Council divided over two issues Smithers receives $4 million for airport expansion By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today Council met Feb. 2 and among the topics were whether to partic- ipate in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference, the dispos- al of a surplus garbage truck, and spot zon- ing a parcel of land on Sullivan Way. When asked, en- gineering and opera- tions manager Don Hounsell had nothing to report on the water leak situation. Councillors were split on whether to put money towards attending this year’s FCM conference in Winnipeg. It ended in a 4-2 vote, with council- lors Jonathan Van Barneveld and Rick Lundrigan opposing the recommendation to send one represen- tative. Coun. Dawn Potvin was not pres- ent. Houston has not participated since 2009. The conference can cost an attendee up to $915, and Coun. Rick Lundrigan took issue with that. “I still question how much we can get out of this particular FCM as far as the benefit for Houston as a whole,” said Lundrigan. “ “The FCM conference provides ‘networking opportunities which would otherwise be unavailable to us.’ ” - Coun. Tim Anderson “ TODAY TOMORROWTOYOTA www.glaciertoyota.ca Smithers, BC 1.866.844.6723 *please add $395 Documentation fee and applicable taxes DL#8879 NOW ONLY $15,998 2010 Honda Odyssey Family Size G4565A * NOW ONLY $15,998 2013 Dodge Caravan Stow n Go G8886 * NOW ONLY $13,998 2007 Chevy Colorado 4x4 G8461A1 * NOW ONLY $12,998 2009 Prius Reduced! G4623A * NOW ONLY $16,998 2010 Chevy Equinox AWD G4534A * WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 Proudly serving Houston and District - Home of Canada’s Largest Fly Rod www.houston-today.com NO. 07 $1.30 Inc. GST COMMUNITY: Houston New Year’s Baby PAGE 8 PHOTO FEATURE: Guns & Hoses Event PAGE 10 Photo submitted WINTER Training Houston Search and Rescue conduct a winter search and rescue exercise. Publications Mail Registration #0040028607 See COUNCIL on Page 2 FCM Conference By Chris Gareau Black Press Smithers’ airport may soon get a lot more leg room thanks to the largest grant the Town has ever received. Canada’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities an- nounced Friday morn- ing it is granting $4 million from the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities program for expan- sion and moderniza- tion of the airport. The $6-million project also requires Smithers to chip in $2 million, expected to come from the airport improve- ment fee which charges flyers $25. Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach said none of Smithers’ share would come from property taxes. “In part, we brought in that airport improvement fee for exactly this purpose,” said Bachrach. The Smithers’ air- port terminal was built in the 1960s. This proj- ect would expand the building by 547 sq. metres (6,000 sq. ft.), and include accessible washrooms in the se- cure hold room, up- grades to the fire alarm and sprinkler system, and reconfiguration of the check-in, bag- gage claim, baggage handling and security areas. A geothermal dis- trict energy system will heat the terminal build- ing, adjacent equip- ment storage building that was recently built to accommodate being plugged into a geother- mal system, and po- tentially other airport facilities. This project is one of the 57 projects that are being funded through the Strategic Priorities Fund under the Federal Gas Tax Fund for 2016. The Union of BC Municipalities ad- ministers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. The $6-million project also requires Smithers to chip in $2 million
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Council divided over two issues
Smithers receives $4 million for airport expansion
By Xuyun ZengHouston Today
Council met Feb. 2 and among the topics were whether to partic-ipate in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference, the dispos-al of a surplus garbage truck, and spot zon-ing a parcel of land on Sullivan Way.
When asked, en-gineering and opera-tions manager Don Hounsell had nothing to report on the water leak situation.
Councillors were split on whether to put money towards attending this year’s FCM conference in Winnipeg.
It ended in a 4-2 vote, with council-lors Jonathan Van Barneveld and Rick Lundrigan opposing the recommendation to send one represen-
tative. Coun. Dawn Potvin was not pres-ent.
Houston has not participated since 2009. The conference can cost an attendee up to $915, and Coun. Rick Lundrigan took issue with that.
“I still question how much we can get out of this particular FCM as far as the bene� t for Houston as a whole,” said Lundrigan.
““The FCM conference
provides ‘networking opportunities which would otherwise be unavailable
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 Proudly serving Houston and District - Home of Canada’s Largest Fly Rod www.houston-today.com NO. 07 $1.30 Inc. GST
COMMUNITY: Houston New Year’s Baby
PAGE 8
PHOTO FEATURE: Guns & Hoses Event
PAGE 10
Photo submittedWINTER TrainingHouston Search and Rescue conduct a winter search and rescue exercise.
Publications Mail Registration#0040028607
See COUNCIL on Page 2
FCM Conference
By Chris GareauBlack Press
Smithers’ airport may soon get a lot more leg room thanks to the largest grant the Town has ever received.
Canada’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities an-nounced Friday morn-ing it is granting $4
million from the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities program for expan-sion and moderniza-tion of the airport. The $6-million project also requires Smithers to chip in $2 million, expected to come from the airport improve-ment fee which charges � yers $25.
Smithers Mayor
Taylor Bachrach said none of Smithers’ share would come from property taxes.
“In part, we brought in that airport improvement fee for exactly this purpose,” said Bachrach.
The Smithers’ air-port terminal was built in the 1960s. This proj-ect would expand the
building by 547 sq. metres (6,000 sq. ft.), and include accessible washrooms in the se-cure hold room, up-grades to the � re alarm
and sprinkler system, and recon� guration of the check-in, bag-gage claim, baggage handling and security areas.
A geothermal dis-trict energy system will heat the terminal build-ing, adjacent equip-ment storage building that was recently built to accommodate being plugged into a geother-mal system, and po-tentially other airport facilities.
This project is one of the 57 projects that are
being funded through the Strategic Priorities Fund under the Federal Gas Tax Fund for 2016. The Union of BC Municipalities ad-ministers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
The $6-million project also requires Smithers to chip in
$2 million
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Thursday, February 18th
Community Soup Fest
The GEMS Girls will be serving and collecting the money. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun. For more information call Ena Groot at 845-7593.
and Games Night
Games will be from:
5:45-6:45p.m.
Reserved seating for Seniors.
*NEW* Soups to try!!
The Houston GEMS Girls’ Club invite you to a SOUP FEST.We are raising funds for:- Esther School in Zambia, Africa - Houston Food Bank & Soup Kitchen- Rough Acres Bible Camp
Dinner is by donation and you may try as many of our delicious soups as you like. Complimentary coffee & dessert will be provided.
Shorter soup lines this year.
DATE: Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016 TIME: 5:00-6:30 p.m.COST: By donation PLACE: Houston Christian School Gym
Delicious Homemade
Buns
5:00-6:30p.m.
B.V. Driving School Ltd. is offering an air brakes course in Houston on Friday (evening) February 26th: 6-10pm, Saturday, February 27th: 9am-6pm &
Sunday, February 28th: 9am.
Spaces are limited so call ASAPEmail: [email protected] • www.bvdrivingschool.ca
AIR BRAKES COURSE
Anyone interested in taking the course or wants more information about the air brakes course, please call
250-845-3288 or Cell 250-845-1112 Toll Free: 1-888-644-3555
Mayor Shane Brienen and Coun. Tim Anderson, however, support sending someone from council, pointing to the networking opportunities.
Coun. John Siebenga asked what the benefits of attending the FCM meeting were, to which the mayor responded:
“There are going to be several announcements this year on infrastructure and grants.
“Much like UBCM, when we go to UBCM, we have a lot of the announcements of what’s going forward the next period, that’s what will happen at FCM.”
Brienen also pointed to the gas tax as being an FCM initiative.
Anderson added
that it provides n e t w o r k i n g opportunities that, “would otherwise be unavailable to us.”
He elaborates that the meeting allows representatives to meet grant providers and learn the processes of applying for a grant.
Council was also split between two options put forth by fire chief Jim Daigenault.
The fire department asked whether council would like to auction off a surplus 1979 fire truck with 31,048 miles on it, estimating a $5,000 value, or if council would rather donate it to Firefighters Without Borders. Council passed a
motion to dispose of the fire truck using the first option, with councillors Jonathan Van Barneveld and John Siebenga opposing.
C h i e f administrative officer Michael Glavin noted that selling the truck would not yield much in return after considering the District’s labour r e q u i r e m e n t s . Donating it to Firefighters Without Borders would pass the onus onto them to handle it, at no cost to the District.
Council has passed the adoption of two bylaws that will make way for 2080 Sullivan
Way to host CityWest’s telecommunications equipment.
According to the rezoning application, CityWest wants “to place a permanently mounted brown-coloured modular c o m m u n i c a t i o n s equipment building housing a fibre cable distribution system.”
During public hearing, Coun. Van Barneveld relayed a comment he heard from his constituents that they would rather not have it brown.
“They didn’t like brown,” he said. “They said there were too many other brown buildings up there, but that’s all they had to say.”
Spot zoning, while not recommended by the District, was done because the property is located on a telecommunications corridor.
Houston skiers came out to try biathlon for the first time at the Omineca Ski Club. All athletes became excellent shooters during their short 2 hour session.
HOUSTON Skiers
Submitted photo
Fire truck disposal
Spot zoning for CityWest
Fire chief provides two options for disposing of 1979 fire truckCOUNCIL from Page 1
Save Gas.Shop Local.
“NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, February 17, 2016 www.houston-today.com 3
#NWCCBC1.877.277.2288 nwcc.ca
The award categories are:
• Community Service Award
• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Employee Recognition Award
To nominate an outstanding individual please visit nwcc.bc.ca/awards
Deadline to submit is February 29, 2016.
Northwest Community College will present three awards to deserving recipients at our Convocation ceremony this spring.
NWCCaw a r d s
Get to know Syria Night(Fundraiser Event for sponsoring Syrian Refugees to Houston)
Saturday February 20th 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
at the Houston Seniors Activity Centre
Supper Menu Includes: • Falafel • Soup & Baklava
Power Point Presentation at 6:00 p.m. about Syria.
Free Admission, but limited supply of meal tickets. Tickets will be sold in advance - available at
Countrywide Printing & Stationery
Contact Info: Bobby Seinen at 250-845-3411
By Alicia BridgesBlack Press
Waiting times for Bulkley Valley resi-dents who need to see an eye surgeon could soon be reduced by half since last April, when it took more than a year to get an appointment.
Northern Health (NH) has hired a sec-ond ophthalmologist to join Dr. Tom Nagy in Terrace, where most patients between Smithers and Prince Rupert are referred for consultations.
Dr. Beatrice Adante started working along-side Dr. Nagy at his clinic, Vision North, in November.
The building is cur-rently being renovated so there is enough room for both sur-geons to work at the same time.
Dr. Adante’s re-cruitment is intended to reduce long wait-ing times for consul-tations, which made headlines last year after Smithers op-tometrists raised their concerns in a letter to the B.C. Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
They were wor-
ried the system could not catch up with the backlog created when Dr. Nagy was on me-dial leave for several months last year.
Speaking to the Black Press last week, Dr. Nagy would not say how long it cur-
rently takes to get an appointment at the clinic, however, he pre-dicted the waiting time would soon drop be-low six months.
In addition to re-ducing wait times, he said having a sec-ond ophthalmologist would help reduce the pressure on him.
“There were cer-tainly some big issues last winter and it’s al-ways been a challenge to meet the needs,” he said.
“I have a very great
of� ce and a great staff here that help me to function optimally, but now I am feeling there is a little more room to breathe and manoeu-vre so I’m really look-ing forward to that.”
Dr. Nagy said a second ophthalmolo-
gist had not been hired earlier because “there’s always been a situation where there was a lot for one person but not really enough for two people.”
Dr. Adante is origi-nally from Alberta but recently returned to Canada after 11 years in California, where she worked at the Loma Linda University.
Having completed a specialized fellow-ship at the university she said her new role
in Terrace would in-crease the variety in her work.
“I wanted a little bit of everything, I didn’t want to get sort of boxed into the role the university was giving me,” she said.
“I think a more ru-ral practice like this is really good because there’s variety…it’s not the same thing ev-ery day,”
She said she was aware of last year’s delays and happy to play a role in reducing them.
NH Northwest medical director Dr. Geoff Appleton said the number of oper-ating days for cata-ract surgery at Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace had also in-creased.
He said surgeons had always made room for emergency cases but having a second surgeon would help improve the continuity of patient care,
“You can always get them much sooner than that if the doc-tor phones them, they will squeeze them in that same day or the next day or that sort of thing,” said Dr. Appleton.
“With there always being somebody theo-rem that’s going to help an awful lot in terms of acute care for patients.”
Dr. Barry Lester from FYidoctors Smithers was one of three optometrists
who signed the letter urging NH to reduce the long waiting times since last April.
Although he said the recruitment of a second eye surgeon was exciting, he be-lieves the province needs to develop a
plan to cope with in-creased demands of an aging population.
“A strategic plan would be the ideal way to go, where they look at what are our needs in the future and [ask] is one more going to be enough?” he said.
New eye surgeon at Vision North cuts waiting time by half
Black Press filesTerrace-based ophthalmologist Dr. Tom Nagy with new hire Dr. Beatrice Adante.
“[Dr. Barry Lester] said the recruitment of a second eye surgeon was exciting, but he believes the province needs
to develop a plan to cope with increased demands of an aging
population.”
The B.C. government was working on new standards for commercial animal breeders before 66 neglected
dogs were seized from a puppy mill in Langley.Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick said
ministry staff began consultations with the B.C. SPCA, veterinarians and commercial breeders in January, and that will continue this month.
North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite has proposed legislation that would set a maximum of three litters in three years for each mother animal, a lifetime maxi-mum of six litters and a requirement to wean puppies or kittens onto solid food by seven weeks of age before they can be sold.
Letnick said he was shocked as were many others at the conditions of the Langley ken-nel, where 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies were seized on Feb. 4. Some had broken bones, missing ears or eyes infections, dental disease, severe matting, burns from urine exposure and overgrown nails.
“There is no place in British Columbia for treatment like that to our animals, and that’s why in 2011 we adopted the toughest penalties in the country, [up to] two years in jail and a $75,000 fine if you’re found guilty of mistreat-ing any animal under any conditions,” Letnick said.
B.C. is preparing to make it easier for se-niors to stay in assisted living longer before moving to residential care.
Health Minister Terry Lake said amend-ments will be presented in the current legisla-ture session in response to recommendations by Seniors’ Advocate Isobel Mackenzie.
“One of the things she has found is that sometimes people are inappropriately placed in residential care when they could be in assist-ed living longer.” Lake said. “We have some-what rigid regulations around who can stay in assisted living before they have to move on to residential care.”
Mackenzie’s January report also found that home care worker hours declined in 2014-15 in three of five health regions, Northern Health, Vancouver Island and Vancouver Coastal, de-spite increasing senior populations.
She said reductions in meal preparation, bathing and housekeeping can also lead to se-niors moving from their homes to care facili-ties.
-Tom Fletcher, Black Press
In our opinion:
OpinionPublished by Black Press Ltd. 3232 Hwy 16 W, Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
Valentine’s Day is supposed to be all about love. Ironically, it is among the most hat-ed of holidays. Single people often despise it because they don’t have a significant other to cel-ebrate with, and people in relationships often dread it because of un-told expectations.
Yet florists, card com-panies, jewellers, linge-rie suppliers, chocolate manufacturers, restau-ranteurs and hoteliers embrace it. Naturally they would with annual sales of over $2 billion in Canada and the U.S. alone.
Even anti-Valentine’s Day retailers profit with humorous novelty items such as “Wish You Were Beer” keychains, “Fries Before Guys” hand-bags, and “Love Stinks” throw pillows.
The “Ex Kitchen Knife Set” was an in-stant hit a couple years ago and continues to be
a big seller. It consists of a male body-shaped statue, 15 inches in height, with five sharp knives stabbed through it. Available in seven colours as well as solid metal, it ranges in price from $159 to $1000 U.S. It’s like a modern day, culinary voodoo doll.
For me February 14 has been less about ro-mance or resentment and more of an excuse to eat chocolate. Not that I need an excuse.
“It’s just another or-dinary day,” one of my friends griped recently, unhappy her husband never makes it special. “It would be nice if he’d at least make me din-ner or do something. My sister always gets a dozen red roses and a necklace.”
“Have you told him what you’d like?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “But I don’t want to have to ask for it. I want it to be his idea or it won’t mean anything.”
I had to disagree.
Men and women think so differently, as do people in general. Personally, I wouldn’t want a bouquet of pricey flowers that wilt within a week any more than a piece of jewelry I’m unlikely to wear. I’d rather go to the movies. A funny one if possible.
I don’t view Valentine’s Day in the traditional sense like I used to. I see it more as an official day to ex-press feelings for those we love, and that should include ourselves.
It’s easy for me to say I love you to everyone I hold in my heart, espe-cially my children, and I do that daily. Showing myself love has always been more of a chal-lenge though. I tend to put the needs of others before my own, and I’ve long placed myself on the backburner.
Typical mom disease as another pal described it. Although it’s not lim-ited to mothers.
“Just like on a plane, you have to put on your
oxygen mask first,” Diane reminded me. “You can’t help and take care of others if you’re not okay.” I completely agreed, and it’s a senti-ment I’ve heard many times over the years. It’s also one I’ve lived by on numerous occasions, but eventually forgot to do.
A refresher on this simple, yet vital concept is exactly what I’ve been needing to hear.
Taking care of our health, both physically and mentally is often equated to depriva-tion and restriction. It shouldn’t be regarded in that light. It should be recognized and appreci-ated as the sanity saving self-love that it is.
Eating delicious, healthy food whenever we’re hungry, staying physical in activities we enjoy, appreciating time with our family and friends, sleeping enough hours, and being able to relax and self-connect are all things we want for our loved ones. We
should want this for ourselves as well.
Being able to do all of that on a daily basis might not be possible, but carving out some personal time everyday is usually do-able, and a concerted effort to put ourselves first shouldn’t be thought of as selfish, but selfless and strategic.
“I’m a way better mom, wife, employee and friend when I’m at the top of my list,” Diane counselled. “I’m happier and more ener-getic, and that translates to virtually every aspect of my life.”
I know from per-sonal experience how true that is, and it’s time to take myself off the backburner and get back in the groove.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all those I love - myself included - and to everyone else as well. We all deserve to love and be loved, and we all have the power to make it happen with accep-tance, kindness, encour-agement and care.
4 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
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BC Press Council - Houston Today 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 within 45 days 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
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Assisted living rules to be eased
Dogs, drones, DNA help detect invasive species
Premier Christy Clark has doubled down on her election promise to pay off B.C.’s debt with revenues from lique� ed natural gas exports, despite delays in proposed projects in the face of a global glut of oil and gas.
“Success is not for quitters,” declared the government’s speech from the throne, delivered Tuesday by Lieutenant Governor
Judith Guichon to open the spring session of the B.C. legislature.
“It is not a choice between keeping B.C.’s natural gas industry stable or deciding to grow it,” the speech said. “We must begin to export, or the 13,000 people who depend on this industry today will be out of work.”
One new initiative is a renewed focus on food production,
including an expanded “buy local, grow local” effort involving local governments and community o r g a n i z a t i o n s . Farmers are to be offered a tax credit for donating food to non-pro� ts, and an agrifoods conference is to be held in Kelowna in November.
T o u t i n g B.C.’s economic performance, the
speech includes unusual criticism of Alberta, saying it “lost its focus.”
“They expected their resource boom never to end, failed to diversify their economy and lost control of government spending.”
The speech restates the government’s intention to i m p l e m e n t re c o m m e n d at i o n s from former deputy
minister Bob Plecas to hire more child protection social workers and modernize the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
“That work must begin with ending the culture of blame that exists for those public servants with the most dif� cult role,” the speech says.
With an election scheduled for 2017 and the last full
budget before it to be presented Feb. 16, the speech repeats the phrase “stand up for B.C.” that could emerge as a re-election slogan. It also refers to “getting to yes,” a phrase Clark has used frequently in relation to LNG and other resource developments.
As it did before the 2013 election, the government has resumed jobs-themed TV ads focused
on skills training and technology incentives.
on skills training
B.C.Views
Tom Fletcher
OpinionHOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council”Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston MallP.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
Houston Today Wednesday, February 17, 2016 www.houston-today.com 5
By Jeff NagelBlack Press
Dogs, drones and DNA testing are emerging as new tools to detect invasive spe-cies and keep them from becoming en-trenched in B.C.
The new tactics were described by ex-perts Tuesday at a con-ference of the Invasive Species Council of B.C. in Richmond.
Trained sniffer dogs have proven much more effective than human teams, particu-larly at night, in detect-ing tiny invasive zebra mussels that can cling to boats and then in-fest new lakes, accord-ing to Cindy Sawchuk, who heads Alberta’s Conservation K9 pro-gram that helps inspect water craft arriving in that province from the east and south.
Most of the 11 mussel-infested boats intercepted last sum-
mer entering Alberta from other jurisdic-tions were ultimately destined for B.C. lakes.
Sawchuk’s superiors had dismissed her pro-posal for dogs as useful only for public rela-tions, so she designed a trial in 2014 to test them.
“The dogs were 100 per cent accurate in detecting the mussel-fouled boats and our humans came in at 75 per cent,” Sawchuk told delegates. “The dogs were also much quicker at detecting it. They averaged 2.3 min-utes. And that included their play time for their reward.”
Speedier inspections also mean less resis-tance from boat own-ers, some of whom had told Sawchuk they’d taken to entering the province in the dead of night to avoid inconve-nience.
The three highly trained dogs – Hilo,
Seuss and Diesel – cost $25,000 each but Sawchuk says they’re cheap compared to an estimated $75 million a year Alberta estimates it would spend clearing clogged pipes, canals and water intakes if the mussels arrive.
Delegates also heard from Fisheries and Oceans Canada scien-tist Davon Callander who is using DNA test-ing of water samples in the B.C. Interior to quickly determine if a given lake has a par-ticular invasive � sh species.
Drones are being used near Creston to aerially map infesta-tions of yellow � ag iris, an invasive plant, in hard-to-reach wetland locations.
Catherine Tarasoff, a researcher with Thompson Rivers University, hopes the rapidly evolving tech-nology will soon allow scientists to program
drones to � y autono-mously at high speed, scanning large areas and stopping only to alert their operators when a suspect patch of vegetation matches target images.
Technology may be helping thwart alien in-vaders.
But Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C., says the best prevention rests in better choices by people, whose deci-sions in the past ush-ered in many of the species now disrupting ecosystems in B.C.
Japanese knotweed – which is nearly im-possible to eradicate and can punch through concrete – menaces roads, bridges and building founda-tions across Metro Vancouver and was � rst introduced as a garden plant.
So was giant hog weed, another invasive
landscaping plant but one that poses such a serious human health risk that there are spe-ci� c WorkSafeBC rules for dealing with it.
“It’s a great big tall 10 to 15 foot plant that’s got a hollow stock and it’s got a sap inside that causes your skin to be photo-sensitive, so when you get sun on it you get a second degree burn,” Wallin said.
“Ten years ago people were proud that they had this exotic plant. Well now, you get it in park lands or around marsh areas and you wonder why did we ever plant this stuff in the � rst place. Because now we’ve got to hire teams in haz mat suits to remove it.”
Flowering rush is a new invasive plant that has been detected in three areas in B.C., including Whistler and the Hatzic area of the Fraser Valley, trigger-
ing an emergency re-sponse by the province to contain it. The plant grows underwater in lakes and is very dif� -cult to remove because the tiniest portion of the root left behind just regenerates more.
Problematic invasive critters in the Lower Mainland include red-eared slider turtles and American bullfrogs, as well as European � re ants, whose hostile at-tacks can render back-yards almost unusable.
The � re ants are thought to have often been spread when soil from construction sites was trucked from one place to another in the Lower Mainland.
Feral pigs are run-ning amok in some parts of southwestern B.C., but are a more signi� cant problem in the Interior.
The release of pets into the wild – rabbits, gold� sh, koi and even the bizarre snakehead
� sh found in a Burnaby pond in 2012 – are yet more examples of where people could do better, Wallin said.
What species haven’t yet made a beachhead that Wallin would like to keep out?
She names rusty cray� sh, which has ar-rived in Oregon from the east coast, likely as live � shing bait that es-caped and thrived.
“It’s a fairly aggres-sive cray� sh and it can come in and overtake some of the native spe-cies and clams that are here.”
Another is the European green crab, which has arrived on the west side of Vancouver Island, but has not yet reached Georgia Strait and Howe Sound.
B.C.’s costs of deal-ing with invasive plants alone is estimated to hit $139 million a year by 2020, twice as much as in 2008.
Throne speech focuses on fuel and food
Medical Service Plan fees top B.C. budget listBy Tom Fletcher
Black Press
Finance Minister Mike de Jong is set to perform surgery on Medical Services Plan fees in the Feb. 16 budget, but he insists B.C. will continue to be the only province to charge people directly for medical care.
“There are some people who advocate
eliminating MSP entirely as a separate fee, and hiding it or camou� aging that fee within the general taxation structure,” de Jong said. “I disagree with that. I think you create the illusion that people aren’t paying a fee.”
Premier Christy Clark has indicated that there will be relief for single parent
families with income over $30,000 a year,
cutting the family rate to $75 per month to effectively remove MSP fees for the children.
De Jong said it’s possible to change the current rate structure, which exempts single people and families making less than $22,000 and rises in steps to $150 a month for a family of three or more making
more than $30,000. The government has taken criticism for charging the same rate for wealthy people as those with low incomes.
The � nance ministry disputed a report from the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation that claimed more than 850,000 MSP accounts are at least 31 days past
due. Ministry staff say there are 387,381 MSP “pay direct accounts” in arrears.
The amount of the the arrears is estimated to be $457 million, and de Jong said that is why the government takes collection action for those who owe fees. About half of B.C. residents have MSP paid by their employers, with
the rest expected to register, show their income and pay what is owing.
“I also recognize that some families encounter dif� culties,” de Jong said. “Almost one million British Columbians don’t pay MSP. Sometimes there’s a lag before they’re registered, so that accounts for some of the arrears.”
File photoFinance Minister Mike de Jong
NEWS6 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
Advance Public Notice
Pursuant to Section 66 of the Transportation Act, and to provisions of the Commercial Transport Act, notice is hereby given that load restrictions may be placed on short notice in the near future on all highways within the Bulkley Stikine District, including areas from Burns Lake west to Kitwanga and north to the Yukon border, including Atlin. Restrictions will be imposed in each service area as conditions warrant.
The restrictions will limit vehicles to 100 per cent, 80 per cent, 70 per cent or 50 per cent legal axle loading. Overweight permits will not be granted and all term overweight permits are invalid for the duration of the restrictions.
Trucking and transportation companies, as well as the general public, should govern themselves accordingly. If you normally receive bulk deliveries of water, fuel, livestock feed or other produce, please plan ahead so interruption to your deliveries will be minimized.
Your cooperation in adhering to the above regulations is appreciated.
Dated in Smithers, British Columbia, this 3rd day of February, 2016.
Carl Lutz, District ManagerMinistry of Transportation and InfrastructureBulkley Stikine District
For more information about load restrictions,please contact the District Operations Technician at 250 847-7403
or visit the Load Restrictions section of www.DriveBC.ca.
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Lower flows in the Fraser River can affect the health of salmon
By Flavio NienowBlack Press
A recent University of Northern British Columbia study has found a signi� cant re-duction over time of snowpack accumula-tions across the Fraser River basin and an earlier onset of the melt.
Snowpack reduc-tion implies a reduc-tion in the contri-bution of snow to stream� ow genera-tion, which results in lower � ows in summer.
Professor of E n v i r o n m e n t a l Science, Dr. Stephen Dery, explained that up-river salmon mi-grations occur in sum-mer and fall, and low-er � ows in the Fraser River are often asso-ciated with warmer water temperatures that affect the health of salmon. Dery ex-plained that snow-packs work as ‘ther-mostats,’ releasing cold water into the en-vironment, important
for many � sh species including salmon.
The harvest of salmon is particularly important for Lake Babine Nation.
The Skeena sockeye return was signi� cant-ly late last year. Even
with the improved salmon count esti-mated at 1.16 million in September 2015, last year’s sockeye re-turn was still drasti-cally lower than the pre-season estimate of over three million.
Dery said a com-bination of factors may have led to those diminished returns in the Skeena watershed last year. He said one major factor was the “warm blob” in the northeastern Paci� c Ocean, a patch of wa-ter 2-3 C warmer than usual.
“It’s hard to pin-point last year’s low return to diminished snowpack,” he ex-plained. “However, given the dry summer, water temperatures were certainly higher than normal and may have impacted the mi-grations.”
The new study showed a 19 per cent decline in mountain snowpack’s contribu-tion to Fraser River discharge (at Hope) over 1949 to 2006. Coupled with warmer air temperatures, this leads to a 10-day ad-vance of the spring snowmelt pulse in the Fraser River.
Changes in the hy-drology of the Fraser River can not only af-fect aquatic habitat for salmon, but also for white sturgeon, trout and other important � sh species. Changing snowpacks also have an impact on moun-tain caribou, since they rely on deep snow to reach arboreal li-chens as a food source.
Dery said similar patterns can be ex-
pected in the Burns Lake area, including smaller annual ac-cumulations of snow and earlier spring melt and freshet (snow-melt pulses in rivers/creeks).
In addition, there is indication that the Fraser River is now transitioning from a snow-dominated re-gime to “hybrid” one, in other words, head-ing more towards a rainfall-dominated system. Drivers of change are rising air temperatures and changes in the amount of snowfall despite no change in overall annual precipitation amounts.
Dery said that al-though global warm-ing is the main cause of these trends, it may not be the sole fac-tor. He says changes in land cover such as deforestation may also have an impact on ear-lier snowmelt.
According to the study, projections to estimate future changes in the Fraser River - up to 2070 - suggest future onsets of springtime snow-melt nearly 20 to 25 days earlier than the present onsets. The study says this will produce more winter and spring runoff for the Fraser River main stem at Hope, and ear-lier recessions to low � ows in summer.
Lakes District News file photoThe harvest of salmon is particularly important for Lake Babine Nation. Last year’s sockeye return was still drastically lower than the pre-season estimate of over three million.
Houston Today Wednesday, February 17, 2016 www.houston-today.com 7
“By Xuyun Zeng
Houston Today
For the 31 years, Trudy Amonson has taught curling to countless Houston residents.
About ten years ago, the head instructor started teaching in the junior curling program for ages 11
and up at the Houston & District Curling Club. Amonson teaches the fundamentals of curling.
“Flatfooted slide, proper delivery, the game, strategy and such,” said Amonson, pointing to the aspects the program teaches.
Her student, Matthew Lavigne, found his passion for curling at the
program and has been participating for years.
“Getting in the button,” said Lavigne of what drives his passion for curling. “Just going out and having fun.”
People interested in participating can contact Amonson at 250-845-2132. The program costs $20 in total.
Community BuilderFeaturing the stories and spirit of the local people
Bulkley ValleyCREDIT UNION
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Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons’ have grown to rely on. People-helping-people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.
Maintaining a healthy and strong financial institution is only one part of our mission. Our strong financial results have allowed us to build a very strong capital base.
We continue to make improvements in our products and services. We value the relationships we have established with our members and will continue to build more innovative remote banking access to allow those who may move away or simply require access to all products and services anytime, anywhere.
Come see us today to experience the Credit Union difference.
This section brought to you by:
Teaching the fundamentals of curlingXuyun Zeng photoVeteran curling instructor Trudy Amonson coaches her student on technique at the after-school junior curling program.
“Getting in the button... “Just going out and
having fun.”- Matthew Lavigne
8 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
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Lincoln SageAlfred AugerHouston New Year’s Baby is Lincoln Sage Alfred Auger, here pictured with his mom April Auger. Lincoln was born January 29, 2016 and weighed nine pounds and four ounces. As the Houston New Year’s baby, he is gifted with various gifts from local business and merchants.
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NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, February 17, 2016 www.houston-today.com 9
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Some of the financial pressure faced by prospective business students in B.C. can be reduced, thanks to David Black, owner of Black Press.
Graduating high school students in 37 of the province’s school districts, intending to study business at the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business, can apply for a $5,000 scholarship.
The Black Press Business scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, leadership and a demonstrated desire to make a positive difference in the world. Students must apply to the Gustavson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce Program before Feb. 28 to be eligible.
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they can specialize in entrepreneurship, service management, international business or management where they customize a program that suits their interests. Every student takes at least two paid co-operative work terms, has the opportunity to participate in an international exchange, and learns about sustainable business practices.
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COMMUNITY PHOTO FEATURE10 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
Over 150 community members came out to support the local RCMP and Volunteer Fire Department and friends as they battled each other at the Annual Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game held at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena Monday, February 8th as part of the WinterFest 2016 weekend.
Last year, the RCMP won the game, but this year after a close game with a 5-5 tie leading to a shootout, the Fire Department took the win (7-5).
Both departments would like to thank the community for their support. The event raised $1625 from the gate, puck toss and 50/50 draw. The proceeds will be will be given to Houston schools for their breakfast/lunch programs.
Over 150 community members came out to support the local RCMP and Volunteer Fire Department and friends as they battled each other at the Annual Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game held at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena Monday, February 8th as part of the WinterFest 2016 weekend.
Last year, the RCMP won the game, but this year after a close game with a 5-5 tie leading to a shootout, the Fire Department took the win (7-5).
Both departments would like to thank the community for their support. The event raised $1625 from the gate, puck toss and 50/50 draw. The proceeds will be will be given to Houston schools for their breakfast/lunch programs.
Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game
Robin Vander Heide photos/Houston Today
NEWSHouston Today Wednesday, February 17, 2016 www.houston-today.com 11
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HOPE forHOPE forHOPE forforTodayTodayNew Heart
There has been a lot of attention on the news recently about cruelty to animals. One fellow has been
sentenced to 2 years in prison for severely abusing his dog. Another case of cruelty to cows in a dairy is being investigated.
An animal rights activist, in reaction to this animal abuse, is trying to equate our pets to human beings by saying they have personalities just like humans and they should be given a bill of rights just like we have. Another person, who had numerous dogs freely roaming wherever they wanted around the house, told me that her dogs are her children.
Animals are not and never will be human beings, yet this does not excuse anyone of animal abuse. God’s word, the Bible clearly teaches that we humans are to be stewards of his creation, including animals. (Genesis 1:28) The answer to animal cruelty is not to raise the status of animals to that of humans but to deal with the root cause, the condition of our heart. The deeper issue here is that all our attitudes and actions reveal the condition of our heart. “The godly take care of their animals but the wicked are always cruel.” Proverbs 12:10 NLT
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9 NLT Even the words of our mouth reveal what is in our hearts. “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Matthew 12:34 NLT (see also Matthew 15:19) This universal condition of our human heart has everything to do with whatever we think, say, or do, not only to our animals but also to our spouses, our children, our neighbours, our friends, our enemies, our unborn and even ourselves.
The only remedy is to surrender our broken selves to God, to call out for forgiveness and mercy to our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give us a new heart and empower us by his Holy Spirit, so we can we live the positive, productive and meaningful lives he has called us to. The same promise that God gave the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel thousands of years ago can be for us today. “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you, I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” Ezekiel 36:26-27 NLT
Submitted by Ken Penner
Managing Your Money Is it better to contribute to investments held within an RRSP or a TFSA?
You have funds to invest and you’re wondering whether it’s better to put them in your Regis-tered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or in a Tax-free Savings Plan (TFSA). That depends on two main factors:
1. How frequently the funds will be removed from and re-contributed to either investments within an RRSP or TFSA in the years leading up to your retirement.
If you are going to need the funds prior to retirement and intend to re-contribute them at a later date, a TFSA may be the better option because you can make withdrawals at any time and the contribution room is restored in the following year; but when you make RRSP withdrawals, you lose that contribution room.
2. What your marginal tax rate is today and what your marginal tax rate will be when you finally remove the funds.
Generally, if your marginal tax rate is lower at the time the funds are removed from your regis-tered plan at retirement, the RRSP option will produce a better result – but that is only true if your marginal tax rate actually is lower.
Your marginal tax rate can be influenced by income-tested benefits including the Age Credit, Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the GST/HST Credit. Because they are income-tested benefits, they are reduced or clawed-back as your income increases, ultimately disappearing entirely at an upper threshold that is different for each of the benefits. If the funds you remove from your RRSP after age 65 increase your taxable income and result in the loss of some or all of your income-tested benefits, you will have effectively – and perhaps substantially – reduced your income and increased the tax you pay. And you would have cancelled out some of the value of your RRSP withdrawal.
There is no doubt that RRSPs and TFSAs play key roles in financial and retirement planning and there are strategies – like income-splitting – that you can use to reduce your taxable income and avoid claw backs. Your professional advisor can help you decide what’s best for your situation.
*Investors Group is a registered trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.
This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advi-sor for specific advice about your circumstanc-es. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant.
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Morrison MineBy Flavio Nienow
Black Press
Minister Mary Polak and energy and mines minister Bill Bennett had ordered the proposed Morrison Copper/Gold Mine to undergo further environmental assess-ment.
The scope of the supplemental assessment includes further engage-ment with Lake Babine Nation (LBN), which has continuously opposed the project since it was first proposed in 2003.
The proposed mine is adjacent to Morrison Lake, which lies within LBN territory 65 km northeast of Smithers.
“I want to make clear that LBN is not opposed to working with corpora-tions and governments to sustainably develop our resources in a man-ner that strengthens our nation, but this proposal is neither sustainable nor in the best interests of the Lake Babine people,” said Chief Wilf Adam said in a press release.
Morrison Lake is home to a genetically distinct population of sockeye that are critically important to LBN.
“We can’t risk trading
a renewable, sustainable fishery for a non-renew-able mine that will leave a legacy of contaminants and toxins in our terri-tory,” said Chief Adam.
The supplemental as-sessment required Pacific Booker Minerals – com-pany that owns the pro-posed Morrison Mine - to prepare a ‘Lake Babine Nation engagement plan.’
The engagement plan was submitted to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) on Dec. 23, 2015. However, last week the EAO responded with some questions and com-ments on that document.
“Given that your early attempts to meet with Lake Babine Nation have not been successful, how will you seek to ensure that the potential adverse effects of project impacts to Lake Babine Nation’s rights will be appropri-ately identified and ad-dressed?”
In the letter submit-ted to Pacific Booker Minerals last week, the EAO says it received nu-merous comments, ques-tions and concerns with respect to the design of the Morrison Mine from Lake Babine Nation.
“As EAO understands
these comments and con-cerns are central to the issues raised by the Lake Babine Nation, your plan should provide details on how these issues will be addressed.”
The next step in the process is for Pacific Booker Minerals to pre-pare a document called ‘supplemental applica-tion information require-ments’ (SAIR), which includes further engage-ment with First Nations.
Once received, the document will be re-viewed by the EAO, which will determine if the doc-ument has provided a rea-sonable response to the SAIR requirements. The EAO will then convene a working group comprised of provincial and federal agencies, local govern-ments and First Nations to review the document.
Chief Adam has told Lakes District News that there will be consequenc-es if the project moves forward.
“We will fight it vig-orously as it’s not right to put a mine right in the middle of our last wild salmon area,” said Chief Adam. “That’s how strong we feel about this proposed mine.”
Pacific Booker Minerals has filed two
separate requests to ac-cess records under the freedom of information and protection of privacy act.
The company says the requests are to obtain further information relat-ing to the July 2015 deci-sion of the ministers that Morrison Mine undergo further environmental as-sessment. In addition, the company wants to obtain the professional qualifica-tions of three reviewers involved in assessing the environmental assess-ment certificate applica-tion.
These requests were submitted in January 2016 and September 2015 to the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Environmental Assessment Office and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Morrison Mine’s en-vironmental assessment was suspended in June 2014 after the Mount Polley Copper/Gold Mine disaster – when a massive dam holding the toxic waste water from the Mount Polley Mine collapsed, releasing 25 million cubic metres of contaminated water and mining waste, contami-
nating lakes, creeks and rivers.
In June 2015, the sus-pension was lifted, and a decision on the Morrison Mine’s environmental as-sessment was expected to be reached by July 9, 2015. However, on July 8, the mine was ordered to undergo further assess-ment.
The ministers con-cluded that the applica-tion information submit-ted for decision did not provide them with a suf-ficient level of confidence that the mine’s design could adequately protect the environment.
Pacific Booker Minerals said in a state-ment that the company is committed to construct-ing and operating the Morrison Mine in com-pliance with industry best practices, using proven technology and in full compliance with all per-mit requirements.
The proposed $517-million project is a conventional open-pit mine with an extraction rate of approximately 30,000 tonnes per day. If approved, the project is expected to bring in close to $900 million in tax rev-enues over its 21-year life span.Further assessment
Last few months
12 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
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Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage 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
PlumbingFULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928
Pets & Livestock
Feed & HayHAY FOR SALE: Alfalfa, grass/mix, STRAW available in 3x4 square bales. Dairy or cow quality. Call for a deliv-ered price. Semi-load deliver-ies only. Visit www.hubka-hay.com or Phone 403-635-0104
Place of Worship Information Education/Trade Schools
Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services
Financial Services PetsTO GIVE AWAY to good acreage or farm four-year-old Great Pyreneese cross Black German Shepherd. Very large and very friendly. Has all shots, neutered, housetrained. Must go due to aller-gies. 250-696-3630
Merchandise for Sale
Misc. for SalePOLE BARNS, Shops, steelbuildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and in-stallation. Call John at 403-998-7907; [email protected]
REFORESTATION NURSERY Seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, and berries for shel-terbelts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $.99/tree. Free Shipping. Replacement guar-antee. 1-866-873-3846 orwww.treetime.ca
SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397. Make money and save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info and DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.
Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca
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INDEX IN BRIEFFAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
TRAVEL
EMPLOYMENT
BUSINESS SERVICES
PETS & LIVESTOCK
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
RENTALS
AUTOMOTIVE
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
LEGAL NOTICES
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SNIFF OUT A NEW CAREER IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
14 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
RE/MAX HOUSTON Locally owned and operated
Lia Long 250-845-11472436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC • e-mail: [email protected] • www.realtor.ca
Call 250-845-7325 www.remaxhouston.ca
Whether you are buying or selling, Lia offers prompt, friendly and professional service with over 20 years of real estate experience and a lifetime in the Houston area.
$159,900$59,900
NESTLED IN A WARM & COZY NEIGHBORHOOD!Well kept, cozy 4 bedroom home on a huge lot on a popular cul-de-sac close to the schools! Wood fireplace in the living room, pellet stove in the basement family room. Eating bar in the kitchen. Updated main bath and a second bathroom in the fully finished basement. Lots of storage. Carport, covered deck as well as a patio, fenced yard, lots of parking, backyard access. All appliances and window coverings included.Call Lia to view 250-845-1147
ONE LOOK WILL DO!Well kept, 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom 1996 mobile home all set up in the popular Shady Rest Mobile Home Park! Spacious master bedroom with a 4 piece en-suite and walk in closet. Very open living/kitchen. Lots of cabinets and built in china cabinet. Sky lites in kitchen, 1 in main bath. Nice sized porch, newer deck, storage shed. All appliances and window coverings included. Quick possession available. Call Lia to view 250-845-1147.
Community Calendar proudly sponsored by
Bulkley ValleyCREDIT UNION
www.bvcu.com
Since May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.
HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave.
P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117
HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDARSuper Valu tapes may be donated to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary at drop off boxes at A&W; Shear Delight; Razor’s Edge and Terri-Lynn Hair Creations. The tapes are used as a fund-raiser for the L.A. to the Houston Legion.
Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE swim for Seniors (60+) every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM until February 23. All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active.
TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229.
Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck fl ats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info.
Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.
TOPLEYTopley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
Structural Firefi ghting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).
GRANISLEThe Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre.
Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & fi re practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall.
Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am.
Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the offi ce. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com
Buck Flats Community Development Society meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Morice Mountain Cross Country Ski Trails lodge. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend as we discuss issues concerning the Buck Flats area. For more info call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564.
The Houston Legion - Regular Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is a General Meeting.
Houston Public Library Events: Game Night for Grownups! - Thurs, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. Adults are welcome to drop in and play board games, cards games and RPGs. Junk food is included. • Book Club - Thurs, Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. • Mark Zagwyn Photography - Fri, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Mark will be on hand to take passport photos. Prints of his photography will also be on display. For more info on above events please contact the library @250-845-2256.
GEMS Soup Fest & Games Night - Thursday, February 18th from 5:00-6:30p.m. Cost: By donation at the Houston Christian School Gym. Gems Girls are raising funds for: Esther School in Zambia, Africa, Houston Food Bank & Soup Kitchen & Rough Acres Bible Camp.
International Women’s Dinner event is planned in Houston for Tuesday, March 8. More details to follow.
DISTRICT OF HOUSTONwww.houston.ca
REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONSTake notice that separate sealed quotations for the following two contracts will be received by the District of Houston, PO Box 370, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 up to 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 17, 2016 for the following contracts and will be opened in public at that time.# 1 - Steelhead Park/Fly Rod Maintenance ContractThis Contract involves the maintaining and servicing of the Steelhead Park, Fly Rod area and picnic area. The term of the proposed contract will be for one (1) season, from April 18, 2016 to October 21, 2016 (27 weeks. The contract may be renewed for a further term of two (2) seasons, up to a total potential of three (3) seasons, subject to satisfactory performance by the Contractor and the availability of funding. # 2 - 2016 Parks & Playground Maintenance ContractThis Contract involves the maintaining and servicing of the District of Houston’s parks and playgrounds. The term of the proposed contract will be for one (1) season, from May 02, 2016 to October 21, 2016 (25 weeks). The contract may be renewed for a further term of two (2) seasons, up to a total potential of three (3) seasons, subject to satisfactory performance by the Contractor and the availability of funding.
Request for Quotation packages for each of the above contracts will be available at the District of Houston Municipal Office at 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, BC during working hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except statutory holidays).No quotation shall be considered having any qualifying clauses, whatsoever, and the lowest or any quotation will not necessarily be accepted. The District of Houston reserves the right to re-advertise for quotations.If further information is required, please contact Don Hounsell, Manager of Engineering & Operations at 250-845-2238.
Legal Notices Legal Notices
Legal Legal
Keep your toddler safe in the car.
Learn how to install your child’s car seat correctly. Call 1-877-247-5551 or visit ChildSeatInfo.ca
“Grandma, we’re coming to visit!”
Drive to Save Lives
Get to know Syria Night(Fundraiser Event for sponsoring
Syrian Refugees to Houston)
Saturday February 20th 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
at the Houston Seniors Activity Centre
Supper Menu Includes: • Falafel • Soup & Baklava
Power Point Presentation at 6:00 p.m. about Syria.
Free Admission, but limited supply of meal tickets. Tickets will be sold in advance - available at
Countrywide Printing & Stationery
Contact Info: Bobby Seinen at 250-845-3411
14 www.houston-today.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Houston Today
RE/MAX HOUSTON Locally owned and operated
Lia Long 250-845-11472436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC • e-mail: [email protected] • www.realtor.ca
Call 250-845-7325 www.remaxhouston.ca
Whether you are buying or selling, Lia offers prompt, friendly and professional service with over 20 years of real estate experience and a lifetime in the Houston area.
$159,900$59,900
NESTLED IN A WARM & COZY NEIGHBORHOOD!Well kept, cozy 4 bedroom home on a huge lot on a popular cul-de-sac close to the schools! Wood fireplace in the living room, pellet stove in the basement family room. Eating bar in the kitchen. Updated main bath and a second bathroom in the fully finished basement. Lots of storage. Carport, covered deck as well as a patio, fenced yard, lots of parking, backyard access. All appliances and window coverings included.Call Lia to view 250-845-1147
ONE LOOK WILL DO!Well kept, 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom 1996 mobile home all set up in the popular Shady Rest Mobile Home Park! Spacious master bedroom with a 4 piece en-suite and walk in closet. Very open living/kitchen. Lots of cabinets and built in china cabinet. Sky lites in kitchen, 1 in main bath. Nice sized porch, newer deck, storage shed. All appliances and window coverings included. Quick possession available. Call Lia to view 250-845-1147.
BAND MANAGERSALARY: Negotiable Dependent Upon Experience On behalf of, and under the general direction of the Kispiox Band Council, the Band Man-ager, manages, directs, organizes, implements and controls the provision of a wide variety of programs and services to the Band membership. As the Band’s chief administrative of-ficer, is directly responsible to Council for the effective and efficient operation of the band administration and for ensuring the implementation of Council policies and directives. Education/Professional Requirements:Must have a post-secondary degree in Business or Human Resources;Must have three (3) years of Senior Management working experience;Must have working/education experience in managing finances and budgets Consideration will be given to individuals possessing a combination of an undergraduate degree, within similar disciplines and relevant working experience. Qualifications/Abilities:
• Extensive knowledge of First Nations as to their political roles and structure;• Ability to communicate with personnel from various levels of government, First
Nation Organizations and Funding Agencies• Ability to develop and maintain policies and procedures pertaining to all aspects
of the First Nations Band Administration• Must be able to plan and manage the First Nation finances; strong skills in Financial
Management – analyze, advise and recommend on allocation of budgets, funds and organization
• Must possess management and leadership skills and supervision of staff• Must be proficient in strategic planning and program development• Must possess skills in the administration, management/planning of human resources• Ability to establish good working relationships with funding agencies/other
organizations• Ability to research funding sources and provide funding proposals• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong
computer skills• Must possess excellent skills in problem solving and decision making• Experience in management of band housing is an asset: working with rental arrears,
construction, building contractors, etc. Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to work independently and build effective interpersonal relationships• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and Chief and Council in establishing goals,
preparation of budgets, and funding proposals• Ability to self-regulate, meet deadlines, and give attention to details• Recognizes and respects all cultural diversity and has an understanding of Aboriginal
culture Working Conditions:
• Must provide a recent Criminal Record Check Forward Resume, Recent Criminal Record Check And 3 References To:
KISPIOX BAND COUNCIL1336 Kispiox Valley Road
Kispiox, B.C., VOJ 1Y4
DEADLINE: Friday February 26, 2016 at 4:00 pm We thank all applicants for their interest however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
Employment Employment Employment Information Information
Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Upcoming Events Upcoming Events
Are you a veteran or are your parents or grandparents war vets?If so drop o� or email a picture with a small write up and we will publish it in our 2016 Remembrance Day special section.
Phone: 250-845-2890 • www.houston-today.com
Invite the whole community to your next brownie meeting, hockey game or gala evening with a couple of clicks. Add your event today.
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ckey
www.houston-today.com
International Women’s Day is celebrated on
March 8, 2016 throughout the world.
Houston will be hosting this event for the 5th year. Women of all ages are invited to an Inspirational Dinner, free of charge. A learning component and light entertainment are offered.
We expect 70 to 80 ladies to attend and the event will be held at the Houston Seniors’ Centre.
We would like to respectfully request your consideration of a donation toward the meal, a silent auction item, or small gift items, which can be given out as door prizes.
We extend our sincere thank you in advance. Donors will be publicly thanked in our local newspapers.
Naomi Himech & Committee
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8, 2016 throughout the world.
Houston will be hosting this event for the 5th year. Women of all ages are invited to an Inspirational Dinner, free of charge. A learning component and light entertainment are offered.
We expect 70 to 80 ladies to attend and the event will be held at the Houston Seniors’ Centre.
We would like to respectfully request your consideration of a donation toward the meal, a silent auction item, or small gift items, which can be given out as door prizes.
We extend our sincere thank you in advance. Donors will be publicly thanked in our local newspapers.
Naomi Himech & Committee
Houston Today Wednesday, February 17, 2016 www.houston-today.com 15
Community Calendar proudly sponsored by
Bulkley ValleyCREDIT UNION
Bulkley ValleyINSURANCE SERVICES
Bulkley ValleyFINANCIAL SERVICES
Bulkley ValleyFINANCIAL SERVICES
Bulkley ValleyINSURANCE SERVICES
Bulkley ValleyCREDIT UNION
Bulkley Valley Credit Union July 2007EPS Logos to be supplied to Newspapers
Pantone colours: Pantone 287 Blue Pantone 356 Green Pantone 139 Harvest
Black/Grey Logo file Colour Logo File
Since May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.
HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave.
P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117
www.bvcu.com
HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDARBuck Flats area. For more info call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564. The Houston Legion - Regular Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is a General Meeting. Super Valu tapes may be donated to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary at drop off boxes at A&W; Shear Delight; Razor’s Edge and Terri-Lynn Hair Creations. The tapes are used as a fund-raiser for the L.A. to the Houston Legion. Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE swim for Seniors (60+) every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM until February 23. All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active.TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229.Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck � ats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info. Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.
TOPLEYTopley Fire Protection Society Annual General Meeting at 2:00pm on March 13, 2016. This meeting is open to the public and we encourage all residents to attend.
Topley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
Structural Fire� ghting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).
GRANISLEThe Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre.
Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & � re practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall.
Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am.
GEMS Soup Fest & Games Night - Thursday, February 18th from 5:00-6:30p.m. Cost: By donation at the Houston Christian School Gym. Gems Girls are raising funds for: Esther School in Zambia, Africa, Houston Food Bank & Soup Kitchen & Rough Acres Bible Camp. Get to know Syria Night (Fundraiser Event for sponsoring Syrian Refugees to Houston) Saturday February 20: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Houston Seniors Activity Centre. Free Admission, but limited supply of meal tickets. Tickets will be sold in advance - available at Countrywide Printing & Stationery. Contact Info: Bobby Seinen at 250-845-3411. Houston Public Library Events: Book Club - Thurs, Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. • Mark Zagwyn Photography - Fri, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Mark will be on hand to take passport photos. Prints of his photography will also be on display. • 50th AGM on Mon, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Canfor Room at the library. All library members are welcome to attend. In addition to the AGM, staff members will be doing presentations on: Library Funding, 3Doodler Pen Demonstration & Censorship in Public Libraries. For more info on above events please contact the library @250-845-2256. International Women’s Dinner event is planned in Houston for Tuesday, March 8. More details to follow. Buck Flats Community Development Society meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Morice Mountain Cross Country Ski Trails lodge. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend as we discuss issues concerning the Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or
mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the of� ce. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com