vanderhoof omineca express, january 27, 2016

EExpressO M I N E C A

$1.30 Inc. GSTVol. 38 No. 48

Serving Vanderhoof ● Fort Fraser ● Fraser Lake & Areawww.ominecaexpress.com Wednesday, January 27, 2016

COUNCIL NOTES P. 2EDITORIAL P. 6

● ●

● ●Inside VANDERHOOF’S 90TH BIRTHDAY P. 9

FIGURE SKATING P. 11

Publications Mail Contract # 40007840

Published by Black Press Ltd., 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC

1473 HWY 16 EASTwww.westlineford.com DL # 30423

[email protected]%

5882505674781

Vanderhoff, BC V0J3A01473 Highway 16 East

Westline Ford Ltd2015 F150 Stock # 3345

TOLL FREE: 1-888-449-4029 250-567-4781

Vanderhoof’s 90th birthday celebrations fire off

VIVIAN CHUI photos

Families and friends gathered at Riverside Park for Vanderhoof’s 90th birthday celebration kickoff on Jan. 23. The weekend of celebration began on Jan. 22 with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” from elementary school students in celebratory toques, followed by birthday cupcakes, at Vanderhoof’s arena. See BIRTHDAY, page 9

Happy 90th Happy 90th Birthday Birthday

VanderhoofVanderhoof

this census — accord-ing to indicators such as building permits, new businesses, annual pro-jections from the pro-vincial government, and school district enrol-ment — it is a possibil-ity at the next census in fi ve years, in light of in-coming industries such as mining, said CAO Tom Clement.

The increase allows the district to plan in advance for increased policing costs, whether

it begins this year or in fi ve years, he added.

The exact increased amount will be deter-mined later, as council staff provides an esti-mate based on the polic-ing costs of other north-ern communities.

NECHAKO VALLEY

SECONDARY GREENHOUSE

PROJECTThe District of Van-

derhoof is now a partner

of NVSS’s “Living Classroom” project, allowing the school district to apply for funds in conducting a feasibility study for the project.

The facility, po-tentially including a green energy com-ponent — would en-able the school to run agr icul tural-based curriculum— such as project-based learning for biology courses — as well as connect classes with farming and research opportu-nities in the region.

It’s a logical exten-sion to the district’s current work with the

Vanderhoof Commu-nity Garden, supporting education on local food and the 100-mile diet, as well as recogniz-ing the role agriculture plays in the local econ-omy, Clement said.

TENNIS COURTS REPAIR

The district council is looking into repair-ing Nechako Lakes school district’s tennis

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Omineca ExpressA2 www.ominecaexpress.com

NEWSExpress

Integris Credit Union is looking for an individual to join us as a Member Service Representative (Teller) on a temporary (1 year), part-time 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 REPRESENTATIVEVanderhoof; Temporary (1 year), Part-Time

MayorGerry Thiessen

CouncillorDarren Carpenter

CouncillorBrian Frenkel

CouncillorJohn Murphy

CouncillorKen Young

CouncillorKevin Moutray

CouncillorSteve Little

INCREASING RCMP COSTS FOR

NEW CENSUSTo prepare for the

upcoming census’ re-sults, the District of Vanderhoof will be rais-ing the Police Reserve Fund limit and increas-ing the annual Police Reserve Tax.

The Canada Census will be conducted later this year and will pro-vide an update on the population of Vander-hoof.

A municipality with a population of more than 5,000, under the Police Act, pays 70 per cent of policing costs.

According to the last census in 2011, Vander-hoof has a population of 4,480, and thus pays 25 per cent of the district’s policing costs, through a Police Tax, to the pro-vincial government.

For the past years, as Vanderhoof’s popula-tion grew close to the 5,000 mark, a Police Reserve Tax has been collected annually from residents to be placed into the Police Reserve Fund, to soften the fu-ture impact on property taxes.

$300,000 of property tax is currently collect-ed each year for police services, up to a limit of $900,000 in the reserve fund and excess would be moved to contribute towards capital projects.

The rates were set based on a projected cost of $100,000 per RCMP member, with 10 offi cers in the police force.

However, Vander-hoof’s police force has now increased to 11, and the cost for each RCMP member — set by the RCMP — is esti-mated to have increased as well.

Though Vander-hoof’s population may not reach 5,000 during

Council notes: police reserve tax to be raised

Advertorial

BLACKWATER PROJECT:AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT IN OUR REGION

In the Nechako Plateau, on the northern flanks of Mount Davidson sits the Blackwater Gold Project (Blackwater), one of two British Columbia’s mining interests owned by global mining company, New Gold. New Gold is well- known for its world-leading corporate social responsibility standards having ranked 7th overall in the “Future 40 Most Responsible Corporate Leaders in Canada” by Corporate Knights, and named the inaugural Maclean’s/Sustainalytics Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada.

Located 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof, Blackwater is a proposed open pit gold and silver mine with an estimated seventeen-year mine life and proven and probable reserves of 8.2 million ounces of gold and 60.8 million ounces of silver. The Project has the potential to produce 485,000 ounces of gold per year for the first nine years, which is more than all of British Columbia’s 2014 gold output. A 140 kilometre transmission line will connect the mine site with an existing substation south of Endako, providing power to the Project.

In 2014, Blackwater supported 254 direct, indirect and induced jobs in the Cariboo, North Coast and Nechako regions of British Columbia. During the construction phase, Blackwater is expected to hire an additional 1,200 to 1,500 employees, and when operational, will employ approximately 500 people. New Gold is working with local communities to maximize local business, contracting and employment opportunities.

Currently, the Blackwater Gold Project is undergoing a coordinated federal and provincial environmental review by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO). As part of the Environmental Assessment process, the public is invited to review, comment and ask questions about Blackwater Project’s Environmental Assessment Application from January 20 to February 19, 2016. More information is available at www.ceaa.gc.ca and www.eao.gov.bc.ca.

New Gold expects Blackwater construction to begin in 2018, but this is dependent on several internal and external factors and could change. When Blackwater is in production, approximately $186 million annually will be spent on goods and services in British Columbia, with $81 million being spent directly in the region.

For more information about the Project, visit the Blackwater Project Office at 139-1st St in Vanderhoof. We are open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm weekdays. You can also call us at (250) 567-3276 or email your question(s) to [email protected].

This article is the first in a series of three. Check back next month for answers to community members’ most pressing questions about Blackwater.

courts, currently locat-ed east of Vanderhoof’s curling rink on Stewart Street.

A local contrac-tor has quoted about $600,000 to repair the courts with concrete, while an asphalt resur-facing is estimated by district public works staff to cost $112,000.

The school district’s proposed budget in 2013 included the ten-nis courts’ repair, but the amount was real-located to fund NVSS’ new middle school wing.

According to a re-port prepared by the district’s operations staff, the courts’ many

cracks, bumps, and mal-aligned net posts indi-cate the need for below-the-surface repairs.

The district will now reach out to Vander-hoof’s tennis players for input on their inter-est and demand.

- with fi les from the District of Vanderhoof

www.ominecaexpress.com A3Omineca Express Wednesday, January 27, 2016

NEWSExpressINSIDE

NEWSthe

Briefl yCNC artexhibit byVanderhoof artists

Update on spinning vehicle incident during Jan. 5 snowfall

On Jan. 5, a passing logging truck was suspected to have started the spinning of a waiting pickup truck on Highway 16 near C.J.’s Trailer Park.

The driver of the logging truck involved has now been identifi ed, and had provided a statement to the RCMP, as well as photos taken of the truck.

“It does not appear that any fault can be identifi ed with that accident other than the road/weather conditions at the time,” said Sgt. Svend Nielsen.

CRA scam alertAs tax season approaches, the police reminds the public

that it’s the time of the year when Canada Revenue Agency scams abound.

In the past, including cases in Vanderhoof, people have received calls from individuals posing as police offi cers that are collecting outstanding warrants for CRA.

Though the police assist the CRA for in-person collec-tions at times, the RCMP don’t make phone calls for the agency, Nielsen said.

Those who receive related calls, and have concerns, can visit the local RCMP detachment to verify the call, he added.

Sweepstake winner scam alertLast week, a Vanderhoof resident was contacted by mail

as a supposed sweepstakes winner.Appearing to come from a published clearing house, the

letter states that the winning amount was $600,000, though the winner would be in charge of customs and processing fees.

A cheque of $16,000 was included for the winner’s convenience in paying those charges.

The resident was alerted when depositing the cheque, and had waited for the amount to go through before withdrawing — she was notifi ed by the bank that no funds could be transferred from the cheque’s account.

- with fi les from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP

Police Update

VICTORIA - B.C. is supporting transitioning military personnel and retired veterans as they transfer their truck driving credentials to commer-cial licences by removing any re-quirement for additional testing, an-nounced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“This will provide transitioning military personnel and recently re-tired veterans with a marketable qual-ifi cation and new career opportunities in the commercial trucking industry,” said Stone. “We are happy to help current and retired Canadian Forces members continue to use their well-earned commercial driving skills once they decide to leave the military, and this initiative will also help fi ll the growing labour shortage in this industry.”

A newly signed agreement by the B.C. government, ICBC, and the De-partment of National Defence (DND) will provide civilian commercial ac-creditation for the equivalent military driver qualifi cations provided by the DND. This change will go into effect as of Jan. 25, 2016.

By removing this hurdle for mili-tary personnel and veterans, B.C. is joining other provinces by endorsing an important initiative spearheaded by the national non-profi t group, Hel-mets to Hardhats Canada. Previously, Canadian Forces members were un-

able to transfer their truck driving credentials when they left their mili-tary careers and entered into civilian life.

“By transferring over commercial driving credentials from the military base to B.C. roads, this will save time and will cut unnecessary requalifi ca-tion processes for military personnel and retired veterans who already are fully trained in commercial driving,” said Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes. “This program is being introduced as a part of Red Tape Reduction Week because it cuts through red tape and makes the transition from military to civilian life simpler.”

“British Columbia has a long and proud military history, and this agree-ment complements our strong support for military personnel, veterans, and their families,” said Minister of Natu-ral Gas Development, Minister Re-sponsible for Housing, and Military Liaison with the Canadian Armed Forces Rich Coleman. “Our troops have sacrifi ced so much for Canada, and we are grateful for their service. When they decide to enter civilian life, we want to help them make the transition into good, well-paying jobs to support their families.”

The Conference Board of Canada has estimated that Canada could ex-perience a labour shortage of 25,000

to 33,000 trained and qualifi ed truck drivers by 2020. The introduction of this initiative will directly address labour shortages in the commercial trucking industry. At the same time, this important step will help veterans transition into civilian life and will help create more economic stability for them.

“Military members transitioning out of the Canadian Armed Forces into civilian life can face many challenges as they seek out new employment. Today’s announcement by the B.C. government and ICBC eliminates one of those key hurdles for many of our current and former serving mem-bers,” said Rear Admiral Gilles Cou-turier, commander Maritime Forces Pacifi c. “I thank the Province of Brit-ish Columbia, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, and Helmets to Hardhats for working so closely with us to support the men and women who serve, by recogniz-ing the military driver’s license as a valid professional qualifi cation in the province.”

This agreement will allow retired and active members with a Depart-ment of National Defence driver’s licence to obtain an equivalent B.C. commercial licence (class 1, 2, 3 or 4). This streamlined approach will al-low applicants with prior Department of National Defence credentials to

drive semi-tractors, large trucks, bus-es and limousines. To further support military driver transition, B.C. will also issue class 5 or 7 passenger ve-hicle licences without additional test-ing to drivers with equivalent DND credentials.

“We’re pleased to partner with De-partment of National Defence to make it easier for qualifi ed Canadian Forces members to obtain commercial driver licences while still ensuring the safety of B.C. roads,” said Mark Blucher, ICBC’s president and CEO. “We’ll continue to look for opportunities to make it easier for our customers to get the services they need from ICBC.”

This program is being introduced during Red Tape Reduction Week (Jan. 18-22, 2016). The Province is a leader in reducing red tape and mak-ing services easier to access and sim-pler to use for citizens. For the fi fth year in a row, the B.C. government has received an “A” in red tape reduc-tion from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business - the only prov-ince in Canada to receive an “A”.

Helmets to Hardhats Canada is focused on providing members of the Canadian Armed forces with op-portunities for apprenticeship train-ing with excellent wages and bene-fi ts, in Canada’s unionized building, construction and maintenance indus-tries.

B.C.: gives green light to military drivers

We are looking for-ward to the 38th annual Festival of the Perform-ing 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

Local arts festival

A time for parents/caregivers to come together and support one another while sharing positive experi-ences around town and through a variety of activities bonding with their preschool chil-dren.

Drop In every Wednesday 10:00am – 12:00pm Starting Feb 3rd – March 23rd.

There will be bever-ages and snacks and an activity each day should you chose to participate or just come hang and socialize.

Watch the Village facebook page and website for the upcom-ing itinerary.

First Session meets Weds Feb 3rd at Mouse Mountain School HUB room. Come for coffee and social and see what its all about!

Fraser LakeTots Around Town

Shots are fi red: Vanderhoof Indoor 3-D shoot

VIVIAN CHUI photo

John Baker, organizer of the Annual Indoor 3-D Shoot hosted by the Nechako Val-ley Archers on the Nechako Valley Exhibtion Grounds, retrieved his arrows from a round of shooting on Jan. 23.

Monday, Jan. 18th to Friday, Feb. 19th at the CNC Prince George Library: The CNC Art Faculty (Julia Whittaker, Kimberly Stewart, Betty Kovacic, and Annerose George-son) have put together a display called Four Art’s Sake in the library.


NEWSExpress

Environmental Assessment of the Blackwater Gold Project

Public Comment Period and Information Sessions New Gold Inc. is proposing the construction and operation of an open pit gold and silver mine located approximately 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof, British Columbia. As proposed, the project would produce 60,000 tonnes per day of gold and silver ore, over a mine life of 17 years. The Blackwater Gold Project is subject to review under both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) and B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Act and is undergoing a coordinated environmental assessment. Public Comment Period The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) and B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) are inviting the public to comment on the ongoing environmental assessment of the Blackwater Gold Project. The proponent has recently submitted its Environmental Impact Statement / Application (EIS / Application) which describes the project and its potential to cause environmental, heritage, health, social, and economic effects. A copy of the complete EIS / Application and more information is available online at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca and at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. A summary of the document in English or French is also available on the Agency’s website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca. Submit comments from January 20, 2016 to February 19, 2016: By Online Form: www.eao.gov.bc.ca By Email: [email protected]

By Fax: 250-387-2208

By mail: Blackwater Gold Project

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 410-701 West Georgia Street Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1C6

OR Blackwater Gold Project Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9V1

The Agency accepts comments in either English or in French. Comments only need to be submitted once to either the Agency or the EAO to be considered for both the provincial and federal environmental assessments. Copies of the summary and the complete EIS / Application are also available for viewing at these locations: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Vancouver, B.C. Viewing by appointment only Telephone: 604-666-2431 Fraser Lake Public Library 228 Endako Avenue Fraser Lake, B.C.

Vanderhoof Public Library 230 Stewart Street East Vanderhoof, B.C Prince George Public Library Bob Harkins Branch 888 Canada Games Way Prince George, B.C.

Burns Lake Public Library 585 Government Street Burns Lake, B.C. Prince George Public Library Nechako Branch 6547 Hart Highway Prince George, B.C.

Fort St. James Public Library 425 Manson Street Fort St. James, B.C. Cariboo Regional District Library Quesnel Branch 101-410 Kinchant Street Quesnel, B.C.

Information Sessions: February 2, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Nechako Senior Friendship Centre 219 Victoria Street East Vanderhoof, B.C.

February 3, 2016, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mouse Mountain Elementary School 266 Taluk Avenue Fraser Lake, B.C.

Information on the Blackwater Gold Project and the EIS / Application will be available at the information sessions, and interested individuals will be able to speak with provincial and federal representatives and New Gold Inc.’s technical team.

All submissions received by the Agency and the EAO during the comment period in relation to the Blackwater Gold Project are considered public. Comments will be posted to the EAO website and will become part of the Agency project file.

Our pet of the week is Wendy! This little beauty came into us highly UN-socialized and very scared, and while she is still very shy she has improved leaps and bounds! Wendy enjoys the company of other cats who are friendly, but would probably do better in a house hold with NO dogs. Wendy would be great in a quiet

BC SPCA your fi rst adoption option!

In part with Omineca Express

This ad is sponsored by

FUR BABIES PET BOUTIQUE

Jodi Carlton2421 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof

250-567-4646

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT DEMETRIOR NEED MORE INFO PLEASE CALL

250-562-5511

home with children 14+ or preferably no children. Wendy will need lots of TLC and positive reinforcement to help her turn out to be the best kitty she can be! If you have time and a lot of love to give a little cat with lots of potential then we urge you to come down and visit her today!

At the December 8th, 2015 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board, Directors approved $422,436.00 in funding for six new projects, bringing the year-to-date total amount approved across the NKDF investment area to $459,896.00.

The six projects are:

Village of Fraser Lake will receive $100,000.00 to relocate the Fraser Lake Museum and Visitor Information Centre to a new site along Highway 16, and to renovate the interior of the museum and update and repair exhibits.

District of Vanderhoof is awarded $100,000.00 to go towards architectural and construction drawings for the proposed Aquatic Centre.

Village of Burns Lake is approved for $100,000.00 to go towards replacing the current Ammonia Plant at the arena with a new Freon Plant.

Lakes District Airport Society is approved in the amount of $100,000.00 to assist with resurfac-ing the Baker Airport Runway.

Decker Lake Recreation commission is award-ed $11,181.00 for the Decker Lake Hall Freshen and Finish project.

Rose Lake Community Club is approved for funding in the amount of $11,255.00 to go toward Renovations and Upgrades.

“The funding for these six projects demon-strates NKDF’s clear commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in the Nechako-Kitamaat area and creating sustainable neigh-bourhoods for B.C. families,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. “Investments in runway upgrades, museum renovations and com-munity projects provide signifi cant opportunities that contribute to the betterment of our commu-nities by creating jobs and strengthening local economies.”

“Rio Tinto is proud of our contribution to the NKDF and the great projects that result from the fund. It is projects such as these that help our

communities grow and become a place that professionals and skilled workers want to come to raise their families. These projects support a quality of life in our communities we have all come to enjoy.” Gaby Poirier, General Manager of Rio Tinto’s Aluminium group in BC.

NKDF Chair Wayne Salewski says, “These projects and grant approvals are the result of the efforts of many contrib-uting parties, including local governments, volunteers, and funding partners. NKDF Directors are pleased to support projects that benefi t the communities the benefi ting area.”

“By upgrading airport runways and renovating recre-ational facilities, the NKDF is enhancing residents’ lives,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said.

The next proposal deadline is February 2th, 2016 and

NKDF accepts requests under $5,000.00 at any time. The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society was

jointly established in 1997 with a combined contribution of $15 million by the government of British Columbia and the former Alcan Inc., now Rio Tinto. The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano proj-ect and focuses on the communities in the Ootsa, Lakes, Nechako and Haisla regions of the north.

The Society encourages applications from local govern-ments and legally incorporated non-profi t organizations. NKDF invests in projects that create sustainable employ-ment, diversify the economy, and improve the basic infra-structure needed for community stability, quality of life and growth.

$422,436 of funding approved for six new projects in Nechako Lakes region


NEWSExpress

FCC is again presenting inspiring, informative speakers, hands-on workshops and engaging seminars across the country. For anyone with an interest in Canadian agriculture – for free.

Find the events that benefit your operation, and register today.

fcc.ca/Events

FEED YOUR MIND Then go feed the world

JOIN US for free

workshops and seminars 125+

events100+

cities and towns10,000+

attendees

Early DeadlinesDue to Family Day HolidayDue to Family Day Holiday

(Monday, February 8th, 2016)(Monday, February 8th, 2016)

Please note the following Please note the following

changes to deadlines.changes to deadlines.

Omineca Express & Caledonia Courier February 10th issue

DEADLINE: Thursday, February 4th @ 4pm.

OFFICE HOURSCLOSED: Monday, February 8, 2016

Find quality employees.

Some of the fi nancial pressure faced by pro-spective business students in B.C. can be re-duced, thanks to David Black, owner of Black Press.

Graduating high school students in 37 of the province’s school districts, intending to study busi-ness at the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business, can apply for a $5,000 scholarship.

The Black Press Business scholarship is award-ed based on academic merit, leadership and a dem-onstrated desire to make a positive difference in the world. Students must apply to the Gustavson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce Pro-gram before Feb. 28 to be eligible.

Information about the scholarship is online at: www.gustavson.uvic.ca/blackpress.

The scholarship was established in 2008 by Black to give students from across the province ac-cess to a business education.

Black chose the Gustavson School of Business because of the innovative program format. Students spend their last two years of their degree fully im-mersed in the business school where they can spe-cialize in entrepreneurship, service management, international business or management where they customize a program that suits their interests. Ev-ery student takes at least two paid co-operative work terms, has the opportunity to participate in an international exchange, and learns about sustain-able business practices.

Black Press off ers $5,000 business scholarships

Girls on Ice, a free wilderness educa-tion program, is accepting applications now through Jan. 29. Each year, two teams of nine teenage girls and three instructors spend 12 days exploring and learning about mountain glaciers and al-pine landscapes in Alaska or Washington through scientifi c fi eld studies with pro-fessional glaciologists, artists and moun-taineers.

The program, operated by the Univer-sity of Alaska Fairbanks College of Natu-ral Science and Mathematics, will offer two expeditions this year:

- Girls on Ice Alaska is designed

specifi cally for girls ages 16 to 18 who are from Alaska, the Pacifi c Northwest, British Columbia, Yukon or California. The Alaska expedition runs June 17–28, 2016, and girls sleep under the midnight sun while exploring an Alaska glacier.

- The Girls on Ice North Cascades expedition is geared toward girls from all countries ages 16 to 18 and explores Mount Baker, an ice-covered volcano in Washington. The North Cascades expedi-tion runs July 10–21, 2016. To be eligi-ble, girls must be at least 16 years old by June 17 and no older than 18 on July 21.

The program helps girls learn about

the natural processes that create the alpine world, develop critical thinking skills and explore the connection between science and art. Participants learn how to travel on glaciers, design their own experiments and work as part of a team.

Girls are able to participate in this pro-gram tuition-free through small grants, gifts from individuals and support from the National Science Foundation, the Alaska Climate Science Center and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

For more information and to learn about the application process, go to http://girlsonice.org/apply/.

Bursaries for girls’ Alaska trip

150 W. Columbia St.Box 1007Vanderhoof, B.C.V0J 3A0

Phone: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

- B.C. Press Council

Subscriptions - (per year GST incl.) Local - $43.50

Seniors - $37.30 Outside Area - $60.15 Copyright Canada No. 22 Serial No. 132934

The Omineca Express is published every Wednesdayin Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd.

Publisher:Pam [email protected]

Editor/Reporter:Vivian [email protected]

Offi ce:Denise Smithoffi [email protected]

Creative Services:Julia [email protected]

The Omineca Express 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


OPINIONExpress

We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund

of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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

Tom FletcherBlack Press

In the early days of this new year, readers have advised me to do several things. I’ll go with one that seems rela-tively painless, embracing the “sunny ways” of our new federal government and seeking optimism in these fragile times.

For starters, we have a building boom going on in the southwest. Here in Victo-ria, cranes dot the skyline as new residen-tial-commercial projects emerge from

bedrock, and hardhats are mostly on construction workers, scratched and backwards, rather than shiny and forward on politicians.

Shipyards are busy, with Royal Canadian Navy work and cruise ship refi ts to reduce their emissions, plus work on ferries, tugboats and barges.

Most of the activity is private investment, much of it in a hot housing market. Surrey has just recorded its second-highest total for building permits in history, a value of $1.46 billion nearly matching the pre-recession peak of 2007.

Thousands of provincial employees get a small raise in February, based on stronger than forecast economic growth in 2014. It works out to $300 a year for a medical technologist and $346 for a teacher.

Health care costs are rising less dramatically. That should ease the crisis atmosphere at provincial and federal health ministers’ negotiations over the funding formula, taking place this week in Vancouver.

Health Minister Terry Lake announced last week that the prov-ince is increasing funding for a promising program in cancer re-search, using genetic analysis to improve targeting for drugs to treat the hundreds of different cancers diagnosed in B.C. patients each year.

The B.C. Cancer Agency’s new director, Dr. Malcolm Moore, oncologist Dr. Janessa Laskin and Dr. Marco Marra, director of the agency’s Genome Science Centre, described a world-leading cen-tre of research that is reaching out to specialists and their patients across the province and attracting international funding and talent for ground-breaking research.

Outside the urban regions, where retail sales and real estate mainly drive the economy, sunny ways are harder to fi nd. The mining and natural gas sectors are in the grip of a slump in commodity prices, with more temporary mine closures expected.

The forest industry is being helped by the low Canadian dollar and a steady recovery in the U.S. economy, and tourism is expected to have another strong year as Americans take advantage of a discount

Things that are going well in B.C.

Dermod TravisExecutive Director of

IntegrityBC

Proving it’s easier to announce an action plan than implement one, parts of the B.C. health ministry’s 2011 plan “to strengthen physician hir-ing and oversight and en-hance public confi dence” remain bogged down to this day in consultations.

Following the plan’s release, the ministry en-gaged KPMG “to conduct a review of systems and processes for the licens-ing, credentialing, privi-leging and performance management of all physi-cians across the province.”

KPMG retained To-ronto-based law fi rm Os-borne Margo to undertake a legislative and regula-tory review.

They detailed a litany

of ills ailing the system. No news release or news conference with these re-ports, though.

KPMG didn’t pull any punches: “Stakeholders were clear that they want-ed a strong ministry who advised organizations what to achieve, provided performance manage-ment frameworks and ac-countability frameworks, with the organizations themselves allowed to conceive and implement the necessary governance processes and delivery mechanisms.”

Those same stakehold-ers felt the ministry “falls short of this strong stew-ardship role.”

Osborne Margo’s re-port noted that “some existing legislative provi-sions impede or interfere with quality assurance and performance manage-

ment functions.”Next up was the min-

istry’s governance model for health authorities.

Under the Hospital Act, the boards of direc-tors of the fi ve authorities were responsible for ap-proving physician creden-tialing and privileging.

Appointed by the min-ister, each board has six to nine members.

They’re paid posts. One chair pulled in $30,000 last year and di-rectors up to $20,000.

Only one, Wynne Pow-ell, didn’t accept his stipend.

KPMG pointed out that “Although boards receive reports and approve privi-leges, most directors not-ed that they had to have a high level of trust that the processes within the authority were being fol-lowed...(but) there is little evidence, by way of audit

or similar routine checks, to give boards comfort that these processes have been followed.”

They recommended the ministry “review gov-ernance models in other jurisdictions to establish whether a case could or should be made for a dif-ferent model of gover-nance within health care to refl ect commercial leading practice and allow greater levels of direct ac-countability for executive management.”

They acknowledged that “This may be com-plicated as the governance model in B.C. has been established for some years and there appears to be little appetite for change.”

Board members are better known for who they know than what they know about health care.

See more on page 13

KPMG recommended health ministry review governance model

Tom Fletcher

on visits to B.C.Central 1 Credit Union broke down the regional

employment numbers for B.C. in 2015, and found job growth in every region except the Cariboo. Province-wide employment grew 1.2 per cent last year, ahead of the national rate. That may not sound like much, but compared to Alberta’s oil-dependent economy, it’s pret-ty good.

Construction of a new dam on the Peace River is expected to ramp up this year, bringing workers home from Alberta, and the federal government is planning to fast-track its promised infrastructure spending to create work across the country.

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett was in To-

ronto last week to ring the opening bell at the stock ex-change with B.C. mining industry representatives.

Not much sun on mining stocks these days, but Ben-nett’s sales pitch to an investor luncheon included refer-ence to two more mines under construction in northwest B.C., the province’s Pacifi c Rim trade advantage, and revenue sharing with First Nations that is attracting at-tention of other provinces.

The Conference Board of Canada has forecast that B.C.’s economy will “lead the country by a wide margin over the near term,” with unemployment declining in 2016.

We’re at the mercy of global forces, but things could be a whole lot worse.


NEWSExpress

Integris in Vanderhoof is currently searching for an individual to fill the position of Financial Planning Support. This 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 SUPPORTVanderhoof; Permanent, Full-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.

Moose-nappers spotted!

SUBMITTED photos

Moose abducters from Nechako Valley Arts Council were spotted in downtown Vanderhoof on Jan. 23. Moose is on the move as the arts council settles it into its new home at the Arts wing of Integris Community Centre. Drop-in sketching sessions on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. started this week on Jan. 25 — with a theme of feathers and wings.


NEWSExpress

Nechako Valley

Secondarypresents:

fi ne arts showdown

between video, art,

theatre

VIVIAN CHUI photos

Above: Zechariah Nightingale (far right) played Nick Bottom in A Su-per Groovy Night’s Dream with NVSS’s Theatre Performance 11-12 class in the Integris Community Theatre on Jan. 21.

Right: NVSS’s fi ne art show begins with artwork of various themes and medium in the school’s fi ne arts wing.

Below and bottom right: Derek Williams and Brittany Penner played Lysander and Hermia in the play, whose characters included high school hippies, drama and math/science clubs, as well as jocks.


COMMUNITYExpress

Weekend birthday celebration for VanderhoofLeft: Students from Evelyn Dickson and W. L. McLeod Elementary gathered in Vanderhoof’s arena on Jan. 22 for cupcakes and to sing “Happy Birthday” to Vanderhoof.

Bottom left: Vanderhoof’s older citizens learned and relived the history of Vanderhoof through a display of photographs from the Nechako Valley HIstorical Society in Vanderhoof’s arena on Jan. 22.

Below: On Jan. 23 before fi reworks, families gathered for the birthday celebration at Riverside Park, including speeches from Mayor Gerry Thiessen (left), MP Todd Doherty, and Jerry Petersen from the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

VIVIAN CHUI photos


NEWSExpress

Your complete source for island travel.

*Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. No purchase necessary. Winner chosen by random draw. Odds determined by number of entries. Travel valid from any Alaska Airlines gateway in North America. Winner travel dates, times and package components subject to change &

availability. Restrictions apply. Contest ends on January 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. HST. See website for complete details.

Visit the NEW Hawaii.comEnter To Win a Waikiki Beach Getaway for Two*

Roundtrip Airfare aboard Alaska Airlines, Five Nights at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and Dinner at Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Experience Hawaii like you live here…on-line. Choose an Island that’s right for you, fi nd the resort of your dreams

then explore all the activities, shopping and dining that await you in paradise!

And right now, you could win airfare from any Alaska Airlines gateway across North America, enjoy the fun Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and dine in true island-style at Tiki’s!

For more information and to register, visit hawaii.com

Vivian ChuiOmineca Express

The sport of curling is reaching to younger and younger audiences in Vanderhoof, as the dis-trict’s fi rst curling program for elementary school students kicked off at the curling rink on Jan. 13.

More than 20 students from Northside Chris-tian School, Sinkutview Elementary, W. L. McLeod Elementary, and Evelyn Dickson El-ementary are currently registered in the weekly after-school program on Wednesdays, said Lo-retta Stephen, the program’s organizer.

Curling was offered in Vanderhoof’s second-ary school three years ago, but the program end-ed when students’ interest decreased, Stephen explained.

Also teaching Grade 1 students at Evelyn Dickson Elementary, Stephen previously brought classes to the curling rink, as part of the students’ physical education program.

“We got interest that way, showing them what it’s like,” she said.

Some students were also interested because their family are curlers as well, Stephen added.

Currently offered to students in grades four to six, the curling program teaches strategy, as well as offering an opportunity for exercise and stretching, she explained.

“There’s also etiquette, such as shaking hands

after a game and positive comments when you play,” she said. “They also learn how to clean the ice and responsibility — taking care of ev-erything.”

Stephen hopes to organize a curling play day in May — similar to others that are currently of-fered for other sports such as ultimate — hosting teams from Fraser Lake and Fort St. James.

She also hopes to continue students’ interest into high school, providing the next generation of curlers.

“It’s a sport for all ages,” Stephen said.For Grade 6 student Milo Walker from Evelyn

Dickson Elementary, it’s his fi rst time playing the sport.

“I just think it’s fun,” Walker said. “One of the only sports I like.”

He joined to try a different sport, and curling is now one of this favourite — with delivering the rocks being his favourite part of the game, he said.

“I wanted to try something new,” Walker said. “I will defi nitely continue playing.”

The young curlers are currently coached by volunteers from the local curling community, in-cluding those who have graduated from the high school curling program in the past.

Continuing every Wednesday after school un-til spring break, the program’s registration is still open for interested students.

New program for youth curlers

Left: Curlers from Evelyn Dickson Elementary practiced rock delivery and sweeping at Vanderhoof’s curling rink on Jan. 20.

Bottome left: Loretta Stephen, organizer of the extracurricular curling program for elementary school students, demonstrated and explained how to aim rock deliveries at Vanderhoof’s curling rink on Jan. 20.Stephen started the program this to generate more interest for the sport in younger players. “I started curling in Grade 8,” she said.

VIVIAN CHUI photos

10 days of winter festivities!

PLUS a Plaza Party on Feb 13th including:+ Concerts on the BCLC Centre Stage

+ Free admission to Two Rivers Gallery+ Food trucks+ Fireworks

www.celebratepg.com#celebratepg

February 5-14, 2016

CelebratePRINCE GEORGE Winter Festival

Presented by:

For a full list of events visit


COMMUNITYExpress

HO

LIST

IC A

LTER

NAT

IVE

THER

APY

BY

MA

GD

ALE

NA

SA

ITO

Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner

250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.comYoung Living Essential Oils Distributor & Re exologist

Flu!Let’s take a moment to talk about what is currently plaguing our winter season.

The fl u is a respiratory illness cause by the infl uenza virus (antibiotics cannot help in viral situations) that stays in the body for several days until the body’s immune system begins to fi ght it off. Some fl u symptoms you can expect are:

· Coughing· Sneezing· Fever· Body aches· Runny nose/ congestion· Tiredness

Although they may be a bother, a visit to the doctor may do no good, and take up valuable clinic time and full waiting rooms where you can easily spread the virus, or catch it if you don’t already have it. Your time would be better spent recuperating, and getting well! Because the fl u weakens the immune system here are a few tips to get it back up to par: chicken soup, no refi ned sugars of any kind, lots of fl uids, plenty of rest, vitamins and supplements such as Vitamin C, B-Complex if you are stressed or a sleep aid to help you rest. Your best preventative is to wash your hands and sneeze into your elbow. Keep your hands away from your face and wash them often, especially after handling door handles, pens, money , produce etc. Daily drops of essential oils to boost your immune system would be: oregano at the fi rst sign of symptoms, Thieves essential oil is a great smelling and powerful oil blend that you can take orally, or invest in some products like their foaming hand soaps, moisturizing hand sanitizers, lozenges and more to boost your immune system, keep you safe from many airborne pathogens, and also protect your home!

Stay hydrated and take the time to get well. If you must work take precautions such as listed above, you can also wear a coughing mask, limit sharing of offi ce supplies, and boost that immune system!

All the best! And remember that following a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent catching a fl u to begin with.

TechnopureTechnopurePurifi ed Purifi ed Drinking Drinking

WaterWater DemineralizedDemineralized

Sales & Sales & RentalsRentals

250-699-6688250-699-6688

WATER COOLERS

AVAILABLEIdeal for

homes and businesses


Over ten skaters represented Vanderhoof’s Nechako Figure Skating Club in the fi rst fi gure skating competition of the season at Cariboo North Central Regional Figure Skating Championships in Prince George over the weekend, joining 250 competitors across the region.

The club’s registration has increased this year, as it handed over the responsibility of running the arena concession to the District of Vanderhoof, requiring less volunteer hours from members, explained Kari Ann Gilbert, the club’s president.

“We had three pre-stars (beginner fi gure skat-ers) last year…this year there’s 12,” Gilbert said, adding that the new members provide a good base, as the older fi gure skaters retire from the program after high school.

For Destiny Fjeller and Larissa Hassman, it’s the fi rst competition of their fi gure skating career, providing a fun opportunity to evaluate their learn-ing progress in various techniques — including, solos, jumps, and spins.

For Abby Delisle and Shae-Lynn Geernaert, focusing on adding the double Salchow to their jumps at the competition, it’s their ninth year of fi gure skating.

“I just like learning big jumps and spins…the challenge,” Delisle said. “I’m excited to compete for the fi rst time this year.”

Geernaert enjoys spending time with her fellow

fi gure skaters throughout the years and at competi-tions.

“It’s nerve-wracking, but when the music starts, you zone out and forget everyone there,” she said.

Grade 6 student Abigail Stewart, who competed for the fi rst time in last year’s regional competition and won fi rst place in the jumps, spins, and cre-ative categories, is learning loop jumps this year.

She’s also looking to improve her sit spins — spins have now replaced jumps as her favourite aspect of fi gure skating, though she has also per-formed well in creative events, Stewart explained.

“I often dance around at home,” she said. “I really like music; that helps me.”

Second-generation Nechako fi gure skaters

For fi ve of the club’s members, fi gure skating is not new to the family, as their parents had donned on fi gure skates and competed for the Nechako Figure Skating Club in the past.

“I started [fi gure skating] when I was three and continued until I was 19,” said Jeannie Garrett, whose nine-year-old daughter Ayva Lewis joined the club three years ago.

“It’s something that I love to do…my favourite was the jumps,” Garett said, adding that her sisters were part of the club as well.

This year, she has returned to the ice with a weekly skate.

“Watching everybody else skating just made me want to do it,” she said.

SUBMITTED photo

Dyllan Beal placed 3rd in the Star 1 jumps at the Cariboo North Central Regional Figure Skating Championships held in the Prince George Fri-day Jan. 22 to Saturday Jan. 23, 2016.

Figure skating season jumps off with regionals


Close to 100 archers from the region — including visitors from Williams Lake, Smithers, and Chetwynd — aimed and shot onVanderhoof’s Nechako Valley Exhibition grounds on Jan. 23 and 24.

Featuring three-dimensional animal targets in mid-leap or fl ight, the annual competition is one of the region’s annual shooting events hosted by various cities throughout winter for archers of all ages, levels, as well as bow types — composite or classic, for example, explained event organizer Richard Wheeler.

Outdoor shooting targets with variable terrain will start during summer.

Family 3-D shooting funWith some competi-tors coming as fami-lies — grandfather shooting with daugh-ter and grandson — the event provides an affordable way for multi-generations to spend a weekend together, and for ar-chers to improve themselves based on individual scores, said Keri-Lee Derk-sen, whose children competed this week-end.

VIVIAN CHUI photo


Vanderhoof celebrating 90 yearsFort St. James celebrating 210 years

From June 1986,Caledonia Courier

Bruce Russell Sr. remembers the De-pression era in Fort St. James as the best of times.

He remembers Fort St. James in the 1930’s when a family was fortunate to have three meals a day on the table, even if it was only porridge.

He remembers when the government of the town consisted of a Board of Trade, one police offi cer and one game warden.

He remembers when the 60 foot trees on the property he purchased in 1938 were mere seedlings.

He remembers when life in Fort St. James was harder, simpler, and in his opin-ion, better.

In 1924, Russell’s father a harness mak-er in Edmonton, heard word that there was money to be made in the Nechako Valley.

He moved his family to the region, where they would spend the winter months in Vanderhoof and the summers in Fort St. James.

Russell took his formal schooling by correspondence until Grade 11 and in 1931 he entered the work force.

“I did a combination of anything I could do; I worked at the lodge, babysat, played an accordion at dances, just about anything I could fi nd,” he says.

In 1934, Russell met his wife Peggy Turnbull. The responsibility of supporting a family pressed him to fi nd more perma-nent work, and he was hired at the Depart-ment of Highways, where he “did every-thing.”

After four years of developing Fort St. James area highways, Russell turned to the Shell Oil Company, where he would work for 18 years while doing a little trucking “on the side”.

“I eventually got a truck -- I hauled anything and everything...groceries, fuel. I trucked north for 120 miles, before the highways.”

Russell remembers the early days of Fort St. James as good years, although the residents there (approximately 70 white people in the period to which he refers) did not have much to their names or pock-et-books.

“We were never poor, but we never had any money. We were always healthy, al-ways had a little on the table..for that we always felt fortunate.”

He adds that it all depends on one’s defi nition of poor.

“(The Depression) was the best time people ever had -- everyone was on a simi-lar level.”

The “same level” was defi ned in part by a monetary system that was a far cry from today’s paper legacy. Russell remembers

when everyone had a garden and when it was commonplace to be paid off for odd jobs with fruits, vegetables or meat.

No one looked down at anyone, he re-members, except when they deviated from the status quo of the moral majority.

“Drunks at dances were thrown out...and if a man came in with another man’s wife he was fl attened. Some people were chased right out of town,” he says, adding: “It was good.”

Russell remembers the 30’s as a time when “you appreciated every day.”

Evenings out in the 1930’s Fort St. James were nothing less than “marvel-ous”, remembers Russell.

“It was great -- you put on your snow-shoes to trek over to a friend’s house and play cards and drink tea...You’d some-times stay out till four in the morning.”

Alcohol was usually completely out the question, reports Russell, partly because no one could afford to make it, and buy-ing it was nearly impossible. If people had extra money, he says, it usually was used to purchase a sack of fl our.”

“You might have the odd drink on Christmas Eve or New Years -- probably about twice a year for most people,” he says. “You never had a beer after work or anything life that -- it would probably be frozen solid anyway by the time you got home. There were no refrigerators back

then.”Russell feels that if the quality of com-

munity life in Fort St. James has dropped since the 30’s, it’s because of alcohol.

“There was never any vandalism, there was the odd murder, but it was always done by an outsider. Adultery was abso-lutely frowned on, and it almost never hap-pened.”

He believes family attitude against al-cohol was a large deterrent.

Fort St. James community spirit in the 1930’s was especially bright, remembers Russell. People were always willing to help each other out in a bind, and commu-nity projects, like the curling rink, were done by the sweat of everyone’s brow.

“People would always give what they could give,” asserts Russell.

Today’s Fort St. James, laments Rus-sell, is not the same town as the one 50 years ago. Too much booze and too much money has resulted in a community with a much thinner lining.

“People’s priorities back then were not to get a better car or take a trip at Christ-mas,” he remembers. “One of the main things was to have enough clothes to wear and something to eat.”

Russell adds that he understands times have changed, but that people shouldn’t hold their breath that we will always be so comparatively rich.

Feb 17, 1977The combination of en-

ergy restrictions and extreme weather conditions is begin-ning to have serious repercus-sions on second-class mail en-tering eastern Canada from the United States. In a nut shell -- magazines, newspapers and other periodicals are simply not arriving.

The area most affected is the New York State - Ontario area. Trucks, which normally transport second class mail,

are prohibited from travelling on roads and highways which cross the border. In addition, international traffi c at other eastern border crossing points is considerably reduced.

Emergency measures to divert natural gas and other forms of energy from commer-cial/industrial uses to residen-tial consumption is resulting in the temporary closure of some publishing houses including a major one in Dayton, Ohio. Others are reported operating

well below normal.Specifi c publications re-

ported to be affected by this unique problem include: The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Newsweek, and Mc-Call’s. Many others will be in-volved before the current dual crisis concludes. Meanwhile subscribers to periodicals pub-lished in eastern United States are advised that the majority of those publications are not being received in the Canadian postal system at this time.

1972A $177,000 project to expand and improve

long distance telephone facilities in Fort St. James will begin in 1972 by BC Tel.

Construction plans were announced last week. Work involves replacing the outdated transmis-sion equipment now used on the Prince George - Fort St. James system, with a more updated unit. Related transmission gear will be installed in the Fraser Mountain radio site.

The work planned in Fort St. James is part of a $10.5 million program to expand and improve tele-phone facilities in the north central interior of BC.

1977Members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance

of Way Employees (BMWE) union, working for the BCR here are being raided by two other unions according to one spokesperson.

The Canadian Union of Transportation Em-ployees (CUTE) and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) have both sent rep-resentatives to the Fort St. James area in recent

weeks in attempts to persuade BMWE members to transfer to the other two unions.

1980Tachie and Pinchi are slated for phones this

year as BC Tel’s service improvements program reaches these areas.

A $452,000 project will begin this year to pro-vide initial service to the inhabitants of Tachie and Pinchi, north of Fort St. James. The project includes installation of special switching equip-ment and a radio system. Residents of the Village currently have no telephone service other than ac-cess by radio-telephone.

1981The Necoslie Band Manager has released a re-

port on the cost of the proposed gymnasium on the reserve.

The total cost of the structure is estimated at $623,200. The Band has $400,000 available in a capi-tal fund in Ottawa and hopes to make up the rest of the cost in volunteer labour which has been estimated at $145,000 and grants from a number of sources.

Mail not getting through

Th e Depression was a good time in the Fort

Did you know....

Taken from the August 4, 1956 edition of the Nechako Chronicle on the celebration of Fort St. James 150th Anniversary.


PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even includeschool activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photoby e-mail ([email protected]) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo.This week’s submission....

like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided. Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising. Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June.

Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966

[email protected]

***SENIORS CONNECTED... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance. Phone 250-567-8587.For more information contact email at [email protected]

***CALLING ALL SENIORS... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker - Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Erling Clemmensen for more info: 250-567-9927.

***AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The Al-Anon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318.

***THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 567-9705.

***V’HOOF HOSPICE SOCIETY... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profi t charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or [email protected]

***THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifi cally the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk.

***BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out

and have some fun!***

ENDAKO HALL SOCIETY... meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall at 7:30pm.

***THE YELLOWHEAD DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484.

***NECHAKO QUILTERS GUILD... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 567-5254.

***THE FRASER QUILTERS GUILD... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall. Newcomers welcome.

***HOSPICE TREE OF LIFE... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or [email protected]

***THE FRASER LAKE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP... meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in Autumn Services. For further information call Judy at 250-699-7763.

***VANDERHOOF 899 AIR CADET SQUADRON...Cadets will meet every TUESDAY night – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel. Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the offi cers at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel Tuesday night. For more information call: Capt. John Callaghan - 250-640-0218, Yvonne Melo - 250-690-7496 Evenings.

***AA MEETING... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 567-4588

***FRASER LAKE AA MEETINGS... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from the Village Hall.

***ST. JOHN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SOCIETY... meets second Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July & August) at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. For further info contact Edna 567-9759 - New members welcome.

***VANDERHOOF

LIBRARY HOURSTuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pmFriday 10:00 am to 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm***

FRASER LAKE LIBRARY HOURS

Sunday & Monday ClosedTuesday 10am - 4pm

Wednesday & Thursday12pm - 8pm

Friday 10am - 4pmSaturday 10am - 2pm

***NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS

Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

COMING 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 non-profi 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 155 W. Columbia. Decision of the publisher is fi nal.

***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

***DIVORCECARE... Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most diffi cult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone.DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. You can get additional information from www.divorcecare.org.DivorceCare Group - Thursdays at 7 pm, Feb-April. 780 Loop Road in Vanderhoof (White House across from Nechako Christian Fellowship). Open to anyone who is experiencing the pain of separation or divorce. You can join the group at any time.For more information and to register, call or text Bob Clark 250.570.9203, June Clark 250.570.9338 or Dave Robinson 778.344.2292

***THE VANDERHOOF CHESS CLUB... Exercise your brain! All ages, from beginner to master, feel free to join the Vanderhoof Chess Club every Monday through the school year (except Statutory holidays) 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the NVSS library. It’s FREE. Play chess with friends and meet new people. Use our boards or bring your own. Our goals are to have fun playing chess and to host an Annual Vanderhoof Chess Tournament. For details please contact Jeff Obayashi at [email protected] or Jeremy Hara at NVSS to sign up for the chess club and/or tournament.

***ADULT BADMINTON...Thursdays at 8:30 pm. Bring your own racket, and wear indoor runners. More info call 250-567-9908.

***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

***GIRL GUIDES...

Sparks meets 5-6pm Mondays @ United Church.

Brownies meets 6-7:30pmm Mondays @ United Church.

Girl Guides meets 6-7:30pm, Mondays at St. Josephs Gym.

Pathfi nders meets 6-7:30pm Mondays @ Lutheran Church.

For info on any of these please call Laura Freeman 250-567-6997.

***VANDERHOOF PAIN SELF-MANAGEMENT GROUP...Do you struggle with persistent pain? Do you feel like your pain is holding your life hostage? Find it diffi cult to talk about your pain? Join us for an evening of education and understanding at the Vanderhoof Peer-Led Pain Self-Management Group can help you find answers to your questions. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. at the Vanderhoof Public Library - Multipurpose Room, 230 Stewart St E, Vanderhoof. Sharing the struggles and the solutions with other people who truly understand, in a safe environment, will help you reduce isolation, grieve the losses and gain an understanding of persistent pain and how you can take back control of your life. For more information please check out our website: www.pipain.com

***VANDERHOOF AIR CADETS... Meetings - Tues 6:30-9:30 at the Gospel Chapel For more information call: 250-640-0218 or 250-570-7496

***STUART NECHAKO MANOR...looking for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information.

***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....Would you

Nechako NotesNechako Notes

VIVIAN CHUI photos

Over 70 curlers from Vanderhoof Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James, and Prince George participated in the Combined Men’s and Ladies’ Bonspiel hosted by the Vanderhoof CurlingClub Jan. 15 & 16, 2016.

VANDERHOOF’S VANDERHOOF’S FAITHFAITH

For more information or to joinVanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory

Call Pam at 250-567-9258

Church Directory

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

The Church on the Corner“Giving you a Purpose to live for

and People to live with”Worship Service: 11:00 amSunday School: 9:45 am

Small Groups meeting together regularly:

We have a place for you to belong!For more information call

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive

The Gospel Chapel

448 Connaught Street

For more information call567-3107

www.thegospelchapel.ca

Our MissionGlorifying God by helping all people move closer to

Jesus Christ one step at a time.

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

(Affi liated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada)

For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

1393 Highway 16 East250-567-4960

Join us Sundays @ 9:30 amEveryone Welcome!

Visit our website:nechakocommunitychurch.com

Nechako Christian Fellowship

WELCOMES YOU!11:00 am Worship Service

767 Loop RoadEmail: [email protected]

“...holding forth the Word of life...” Phil 2:16

Christ - CenteredBible - Based

Missions - MindedNon-Denominational

From page 6A handful have a health back-

ground, including former health min-ister Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, but they’re the exception.

The rest include lawyers, accoun-tants, foresters, a fl orist, a former broadcast journalist, fi nancial advi-sors, civic politicians (past and pres-ent) and an urban designer.

Something else most of the direc-tors have in common? The B.C. Lib-eral party.

Fifty-fi ve individuals sat on the six boards last year, including the provin-cial health services authority.

Since 2005, 36 have made person-al or corporate donations to the party totalling more than $230,000. Of the 19 who didn’t, at least six have party ties.

If few board members have a health background, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that KPMG found: “There (was) no common defi nition for ‘credentialing’ and ‘privileging’ within the system and they are used interchangeably, creating confusion.”

In the how not to get ahead in your career department: performance over-sight was being left to nurses, with physicians relying “on nursing staff to raise red fl ags or fi le a complaint

if a physician is performing outside their approved scope of practice.”

Osborne Margo’s review revealed “a lack of province-wide standards and requirements in a variety of areas relating to physician oversight and performance reviews.”

They included: “Lack of defi ned, clearly communicated requirements for reporting physician performance concerns to the College and a lack of requirements for the review and crite-ria for privilege appointments across all categories, specialties, and prac-tice settings and the reappointment process to ensure continued compe-tency and quality of care.”

Issues with the oversight of non-hospital medical surgical facilities were also fl agged, including: “a lack of rigorous, province-wide standards for providers and premises to ensure patient safety.”

More than four years after the government set out its action plan, there’s been some progress, but few slam dunks.

As B.C. auditor general Russ Jones put it in 2014: “It is often easier to identify and address smaller, pre-ventable issues than to try to correct broader, more deeply embedded is-sues.”

Recommended health ministry review


7418121

Take notice of proposed District of Vanderhoof Offi cial Community Plan Bylaw No. 1152, 2015 and District of Vanderhoof Zoning Bylaw No. 1153, 2015. The purpose of theses bylaws is to amend Offi cial Com-munity Plan Bylaw No. 1137, 2014 and Zoning Bylaw 994, 2006.

Subject PropertyLot 10, Section 17, Township 11, Range 5, Coast District Plan PRP6233 located at 2010 Mill Road, Vanderhoof BC, V0J 3A0.The Offi cial Community Plan for the area shown on the map will be amended from Industrial to Rural and the Zoning amended from Rural – Large Holdings (RR-2) to Rural – Small Holdings (RR-1)A PUBLIC HEARING has been scheduled in accor-dance with the provisions of the Local Government Act Section 890 for February 9th, 2016, at 5:15 pm in the District Council Chambers to hear from anyone who deems their interest to be affected by the pro-posed changes. Submissions at the Public Hearing may be in written or verbal form. Written submissions will be received at the District Offi ce up to the time of the Public Hearing. District of Vanderhoof Offi cial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1152, 2015 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1153, 2015 are available for in-spection at the District of Vanderhoof Offi ce located at 160 Connaught Street, Vanderhoof BC, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed for lunch 12:00 to 1:00 pm).Dated at Vanderhoof BC, this 15th day of January 2016.

Paul R. CarverCivil TechnologistDirector of Operations

SNOW REMOVAL – MUNICIPAL STREETS

The District of Vanderhoof would like to remind the public that – no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in a position that causes it to interfere with the removal of snow from a roadway. Residents are also reminded that sporting equipment, such as basketball hoops and hockey nets are not permitted on public streets. This restriction is necessary to facilitate snow removal by the municipal works crew during the winter months. Vehicles or equipment found to impede snow removal will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Your assistance in keeping our streets free of parked vehicles permits snow-clearing operations to proceed safely and effi ciently, saving your tax dollars.

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.www.dcac.ca [email protected]

HIP OR Knee replacement? Arthritic conditions or COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply today for assis-tance: 1-844-453-5372.

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE

20 January 2016

Reservoir Elevation: 852 m (2795.29 ft.)SLS Discharge: 29.74 m3/s

Visit websitewww.wateroffi ce.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time fl ow information for the Nechako River.

Visit websitehttp://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/da-ta/asp/real-time/basin_upperfraser.htm for up to date snow pack informa-tion.

Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-567-5105 for more information. A re-cording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250- 567-5812

CANCEL YOUR timeshare. No risk program. Stop mort-gage and maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

TravelSEE POLAR Bears, Walrus and Whales on our Arctic Ex-plorer Voyage next summer. Save 15% with our winter sale for a limited time. Call toll-free: 1-800-363-7566 or www.adventurecanada.com(TICO#04001400)

Employment

Business Opportunities

GET FREE High cash produc-ing Vending machines. $1 vend = .70 profi t. No competi-tion - fi nancing and locating services provided. Full details call now. 1-866-668-6629 Website: www.tcvend.com

In Memoriam In MemoriamIn Memoriam

CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST IIDistrict of Kitimat Full Time PermanentWage $39.86 - $48.23

Over 2 YearsCivil Technologist diplomarequired. Duties includesurveying, design, contract preparation and inspection on principal projects. Must be profi cient with electronic survey equipment, and Auto-Cad 3D.

Please Apply By February 15, 2016 4:30 pm,

by Fax: 250-632-4995, or email: [email protected]

Visit: www.kitimat.ca

OWNER OPERATORSFlatdeck Division

· Must be willing to run Western USA, BC and Alberta· Must currently hold a FAST card, or obtain one within 3 weeks of receiving a position.Benefi ts & Hiring Bonus!

Call Bob 604-888-2928 or email: [email protected]

Legal Notices Legal NoticesInformation Timeshare Career Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Con-tact us now to start your train-ing day. www.canscribe.com. 1.800.466.1535. [email protected].

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

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Infor-mation Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.

Announcements Travel Employment Employment Legal Legal

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

FightBack.Volunteeryour time,energy andskills today.

www.pitch-in.ca

Become a GREEN

SHOPPER!

WHERE DO YOU TURN

YOUR NEWSPAPER:The link to your community

TO LEARNWHAT’S

ON SALE?

You fi lled our days with laughter and love,

And said grandchildren were your gifts from above,

You loved us all and soothed away fears,

And guided us for many years.

No amount of wealth could match the worth,

For the gift of you, while on this earth.

And though you’ve been gone only a year,

Your spirit lives on in our memories so dear.

Joyce Reid March 31, 1931 – January 24, 2015

To Mom with love, Allan (Rosa)

Kenny (Trudie) Lynn (Philip)

Gary (Heather) Nadine (Brian) Renita (Tom).


VANDERHOOF AND AREABUSINESS DIRECTORY

EXCAVATING

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISINGADVERTISING ADVERTISING

Commercial and IndustrialPlumbing and HVAC

Heavy Water and Civil ConstructionWater Treatment and Filtration Systems

INSTALLATION & REPAIRS250-567-5888

EXCAVATINGPRAIRIEDALE EXCAVATING

Tandem dump truck, 4x4 Backhoe, gravel sales, general hauling, foundations,

water & sewer lines and snow removal.

All jobs BIG or small, give us a call!FRANK TEICHROEB

3393 Sinkutview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2

567-2029

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A CALL: 250-567-9258

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

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

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

Email: [email protected]

vertiserReaching Every DoorADSTUART

NECHAKO

PLUMBING

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

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

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

Email: [email protected]

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Pam BergerPublisher

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

Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

C I E0697864 BC Ltd.

Central Interior Excavating

For All of Your Excavating Needs Residential, Commercial, and Industrial

Lot clearing, waterlines, foundations, driveway construction, planning and installation of Septic Systems

Telephone: 250-567-3855Fax: 250-567-9695

Email: [email protected], Backhoes, Crawler Tractors, End Dump

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.

250-567-9258 2-storey 3 bdrm, 2 1/2 bath, 1330 sq.ft.Single level ranch 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 983 sq.ft.

Gourmet eat-in kitchens, natural gas fi replaces, hardwood fl ooring, private fenced yard with walk-out patios, washer & dryer, central vacuum system, walk-in showers & ample storage space.

REAL ESTATE TRADES CONSIDERED

TO VIEW OR FOR MORE INFO CALL [email protected] 250-567-0010

CREASY AVENUE TOWNHOUSES

Townhomes from $255,900

Services

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

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

Misc Services Misc Services

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.

Merchandise for Sale

Misc. for SaleREFORESTATION NUR-SERY Seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, and berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $0.99/ tree. Free shipping. Replace-ment guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

TownhousesTownhouses

Merchandise for Sale

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.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

STEEL BUILDING Sale. “Really big sale: extra winter discount on now!!” 21x22 $5,190; 25x24 $5,988; 27x28 $7,498; 30x32 $8,646; 35x34 $11,844; 42x54 $16,386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422,www.pioneersteel.ca

Real Estate

For Rent: Apartments1 bedrm furnished, 1 person $850.month 2 people $950. month. Cable, heat, etc. no in-ternet 10% rent reduction age 65 or over $15. month extra for plug in. Security deposit $425. must have 1st month rent and d/d, or don’t apply. No pets. 292 Loop Rd. Van-derhoof. No Parties, loud noise or drugs this is grounds for Immediate eviction. Phone 250-570-2561.

Mobile Homes & Parks

FOR SALE: Best deal in Van-derhoof - Mobile Home - $28,900.0012 x 68 mobile home with 8 x 40 addition (vinyl siding)... great condition. Located in Spruce Grove Mobile Home Park 5 min. walk to Tim Hor-ton’s, pad $245./mo. All appli-ances fridge, stove, washer and dryer. Whitmore (Lennox) pellet stove heats the whole home. Comes with insurance certifi cate. New 55 “ big screen LG TV included. Have taken away furniture so will provide $2200.00 furniture al-lowance at a store of your choice. Sorry NO DOGS al-lowed in this park. Viewing by appointment only. Please note qualifi ed buyers can get a bank mortgage of up to 90 % of purchase price on homes over $ 25000.00. Call Brian at 250-961-5353.

Rentals

VictoriaManor

* Balconies* Landscaped View

* Cablevision Available

250-567-4048or 250-567-9080

Large2 Bdrmfrom

Large1 Bdrmfrom $712 - $742

$742 - $772

NO SMOKING - NO PETS

ABOVE THE REST!

SilvermillApartments

Secure quiet apartments

VACANCY

250-567-4208

One bedroom, self suffi cient senior 65+. One person $650 per month. Two per-sons $750 per month. Under 65 $850 per month. Call Karmen 250-570-2561

Rentals

Financial Services Financial Services Plumbing Misc. for Sale Apt/Condos for Sale Apt/Condo for Rent Duplex / 4 PlexFOR RENT

Two bedroom duplex, quiet neighborhood, riverfront loca-tion, no pets and referencesrequired. $675.00 per month. Available Feb 1st. Phone 250-567-2860.

Modular HomesFOR RENT: Modular home with 12 x 40 addition. 3 bed-rooms, 1 bathroom. Newly renovated, reverse osmosiswater. $800.00/month. Near Plateau Mill, off highway onacreage. Phone 250-567-9516.

Homes for Rent

For Rent: 3 bedroom house.

Telegraph Rd, Fort Fraser wood heat, $700/mth

Call Don 250-570-1256

Townhouses3/bdrm townhouses: family-friendly complex, near schools & park. No smoking, no pets. $760/mth. 250-567-4430

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD Community Newspapers

We’re at the heart of

things™

FIND EVERYTHING YOUNEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

FRONT DESK PERSON Job type: Full timeWages: $11/hrQualification: High schoolRequirements: Must be able to operate computers and outlook, excellent customer service, telephone etiquettes, quick learner and able to work with minimum or no errors.

Availability: 5 days a week preferably 2pm-10pm shifts.

We are looking for a responsible, sincere person to fill this position immediately. We need a quick learner and someone who will show up regularly and on time.

Job duties: Greeting guests, attending calls and making reservations as needed, checking in and check-out guests, managing walk-ins, setting wakeup calls for guests, keep-ing clean and organized the front desk area and lobby.

One-to-one training will be provided

Application process: Please email us your resume or drop your resume at the front desk

309 Stuart Dr. West Fort St James

Phone: 1-250-996-8737 Or Email: [email protected]: [email protected]


Every morning, Barb Ma-zereeuw sends her two sons to school with a bag of home-baked muffi ns for breakfast.

When she heard that the muf-fi ns were traded away among students with high demand, it was a business opportunity.

“I asked them, ‘How many did you have today,’ and they said, ‘Oh, we had four,’” said Mazereeuw.

“We’ve always traded food for store-bought food like fruit roll-ups,” said her son Olin, who, along with his older broth-er, started exchanging food with other students on the school bus fi ve years ago. “People were like, ‘What homemade stuff do you have today?’”

Mazereeuw took over the lunch truck of Sadie Knelson, who had shut down her business for several years and was look-ing to sell the vehicle at the time.

Now at its fourth year, with a newer vehicle to replace the original, Maz Meals ’n Munch-ies Lunch Truck serves about 200 customers every school day at the doorstep of Nechako Valley Sec-ondary during lunch and break times.

Selling hot items such as home-made baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, as well as candy and drinks, the home busi-ness did not start easy, as Olin and his brother helped to promote the truck by trading items for other students’ lunches, Olin explained.

“To let the kids try,” he said. “Now I hardly get any food…it sells out so quick.”

The business took a year and half to build its current popularity, including lots of trial and error,

Mazereeuw said.“I couldn’t have done it with-

out the boys, telling [the students] what I was doing and getting peo-ple out,” she explained. “Also try-ing different things to see what the kids wanted.

“For example, we started with ham-and-eggers, then the kids asked for bacon…they now know what I have and what I could do.”

The menu is dictated by the students, Mazereeuw explained.

“If it’s within my means to do it, I try to make it work,” she said.

With many loyal customers — leading to customized burgers or lunch boxes for some — the lunch truck currently has 60 to 70 kids with tabs.

“They’re supposed to pay me

every Friday,” Mazereeuw ex-plained, adding that while most of the students are honest, some take their time to take care of the bill.

Several parents also paid in advance for their children, giving specifi c instructions such as no candy or only hot food, she said.

“I always worry that parents think I feed their kids junk,” Ma-zereeuw said, though the majority of her business lies in its hot of-ferings.

While keeping her menu sim-ple and prices low for the students, she feels that the lunch truck is of-fering a safe environment for get-ting lunch.

“They may buy the same thing in downtown 7-11,” Mazereeuw said. “I won’t put up with bullying

or swearing…it’s an extra pair of eyes and ears.”

For Ethan Lank, who has start-ed a tab with the lunch truck since the business’ beginning, it’s a con-venient option with better food, he said.

“[Downtown] is too far to walk…I’m lazy,” Lank said, as he plays basketball during lunch time as well.

With many kids surrounding the racks while the truck is open, Mazereeuw now has two students to watch for straying unpaid items.

“We just come out to help, nothing to do at lunch anyway,” said Grade 11 student Cora Mor-ril, who has watched the truck with Mica Kells, Grade 12, since the beginning of the school year.

“It’s a quick and easy way to get food,” Morrill said, adding that her favourite options are the hot items.

Some graduated students, including Kells’ older brother, also stopped by Mazereeuw’s rented kitchen at Vanderhoof’s curling rink, as she baked and restocked the truck in the morn-ing.

“It’s a fun job,” Mazereeuw said. “I get to spoil everyone’s kids and send them home.”

Business expansion?

“One day, I would like to make homemade lunches for the guys working in the bush,” Ma-zereeuw said, requiring an early morning start. “But I don’t need to do it now.”

She explained that the lunch truck could also expand to take advantage of morning coffee breaks, though it would involve an extra worker to prepare food full-time.

“The only way I can expand is if Matt (her husband who cur-

rently works full-time) helps,” she added. “It’s already a lot for one person.”

The rented oven and grill is currently packed to capacity, as Mazereeuw prepares baked goods before the school’s 11 a.m. break, and then about 100 hot items in 45 minutes before students’ lunch time starts, she explained.

“It’s a really fun business,” Ma-zereeuw said. “I love the kids…I got to know a lot of them and I see them move on, graduating.”

Between school years, as the lunch truck shuts down, Mazer-eeuw returns to the family’s farm for hay-making.

“Keeps me busy!”


Featuring the spirit of the local peopleFeaturing the spirit of the local peopleCourageous

BattlesHumanInterest

AthletesPioneers

Achieving

Serving the communities

of...Endako, Fraser

Lake, Fort Fraser, Cluculz Lake, &

Vanderhoof

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

Entrepreneur mom feeding kids beyond home

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Now in its fourth year, Maz Meals ’n Munchies Lunch Truck serves about 200 customers every school day at the doorstep of Nechako Valley Secondary during lunch and break times.

vanderhoof omineca express, january 27, 2016

Documents