Spring is in the air and this year I am preparing to plant only heritage and heirloom plants in my vegetable and flower gardens this year.  I am able to do this as I have just moved into a new home and all gardens will also be new.Why heritage and heirloom seeds?  Because, it is not only animals that become endangered and extinct - so do plants.  By preserving these plants we are also preserving our food biodiversity.  The world's current agricultural gene pool is becoming smaller and smaller.  The danger here is that if those varieties become prone to diseases, the only way to save crops in failure is to find an old variety.  What happens if there are no heritage varieties left?  Our food supply could become threatened.Not only is it important to save these seeds, it is extremely inter... 03/13/2008

Regional companies are beginning to see the impact of the intermodal service in Prince George ontheir bottom line. Del Tech and Nechako Mechanical announced in February that they have beenable to reduce overall transportation costs on a $4m mill equipment sale to Russia and can bid onfurther jobs in this growing export market because of the efficiencies of loading containers locally.CN Worldwide will continue to work with regional manufacturers to facilitate regional growth.The opportunities related to mining continue to look promising as well. A new review will beundertaken for the Galore Creek mine northwest of Prince George, renewing the positiveexpectations for this project. Mineral exploration hit another record high in 2007, with more than$270 million spent on exploration in north... 03/11/2008

 A key piece of the Prince George Airport runway extension is under construction. The installation of their new Instrument Landing System was a major part of the step-by-step plan to upgrade YXS into an international airport capable of handling virtually any commercial passenger or cargo aircraft. "The ILS is a ground-based instrument approach system, which provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching a runway, using a combination of radio signals and high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during (challenging meteorological) conditions such as low ceilings or reduced visibility due to fog, rain, or blowing snow," said Stieg Hoeg, general manager of the airport. "This is a critical step in the runway construction project that will lead to an increase in interna... 03/06/2008

  After a four-month competition between 66 municipalities that was almost too close to call, the Honourable Richad Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, announced the winners of BC Hydro's first ever Turn it Off Challenge at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Vancouver .The Turn it Off Challenge saw local governments earn points for creating awareness about energy use and reducing their electricity consumption during summer 2007.Prince George, BC places 4th in the B. C. Hydro "Turn it Off" contest.356 City residents signing up for the challenge.  BC Hydro results showed that if 86 more residential account holders signed up in Prince George, the City would have won the $20,000.00 prize.Our Mayor Colin Kinsley said that if the City won, the $... 02/29/2008

Well I did it.  I completed the 10K run in this years's Prince GeorgeIceman with the Royal LePage team.  The weather was a little colder than the forecast predicted, it was a balmy -10, here in Prince George. Seventy-seven solo racers and close to 600 team members did join the fun for Sunday's 21st annual Iceman, and this was my third year of completing the Iceman.  We were surrounded by an enthusiastic crown , all kinds of great costumes, and an event Prince George, BC  can be proud of. 02/11/2008

The ultimate outdoor winter sport.  Its an annual event here in Prince George.  This year will be the 21st year.For those new to Prince George, the Iceman is a team relay or solo event consisting of an 8 km ski at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre, followed by a 10km run into town. ( the 10 km run is what I will be running), a 5km skate at the new Outdoor Ice Oval, a 5km run in the Pinewood subdivision, and a 800 m swim at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.  As a Prince George Realtor I will be proud to be out in the community with some of my fellow Realtorsfrom my office participating in this great event. It even looks like the weather is going to co-operate, the forecast is for 1 above and sunshine on Sunday, perfect!! We will be out there putting our best, ski, runner, or bathing-suit forwa... 02/06/2008

The Prince George economy performed very well in 2007, keeping business confidence strong.Despite mill announcements of shutdowns throughout the region, numerous strategicdevelopment projects ongoing into 2008 will ensure that the city continues to diversify.New investments in Northern B.C. the past week have been good news for the region and signsthat transition to new markets is taking place. Horizon Air announced it will begin non-stopdaily direct service between Prince George and Seattle May 1st, offering low cost fares to manyconnecting destinations throughout the U.S. as well as Northern B.C.'s first transborder airservice. Growing passenger transportation options are an important driver of economic growthmaking this an important step forward for Prince George and the market captu... 02/01/2008

Wow another great day here in Prince George BC. Woke up to about 6 inches of new fluffy snow and only -5c. One of the many things I like about Prince George is we normally get 4 different seasons and our winters are normally snow, and sunny skies.Here is a picture I just took at 7:10am today after I shovelled the snow.Free Website Directory 01/26/2008

Ferguson Lake is on the north side of town within city limits.  Hard to believe this pristine wilderness setting is so close at hand.  Plenty of snow up here and if you step off the trail you are hip deep.  There's fish in the lake, probably fast asleep under that vast white blanket.The trail has a wonderful boardwalk along the south side that elevates you from the marsh.  The dogs don't seem to like being off the ground though.There's running water even now through a break in the beaver dam on the east end.  It kind of reminds you that this will all melt after all.If you go - take the Ferguson Lake Rd as it turns off west from the North Kelly Rd, and in 5 minutes you are their at the little parking lot.  Enjoy, Andy 01/24/2008

Overall 2007 has been an excellent year for the Prince George economy. Employment activity inthe city has been positive all year, with low unemployment and a high proportion of the labourforce fully employed. Other economic indicators continue to reflect the confidence of consumersand business owners. Housing sales and housing starts have reached the highest levels in nearlyten years, the total value of building permits is the highest in decades, and business licenseapprovals have also exceeded those of recent years. The continued strength of these economicindicators forecasts solid performance in 2008.We continue to see evidence that Prince George's economy is making a positive transition.Despite the challenges for the region as a result of US housing downturn, there have and willconti... 01/14/2008

12/13/2007

 We are lucky to have so many open spaces in this city and a good variety of trails.  The west end of Massey Drive opens to Ginter's Meadow, as the locals know it, named after Ben Ginter ("Uncle Ben" who was a road builder and also owned the Pacific Western Brewery in Prince George in 1960.) Ben Ginters house once stood on the brow of the hill in a birch grove.  The foundation is still evident, along with the driveway curving up easily among the trees.  This is an off lease area and my chocolate lab Marlie figures thats a good thing.  My other (small dog syndrome) Fox Terrier agrees.We often explore the trails that offshoot the meadow.  There's lots of them that snake their way up the hill to  University way.  Once in the Forest we rarely meet anyone.  Good exercise, and quiet reflection.  12/12/2007

           Photo shows  Highway 16 west approaching Peden Hill  around 8:30 last night.  At 9:00 am this morning it was still snowing and the north wind blowing. With the wind chill factor it is -38.  It's cold.  It had warmed up some this afternoon, but the snow hasn't let up yet.  By Wednesday the snow hopefully will have ended and we will have sunshine and blue sky. 12/03/2007

Record construction year in sight for P.G.The total for 2007 is the third-largest on record with two months still to goPrince George is on pace for a record-setting year in construction. As of the end of October, permits for $112 million worth of work had been issued, according to the latest report from city hall, making the total for 2007 the third-largest on record with two months still to go. And city planning manager Dan Milburn said the $42-million seniors "campus of care" slated for 20th and Victoria will be entered into the books next month, which will make 2007 the biggest year ever -- before inflation is considered. Taking inflation into account, there were bigger years in the 1960s when the pulp mills were being built, and the '70s when plenty of homes and apartment buildings ... 11/23/2007

  A great fund raiser for our SPCAA total of $1,000 and several hundred dollars worth of pet food and supplies were raised for the SPCA during College of New Caledonia's annual dog fashion show last weekend. The event was a huge success with 30 precious pooches and their owners showing off their unique personalities and colourful, and often matching, fashions. 11/23/2007

 Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:45 AM  Centotaph Guard  in Prince George,  stand silent  while services  are conducted "Lest We Forget"Prince George, B.C. -  Nearly  a thousand  people  attended the  Remembrance Day services at the Cenotaph in Prince George this morning.  Two minutes of silence to remember and thank all that have fought and lost their lives for our freedom.  A day that must never be forgotten!   It would be nice to see more of younger generation and small children wearing a poppy - to show that they are aware and do know the importance of this day. 11/13/2007

 (1)   This deer is standing in front  of one of our local newspapers,  Earlier this morning the deer took  a walk through one of our Tim Horton's  drive thru's.  A lot  of people have been able to pet the deer as it is very friendly and has been hanging out at one of our local parks.   Maybee this young deer is waiting for someone or something???   11/06/2007

Monday, November 05, 2007 04:07 AM   Truck  rests on its side  in the ditch  along Highway 97  ( photo opinion250 staff)   Prince George, B.C. - There was mixed reaction to the weekend weather.  Some celebrated the arrival of snow and young people were heading to the hills with snow boards, skis and toboggans.  On the other side, there were plenty of accidents.  Dozens of crashes kept RCMP busy clearing roadways.  The City's sanding crews were on the roads, but the plows weren't visible in many areas of the City until Sunday.  There were vehicles in the ditch, throughout the city and on the highways.  Towing companies were so busy they had a four hour delay time to answer calls.    Vehicles that were in the ditch and not blocking traffic were put to the bottom of the priority list.The R... 11/05/2007

Garvin Dezell was the mayor of Prince George, BC Canada from 1950 - 1953, and Mayor a second time from 1960 - 1969.  The population of Prince George rose from 4,000 to 30,000 people.  During Dezell's time as Mayor, three pulp mills were constructed, the Four Seasons Pool was built and the current location of City Hall was officially opened. Dezell died February 4, 1972 at the age of 63.  This is where the street name Dezell Drive came from.   Prince George, currently has a population of 81,000.CITY HALL Intercontinental Pulp in Prince George one of our three pulp mills.FOUNDATION PARKTHE BUILDING BEHIND THE SIGN IS THEFOUR SEASONS SWIMMING POOL. 10/11/2007

Having worked with senior citizen for many years and then designing, building and managing the first private senior's housing facility in Prince George, it is obvious that senior's housing holds a special connection for me.This past week the ground breaking ceremony for a new senior's complex at the corner of Victoria St and 20th Ave took place.  The new fac ility will have 93 care beds for seniors and the disabiled who need 24 hour nursing care, and will also include 80 new assisted living units.The expectation is that the facility will open in 2009 and is estimated to cost $42 million.  10/08/2007