Jail time has been awarded to a woman who committed fraud in Prince George.

According to the BC Prosecution Service, 57-year-old Diane Friesen was sentenced to six months in jail followed by 18 months of probation.

The offences date back to January 1st 2017 to April 1st of 2019 where she transferred $64,000 to herself from her employers’ bank account, which was based in PG.

On April 30th of this year, Friesen pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000.

A raging wildfire has led to an evacuation order and highway closure in the Peace Region near the border with Alberta.

An evacuation order was issued yesterday (Thursday) for a few properties around Kelly Lake Road and Kiskatinaw Pit Road — along the highway and including Kelly Lake — due to the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, according to the Peace River Regional District.

Residents living in the area of Kelly Lake and the areas north of Campbell Lake, west of Tent Lake, south of Twin Lakes, and east to the Alberta border should evacuate immediately as the blaze is posing a threat to human life. Residents are being asked to head to the Sudeten Hall in Dawson Creek.

The Peace River Regional District did not share how many properties are affected by the order.

Wednesday’s hot weather, followed by a cold front Thursday, brings the potential for high winds and dry lightning strikes, prompting the service to deploy additional crews to the northeast.

Prince George will be the host to numerous events this weekend.

PG Gun and Sportsman Show

The three-day PG Gun and Sportsman Show will be at the Kin Centre.

The show starts today (Friday), and will run through Sunday.

Europa Super Circus

Europa Super Circus performances will be at the CN Centre.

The first show began yesterday, with 7 more throughout the weekend.

May 30th – 4:30 and 7:30pm

May 31st – 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30pm

June 1st – 1:30 and 4:30pm

Canada Games Plaza Container Market

Prince George’s Canada Games Plaza Container Market is set to open today.

The opening celebration will take place today starting at 3pm and run until 7pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Wild About Lheidli Keyoh Prince George (WALK PG) Outdoor Festival

Cottonwood Park will be busy on Saturday, with this year’s Wild About Lheidli Keyoh Prince George (WALK PG) Outdoor Festival.

Various events will be taking place beginning at 9:45am until 3:15pm.

PG Northern Triathlon

Sunday is the Prince George Northern Triathlon, involving all ages starting at 7am.

Kidney Walk 2025

The Prince George Kidney Walk will be taking place on Sunday at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Start time is at 10am, and will go until 3pm.

Barkerville’s Main Season is set to begin tomorrow (Saturday), and visitors will have three new attractions to check out.

Stewart Cawood, Manager, Public Programming and Media, said alongside the regular live programming and performances every day, there will be a new variety show at the Theatre Royal.

The ‘New Fashion Show Revue’ will be put on each day starting at 2 p.m. Cawood added the Revue is a variety show that has “a bit of everything” the types of shows the Cariboo Amateur Dramatic Association would have put on during the Gold Rush.

“It’s a family-friendly variety show. There’s music, there’s comedy, there’s some heart-touching moments,” says Cawood. There’s some pretty exciting horse racing that tends to happen each year, and I’ve heard a rumor that people might be able to see that again this year.”

Two new programs are being introduced this year alongside the variety show.

Barkerville’s Music Director, Patrick Courtin, will be performing a show called ‘The History of Gold Rush Music’ that will show different types of music played during the Gold Rush in the Barkerville Hotel.

“He takes you through how music during the Gold Rush evolved and how it was different from what you might find in London or Paris,” Cawood explains. “We’ve had a lot of talented musicians to come and play, and this will be the same. It’s going to be happening three days a week, and it’s a lovely little program.”

The final new program is exploring another piece and a pivotal figure of Barkerville, Jeanette Houser, in the ‘Mrs. Houser Story’, also being held in the Barkerville Hotel, on alternating days of the music show.

Houser was a long-time resident of Barkerville during the height and end of the Cariboo Gold Rush.

“We’re telling her story, which touches from the 1860s up until the 1930s. So there’s a nice range of history for people to learn,” says Cawood. “There are still members of the family who come to visit Barkerville each year and visit the house. It’s the second to last building up in Chinatown.”

Cawood adds that Barkerville will eventually be hosting ‘The Mrs. Houser Story’ in Houser’s old home, should the program become a mainstay of the Historic Town.

‘The History of Gold Rush Music’ will be performed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the Barkerville Hotel. ‘The Mrs. Houser Story’ will alternate days, and be performed on Tuesdays, and Thursdays in the Hotel.

Returning this season will be the long-time favourites of Barkerville. The Waterwheel show, Town Tours, Chinatown programming, stagecoach rides, Gold’s Bakery, and schoolhouse lessons will be in full swing, alongside newer features such as Indigenous programming at the Kelly Hall.

Dominion Day comes on July 1, celebrating the anniversary of the first Canada Day as well. There will be a parade, games for all ages, and evening activities, including live music.

Barkerville’s Main Season begins on Saturday, May 31, and runs until September 7.

– story done by Teryn Midzain, My Cariboo Now staff

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk paid a visit to Smithers today (Thursday), showing off his skills at the Heritage Park skatepark.

Mark McMorris, Greyson Fletcher, and Lizzie Armanto were also at the event, showcasing their skills along side Hawk.

“Over dinner, just casually the skaters were talking among themselves and they’re like, this is a world class skatepark,” said Director Jake Daly.

Over 1,200 people attended the event held to showcase current progress on the Skatepark Expansion Project.

The Smithers Skatepark Society is planning to finish phase three this year with a shaded shelter already complete.

Still in the works is lighting, a sign, water filling station, and landscaping.

Daly said being this close to completion is exciting.

“But then on a day like this where you get to feel the energy of everyone coming together to celebrate it and the best skateboarders on the planet coming to sign their approval, it doesn’t get much more exciting than that,” he added.

The Power to Give Foundation was also at the event which Daly said helped to bring the professional skateboarders to town.

Earlier this afternoon, the town hosted a Learn to Skate event for new skateboarders to learn about the sport.

Community Futures Fraser Fort George (CF FFG) announced the expansion of its business training services for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

CF FFG said it updates the Business Concept Development Workshop, where participants work through customer segments, value propositions, channels, and revenue streams.

Planning and Development Coordinator, Natalie Allan says its based off of the strategyzer method, which is a book that helps put a business plan together.

“Our Business Model Canvas workshop is where you start with that, and we spend the day together with a physical map, and it outlines the nine major components of writing your business plan.”

“Then we go through each of those components throughout the day, and start getting ideas out of heads and onto paper.”

The improvements also put a renewed focus on accessible and hands-on learning.

The workshops are offered both in-person, with Mackenzie to have some later this summer, as well as through virtual courses.

More information can be found on the Community Futures Fraser Fort George website here.

The Northern Innovation Network announced startup advisor Grant Lawrence will be the Lead Facilitator for the Northern Angel Summit 2025.

The summit is a new initiative in Northern BC to build investment capacity and founder readiness.

Lawrence said “Helping new investors gain confidence and supporting founders through the ups and downs—that’s what excites me.”

“This Summit is an important moment for Northern BC to grow its own investor and founder networks.”

The Northern Innovation Network added that tech entrepreneur, Josh Nilson will also take part in the summit to work with founders throughout the program.

The summit will take place over 10 weeks, with the summit finale event on September 25th in Prince George.

More information can be found here.

Local CUPW 812 President Nicole Chouinard says there is a growing concern postal workers could be off the job in a much larger capacity after the latest offer from Canada Post fell short of expectations.

Its pay offer of almost 14 per cent more over four years remains unchanged, as does its proposal to establish weekend parcel deliveries with part-time workers.

Chouinard told Vista Radio escalating job action will be more difficult this time after back to work legislation was issued by Ottawa the first time around in December.

“Canada Post has always had the government at their back. When you are negotiating with someone that can sit on their hands and wait for the federal government to get involved what incentive would Canada Post ever have to negotiate in good faith with the union.”

“There is very real fear from the members that they are going to be off work again in one way or another whether the union decides to escalate the strike action to rotating strikes or Canada Post chooses to lock us out. Neither scenario is good for us an individuals.”

The company added it’s proposing an end to compulsory overtime, signing bonuses, and better rates to compensate for cost of living increases.

The 55-thousand union members have been in a legal strike position since last Friday…..but so far, have only instituted a ban on overtime.

Bryan Burleigh will become the 12th Fire Chief of the Prince George Fire Rescue Services.

His promotion starts at the beginning June following the departure of Cliff Warner who is retiring after 30 years of service, including three years as chief.

Burleigh, who was most recently a Deputy Chief has served the community as part of the service for more than two decades and previously managed the training branch before being promoted to overseeing operations and training in 2022.

“As we wish retiring Chief Warner the best following his 30 years of service, and welcome Deputy Chief Burleigh into this role, we congratulate both gentlemen on entering their next chapters,” said Director of Administrative Services, Eric Depenau.

“Deputy Chief Burleigh has led the response to a number of challenging emergencies and has been present as part of the leadership team during the negotiation of the current collective agreement, management of complex social issues and refinement of our internal training program. He is a strong leader and has the respect of the service. We are fortunate to see him take on the immense responsibility of Fire Chief.”

Burleigh said he is looking forward to the challenges ahead and is confident with the assistance of the broader City team the fire service will remain ready to respond to the high standard Prince George should expect.

“I am grateful for the mentorship and leadership of my predecessor, and I look forward to the opportunity to lead the excellent team at the Prince George Fire Rescue, where we strive to make our community safer and stronger, each and every day.”

The BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) of an incident in Prince George where a man was injured.

According to the IIO, at about 7:30 yesterday evening (Tuesday), a man discharged a firearm towards officers in a rural area outside of Prince George, who then reportedly fled in a dark coloured Volvo.

No injuries were reported.

Officers later located the Volvo near a Forest Service Road in the Tabor-Ferndale area.

The IIO said there was an exchange of gunfire, with the man sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, and was transported to hospital.

The IIO is investigating if the injury meets the threshold of serious harm defined in the Police Act, or a death, and if there’s a connection between the serious harm/death and police action or inaction.

The incident involved members of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Prince George RCMP, and Emergency Response Team.

The School District 57 Board of Trustees gave its third and final reading yesterday (Tuesday) for the 2025-26 Annual Budget Bylaw.

The special public meeting, which was created after discussions were put on pause at the previous meeting, lasted 4 minutes with one question presented regarding staffing cuts.

Superintendent Jameel Aziz said “There are no reductions indicated in the budget, both in draft and the current budget.”

“That being said, our principles always are looking at their own staffing and make adjustments as necessary, but at this point we anticipate no reductions in positions or hours for the 25-26 school year.”

The School District would have $180,697,669 in its operating fund, $22,038,793 for special purpose fund, and $10,014,971 in capital funds.

The motion was passed unanimously by the Trustees.

More information can be found in the meeting agenda here.

Updated 1:45 pm, Thursday, May 28th:

While the GoFundMe page claims they had “found someone’s remains,” a group assisting with the search confirmed to My PG Now no human remains were located.

Original Story:

A missing Mackenzie woman who vanished without a trace nearly six years ago is the subject of a Go Fund Me.

A fundraiser to bring Angela Christina Lascelle’s remains home has been started and has raised $2650 to date.

Lascelle was last seen taking a neighbours dog for a walk.

The group is looking to raise money to aid in their search.

Initial attempts led them to human remains that were not Angela’s according to the page.

A fundraising goal of $8,000 has been set.

B.C.’s lowest-paid workers will see a little more money in their pockets.

The province’s minimum wage is increasing to $17.85 per hour, a 45-cent increase from last year.

That’s a wage increase of 2.6%, which will take effect on Sunday.

“Minimum wage earners are vulnerable to jumps in the price of groceries, rent and gas,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour.

“That’s why we took action last year to ensure the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living so workers don’t fall further behind.”

Minimum wage rates for residential caretakers, live-in home-support workers, camp leaders and app-based ride-hailing and delivery services workers will receive the same spike.

On December 31st, the minimum piece rates for 15 hand-harvested crops will also increase by the same percentage.

In 2024, approximately 130,000 employees in B.C. earned minimum wage or less, according to labour-force data from Statistics Canada.

Update 8:15 AM

The Prince George RCMP confirms the Independent Investigations Office is expected to arrive in the city in relation to the incident later this morning (Wednesday).

Update at 7:00 AM Wednesday, May 28th

✅OPEN – #BCHwy16 east of #PrinceGeorge between Upper Fraser Rd & Tsadesta Forest Service Rd after earlier police incident.

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 28, 2025

Update from the RCMP at 11:30 PM Tuesday, May 27th

The Prince George RCMP are reporting that an incident that shut down Highway 16 East this evening (Tuesday) near the Tabor-Ferndale area has since been resolved, though police officers will still be in the area overnight.

The highway will remain closed in both directions for several hours as the investigation continues.

Further updates will be available Wednesday morning, (May 28, 2025).

⛔️🚓UPDATE – #BCHwy16 CLOSED east of #PrinceGeorge between Upper Fraser Rd & Tsadesta Forest Service Rd due to a police incident. ℹhttps://t.co/LOFZsDz5cL

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 28, 2025

(Original story from 9:30 PM Tuesday, May 27th)

Prince George RCMP and multiple other support units are currently out at an active investigation that has shut down Highway 16 East in both directions between Upper Fraser Road and the Willow River rest area.

“This is an incredibly dynamic event that remains ongoing. We are requesting that everyone stay clear of the area to give our police officers room to work safely,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Frontline police officers have been joined by members of the North District Emergency Response Team, the police helicopter Air 3, Police Dog Service Units, B.C. Highway Patrol and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

Further details will be provided when they become available.

Motorists are advised to check Drive B.C. before heading out on Highway 16 East for updates on road closures.

⛔️#BCHwy16 is CLOSED in both directions between Upper Fraser Road and Tsadesta Forest Service Road due to a police incident. #PrinceGeorgeBC

ℹ️More information: https://t.co/87sRK8tmIJ

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 28, 2025

The Mackenzie RCMP received confirmation that Alice Maureen Chingee was last seen in Quesnel.

According to police, she was dropped off south of town on Sales Road, and planned to hitchhike to Vancouver.

It’s believed to have possibly happened between July 15th and 18th of 2024, and was last seen wearing a purple sweater and carrying a large bag.

Those who were in Quesnel, along Highway 97 in that time and have dash cam video, or have information as to where Chingee may be, or have seen her, is asked to call the Mackenzie RCMP at (250) 997-3288.

Chingee was reported missing to the Mackenzie RCMP on July 18th, 2024.

Less than a week after a major fire displaced several residents at the Boardwalk Apartments in PG, a GoFundMe page has been set up to lend a helping hand.

Early Thursday morning, the blaze tore through the Killoren Crescent complex displacing dozens of families.

“While we’re grateful there were no serious injuries, the emotional and financial toll is just beginning. A number of families have lost nearly everything — from clothing and furniture to the simple sense of home and security. “

“My name is Lucas Boreland, and as someone who survived a house fire as a young boy, this tragedy hits close to home. I still remember the fear, the confusion, and how long it took for insurance to finally kick in.”

“But what I remember even more vividly is the kindness of our community. We lived in Salmon Valley, and during those first uncertain weeks, neighbours stepped up in incredible ways — giving us a place to stay, clothing, meals, and a sense of dignity when everything felt upside down. That generosity left a mark on me that I’ll never forget.”

“That’s why I’m starting this fundraiser — to give that same kind of care to the families affected here.”

“As the owner of Armoured Electrical & Fire Safety Ltd., I’ve committed to donating a portion of our company’s profits this month to this fund. And we’re inviting other local businesses and trades to match us, contribute what they can, or share the cause with their community.”

“Together, we can make a powerful impact.” stated Lucas Boreland.

It is estimated that 24 units out of the 57 have either fire, smoke or water damage.

According to the city, at least 60 people were reported safe and supported in the event.

The fire remains under investigation, and the damage estimate is still unknown.

The goal is to raise $60,000 and $3,015 has already been raised.

Another popular spring event will be gracing the Kin Centre arenas this weekend.

The three-day Gun and Sportsman Show will run from Friday to Sunday adjacent to the CN Centre.

Last year, over 60 vendors from across Western Canada made the trek to be part of the show.

Over 3,200 people attended the 2024 edition of the event.

Travis O’Shea from Wapiti River Calls is offering an elk calling seminar on Sunday at 9am.

General admission to the show is $10 while a weekend pass costs $15.

More information on the event, can be found here.

Local officials, partners, and community members attended the grand opening of the Mackenzie Fire Rescue Department’s new fire hall.

According to the department, the new hall has eight fire truck bays, fully equipped training rooms, and serves as a secondary emergency operations centre.

Enbridge, a company that operates a natural gas pipeline system near the district, donated $10,000 towards the construction, and an additional $10,000 for essential training and certification.

Deputy Fire Chief, Luke Thorne said “The training expands our knowledge and our ability to provide for the citizens of Mackenzie. The more trained personnel we have, the better. So, if we can get grants from partners like Enbridge to help train our team and keep that service level high, it’s a win-win for all of us.”

Over 30 volunteers make up the department, making ongoing training and certification necessary to cover firefighting programs, first aid, and more.

More information can be found on Enbridge’s website here.

Be prepared to be amazed.

Eight 90-minute performances of the Europa Super Circus are slated for Prince George from Thursday to Sunday at CN Centre.

The list of performances can be found here:

May 29th – 7pm

May 30th – 4:30 and 7:30pm

May 31st – 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30pm

June 1st – 1:30 and 4:30pm

Tickets are on sale at CN Centre Box Office or at TicketsNorth.ca

Nursing students at UNBC have improved learning environments at three locations.

$10.25 million went towards an accelerated nursing program in Fort St. John, renovations at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre for a Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program expansion, and the main campus getting renovations to expand the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Chair of UNBC’s School of Nursing, Dr. Catharine Schiller said improvements like these greatly extend the student’s learning opportunities.

“It’s a wonderful space to get them ready for nursing practice. We were really deliberate in the equipment choices so that students become familiar with the equipment that they will be using in most sites in Northern Health.”

Dr. Schiller added it helps the school attract and retain qualified faculty members and program support staff, which greatly helps where there’s a shortage of experienced nurses to teach.

She said the upgrades made to the three locations catches them up with other schools with nursing programs.

The funding was from the Health Professions Expansion program, with facility upgrades beginning in 2022, and completed in 2024.

A man has been charged in connection with a 2023 homicide.

North District Corporal Madonna Sunderson said Williams Lake RCMP responded on December 8, 2023, to the Cariboo Memorial Hospital for a report of a deceased 7 week old infant.

“There were signs of trauma and police were immediately notified.” Saunderson said, “Police attended the family home where they found another child suffering from trauma. E Division Major Crime was called and assumed conduct of the investigation.”

Saunderson said the BC Prosecution Service has approved charges in relation to this investigation and on Friday, May 23, 2025, Russel Solomon was arrested for second degree murder and assault causing bodily harm in relation to the second child.

Police said he remains in custody.

– Files from Pat Matthews, My Cariboo Now Staff

The end is now in sight for the remaining Hudson’s Bay stores.

According to a motion filed by the company on Monday night, the retailer is set to close all of its stores including the Prince George location on Parkwood Place, by Sunday – this will terminate over 8,000 workers.

The company added once the liquidation process is done 89% of its workforce will be slashed by June 1st.

The motion states roughly 900 of the remaining employees are expected to be terminated on or around June 15, while some will stay on to assist with the closures.

In addition, the court documents say up to 200 former and current employees with insured long-term disability plans will continue to receive payments past June 15, but 183 receiving other long-term disability benefits will see their coverage end.

Also coming to a close is a package of post-retirement health, dental and life insurance benefits, which about 2,200 retirees receive.

In March, Hudson’s Bay filed for creditor protection due to several issues paying its bills.

Canadian Tire acquired Hudson’s Bay intellectual properties for a price tag of 30-million dollars.

Hudson’s Bay was founded in 1670.

Quick work by Prince George Firefighters doused a house fire on the 8200 block of Malaspina Avenue resulting in $75,000 damage.

According to the city, crews responded to the blaze just after 3pm yesterday (Monday), where they found light smoke exiting the basement door.

The cause is undetermined.

There were no injuries to the public and fire personnel.

A trip from Prince Rupert to Prince George had an unexpected twist for a man over the weekend.

Allan Gilliard was going home after visiting family on the coast when he decided to stop at the Hazelton Farmers Market on Sunday near noon.

“While I was heading back to the car, I saw some smoke coming out from behind the church and was watching it for a bit because I didn’t know if they had a bon fire going or something like that,” he added.

After the fire started to change colour, Gilyard noticed a person run out of the church with a phone in his ear and a concerned look which prompted him to investigate.

That prompted him to investigate and discover a fire between the main chapel and an addition.

“That whole corner was on fire, and it was going up into the space between the ceiling and the roof,” Gilyard said.

He also recalled someone bucketing puddles to extinguish the fire before going inside to find something that could move water.

In doing so, Gilyard found a fire extinguisher and emptied it onto the blaze.

“Then an older lady came out one of the side doors with a larger fire extinguisher, handed it to me, and emptied it trying to get it into the space between the ceiling and the roof.”

He went back into the church and found a third extinguisher to use if the fire had entered the building but didn’t use it before fire crews arrived.

With files: Brendan Pawliw – My PG Now

The Prince George RCMP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant on a residence on the 1300-block of Eaglet Crescent.

This occurred a week ago on Monday, May 19th.

“Police officers seized a large quantity of drugs from inside the residence, as well as Canadian and American currency, multiple cartons of contraband cigarettes and some weapons, said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Items seized from the residence included:

• 50 cartons of contraband cigarettes
• Approximately 500 grams of suspected Methamphetamine
• Approximately 500 grams of suspected Cocaine
• Over 40 grams of suspected Fentanyl
• More than 20 grams of suspected Ketamine
• Approximately 20 grams of suspected Psilocybin
• Over 100 grams of suspected pharmaceuticals
• Over $2700 Canadian currency
• Just over $300 American currency

According to Cooper, one man, who is known to police, was arrested at the time of the search warrant execution; he was released later that day, as any potential charges related to the drugs seized are pending further laboratory analysis and are subject to approval by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

The investigation continues.

A weekend jaunt into the Chief Lake Road area proved to be a little more than family of three bargained for.

On Saturday evening, 12 members of Prince George Search and Rescue along with the RCMP rescue the family who were stranded after a failed GPS navigation led them down some unmaintained forest service roads.

Spokesperson, Dave Merritt told MyPGNow.com while GPS systems are often a good resource to help get to where we are going, they aren’t exactly fool-proof.

“We all rely on those to get to where we are going but sometimes when things get changed or updated, the company who is in charge of that doesn’t update the information and we get situations like we had on the weekend where a family was stranded, they called 9-1-1 and did everything right. Our teams were able to roll out and assist them getting back.”

“We rely on GPS and think it is always going to be perfect but we have had lots of cases over the years where the GPS might be off or slightly wrong and people need assistance.”

Crews spent a couple hours re-directing the family to their destination of choice.

PGSAR deployed a mechanized team, accessing the stuck family with their side by side and ATV’s.

“Everything has been quiet on the national level.”

That’s from Local CUPW 812 President Nicole Chouinard as the union and Canada Post continue to negotiate on a new deal with the postal company’s latest offer still being mulled over.

Canada Post stated mail volumes are down 50% over this time last year, a claim Chouinard told Vista Radio couldn’t be further from the truth in areas like ours.

“I can tell you as a letter carrier myself, that is not our experience. We are not seeing a decrease in volumes and we are having consistent heavy mail volumes since we have gone back to work in December. There has been no lag in the mail volume.”

“I will say there has been a lot of speculation on parcel volumes and it certainly does not help our case as the union at all when Canada Post is actively telling their customers to use Purolator.”

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers held off on a full-scale walkout on Friday, instituting a ban on overtime.

The union (representing 55-thousand workers including some 200 in the Prince George area) said they provided their response to Canada Post yesterday (Sunday), and are expecting face-to-face negotiations to resume in a couple of days.

Thirty-six First Nations including a pair in the Prince George-area are purchasing a minority share in a natural gas pipeline owned and operated by Enbridge.

The group includes the Lheidli T’enneh and McLeod Lake Indian Band.

According to a release from earlier this month, Enbridge agreed to terms with the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership to sell a 12.5 per cent stake in its Westcoast natural gas pipeline system for a price tag of $715 million.

The deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter – it is being facilitated by a $400 million loan guarantee with Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation.

“Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system is a critical piece of energy infrastructure that has been providing people with the energy they need for more than 65 years,” said Cynthia Hansen, Enbridge’s Executive Vice President and President of Gas Transmission and Midstream.

“This transaction provides an opportunity to build on our existing relationships with Indigenous communities and help advance reconciliation.”

“Today is a significant milestone for Stonlasec8 First Nations and we are incredibly grateful to have the Government of Canada’s leadership and support to bring this deal to fruition,” said Chief David Jimmie, President and Chair of Stonlasec8 and Chief of Squiala First Nation.

“Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system is a legacy asset that has operated within our traditional territories for over 65 years. Now, our Nations will receive sustained economic benefits from this asset, funding critical investments in housing, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation. People often ask what economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples looks like. This is it.”

The pipeline runs through communities like Prince George, Summit Lake and Quesnel.

For a link to the release, click here.

Just a week after a B.C. resident took home the largest Lotto Max prize ever won in Canada, our province has another reason to celebrate.

A Lotto Max ticket purchased in Burnaby for Friday’s draw matched all seven winning numbers to win the $40 million jackpot.

The seven winning numbers were: 13, 19, 23, 26, 36, 39, and 47.

The odds of winning a Lotto Max jackpot are 1 in 33,294,800 per $5 play.

So far in 2025, B.C. lottery players redeemed more than $102 million in winnings from Lotto Max.

The largest lottery prize ever won in B.C. was a $80 million Lotto Max jackpot, claimed by a Surrey man.

Police in Fort Nelson arrested an arson suspect who set fire to their detachment.

According to the RCMP, the blaze was allegedly set along the exterior wall of the police station, which resulted in damage to the building on Thursday (May 22nd).

The fire caused damage to the air intake/air conditioner pulled a considerable amount of smoke inside the building, resulting in the temporary evacuation.

A witness reported a man starting a fire on the side of the detachment.

The witness was able to obtain a photograph of the suspect male fleeing on foot from the area.

Police recognized the person depicted in the photo and he was arrested after a brief foot pursuit.

“The fire was quickly extinguished preventing further damage to the building. This could have been much worse as the fire happened during business hours while office staff were present. Thankfully everyone got out safely” said Sgt Christian Drabosenig, NCO i/c Northern Rockies RCMP.

North District GIS has conduct of the matter and the suspect could face multiple charges as the investigation continues.

Teams and individuals gathered at Lheidle T’enneh Memorial Park this morning for this year’s MS Walk.

During the event’s pre-walk ceremony, Co-Lead Sandra Stibrany said they had raised $13,000 out of their goal of $57,000.

This year’s walk was a little different, as it was on a Saturday, which Co-Lead Ashley Provencher said it’s too soon to tell if they will continue that change.

“Regularly across Canada, everybody walks on Sundays. So all the walks happen across the nation on the same day, and it’s nice to be part of that, however, if this goes off more successful than our Sundays, it’s something we could discuss.”

There is still another fundraiser lined up in August, which is a golf tournament, that Stibrany said helps them reach their goal.

Earlier this month, the City of Prince George held a flag raising to bring awareness to the fight against Multiple Sclerosis, proclaiming May as MS Awareness Month.

More information, and where to donate can be found on the Prince George MS Walk website here.

Vanderhoof area residents may have caught a glimpse of a small tornado.

The Northern Tornadoes Project confirmed that a landspout-type tornado occurred at 1:34pm on Wednesday, slightly northeast of the district.

In their blog post, they said the preliminary EF Scale rating was an EF0-Default, which includes wind speeds between 90-130 kilometres per hour.

This is the first tornado of 2025 for the province, and no damages were reported.

More information along with a video can be found on the Northern Tornadoes Project website here.

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George entered into a service agreement with the the Prince George Air Quality Monitoring Society.

This is for January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and comes in the support of $5,900 annually.

The Regional District said it’s committed to promoting air quality and this agreement will fund the society to operate and maintain the airshed monitoring network in the Prince George area.

The Fraser-Fort George Endowment Funds Grants Commitee recommended 22 grant applications to receive funding, which were approved by the Prince George Community Foundation, and $69,782 will be allocated to:

Salmon River-Lakes Endowment Fund

• Nukko Lake Recreation Commission for $4,000 for kitchen equipment and kids games
• North West 4-H Club for $3,959 for training equipment and supplies

Chilako River-Nechako Endowment Fund

• Norman Lake Community Association for $3,808 for an AED defibrillator
• Miworth Community Association for $1,690 for a fridge
• Miworth Community Association for $650 for a stove
• Miworth Community Association for $3,000 for storage
• Beaverly Community Association for $4,000 for park access surfacing
• Mud River Beaverly Farmers Institute for $2,000 for a community farm tour

Hixon-Woodpecker Endowment Fund

• Hixon Community Association for $4,000 for a floor cleaner
• Hixon Volunteer Fire Department Society for $4,000 for a hot water tank and pressure washer
• Hixon Elementary PAC for $3,000 for recreational programs

Willow River-Upper Fraser Endowment Fund

• Shell Glen Improvement Society for $4,000 for infrastructure upgrades
• Cariboo Ferndale Community Association for $4,000 for flooring
• Sinclair Mills Education and Recreational Club for $3,575 for outdoor infrastructure upgrades

Crooked River-Parsnip Endowment Fund

• Bear Lake Recreation Association for $2,590 for kitchen and hall equipment

Robson Valley-Canoe Endowment Fund

• Wishbone Theatre Productions for $2,100 for stage lighting
• Valemount Community Sports Day Association for $2,610 for kid’s festival activities
• McBride Daycare Society – Little Munchkins for $4,000 for a shed and inside climber
• McBride Men’s Shed for $2,500 for a workshop and supplies
• Robson Valley Community Services for $4,000 for a community garden
• Valemount Climbing Club for $4,000 for a summer drop-in program for kids
• Kiyooka Land Trust Foundation for $2,300 for trail upgrades

The Regional District also awarded numerous community and recreation grants.

Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes)

• Ness Lake Recreation Commission for $1,025 for insurance

Electoral Area C (Chilako River-Nechako)

• Miworth Community Association for $1,000 for debris bin rental costs during FireSmarting month
• Miworth Community Association for $437 for a pickleball net
• Miworth Community Association for $414 for a beach volleyball court

Electoral Area D (Tabor Lake-Stone Creek)

• Pineview Recreation Commission for $987 for utilities
• Prince George Snowmobile Club for $30,000 for operating expenses
• Tabor Lake Cleanup Society $26,200 for operating expenses
• Buckhorn Recreation Commission for $30,000 for operating expenses

Electoral Area F (Willow River-Upper Fraser Valley)

• Cariboo Ferndale Community Association for $4,000 for insurance
• Giscome Elementary School Parents Advisory Council for $2,524 for a swim program

Electoral Area G (Crooked River-Parsnip)

• The Bear Lake Recreation Association for $10,682 for trees

Electoral Area H (Robson Valley-Canoe)

• Fraser Headwaters Alliance for $5,000 for program costs
• Kiyooka Land Trust Foundation for $1,000 for event costs
• McBride Farmers Institute for $1,525 for insurance
• Rocky Mountain Forest Academy for $1,000 for start up costs, marketing and professional fees
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch #75 for $5,000 for insurance
• Tete Jaune Community Club for $14,000 for a sprinkler program

The full Board Meeting highlights can be found on the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s website here.

Members of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, The City of Prince George, and Regional District of Fraser Fort George cut the ribbon to the Lheidli Little’s Lodge.

The building, located next to the Exploration Place, is a new child care centre with 73 licensed spaces, and will be inclusive to infants, up to 30 months to school age.

General Manager Tandi Purych said the lodge is a labour of love.

“Everything that we did as far as the logo, and the design of the clans, and putting all those pieces together were done very thoughtfully and very mindful of what our Elders would want to see, and what our children will be learning as they walk into the centre.”

The project did see its fair share of challenges, where it was put on hold for two years due to covid, not long after getting funding from the province.

Special Projects Manager and Council Member with Lheidli T’enneh, Kyle Mcintosh said when they were able to return to the project, the cost had doubled, and needed to return to the province to help with costs, which they did.

In total, the province invested over $6.1 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.

Before opening on June 2nd, Purych said they’re working to get things in order, as the lodge has already seen an influx of registrations.

More information can be found on the province’s website here.

The new hospital in Fort St. James is now called Nats’oojeh Hospital and Health Centre.

The announcement came earlier today (Friday), and reflects the Dakelh First Nations heritage, and was chosen in consultation with the guidance of Elders and language experts, meaning “everyone healing” in the language.

“This is a hospital facility that the community has been asking for for a very long time.” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.

“It’s a commitment that our government made several years ago, and I’m so proud that we listened and that we’ve delivered on this, providing the high quality facility that a community like Fort. St James deserves.”

The new facility, which opened on January 14th this year, is three times the size of the previous hospital with 18 long-term-care beds, nine acute-care beds, and an expanded emergency department.

The total capital cost of the project is $158.3 million, with $139.9 million from the Province through Northern Health, and an $18.4 million contribution from the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District.

More detailed information can be found on the Province’s website here.

Prince George residents will have no shortage of choices for what to do this weekend.

MS Walk, and Alzheimer’s Walk

Saturday morning is the MS Walk at Lheidle T’enneh Memorial Park starting at 10am, and will have various vendors, activities, and a free barbeque for participants.

The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser is on Sunday at the YMCA, beginning at 1pm.

Canada North Resources Expo

The CN Centre is host to the Canada North Resources Expo, which kicked off this morning (Friday).

The expo will continue until 5pm today, with tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 4pm.

PGARA 

Tomorrow (Saturday) kicks off the Turgeon Memorial Open at 7pm from PGARA Speedway, with times trails taking place an hour earlier.

Purple Day

The BC Schizophrenia Society Prince George Branch will be celebrating Purple Day tomorrow (Saturday).

This is for National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, with the branch hosting a barbeque fundraiser at their facility.

The barbeque will be at their branch at 1139 6th avenue from 11am to 2pm, and will have burgers, smokies, chips, pop, and a dessert for $8.

Community Moves

The Method Dance Society is hosting its Community Moves event, from Sunday to Friday.

The BC Schizophrenia Society Prince George Branch will be celebrating Purple Day tomorrow (Saturday).

This is for National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, with the branch hosting a barbeque fundraiser at their facility.

Executive Director Nansi Long said the money raised will stay in the community.

“Something that people don’t often realize is that our local branch is incorporated, and all of the money stays here in Prince George.”

“Any of the money that you bring down to us, and have a nice meal with us, stays here to support the programs and services that we do here in Prince George.”

There are two different programming streams in Prince George, including the A.C.E. activity centre, and their Families programs.

The barbeque will be at their branch at 1139 6th avenue from 11am to 2pm, and will have burgers, smokies, chips, pop, and a dessert for $8.

More information about the BC Schizophrenia Society Prince George Branch and its programs can be found on their website here.

Seniors in Prince George will have access to more long-term care as construction starts on a facility.

“Northern B.C.’s growing senior population highlights the need for modern, expanded long-term care options,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.

“This new care village is a vital investment that will provide seniors with the comfort, respect and quality care they deserve, while strengthening our health system and creating good local jobs.”

Once built, the new home on 6500 Southridge Avenue will provide 200 new beds for seniors, with an eight-bed geriatric psychiatry unit.

A new 30-person adult day program will include services that support seniors’ living in the community by providing social interaction, activities and a sense of community, reducing loneliness and isolation.

Also, 37 affordable licensed community child care spaces will create inter generational connections in the home, with spaces prioritized for staff.

The Prince George village is set to open in early 2028.

“Growing older should always come with the assurance of being cared for in a familiar place, surrounded by community and compassion,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new long-term care village is a transformative addition to Prince George where residents will benefit from the expert, person-centered care and support they need to live with dignity as they age.”

The village will include 16 close-knit “households,” each home to 12 residents.

Every household will offer private suites with ensuite bathrooms, along with a shared kitchen and gathering spaces that are meant to create a sense of home. In addition to these living spaces, the village will feature a community hall, recreation areas, bistro, grocery store, art studio and therapeutic outdoor environments.

Northern B.C.’s senior population is expected to grow by 26% over the next decade.

Guowei Li will be crossing the stage with a PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, and as UNBC’s Valedictorian for Ceremony 2.

He was drawn to his program by his conversations with a professor at the University and their work in cold region hydraulics, and the program being interdisciplinary.

Li said the highlight during his studies was staying at the Quesnel River Research Centre in Likely.

“I’m always joking with my friends that I actually met more wildlife than humans.”

“Obviously it’s a very remote location, but you got a great opportunity to get close to nature, to know more about myself, to know more about what my plans are after graduation.”

Li is currently doing a postdoctoral fellowship, looking at the climate vulnerability of Leo-Driftwood Forest Service Roads, but also wants to do teaching at the University level in Canada.

During the Convocation, he will be addressing the fact that dreaming big isn’t naive, but is necessary, adding to “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, and live every moment with quiet intention.”

More information can be found on UNBC’s website here.

Prince George’s playground of power kicks off another exciting racing season tomorrow night (Saturday).

The Turgeon Memorial Open takes place at 7pm from PGARA Speedway with times trails taking place an hour earlier.

Vice-President, Aaron Conn told MyPGNow.com the 2025 season has a little extra meaning to it as it marks 40 years at their Highway 16 location.

“It’s been a long time there, especially since it was moved from the Ferry Avenue location back in 1985. 1984 is when it started moving and it is has been a long go – as a non-profit we have been trying to make the place better and better every year.”

Conn added the driver colony at the playground of power, will see some new faces.

“There are quite a few people moving around from class to class. We have some people moving up from hornets to streets, hornets to minis and we also had a couple of guys talking going from minis to streets but they haven’t done that yet.”

“We certainly have some new faces coming out.”

This season will once again mark the return of hit to pass weekend, which takes place August 30th and 31st.

For a full list of events and admission prices, click here.

A bi-annual event in Prince George kicks off this morning (Friday).

Over 130 companies are in attendance for the two-day The Canada North Resources Expo at CN Centre.

The Expo, which rounds together Northern Canada’s most valuable natural resource sectors.

“New this year we’ll be displaying heavy machinery across the show floor” said National Show Manager, Mark Cusack.

“Exhibitors are truly stepping up their game for the 6th edition of this trusted event.”

The expo provides opportunities for visitors and exhibitors to connect over the newest innovations and trends within the forestry, construction, or infrastructure sectors.

Tons of big iron will cover four acres of indoor and outdoor space.

The show will also be hosting a “Future of the Industry” day on the second day of the event.

Show Hours:

Friday, May 23 from 9:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday, May 24 from 9:00am – 4:00pm

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has decided not to launch a full-scale strike against Canada Post…..for now.

The 55-thousand workers were in a legal strike position as of midnight.

But union officials say, instead of a walkout, they’re calling on their members to refuse all overtime, saying they want to minimize disruptions to the public, and lost pay to their members.

They add they’ll continue to study Canada Post’s latest offer, presented on Wednesday.

Wages and the cost of living are two issues.

But the biggest stumbling block continues to be plans for weekend deliveries.

Canada Post wants to use part-time workers, while the union is demanding they be full-time staffers.

A report from an industrial commission, established by the federal government, has also recommended an end to door-to-door mail deliveries as a way to stem the post office’s mounting financial losses.

– with files from Vista Radio newswire

Prince George residents will be getting their walks, jogs, and runs in both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning is the MS Walk at Lheidle T’enneh Memorial Park between 10am to 10:30am, and will have various vendors, activities, and a free barbeque for participants.

Co-Lead, Ashley Provencher said they look to break this years fundraising goal, similar to last year.

“Our fundraising efforts will go until October. Our total walk was I think $54,000 last year after everything was said in done by October.”

“It was one of our breaking records, because we had set a goal, I think it was $32,000 last year.”

Provencher said the goal for this year is to raise $57,000, adding that those participating or donating need to bring cash to the event.

Sunday is the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser at the YMCA of Northern BC.

The walk is the biggest yearly fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, and is taking place in 19 communities across the province.

“Alzheimer’s and dementia affects 1 in 3 people in BC in some way, so walks like this really help them to know they’re not alone, and helps provide funds for the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver important services to those affected.” said Chair, Gregory Campbell.

The walk will begin at 1:00pm, with the goal of raising $21,000 this year.

Cash and cheque donations will be accepted at the walk, or donations can be made on their website here.