Prince Rupert begins the search for a Fire Chief as Ron Miller prepares to step away from the position he has held for thirteen years, Four will ride for Cops for Cancer and the Dundas arraignment is postponed, some of the highlights of the day from Tuesday.
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DAILY NEWS Headline story, Tuesday, August 11, 2009
FAREWELL TO A VETERAN FIREFIGHTER IN RUPERT-- After thirty three years on the job, thirteen of them as the top firefighter for the City of Prince Rupert, Fire Chief Ron Miller prepares for his retirement on August 31st (see story here) Item reproduced at the bottom of this post as well.
Four member of law enforcement in the Prince Rupert region will take part in the upcoming Cops for Cancer ride, which runs from Prince George to Prince Rupert from September 11 to 17 (see story here)
The arraignment of Edward Dundas, regarding a violent incident over the weekend in downtown Prince Rupert was put on hold, after Crown Counsel requested the delay pending further charges from the RCMP. (see story here)
Sheila Gordon-Payne moves into administration at Northern Health as she trades in her Nurses' garb for the position of health service administrator (see story here)
Tuesday's Sport page featured Moe Hays column on golf.
NORTHERN VIEW Website Extra
SON CHARGED WITH FATHER'S MURDER IN PRINCE RUPERT STABBING INCIDENT-- The Northern View updates their coverage of the stabbing incidents of downtown Prince Rupert on the weekend (see story here)
Front page, headline story:
Farewell to a veteran firefighter in Rupert
By George T. Baker
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Pages one and five
A hole has opened up at the top of the city's fire pole.
Mayor Jack Mussallem has confirmed that the city is looking for a brand new fire chief and he expects one to be named fairly soon.
Ron Miller is stepping down after more than 13 years as the city's top fire official, and after more than 33 years at the First Avenue fire department.
August 31 will be Miller's last day and while the fire chief is currently on vacation and was unavailable for comment, his former deputy, Jim Martin, said that it will be his leadership that will be most remembered.
"I always liked him as a boss. He had good judgment, he backed me up on my decisions [as deputy chief] and garnered great respect," said former right hand man, Martin who retired earlier this decade.
Martin said that Miller's greatest strength during his time was his love of the department and the amount of heart he put into the job of fire chief.
"He cares very, very deeply for the department. That gave him a lot of inner strength, he cares very, very deeply for what the department does and the manpower - the people that work for it," said Martin.
That strength, said Martin, could be a double-edge sword for a leader.
"Such care colours every decision that you make. His outward skill was bookkeeping and administration work, But it also inwardly conflicted him because he knew he had a duty to work for the department and that does not always agree with your fiduciary responsibilities. It's something that people who have never been in management don't always understand."
Mussallem added that Miller wouldn't be easily replaced. It is not 100 per cent guaranteed that the city will hire internally, though there is some thought that deputy Dave McKenzie might be the favourite to replace Miller.
McKenzie said he would not comment on that possibility, as it was not his place to do so, but did confirm his candidacy.
"We are not only searching locally, but we are searching far and wide for the best candidate. The best candidate may be somebody within our region," said Mussallem.
Mussallem added that the City was looking for someone who has experience working in a community the size of Prince Rupert.
"We are also looking for someone who understands working in a team approach with crews and
understands the complexities of working with fire equipment. And someone who sets a good tone and morale with personnel," listed Mussallem.
During Miller's time as fire chief there were several fires that required his department's attention, none bigger or lasting longer than the J.S. McMillan Fish Plant fire of 2003.
According to previous reports, the battle lasted eight days and damages to the J.S. McMillan fish plant were estimated at $8 million. The blaze, which lighted the pre-dawn Rupert skies with a shower of glowing embers and threw out billows of smoke that could be seen across town in Cow Bay, drew out crowds of locals to vantage points outside the police blockage.
Many onlookers, alerted by radio reports that reached as far down as Washington State, came armed with cameras and video recorders as they watched the towering fire.
Martin remembered the challenges and frustration faced while fighting a fire that took no lives, but ended with great job loss for Rupertites.
"We had very little water to work with because the water lines were failing at the same time in the plant, and so our water was just dumping into the ocean. So, having to find ways to bring water into fight the fire showed good leadership under the circumstances," said Martin.
He said Miller's adaptability and stewardship played a significant factor in over coming the fire.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Podunk Below the Masthead Monday, August 10, 2009
As we hunker down in our quest to catch up on all the news, we welcomed with interest the debut of the Daily News online homepage, with its arrival we now will refurbish our efforts on Below the Masthead to reflect the new access to our Daily paper.
While we still will provide a recap of the main items of the day, instead of our tiresome transcription service, we instead will link up with the online webpage from the Daily, though for the short term we still will reproduce the Headline story at the bottom of our daily review.
In addition to the opportunity to expand the links to the Daily News offerings, we will also include links to the Northern View's webpage, which frequently updates stories on a daily basis, likewise if we find something of interest from the CFTK or CBC pages, we'll archive it here as well.
It may take a few cracks at working the bugs out, but hopefully we'll provide a reliable review of the media offerings in Podunk on the day to day basis.
So without further ado, we continue on our path to archival completion, with a review of the events as listed on Monday, August 10th.
Violent crime in the downtown core, a tribute to a popular local son and more debate on the Highway of Tears sign for the highway, some of the highlights of the day.
DAILY NEWS Headline Story, Monday, August 10, 2009
ONE MAN DEAD ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER DISPUTE-- Monday's Daily News provided some of the details of a violent incident in Prince Rupert's downtown area on Saturday night, one which left one man dead, another seriously injured and yet another in police custody. (see story here) full article reproduced below.
Elsewhere in the paper, the passing of a popular figure in the Arts community and member of an established Prince Rupert family, as Monica Lamb-Yorski provides a tribute and review of the life and times of Rod McNish. (see article here)
The City continues to push ahead with its plans for a Highway sign to warn of the dangers of hitchking on the Highway 16 corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George, the billboard plans which at times have been controversial move a little further ahead after council examines the progress of the plans so far (see article here)
A turf war of sorts seems on the horizon as both Shell Canada and NaiKun wind energy seem to be developing plans for the same patch of offshore North coast waters. (see article here)
The Sports page reviewed the action of the His n Hers golf tournament held over the weekend.
NORTHERN VIEW Website Extra
SON CHARGED WITH FATHER'S MURDER IN PRINCE RUPERT STABBING INCIDENT--The city's weekly paper had an update posted by Sunday, providing further details on the weekends top crime story (see article here)
Front page headline story from the Daily News:
One man dead another seriously injured after dispute
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, August 10, 2009
Page one
A Prince Rupert suspect has been apprehended by police after a man was killed in a stabbing incident Saturday.
Edward Paul Dundas, a 20-year old man who is known to police and has previous convictions but no known history of violence, is being held by police in connection with a stabbing incident last Saturday afternoon. He is believed to have disappeared shortly after two local fifty-year old men were stabbed.
One of the fifty-year old men was found dead by police at 9 p.m. Saturday evening. He was found with multiple stab wounds.
The other fifty-year old man is in stable condition at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital after suffering knife wounds to the back, face and neck that required surgery.
It is not clear as to what began the altercation, said RCMP Cpl. Mike Traas.
"It appears to be a domestic situation, we can say that much at this point," said Traas of possible motivations.
According to Traas, all three men have been previously convicted, although there appears to be no history of violence amongst them. He would not reveal the names of the victims on Sunday evening because the next of kin had not been notified.
After five years without a single murder, Prince Rupert has now witnessed two in the last two months.
Both have involved knives and seemed to have occurred during domestic disputes.
In June, Annalee Auckland, 42, was charged with manslaughter in connection with the stabbing death of 42-year-old Melvin Christison. Christison was stabbed on June 16 in his apartment, located in the upstairs of a building in downtown Prince Rupert in the 600 block of Third Avenue West.
Saturday night's stabbings took place at the bottom southwest corner of the West End Grocery building on Second Avenue.
Traas said early indications point to the incident occurring anywhere between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Police arrived three hours later, after being notified of a disturbance, to find one man deceased and the other hanging onto life.
He was immediately rushed to hospital.
A Terrace-based coroner and an investigation team dressed in white coveralls were at the scene Sunday afternoon.
An employee at West End Grocery said that residents of the building tend to be very quiet unless there is a party going on. She said that violence wasn't a large factor, and that this was a surprise.
While we still will provide a recap of the main items of the day, instead of our tiresome transcription service, we instead will link up with the online webpage from the Daily, though for the short term we still will reproduce the Headline story at the bottom of our daily review.
In addition to the opportunity to expand the links to the Daily News offerings, we will also include links to the Northern View's webpage, which frequently updates stories on a daily basis, likewise if we find something of interest from the CFTK or CBC pages, we'll archive it here as well.
It may take a few cracks at working the bugs out, but hopefully we'll provide a reliable review of the media offerings in Podunk on the day to day basis.
So without further ado, we continue on our path to archival completion, with a review of the events as listed on Monday, August 10th.
Violent crime in the downtown core, a tribute to a popular local son and more debate on the Highway of Tears sign for the highway, some of the highlights of the day.
DAILY NEWS Headline Story, Monday, August 10, 2009
ONE MAN DEAD ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER DISPUTE-- Monday's Daily News provided some of the details of a violent incident in Prince Rupert's downtown area on Saturday night, one which left one man dead, another seriously injured and yet another in police custody. (see story here) full article reproduced below.
Elsewhere in the paper, the passing of a popular figure in the Arts community and member of an established Prince Rupert family, as Monica Lamb-Yorski provides a tribute and review of the life and times of Rod McNish. (see article here)
The City continues to push ahead with its plans for a Highway sign to warn of the dangers of hitchking on the Highway 16 corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George, the billboard plans which at times have been controversial move a little further ahead after council examines the progress of the plans so far (see article here)
A turf war of sorts seems on the horizon as both Shell Canada and NaiKun wind energy seem to be developing plans for the same patch of offshore North coast waters. (see article here)
The Sports page reviewed the action of the His n Hers golf tournament held over the weekend.
NORTHERN VIEW Website Extra
SON CHARGED WITH FATHER'S MURDER IN PRINCE RUPERT STABBING INCIDENT--The city's weekly paper had an update posted by Sunday, providing further details on the weekends top crime story (see article here)
Front page headline story from the Daily News:
One man dead another seriously injured after dispute
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, August 10, 2009
Page one
A Prince Rupert suspect has been apprehended by police after a man was killed in a stabbing incident Saturday.
Edward Paul Dundas, a 20-year old man who is known to police and has previous convictions but no known history of violence, is being held by police in connection with a stabbing incident last Saturday afternoon. He is believed to have disappeared shortly after two local fifty-year old men were stabbed.
One of the fifty-year old men was found dead by police at 9 p.m. Saturday evening. He was found with multiple stab wounds.
The other fifty-year old man is in stable condition at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital after suffering knife wounds to the back, face and neck that required surgery.
It is not clear as to what began the altercation, said RCMP Cpl. Mike Traas.
"It appears to be a domestic situation, we can say that much at this point," said Traas of possible motivations.
According to Traas, all three men have been previously convicted, although there appears to be no history of violence amongst them. He would not reveal the names of the victims on Sunday evening because the next of kin had not been notified.
After five years without a single murder, Prince Rupert has now witnessed two in the last two months.
Both have involved knives and seemed to have occurred during domestic disputes.
In June, Annalee Auckland, 42, was charged with manslaughter in connection with the stabbing death of 42-year-old Melvin Christison. Christison was stabbed on June 16 in his apartment, located in the upstairs of a building in downtown Prince Rupert in the 600 block of Third Avenue West.
Saturday night's stabbings took place at the bottom southwest corner of the West End Grocery building on Second Avenue.
Traas said early indications point to the incident occurring anywhere between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Police arrived three hours later, after being notified of a disturbance, to find one man deceased and the other hanging onto life.
He was immediately rushed to hospital.
A Terrace-based coroner and an investigation team dressed in white coveralls were at the scene Sunday afternoon.
An employee at West End Grocery said that residents of the building tend to be very quiet unless there is a party going on. She said that violence wasn't a large factor, and that this was a surprise.
Podunk Below the Masthead Friday, August 7, 2009
The Norwegian Star sends a charter boat to the bottom of the harbour, Tricorp is not happy with the BCUC's Clean Power call observations and for the gillnet fleet it's next year time. Some of the items of note from the Friday edition.
LOCAL CHARTER BOAT GOES FOR A DUNK AT THE DOCK-- The arrival of the Norwegian Star cruise ship in Prince Rupert sent a local charter operator into the harbour and his boat to the bottom of it, after a swell from the docking cruise ship swamped the smaller vessel. (see story below)
Tricorp, the local First Nations investment arm is not overly happy with a recent BCUC decision calling for a new approach to the Clean Power options that BC Hydro was considering. Tricorp which was looking to run of river power projects and such as a form of investment for the First Nations who were looking to such projects as a way of countering the current struggling economic times. Tricorp is not alone in its disappointment with the BCUC, the Haida also have expressed an interest in investing in the NaiKun project on Haida Gwaii, a project which may also suffer from the most recent announcements from the Utilities Commission. (see story here)
The gillnet fleet all but runs up the white flag on the fishing season, with low returns, poor communication with DFO and a season that just didn't ever get started highlighting a summer of frustration for the fleet, most of which has left Prince Rupert waters for their southern based homes. With 2009 a bust, most now will wait to see what may be their fate in 2010 and if indeed they have a future in a Pacific salmon fishery. (see story here)
The Sports pages featured a look at the Terrace racing scene, with a weekend of racing on the horizon.
Total pages in the Friday edition (16)
Front page, headline story:
LOCAL CHARTER BOAT GOES FOR A DUNK AT THE DOCK
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Friday, August 7, 2009
Page one
Charter boat operator Howard Massecar was sunk dock-side by a massive swell on Thursday.
The operator of the Howard F "Two" fishing charter, Massecar, was standing on his deck waiting for customers to arrive when a swell of harbour water from the Norwegian Star cruise ship swamped his boat and took him under.
"I just got sucked down," remarked Massecar.
According to the unfortunate man, he was pulled down quickly and before he knew it he was swimming for his life.
"I had to get to the other side of the dock by swimming under it," said Massecar.
Prince Rupert Port Authority Manager of Communications, Barry Bartlett, said that this is the first time this has ever happened at the port authority dock from a cruise ship thrust. He added that the RCMP, the Coast Guard and PRPA security were all investigating the accident.
"What we can say right now is the boat just kind of swamped for some reason, but we don't know the exact cause just, yet," said Bartlett.
The reason the PRPA say they don't know the cause is that Massecar's boat was the only one to suffer from the cruise ship thrust. All of the other boats tied to the PRPA dock at the Atlin terminal were fine, including the two boats on either side of where the Howard F "Two" had been stationed.
According to Bartlett, charter boats are parked at the terminal as part of the tour excursion packages organized by Norwegian Star and the PRPA.
"They are there for whatever number of people want to go fishing and this is no change for the boats to be docking there at this time of day," said Bartlett.
The incident certainly created a stir on the docks as people from all around Cow Bay had gathered to see if Massecar was all right and theorized what had caused the boat to go under.
One tourist even had a video of the incident, which was soon handed over to the RCMP officer and the PRPA security manager, David Fisher, for investigative purposes.
"This is going to be used to help Mr. Massecar," Fisher told the skeptical tourist, who finally relented and handed the camera over to the RCMP officer and the PRPA security manager. David Fisher, for investigative purposes.
As for Massecar, while he may not have been seriously injured, he was soaked from head to toe, his shoes had gone missing and his left arm was covered in crimson scrapes. It was, to say the least, a difficult afternoon.
''I'm feeling kind of bummed out," he said.
LOCAL CHARTER BOAT GOES FOR A DUNK AT THE DOCK-- The arrival of the Norwegian Star cruise ship in Prince Rupert sent a local charter operator into the harbour and his boat to the bottom of it, after a swell from the docking cruise ship swamped the smaller vessel. (see story below)
Tricorp, the local First Nations investment arm is not overly happy with a recent BCUC decision calling for a new approach to the Clean Power options that BC Hydro was considering. Tricorp which was looking to run of river power projects and such as a form of investment for the First Nations who were looking to such projects as a way of countering the current struggling economic times. Tricorp is not alone in its disappointment with the BCUC, the Haida also have expressed an interest in investing in the NaiKun project on Haida Gwaii, a project which may also suffer from the most recent announcements from the Utilities Commission. (see story here)
The gillnet fleet all but runs up the white flag on the fishing season, with low returns, poor communication with DFO and a season that just didn't ever get started highlighting a summer of frustration for the fleet, most of which has left Prince Rupert waters for their southern based homes. With 2009 a bust, most now will wait to see what may be their fate in 2010 and if indeed they have a future in a Pacific salmon fishery. (see story here)
The Sports pages featured a look at the Terrace racing scene, with a weekend of racing on the horizon.
Total pages in the Friday edition (16)
Front page, headline story:
LOCAL CHARTER BOAT GOES FOR A DUNK AT THE DOCK
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Friday, August 7, 2009
Page one
Charter boat operator Howard Massecar was sunk dock-side by a massive swell on Thursday.
The operator of the Howard F "Two" fishing charter, Massecar, was standing on his deck waiting for customers to arrive when a swell of harbour water from the Norwegian Star cruise ship swamped his boat and took him under.
"I just got sucked down," remarked Massecar.
According to the unfortunate man, he was pulled down quickly and before he knew it he was swimming for his life.
"I had to get to the other side of the dock by swimming under it," said Massecar.
Prince Rupert Port Authority Manager of Communications, Barry Bartlett, said that this is the first time this has ever happened at the port authority dock from a cruise ship thrust. He added that the RCMP, the Coast Guard and PRPA security were all investigating the accident.
"What we can say right now is the boat just kind of swamped for some reason, but we don't know the exact cause just, yet," said Bartlett.
The reason the PRPA say they don't know the cause is that Massecar's boat was the only one to suffer from the cruise ship thrust. All of the other boats tied to the PRPA dock at the Atlin terminal were fine, including the two boats on either side of where the Howard F "Two" had been stationed.
According to Bartlett, charter boats are parked at the terminal as part of the tour excursion packages organized by Norwegian Star and the PRPA.
"They are there for whatever number of people want to go fishing and this is no change for the boats to be docking there at this time of day," said Bartlett.
The incident certainly created a stir on the docks as people from all around Cow Bay had gathered to see if Massecar was all right and theorized what had caused the boat to go under.
One tourist even had a video of the incident, which was soon handed over to the RCMP officer and the PRPA security manager, David Fisher, for investigative purposes.
"This is going to be used to help Mr. Massecar," Fisher told the skeptical tourist, who finally relented and handed the camera over to the RCMP officer and the PRPA security manager. David Fisher, for investigative purposes.
As for Massecar, while he may not have been seriously injured, he was soaked from head to toe, his shoes had gone missing and his left arm was covered in crimson scrapes. It was, to say the least, a difficult afternoon.
''I'm feeling kind of bummed out," he said.
A season of frustration, suspicion and non-communication
The 2009 Gillnet season has been a bust for the skippers and crews of the vessels that once dominated the Prince Rupert harbour sightlines, part of a continuing trend for a fishery that seems to have had its better days far in the past.
With the majority of the fleet having come to the realization that their fishing options are not to be this season, a good portion of it has left Prince Rupert for their southern home ports.
The Daily News outlined some of the impact that this season has brought to the fleet and reviewed many of the incidents of a season that wasn’t.
GILLNETTERS LOOK TO BETTER TIMES NEXT YEAR
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Friday, August 7, 2009
Page two
The gillnet sockeye fishing fleet has mostly gone home.
Low numbers, poor communications with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and a season that never happened will be how the 2009 Sockeye Season will likely be remembered for most gillnetters on the North Coast.
Out of town fishermen left Prince Rupert's shores this week as it became evident that there would be no sockeye season this year, or if there is one, it will be small. .
"It looks like there was nothing, the backend of the sockeye run never managed to show up," said Thorkelsen.
With numbers in the low teens (of thousands), the DFO has stuck by its word that gillnetters would not be out on the water unless there was at least a solid run of 50,000.
Over the weekend and early part of this week that never happened. Faced with that stark reality, most fishermen felt there was no other option but to turn their backs on 2009 and await word on what is next.
"I imagine I will come back," said an optimistic Bob Burkosky, who owns the gillnet ship BC Maid II. "One year doesn't have a great effect on the next."
Burkosky said that the last month has been a trying time for fishermen, but he said it wasn't his opinion that local DFO staffers were to blame. In fact he applauded two senior staffers, Dave Einerson and Dave Peacock, for meeting face-to-face with fishermen in Prince Rupert.
"When Dave [Einerson] came out to meet with us on Friday he was faced with people that were desperate and mad. But I don't think anyone can do more than them and I wouldn't want to see these two men moved out," said Burkosky.
"It's the policy makers in Ottawa.
They aren't here and they don't have to face the music. I think they are trying to manage this coast with minimum resources."
Aboriginal fishermen have had a difficult season as well, said Canyon City-based fisherman, Jacob Nyce. The 80-year old Nisga'a said that he does blame DFO for mismanaging the fishery.
"This government doesn't give a damn about the west coast," said Nyce. Whether that's accurate or not is hard to decipher - mainly because no message has been sent to the fishermen from Gail Shea, the DFO minister.
Over on Haida Gwaii there has been some good news and some bad.
Council of Haida Nation vice president, Arnie Bellis, said that a couple of rivers, including Copper River on Moresby, have had solid returns on the Sockeye stock.
"It's not been the best, but that has definitely been-a bit of a surprise. As far as I understand the (ocean] food fisheries vessels did not haye much success," said Bellis.
With the majority of the fleet having come to the realization that their fishing options are not to be this season, a good portion of it has left Prince Rupert for their southern home ports.
The Daily News outlined some of the impact that this season has brought to the fleet and reviewed many of the incidents of a season that wasn’t.
GILLNETTERS LOOK TO BETTER TIMES NEXT YEAR
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Friday, August 7, 2009
Page two
The gillnet sockeye fishing fleet has mostly gone home.
Low numbers, poor communications with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and a season that never happened will be how the 2009 Sockeye Season will likely be remembered for most gillnetters on the North Coast.
Out of town fishermen left Prince Rupert's shores this week as it became evident that there would be no sockeye season this year, or if there is one, it will be small. .
"It looks like there was nothing, the backend of the sockeye run never managed to show up," said Thorkelsen.
With numbers in the low teens (of thousands), the DFO has stuck by its word that gillnetters would not be out on the water unless there was at least a solid run of 50,000.
Over the weekend and early part of this week that never happened. Faced with that stark reality, most fishermen felt there was no other option but to turn their backs on 2009 and await word on what is next.
"I imagine I will come back," said an optimistic Bob Burkosky, who owns the gillnet ship BC Maid II. "One year doesn't have a great effect on the next."
Burkosky said that the last month has been a trying time for fishermen, but he said it wasn't his opinion that local DFO staffers were to blame. In fact he applauded two senior staffers, Dave Einerson and Dave Peacock, for meeting face-to-face with fishermen in Prince Rupert.
"When Dave [Einerson] came out to meet with us on Friday he was faced with people that were desperate and mad. But I don't think anyone can do more than them and I wouldn't want to see these two men moved out," said Burkosky.
"It's the policy makers in Ottawa.
They aren't here and they don't have to face the music. I think they are trying to manage this coast with minimum resources."
Aboriginal fishermen have had a difficult season as well, said Canyon City-based fisherman, Jacob Nyce. The 80-year old Nisga'a said that he does blame DFO for mismanaging the fishery.
"This government doesn't give a damn about the west coast," said Nyce. Whether that's accurate or not is hard to decipher - mainly because no message has been sent to the fishermen from Gail Shea, the DFO minister.
Over on Haida Gwaii there has been some good news and some bad.
Council of Haida Nation vice president, Arnie Bellis, said that a couple of rivers, including Copper River on Moresby, have had solid returns on the Sockeye stock.
"It's not been the best, but that has definitely been-a bit of a surprise. As far as I understand the (ocean] food fisheries vessels did not haye much success," said Bellis.
Confusing signals from utlities Commission leave First Nations asking questions
The goal of clean, reliable and self sufficient energy and economic growth for First Nations of the Northwest is going to have to get a rethink after the BC Utilities Commission’s recent decision to not approve some local power initiatives.
Both Tricorp and the Haida Nation were looking at investments into some clean power projects in the Northwest to not only provide energy for their regions but to spur on some economic growth in the hard hit areas of the Northwest.
Now those plans are up for review with many questions still to be answered, the Daily News examined the fall out from the BCUC decision with an item in the Friday paper.
TRICORP UPSET AT BC UTILITIES EDICT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Friday, August 7, 2009
Pages one and five
BCUC decision makes little sense to local IPP investors.
A BC Utilities Commission decision last week will have more ramifications than just the obvious injury to private industry proponents of BC Hydro's Clean power Call.
Independent power Producers come in many different shapes and colours and one of them would be Tricorp, who believed that IPP projects were going to be a safe investment for First Nations investors.
The BCUC has determined that the province cannot sell long-term acquisition plans through BC Hydro.
This decision was based upon assessing what it believes to be the best deal taxpayers can get when it comes to power projects.
And it could make the current investment field more treacherous than before.
"Absolutely it does. This is the whole private-public debate again. By the BCUC making this decision it basically means that they are favouring Burrard Thermal. And to us it is outrageous that they would think they should make that decision," said Tricorp COO, Peter Lantin.
What Lantin means is, if the BCUC decision was based solely on economic principles, then it will- only accept an increased use of the Burrard Thermal reactor in lower mainland.
That power plant is considered to be a large emitter of greenhouse gases, which to Lantin goes against the whole rationale for a clean power call.
"We will have to see if it's going to be publicly accepted," said Lantin.
The decision has some consequences for Aboriginal communities that see the IPP, and especially run-of-river projects, as the answer to some hard economic climates.
Council of the Haida Nation vice president, Arnie Bellis, said Haida government is also very upset with the decision because it could effect any plans to help communities on Haida Gwaii get off diesel generated power.
As noted yesterday, the BCUC decision could affect NaiKun Wind Energy's nO-wind turbine power project in Hecate Strait, by possibly dissuading investment into the firm.
The Haida, along with other communities on the province's northern-most islands, believe that a clean source of wind power could help them get off diesel power most days, using diesel only when necessary.
"Part of their decision was based on making it in the best interest of the people of B. C. to fire up this old energy plant. That is not their job to look after the best interests of the citizens of B.C. That in fact is the government's. And last I checked, that is Gordon Campbell and his government," said Bellis.
In May, Tricorp announced a new fund that would support Aboriginal involvement in renewable energy hydro projects in British Columbia. Under a $7 million partnership between Tricorp, the federal government, and the Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC) Ecotrust Canada Capital, a subsidiary corporation of Ecotrust was to manage the fund, and the first investment was for a two megawatt IPP on the Taku First Nation territory near Atlin.
The BCUC decision adds a little more to the controversy over different run-of-river power projects.
"It doesn't close the door to run-of-river calls. But it definitely limits the amount that the BCUC is looking at purchasing," said Lantin.
Both Tricorp and the Haida Nation were looking at investments into some clean power projects in the Northwest to not only provide energy for their regions but to spur on some economic growth in the hard hit areas of the Northwest.
Now those plans are up for review with many questions still to be answered, the Daily News examined the fall out from the BCUC decision with an item in the Friday paper.
TRICORP UPSET AT BC UTILITIES EDICT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Friday, August 7, 2009
Pages one and five
BCUC decision makes little sense to local IPP investors.
A BC Utilities Commission decision last week will have more ramifications than just the obvious injury to private industry proponents of BC Hydro's Clean power Call.
Independent power Producers come in many different shapes and colours and one of them would be Tricorp, who believed that IPP projects were going to be a safe investment for First Nations investors.
The BCUC has determined that the province cannot sell long-term acquisition plans through BC Hydro.
This decision was based upon assessing what it believes to be the best deal taxpayers can get when it comes to power projects.
And it could make the current investment field more treacherous than before.
"Absolutely it does. This is the whole private-public debate again. By the BCUC making this decision it basically means that they are favouring Burrard Thermal. And to us it is outrageous that they would think they should make that decision," said Tricorp COO, Peter Lantin.
What Lantin means is, if the BCUC decision was based solely on economic principles, then it will- only accept an increased use of the Burrard Thermal reactor in lower mainland.
That power plant is considered to be a large emitter of greenhouse gases, which to Lantin goes against the whole rationale for a clean power call.
"We will have to see if it's going to be publicly accepted," said Lantin.
The decision has some consequences for Aboriginal communities that see the IPP, and especially run-of-river projects, as the answer to some hard economic climates.
Council of the Haida Nation vice president, Arnie Bellis, said Haida government is also very upset with the decision because it could effect any plans to help communities on Haida Gwaii get off diesel generated power.
As noted yesterday, the BCUC decision could affect NaiKun Wind Energy's nO-wind turbine power project in Hecate Strait, by possibly dissuading investment into the firm.
The Haida, along with other communities on the province's northern-most islands, believe that a clean source of wind power could help them get off diesel power most days, using diesel only when necessary.
"Part of their decision was based on making it in the best interest of the people of B. C. to fire up this old energy plant. That is not their job to look after the best interests of the citizens of B.C. That in fact is the government's. And last I checked, that is Gordon Campbell and his government," said Bellis.
In May, Tricorp announced a new fund that would support Aboriginal involvement in renewable energy hydro projects in British Columbia. Under a $7 million partnership between Tricorp, the federal government, and the Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC) Ecotrust Canada Capital, a subsidiary corporation of Ecotrust was to manage the fund, and the first investment was for a two megawatt IPP on the Taku First Nation territory near Atlin.
The BCUC decision adds a little more to the controversy over different run-of-river power projects.
"It doesn't close the door to run-of-river calls. But it definitely limits the amount that the BCUC is looking at purchasing," said Lantin.
Podunk Below the Masthead Thursday, August 6 2009
100 years of hammers and nails, a change of direction for BC Hydro's Clean Power Call and Udderfest begins its run in Prince Rupert, some of the highlights of the Thursday edition of the Daily News.
LOCAL CARPENTERS' UNION CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL-- Local 1735 celebrates 100 years of construction activity on the North coast and that 100 years of history was profiled in a front page, headline story in the Thursday paper (see story below)
The BC Utilities Commission throws some cold water on the run of river and other local initiatives designed to merge into BC Hydro's Clean Power Call. The BCUC announced that private run of river hydro and wind projects in the Northwest are not in the public interest and suggested that BC Hydro return to the drawing board to develop new Clean Power initiatives.
.
The most visible presences of the Clean Power options on the North Coast, NaiKun Wind Energy and Katabatic Power were not expecting the BCUC decision to have a long term impact on their developments, though with both developments suffering some growing pains and financial concerns, it will be worth watching to see if the BCUC declaration provides for further changes in business plans.
The annual arts festival of the summer Udderfest began its run on Wednesday, 13 shows were on the showbill, with performances planned through til Sunday at the Tom Rooney Playhouse, Lester Centre for the Arts and the Moose Hall.
There was not much in the way of local fare in the Sports section on Thursday, with only Steve Maguire's weekly look at the UFC scene flying the local flag.
Total pages in the Thursday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
LOCAL CARPENTERS’ UNION CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Page one
It's been 100 years and a lot of nails.
According to Chair Local 1735 Centennial Committee Chair, Ken Lippett, one hundred years of constructing buildings in Prince Rupert is not enough. He hopes for a hundred more.
"The membership of Local 1735 has made their living building and repairing Prince Rupert and Northwestern B.C.'s buildings and infrastructure," said Lippett.
All a person would have to do is look around at the houses, stores, banks, municipal buildings and industrial buildings."
Among those buildings was the Union Hall, the original home of all union activity until 1967. It was then demolished to make way for the present building - the Fishermen's Union Hall.
But the history of the original was one of loyalty and sacrifice.
According to Lippett, shortly after the City of Prince Rupert was formed, the members of Local 1735 pledged themselves to donate a day's pay or a day's labour to build a union hall.
The union celebrated its centennial on Monday, which marked a proud day in the history of the union at predates Prince Rupert’s incorporation.
Prince Rupert's connection with union carpenters goes back [0 May 17, 1906 when the little steamer "Constance" entered Lima Harbour, which was renamed Prince Rupert Harbour on Feb. 8, 1908.
In the landing party of three were two union carpenters, Mr. Edgecombe and Mr. Leggatt. Their first job was to clear a site for tents and build a tool shed. The construction of a wharf was started and a piledriver was brought in from Port Essington.
So began the connection with the carpenters union and the future City of Prince Rupert. The clearing of land and construction of Prince Rupert was underway and Local 1735 was officially born on Aug. 3, 1909. D. Kiser was elected President and Dan McLean was elected Financial Secretary.
"From the fish processing plants, pulp mill, grain terminal, coal and container ports and the Lester Centre of the Arts, to something as mundane as the concrete curbs of the city sidewalks, all have been built, repaired and maintained by members of Carpenters Local 1735," said Lippett.
Carpenters Local 1735 members also repair and maintain the fishing vessels, tugs, barges and government boats that are vital to Prince Rupert and the North Coast's economy.
LOCAL CARPENTERS' UNION CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL-- Local 1735 celebrates 100 years of construction activity on the North coast and that 100 years of history was profiled in a front page, headline story in the Thursday paper (see story below)
The BC Utilities Commission throws some cold water on the run of river and other local initiatives designed to merge into BC Hydro's Clean Power Call. The BCUC announced that private run of river hydro and wind projects in the Northwest are not in the public interest and suggested that BC Hydro return to the drawing board to develop new Clean Power initiatives.
.
The most visible presences of the Clean Power options on the North Coast, NaiKun Wind Energy and Katabatic Power were not expecting the BCUC decision to have a long term impact on their developments, though with both developments suffering some growing pains and financial concerns, it will be worth watching to see if the BCUC declaration provides for further changes in business plans.
The annual arts festival of the summer Udderfest began its run on Wednesday, 13 shows were on the showbill, with performances planned through til Sunday at the Tom Rooney Playhouse, Lester Centre for the Arts and the Moose Hall.
There was not much in the way of local fare in the Sports section on Thursday, with only Steve Maguire's weekly look at the UFC scene flying the local flag.
Total pages in the Thursday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
LOCAL CARPENTERS’ UNION CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Page one
It's been 100 years and a lot of nails.
According to Chair Local 1735 Centennial Committee Chair, Ken Lippett, one hundred years of constructing buildings in Prince Rupert is not enough. He hopes for a hundred more.
"The membership of Local 1735 has made their living building and repairing Prince Rupert and Northwestern B.C.'s buildings and infrastructure," said Lippett.
All a person would have to do is look around at the houses, stores, banks, municipal buildings and industrial buildings."
Among those buildings was the Union Hall, the original home of all union activity until 1967. It was then demolished to make way for the present building - the Fishermen's Union Hall.
But the history of the original was one of loyalty and sacrifice.
According to Lippett, shortly after the City of Prince Rupert was formed, the members of Local 1735 pledged themselves to donate a day's pay or a day's labour to build a union hall.
The union celebrated its centennial on Monday, which marked a proud day in the history of the union at predates Prince Rupert’s incorporation.
Prince Rupert's connection with union carpenters goes back [0 May 17, 1906 when the little steamer "Constance" entered Lima Harbour, which was renamed Prince Rupert Harbour on Feb. 8, 1908.
In the landing party of three were two union carpenters, Mr. Edgecombe and Mr. Leggatt. Their first job was to clear a site for tents and build a tool shed. The construction of a wharf was started and a piledriver was brought in from Port Essington.
So began the connection with the carpenters union and the future City of Prince Rupert. The clearing of land and construction of Prince Rupert was underway and Local 1735 was officially born on Aug. 3, 1909. D. Kiser was elected President and Dan McLean was elected Financial Secretary.
"From the fish processing plants, pulp mill, grain terminal, coal and container ports and the Lester Centre of the Arts, to something as mundane as the concrete curbs of the city sidewalks, all have been built, repaired and maintained by members of Carpenters Local 1735," said Lippett.
Carpenters Local 1735 members also repair and maintain the fishing vessels, tugs, barges and government boats that are vital to Prince Rupert and the North Coast's economy.
Podunk Below the Masthead Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Lax Kw'Alaams Grannies band together, BC Ferries gets a pat on the back for improving service and Video on Demand is on the CityWest horizon. Some of the items of note from the Wednesday edition of the Daily News.
THE GRANDMOTHERS ARE TALKING-- Wednesday's front page, headline story features a look at programs designed to assist Tsimshian children in urban settings continue to continue with their traditional ways and lead healthy lifestyles (see story below)
The province's marine connection BC Ferries has been lauded for improving the services offered to the travelling public of coastal BC. a report submitted to the provincial government outlined how the Ferry service has provided essential services that have met or exceeded required standards. On time performance was rated at 87.9 percent, while public satisfaction has dropped a notch from 88 to 86 percent approval in 2008.
CityWest is trumpeting to soon to be arrival of it's Video on Demand service, a product that the locally owned cable operation believes will help in its bid to repatriate some of those viewers who have migrated to satelite options over the last few years. While it's in the pipeline as they say, local viewers should not expect the service to be provided any earlier than 2010. CityWest is selling the concept that their new service which they say will not be available through satelite services, will offer the customer the opportunity to watch what they want, when they want it.
Golf was the featured attraction in the Sports section as the His N Hers competition was examined, the weekend tournament a proven favourite on the local golfing schedule.
And the front page of the paper featured the wedding portrait of Daily News sports editor Patrick Witwicki and his new wife Margaret, Witwicki exchanged vows over the weekend with Margaret Soares. The happy couple were reported to be off to Hawaii for their honeymoon, where one assumes the television clicker won't be wandering anywhere near a sports channel.
Total pages in the Wednesday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
THE GRANDMOTHERS ARE TALKING
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Pages one and five
By the time Helen Johnson was ten years old, she was already mothering small children.
Her own parents had died and she was living in a residential school in Alert Bay, B. C.
"When children cried I hugged them to settle them down. I told them we would all stay together and everything would be okay," the 63-year-old grandmother and great grandmother said from her home Monday..
Today Johnson is part of a powerful movement in the village of Lax KwAlaams.
She and other concerned women started a grandmothers group and over the• last year have become very busy.
"In February 2008 we brought this to the community - that we have to take care of our children. As First Nations we always had our child care in place and it's up to us to take that back and teach Our children,” Johnson explained, adding that the grandmothers are working closely with Northwest Inter-nation Family and Community Services.
Ultimately the group wants to see Tsimshian children that are living in urban settings be adopted by First Nations communities, not by nonFirst Nations.
A graduate from the Bachelor of Social Work Program through UVIC, now working on a Masters degree, Johnson admits the group has a big job ahead.
Whatever emerges, she noted,' will be used as a template.
"We believe the grandmothers should have input. We are the ones that are talking. We want to see our children grow up happy."
It is important, Johnson affirmed, to try and move away from the residential school era. She believes there are positive things out there for her people.
Sherrie Haldane, another member of the group, who works at the Coast Tshimshian Academy in Lax Kwa'Alaams, said one of the ways the group hopes to help children is by coordinating activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
They have been working in the village school and this summer will assist in offering a cultural camp that teaches youths some of their traditional ways.
"We can't go back, but we can work with the culture now and focus on respect," Haldane offered.
Borrowing from the name used for the village's homecoming in 2000, the camp has been named Nuumna-wa.l, which means "you are our children".
Tshimshian artists Russell Mather and Sophia Beaton are coordinating the camp, along with Adam Brisk and elders Alec and Dolores Campbell and Wilfred Campbell Sr.
Over ten days, youths between 13 and 18 years old will hike, canoe, fish and carve.
"We're taking them to Burnt Cliff Island about 20 minutes south of Lax Kw'Alaams. The name comes from the act that when the sun sets, it hits the ace of the cliff and it glows. You have to be out there to see it," Mather said invitingly.
Mather, returned home to Lax Kw'Alaams in fall 2008, and has been working closely with the grandmothers group. A few months ago he began developing the idea for the camp.
He said all involved are hoping the camp is something they can build on.
"It would be nice to have something in place that's more regional and coastal. I know Haida Gwaii has their camp they are great for making the kids more in tune."
The camp is open ideally to 20 kids and already seven have signed up. They have chartered a retired troller to transport campers from Lax Kwa' Alaams to the island, scheduled around the Spirit of Lax Kwa' Alaams ferry runs, in case youths are traveling to the village from Prince Rupert or other areas to the camp
Mather has worked with Rediscovery Camps through Friendship House, taught
First Nations art in schools and worked on many large art projects with youths.
For him it's all about helping kids know who they are and where they come from.
At Burnt Cliff, the elders will talk about the historical family camps and acknowledge where different families lived.
There's a large beach, sand bars and at low tide, there will be an opportunity to embark on inter-tidal species identification.
"It is pretty neat seeing the kids being kids after they get away from the urban pressures," Mather said. "They arrive and find themselves."
Organizers are hoping to gather donations from the community for the camp and will be approaching businesses in the next few days.
Anyone wanting information about the camp can contact Sherrie Haldane at 250-624-5567.
THE GRANDMOTHERS ARE TALKING-- Wednesday's front page, headline story features a look at programs designed to assist Tsimshian children in urban settings continue to continue with their traditional ways and lead healthy lifestyles (see story below)
The province's marine connection BC Ferries has been lauded for improving the services offered to the travelling public of coastal BC. a report submitted to the provincial government outlined how the Ferry service has provided essential services that have met or exceeded required standards. On time performance was rated at 87.9 percent, while public satisfaction has dropped a notch from 88 to 86 percent approval in 2008.
CityWest is trumpeting to soon to be arrival of it's Video on Demand service, a product that the locally owned cable operation believes will help in its bid to repatriate some of those viewers who have migrated to satelite options over the last few years. While it's in the pipeline as they say, local viewers should not expect the service to be provided any earlier than 2010. CityWest is selling the concept that their new service which they say will not be available through satelite services, will offer the customer the opportunity to watch what they want, when they want it.
Golf was the featured attraction in the Sports section as the His N Hers competition was examined, the weekend tournament a proven favourite on the local golfing schedule.
And the front page of the paper featured the wedding portrait of Daily News sports editor Patrick Witwicki and his new wife Margaret, Witwicki exchanged vows over the weekend with Margaret Soares. The happy couple were reported to be off to Hawaii for their honeymoon, where one assumes the television clicker won't be wandering anywhere near a sports channel.
Total pages in the Wednesday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
THE GRANDMOTHERS ARE TALKING
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Pages one and five
By the time Helen Johnson was ten years old, she was already mothering small children.
Her own parents had died and she was living in a residential school in Alert Bay, B. C.
"When children cried I hugged them to settle them down. I told them we would all stay together and everything would be okay," the 63-year-old grandmother and great grandmother said from her home Monday..
Today Johnson is part of a powerful movement in the village of Lax KwAlaams.
She and other concerned women started a grandmothers group and over the• last year have become very busy.
"In February 2008 we brought this to the community - that we have to take care of our children. As First Nations we always had our child care in place and it's up to us to take that back and teach Our children,” Johnson explained, adding that the grandmothers are working closely with Northwest Inter-nation Family and Community Services.
Ultimately the group wants to see Tsimshian children that are living in urban settings be adopted by First Nations communities, not by nonFirst Nations.
A graduate from the Bachelor of Social Work Program through UVIC, now working on a Masters degree, Johnson admits the group has a big job ahead.
Whatever emerges, she noted,' will be used as a template.
"We believe the grandmothers should have input. We are the ones that are talking. We want to see our children grow up happy."
It is important, Johnson affirmed, to try and move away from the residential school era. She believes there are positive things out there for her people.
Sherrie Haldane, another member of the group, who works at the Coast Tshimshian Academy in Lax Kwa'Alaams, said one of the ways the group hopes to help children is by coordinating activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
They have been working in the village school and this summer will assist in offering a cultural camp that teaches youths some of their traditional ways.
"We can't go back, but we can work with the culture now and focus on respect," Haldane offered.
Borrowing from the name used for the village's homecoming in 2000, the camp has been named Nuumna-wa.l, which means "you are our children".
Tshimshian artists Russell Mather and Sophia Beaton are coordinating the camp, along with Adam Brisk and elders Alec and Dolores Campbell and Wilfred Campbell Sr.
Over ten days, youths between 13 and 18 years old will hike, canoe, fish and carve.
"We're taking them to Burnt Cliff Island about 20 minutes south of Lax Kw'Alaams. The name comes from the act that when the sun sets, it hits the ace of the cliff and it glows. You have to be out there to see it," Mather said invitingly.
Mather, returned home to Lax Kw'Alaams in fall 2008, and has been working closely with the grandmothers group. A few months ago he began developing the idea for the camp.
He said all involved are hoping the camp is something they can build on.
"It would be nice to have something in place that's more regional and coastal. I know Haida Gwaii has their camp they are great for making the kids more in tune."
The camp is open ideally to 20 kids and already seven have signed up. They have chartered a retired troller to transport campers from Lax Kwa' Alaams to the island, scheduled around the Spirit of Lax Kwa' Alaams ferry runs, in case youths are traveling to the village from Prince Rupert or other areas to the camp
Mather has worked with Rediscovery Camps through Friendship House, taught
First Nations art in schools and worked on many large art projects with youths.
For him it's all about helping kids know who they are and where they come from.
At Burnt Cliff, the elders will talk about the historical family camps and acknowledge where different families lived.
There's a large beach, sand bars and at low tide, there will be an opportunity to embark on inter-tidal species identification.
"It is pretty neat seeing the kids being kids after they get away from the urban pressures," Mather said. "They arrive and find themselves."
Organizers are hoping to gather donations from the community for the camp and will be approaching businesses in the next few days.
Anyone wanting information about the camp can contact Sherrie Haldane at 250-624-5567.
Gillnetters grow anxious over lack of opportunities
The state of the Pacific Salmon fishery seems to be holding the gillnet fleet in particular hostage to the administrative decisions of the DFO.
With the fishing days dwindling down and the opportunities to head out to the fishing grounds growing few, the fleets participants were expressing their growing frustration with DFO and Minister Shea and the increasing fears that another lost season is on the near horizon.
GILLNETTERS WANT SOME ACTION
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pages one and five
They say it's become a broken record - and commercial fishermen don't want to listen to it anymore.
On Friday morning, when the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reported that it had found only 13,000 salmon at its Tyee testing grounds at the mouth of the Skeena River on Thursday, it meant there would be no opening last weekend.
That's because the department policy dictates there must be at least 50,000 fish counted.
When DFO representatives said they would not meet with fishermen that day to discuss what would happen next, those who awaited word became fed up.
The contingent of fishermen that have not given up on the season immediately organized a two-stop march to the local MIA office and then the DFO.
They want both Ottawa and Victoria to know that they fear they are being ignored. And they say the longer this goes on, the harder this winter will be.
"Every year it's getting worse. Every year there is another excuse why we can't fish. We didn't fish four years ago and we aren't going to fish this year," said fisherman Rick Frey.
Frey along with at least 50 others made their way around the streets of Prince Rupert holding cardboard signs that read in black ink "Let Us Fish Now, please".
The understated signs were a veil for seething anger fishermen all over B.C. Two iconic salmon rivers, the Fraser and the Skeena, are failing to produce the kinds of Sockeye numbers that the DFO said it would need to allow openings.
While some attention has been paid to the dark cloud that hangs over the Fraser, it's the Skeena that gets hit first because the fish swim southward. It is considered a good bellwether to see how the rest of the provincial coast will fare each year.
It's the sockeyes that are the test. If there are sockeyes, there is fishing, say the DFO. The daily escapement counts began on June 2, when the DFO counted 176 salmon. Since then, the numbers kept going up and up, but the DFO wouldn't open until it received a consistent 50,000 count. That has only happened once this year, on July 19, when the number reached 55,000. And so commercial fishermen are forced to wait on the sidelines.
The low numbers and the constant waiting game over the last two weeks have been emotionally draining, say gillnetters. They are worried that if they are unable to get at the fish they believe is out there, some will face excruciating winters. That's because being unable to fish is a two-punch knockout: If they can't fish they can't earn income to survive. And if they can't fish, they can't earn enough hours to claim employment insurance.
Which has them demanding that if they won't be allowed to fish this year, a lot of them just want to be compensated for their licenses or be allowed easy access to EI. And they believe just as much there are salmon in the ocean, there is money available to help them out.
Frey points to the investment the federal government recently made to the aquaculture industry in B.C. Shea announced on July 8 that six aquaculture companies would receive $940,000 in funding for improving aquaculture practices. That investment, said Frey, could easily be used to help out 150 gillnet license holders at $6,200 each.
Fishermen such as Frey also present the physical aspect of today's commercial fleet: graying, bearded and passed their prime. They say there are no young deckhands that want to fish because there 's no opportunity. So, eventually when some of these men have retired, quit or passed away they feel no one will be there to take their licenses.
"I'm a young man in this industry," said Jarred Faithful, 37-year old Tsimshian fishermen from Port Simpson. "But even I can remember the days when we would fish sockeye for the companies and keep the other salmons for ourselves. That's how we made a living."
Others have much more direct feelings on the subject.
"It is despair waiting," said Duc Huynh. "We are getting no opportunities."
Huynh spoke for a contingent of Vietnamese gillnet fishermen who make up a sizeable portion of the total licensed fleet. His wife and three children depend on whatever he catches, but if he can't catch a single salmon, he won't be able to get back home to Vancouver, let alone provide for his family, he said. It can cost as much as $1,000 in fuel to travel from the south to the north coast.
Huynh, who planned the visit to the DFO office Friday, said it was time that DFO minister, Gail Shea, responded to calls to meet with them.
In an effort to answer some questions, DFO Prince Rupert senior staffer, David Einerson, attempted to discuss the reasons for keeping the fishery closed. The crowd was appeared hostile and their stance was augmented, by several honking car horns of support by passing locals.
But Einerson held to the fact that DFO policy would not allow that until numbers increased.
"We are not going to fish into escapement. We will be watching the numbers day-to-day.'
"David, this is every year,' shouted Frey. "But it's getting worse."
"We are not going to fish if we don't get our spawning totals," responded Einerson.
Fred Wilson, who has been one of the most vocal members of discontent amongst the gillnetters, had little patience for what he believed to be excuses from local and Ottawa DFO staff.
So far, Shea has provided no response. If she doesn't, it would be the second year in a row that a DFO minister publicly ignored pleas to meet with North Coast representatives.
Last year, despite having sent a letter to then Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn, the United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union did not receive a response from Hearn.
They feel they are in a similar predicament once more.
"We have been trying for the past two weeks to set up a meeting with Shea in Ottawa for sometime in October," said United Fishermen and Allied Workers North Coast representative, Joy Thorkelsen. "North Coast Mayors want to speak with her. We need to speak with her."
All the fishermen could do is wait this weekend. On Saturday, they were told the numbers had slightly bumped to 17,000 - still nowhere near the numbers needed. By today, they should know whether or not there is a fishing season at all.
They would like to think that at least on Friday they let it be known once and for all what this hurting industry is doing to them.
"They just don't know," said Hunyh. "They should know what's in our hearts."
With the fishing days dwindling down and the opportunities to head out to the fishing grounds growing few, the fleets participants were expressing their growing frustration with DFO and Minister Shea and the increasing fears that another lost season is on the near horizon.
GILLNETTERS WANT SOME ACTION
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pages one and five
They say it's become a broken record - and commercial fishermen don't want to listen to it anymore.
On Friday morning, when the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reported that it had found only 13,000 salmon at its Tyee testing grounds at the mouth of the Skeena River on Thursday, it meant there would be no opening last weekend.
That's because the department policy dictates there must be at least 50,000 fish counted.
When DFO representatives said they would not meet with fishermen that day to discuss what would happen next, those who awaited word became fed up.
The contingent of fishermen that have not given up on the season immediately organized a two-stop march to the local MIA office and then the DFO.
They want both Ottawa and Victoria to know that they fear they are being ignored. And they say the longer this goes on, the harder this winter will be.
"Every year it's getting worse. Every year there is another excuse why we can't fish. We didn't fish four years ago and we aren't going to fish this year," said fisherman Rick Frey.
Frey along with at least 50 others made their way around the streets of Prince Rupert holding cardboard signs that read in black ink "Let Us Fish Now, please".
The understated signs were a veil for seething anger fishermen all over B.C. Two iconic salmon rivers, the Fraser and the Skeena, are failing to produce the kinds of Sockeye numbers that the DFO said it would need to allow openings.
While some attention has been paid to the dark cloud that hangs over the Fraser, it's the Skeena that gets hit first because the fish swim southward. It is considered a good bellwether to see how the rest of the provincial coast will fare each year.
It's the sockeyes that are the test. If there are sockeyes, there is fishing, say the DFO. The daily escapement counts began on June 2, when the DFO counted 176 salmon. Since then, the numbers kept going up and up, but the DFO wouldn't open until it received a consistent 50,000 count. That has only happened once this year, on July 19, when the number reached 55,000. And so commercial fishermen are forced to wait on the sidelines.
The low numbers and the constant waiting game over the last two weeks have been emotionally draining, say gillnetters. They are worried that if they are unable to get at the fish they believe is out there, some will face excruciating winters. That's because being unable to fish is a two-punch knockout: If they can't fish they can't earn income to survive. And if they can't fish, they can't earn enough hours to claim employment insurance.
Which has them demanding that if they won't be allowed to fish this year, a lot of them just want to be compensated for their licenses or be allowed easy access to EI. And they believe just as much there are salmon in the ocean, there is money available to help them out.
Frey points to the investment the federal government recently made to the aquaculture industry in B.C. Shea announced on July 8 that six aquaculture companies would receive $940,000 in funding for improving aquaculture practices. That investment, said Frey, could easily be used to help out 150 gillnet license holders at $6,200 each.
Fishermen such as Frey also present the physical aspect of today's commercial fleet: graying, bearded and passed their prime. They say there are no young deckhands that want to fish because there 's no opportunity. So, eventually when some of these men have retired, quit or passed away they feel no one will be there to take their licenses.
"I'm a young man in this industry," said Jarred Faithful, 37-year old Tsimshian fishermen from Port Simpson. "But even I can remember the days when we would fish sockeye for the companies and keep the other salmons for ourselves. That's how we made a living."
Others have much more direct feelings on the subject.
"It is despair waiting," said Duc Huynh. "We are getting no opportunities."
Huynh spoke for a contingent of Vietnamese gillnet fishermen who make up a sizeable portion of the total licensed fleet. His wife and three children depend on whatever he catches, but if he can't catch a single salmon, he won't be able to get back home to Vancouver, let alone provide for his family, he said. It can cost as much as $1,000 in fuel to travel from the south to the north coast.
Huynh, who planned the visit to the DFO office Friday, said it was time that DFO minister, Gail Shea, responded to calls to meet with them.
In an effort to answer some questions, DFO Prince Rupert senior staffer, David Einerson, attempted to discuss the reasons for keeping the fishery closed. The crowd was appeared hostile and their stance was augmented, by several honking car horns of support by passing locals.
But Einerson held to the fact that DFO policy would not allow that until numbers increased.
"We are not going to fish into escapement. We will be watching the numbers day-to-day.'
"David, this is every year,' shouted Frey. "But it's getting worse."
"We are not going to fish if we don't get our spawning totals," responded Einerson.
Fred Wilson, who has been one of the most vocal members of discontent amongst the gillnetters, had little patience for what he believed to be excuses from local and Ottawa DFO staff.
So far, Shea has provided no response. If she doesn't, it would be the second year in a row that a DFO minister publicly ignored pleas to meet with North Coast representatives.
Last year, despite having sent a letter to then Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn, the United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union did not receive a response from Hearn.
They feel they are in a similar predicament once more.
"We have been trying for the past two weeks to set up a meeting with Shea in Ottawa for sometime in October," said United Fishermen and Allied Workers North Coast representative, Joy Thorkelsen. "North Coast Mayors want to speak with her. We need to speak with her."
All the fishermen could do is wait this weekend. On Saturday, they were told the numbers had slightly bumped to 17,000 - still nowhere near the numbers needed. By today, they should know whether or not there is a fishing season at all.
They would like to think that at least on Friday they let it be known once and for all what this hurting industry is doing to them.
"They just don't know," said Hunyh. "They should know what's in our hearts."
Podunk Below the Masthead, Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A tribute to a departed friend, the gillnetters get anxious and the bike trail project runs into a few obstacles, some of the highlights of the Monday edition of the Daily News.
BRIDGING THE GAP IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND-- The 17th hole of the Prince Rupert Centennial Golf course features an interesting conversation piece and a tribute to a long time Prince Rupert doctor who recently passed away. The front page headline story of the Monday paper outlines the bridge spanning Oldfield creek in memory of Dr. Harris Coburn. (see story below)
The salmon season continues to move along swiftly towards its end and for the gillnet fleet on the North coast a growing sense of frustration continues to mark their time this salmon season. Monday's paper outlines their concerns and the sense of abandonment that they are feeling once again. (see story here)
The planned bike and hiking trail from Galloway Rapids to Port Edward continues to find itself to be a controversial topic, as members of the Rod and Gun club offer up their concerns with one of the five proposed routes which would take the trail too close to the club for local gun enthusiasts.
The sports page featured the accomplishments of local swimmer Ryan Cochrance who found success at a meet in Victoria.
Total pages in the Monday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
BRIDGING THE GAP IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Page one
It all started with finding the perfect tree.
The Prince Rupert golf course has a new addition. A unique bridge now spans Oldfield Creek at the 17th Hole.
Dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Harris Coburn, who passed away in August 2008, the bridge was created by Coburn's friend, Ted Dickens.
"We were planning to put in a bridge there before Harris died," said Dickens. "We just needed to find the perfect tree."
The 38-foot bridge means that after teeing off, lady golfers won't have to backtrack, but can choose to walk over the bridge to proceed with the game.
Male golfers, after teeing off, can walk either way, explained Dickens.
Dickens and Coburn rarely golfed together, their friendship involved hunting and fishing, but they had talked about putting in a bridge at the course.
Their original intent was to build one at the hole. After Coburn mentioned the bridge at a golf meeting, someone else went a small bridge mere.
Coburn and Dickens then began plotting to build a bridge at the 17th hole, a bigger project
It wasn't until after Coburn died that Dickens found the tree he needed on Smith Island.
"I was walking along the beach and I saw it standing dead and dried out, curved towards the water," Dickens said.
He removed the top part of the tree, and with the help of his friends, had it towed to Port
Edward, split it into two equal halves on the curved edge and laid in place at the 17th hole.
After a meeting between the greens keeper and DFO about the bridge, Dickens was told he could not use creosote and that the bridge had to be above the high water mark.
The bridge curves high above the water because of the tree's natural arch. Flat planks, nailed horizontally along the top, make it easy to pull a golf cart across and when the railings are put in place on either side, the bridge will be safe for all users.
Standing underneath the bridge Friday afternoon, while a group of men played the 17th hole, Dickens wiped his brow.
"You can never be sure where those balls are going to go," he offered, smiling.
Dickens has heard some positive comments about the bridge.
"Bruce Kerr used it on Wednesday at Men's Night and Janet Sheppard tried it out on Ladies Night," Dickens noted.
Once the rails are in place, Dickens will install a sign to honour his departed friend, making it the second memorial dedicated to Coburn at the course.
"There is a memorial tree on Number 3 fairway with flowers planted around it, dedicated to Harris Coburn," said Golf Pro Moe Hays. "Harris brought his dog there and let him swim in the creek nearby. That is why the guys put the tree there."
BRIDGING THE GAP IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND-- The 17th hole of the Prince Rupert Centennial Golf course features an interesting conversation piece and a tribute to a long time Prince Rupert doctor who recently passed away. The front page headline story of the Monday paper outlines the bridge spanning Oldfield creek in memory of Dr. Harris Coburn. (see story below)
The salmon season continues to move along swiftly towards its end and for the gillnet fleet on the North coast a growing sense of frustration continues to mark their time this salmon season. Monday's paper outlines their concerns and the sense of abandonment that they are feeling once again. (see story here)
The planned bike and hiking trail from Galloway Rapids to Port Edward continues to find itself to be a controversial topic, as members of the Rod and Gun club offer up their concerns with one of the five proposed routes which would take the trail too close to the club for local gun enthusiasts.
The sports page featured the accomplishments of local swimmer Ryan Cochrance who found success at a meet in Victoria.
Total pages in the Monday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
BRIDGING THE GAP IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Page one
It all started with finding the perfect tree.
The Prince Rupert golf course has a new addition. A unique bridge now spans Oldfield Creek at the 17th Hole.
Dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Harris Coburn, who passed away in August 2008, the bridge was created by Coburn's friend, Ted Dickens.
"We were planning to put in a bridge there before Harris died," said Dickens. "We just needed to find the perfect tree."
The 38-foot bridge means that after teeing off, lady golfers won't have to backtrack, but can choose to walk over the bridge to proceed with the game.
Male golfers, after teeing off, can walk either way, explained Dickens.
Dickens and Coburn rarely golfed together, their friendship involved hunting and fishing, but they had talked about putting in a bridge at the course.
Their original intent was to build one at the hole. After Coburn mentioned the bridge at a golf meeting, someone else went a small bridge mere.
Coburn and Dickens then began plotting to build a bridge at the 17th hole, a bigger project
It wasn't until after Coburn died that Dickens found the tree he needed on Smith Island.
"I was walking along the beach and I saw it standing dead and dried out, curved towards the water," Dickens said.
He removed the top part of the tree, and with the help of his friends, had it towed to Port
Edward, split it into two equal halves on the curved edge and laid in place at the 17th hole.
After a meeting between the greens keeper and DFO about the bridge, Dickens was told he could not use creosote and that the bridge had to be above the high water mark.
The bridge curves high above the water because of the tree's natural arch. Flat planks, nailed horizontally along the top, make it easy to pull a golf cart across and when the railings are put in place on either side, the bridge will be safe for all users.
Standing underneath the bridge Friday afternoon, while a group of men played the 17th hole, Dickens wiped his brow.
"You can never be sure where those balls are going to go," he offered, smiling.
Dickens has heard some positive comments about the bridge.
"Bruce Kerr used it on Wednesday at Men's Night and Janet Sheppard tried it out on Ladies Night," Dickens noted.
Once the rails are in place, Dickens will install a sign to honour his departed friend, making it the second memorial dedicated to Coburn at the course.
"There is a memorial tree on Number 3 fairway with flowers planted around it, dedicated to Harris Coburn," said Golf Pro Moe Hays. "Harris brought his dog there and let him swim in the creek nearby. That is why the guys put the tree there."
Podunk Below the Masthead Friday, July 31, 2009
Prince Rupert's medical concerns begin to gain attention with some ambtious plans for health care in the Northwest announced, the back to school backpack program once again is on the mind of locals and the Old Acropolis is destined for the wrecking crews, some of the highlights of the Friday edition of the Daily News.
PR MAYOR IS THE BEARER OF GLAD TIDINGS-- After a few years of growing concern, some of the main priorities of health care in Prince Rupert appear to be in the process of being addressed. The Friday paper featured the details of some upcoming initiatives by Northern Health for the North coast, the glad tidings the featured attraction of the front page (see story below)
With school on the horizon for September, the Salvation Army is once again in the process of organizing their back to school backpack program for the city. With a growing need each year, it's expected that over 300 backpacks will be filled with purchased and/or donated goods by the time that school opens in September.
While the building is considered a Prince Rupert landmark now, the plan is still to move forward with the demolition of the Old Acropolis Manor. With the new Manor now open, Northern Health has decided that the 4 million dollar price tag of repairs and renovations to the old structure is not a wise use of money. The future of the old building will be that of demolition and regeneration as a parking lot and access area for the new Manor.
The Sports pages featured another look at the Terrace racing scene.
Total pages in the Friday edition (16)
Front page, headline story:
PR MAYOR IS THE BEARER OF GLAD TIDINGS
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Friday, July 31, 2009
Page one
The City of Prince Rupert, District of Port Edward, Metlakatla and Kitkatla met with Northern Health Wednesday afternoon.
Fresh out the meeting, Mayor Jack Mussallem shared the results of the meeting with the Daily News.
A drug and alcohol treatment program, a new medical clinic and the recruitment and retention of doctors and nursing practicums in Prince Rupert were exciting items on the agenda.
"Northern Health is working on a drug program for our area and the program has gone to sQ.rvice providers to review it. We're looking at a day treatment program with First Nations and other communities," Mussallem said in his office at City Hall.
In the past, people needing drug and alcohol treatment have had to travel to Prince George for a 28-day session there.
That option hasn't worked well, Mussallem explained, because there are usually no family supports in Prince George for people from the North Coast.
"People feel estranged. A day program could work because everything's here."
No start date for the treatment centre has been determined at this point, but the program has been developed, finalized, and reviewed. It has now gone out to North Coast communities for feedback.
A proposal for a medical clinic, set up to attract new doctors that can arrive and start practicing immediately, has been submitted by Northern Health to the government for funding approval.
"A medical clinic as an enticement is a great idea. We heard about it in another community. It is a lot for someone who just comes over here from another country. A clinic allows them to come in and get to work right away," the mayor noted.
It would be a multi-disciplinary health centre for primary health care and locums.
If the province approves the funding, it will go to Northern Health and Prince Rupert could see the new clinic implemented as early as September 2009.
"We need $200,000 for it to be set up. They are considering some different locations in the community and we're optimistic that it will receive approval and be put in place," Mussallem said, adding that the City will lobby and support the initiative in any way it can.
If all goes well, there could be six new doctors here within the year, some who could work in the new clinic.
The community has welcomed one new GP who started in June and a GP/anesthesiologist who started in July.
There is another GP/anesthesiologist in the process of immigration who is expected to arrive here in October, while an additional GP and GP/anesthesiologist are actively being pursued to work in Prince Rupert.
Additionally. Northern Health reported at the meeting that they are looking for one more doctor. A few months ago, Mussallem announced at a council meeting that a suggestion had been put forward to Northem Health and Northwest Community College for nursing students to do a practicum in Prince Rupert.
The nursing program had seven graduates this year and all seven have chosen to stay in the Terrace and Prince Rupert area.
When more students are participating in the program, practicums can take place in Prince Rupert. Eight students are required per instructor so the training would need sufficient numbers to be viable.
"It's taken some time, but we're very encouraged that Northern Health has responded as quickly as it can. They're answering our requests," Mussallem concluded.
PR MAYOR IS THE BEARER OF GLAD TIDINGS-- After a few years of growing concern, some of the main priorities of health care in Prince Rupert appear to be in the process of being addressed. The Friday paper featured the details of some upcoming initiatives by Northern Health for the North coast, the glad tidings the featured attraction of the front page (see story below)
With school on the horizon for September, the Salvation Army is once again in the process of organizing their back to school backpack program for the city. With a growing need each year, it's expected that over 300 backpacks will be filled with purchased and/or donated goods by the time that school opens in September.
While the building is considered a Prince Rupert landmark now, the plan is still to move forward with the demolition of the Old Acropolis Manor. With the new Manor now open, Northern Health has decided that the 4 million dollar price tag of repairs and renovations to the old structure is not a wise use of money. The future of the old building will be that of demolition and regeneration as a parking lot and access area for the new Manor.
The Sports pages featured another look at the Terrace racing scene.
Total pages in the Friday edition (16)
Front page, headline story:
PR MAYOR IS THE BEARER OF GLAD TIDINGS
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Friday, July 31, 2009
Page one
The City of Prince Rupert, District of Port Edward, Metlakatla and Kitkatla met with Northern Health Wednesday afternoon.
Fresh out the meeting, Mayor Jack Mussallem shared the results of the meeting with the Daily News.
A drug and alcohol treatment program, a new medical clinic and the recruitment and retention of doctors and nursing practicums in Prince Rupert were exciting items on the agenda.
"Northern Health is working on a drug program for our area and the program has gone to sQ.rvice providers to review it. We're looking at a day treatment program with First Nations and other communities," Mussallem said in his office at City Hall.
In the past, people needing drug and alcohol treatment have had to travel to Prince George for a 28-day session there.
That option hasn't worked well, Mussallem explained, because there are usually no family supports in Prince George for people from the North Coast.
"People feel estranged. A day program could work because everything's here."
No start date for the treatment centre has been determined at this point, but the program has been developed, finalized, and reviewed. It has now gone out to North Coast communities for feedback.
A proposal for a medical clinic, set up to attract new doctors that can arrive and start practicing immediately, has been submitted by Northern Health to the government for funding approval.
"A medical clinic as an enticement is a great idea. We heard about it in another community. It is a lot for someone who just comes over here from another country. A clinic allows them to come in and get to work right away," the mayor noted.
It would be a multi-disciplinary health centre for primary health care and locums.
If the province approves the funding, it will go to Northern Health and Prince Rupert could see the new clinic implemented as early as September 2009.
"We need $200,000 for it to be set up. They are considering some different locations in the community and we're optimistic that it will receive approval and be put in place," Mussallem said, adding that the City will lobby and support the initiative in any way it can.
If all goes well, there could be six new doctors here within the year, some who could work in the new clinic.
The community has welcomed one new GP who started in June and a GP/anesthesiologist who started in July.
There is another GP/anesthesiologist in the process of immigration who is expected to arrive here in October, while an additional GP and GP/anesthesiologist are actively being pursued to work in Prince Rupert.
Additionally. Northern Health reported at the meeting that they are looking for one more doctor. A few months ago, Mussallem announced at a council meeting that a suggestion had been put forward to Northem Health and Northwest Community College for nursing students to do a practicum in Prince Rupert.
The nursing program had seven graduates this year and all seven have chosen to stay in the Terrace and Prince Rupert area.
When more students are participating in the program, practicums can take place in Prince Rupert. Eight students are required per instructor so the training would need sufficient numbers to be viable.
"It's taken some time, but we're very encouraged that Northern Health has responded as quickly as it can. They're answering our requests," Mussallem concluded.
City Hall Tracker July 27 2009
Summer takes its toll on attendance as the Mayor and Councillor Bedard are counted among the absent for the end of July. Atlin parking fees, the Tsimshian Access project and a new fire truck for the Fire Department highlighted the latest efforts of our civic councillors (those not previously engaged).
July 27, 2009
Regular council meeting Agenda for July 27, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting Agenda for July 27, 2009
Notice of closed meeting for July 27, 2009
Public Hearing agenda for July 27, 2009
City council session for July 27, 2009
In attendance:
Councillor Anna Ashley (participating by phone)
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne
Councillor Nelson Kinney
Councillor Gina Garon
Councillor Joy Thorkelson
Absent:
Mayor Jack Mussallem
Councillor Kathy Bedard
Regular City council minutes for July 27, 2009
Minutes of Regular council meeting for July 27
Minutes of Pulic hearing for July 27
Minutes of presentation to public hearing for July 27
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole for July 27
Daily News voting summary
Wednesday, July 30. 2009 edition
Attendance at City Hall to date archives
Upcoming events-- City council meeting August 17, 2009
July 27, 2009
Regular council meeting Agenda for July 27, 2009
Committee of the Whole Meeting Agenda for July 27, 2009
Notice of closed meeting for July 27, 2009
Public Hearing agenda for July 27, 2009
City council session for July 27, 2009
In attendance:
Councillor Anna Ashley (participating by phone)
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne
Councillor Nelson Kinney
Councillor Gina Garon
Councillor Joy Thorkelson
Absent:
Mayor Jack Mussallem
Councillor Kathy Bedard
Regular City council minutes for July 27, 2009
Minutes of Regular council meeting for July 27
Minutes of Pulic hearing for July 27
Minutes of presentation to public hearing for July 27
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole for July 27
Daily News voting summary
Wednesday, July 30. 2009 edition
Attendance at City Hall to date archives
Upcoming events-- City council meeting August 17, 2009
Podunk Below the Masthead Thursday, July 30, 2009
The artistic holdings of one of the city's residents, a cancelled health survey and a brief review of some of the issues from Monday's council meeting highlight the Thursday edition of the Daily News.
ARTWORK THAT LETS THE SUN SHINE THROUGH-- The front page, headline story of the day features a look at Doug Moore's stained glass windows. A commisioned piece, recently installed in his Prince Rupert home (see story below)
Elsewhere in the Thursday paper, a local health survey is cancelled after a government grant for 5,000 dollars was cancelled. The survey to be conducted by the British Columbia Recreation and Participation Association was to examine the state of diabetes in the North, a part of the province where the disease is a serious problem.
Council's meeting of Monday was also reviewed in short in the Thursday edition, with Council coming out in favour of flexibility for the Skeena fishery this summer, with council sending a letter of support to Ottawa, outlining their conern for local commercial fishermen. In addition council examined a motion to send a delegation led by Councillor Thorkelson to Ottawa to seek out Fisheries Minister Gail Shea.
The Economic Development Officer will make her first report in September.
The Rod and Gun Club continues to express its concerns over a proposed hiking and biking trail to Port Edward, the Gun Club outlined its thoughts on the project which could intrude on their current location on Highway 16 across from Oliver Lake.
The Sports section featured the Terrace racing scene as the featured story.
Total pages in the Thursday edition (14)
Front page, headline story:
ARTWORK THAT LETS THE SUN SHINE THROUGH
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Page one
A set of stained glass windows Doug Moore commissioned over a decade ago has been installed in his home on Fourth Avenue East.
One of his nieces was visiting recently and when she picked colours to have the living room and front hall painted, Moore decided it was time to put the windows in their rightful place.
The windows - all five of them - were created by Ontario based artist Susan Obata.
Susan's father, Roger Obata, Member of the Order of Canada, grew up in Prince Rupert, attended Borden Street School and King Edward High School and was good friends with Moore's father.
After Roger graduated, he went to UBC to study electrical engineering and eventually moved to Toronto for work. During WWII he worked in the Canadian army's Intelligence Corp in Washington, DC, translating Japanese documents.
He met his Japanese wife, Mary, working there in Washington. She was doing similar work. After the war he returned to Canada and became the founding president of the National Japanese Canadian Citizens' Association.
About fifteen years ago, when the Anglican Cathedral was getting a new tower, the Moores were asked if they would consider providing a stained glass window for the church. -
Moore's father suggested that Susan be asked to create the window and because her dad had always wanted to bring her to see Prince Rupert. The two came out to have a look at the church and see his old hometown.
The window she created features St. David and St. George and has been dedicated to Moore's grandparents.
While they were here, Moore asked Susan if she would be interested in creating some windows for his home too.
"I told her to be inspired by the mountains and sea and to come up with something," Moore recalled.
After she returned to Toronto, Susan sent him some samples of colours and began creating the windows in her studio in Toronto.
Moore went to Toronto to take over the delivery of the windows and learned Susan's husband had made-a special crate-to carry the windows in.
"He had gone to the airport to measure the X-ray machines. He wanted the crate to be able to fit and lay flat so it didn't need to be opened," Moore explained.
Susan also provided a channel for installing the windows so they could be removed easily if Moore were ever to move.
"My painter, Peter Dawson, figured out how to put them up," Moore said.
Looking at the sun shining through the windows Tuesday evening, Moore said some people say they see whales and other things in the designs.
"To me it's just a beautiful piece of art," he added.
ARTWORK THAT LETS THE SUN SHINE THROUGH-- The front page, headline story of the day features a look at Doug Moore's stained glass windows. A commisioned piece, recently installed in his Prince Rupert home (see story below)
Elsewhere in the Thursday paper, a local health survey is cancelled after a government grant for 5,000 dollars was cancelled. The survey to be conducted by the British Columbia Recreation and Participation Association was to examine the state of diabetes in the North, a part of the province where the disease is a serious problem.
Council's meeting of Monday was also reviewed in short in the Thursday edition, with Council coming out in favour of flexibility for the Skeena fishery this summer, with council sending a letter of support to Ottawa, outlining their conern for local commercial fishermen. In addition council examined a motion to send a delegation led by Councillor Thorkelson to Ottawa to seek out Fisheries Minister Gail Shea.
The Economic Development Officer will make her first report in September.
The Rod and Gun Club continues to express its concerns over a proposed hiking and biking trail to Port Edward, the Gun Club outlined its thoughts on the project which could intrude on their current location on Highway 16 across from Oliver Lake.
The Sports section featured the Terrace racing scene as the featured story.
Total pages in the Thursday edition (14)
Front page, headline story:
ARTWORK THAT LETS THE SUN SHINE THROUGH
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Page one
A set of stained glass windows Doug Moore commissioned over a decade ago has been installed in his home on Fourth Avenue East.
One of his nieces was visiting recently and when she picked colours to have the living room and front hall painted, Moore decided it was time to put the windows in their rightful place.
The windows - all five of them - were created by Ontario based artist Susan Obata.
Susan's father, Roger Obata, Member of the Order of Canada, grew up in Prince Rupert, attended Borden Street School and King Edward High School and was good friends with Moore's father.
After Roger graduated, he went to UBC to study electrical engineering and eventually moved to Toronto for work. During WWII he worked in the Canadian army's Intelligence Corp in Washington, DC, translating Japanese documents.
He met his Japanese wife, Mary, working there in Washington. She was doing similar work. After the war he returned to Canada and became the founding president of the National Japanese Canadian Citizens' Association.
About fifteen years ago, when the Anglican Cathedral was getting a new tower, the Moores were asked if they would consider providing a stained glass window for the church. -
Moore's father suggested that Susan be asked to create the window and because her dad had always wanted to bring her to see Prince Rupert. The two came out to have a look at the church and see his old hometown.
The window she created features St. David and St. George and has been dedicated to Moore's grandparents.
While they were here, Moore asked Susan if she would be interested in creating some windows for his home too.
"I told her to be inspired by the mountains and sea and to come up with something," Moore recalled.
After she returned to Toronto, Susan sent him some samples of colours and began creating the windows in her studio in Toronto.
Moore went to Toronto to take over the delivery of the windows and learned Susan's husband had made-a special crate-to carry the windows in.
"He had gone to the airport to measure the X-ray machines. He wanted the crate to be able to fit and lay flat so it didn't need to be opened," Moore explained.
Susan also provided a channel for installing the windows so they could be removed easily if Moore were ever to move.
"My painter, Peter Dawson, figured out how to put them up," Moore said.
Looking at the sun shining through the windows Tuesday evening, Moore said some people say they see whales and other things in the designs.
"To me it's just a beautiful piece of art," he added.
City Council scoresheet for July 27, 2009
The Wednesday, July 29 edition of the Daily News featured their regular scorecard on city council issues, this one featuring the deliberations and votes from selected items of the July 27 session.
.
This weeks feature appeared on page three of the Wednesday edition.
Question One: A temporary tipping free of $150/tonne, requested by fish processors, go into effect for limited emergency disposal of fish offal from July 20 to August 20, 2009 at the Prince Rupert Landfill.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Two: Mr. Derek Kormendy has been appointed as a temporary bylaw officer assigned to traffice control, general bylaw enforcement and animal control until May 2010 when the regular bylaw officer is expected to return to her position.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Three: Council consent to an application for $14,569,984 to the Community Adjustment Fund grant for the City of Prince Rupert to develop the Digby Island/Tsimshian Peninsula Access Project Phase I.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Four: The City will award the building of the Pierce 75 Aerial fire Apparatus to Wholesale Fire and Rescue at a cost of $754,768. The truck will be purchased in 2010 to replace aging equipment and be paid for over a period of time as outlined by the City's Five Year Financial Plan.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Five: Atlin parking lot fees of $1 an hour up to $5 for five hours or more will go into effect, as well as a change of free on-street parking in the immediate vicinity from one to two hours.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- No
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- No
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
.
This weeks feature appeared on page three of the Wednesday edition.
Question One: A temporary tipping free of $150/tonne, requested by fish processors, go into effect for limited emergency disposal of fish offal from July 20 to August 20, 2009 at the Prince Rupert Landfill.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Two: Mr. Derek Kormendy has been appointed as a temporary bylaw officer assigned to traffice control, general bylaw enforcement and animal control until May 2010 when the regular bylaw officer is expected to return to her position.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Three: Council consent to an application for $14,569,984 to the Community Adjustment Fund grant for the City of Prince Rupert to develop the Digby Island/Tsimshian Peninsula Access Project Phase I.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Four: The City will award the building of the Pierce 75 Aerial fire Apparatus to Wholesale Fire and Rescue at a cost of $754,768. The truck will be purchased in 2010 to replace aging equipment and be paid for over a period of time as outlined by the City's Five Year Financial Plan.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Question Five: Atlin parking lot fees of $1 an hour up to $5 for five hours or more will go into effect, as well as a change of free on-street parking in the immediate vicinity from one to two hours.
How council voted:
Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Absent
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- No
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Absent
Councillor Gina Garon-- No
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes
Size matters on Graham Avenue
A zoning proposition is proving to be a rather contentious item over on the west side of the city, as a number of Graham Avenue and Atlin Avenue residents expressed their concerns over the plans to subdivide lots in the area.
The discussion came to Prince Rupert City Council chambers on Monday as councillors heard from concerned citizens on the issue, with both those for the changes and those against them offering their opinions to council.
The Daily News outlined some of the background on the neighbourhood division in the Wednesday paper.
GRAHAM AVENUE RESIDENTS DEBATE CHANGES TO LOT SUB-DIVISION
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Pages two and five
It's a question of what size is the right size for all.
Monday night's public hearing over the City of Prince Rupert Zoning Bylaw update attracted a larger number of residents than any other issue has over the last five months.
A delegation of residents from Graham and Atlin Avenues was there to let council know they had concerns over the minimum lot size of 25 feet by 100 feet, specified in the new zoning bylaw's final draft.
"This minimum lot size is a critical issue not only to those of us living on Graham and Atlin Avenue, but to others living in other residential areas in Prince Rupert," said Graham Avenue resident Brian Denton.
He also said the group's wishes are based on a desire to ensure that their area of the city remains a low density, quiet and pleasant area in which they can continue to enjoy existing privacy, beautiful views and other amenities.
Denton was reading from a 22-page written presentation and joined at the table by his wife Penny, neighbours Bob and Judy Warren and Erwin Porcher.
One of the main points of contention in the presentation was a proposal made in January 2008 by Colin Flaten of 2130 Graham Avenue to subdivide his lot into two 50 by 100 foot lots so he could build a one story home on the upper portion.
"We object to the proposed construction of a second house on the above mentioned lot because it could be precedent-setting for other home owners of Graham Avenue to do similar projects, altering the quality of life and ambiance of the area," Denton explained.
Councillor Joy Thorkelson asked Denton after the presentation if he required that lots be 50 by 100 or was it a no-subdivision issue.
Turning to city planner Zeno Krekic, Thorkelson asked, "Is it possible to make an area in the city where there are no subdivisions?" Krekic said it wasn't possible to make it a no subdivision zone, but setting the minimum lots size of 50 by 100 was an option.
In a second written statement, issued Tuesday morning, Denton said adopting the zoning bylaw on the basis that the problem with the minimum lot size in the zoning bylaw is limited to only one specific property on Graham Avenue is to then have missed the full scope of his presentation on Monday night.
"Is the minimum lot size specified in the new zoning bylaw within the interests of the residents of our community or is it simply there because of the direction larger cities in the world have had to go with their population explosions?" Denton asked.
He also expressed the group's frustration with what he described as the "bureaucratic system".
"That fact that a number of us have now waited for 19 months, with the clock still ticking, without receiving a definitive answer from the City as to whether or not our neighbour will or will not be permitted to subdivide their property, is as much to show how our "system" is working as it is in complaint of the matter."
Denton said he wanted to show how futile it is at times when the public takes the time to provide input into planning processes. He felt that those involved with the drafting of the new zoning bylaw had no intentions of changing their course with the minimum lot size regardless of the input they received and that the new specifications were not in conformance with the city's Quality of Life Community Plan.
After Denton's presentation, two Graham Avenue residents offered a differing point of view, Ross McNish said his BO by 200 foot lot is huge and someone might want to build on his lot some day. When asked by Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne if the new zoning bylaw would suit his needs McNish said, "Obviously it doesn't bother me because it doesn't restrict me."
Colin Flaten, owner of the disputed neighbouring lot, said he felt his intentions have been extremely distorted.
He and his wife have a large home and would like to downsize by building a one-story home on the upper portion of their lot, not a two-storey as indicated by the petitioners.
Back in 2008, Flaten said he approached his neighbour, Judy Warren, and told her he was thinking of subdividing.
"My property has a lot of trees and if I was going to build something I would have to take the trees down to have a view," Flaten explained.
A week later, Flaten left for a vacation to Hawaii and returned to find that the word on the street implied that he planned to build a two-story home and wipe out the view.
Local residents had gathered 135 names on a petition to protest Flaten's subdivision plan and had taken the petition to City Hall.
Thorkelson asked Flaten on Monday if he thought that area of town should have bigger lot sizes and asked "What would you-want for ' that part of town?"
The discussion came to Prince Rupert City Council chambers on Monday as councillors heard from concerned citizens on the issue, with both those for the changes and those against them offering their opinions to council.
The Daily News outlined some of the background on the neighbourhood division in the Wednesday paper.
GRAHAM AVENUE RESIDENTS DEBATE CHANGES TO LOT SUB-DIVISION
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Pages two and five
It's a question of what size is the right size for all.
Monday night's public hearing over the City of Prince Rupert Zoning Bylaw update attracted a larger number of residents than any other issue has over the last five months.
A delegation of residents from Graham and Atlin Avenues was there to let council know they had concerns over the minimum lot size of 25 feet by 100 feet, specified in the new zoning bylaw's final draft.
"This minimum lot size is a critical issue not only to those of us living on Graham and Atlin Avenue, but to others living in other residential areas in Prince Rupert," said Graham Avenue resident Brian Denton.
He also said the group's wishes are based on a desire to ensure that their area of the city remains a low density, quiet and pleasant area in which they can continue to enjoy existing privacy, beautiful views and other amenities.
Denton was reading from a 22-page written presentation and joined at the table by his wife Penny, neighbours Bob and Judy Warren and Erwin Porcher.
One of the main points of contention in the presentation was a proposal made in January 2008 by Colin Flaten of 2130 Graham Avenue to subdivide his lot into two 50 by 100 foot lots so he could build a one story home on the upper portion.
"We object to the proposed construction of a second house on the above mentioned lot because it could be precedent-setting for other home owners of Graham Avenue to do similar projects, altering the quality of life and ambiance of the area," Denton explained.
Councillor Joy Thorkelson asked Denton after the presentation if he required that lots be 50 by 100 or was it a no-subdivision issue.
Turning to city planner Zeno Krekic, Thorkelson asked, "Is it possible to make an area in the city where there are no subdivisions?" Krekic said it wasn't possible to make it a no subdivision zone, but setting the minimum lots size of 50 by 100 was an option.
In a second written statement, issued Tuesday morning, Denton said adopting the zoning bylaw on the basis that the problem with the minimum lot size in the zoning bylaw is limited to only one specific property on Graham Avenue is to then have missed the full scope of his presentation on Monday night.
"Is the minimum lot size specified in the new zoning bylaw within the interests of the residents of our community or is it simply there because of the direction larger cities in the world have had to go with their population explosions?" Denton asked.
He also expressed the group's frustration with what he described as the "bureaucratic system".
"That fact that a number of us have now waited for 19 months, with the clock still ticking, without receiving a definitive answer from the City as to whether or not our neighbour will or will not be permitted to subdivide their property, is as much to show how our "system" is working as it is in complaint of the matter."
Denton said he wanted to show how futile it is at times when the public takes the time to provide input into planning processes. He felt that those involved with the drafting of the new zoning bylaw had no intentions of changing their course with the minimum lot size regardless of the input they received and that the new specifications were not in conformance with the city's Quality of Life Community Plan.
After Denton's presentation, two Graham Avenue residents offered a differing point of view, Ross McNish said his BO by 200 foot lot is huge and someone might want to build on his lot some day. When asked by Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne if the new zoning bylaw would suit his needs McNish said, "Obviously it doesn't bother me because it doesn't restrict me."
Colin Flaten, owner of the disputed neighbouring lot, said he felt his intentions have been extremely distorted.
He and his wife have a large home and would like to downsize by building a one-story home on the upper portion of their lot, not a two-storey as indicated by the petitioners.
Back in 2008, Flaten said he approached his neighbour, Judy Warren, and told her he was thinking of subdividing.
"My property has a lot of trees and if I was going to build something I would have to take the trees down to have a view," Flaten explained.
A week later, Flaten left for a vacation to Hawaii and returned to find that the word on the street implied that he planned to build a two-story home and wipe out the view.
Local residents had gathered 135 names on a petition to protest Flaten's subdivision plan and had taken the petition to City Hall.
Thorkelson asked Flaten on Monday if he thought that area of town should have bigger lot sizes and asked "What would you-want for ' that part of town?"
Podunk Below the Masthead Wednesday, July 29 2009
The Commercial fishing fleet gets anxious, Graham Avenue residents debate zoning changes and City Council meets with a few absent members, some of the items of note of the Wednesday edition of the Daily News.
COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN ARE GETTING IMPATIENT-- The boats remained tied up and the gill fleet wonders where its season is going if it's not already gone. The Daily News outlines the latest developments of the salmon season with a front page headline story in the Wednesday edition (see story below)
Zoning issues popped up at City Council this week as Graham Avenue residents expressed their thoughts on the potential of subdividing land on the west side of town. (see story here)
The Wednesday paper featured its regular look of the vote count at City council, providing their scorecard on the items for debate. Of interest was the attendance listings, which once again find Mayor Mussallem away from the gavel, this time with company as Councillor Bedard was listed as absent as well from the July 27th gathering. (see council update here)
The sports page featured a review of the weekend rugby action against Terrace.
Total pages in the Wednesday edition (14)
Front page, headline story:
COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN ARE GETTING IMPATIENT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Page one
Gillnetters looking for an opportunity to get on the water this week are not likely to get their wish granted yet.
For now, the commercial boats stay at the docks.
After a meeting with local Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials Monday, at Fishermen's Hall, fishermen learned that the escapement levels have not reached the necessary status to allow them out onto the water.
It was obviously a message they didn't want to hear. "They don't want us fishing out there and that is what this is all about,' said John Stevens a 42-year old fisher from Ladner. Stevens has made the trip up to the North Coast as he always does for the salmon gillnet season and said he is frustrated with the amount of bureaucracy surrounding the fishing industry today.
Escapement is the number of salmon that is theorized to have passed by commercial fishing areas and into the Skeena, where fish have the opportunity to make it to their spawning grounds.
However, the good weather and the active sport fishing season has commercial fishermen anxious to get out there and fish whatever they can at the time they normally have in previous years.
Stevens said that the last week of July and the first two weeks of August are prime salmon fishing periods, so it would be necessary to get out there as soon as possible.
United Fishermen and Allied Workers North Coast representative, Joy Thorkelsen, said that the good news from the afternoon meeting was that it looked like escapement levels were going up.
"Fishermen believe there are enough fish coming in.
They know that there are not one million extra fish out there, but when you are pulling in $3,000 a year fishing then any abundance over the escapement is going to make a big difference," said Thorkelsen.
Salmon stock will be monitored on a day to-day basis and if the numbers prove well, likely 50,000 fish over four-to-five days, then the salmon fishers will be out there.
"If anything was gained today," said fisherman, Fred Wilson, "it is that commercial fishermen have to become part of the planning strategy for next season."
What that participation would consists of is not yet clear. Wilson sounded optimistic that boats will be leaving shore for fishing areas soon, though he agreed with Stevens that he did not fully trust the DFO right now.
"What I want to understand is the formula they use to project salmon totals and I want to see them personally in action," said Wilson.
COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN ARE GETTING IMPATIENT-- The boats remained tied up and the gill fleet wonders where its season is going if it's not already gone. The Daily News outlines the latest developments of the salmon season with a front page headline story in the Wednesday edition (see story below)
Zoning issues popped up at City Council this week as Graham Avenue residents expressed their thoughts on the potential of subdividing land on the west side of town. (see story here)
The Wednesday paper featured its regular look of the vote count at City council, providing their scorecard on the items for debate. Of interest was the attendance listings, which once again find Mayor Mussallem away from the gavel, this time with company as Councillor Bedard was listed as absent as well from the July 27th gathering. (see council update here)
The sports page featured a review of the weekend rugby action against Terrace.
Total pages in the Wednesday edition (14)
Front page, headline story:
COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN ARE GETTING IMPATIENT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Page one
Gillnetters looking for an opportunity to get on the water this week are not likely to get their wish granted yet.
For now, the commercial boats stay at the docks.
After a meeting with local Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials Monday, at Fishermen's Hall, fishermen learned that the escapement levels have not reached the necessary status to allow them out onto the water.
It was obviously a message they didn't want to hear. "They don't want us fishing out there and that is what this is all about,' said John Stevens a 42-year old fisher from Ladner. Stevens has made the trip up to the North Coast as he always does for the salmon gillnet season and said he is frustrated with the amount of bureaucracy surrounding the fishing industry today.
Escapement is the number of salmon that is theorized to have passed by commercial fishing areas and into the Skeena, where fish have the opportunity to make it to their spawning grounds.
However, the good weather and the active sport fishing season has commercial fishermen anxious to get out there and fish whatever they can at the time they normally have in previous years.
Stevens said that the last week of July and the first two weeks of August are prime salmon fishing periods, so it would be necessary to get out there as soon as possible.
United Fishermen and Allied Workers North Coast representative, Joy Thorkelsen, said that the good news from the afternoon meeting was that it looked like escapement levels were going up.
"Fishermen believe there are enough fish coming in.
They know that there are not one million extra fish out there, but when you are pulling in $3,000 a year fishing then any abundance over the escapement is going to make a big difference," said Thorkelsen.
Salmon stock will be monitored on a day to-day basis and if the numbers prove well, likely 50,000 fish over four-to-five days, then the salmon fishers will be out there.
"If anything was gained today," said fisherman, Fred Wilson, "it is that commercial fishermen have to become part of the planning strategy for next season."
What that participation would consists of is not yet clear. Wilson sounded optimistic that boats will be leaving shore for fishing areas soon, though he agreed with Stevens that he did not fully trust the DFO right now.
"What I want to understand is the formula they use to project salmon totals and I want to see them personally in action," said Wilson.
Conservation concerns impacting on commercial fishermen
With commercial fishermen, especially those of the gillnet fleet waiting patiently for DFO directives on the fate of the commercial season for 2009, the issue of protecting the Skeena has taken centre stage.
The sport fishery has been one of the more vocal of those asking for further protection for the Skeena and other northewest rivers, though as one commercial fisherman suggests perhaps their motives could be questioned.
A letter to the editor in the Tuesday edition of the paper, outlined how divisive the split is it seems between the interests of the commercial and sport industries on the North coast.
The Emperor's clothes ...
Letter to the Editor
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Page four
To the Editor,
Spokesmen for the sports fishing private interests on the Skeena River, Jim Culp and Greg Knox, claim to be acting in the best interests for the conservation of Skeena salmon.
It reminds me of Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Emperor's New Clothes." The story tells of two con men who duped the emperor, his servants, and the public at large, when asked to outfit the emperor with new clothes.
There is only one problem. The suit of clothes is nonexistent because it is made from "illusory silk."
As in Andersen's tale, the two Terrace area scam artists have duped the public at large into believing that the Skeena is an endangered river as far as the survival of salmon is concerned.
Furthermore, their claim to be environmentalists who can fix the "problem" is pure fiction. They cover their tracks by wrapping themselves in the golden cloth of "conservation," thus as in Andersen's story, they shield themselves with the taboo of public scrutiny of their so-called "conservation problem."
If there is a conservation problem, why has Tent City sprung up along the banks and sandbars of the Skeena River between Terrace and Prince Rupert? To say nothing of what is going on along the river banks between Terrace and Smithers!
Furthermore, why is it that only the commercial fishers are bearing the brunt of the so-called "conservation" issue? While we are being subjected to draconian DFO fishery policies that is the child of the DFO and the upriver private interests, enforcement of the provincial sport fishery policies along the Skeena is virtually nonexistent.
The fallout from the "efforts" of these two [men] is tragic for members of the aboriginal commercial gillnet fleet who, like myself, have spend a lifetime gillnet fishing in the Skeena estuary.
Of the total number of commercial fishers who have made a decent living in what the First Nations have called the "bread basket" for the Pacific Northwest Aboriginal communities, 90% were once aboriginal fishers.
To date, July 23, 2009, over 80% of them have been bankrupted to the sidelines because of the actions of these two "Weavers of Illusory Silk" and their followers. It is now well past the time for the Skeena run to peak and there is still no opening for the commercial fishery.
In conclusion, you can bet your rent money that there will be, as happened in the past 5 years, an over escapement of sockeye in the millions. The pearly gates at the Babine counting gate will then be forced to close, and a million plus sockeye will die and rot outside the fence.
What a perverted way to end the life cycle of a beautiful creature. These salmon die without ever being allowed to reach the spawning grounds, making a mockery of the sports fishing and DFO's conservation rationale.
It is the ultimate in perversion.
Raymond G. Guno,
Commercial Fisher
The sport fishery has been one of the more vocal of those asking for further protection for the Skeena and other northewest rivers, though as one commercial fisherman suggests perhaps their motives could be questioned.
A letter to the editor in the Tuesday edition of the paper, outlined how divisive the split is it seems between the interests of the commercial and sport industries on the North coast.
The Emperor's clothes ...
Letter to the Editor
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Page four
To the Editor,
Spokesmen for the sports fishing private interests on the Skeena River, Jim Culp and Greg Knox, claim to be acting in the best interests for the conservation of Skeena salmon.
It reminds me of Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Emperor's New Clothes." The story tells of two con men who duped the emperor, his servants, and the public at large, when asked to outfit the emperor with new clothes.
There is only one problem. The suit of clothes is nonexistent because it is made from "illusory silk."
As in Andersen's tale, the two Terrace area scam artists have duped the public at large into believing that the Skeena is an endangered river as far as the survival of salmon is concerned.
Furthermore, their claim to be environmentalists who can fix the "problem" is pure fiction. They cover their tracks by wrapping themselves in the golden cloth of "conservation," thus as in Andersen's story, they shield themselves with the taboo of public scrutiny of their so-called "conservation problem."
If there is a conservation problem, why has Tent City sprung up along the banks and sandbars of the Skeena River between Terrace and Prince Rupert? To say nothing of what is going on along the river banks between Terrace and Smithers!
Furthermore, why is it that only the commercial fishers are bearing the brunt of the so-called "conservation" issue? While we are being subjected to draconian DFO fishery policies that is the child of the DFO and the upriver private interests, enforcement of the provincial sport fishery policies along the Skeena is virtually nonexistent.
The fallout from the "efforts" of these two [men] is tragic for members of the aboriginal commercial gillnet fleet who, like myself, have spend a lifetime gillnet fishing in the Skeena estuary.
Of the total number of commercial fishers who have made a decent living in what the First Nations have called the "bread basket" for the Pacific Northwest Aboriginal communities, 90% were once aboriginal fishers.
To date, July 23, 2009, over 80% of them have been bankrupted to the sidelines because of the actions of these two "Weavers of Illusory Silk" and their followers. It is now well past the time for the Skeena run to peak and there is still no opening for the commercial fishery.
In conclusion, you can bet your rent money that there will be, as happened in the past 5 years, an over escapement of sockeye in the millions. The pearly gates at the Babine counting gate will then be forced to close, and a million plus sockeye will die and rot outside the fence.
What a perverted way to end the life cycle of a beautiful creature. These salmon die without ever being allowed to reach the spawning grounds, making a mockery of the sports fishing and DFO's conservation rationale.
It is the ultimate in perversion.
Raymond G. Guno,
Commercial Fisher
Podunk Below the Masthead, Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Not particularly harmonious over the Harmonized Sales Tax, the bright lights of Toronto could beckon for a local performer and a local commercial fisherman tackles the sport fishery issues.
RUPERTITES ARE TAKING A LONG LOOK AT THE HST-- The reaction is growing fast with the Gordon Campbell Liberals in effect yelling out "surprise" with their recent announcement that BC will harmonize its taxes with the Federal GST. And British Columbians are looking towards July of 2010 with a little bit of anger over the potential increases in tax collection on such things as haircuts and housing sales to name a few. Tuesay's Daily News outlined some of the background on the Harmonization project (see story below)
It's all in the hands of the national audience now, as Kimberly Truong waits to see if her audition performance on "The Next Star" on YTV will send her off to Toronto for further competition. That program was to air on July 31st, after which the audience will hold the fate of her dreams for this competition. Tuesday's Daily provided a look at the process so far in her quest for further fame. (see story here)
The debate over the impact of the sport fishery on the commercial industry continued on in the letters to the editor pages of the Daily News, as local commercial fisherman Raymond Guno weighed in with his thoughts on the current fishery debate (see story here)
Tuesday's sports page featured local pro golfer Moe Hays weekly column, including a review of the weekend of golf from the junior golfers.
Total pages in the Tuesday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
RUPERTITES ARE TAKING A LONG LOOK AT THE HST
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pages one and five
On July 1, 2010 British Columbians will start paying a Harmonized Sales Tax, which would replace the current PST and GST system.
At first blush, given that there will still be a 12 per cent charge on most goods, it would appear that the new HST won't make much difference.
But there are changes to who gets exempt and for how much. Gone are the exemptions for food, housing sales above $400,000, haircuts and newspapers.
However, the government would offer a refundable HST credit to low-income British Columbians. It would also include exemptions, similar to the provincial tax, on items such as gas and diesel fuel, books, children's clothing and shoes, children's car seats, diapers and feminine hygiene products.
B.C. receives 51.6 billion from the federal government for going ahead with the plan. Finance Minister, Colin Hansen, said that money would be turned over to British Columbians in the form of tax breaks and rebates.
But he also acknowledged the prices of some services could go up in the near term.
"Consumers will perceive there to be an increase in the cost of some things," he said.
However, Hansen said the provincial tax is currently often imbedded in goods even though consumers can't see it on the price sticker.
He believes the cost savings that businesses will see from a harmonized tax will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices.
Two local accountants believe that marrying the provincial sales tax (PST) and the goods and services tax (GST) should be bliss for business owners.
Praveen Vohora and Odd Eidsvik both firmly believe that in the long run the move by BC Liberals to harmonize both taxes was the right one. They believe it would help cut down on paperwork, which both said are added, unnecessary costs when having to complete two tax returns each year.
"If we can avoid two returns and just send in one, that would be wonderful," said Eidsviik of Eidsvik and Associates.
Vohora, the owner of accounting firm Vohora and Associates, said that even for his own organization the savings would be immense due to the ease of training staff.
"It's harder to administer business with two levels of tax because you have to train your staff on how that works," said Vohora.
He added the second advantage was the way the GST system worked, which the HST would mirror.
"You take a manufacturer. When you manufacture goods, you pay GST. When manufacturers sell, they collect PST, but they deduct the GST that they had paid on all the materials. So, it effectively just passed that GST on to the consumer - at zero cost to them," said Vohora.
But there will be some small business owners who believe that this will hurt their bottom line.
Because the new structure would remove previous provincial exemptions from taxable goods and services such as coffee and muffins, food services are likely to see a price increase. For Cowpuccionos' owner Judd Rowse, that could prove costly for him terms of customers.
"The bottom line is small ticket items will cost more and that's going to be passed on to the consumer rather than the shop owners," said Rowse.
He said the new system would not be beneficial for him.
In fact there has been wide spread concern within the restaurant industry that the HST would raise prices on customer bills. Food used to be exempt from the PST, which meant that a receipt would only include a five per cent levy on dinner.
However, Rowse said he believed that the big ticket items such as fine dining shouldn't see as much of an effect as smaller operations like his.
But Eidsvik does not agree with Rowse that his prices would go up.
"I can't see the Be government allowing them to, let's say, tax things that they don't tax in the GST," said Eidsvik.
Ontario will move the HST on the same day as B.C. and that would leave only three provinces that have not jumped on the HST band wagon - Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
With files from Canadian Press
RUPERTITES ARE TAKING A LONG LOOK AT THE HST-- The reaction is growing fast with the Gordon Campbell Liberals in effect yelling out "surprise" with their recent announcement that BC will harmonize its taxes with the Federal GST. And British Columbians are looking towards July of 2010 with a little bit of anger over the potential increases in tax collection on such things as haircuts and housing sales to name a few. Tuesay's Daily News outlined some of the background on the Harmonization project (see story below)
It's all in the hands of the national audience now, as Kimberly Truong waits to see if her audition performance on "The Next Star" on YTV will send her off to Toronto for further competition. That program was to air on July 31st, after which the audience will hold the fate of her dreams for this competition. Tuesday's Daily provided a look at the process so far in her quest for further fame. (see story here)
The debate over the impact of the sport fishery on the commercial industry continued on in the letters to the editor pages of the Daily News, as local commercial fisherman Raymond Guno weighed in with his thoughts on the current fishery debate (see story here)
Tuesday's sports page featured local pro golfer Moe Hays weekly column, including a review of the weekend of golf from the junior golfers.
Total pages in the Tuesday edition (12)
Front page, headline story:
RUPERTITES ARE TAKING A LONG LOOK AT THE HST
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pages one and five
On July 1, 2010 British Columbians will start paying a Harmonized Sales Tax, which would replace the current PST and GST system.
At first blush, given that there will still be a 12 per cent charge on most goods, it would appear that the new HST won't make much difference.
But there are changes to who gets exempt and for how much. Gone are the exemptions for food, housing sales above $400,000, haircuts and newspapers.
However, the government would offer a refundable HST credit to low-income British Columbians. It would also include exemptions, similar to the provincial tax, on items such as gas and diesel fuel, books, children's clothing and shoes, children's car seats, diapers and feminine hygiene products.
B.C. receives 51.6 billion from the federal government for going ahead with the plan. Finance Minister, Colin Hansen, said that money would be turned over to British Columbians in the form of tax breaks and rebates.
But he also acknowledged the prices of some services could go up in the near term.
"Consumers will perceive there to be an increase in the cost of some things," he said.
However, Hansen said the provincial tax is currently often imbedded in goods even though consumers can't see it on the price sticker.
He believes the cost savings that businesses will see from a harmonized tax will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices.
Two local accountants believe that marrying the provincial sales tax (PST) and the goods and services tax (GST) should be bliss for business owners.
Praveen Vohora and Odd Eidsvik both firmly believe that in the long run the move by BC Liberals to harmonize both taxes was the right one. They believe it would help cut down on paperwork, which both said are added, unnecessary costs when having to complete two tax returns each year.
"If we can avoid two returns and just send in one, that would be wonderful," said Eidsviik of Eidsvik and Associates.
Vohora, the owner of accounting firm Vohora and Associates, said that even for his own organization the savings would be immense due to the ease of training staff.
"It's harder to administer business with two levels of tax because you have to train your staff on how that works," said Vohora.
He added the second advantage was the way the GST system worked, which the HST would mirror.
"You take a manufacturer. When you manufacture goods, you pay GST. When manufacturers sell, they collect PST, but they deduct the GST that they had paid on all the materials. So, it effectively just passed that GST on to the consumer - at zero cost to them," said Vohora.
But there will be some small business owners who believe that this will hurt their bottom line.
Because the new structure would remove previous provincial exemptions from taxable goods and services such as coffee and muffins, food services are likely to see a price increase. For Cowpuccionos' owner Judd Rowse, that could prove costly for him terms of customers.
"The bottom line is small ticket items will cost more and that's going to be passed on to the consumer rather than the shop owners," said Rowse.
He said the new system would not be beneficial for him.
In fact there has been wide spread concern within the restaurant industry that the HST would raise prices on customer bills. Food used to be exempt from the PST, which meant that a receipt would only include a five per cent levy on dinner.
However, Rowse said he believed that the big ticket items such as fine dining shouldn't see as much of an effect as smaller operations like his.
But Eidsvik does not agree with Rowse that his prices would go up.
"I can't see the Be government allowing them to, let's say, tax things that they don't tax in the GST," said Eidsvik.
Ontario will move the HST on the same day as B.C. and that would leave only three provinces that have not jumped on the HST band wagon - Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
With files from Canadian Press
Toronto’s Bright Lights could beckon for Rupert’s Truong
One of Prince Rupert’s talented youngsters could be making plans for a trip to Toronto if the July 31st edition of YTV’s “The Next Star” works out her way.
Kimberly Truong, recently was part of an audition process in Vancouver and her performance which was to be aired on July 31 could, if the audience votes for it, send her off to further competition in Toronto.
The July 28 edition of the Daily News outlined the process involved with her quest for national fame.
SHE’S REACHING FOR THE STARS
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pages one and five
The line went all the way around the block, Truong recalled.
For people who have watched Kimberly Truong perform in Prince Rupert over the years, it should come as no surprise that the fifteen-year-old was expanding her performing opportunities.
Recently Truong auditioned for YTV's hit talent series, The Next Star, and will appear on the show July 31 when audiences will learn whether Truong was selected to go on to Toronto for the next level of the competition.
Auditions took place in Vancouver in May, two days before Truong was slated to participate in the Festival of the Performing Arts back in Prince Rupert.
Truong has been singing, dancing and acting locally since she was a preschooler. She's a student at the Dance Academy of Prince Rupert and has represented Prince Rupert at regional and provincial festivals, as well as Australia after being selected at the BC Annual Dance Competition as Junior Dancer of the Year.
The ambitious teenager flew down to Vancouver on May 23 with her mom and was one of 1,000 kids who lined up for hours to audition.
"They told us if we showed up before 7 a.m. we'd be sent away, but when we checked at 5:30 there were already people lined up so we got in line," Truong said.
After two hours of sleep and a hectic' night of phoning home to get her brother to scan her student ID, because she'd left it at home, Truong auditioned before the judges.
Selecting from a list of song choices she could prepare in advance, Truong sang three tunes in her bid to impress the judges - Near to You by A Fine Frenzy, Cry by Mandy Moore and My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.
Each competitor auditioned in front of three judges: Suzie McNeil, singer of the top ten single, SuperGirl, Christopher Ward, First VJ of MuchMusic and Steve Cranwell.
Cranwell has background in music marketing at Universal Music Canada.
"They didn't give us any feedback, but asked a lot of questions," said Truong of the judging. "They were asking why I wanted to be the next star."
Auditions took place in six cities across Canada, attracting over 4,000 competitors. On Friday the show will feature host Adamo Ruggiero as he crosses the country meeting young talent, including Truong.
In the future, Truong plan to audition for CBC Television's Triple Sensation.
While The Next Star is about singing only and is open to performers 15 years and under, Triple Sensation focuses on acting, singing and dancing and is geared to performers ages 16 to 26.
Kimberly Truong, recently was part of an audition process in Vancouver and her performance which was to be aired on July 31 could, if the audience votes for it, send her off to further competition in Toronto.
The July 28 edition of the Daily News outlined the process involved with her quest for national fame.
SHE’S REACHING FOR THE STARS
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pages one and five
The line went all the way around the block, Truong recalled.
For people who have watched Kimberly Truong perform in Prince Rupert over the years, it should come as no surprise that the fifteen-year-old was expanding her performing opportunities.
Recently Truong auditioned for YTV's hit talent series, The Next Star, and will appear on the show July 31 when audiences will learn whether Truong was selected to go on to Toronto for the next level of the competition.
Auditions took place in Vancouver in May, two days before Truong was slated to participate in the Festival of the Performing Arts back in Prince Rupert.
Truong has been singing, dancing and acting locally since she was a preschooler. She's a student at the Dance Academy of Prince Rupert and has represented Prince Rupert at regional and provincial festivals, as well as Australia after being selected at the BC Annual Dance Competition as Junior Dancer of the Year.
The ambitious teenager flew down to Vancouver on May 23 with her mom and was one of 1,000 kids who lined up for hours to audition.
"They told us if we showed up before 7 a.m. we'd be sent away, but when we checked at 5:30 there were already people lined up so we got in line," Truong said.
After two hours of sleep and a hectic' night of phoning home to get her brother to scan her student ID, because she'd left it at home, Truong auditioned before the judges.
Selecting from a list of song choices she could prepare in advance, Truong sang three tunes in her bid to impress the judges - Near to You by A Fine Frenzy, Cry by Mandy Moore and My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.
Each competitor auditioned in front of three judges: Suzie McNeil, singer of the top ten single, SuperGirl, Christopher Ward, First VJ of MuchMusic and Steve Cranwell.
Cranwell has background in music marketing at Universal Music Canada.
"They didn't give us any feedback, but asked a lot of questions," said Truong of the judging. "They were asking why I wanted to be the next star."
Auditions took place in six cities across Canada, attracting over 4,000 competitors. On Friday the show will feature host Adamo Ruggiero as he crosses the country meeting young talent, including Truong.
In the future, Truong plan to audition for CBC Television's Triple Sensation.
While The Next Star is about singing only and is open to performers 15 years and under, Triple Sensation focuses on acting, singing and dancing and is geared to performers ages 16 to 26.
The Minster stops by for a visit
With her Ministry under the microscope over recent announcements of staffing shifts, The Minister for Children and Family Development, Mary Polak put Prince Rupert on her travel itinerary last week, stopping in for a coffee and maybe a burger at the Northwest Inter Nation Family and Community services barbecue on July 24.
Minister Polak outlined how it is her belief that the BCGEU with their their commentary on the issues of last week, muddied the issue of recent staff shifts.
.
At that time, the issue of layoffs proved to be a hot button discussion point as the union outlined its concerns with the Ministry direction, while Minister Polak suggested that they were commenting before all the relevant information was provided.
She detailed the latest staffing changes for the Daily News in the Monday, July 27 edition.
MINISTER VISITS PRINCE RUPERT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pages one and five
They want Prince -Rupert to know they are there and aware.
The Northwest Inter-Nation
Family and Community Services Society hosted its first annual barbecue Friday in an ' effort to raise the organization's profile in Prince Rupert. '
Joining them before lunch' was the Minister for Children and Family Development, Mary Polak, who discussed the decision to move six full time child t protection positions in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace to NFCSS.
Polak said that the BC Government Employees and Services Union had commented before all the relevant information was published; which \I she felt made it look like the layoffs were a surprise when, in fact, they weren't.
"The unfortunate part is the way the BCGEU made it a media issue, which muddled it up," said Polak,
She said she wasn't sure whether it was a communications problem on the ministry's end, but the BCGEU never picked up the phone to clarify the layoffs with her.
For the NFCSS) the additional responsibility of taking on .nine aboriginal communities on the North Coast was greatly welcomed, but the key will be how much funding the child protection organization receives to properly work from Kitimaat Village to Iskut, a region that is large and difficult to manage.
"[The change] will be better in the sense that now First Nations communities can take full ownership and local control to make their own decisions on children at risk," said NFCSS Regional Guardianship Supervisor, Kathleen Bennett.
Bennett was pleased that ministry representative Polak had taken the opportunity to meet up with her and her team while in town.
But she added that it would actually be a federal responsibility to fund her programs from now on.
Bennett said that her organizations wants to and may need to expand its staffing levels. They currently have 19 staff members working in three offices located in Kitselas, Iskut and Prince Rupert.
She said that getting staff would prove to be a challenge as many locations are quite remote, such as Hartley Bay, which means costly air flights or ferry rides.
"The current funding is not adequate. But with more funding we can do a better job of giving more culturally relevant services," said Bennett. "However, what is most exciting about this is that communities want to take back control of these services."
Minister Polak outlined how it is her belief that the BCGEU with their their commentary on the issues of last week, muddied the issue of recent staff shifts.
.
At that time, the issue of layoffs proved to be a hot button discussion point as the union outlined its concerns with the Ministry direction, while Minister Polak suggested that they were commenting before all the relevant information was provided.
She detailed the latest staffing changes for the Daily News in the Monday, July 27 edition.
MINISTER VISITS PRINCE RUPERT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pages one and five
They want Prince -Rupert to know they are there and aware.
The Northwest Inter-Nation
Family and Community Services Society hosted its first annual barbecue Friday in an ' effort to raise the organization's profile in Prince Rupert. '
Joining them before lunch' was the Minister for Children and Family Development, Mary Polak, who discussed the decision to move six full time child t protection positions in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace to NFCSS.
Polak said that the BC Government Employees and Services Union had commented before all the relevant information was published; which \I she felt made it look like the layoffs were a surprise when, in fact, they weren't.
"The unfortunate part is the way the BCGEU made it a media issue, which muddled it up," said Polak,
She said she wasn't sure whether it was a communications problem on the ministry's end, but the BCGEU never picked up the phone to clarify the layoffs with her.
For the NFCSS) the additional responsibility of taking on .nine aboriginal communities on the North Coast was greatly welcomed, but the key will be how much funding the child protection organization receives to properly work from Kitimaat Village to Iskut, a region that is large and difficult to manage.
"[The change] will be better in the sense that now First Nations communities can take full ownership and local control to make their own decisions on children at risk," said NFCSS Regional Guardianship Supervisor, Kathleen Bennett.
Bennett was pleased that ministry representative Polak had taken the opportunity to meet up with her and her team while in town.
But she added that it would actually be a federal responsibility to fund her programs from now on.
Bennett said that her organizations wants to and may need to expand its staffing levels. They currently have 19 staff members working in three offices located in Kitselas, Iskut and Prince Rupert.
She said that getting staff would prove to be a challenge as many locations are quite remote, such as Hartley Bay, which means costly air flights or ferry rides.
"The current funding is not adequate. But with more funding we can do a better job of giving more culturally relevant services," said Bennett. "However, what is most exciting about this is that communities want to take back control of these services."
Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, July 27, 2009
Grapegrowing in the rainforests, a return of the Skeena Story and the Minister comes a callin', some of the highlights of the July 27 edition of the Daily News.
HEARING IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- Front page headline status is given to the joys of grapegrowing in Podunk ad the Daily examines, the successful harvest of grapes of a Prince Rupert family (see story below)
Elsewhere in the Daily News we learn of the rebirth of the Skeena River story, a once popular one person show usually performed at the North Pacific Cannery Museum, the Monday edition examines the efforts of Kayla Sankey to bring the story back to life this summer at the Museum. In addition to the review of the work required to bring that show to life we also learn that the Museum is now under the management of the Museum of Northern British Columbia, perhaps providing the facility with some financial footing and direction for the future.
Summer it seems means visitors galore, including political ones as the BC Minister for Children and Family Development made a stop in Prince Rupert, attending a Northwest Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society barbecue on Friday. While there she outlined the governments thoughts on the recent controversy over changes in service delivery, suggesting that the BCGEU had commented before all the relevant information was at hand. (see story here)
Sports dedicates the bulk of the page to the Junior Jubille Open held over the weekend, where Erich Pyde claimed the championship title for 2009.
Total pages for the Monday edition (14)
Front page, headline story:
HEARING IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
By Moncia Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Monday, July 27, 2009
Page one
Grapes can be a reminder that anything is possible.
Thanks to one Vancouver Island woman's love of all things Italian, a Prince Rupert couple has a great batch of grapes growing in their green house.
From a matchstick sized clip taken from a vine in Campbell River, and then nursed along in their kitchen for two years, Ed and Rosemary McCarter have developed a thriving grape vine of their own.
It was in 2003 that the McCarters' grape growing adventure first began. Ed was away on one of his regular fly fishing trips to Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
He booked into the Haig-Brqwn House in Campbell River. Once the home of the famous writer and conservationist Roderick Haig-Brown and his wife Ami, the place is now a B&B run by the Campbell River Museum.
''I'm a big fan of Haig-Brown," aid Ed.
During a tour of the house, the caretaker showed Ed a glassed in porch at the back of the house that possessed a large grape vine.
"There was a root outside about two inches thick growing into the conservatory," recalled Ed.
"I asked the caretaker if I could take a little cutting."
Over the phone this week this week, the Haig-Brown
House site manager Sandra Chow said the grape was planted specifically to grown into the port in 1944.
“Ann Haig-Brown, Roddy’s wife, loved everything Italian and they made many trips post WWII to Italy. She had - and we still have - many Italian terra-cotta pots full of citrus plants, one with a jasmine, another scented begonia, plus beautiful small rectangular one six by 24 inches, which now hold begonias and impatiens.”
Ann cared for the plants up until her death in 1990.
The grapes are coincidentally the concord variety. Campbell’s Early, although the name has nothing to do with Campbell River.
The variety was developed in the US in the 1880’s and is not commonly grown in the US.
It is very popular in Japan and other Asian countries, making it even more interesting, because Prince Rupert is, after all, one sailing day closer to the orient than many other North American points. Grape experts describe Campbell's Early as an old Northwest standby with a sweeter taste and less of a musky aftertaste than other concords.
"It has lost favour in the Northwest because it colours before it is ripe-and overeager growers ruined the market by picking it too soon," noted an article by the Home Orchard Society.
Back in Prince Rupert, Ed credits Rosemary with the health of their grapes.
"She's the one that takes care of them," he said.
HEARING IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- Front page headline status is given to the joys of grapegrowing in Podunk ad the Daily examines, the successful harvest of grapes of a Prince Rupert family (see story below)
Elsewhere in the Daily News we learn of the rebirth of the Skeena River story, a once popular one person show usually performed at the North Pacific Cannery Museum, the Monday edition examines the efforts of Kayla Sankey to bring the story back to life this summer at the Museum. In addition to the review of the work required to bring that show to life we also learn that the Museum is now under the management of the Museum of Northern British Columbia, perhaps providing the facility with some financial footing and direction for the future.
Summer it seems means visitors galore, including political ones as the BC Minister for Children and Family Development made a stop in Prince Rupert, attending a Northwest Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society barbecue on Friday. While there she outlined the governments thoughts on the recent controversy over changes in service delivery, suggesting that the BCGEU had commented before all the relevant information was at hand. (see story here)
Sports dedicates the bulk of the page to the Junior Jubille Open held over the weekend, where Erich Pyde claimed the championship title for 2009.
Total pages for the Monday edition (14)
Front page, headline story:
HEARING IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
By Moncia Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Monday, July 27, 2009
Page one
Grapes can be a reminder that anything is possible.
Thanks to one Vancouver Island woman's love of all things Italian, a Prince Rupert couple has a great batch of grapes growing in their green house.
From a matchstick sized clip taken from a vine in Campbell River, and then nursed along in their kitchen for two years, Ed and Rosemary McCarter have developed a thriving grape vine of their own.
It was in 2003 that the McCarters' grape growing adventure first began. Ed was away on one of his regular fly fishing trips to Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
He booked into the Haig-Brqwn House in Campbell River. Once the home of the famous writer and conservationist Roderick Haig-Brown and his wife Ami, the place is now a B&B run by the Campbell River Museum.
''I'm a big fan of Haig-Brown," aid Ed.
During a tour of the house, the caretaker showed Ed a glassed in porch at the back of the house that possessed a large grape vine.
"There was a root outside about two inches thick growing into the conservatory," recalled Ed.
"I asked the caretaker if I could take a little cutting."
Over the phone this week this week, the Haig-Brown
House site manager Sandra Chow said the grape was planted specifically to grown into the port in 1944.
“Ann Haig-Brown, Roddy’s wife, loved everything Italian and they made many trips post WWII to Italy. She had - and we still have - many Italian terra-cotta pots full of citrus plants, one with a jasmine, another scented begonia, plus beautiful small rectangular one six by 24 inches, which now hold begonias and impatiens.”
Ann cared for the plants up until her death in 1990.
The grapes are coincidentally the concord variety. Campbell’s Early, although the name has nothing to do with Campbell River.
The variety was developed in the US in the 1880’s and is not commonly grown in the US.
It is very popular in Japan and other Asian countries, making it even more interesting, because Prince Rupert is, after all, one sailing day closer to the orient than many other North American points. Grape experts describe Campbell's Early as an old Northwest standby with a sweeter taste and less of a musky aftertaste than other concords.
"It has lost favour in the Northwest because it colours before it is ripe-and overeager growers ruined the market by picking it too soon," noted an article by the Home Orchard Society.
Back in Prince Rupert, Ed credits Rosemary with the health of their grapes.
"She's the one that takes care of them," he said.
Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer?
Sheesh, you go away during what is supposed to be a the "dog days" of summer and the news cycle just spins on regardless.
While we enjoyed our break from blogging and put some clicks on the odometer travelling here and there, life in Podunk continued on at a rather hectic pace.
As we settle back into our chair of Podunkian punditry, we have taken a quick scan of the piling up newsprint from the local papers.
Among our discoveries; the murder rate in Podunk doubles in less than a couple of months, the provincial Liberals discover the joys of taxation (and in a strange bit of bizzaro theatre, the usually quick to the taxation pool city council, says hey wait a minute). While they're in the mood for changing directions, Gordon Campbell's Liberals shift from working the abacus in quest of taxes and make for some quick flips of the flop of their most recent campaign promises.
A local luminary of the arts scene exits the stage, with the sad news of the passing of the always amiable Rod McNish. The fishery once again enters the crisis stage and yet another Federal Minister of Fisheries can't find a road map to go to where the fish once were.
Dan Veniez hears the call, and the one time Conservative suddenly finds comfort in the potential bosom of the Liberal Party of Canada, apparently smitten at the prospect of working with Michael Ignatieff. That as he ponders a run for Parliament no doubt with the intention of becoming the stone in the shoe of the Prime Minister and his BC caucus.
And wonder of wonders, the Daily News returns to the computer age, putting their Daily efforts into cyberspace and removing the burden of carpal tunnel syndrome from the future ailments of The Podunkian.
So much to catch up on....
So bear with us as we work our way back to see what we missed and pick up the trail of local developments for future postings. With the Daily moving to the digital age, it will mean a refurbishment of our Podunk Below the Masthead feature.
And while we're at it perhaps we'll look for a tweak or two to some of the other features of the blog as well.
Our first task is to finish off the archiving of local events while we were away, so forgive us as we rehash and catch up on all that we missed.
Summer vacation is over, guess it's time to re-engage...
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