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Articles by Ken Boon
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Putin and Trump Wars
A meeting to discuss the 2026 provincial budget is coming to Fort St. John this June. (Legislative Assembly of BC) Thanks to Premier Eby, we are stuck with having an unnecessary and expensive provincial election happening concurrently with the regularly scheduled municipal elections. However, the Conservatives should thank our Premier for pulling their fractured party together where they themselves were failing miserably, although that newfound solidarity may yet prove to be fragile.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Remembering 9/11
The Tribute in Light art installation commemorates the World Trade Center towers. (Jesse Mills, Unsplash) Today, the world commemorates the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack in the US that went on to have further tragic global impacts. Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when news broke about planes flying into the World Trade Center towers.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Caterpillars, Bears and Poplar Trees
A black bear exploring a fallen tree branch. (Contributed, Ken Boon) The region is being hit hard by caterpillars this spring with lots of bare poplar trees and greasy roads about. Soon the leaves will grow back, and all will be forgotten, but I have heard that some people will need to replant parts of their gardens because the caterpillars cleaned out what was up. We normally are not hit too hard here at Bear Flat by caterpillars, but we sure are this year.
(Opinion) Bear Flat dispatch: Bear Flat Museum
The sign to the Bear Flat museum. (Contributed, Ken Boon) Arlene and I have had a semi-official private museum here at Bear Flat for about 20 years that has generally operated by word of mouth. It started from a combination of homesteading-type artifacts mostly from her family (the Bentley’s), and my log building restoration skills, and has slowly grown from there.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Spring finally
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Peace River flows through Attachie. (Jordan Prentice, Energeticcity.ca) BEAR FLAT, B.C. — Everyone is happy to see that spring is finally here after the old-fashioned winter we just had. It has been many years since we had that much snow, and so far, it seems to be soaking in nicely with enough run-off to fill dugouts. Finally getting a good snowpack will be beneficial for agriculture and basically the region in general.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Why rhetorical questions?
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Ken Boon ponders rhetorical questions in this latest column. (Simone Secci/Unsplash) BEAR FLAT, B.C. — Occasionally my mind will wander somewhat as I wonder about things. This may prompt me to voice my curiosity or reflection with a somewhat rhetorical question such as: “With all of this snow, I wonder what the spring melt and run-off will be like?” Ah yes, rhetorical questions, where there may not be an actual answer required.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Interactions with flora and fauna – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Prickly pear cactus in Bear Flat. (Ken Boon) BEAR FLAT, B.C. — We had some interesting interactions with ‘flora and fauna’ in 2025 and no, that is nothing like Thelma and Louise. The south-facing hillsides here in the valley are home to prickly pear cactus that briefly flower normally around July 1st.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Thoughts on the worst of tragedies in Tumbler Ridge – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting. (BC RCMP) TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — There are horrific tragedies around the world every day, but a mass killing of kids at a school is the worst. To have that happen not only somewhere in Canada, where such events are rare, but right here in the Peace, is devastating.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Relieved to be in the hot seat – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Shoppers Drug Mart in Fort St. John. (Ed Hitchins, Energeticcity.ca) BEAR FLAT, B.C. — It was recently reported that some individuals are negatively affected by the fumes when having to walk through the perfume and mascara department at the local Shoppers Drug Mart.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Looking back to 2016 and the difference a decade makes – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... ‘Rocky’ the mascot at Rocky Mountain Fort. (Ken Boon) BEAR FLAT, B.C. — There have been a lot of changes in the Peace River Valley in the last decade.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: A 'hostile takeover' of municipal elections – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Conservative Electors Association registered in 2025 ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in 2026. (Canva) BEAR FLAT, B.C. — The Conservative Electors Association registered in August as a local elector organization in 15 communities, including Fort St. John, and has since opened applications for candidates interested in running for mayor and council in the October 2026 election.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: What lesson should we learn from Site C? – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — As requested by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC), BC Hydro recently compiled and released its Site C Project Lessons Learned Report to Inform Future Major Capital Projects. At 224 pages, it is a lengthy in-depth examination of what went wrong and right with this now $16 billion and over-budget mega-project with recommendations to itself on how to get the next one right.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Good riddance to crypto mining on B.C. power grid – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... BEAR FLAT, B.C. — I am pleased to hear that the BC government has essentially shut down any opportunity for future cryptocurrency mining operations from connecting to the BC Hydro grid. There has been a temporary halt to new projects for the last few years, but now that has been made permanent. I have previously ranted on the madness of anything to do with crypto, so I will spare you those details now.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Tariffs, Blue Jays and a death trap for deer – Energeticcity.ca
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... BEAR FLAT, B.C. — I really liked that Ontario government TV advertisement with archival footage of President Ronald Reagan denouncing trade tariffs. It was not surprising that the current thin-skinned president became furious and retaliated in a childish manner, but the ad was accurate and very effective in helping to educate people, especially American voters, and that is important.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: The seasons and our zippers
BEAR FLAT, B.C. - I find it difficult to become motivated enough to sit down and write during the summer, but I do feel more compelled to punch out a missive on the old keypad now that fall is firmly here. Perhaps if my livelihood depended upon writing I would not be so lazy, but fortunately that is not the case. I believe it was springtime when I last checked in, and like a child returning to school, I now feel rusty putting my brain back into writing mode.
Indigenous-led comedy tour to include date in Dawson Creek
DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - A comedy tour featuring Indigenous comedians will make a tour up to northern B.C. throughout October. The 18-stop Bad Apples Comedy Tour will feature stops in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Included on the itinerary is a show on Friday, October 24th at Athens Bar and Grill in Dawson Creek. The tour will be hosted by Chris Basso, and the bill will feature Indigenous comics Nelson Mayer and Clayton T. Stewart.
(Opinion) FSJ Eats with Ed
Ribfest took place from July 11th to 13th in Fort St. John at Centennial Park, offering ribs, sausages, beef brisket and more. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Apart from Canada Day and New Year's Eve fireworks, is there a bigger local event in Fort St. John than Ribfest? There has been a swelling of support for the - quite literal - meat market since first coming to Fort St. John in 2020, organized by the Rotary Club of Fort St. John.
(Opinion) FSJ Eats with Ed samples international dishes without having to charter jet at food festival
FSJ Eats with Ed sampled dishes from Jamaica, Jordan and Ukraine at the Taste of Fort St. John International Food Festival 2025. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - For less than the cost of a plane ticket, Fort St. John residents could take a trip around the world - at least cuisine-wise. Taking place at the Fort St. John Curling Club, the Taste of Fort St. John International Food Festival returned in 2025 on June 28th.
(Opinion) FSJ Eats with Ed: Cultural celebrations offer eclectic and unique choices
International-centric events take centre stage in Fort St. John, with Igbo Day and Philippines Independence Day giving Ed Hitchins an opportunity to rate new dishes on his Ed-o-metre. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - With the summer sun in full swing, celebrations showcasing cultures from each nook and cranny around the globe are abundant throughout Fort St. John and the area.
(Opinion) Evan Saugstad: Your health, my health; your belief, my belief?
Regular contributor Evan Saugstad explores how conspiracy theories about healthcare proliferate on social media. Are health studies and their science the 'real deal' or is it all a cover-up and conspiracy by 'big pharma' and 'big industry' in their quest for profits? Who do you believe, or is it better framed, how should we believe? I do a lot of reading.
Latest on Fort Nelson geothermal project revealed at Fort St. John energy conference
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Indigenous communities having a seat "at the table" for future industrial energy projects was at the forefront of a presentation at an annual Fort St. John energy conference. The Creating Energy Northern Resource Conference was organized by the Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce as a networking event about the present and future of energy within the region.
AltaGas reports strong first quarter due to 11 per cent gas processing increase in Montney and northeastern BC
AltaGas has reported a successful first quarter of 2025 off the back of 11 per cent improved gas processing performance in Montney and northeastern B.C. FORT ST.
Pacific Northern Gas proposes rate increases in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek
Pacific Northern Gas has submitted an application to increase its rates in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek for the next three years. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Pacific Northern Gas has submitted an application to increase its rates in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek over the course of the next three years.
Site C employment decline continues through March
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - BC Hydro has reported another drop in employment at the Site C hydroelectric dam project. According to the latest employment numbers released by the utility, 1,578 people worked on the project during March of 2025, down slightly from the 1,604 reported in February. BC Hydro says this is part of a downward trend that's expected to continue as the project's fall completion date approaches.
(Opinion) Evan Saugstad: We must support a vibrant forestry industry in B.C.
Regular contributor Evan Saugstad urges the people of B.C. to only support a government which values the province's forestry and lumber industries. Anyone remember when B.C. lumber was not subject to U.S. tariffs?
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: 'Disposable' Site C work camp highlights need to avoid megaprojects
Regular contributor Ken Boon with his reaction to the conversation around disposing of the Site C dam work camp. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Recently it came to light that after less than 10 years, the big expensive work camp at Site C may be destined for a landfill. This has been a shock to everyone, including the PRRD, who did not see this coming until a contractor asked about space in the regional landfill. It does raise a lot of questions.
FSJ Eats with Ed: Totem Mall's Prinkle fried chicken review
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - For most North American taste buds, fried chicken's popularity is reserved to giving an honorary Kentucky colonel named Harland Sanders credit for its widespread availability. But, one might not be aware of the the dish offered in South Korea: some reports state a variation of a recipe existed since the 15th century during the Goryeo dynasty.
(Opinion) Evan Saugstad: Four more years of the same old, or something new?
Regular contributor Evan Saugstad on the choice Canadian's have in the polling booth on April 28th. Will Canada go to bed happy and smelling the roses, or will we be sad and like where I grew up in the Bella Coola valley, smelling that distinctive odour of full-bloom skunk cabbage* wafting through the bedroom window at this time of year?
(Opinion) Priscilla Phillips: Why are politicians afraid of questions? We must ensure our voices are heard
Peace River consituent Priscilla Phillips is voicing her concerns about holding politicians to account in the run up to the 2025 federal election. The Conservative Party of Canada's communication strategy often seems insular, leaving some constituents, like myself, with no voice. Despite his overwhelming support of the ' Freedom Convoy', Bob Zimmer MP blocked my access to his official Facebook page several weeks ago. Is there a law that prohibits it? No. I checked.
(Opinion) Evan Saugstad: A long life, a healthy life or a long, healthy life? A review of Attia's Outlive
Regular contributor Evan Saugstad asks how it is best to stay healthy throughout life after reading Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Dr Peter Attia with Bill Gifford. There is a "new" oldest person in the world, current to March 2025. A Brazilian nun who is 116 years old relaced a Japanese lady who died December 24th, 2024, also at the age of 116. The oldest person ever recorded was a French lady who lived to 122 years.
(Opinion) Evan Saugstad: My guide to Trump's trade war and tariffs
Regular contributor Evan Saugstad's guide aims to simplify U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with countries around the world. As I write this, I wonder what Donald will change, add, subtract or expand on in terms of his trade war. Seems something new or different happens every day, making it hard to write anything that is up to date. On March 13 th, Canada sent a delegation to Washington DC to talk to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick about tariffs and trade.
(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Thoughts on politics drama, wildlife confusion and losing at cribbage
Regular contributor Ken Boon on various issues, such as Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy's defection from the BC Conservatives and wildlife patterns since the construction of the Site C dam. There has been a firehose stream of news lately, and most of it is bad. I have refrained from writing lately for the sake of my sanity, but alas, one must carry on, so here goes on a hodgepodge of issues: Arlene has been on a disgusting winning streak with our crib games lately.
Oh, Canada: A point of view from a small town guy in rural Canada (part 2 as the Canadian takeover saga continues)
Evan Saugstad writes as the tariffs threats saga with the U.S. and President Donald Trump continues. In Part 1 (Feb 14 th), I wrote about some of what is driving the U.S. to impose tariffs against everything Canadian. As the saga continues, President Donald announced his next step to counteract what he sees as unfair trade practices levied against the U.S. His next announcement was about matching every other country's tariffs on U.S. products with a similar one of their own.
Evan Saugstad: Oh, Canada! A point of view from a small town guy in rural Canada (part 1 of...or as long as the saga continues)
Local man Evan Saugstad with his view on US President Donald Trump's threats to introduce tariffs on Canadian goods. What do you think of Canada now? Is it time to forgive PM Justin and his Liberal cohorts for the mess they have made of Canada and our economy, time to let bygones be bygones, move on and give him our full support in responding to the U.S.'s desire/threat to annex Canada? And when he goes out the door next month, accord the same to his successor, elected or not?
Bear Flat Dispatch: Post-Truth Society
Sure, politicians have long told lies to advance their cause, but Trump has shamelessly taken post-truth to a whole new level to advance his personal and political agenda. Unless you live in a cave without Wi-Fi, you will be aware of the chaos that has resulted by Trump's threat of 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico. Placing tariffs against your closest trading partners and allies with whom mutually beneficial trade arrangements exist is highly disruptive to all countries involved.
Bear Flat Dispatch: the legacy of Jimmy Carter
While his promotion of moderation and conservation probably did little to bolster his political standing at the time, it is evident that history will reflect favorably on his term as President. Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Although just a teenager who was not very interested in politics, the 1976 US election of Jimmy Carter as President stands out in my memory probably because my dad was following it closely.
Bear Flat Dispatch: the ever-changing energy policies of BC
After the long battle lost with Site C, I find myself somewhat mentally exhausted when it comes to energy issues and arguments. The BC Government recently announced 9 new wind projects to be built that will produce almost the same amount of power as Site C for about 1/3 the cost. Those in opposition to Site C clearly made the argument 10 years ago about the poor economics of Site C but were told that 'firm reliable' hydro power was needed instead of 'unreliable intermittent' wind.
Bear Flat Dispatch: Life Goes on at Ninety-Nine
The year 2024 has been another crazy eventful year. The year 2024 has been another crazy eventful year. On a local level, BC Hydro flooded the entire Site C reservoir in less than 2 ½ months, and the BC election resulted in a new candidate for a different party winning by a landslide here in the North Peace riding. Donald Trump won a decisive victory for the White House, democracy is looking shaky, things don't look good for Ukraine, and trouble continues in the Middle East.
Evan Saugstad: My prostate, my journey
Evan Saugstad's series discussing his journey with prostate cancer continues. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Although September is known as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I have chosen to tell my prostate journey for Movember, Men's Health Month. I have also chosen to discuss subjects that are not normally found in our local newspaper; one's personal health, one's sexual health and one's cancer.
Evan Saugstad: My prostate; my journey (part 1 of 8)
Evan Saugstad discusses his journey with prostate cancer. The following is dedicated to our health care workers who looked after me on my prostate journey. My Prostate Journey was a story originally told in a seven-part series in the Alaska Highway News (AHN) during Cancer Aware Months in 2019 (Parts 1 - 4), 2021 (Part 5) and in 2022 (Parts 6 and 7). I also simultaneously posted the entire story to my Facebook page.
Evan Saugstad: One minute here; In another minute, gone
Longtime contributor Evan Sagustad discusses the search-and-rescue efforts for Jim Barnes. CHETWYND, B.C. - 5 am and my alarm clock is playing some country tune. Slowly wake up, my mind stuck in a weird dream where I cannot get my hiking boots on. As those thoughts fade, a quick look out the window, weather looks good, not snowing, just below freezing, roads will be good so off to the bush a hunting I will go.
Evan Saugstad: Election BC 2024
Although what tomorrow may bring is still uncertain, all indications are for whatever happens and for whomever ends up forming government, our next government will not last long. Three days later after most elections, one can say it is all over and depending on whom you are or who you voted for, all over but the cheering, or crying.
Evan Saugstad: Let's make life free!!
Tired of the electioneering yet? How many friends have you erased from your Facebook memory for their incessant and annoying election posts? FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - And the biggest winners of BC's October 19, 2024 election are ........
Bear Flat Dispatch: First past the post
Meanwhile, don't forget to get out and vote on October 19 or sooner. The 'First Past the Post' electoral system that we have is not the most democratic of electoral systems, but it seems that we are stuck with it for now anyway. Both federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and BC NDP leader John Horgan campaigned on changing to some form of proportional representation when they were in Opposition, but both successfully sabotaged any such change when they formed government.
Evan Saugstad: Facebook censorship
Is this an innocuous act by an algorithm sensing something that is not there, or is it an attempt of others to try to influence FB to interfere in BC's election process for their own benefit? On October 5 th I reposted an article on my Facebook (FB) page by Dan Davies, Independent candidate for North Peace in BC's October 19 th provincial election. The article was Davies' announcement that the Honourable Richard Neufeld's was endorsing Davies in the upcoming election.
OPINION - Independents versus Political Party Candidates - Part 2 - Energeticcity.ca
Yesterday I gave an overview of our current situation in the Peace River North and South Ridings in the upcoming Oct 19th Provincial election. What I write are my own thoughts and opinions and not endorsed or reviewed by any of the candidates. Part 2 or 2 - Read part 1 here Yesterday, I gave an overview of our current situation in the Peace River North and South Ridings in the upcoming Oct 19 th Provincial election.
OPINION - Independents versus Political Party Candidates - Energeticcity.ca
Every election is important whether they be for changing who governs or confirms the existing government with another mandate to govern. Part 1 or 2 - Part 2 will be published on October 8, 2024. Some will call BC's October 19 th election the most important, ever, but this is not quite true. Every election is important whether they be for changing who governs or confirms the existing government with another mandate to govern.
Restoring the Northern Lights Inn
Northern Lights Inn owner Gary Patara discusses his efforts to renovate the hotel. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Since acquiring the Northern Lights Inn in 2017, owner Gary Patara has been deeply committed to restoring the 94-room hotel to its former glory as a cherished part of the community. The hotel, originally known as the Fort St. John Motor Inn, opened its doors in 1980 as a premier establishment in the city, benefiting from its prime location near the courthouse.
Bear Flat Dispatch: From River to Reservoir
Frequent contributor Ken Boon shares some thoughts on BC Hydro filling its reservoir for the Site C dam. A week ago, we lived on the Peace River here at Bear Flat, but now it is a reservoir. We had known for some time it would come to this, but it was always hard to imagine. The speed at which the flooding has occurred in the valley has been shocking for everyone.
Tyler Holte: What's the Problem, Northern Health?
There have been several recent closures of Fort St. John Hospital's emergency department. There have been several recent closures of Fort St. John Hospital's emergency department. Adrian Dix, the Minister of Health, has commented that occasional closures are due to sick days rather than permanent staffing issues. The Minister proceeded to indicate that enough people are employed at the hospital. At least one of our local physicians has publicly commented that the Minister's comments are false.
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