Regional News

Avalanche Canada issues Special Public Avalanche Warning for backcountry

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday Jan 20 2022

The Avalanche Canada map shows the affected regions for the Special Public Avalanche Warning.

In a media release Thursday, Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, said it is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users across numerous forecast regions in BC and Alberta — including the Kootenay/Boundary regions.

Avalanche Canada said warm temperatures and lots of sunshine are expected for the coming weekend, which will have a destabilizing effect on the snowpack.

This special warning is in effect immediately and will apply through to the end of Monday, Jan 24.

Interior Health annnounces temporary service changes at Slocan Community Health Centre

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday Jan 20 2022

Interior Health said it is implementing temporary service adjustments throughout the region due to Omicron-related COVID-19 staffing challenges.

In a media release Thursday, Interior Health said that Slocan Valley residents are advised of the temporarily adjustment of emergency department hours at Slocan Community Health Centre in New Denver beginning today, Jan. 20, 2022.

Interior Health said that until further notice, emergency department hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations and reminds residents to take note of the following if they require care while the emergency department is closed:

Kootenay Lake School District to require vaccination proof from employees, contractors

by The Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday Jan 20 2022

Wednesday, on the BC Centre of Disease Control website the Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence map showed from January 9-15, 2022, the Nelson area reported 232 new cases. — BCCDC

As the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to loom large with cases rising in the Kootenay region, the Kootenay Lake School District No. 8 board has decided to direct Superintendent Trish Smillie to create and implement a Proof of Vaccination Procedure for all staff and contractors.

This resolution, passed by the board during the Tuesday, January 18, 2022, meeting, will not apply to students.

‘Potential activity signal’ at city school prompts investigation by public health

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Thursday Jan 20 2022

Based on a review of attendance patterns, it has been determined that Rosemont School has met a potential activity signal — a new term coined to refer to a threshold based on school attendance.

One of the city’s schools could be under investigation by public health.

Based on a review of attendance patterns, it has been determined that Rosemont School has met a potential activity signal — a new term coined to refer to a threshold based on school attendance — according to a letter sent out by the school.

One the threshold has been met it means public health will investigate further to determine if absences are related to a health matter and additional actions are needed.

Water and wastewater bills in city see marginal increase — for now

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Wednesday Jan 19 2022

Nelsonites can expect a minor increase on their utility bill this year to deal with water and wastewater, but it will rise significantly in the near future once a improvements are fully realized and costed out for the city’s sewage treatment plant — Kristian Bjornard, Creative Commons

Call it the calm before the storm.

Nelsonites can expect a minor increase on their utility bill this year to deal with water and wastewater, but it will rise significantly in the near future once a improvements are fully realized and costed out for the city’s sewage treatment plant.

Interior Health adjusting services to strengthen patient safety

by Interior Health Authority on Tuesday Jan 18 2022

The Emergency Department at Slocan Community Health Centre in New Denver has reduced from 24 hours to 12 hours until further notice.

 Interior Health is announcing temporary service adjustments to strengthen patient care due to Omicron-related COVID-19 staffing challenges.

“As we manage the Omicron-driven COVID-19 staffing impacts on the health system, Interior Health is proactively identifying services to adjust and relocate in order to maintain safe patient care,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown.

RDCK returns to online engagement as CBT Community Initiatives and Affected Areas program opens

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Tuesday Jan 18 2022

The Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program opened for grant applications earlier this month and — after a regional district board motion — adjudication will remain online.

One of the more popular community engagement events in the Columbia Basin will remain online for the third straight year.

The Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program opened for grant applications earlier this month and — after a regional district board motion — adjudication will remain online.

NextRide Coming to soon to West Kootenay Transit

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Monday Jan 17 2022

BC Transit said the Kootenay region, including West Kootenay Transit, Creston Valley, Columbia Valley, Elk Valley, Kimberley and Cranbrook, is expected to see the program installed during the summer of 2022. — The Nelson Daily photo

Riders of West Kootenay Transit, including Nelson, Trail, Castlegar, Balfour, Kaslo and the Slocan Valley areas, will be excited about the announcement that the NextRide program is coming this summer.

In a recent announcement, BC Transit said it has completed a successful Negotiated Request for Proposals process and has signed a contract with Consat for the next phase of the NextRide program.

The new program will enhance customer experience and increase ridership throughout the province.

Nod given to increasing cost for curbside waste management service

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Monday Jan 17 2022

City council passed third reading on the bylaw to bump the cost for curbside waste recovery in 2022 by $25 to fund the organics diversion program.

The management of waste in the city is going up again.

City council passed third reading on the bylaw to bump the cost for curbside waste recovery in 2022 by $25 to fund the organics diversion program.

That means the estimated cost per household for curbside service (including organics) in 2022 will be $100 (not including the capital costs), said city chief financial officer Colin McClure.

BC Games organizers pull plug on Vernon event

by Contributor on Sunday Jan 16 2022

BC Winter Games Society have made the difficult decision not to stage the BC Winter Games next month in Vernon.

The BC Games Society and the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games Society have made the difficult decision not to stage the BC Winter Games next month.

However, Games organizers and stakeholders will explore options to see if the region can deliver this multi-sport event in 2023.

Greater Vernon made every effort to stage these Games, however the ongoing pandemic, coupled with external factors such as wildfires and floods in many parts of our province this past year, have made it impossible to stage a safe and memorable Games this winter.

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