July 2014

The news you need. The fun you want. July 2014www.flipsidenews.ca

By Bruce LantzBusiness owners along the Alaska

Highway frontage road are seeing red over delays in resurfacing the road that date back to last year.

The road was ripped up and often blocked off last summer to allow the city to upgrade its water and sewer services to the area east of there. But what was supposed to be a quick job wound up taking months, forcing customers and employees to be inconvenienced and causing busi-nesses along the route to see reve-nues fall.

“It was horrific,” said Dwight Bazin, who owns Fort City Chrysler, one of several businesses that have suffered the consequences of the prolonged road disruption. “Many people thought we were closed.”

He said he was notified of the project last June but received no updates about the delays after that, despite calling the city more than 15 times trying to learn when the job would be completed. Eventually the road was filled in with gravel but not completely paved.

This year the roadway began col-lapsing soon after breakup, leaving huge holes that pose threats to motorists trying to make their way into area businesses and into an RV park along the route. Bazin said the problem likely stems from the back-filling done late last year in minus-15-20 degree weather. “How much compaction can you get with frozen dirt?” he asked. “Thus you get sink-holes.” Bazin said the property own-ers have been given no notice from the city about what the plans are for the road or when it might be fixed.

continued on page 7

Road worka disaster

Bruce Lantz photo

BIKING FOR DOLLARSThe 15-member Jazzercise crew is full of enthusiasm as they join driver Rick Reppel to start the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s fund-raising Big Bike Ride in Fort St. John June 26. A total of six teams raised more than $8,068 with more pledges yet to come. The money goes to support the work of those battling one of Canada’s biggest killers, heart disease and strokes.

By Bruce LantzA local politician says he’s mys-

tified by both the purpose and the agenda of a powerful committee consisting of just the municipal gov-ernments of Northeastern BC.

Arthur Hadland, who sits on the Peace River Regional District board as director for Area C around Fort St. John, said the NEBC Resource Municipalities Coalition was formed in secrecy that diminishes the co-operative spirit needed among the various branches of local govern-ment in the region. The coalition includes the mayors of Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Chetwynd,

Tumbler Ridge, Taylor and honou-rary member Senator Richard Neufeld. Hudson’s Hope is not part of the group.

“I want to know the purpose of this group but there has been no open and transparent dialogue about it,” he said, adding that he wonders what authority the mayors have to form such a group, who suggested it and what rules it will follow, as well as where the budget will come from and whether or not it was approved by each municipal council in a pub-lic meeting as required..

“When you hold secret meetings, then in secrecy lies conspiracy.”

continued on page 7

Mayors’ group concernsregional district director

2 The Flipside July 2014

EDITORIAL

The blame gameMP’s REPORT

Northern Gateway conditionsprotect British Columbia

Bob Zimmer

The current furor, in some circles at least, over the formation of a political powerhouse committee consisting of only the mayors of Northeastern BC, exemplifies in many ways just what is wrong with governance in this region.

Simply put, there’s a lack of trust that threatens our ability to collabo-rate in finding meaningful solutions to the issues at hand.

The mayors of Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (Fort Nelson), Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope, Pouce Coupe and Tumbler Ridge have, by forming this mysterious and hereto-fore secret committee, set them-selves above and apart from their rural neighbours. They are thumbing their nose at the spirit of co-opera-tion that previous politicians worked so hard to achieve.

By the same token, those who are vocal in their opposition to the for-mation of this committee are show-ing by their actions that they don’t trust the mayors and, in fact, expect the worst from them. They’re sug-gesting hidden agendas exist for the mayors’ group – euphemistically named the Resource Municipalities Coalition – that include revisiting the formation of a regional munici-pality in the Fort St. John area (which was tried and failed in 2002) and/or a push to reconfigure the Fair Share agreement in their favour.

The Fair Share agreement (and it’s worth noting that Colin Griffith was a key player in the drafting of the first MOU) has led to 10s of mil-lions of dollars in resource revenues annually being funneled back from when they came. But it is managed by the Peace River Regional District, which receives the money from Victoria and doles it out according to formula. So if Fair Share is on the mayors’ agenda, what do they want? A permanent fund instead of an MOU that must be periodically renewed at the pleasure of the pro-vincial government, which could one day refuse to sign because the money could be used elsewhere? Or do they want even more of the Fair Share dollars going to them, even though they already receive the lion’s share of it?

For rural residents around Fort St. John, the worry is that this com-mittee may be seeking to create a regional municipality, an issue that divided the region when the city attempted to push it through more than a decade ago in an effort led by then-city manager Griffith. The issue was defeated after a prolonged, expensive (more than $3 million) effort but there are reports the cur-rent mayor would like to see another attempt.

Who’s right? Who wins? At this point the secrecy and lack of disclo-sure to date by the committee and its architect Colin Griffith, formerly the top bureaucrat in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson and who now garners a

paycheque as the committee’s exec-utive director, leaves the public to speculate. The committee’s aims may be honourable – or not; the pub-lic has no way of knowing.

The public can be forgiven for wondering what’s going on. After all, there is a government structure in place, one that includes elected MLAs and MP, municipal councils and the Peace River Regional District, which brings together municipal officials and those elected to represent the rural areas, suppos-edly in a co-operative and collabora-tive format. Why, then, do the municipal leaders need to form their own little group instead of working through the established mechanisms of governance? Why then should taxpayers fund yet another – and unneeded – layer of government?

Certainly the province doesn’t think so. A letter from Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development to some of the mayors and PRRD chair Karen Goodings said, in part, “. . . the Province will only pursue a joint activity if it is conducted as a part-nership with all local governments in the region. This must include rep-resentation from the regional district and electoral areas”.

Based on a vague description in a backgrounder released to this writer, the mayors’ group apparently wants to manage the expected growth in the resource sector in the coming years. That would seem to imply that the rural areas where all of the resource development takes place need have no say in the matter. Of course, the municipalities have a stake in resource development, as they are affected by it and the growth it brings. But one would think that better results would be achieved for the entire region if the rural and municipal efforts are not housed in two separate silos but, rather, work together for a blended outcome.

But that would take co-operation, and an acknowledgement that all politicians representing every corner of this region have something to bring to the table. Sadly, it appears that, while most of those sitting on the mayors’ committee likely want to do the best they can for their con-stituents, they may be being misdi-rected by others who thrive on hid-den agendas and who believe they are a cut above the rest.

Senator Richard Neufeld, when he was the Peace River North MLA in the mid-90s, once said that the provincial government could ignore the needs of this area because the local politicians were squabbling with each other instead of speaking with one voice.

Now that he sits as an honourary member of the mayors’ committee, perhaps he should remind them of that.

- Bruce Lantz

By Bob ZimmerI think that most people will

agree that the only rational way for governments to deal with major development projects is to base those decisions on facts, and expert scien-tific advice. That is why four years ago, the Joint Review Panel began reviewing the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal. In December 2013, the panel submitted a recom-mendation to our government that the project be approved with 209 conditions attached.

After carefully reviewing this recommendation, our Government has accepted the panel’s recommen-dation to impose these 209 stringent conditions that must be met by the proponent.

We have always been clear that projects will only be approved if they are safe for Canadians and safe for the environment. That is why these mandatory conditions include strict standards for the construction of the pipeline.

Opponents of the projects do not seem to consider just how stringent these conditions are. Before any constructions begin, Enbridge needs to meet 130 conditions. They need to demonstrate the pipeline environ-mental effects monitoring system to the National Energy Board’s satis-faction (conditions 27-35). There must be a separate program for marine environmental effects (con-ditions 36-38), and the first of these reports need to be submitted within one year. Marine mammal protec-tion plans must be in place and sub-mitted to the regulator a full nine months before construction begins on the Kitimat terminal (conditions 50-51). There are more conditions to protect and restore disturbed caribou

habitat (conditions 57-62, 188-190, 194-195), wetlands (conditions 67-70), and fish habitat (conditions 120-122, 125-126).

The conditions put on Enbridge compel them to be continually engaged with local communities, aboriginal groups, research organi-zations, and stakeholder groups at every step of the process (conditions 30-35, 37-38, 53-56, 78, 89-92, 95-98, 136, 193, 197-198).

Our government has a clear role as a regulator that ensures projects are built and operate safely. It is the private sector proponents who must demonstrate that their projects meet Canada’s world-class safety stan-dards.

Canadians expect our govern-ment to make reasonable decisions which take all relevant factors into account. It is exactly what we did in approving the NEB’s 209 conditions on this project.

All 209 conditions are up on my website at bobzimmer.ca.

Bob Zimmer is the Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River.

3 The FlipSide July 2014ECONOMIC UPDATE

Economy reliant on resource developmentBy Ben Sander

Northeast BC has enjoyed a decade of steady growth and strong earnings due to major project devel-opment in resource and energy proj-ects, making the region a good place to live and attracting new residents with its economic opportunities. The population grew by four per cent between 2008 and 2013, as the region continued to enjoy the lowest unemployment rate in BC, and had a reputation as an economic power-house. However, despite the eco-nomic growth, last year our labour market contracted.

According to the BC Check-Up, Regional Edition, we lost 800 jobs in the labour market last year, which marked the first downturn in four years. Most of the job losses were incurred by the resource industries, mainly in coal production. Our region’s unemployment rate also increased for the first time in three years. Although Northeast B.C. still enjoys the lowest unemployment

rate in the province, this uptick remains a concern as it indicates that the labour market may not be as favourable as in previous years.

Despite contractions in the labour market, the consumer insolvency rate declined for a third consecutive year; after peaking at 4.4 per 1,000 people in 2010, the rate declined to 1.7 last year, one of the lowest rates in BC. Business bankruptcies also remained at the lowest level in at least eight years, suggesting a higher success rate for new businesses and an improvement in our investment climate since the recession.

Underpinning our economic suc-cess is resource development, and for several years, growth has been fuelled by ongoing major projects in this sector. Last year, we saw a 17 per cent increase in the value of major projects, to reach $29.2 bil-lion. By the end of 2013, there were 50 major projects; most were in the utilities, mining, or oil and gas industries. Some of the notable new

projects either proposed or under-way include: over one dozen liquid natural gas (LNG) and pipeline proj-ects, the Site C Clean Energy Project, at least eight wind power projects proposed near Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge, eight new coal minds proposed near Tumbler Ridge, the Casino copper-gold-molybde-num project in the Yukon, and the Chetwynd Clean Methanol Plant. In addition to the energy and mining projects, the outlook for the forestry industry continues to be propelled by strong demand in the US and China.

However, several of the largest projects are still on the books with no firm start date. Our region has always been tied to the cyclical nature of resource industries. The above noted labour market contrac-tion was likely a result of the current mining downturn. The coal industry is in for a tough year, as a decline in prices forced the region’s producers to suspend operations and lay off

workers. The prospects for natural gas have improved with the recent upturn in North American prices, but the question remains: When will the first LNG project proceed?

Business operators in the region are concerned that if the proposed Kitimat and Prince Rupert LNG plants do not go ahead by fall, north-ern BC’s economy will slow consid-erably. Should they not proceed it will have profound impact on our local and provincial economies, as these investments represent once-in-a-generation economic opportunities for our communities, including the creation of new jobs, the return of a government surplus, and other untold indirect economic effects.

Ben Sander, CPA, FCA is a senior partner at Sander Rose Bone Grindle LLP. The BC Check-Up report is available online at: www.bccheckup.com.

The Conservative government is stressing that it has made safety and responsibility top priorities in natu-ral resource development. The gov-ernment has strengthened its com-mitment to pipeline safety with the announcement of new proposed reg-ulations and penalties for pipelines, as part of the commitment to Responsible Resource Development made in the Economic Action Plan,

2014.“Canada is leading the way in

pipeline safety,” said Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer. “Our government’s ‘polluter pays’ princi-ple protects Canadian taxpayers and our environment.”

The proposed changes will impose an absolute liability of $1 billion for major oil pipelines and an unlimited liability if the company is

found to be at fault or negligent.Furthermore, the proposal will

improve the disclosure for pipeline safety documents, increase penal-ties, increase the number of inspec-tions and audits by the National Energy Board, and will strengthen the ability of the NEB to order pol-luting companies to reimburse the cost of spill cleanup.

The Conservative government says it is is working with aboriginal communities and industry to devel-op a strategy for integrating aborigi-nal peoples in pipeline safety opera-tions, including planning, monitor-ing, incident response and related

employment, and business opportu-nities.

The federal government says it is committed to protecting both the safety of Canadians and the environ-ment and that no development will proceed unless rigorous environ-mental and regulatory reviews have indicated they are safe for Canadians and the environment. These goals are part of the government’s plan for responsible resource development, which aims to create high-quality jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity for all Canadians.

- Contributed

Government working for pipeline safety

Bruce Lantz photo

PLANS FORDOWNTOWN

UNVEILED

The City of Fort St. John and their consultants unveiled plans for revitalizing the Energetic City’s downtown core at an open house at the North Peace Cultural Centre June 26. Cal Scrigley of the Modus Group took the oppor-tunity to brief Mayor Lori Ackerman on the project’s prog-ress.

Achievers Toastmasters of Fort St. John recently celebrated the accomplishments of 14 students ages 9-17 who each received a Certificate from Toastmasters International as their graduation.

They all completed a 5-7-min-ute Icebreaker speech and a few students went on to complete 2-3 speeches during an eight-week pro-gram offered through Toastmasters International.

This program is about teaching youth public speaking and leader-ship skills to build self-confidence. It equips students with the skills to organize and deliver a speech and they also learn to listen and to give peer evaluations to help them improve.

In September, the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) gradu-ates will start the first Gavel Club in Fort St. John. This is a Junior Toastmasters Club for youth under

18 years of age. They have already created a logo and club name: The Majestic Flying Toasters. The club will most likely meet bi-weekly Tuesdays at 4 pm at Northern Lights College.

This YLP was funded through a $5.000 grant from the BC Ministry of Education through the North Peace Literacy Alliance. Northern Lights College is also sponsoring them by providing a free room. The students also received 2-for-1 Smoothie coupons donated by Booster Juice owners Yvette and Darren Thomson. Due to this gen-erous support the program was offered free to all youth in the Fort St. John area.

If anyone is interested in either program they should contact Joyce Hadland-Wesenberg at [email protected].

- Contributed

Contributed photoA happy group of youths with their graduation certificates after complet-ing a program offered in Fort St. John by Toastmasters International.

Youths achieving

4 The FlipSide July 2014

Bruce Lantz photosRichardson Pioneer man-ager Kelly Kassian cooks up a meal for local farmer Blane Meek, left, at the ‘Farmers’ Social’ held recently at a grain elevator owned by the North Pine Farmers’ Institute and managed by Richardson. More than 80 people attend-ed. During the event staff-ers Janine Rubin and Brad Klassen conducted a prize draw.

Bruce Lantz photosPeace Gallery North hosted an art exhibit of 121 entries by North Peace Secondary School students June 6-18 entitled ‘In The Eyes Of . . .’ Art teacher Kim Ans with her mother Eleonore Ans enjoyed dis-cussing the work, which focused on ‘eyes’ with gallery coordinator Barry Moss. Murray and Margaret Farquhar enjoy the display, which included work by their daughter Chelsey, centre, and Cassandra Lillico, right.

Bruce Lantz photosPeace Gallery North hosted the ‘Karta’ exhibit in June, featuring the printmaking works of local artists Alan White, Mary Parslow, Tabitha

Logan, Mary Mottishaw and Sandy Troudt along with acclaimed Canadian printmakers Alain Costaz and Victoria Edgarr. The exhibition showcases a num-ber of styles of hand-pulled prints including lino cuts, monoprints, monotypes, etchings and colla-graphs. Above, Mary Parslow explains her art. At left, Liza Stanford, Tabitha Logan and Barb Daley examine the works on display.

Bruce Lantz photoParticipants in the Spirit of the Peace Powwow enter the Taylor Hall in the colourful grand march last month. The annual event showcases the traditions and culture of First Nations in our area.

Bruce Lantz photo Students at North Peace Secondary School braved torren-tial rains to make their point in a provincewide student walkout June 4 to protest the contract impasse between teachers and the province. And hats off to the two students walking nearby (not part of the protest) who offered the soggy photographer their umbrella. Who says teens are bad?

GOT PIX?People love to see photos of their friends and neighbours. We want to showcase what the people of the Peace are doing, and you can help. Send colour photos (fundrais-ers, accomplishments, gatherings of all kinds . . . what-ever people are doing) to [email protected] with a paragraph identifying the people in the photo, left to right, and what they are doing. We’ll be happy to publish them.


By Sue StarkMany think that being Mindful is

trying to empty your mind or that Meditating is emptying your Mind, when actually being Mindful is just being aware of everything that is happening, really being there, observing.

Another word for Mindfulness is Awareness.

When we are Mindful, or Aware, we are observing everything. We are not reacting to what is going on in our environment; we are the observ-er.

My coach once told me, Sue it’s like you are looking out a window watching cars go by and the cars are your thoughts. The practice of mind-fulness, awareness, stillness is to not jump into one of those cars and go on a thought trip, which by the way

happens all the time to all of us. What we need to practice is being ‘aware’ so we can jump out and start watching again. In this stillness of observing we find our true self. That is where we can respond, not react, where we can understand, not judge, and where can make choices that are right for us, not based on whatever ‘activity’ is happening, did happen or might happen. I love what Deepak Chopra says: Activity comes and goes but the observer is ever present.

When we practice stillness, we spend time observing. We do not get bent out of shape by what is happen-ing around or near us, or in the news, we just observe. And when we are there, we are aware and can make choices based on our true self.

Choosing to be mindful is know-ing our Mind may be full but we do

not have to ride around and around. And when we figure out that we are not our thoughts but that we are observing our thoughts - holy smack – everything can change!

Being Mindful is watching with-out getting attached and the more mindful you are the less attached you are to things that change and it then becomes ok. If you are having trouble letting go of something, you are attached. In fact, you are in one of those cars on a big thought trip!

This week, why not watch instead of act? Activity comes and goes but the observer is ever present. And remember, that observer is you, the real you. You are the constant.

Hoping it’s Wonderful where you are. Love Sue xO

Sue Stark is the owner of Sue Stark Consulting.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Are you Mindful or is your Mind full?

The accomplishments of more than 360 students at the Chetwynd, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge campuses of Northern Lights College were recognized during Convocation ceremonies held in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Hangar at the Dawson Creek Campus last month.

Students in 44 different programs offered at the three campuses were honoured through the conferral of certificates and diplomas. Credentials were presented by NLC President Laurie Rancourt, Board of Governors chair Karen Simpson, deans of instruction and program instructors.

Melissa Sorrel, an Applied Business Technology graduate from the Dawson Creek Campus, was one of two Valedictorians. She thanked family, friends, instructors and her fellow students for their support and assistance throughout the year.

“Some people have touched my life in so many ways that they prob-ably have no idea,” said Sorrel. “Today we take the last step in our college experience. It’s time to take our knowledge and pursue our future endeavours.”

Kristan Willis, a graduate of the Social Services Worker Diploma program from Chetwynd, delivered the valedictory address on behalf of Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge stu-dents. Willis completed the program via distance delivery, while also bal-ancing careers as a personal trainer and mother.

“Everyone of us has a unique future ahead, so treat it kindly,” Willis said. “Northern Lights College will always have a special place in my heart.”

Dawson Creek businessman Danny Schilds was the keynote speaker for the ceremonies. Schilds, who is also chair of the Board of Directors for the NLC Foundation, reminded the graduates that volun-teering is important to a successful life. And the importance of volun-teering is being reflected in eligibil-ity criteria for awards overseen by the Foundation.

“We are looking for students who are already trying to make a differ-ence in their community,” Schilds said. “We realize the future of our society depends on those students who volunteer. Volunteering is part of making your world a better place to live in.”

Dignitaries in attendance includ-ed Dawson Creek mayor Dale Bumstead, Peace River Regional District directors Leonard Hiebert and Jerrilyn Schembri, and Elder Louise Isadore.

NLC hosts three Convocation ceremonies each year. Other Convocation ceremonies were held in Fort Nelson and Fort St. John.

Contributed photosTop Right: Graduates received certificates and diplomas from NLC Board of Governors Chair Karen Simpson and President and CEO Laurie Rancourt.

Center Right: Graduates from the Chetwynd, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge campuses gather for the traditional group photo.

Bottom Right: A Health Care Assistant graduate celebrates with her instructor.

Student successes celebrated at Convocation


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Site C just a scam for SNC LavalinThis letter to the editor of Busi-

ness Vancouver was provided for publication.

RE: ‘Time to shelve Site C mega-project’ May 13-19 editorialEditor:

The editorial hit the nail on the head.

As an impacted food producer, landowner and part owner of BC Hydro, I have been puzzled by the intense efforts of the BC Liberals to construct Site C.

Four of the Environmental Pan-el’s Recommendations cast doubt on BC Hydro’s energy forecasts and the economics of the project’s costs. Be-cause the panel had neither the time, nor experience nor capacity, the pan-el recommended that Site C be re-ferred to the BC Utilities Commis-

sion (BCUC) for an arm’s length independent review of BC’s future energy needs and the project’s esca-lating costs.

In spite of that, BC’s Energy Minister Bill Bennett insists on by-passing the BCUC.

I believe that a potential reason for this ‘Damn the Torpedoes’ ap-proach by the BC Liberals may have something to do with the close ties between SNC Lavalin and the BC provincial government.

Gwynn Morgan was the chief en-ergy advisor to Premier Clark during her first term of office. He was also the CEO of SNC Lavalin. As the prime engineering firm for the pro-posed Site C project, SNC Lavalin stands to make a lot of money on Site C.

SNC Lavalin has been the subject of international police investigations regarding bribery scandals for a number of years. Most recently, SNC Lavalin has been connected to a con-tract bribe for the construction of a Quebec hospital.

Following through, I can only conclude that proposed Site C is a make-work project for SNC Lavalin, backstopped by all the taxpayers of BC. This is better than a game of Monopoly where the way to win is to control the utility companies.

The ratepayers of BC Hydro need the answers why an independent re-view by BCUC is being bypassed.Blane Meek,Charlie Lake

United Way golf tourney raises $50k This year’s United Way of

Northern BC’s Annual Golf Tour-nament raised more than $50,000 and organizers are anticipating it to be even more once all proceeds have been tallied.

Niki Hedges of the United Way said, “Everyone’s participation has been greatly valued and appreciat-ed, as the funds raised will be stra-tegically invested to facilitate posi-tive change to help not for profits that provide services that meet our three pillars: All That Kids Can Be, Poverty to Possibility and Healthy People, Strong Communities, help-ing people who are in crisis, people with disabilities, seniors, children and youth programs, and so much more”.

Organizers appreciated Shell Canada, this year’s Feature Spon-sor, and the many other level spon-sors and to those who donated priz-es to help make the tournament a great success, and especially the individuals involved in making the event such a hit. The importance of the well being of the community and the incalculable value for so-cial investments to improve access to social and health related services and make investments that focus on service gaps and where there is the greatest need.

The United Way of Northern BC helps strengthen the communi-ty to become more resilient and adaptable in the face of inevitable changes, creating lasting change and to better optimize and create maximum community impact.

“It is great to have the enthusi-asm and support from many part-ners in the community and people who came together to the event to make a difference in the communi-ty at the Annual Golf Tournament. Events like this are a testament of collective community spirit at its best,” said Hedges.

“We raised a lot through auc-tioning off Rej Tetrault, manager of Shell’s operations in Fort St. John, to be dunked in the Dunk Tank;

Frank Cook, Team Lead at Shell, as well as Tyler Kosick, the auction-eer, who auctioned himself off for the Dunk Tank! I am already look-ing forward to the Fort St John Fourth UWNBC Annual Fire Truck Pull on Sept 20, which is now a

family feature event for our Cam-paign Kick-off in the community.

“That’s what I like about what United Way does; it brings people and community together.”

- Contributed

Policeoffertips

Whenever you’re on a vaca-tion, leaving your home unoccu-pied will always cause some un-rest. However, there are ways to protect your house while you’re out of town. The trick is to fool potential thieves into thinking there’s actually someone home.

• Lock all your doors and win-dows, including upper story win-dows, garage doors and sheds.

• Use timers or internet-con-trolled switches to turn lights, both interior and exterior, on and off.

• Hire a yard maintenance company or ask your neighbour to mow your lawn.

• Don’t close all the blinds to your windows when you leave. Seeing a house that is ‘closed’ tips off burglars that it’s vacant.

• Never broadcast your vaca-tion on Facebook or Twitter. Even if you think that it’s only your friends viewing your online pro-files.

• Stop mail and newspaper de-liveries, or have them regularly picked up by a neighbour.

• If you have an alarm, alert your monitoring company that you are away. Make sure your property representative contact information is correct.

• Leave your car in the drive-way or ask a neighbour to park their vehicle there.

• Don’t leave spare keys out-doors. Collect all hidden spare keys from around the exterior of your home.

• Advise a trusted neighbour that you are away and ask them to check on your house. If they see anything suspicious they should contact the police.

The Fort St. John RCMP hopes everyone enjoys their vaca-tion time. By following these sim-ple tips your home will be safe while you are away.

Contributed photoShell’s Rej Tetrault on the dunk tank.

Contributed photoThe winning team.


Airport campaign wins BC awardThe North Peace Regional Air-

port’s Take the Pledge - Fly YXJ campaign won provincial honours at the BC Economic Development As-sociation 2014 Summit in Richmond recently.

“We are very pleased that we were selected for such a prestigious award, and it was truly a pleasure to work with our local talent on this campaign,” said Fred Jarvis, chair of the North Peace Airport Society and member of the North Peace Eco-nomic Development Commission (NPEDC).

“The results of the campaign have been fabulous and have helped to boost the air service that we are able to provide to the citizens of the North Peace. We look forward to continued growth and development of our regional airport for the citizen who chose to Fly YXJ,”

The arrival of a third carrier opened up access to new markets, achieved competitive fares, and in-

creased capacity for the movement of passengers. In partnership be-tween the North Peace Regional Air-port, North Peace Economic Devel-opment Commission and Vantage Airport Group, the ‘Take the Pledge - Fly YXJ’ campaign ran in the spring and summer of 2013. The campaign was launched to increase awareness of the cost and time efficiencies in utilizing the local airport over those two, four and eight hours away. The campaign saw local governments, business organizations, industry par-ticipants, community groups and in-dividuals take the pledge, commit-ting to the make the North Peace Regional Airport their first choice for air travel.

“Projects such as this one demon-strate the power of successful part-nerships,” said Jennifer Moore of the NPEDC. She said the North Peace Regional Airport, NPEDC, Vantage Airport Group, along with the three carriers, Air Canada, Central Moun-

tain Air and WestJet Encore, contin-ue to work on the sustainable devel-opment of regional air service for the industrial, commercial and personal needs of the North Peace region.

- Contributed

Pick up after your pooch!By Lori SlaterWow, here we are into summer

and the weather has been great. It is so nice to finally be able to get out and enjoy the weather. I love nothing more than getting out on the trails with my dog either in my wheelchair or my electric scooter. It is so freeing to just feel the wind going through my hair and listening to the dog bark as he runs and plays behind me.

Now to spoil this vision I would like to tell you about one HUGE pet peeve I have and that is when I get the whiff of someone else’s dog poop! It gets embedded in my tires and in my manual chair it isn’t until I put my hand in it that I notice it. Yuck!!

As a dog owner I take it very seri-ously about cleaning up after my dog. I make sure I am always carry-

ing poop bags, which, by the way, are supplied at the entrances to all the trails and parks. There is no ex-cuse not to clean up after your dog!

It really isn’t that hard to bend over and scoop. I can do it from my wheelchair or even my scooter, which is a bit farther from the ground and can cause me to fall if I don’t balance just right. That isn’t a pretty picture, trust me!

So, my dog-owning friends, please be responsible and scoop if your dog poops. You will make it better for all of us to enjoy the great trails and walkways around our com-munity. Thank you.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Canada Day. We live in a great com-munity, in a great province, in a great country. Be proud.

Lori Slater is an Accessibility

and Inclusion Advocate in Fort St. John. If you have any comments, questions or concerns you can con-tact her through the ‘The FlipSide’ or [email protected]

Places to findThe FlipSide

In Fort St. JohnA & W , B&M Glass, Burgers & Brews, Bank of Montreal, Casey’s Pub, Coach House Restaurant, Conway Electric, Credit Union, Cultural Centre, Esquires Coffee House, Dairy Queen, Diamond Cherry Beauty Bar, Fort St. John Hospital, Fort St. John Medical Clinic, Fort City Chrysler, Generic Towing, Headspace, Humpty’s Family Restaurant, Jackfish Dundee’s, JD Fitzgeralds, Kelly’s Convenience Store, Kiwi Cafe, Lone Wolf (Taylor), Mama Panda Restaurant, Mile 54 Cafe, Masterpiece Framing, Mile 36 Cafe (Taylor), M & M Meats. Northern Grand, Northwoods Inn, On the Rocks Pub, On the Rocks Liquor, Price Mart, Pomeroy East/West, Razors Edge, Redwood Esso (Taylor), Rogers Trucking, Royal Bank, Rudy’s Car & Truck Wash, Safeway, Sobeys, Systems Secure, Stonebridge Hotel, Taylor District Office, Tags, TJ’s Coffee Shop, TD Bank, The Shed (Taylor), Tim Hortons (North & South), Quiznos, Triple X Convenience Store, Whole Wheat & Honey

In Dawson CreekAlaska Highway House, A & W, Aurora Inn, Bill’s News, Bank of Montreal, Brass Scissors, CIBC, Dawson Creek Visitor Center, Days Inn Lobby, Dr. Fletcher’s Office, Eljen Clinic, Farmington Store, Fast Gas, George Dawson Lobby & Café, Hospital Main, Husky, Lees Restaurant, Rockwells, Stuie’s Diner, Subway, The Lodge, Tim Hortons, TD Bank, White Spot

Contributed photoFrom left: Alyssa Smith, Vantage Airport Group; Jennifer Moore, North Peace Economic Develop-ment Commission; Moira Green former North Peace Regional Air-port manager.

Lori Slater

from Pg 1

Road...He has tried to warn motorists

by placing balloons around pro-truding manhole covers but he noted that recently a motorist hit one of them, likely causing dam-age to their vehicle. Bazin said he measured a hole that at one point was four feet deep.

“They need to get to work and pave the damned road,” he said. “When are they going to start, September? It’s ridiculous.”

Bazin said he’s considering making a pitch to city council to seek some answers and, perhaps, a reduction in his business taxes for this period.

City manager Dianne Hunter could not be reached for com-ment, but one city official told The FlipSide News that efforts are being made to have the con-tractor return to finish the job.

A media release from the new committee’s executive director, Colin Griffith, says the group’s ini-tial objectives are to ensure munici-palities are recognized as “full part-ners” in resource development with the province, industry and First Nations; to support natural resourc-es development in the Northeast; to build “permanent resource munici-palities” with the infrastructure and services to support the expected population growth; and, to develop a NEBC Resources Infrastructure Planning Model and Process.

Some, including Hadland, believe the last objective refers to reworking in the municipalities’ favour the Fair Share funding agree-ment the region has with the prov-ince.

Noting that Fair Share was devel-oped as a regional district entity and that the rural areas are “net contribu-tors” to the municipalities, especial-

ly since that’s where resource devel-opment occurs, Hadland said, “I’m disappointed that they’re apparently saying the regional district either doesn’t care or isn’t the right vehicle to deal with growth.

“I’m surprised that they feel we have the need for it (committee). The regional district has done well. It’s our voice for the region.”

Hadland, who met recently on this issue with the other rural PRRD directors and the mayor of Hudson’s Hope, said there should be more of an effort among the region’s politi-cians to co-operate. “We don’t want confrontation, we want to be co-operative,” he said, vowing to raise his concerns at a future regional district board meeting.

“These are regional issues, for all of us; they aren’t just mayors’ issues. We are pleased to support the munic-ipalities but we need to be respected and that isn’t happening.”

from Pg 1

Mayors’ group...

8 The Flipside July 2014

Local News Briefs Coming EventsRural directors fund buses

The Peace River Regional Dis-trict Electoral Area Directors made a motion on June 19th at the Rural Budgets Administration Committee meeting to make a onetime funding allocation to go towards the cost of busing students in the School Dis-trict 60 rural areas in the 2014/2015 school year.

The one-time Fair Share funding of $377,536 will go towards busing 1,141 students that live in Area B, 1, 012 students that live in Area C, and 15 students that live in Area D.

“The Peace River Regional Dis-trict Electoral Area Directors are pleased to announce the funding needed to assist School District 60 in the provision of transportation for our rural students for the 2014-2015 school year,” said Karen Goodings, an Electoral Area Director and chair of the Peace River Regional District. “The regional district will continue to work with trustees and school Par-ent Advisory Committees to advo-cate to the provincial government to look at the busing formula for the North.”

School board chair Jaret Thomp-son said the trustees appreciate the support. “We would like to thank the directors for this decisive action and we look forward to working collec-tively to have the Ministry of Educa-tion address the financial shortfall in transportation and other areas in our education system.”

The shortfall occurred when the education ministry removed the transportation budget line item and replaced it with a Student Location Factor. This change resulted in $541,000 less in revenue even though the district was already spending about $200,000 more than they received. Although the ministry is on record as stating boards do not have to provide transportation, School District 60 trustees still value this service for students.FSJ man faces porn charges

A Fort St. John man is due in court Aug. 6 on charges child por-nography charges.

After receiving information on June 20 from the United States, po-lice arrested 39-year-old Barton Christopher Tertreault for possession and distribution of child pornogra-phy.

The law enforcement agency from the US was able to pinpoint the location of the computer to an ad-dress in Fort St. John belonging to Tetreau.

Other charges will be considered after further investigation. Tetreau has been released from custody with conditions including no contact with anyone under the age of 16 and all of his electronic devices have been seized from the residence as they are in the process of being examined.Police patrol lake

On June 13 Fort St. John RCMP and Conservation Officers conduct-ed boat patrols on Charlie Lake. Multiple boats were checked to en-sure that the required safety materi-als were on board: one life jacket for every person on the boat, a paddle, a bailing device such as a bucket, min-imum 15 feet of buoyant rope, a wa-tertight flashlight and a sound device such as a whistle or bell. Those found

in violation were educated and ad-vised that tickets can be issued for each missing item.

In addition police were enforcing the Liquor Control Licencing Act by ticketing those with open liquor on board their boats. One male was found to be operating a boat while impaired and was removed from the lake.

Police remind all pleasure craft operators that open liquor is not per-mitted on motorized vessels. Operat-ing a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is not just dangerous; it is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Some boaters are not aware of this fact while others simply choose to ignore it. Being in control of a boat is like being in con-trol of a car: You have to be respon-sible. You can be charged if a police

officer believes your ability to operate a vessel has been impaired by alcohol or drugs. Crashes hurt 3 people

Six vehicles were damaged and three people were injured in two sep-arate motor vehicle collisions on the Alaska Highway June 20.

At 10:40 am, the Fort St. John RCMP were called to an accident in-volving three vehicles at the inter-section of 100 Street and the Alaska Highway. A van, travelling north on the Alaska Highway, went through a red light and collided with a vehicle travelling south on 100 Street. The impact of this crash caused the van to travel into the oncoming lane and hit another vehicle that was stopped at the red light.

The driver of the van, a 31-year-old woman received minor injuries. The passenger in the van, a three-year-old female, was taken to Fort St. John hospital with facial lacera-tions.

At noon police were called to a second accident on the Alaska High-way at 108 Street. This collision was caused when a driver, travelling north on the highway, failed to stop for a flag person. The vehicle then hit a truck turning left in front of it and the momentum caused the truck to hit a third vehicle. The driver of the northbound vehicle was trans-ported to the Fort St. John hospital with an injured hand.

Police were considering charges related to both incidents under the BC Motor Vehicle Act.Firefighters raise over $1,400

The Charlie Lake Fire Depart-ment (CLFD) leant a helping hand at the Oil Wives Dinner recently.

Several firefighters were auc-tioned off as servers for the function and raised over $1,400 for their Fire-fighters for Families fund. The fund was created by the volunteers to help families in need in the Charlie Lake Fire Protection Area.

Also, Charlie Lake Fire Chief Terry Truchan reminds people spending time in the outdoors to keep an eye out for wildfire this sum-mer, as nearly half of all wildfires in BC are reported by the public.

“Call *5555 on your cell or 1-800-663-5555 if you spot smoke or an unattended campfire during your travels. If the fire is threatening a structure or lives please call 911,” said Chief Truchan.

July 5 – The Gathering Artisans’ Market is from 8 am-2 pm at Pioneer Village in Dawson Creek. The Gath-ering supports and promotes Daw-son Creek’s local artisans. Come visit this market and check out our artists, musicians, photographers, authors, and some non-profit organi-zations. Everything at this market is homemade, nothing is from retail. The Gathering is a separate entity from the local Farmer’s Market. Throughout the summer, every Sat-urday, there will be a different show-case, such as: yoga, how to skin hides, health and wellness, bee keep-ing and so forth. For current infor-mation, please check out “The Gath-ering” on Facebook, and if you want to become involved with this event, contact Dawn at 250-782-1969.

July 5 – Peace Country River Rats Poker Rally is from 10 am-9 pm. This is a family fun event! Kids can dress up as pir-rats and enter a draw! Kids activities are planned and there will be prizes at each stop. 5 hands for $100 or $25 per hand. Register at Peace Island Boat Lauch in Taylor, BC by 10 am on July 5. Dinner and prizes set for 6 pm at Peace Island Park - tickets are $25 each. Pir-rats uinder 12 years old eat free! Start and finish the race at Peace Island Park! Check out the River Rats website for more infor-mation!

July 7-11 – Music Day Camp runs from 9 am-3 pm at St Mark’s Anglican Church. Join Christina, Sophia and Caitlyn, the Dawson Creek Music Explorers for a fun filled week of Music Immersion! Kids ages 7-12 will learn how to sing like a Rockstar, perform in a choir, write music, and appreciate the mu-sic found in everyday life. To regis-ter call Caitlyn Triebel at 250-467-9277. The camp runs daily from the 7th-11th but be on the lookout for more information on an Instructor’s Performance on the 6th. Instructors are: Christina Barry, BMus (Violin Performance); Sophia Barry, BMus (Piano Performance); Caitlyn Trieb-el, BMus (Voice/ Music History).

July 7-11 – Pacific Sport Sum-mer Camps are being he;ld in Fort St. John from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Ac-tive Star (Ages 4-7) Monday - Fri-day: 8:30-11:30 am. This half-day camp focuses on developing motor skills and strong bones in a safe en-vironment. Activities will encourage a foundation of physical literacy in a fun, dynamic and active setting. Limited to 24 children per week. Cost: $85 per week • Week 1: July 7-11 • Week 2: July 21-25 • Week 3: August 11-15. Xplore-SportZ (Ages 6-12) Monday - Fri-day: 8:30 am – 4 pm. A full-day camp where children ‘test drive’ a variety of Olympic, Paralympic and traditional sports. During the week, children will try sports such as soc-cer, kayaking, badminton, dance, and so much more. Each sport is led by an experienced coach in a moti-vating and encouraging environ-ment. Each week is limited to 40

children so register early to reserve your spot! Cost: $155 per week • Week 1: July 7-11 • Week 2: July 14-18 • Week 3: July 21-25 • Week 4: August 18-22. Contact 250.794.3308.

July 7-11 – BC Sailing kids sum-mer camp is being held in Fort St. John from 9 am-3 pm. BC Sailing Summer camps are organized by MOSS, Mobile Optims Sailing School. They run sailing camp throughout BC and the Yukon, with highly trained and professional in-structors. Your child will be taught water safety with pfd’s, the basics of boat handling and the basics of sail-ing. Please provide a lunch, lots of water to drink, a change of clothes (in case a water fight brakes out) and a really big smile. Lots of fun and laughter. Register at bc sailing.bc.ca

July 10 – Young Writers Group from 3:30-5 pm at the Fort St. John Public Library. A Writers group for youth 12-17 who have an interest in creative writing. This group meets every Thursday. We will write, read, share, discuss and explore topics such as journalism, blogging, song writing, poetry, graphic novels and zines, submitting work to lit magz and anthologies, and much more! Contact 250-785-3731.

July 11-13 – The 20th annual Mile 0 Cruisers Summer Cruise Show & Shine is being held in down-town Dawson Creek. The big event of the summer is the Mile 0 Summer Cruise. Each year Dawson Creek’s Mile 0 downtown section is blocked off to hold a show and shine of 250-plus rides from all over the Peace River District and guests from all over BC and Alberta or farther. Check out our Facebook group, Mile Zero Cruisers Car Club.

July 12 – Paddle for the Peace 9 am-1 pm. 9 am – 11 am - Registra-tion and a free breakfast. $10 per person to register, kids 13 and under are free. 12 pm - Launch from the Halfway River Bridge on HWY 29. 2 pm - Canoes finish at Bear Flat. For more information contact Dani-elle at (250) 785-8510 or email [email protected] or check out the Pad-dle for the Peace website.

July 25 – “Christmas in July” Turkey Dinner at South Peace Unit-ed Church in Dawson Creek. Phone 250-782-2636 for time and cost.

July 27 – Tour & Tea with the Dawson Creek Horticultural Society 10 am-4 pm

Tour starts at the Art Gallery, tea at the Seniors Hall. Tickets & map obtained on the day of the tour at Art Gallery for $10 which includes the Tea at the Seniors Hall.

Documents

July 2014