Environment

Are the new development proposals in Prince George actually green? A look into Arbios Biotech and West Coast Olefins Ltd

Are the new development proposals in Prince George actually green? A look into Arbios Biotech and West Coast Olefins Ltd

Arbios Biotech and West Coast Olefins Ltd are two corporations that are hoping to build sustainable industrial plants in the Prince George area in the coming future. Due to surrounding mountainous topography, the majority of the city lies within a bowl-like valley formation, where fine particulate matter can accumulate and get trapped.
Photo by E. Strauch.

“It requires vision, to be visionary”: UNBC professor encourages social responsibility in students

“It requires vision, to be visionary”: UNBC professor encourages social responsibility in students

Students in Prince George and Northern Uganda continue to benefit from the experience, knowledge, and positive example set by UNBC professor Dr. Christopher Opio. Having presented to many students over the years, Opio says that in his experience, young people are motivated changemakers. “Young people have a lot of ideas. They want to contribute to society in any way that they can.”
Photo courtesy of C. Opio.

Local food hub bringing consumers and producers together in BC’s north

Local food hub bringing consumers and producers together in BC’s north

Wild blueberries, found in Crooked River Provincial Park. Northern BC, while suffering from harsh winters, the region still naturally produces a variety of edible fruits in the warmer seasons. Photo by M. Carr.

Farmer living in Site C flood zone reports a grim situation

Farmer living in Site C flood zone reports a grim situation

Farmer and president of the Peace Valley Landowners’ Association (PVLA) Ken Boon has been at odds with BC Hydro for over a decade. Ever since the Site C megadam project was announced in 2010, Ken Boon and his wife Arlene have been active in opposing the project. Image of the Peace River near the Alberta border. Photo by Eriel Strauch.

Quick timeline, lack of information on biofuel plant raising concerns

Quick timeline, lack of information on biofuel plant raising concerns

On March 8, city council heard a joint presentation by Sustane Technologies and Canfor representatives regarding two proposed biomass/biofuel projects they hope to be up and running by the end of 2022. The plant is being proposed to sit on the site of Canfor’s Intercontinental Mill, at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, approximately 2 km from Cottonwood Nature Park and within 5 km of Prince George’s downtown area.
Image courtesy of Google Maps.

Too close to home – Residents organize against proposed plastics plant

Too close to home – Residents organize against proposed plastics plant

Alberta-based company West Coast Olefins is once again proposing to make Prince George the home for the construction of a 5.6 billion dollar petrochemical plant. Last May, CEO Ken James determined that the majority of the Prince George residents were not in favour of the plant and agreed to move the proposed site elsewhere. However, on December 15th, James publicly revoked this decision after failing to secure the support of the Indigenous communities impacted.
A view of the pulp mill from L.C Gunn park in Prince George. Photo by Eriel Strauch