First, a correction to yesterday’s letter — for some reason I wrote the next provincial election was two years away when it is, in fact, one year away — October 2024. The post has been updated.

Also from yesterday’s newsletter, I’m highlighting this comment on the roundabout-is-the-first-step-toward-a-road-through-Ginter’s-theory from Phil Shortt:

The Cougars are (really) good again

A couple weeeks back, I came across a column by a hockey writer who was predicting the Prince George Cougars are probably the best B.C. team in the WHL this year, and possibly the best team in the league, period. And with six games under their belt, they are leading the league for points, with some pretty decisive wins, including last night:

If there were ever a time for them to have a hot season, the 30th anniversary of the franchise’s arrival in Prince George seems appropriate. So far, it sounds like attendance has been middling but if this keeps up, I imagine more people will show up.

Housing prices are down, but still up

My Prince George Now reports on a pretty big drop in housing prices over the past year:

The change is largely attributed to higher interest rates but it’s still worth noting that $460,000 for the average single-family home in Prince George is incredibly high to what it was just a few years ago.

Amid a diplomatic row, India’s consul general comes to Prince George

I don’t imagine I need to catch you up on the frayed relationships between Canada and India right now but the most recent news is 41 Canadian diplomats have been told to leave by the Indian government. So this post caught my attention:

Not just UNBC — I recently had my hair cut by a student from India who had just arrived in the city to study at CNC and is livig with a bunch of other students doing the same. I can’t imagine it’s easy to be caught in the middle of this.

Restaurant news

I was in Quesnel over the weekend and Red Tomato Pies was full of people being trained to open up in Prince George, so that promise of it coming soon seems to be true. Meanwhile, another franchise is headed south from Fort St. John:

I’ve not tried it yet but Audelicious is a favourite in Fort St. John, frequently winning People’s Choice Awards in local votes. I look forward to it.

Quick news:

• The POUNDS Project is sharing more information about changes to the toxic drug supply that prompted an emergency alert.

• A new exhibit at the Two Rivers Gallery will combine textile maps with dance.

• Political columnist Rob Shaw wrote about John Rustad’s first day in the legislature as an official party leader and how it is altering the province’s political dynamics.

• Open burning bans are being lifted and wildfires are going underground for the winter.

• The city of Prince George’s manager of emergency services, Tanya Spooner, has been appointed to a 14-person provincial task force on emergency management aimed at being more proactive around things like floods and wildfires.

• On that note, save the dates for FireSmart sessions next April.

• One of my favourite bands, who happen to be local, Crones is recording a new album and have a Halloween show coming up.

• An interview with a woman trying to eat at every restaurant in the city.

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