Orin Couston of Prince George, his sisters Emily and Grace, and his mom Samantha set up outside of the Emergency Reception Centre at the College of New Caledonia on Wednesday, giving Cariboo wildfire evacuees bottles of water – and free hugs. City of Prince George photo
When the city was being deluged with evacuees from the Cariboo wildfires last summer, Orin, Emily, and Grace Couston, along with mom Samantha set up outside of the College of New Caledonia and gave away free hugs to evacuees.
The picture sums up the city over the past year, says Rob van Adrichem, the city’s director of communications.
“This picture really captured a lot of what happened here in the summer,” Adrichem said at a Prince George Chamber of Commerce luncheon before Christmas. “It really captures the spirit of what happened.”
The Cariboo fires and city’s response by taking in more than 10,000 evacuees is certainly the defining issue of 2017 for the city and the numbers are quite amazing.
More than 10,000 evacuees, more than any other community, were moved to Prince George. Kamloops took in about 9,000. There was plenty of attention to 100 Mile House and Williams Lake, both of which were evacuated, but Prince George took in evacuees from 19 different communities during the crisis.
There were more than 3,600 volunteers who helped deal with the evacuees.
There more than 20 babies born. More than 10,000 visits to the pools as free passes were given to evacuees. Visitors also took in places like The Exploration Place and Two Rivers Gallery.
There were 30,000 vouchers for free food. Almost 500 horses were transported to the city.
The city hosted a thank you party in September.
“No other community did this,” said van Adrichem. “I think it’s a really interesting way to say thank you everyone in Prince George.
Here are some of our other favourite photos from the year.
Brooklynn Ward (left), Sunny Kullar, John Brink, Trevor Patenaude, Kassi Doherty, Todd Doherty, Lyndon Patenaude, Maggie McWalter and David McWalter all pitched in to help serve pizza at St. Vincent de Paul Thursday. Bill Phillips photo
Live Moose with White legs Ð photo credit Roy Rea (near Prince George)
Under the watchful eye of trainer Karley Green, John Brink trains for the bodybuilding nationals. Brink Group of Companies is the title sponsor for next year’s Iron Ore Classic in Prince George. Bill Phillips photo
Singer Jerusha White entertains the crowd at the Civic Light Up ceremony Sunday. Bill Phillips photo
Dallas Smith brought his side effects tour to CN Centre last night, wowing the local crowd. Side Effects Tour. Jim VanderPloeg
photo jimvdp@live.ca
Armwrestler Dan Gallo is setting his sights on a world championship. Bill Phillips photo
Doug Wournell says a new pool will be more accessible. Bill Phillips photo
Devon Gyselinck
Coun. Susan Scott helped dish up the food at the celebration for those who helped fire evacuees this summer. Canada Games Plaza was jammed for the celebration. Bill Phillips photo
The search line stretches out along the banks of the Bowron River. Bill Phillips photo
Dick Voneugen
About 120 people took part in the Labour Day march in downtown Prince George Monday. Bill Phillips photo
Doubles team? MLA Mike Morris and Mayor Lyn Hall get ready show their style at badminton. Bill Phillips photo
City engineer Al Clark
It floats. Marcel Labelle goes for a paddle on the Necako River. Bill Phillips photo
UNBC women’s soccer defender Mara McCleary battles for the ball in a game versus Alberta in 2016. The Pandas visit UNBC again this year on Sept. 17. UNBC photo
Coun. Murry Krause and Coun. Brian Skakun were recognized Monday for 15 years of service to the city. Facebook photo
Five is now Shirley Bond’s favourite number. With 9,363 (unofficial) Bond was re-elected for her fifth term in Prince George-Valemount in Tuesday’s provincial election. Bill Phillips photo
Carrier Sekani Tribal Chief Terry Teegee
Clark rallies the troops
Prince George-Valemount NDP candidate Natalie Fletcher opens her campaign office Sunday. Bill Phillips photo
Prince George-Mackenzie NDP candidate Bobby Deepak at his office opening Thursday. Bill Phillips photo
Residents rally against those rallying against M103.
Close to 300 people attended vigil in front of City Hall Monday in support of the Muslim community and in remembrance of those who were killed in Quebec City Sunday. Bill Phillips photo
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