A cedar strip canoe built by a jailed woodworker has been donated by the city's prison to benefit outdoor recreation and education.
Prince George Regional Correctional Centre has stored the 14-foot canoe since it was built in 1998.
The inmate who made the canoe has long since been discharged. His name was not disclosed by jail staff but he is from the Haida Gwaii region on the west coast and his work was highly regarded by the inmates and staff alike at PGRCC.
According to PGRCC officials Nicole Gagnon and Jason Hascarl, the canoe was constructed over about 900 hours of the carpenter's work. The craftsman used a "bead and cove" construction style, with brass nails and brass bang plates, and a transparent fiberglass hull finish.
The canoe was stored from then on with the intention of donating it to a worthy cause fitting the spirit of the canoe.
It has been donated to the Spruce City Wildlife Association for their wild game dinner and fundraiser tonight at the Civic Centre. Other items donated to the event include hunting and fishing gear, outdoor excursions, gift certificates, hardware, home decor items, and much more.
Tickets to the banquet are $40 available at Northern Hardware, Pineview General Store, Nechako Outdoors, Bon Voyage Sports or call Patti Gerhardi at 250-961-9667.
