1916 - 2016
Tuesday,November 17,2015
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The Eiffel Tower is illuminated in the French national colors red, white and blue in honor of the victims of the terror attacks last Friday in Paris on Monday. See page 13 for the latest developments in the ongoing investigation and response to the attacks.
Garbage fees going up
Charelle EVELYN Citizen staff cevelyn@pgcitizen.ca
More changes are in store for residents’ utility bills next year.
During Monday night’s meeting, city council approved a suite of changes to water, sewer and solid waste fees.
Garbage collection will see a two per cent increase for the next three years.
Between 2016 and 2018, automated collection rates will be going from $71.50 to $74.50 per bill for small garbage containers; from $94 to $98 for medium-sized containers; and from $114 to $119 for large containers. Rates for small, medium and large containers have stayed at $70, $92 and $112, respectively, since the last one-per-cent increase in 2013.
Handing over operation of the Vanway and Quinn Street transfer stations to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George meant the city was able to realize some savings, but increased costs in areas such as tipping fees and salaries are pushing on the budgets which are supposed to be funded solely through user fees.
Coun. Brian Skakun said he did a ride along on a garbage truck several years ago and that each truck was another $500 in tipping fees to make a stop at the landfill.
“Seven per cent increase in tipping fees
yearly is unsustainable,” said Skakun, noting that the regional district’s plan is for those fees to increase to $90 per tonne by 2019. Currently tipping fees at the Foothills landfill are at $72 per tonne and will increase by seven per cent next year.
City unionized employees are also due for a two per cent increase to their wages next year and fleet reinvestment runs at an annual average of $457,000.
However, the city is doing away with planned hikes to residents’ water and sewer bills.
Rates were raised in 2013 and 2014 by 19 per cent and 18 per cent this year with the goal of making those utilities self-sustainable by user fees as opposed to contributions from the general tax levy.
They were supposed to rise another three per cent per year in 2016 and 2017 - a total of $27.11 for sewer and $30.41 for water - but that goal of self-sustainability has already been met.
An annual average reinvestment of $5.04 million is required for the sewer utility, while the water service requires an annual injection of $6.8 million for infrastructure, facilities and equipment.
With the past three increases, the fees are now contributing $6.3 million to the sewer capital reserve and $9 million to the water fund.
— see OFF-STREET PARKING, page 4
Enbridge slashing 500 jobs in Canada, U.S.
The Canadian Press
CALGARY — Pipeline operator Enbridge is cutting five per cent of its workforce as low oil prices continue to take their toll on the energy sector.
The move affects 500 people at all levels of the company in the United States and Canada. The company says it is also leaving 100 positions unfilled.
There was no word, as of Monday, on if the layoffs will effect Enbridge’s office in Prince George.
Enbridge’s peer, TransCanada, has also been cutting staff, starting with its higher leadership ranks.
Enbridge spokesman Graham White says those receiving layoff notices will receive support and the cuts won’t compromise safety, operational reliability or
environmental protection.
White says that although the steps are necessary for Enbridge to stay competitive, the company remains on strong footing and will continue to grow.
“A key element of our success depends on our competitiveness and our ability to withstand difficult times like those our industry is experiencing today. Disciplined cost management has always been part of that and core to our business model,” he said.
“While Enbridge is more resilient to commodity price downturns than others, we’re not immune,” White added.
“We’re taking these actions to remain competitive, ensure we can continue to serve our stakeholders well and to further strengthen our foundation for the future.” — see PIPELINE NOT DEAD YET, page 6
Recycle Toy Drive seeks donations to brighten kids’ Christmas
CITIZEN PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN
Christine Anderson from REAPS sorts some of the toys they have collected. The 19th annual toy drive that will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christine HINZMANN Citizen staff chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca
It’s time to get ready for Christmas and part of that for a typical Prince George family might be to make room for new toys coming to all those good little girls and boys.
There’s no better way than to re-gift quality used toys to those in need during the 19th annual Recycle Toy Drive on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the REAPS garden, 1950 Gorse St.
“We’re looking for those items children are no longer using like books, games,
CDs, DVDs, toys, Lego, Play-Doh, crayons, colouring books - all those fun things,” said Terri McClymont, executive director for Prince George’s Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS).
There are 13 community agencies who have requested donations for the people that utilize their services. There are group homes as well as non-profits who help families and children in need.
“Target age is babies to 19 years old as we have a number of group homes and that’s why the DVDs, CDs, and games really work well and also stuffed toys, as long as they are in good condition,” said McClymont.
“There are some agencies that like to give stuffed toys to children who are removed
from their homes or are coming off the street. It’s something for them to cuddle.” In addition to accepting gently-used toys,
REAPS is also taking donations for the local branches of the SPCA and the Humane Society. Both organizations are looking for good
quality food, chew toys for cats and dogs, harnesses, pet crates, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. Even old towels and blankets to be turned into cleaning rags would be appreciated.
Those are all great things to donate to the animal advocates, added McClymont.
“I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for 19 years,” said McClymont about the Recycle Toy Drive. “Last year we had 189 boxes and in other years we’ve had more than 300 boxes of toys donated and that keeps materials out of the landfill, too. So it does make a big difference.”
All the toys collected are grouped together based on the needs of each organization, then the five volunteers box and label the items and deliver them, McClymont added.
“I have Santa’s helpers deliver the boxes to the agencies on Monday, Nov. 23,” said McClymont. That gives the organizations lots of time to distribute the donations before Christmas.
“This event kicks off the Christmas season and you can’t help but get in the mood - it’s so wonderful,” said McClymont.
“And on the day when we drop off the boxes and we see the reaction of the agencies’ staff it’s just great to see their appreciation for the community’s donations. So I have to say a great big heartfelt thank you to Prince George.”
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