CBT hire a student program continues in fall
Businesses and organizations around the Basin can once again get support to hire students through Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program. Applications are available at and are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. The program provides a wage subsidy of up to $8/hour to encourage employers to provide part-time...
No movement in impasse between city and union workers
The impasse between the City of Castlegar and its union workers seems as relentless as ever today, after the second day of labour action. While not fully on strike per se, CUPE 2262 has issued a ban on overtime work as a first step after issuing 72-hour strike action notice on Friday, Aug. 15. Chris Barlow, city director of...
RDCK works to make HB Mine’s tailings pond safe
It is hoped that constant monitoring of the tailings pond at the HB mine site near Salmo, along with a lawsuit designed to bring Teck Mining to the table, will prevent a disaster on the Salmo River similar to the Mount Polley tailings pond collapse earlier this month in the BC Interior. Mount Polley Mine’s earth dam collapsed...
This year's Shambhala a mixed bag, from a policing perspective
Shambhala Festival ended well in terms of crashes and accidents, but there were many arrests, according to West Kootenay TRaffic Services Sgt. John Ferguson. "The West Kootenay Traffic Services and Nelson IRSU are pleased to announce that during the week long Shambhala Festival no reported fatal or serious crashes occurred...
Basin Youth to Benefit from Junior Achievement’s Expansion into the Region
This fall, youth in the Columbia Basin will be able to learn about entrepreneurship and the viability of self-employment as a career option when Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) expands into the region. The expansion is possible through a partnership with Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust), which is contributing ...
City and union no closer to contract today
Despite both parties’ expressed desire to reach an agreement and contract, CUPE Local 2622 and the City of Castlegar’s dueling press releases yesterday seem to indicate an ongoing lack of consensus. (To read the City’s press release, click here, and to read the union’s, scroll to the bottom of this page). Castlegar Mayor...
No injuries after Teck incident last night
While some residents may have been alarmed by an incident at Teck Cominco last night, spokesperson Catherine Adair says there is no cause for concern, despite sirens and what appeared to be smoke coming from the mill. "Shortly after 9 p..m., the Lead Smelter experienced an unplanned local power outage," Adair said. "This...
Trail issues release saying boundary extension one step closer
The City of Trail is one step closer to extending its boundaries into Columbia Gardens (Electoral Area A). As of Wednesday, July 2, the city has officially received support from the property owners in the proposed extended region. As directed by the province, a letter was sent to all residents who would be impacted by the ...
Unilever takes on Planet Bennu in fight for 'sicle' name
On planet Bennu there are no bullies. Unfortunately, here on Earth, vernacular like Kleenex, scotch tape, popsicles, Xerox and Mickey Mouse are owned by corporations that have no problem protecting the words they invented. And that’s why Starcicles owners Rain Shields and Daniel Carlson are down to their last dime. They...
Broadband the key to economic development in the Koots
One thing everyone seemed to agree on at the Community Futures Economic Development Forum held in late May was that the economy is shifting towards broadband dependent industries. And that local communities need to adapt and keep up. Community Futures Central Kootenay hosted and organized the conference at the Prestige Lakeside...
