Prince George, BC’s Northern Capital

7 juin 2016 16:43 Published by Danielle Amaral 1 commentaire

As I was driving into Prince George I couldn’t help but feel a slight tinge of nervousness. I was back in the city a year earlier than expected, working an eight month co-op term at Canfor’s Northwood Pulp Mill. It was the first time I would be financially independent and living on my own; the first real job I would be working pertaining to my field; the first time I would have my own car and let’s not forget insurance. Yes I was terrified, but I was also excited. I would have the opportunity to apply the concepts I have learnt in school and see firsthand how the industry operates. Instead of spending my evenings finishing up assignments and studying for midterms I could explore Prince George!

[Cottonwood Island Trail, Prince George]

Luckily, this wasn’t my first time in Prince George.

After a family friend first suggested it, I started looking into doing my Undergraduate in Environmental Engineering. The program captured my interest by incorporating engineering principles to preserve our natural environment. There was just one problem: the only Bachelor’s degree in British Columbia was offered jointly between UBC AND UNBC. I would have to spend two years in Prince George followed by two years in Vancouver and finish off with one semester back in Prince George.

Prince George, BC’s Northern Capital….. I knew close to nothing about this city. But hey at least I would be back in the Lower Mainland within a couple of years right? So I made the leap and applied to the program.

Initially I did not like PG. It was the first time I was away from my family and I didn’t know anyone in the city. I started to miss my family and friends back home. And the water tasted funny. But slowly, that started to change. I made friends, got involved in the community, and started exploring the city and surrounding forest. I even got used to the water! Soon I started to fall in love with the city. Even on the coldest February days the sun would shine through. The deep requisite people felt to live sustainably was prevalent in the various farmers market and locally sourced restaurants around town. But by far, my favorite thing about Prince George was the Centennial Gazebo at the edge of UNBC’s David Douglas Botanical Garden. The Gazebo overlooks the entire bowl area of the city. From the notoriously steep Nechako cut banks to Canfor Pulps Intercontinental and Prince George Pulp mills in the distance.

[Nechako Cutbanks, Prince George]

This was one of my first views of Canfor Pulp. I got a little better acquainted with the pulp mills my first year at university. My ENSC150 class got the opportunity to tour Canfor Pulp’s Northwood Pulp mill. Looking out from the top of one of the two digesters, I was mesmerized by the sheer size of everything. The two giant chip piles made the D8 CATs driving around look toylike. As the tour progressed, the complexity of the pulp making process was obvious. Despite this, it was plain to see Canfor’s commitment to uphold the highest industry standards. I have got the chance to see this first hand working at Canfor the last few weeks.

Prior to this co-op position the only jobs I had were as the cashier at the local pharmacy back home and the paper route I shared with my younger sister as kids. So you can probably imagine my first day working at Northwood was more than a little daunting.

Walking through the pulp mill in my brand new work boots, I was overwhelmed at the number of operations and the sheer size of the plant. My supervisor was explaining all the processes but between my earplugs and my lack of industry knowledge I was perplexed. But despite the confusion I was excited. Working under Teddy Townsley, the Energy Leader, it was evident sustainability was a part of everything they do at Northwood. From existing processes to the new innovative engineering projects, the staff at Northwood is determined to uphold Canfor’s core values of safety, quality and sustainability.

[LC Gunn Park, Prince George]

So far I have only been in Prince George a few weeks and it’s safe to say most of my initial nervousness has turned into excitement. I cannot wait to learn more about the various industry practices from the team here at Northwood, and explore all the hidden gems Prince George has to offer.