSare in Houston BC!

Our lot is full oflightweight, a� ordable,

quality-built travel trailers,� fth wheels and campers.

are in

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & WELDING SHOP

D&M

250-845-3334

Steel Sales • GATES Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings • Wire Rope Black Pipe • Fittings • Safety Equipment Fasteners • Oil Spill Kits • Tools

2870 - 5th St., Houston Industrial Park Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-6pm • Fri 8-5pm • Sat 9-3pm

ALL HUSQVARNA POWER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIESEQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

2815 - 5th Street, Houston Industrial Site, Houston

Small Engine Equipment & Repairs

Phone: (250) 845-3255

ALL HUSQVARNA POWEREQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Phone: 250-845-2498

LIMITED

• Trucking• Loading• Excavating• Grading• Track Skidsteer• Sand• Aggregates

• Site Prep• Demolition Cleanup• Landscaping• Gravel• Screened Top Soil• White Landscape Rock

DREAM WORKSHome Renovations

Helping You Bring

Your Ideas to Life

Call 250-845-0707

Andy Hors� eld

Seawest HardwoodFloor Re� nishing

FREE SHARK STEAM MOP

with re� nishing jobs of 500 square feet and over

✔ Dustless containment system✔ Over 7 years in the business

✔ State of the art equipment✔ Re� nishing & staining

O� ce: 250 847 1433 • Cell: 250 299 [email protected]

Your local Specialist - Senior’s Discounts Offered

www.facebook.com/SeawestHardwoodFloor Re� nishing

SALES • PARTS • SERVICE • FINANCING West Highway 16, Houston 250-845-2213 • www.finning.ca

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NG Cat Truck Engine and Truck Repairs

3429 10th St., Steelhead Building 250.845.2329

NORTHERN LASER offering... • Permanent hair removal • Tattoo removal • Acne treatments

Houston Barbershop

Free Consultations

D5631Sullivan Motors @smphouston

When your car, truck or SUV is in need of service, trust the factory-trained

technicians at Sullivan Motor Products.OPEN MON. TO SAT. 8AM - 5:30PM

Highway 16, HoustonTF: 1-800-665-3151

Call SMP at 250-845-2244

...Northwest’s Largest Volume Dealer for a Reason!!

www.sullivangm.com

Advertise your Business or Service here for $500/week*

Call Laura at 250-692-7526or 250-845-2890 or

email: [email protected]*Based on a 1-year commitment • GST not included


HOUSTON & AREA CHURCH

DIRECTORY

Houston Fellowship Baptist Church

3790 C.R. Matthews Rd.Pastor: Larry Ballantyne

Sunday School: 9:45am

Church Service: 11:00am

Everyone Welcome!Phone: 250-845-7810

Houston Canadian

Reformed ChurchSUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM

Pastor Carl [email protected]

Offi ce Phone: 250-845-3441~ Everyone Welcome ~

3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston, BC

Houston ChristianReformed Church1959 Goold St., Box 6,Houston 250-845-7578

~ Everyone Welcome! ~

Services: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

HOUSTON PENTECOSTAL

CHURCH2024 Riverbank Drive,

Box 597, HoustonPhone: 250-845-2678

Pastor: Mike McIntyre

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 amSunday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pmSunday School: During the Service

Everyone Welcome

Anglican Churchof St. Clement

2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston, BC

Rev. Jacob WorleyPhone: 250-845-4940

Services at:2:00pm Sundays

Houston United Church2106 Butler Ave

SERVICES: Sundays at 11a.m.(Kids Sunday Schoolduring the service)

To contact the churchor for pastoral care:

Morgan Ryder (250-698-7612 -H) or 250-692-9576 -C) or

Marianne Dekker 250-845-2282

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church

2001 Riverbank DriveHouston, B.C. V0J 1Z2Phone: 250-845-2841

Sunday Service: 11:30 AMParish Priest:

Fr. Pier Pandolfo

DZE L K’ANT FRIENDSHIP CENTRE SOCIETYThe Dze L K’ant Friendship Centreis seeking qualified applicants for the position of:

The Culture of Peace Project will build community capacity to prevent, and respond to domestic violence through frontline staff training, community research/consultation, and community education/leadership development.

Key Responsibilities Include:Planning and coordinating training events & conference Community research and consultationPlanning & facilitation of family culture camps

QualificationsPreferred education, training and experience

Diploma or degree in social work, counselling, or related discipline or a combination of education and experienceRecent, related experience and education/training in work responding to/addressing domestic violenceRelated experience in community consultation and knowledge of existing resourcesKnowledge of local First Nations culture Valid Drivers License & reliable vehicle a must

Please address all resumes to:Annette Morgan, Executive Director

Drop off after January 4th: 3383 11th st Houston, or 1188 Main St Smithers, Fax: 250-845-2136

Email: [email protected] Date: January 8, 2016

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry. Only those candidates invited for

an interview will be contacted.

14 hrs/wk. This position may be located in either Houston or Smithers

Coordinator - Culture of Peace Project

Southside Health & Wellness Centre seeks an RN or LPN for casual employment in community health. The Centre endeavors to increase wellness through a system of education, health promotion, disease prevention and treatment that empowers people to make healthy lifestyle choices. Salary commensurate with experience. Willing to train the right person.

Email your cover letter & resume to [email protected],

or FAX to 250-694-3290, ATTN: Aileen Serle.

CASUAL RN OR LPNSouthside Health & Wellness Centre seeks an RN or LPN for part time employment as a Community Health Nurse. The Centre provides a range of acute and primary care services in the southside Community. Salary will commensurate with experience. Willing to train the right person.

PART-TIME RN OR LPN

DZE L K’ANT FRIENDSHIP CENTRE SOCIETY

The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre - Houston Program Office would like to extend a heart felt thank you to:

Bulkley Valley Credit Union - Houston Branch

Bill & Laurel Holmberg

& the Staff of Houston’s Sunshine Inn

for their generous donation of toys and holiday gifts to precious community children & families.

Your kindness and caring have made the season brighter. Happy Holidays - from our staff and families.

Thank you!

2815 - 5th Street, Houston Industrial SiteHouston • Phone: (250) 845-3255

+ Everything

you need for

snowmobiling!

Husqvarna PowerSaws

SNOWMOBILES FOR SALE:2004 800PolarisVerticalEscape159x2” Track - Reverse.More extras, Very clean$380000

2011 M8 SnowProArcticCat162 x 2.6 -New Track plus extras$590000

DISTRICT OF HOUSTON

Corporate Services Officer

The District of Houston is looking for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment to assume the role of Corporate Services Officer.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Corporate Services Officer is responsible for corporate administration as stated under Section 148 of the Community Charter. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills, have a working knowledge of local government legislation and procedures along with education and experience relative to this position. An ability to maintain positive relations with the public, coworkers, various committees, Council and senior levels of government is essential.

As a dynamic, self-motivated individual this position will be a key member of the senior management team committed to achieving the goals and objectives as set by Mayor and Council. Public communication and open government transparency are important to the District and the Corporate Services Officer will be responsible for producing and overseeing all communications including print publications.

You will have a good understanding of parliamentary procedures, and BC Municipal Legislation including the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act and Robert’s Rules of Order. The position is also responsible for Civic and School Board Elections and the Board of Variance.

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in public administration, a certificate in Local Government Administration or a minimum of five (5) years experience at the corporate officer level.

This position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, detailed resume, and references

by 4:00 pm on Friday, January 29, 2016 to:

Attn: Michael D. Glavin, CAO, District of Houston3367 – 12th , PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0

[email protected]

The District of Houston requires all positions undergo a Criminal Record Check.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position and advise that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted

Announcements Announcements

AL-ANON Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon meetings are Monday, 7pm at the Houston United Church. Contact number: (250) 845-7774.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSMeetings are at the Houston United Church, Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Contact number is:1-877-644-2266

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.

Employment

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

SUTCO seeks US qualifi ed drivers for Super B fl at deck division. We offer e logs, benefi ts, matched con-tribution pension plan, late model equipment and more. Apply; on line at sutco.ca, email [email protected] or fax (778)754-4025

Help Wanted

GARDEN COORDINATORThe Senden Centre actively engages youth & community members in gardening and greenhouse production, food preservation and other land based activities. As part of a strategy to address health and wellness, the Senden Centre is piloting a new model of program delivery in 2016. The Garden Coordina-tor will plan, manage and supervise the gardening operations, while actively participating in on site agriculture centered educa-tion activities for youth and their families. You must be physically fi t, have experi-ence coaching youth, and enjoy working in cultural diversity. This position is four days per week throughout the period January 18, 2016 to December 2, 2016. Apply by January 12, 2016

to: Executive Director of USDC at 250-842-6110 or

[email protected]

Medical/DentalREGISTERED NURSE

Bayshore Home Health is hiring a RN in the Smithers area. Position is to provide bi-weekly infusions in Smithers, BC. Travel paid from other nearby community. Infusion experience necessary.

Paid training provided.Competitive hourly wage.

Flexible schedule to work with current position. Vehicle required for community health.

Apply to [email protected]

Services

PlumbingFULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

Services

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

Real Estate

For Sale By Owner

5 BDRM HOME IN TELKWA FOR

SALE3200 sq ft, 4 bath, includes washer &

dryer, fridge & stove, dishwasher,

hot tub, natural gas

$289,400(250) 845-3315

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentFOR RENT

Starting At $800/Mo.Bachelor & 1 Bdrm Suites Full Kitchen Facilities Too! Wi-fi , Ph, Cable & Util. Incl.

Ref. Req.,Terry 778-210-1703 [email protected]

TownhousesUNDER NEW management: Parkland Townhouses in Houston, B.C. Fully remodeled 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses in a adult, family oriented com-plex. Prices are: $750 and $800 a month. Excellent refer-ences required. Viewings by appointment: Call: (250) 845-0707.

Employment

Place of Worship Information Plumbing Medical/Dental Medical/Dental

Employment

Happy Thoughts Happy Thoughts

Career Opportunities



Snowmobiles Snowmobiles



To advertise in print:Call: 250-845-2890 Email: [email protected]

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

Browse more at:

A division of

TRY A CLASSIFIED

In Memorial

Legal Notices Legal Notices

In Memorial

In Loving Memory of

Eugene Edward LundMarch 1, 1947 – December 31, 2014

Each time we look at your pictureYou seem to smile and sayDon’t be sad but courage takeAnd love each other for my sake.

There are some we meet in passingand forget as soon as they go.There are some we rememberwith pleasure and feel honouredto know.

You were that kind of person who leaves beautiful memories behind,and there will be many days which bring fondmemories to mind.

We your family miss youin the house where you used to be.We wanted so much to keep youBut God willed it not be

Now you are in God’s keepingYou su� er no more painSo dear God take care of himuntil we meet again.

Love Khan, Chau & Jonathan

Community Calendar proudly sponsored by


Bulkley ValleyINSURANCE SERVICES

Bulkley ValleyFINANCIAL SERVICES

Bulkley ValleyFINANCIAL SERVICES

Bulkley ValleyINSURANCE SERVICES


Bulkley Valley Credit Union July 2007EPS Logos to be supplied to Newspapers

Pantone colours: Pantone 287 Blue Pantone 356 Green Pantone 139 Harvest

Black/Grey Logo file Colour Logo File

www.bvcu.com

NSince May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.

HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave.

P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117

HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDARThe Houston Legion Branch 249: Meeting: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is General Meeting.

Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck � ats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info.

Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.

TOPLEYTopley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.

Structural Fire� ghting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No

experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).

GRANISLEThe Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre.

Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & � re practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall.

Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am.

Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the of� ce. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com

Super Valu tapes may be donated to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary at drop off boxes at A&W; Shear Delight; Razor’s Edge and Terri-Lynn Hair Creations. The tapes are used as a fund-raiser for the L.A. to the Houston Legion.

Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE swim for Seniors (60+) Dec. 15th to Feb. 23 every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active.

TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229.


LAND ACTNotice of Intention to Apply for a

Disposition of Crown LandTake notice that Glenna Daniels from Granisle, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Smithers, for a Crown Land Direct Sale - Residential situated on Provincial Crown land located LOT 12, OF BLOCK 7, DISTRICT LOT 2625, RANGE 5 COAST DISTRICT, PLAN 1466, LOT 13, OF BLOCK 7, DISTRICT LOT 2625, RANGE 5 COAST DISTRICT, PLAN 1466, located on Railway Avenue, Topley, BC.

The Lands File for this application is 6408872. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Skeena Stikine Land Officer, MFLNRO, at Bag 6000, 3333 Tatlow Rd., Smithers BC V0J 2N0. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to January 13, 2016. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations’ Office in Smithers.

RE/MAX HOUSTON Locally owned and operated

Lia Long250-845-11472436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC • e-mail: [email protected] • www.realtor.ca

Call 250-845-7325 www.remaxhouston.ca

Whether you are buying or selling, Lia o� ers prompt, friendly and professional service with over 20 years of real estate experience and a lifetime in the Houston area.

SPACE & SUNSHINE! Beautiful 5 acre lot with a 2200 + square foot home minutes from town! 3 bedrooms, sunken living room and rec room. Fresh paint, some new � ooring. Large entrance way, tons of storage. Covered screened in deck o� the kitchen. 30 x 45 detached workshop/ garage with a wood stove and 200 amp service. Drilled well, nicely landscaped. All appliances included. Call Lia to view 250-845- 1147. $225,000

Sending best wishes your way for a happy

and prosperousnew year.

Thank you for your patronage in 2015,we look forward to serving your Real

Estate needs in 2016.

From Lia & Tori

Thank youThe Upper Bulkley River Streamkeepers would like to thank the following

for their support in helping them raise 6,000 coho salmon.

PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATIONANDY MEINTS CONTRACTINGNADINA TRUCK SERVICESTRACTION TIRE & CAR WASH

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES & OCEANSSTEELHEAD VALLEYCONTRACTING LTD.CASTLE (BV HOME CENTRE)SULLIVAN MOTOR PRODUCTS

TOWER COMMUNICATIONSKINGFISHER CARPENTRYTIM VAN LEEUWENREGINA MEINTS


ENDS JAN. 4TH.BCGMCDEALERS.CA

2015 CANYON ALL TERRAIN SHOWN

2015 GMC TERRAIN SLE-1 AWD

2015 GMC SIERRA 2500HD/3500HD

ON NOW AT YOUR BC GMC DEALERS. BCGMCDealers.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. GMC is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the fi nance of a 2015 Sierra 2500HD/3500HD, Sierra 1500 Double Cab 2WD 1SA, Terrain SLE-1 AWD. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualifi ed retail customers in BC GMC Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer trade may be required. * No purchase necessary. Open to Canadian residents with a valid driver’s licence who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Contest closes January 4, 2016. Credit Awards up to $10,000 include applicable taxes and must be applied to the purchase or lease of a new 2015 or 2016 MY GMC vehicle delivered on or before January 4, 2016. Thirty Vehicle Awards available to be won, each consisting of winner’s choice of a vehicle with an MSRP of $35,000 CAD or less. The customer is responsible for any other taxes, license, insurance, registration, or other fees. Vehicle Awards are not transferable and no cash substitutes are permitted. Not all awards have the same odds of winning. For full rules and program details, visit your GM dealer or gm.ca. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required. See your GM dealer or gm.ca for full contest rules and program details. ^ Offer available to qualifi ed retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered between December 4th, 2015 and January 4th, 2016. 0% purchase fi nancing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on select new or demonstrator 2015 GMC vehicles excluding Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra 2500 HD Diesel, Savana, Canyon 2SA and Canyon 4x4. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $45,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $535.71 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $45,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight, air tax ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA/movable property registry fees, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. † $12,000 is a combined total credit consisting of a $11,000 Cash Credit (tax exclusive) available on 2015 GMC Sierra HD Gas models (excluding HD Gas Double Cab 1SA 4x2), $1,000 Connect & Win Bonus (tax inclusive), which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and fi nance rates. By selecting lease or fi nance offers, consumers are foregoing this $11,000 credit, which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. †† $10,380 is a combined total credit consisting of a $3,000 manufacturer-to-dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) $5,195 Cash Credit (tax exclusive) available on 2015 GMC Sierra Double Cab 1SA 4WD models, $1,000 Owner Cash (tax inclusive), $750 manufacturer-to-dealer Elevation Package Discount Credit (tax exclusive) for 2015 Sierra 1SA Elevation Edition with 5.3L Engine and a $435 manufacturer-to-dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) on any 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation double cab all-wheel drive with a 5.3L engine, which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and fi nance rates. By selecting lease or fi nance offers, consumers are foregoing this $5,630 credit, which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. ‡‡ 5,000/3,000 is a combined credit consisting of a $1,000 Connect & Win Bonus (tax inclusive), $0/$1,000 Holiday Bonus (tax inclusive), $3,000 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) for 2015 Sierra Light Duty Double Cab, and a $1,000/$1,000 manufacturer to dealer fi nance cash (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Sierra 1500/Terrain, which is available for fi nance offers only and cannot be combined with special lease rates and cash purchase. ‡ $6,200 is a combined total credit consisting of $1,000 Connect & Win Bonus (tax inclusive), $1,000 Holiday bonus (tax inclusive), and a $4,200 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Terrain SLE-1 FWD, which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and fi nance rates. By selecting lease or fi nance offers, consumers are foregoing this $4,200 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model and cash credit excludes Terrain SLE-1 AWD.** Offer available to retail customers in Canada only on new 2015 & 2016 GMC Terrain delivered between December 18, 2015 and January 4, 2016. $1,000 Holiday Bonus includes HST/GST/QST/PST as applicable by province. Limited time offers, which may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details.

SIERRA 2500HD SLE DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4X4 MODEL SHOWN

TERRAIN SLE-1 AWD SHOWN

% FORUP TO

PURCHASEFINANCING0 84 MONTHS^ ON SELECT

2015 MODELS.

% FORUP TO


2015 MODELS.

$12,000MINIMUM

CASH CREDIT †ON OTHER MODELS

INCLUDES $1,000 CONNECT & WIN BONUS

$6,200MINIMUM

CASH CREDIT ‡ON OTHER MODELS

INCLUDES $1,000 CONNECT & WIN BONUS AND $1,000 HOLIDAY BONUS**

OR

OR+ $3,000 IN FINANCE CREDIT‡‡

2015 GMC SIERRA 1500 DOUBLE CAB 2WD 1SA

SIERRA 1500 DOUBLE CAB 1SA MODEL SHOWN

% FORUP TO


2015 MODELS.

$10,380MINIMUM

CASH CREDIT ††

ON OTHER MODELS

INCLUDES $1,000 CONNECT & WIN BONUS AND $750 PACKAGE DISCOUNT

OR+ $5,000 IN FINANCE CREDIT‡‡

EVERYONE’S A WINNER WIN A MINIMUM CASH CREDIT OF $1,000

TOWARD THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF ANY 2015 GMC

WIN 1 OF 30VEHICLES

OR

$10,000UP TO

CASHCREDITS*

VALUED UP TO $35,000

DEC. 4 – JAN. 4VISIT YOUR LOCAL GMCDEALERSHIP TO PLAY!

NEW $1,000HOLIDAY BONUS**

ON ALL 2015/2016 TERRAINS.OFFER ENDS JAN. 4.

DEC. 4 – JAN. 4VISIT YOUR LOCAL GMCDEALERSHIP TO PLAY!

WIN $3,000 WIN $8,000 WIN $5,000 WIN $2,500 WIN $6,000 FINAL DAYS!

ENDS JAN 4TH.

Call Sullivan Motor Products at 250-845-2244, or visit us at 2760 Yellowhead Highway, Houston. [License #5631]

houston today, december 30, 2015

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