The compensation gap; why it pays to be a government worker in BC
by Jason Clemens and Amela Karabegovic More than three years after the end of the recession and British Columbia’s provincial government continues to struggle with deficits, which as of the last quarterly update will likely exceed $1.5 billion. Relying on revenues to rebound enough to catch up with spending just doesn’t work as BC’s own […]
Funding available for environmental projects in Waneta area
Partners in the Waneta Expansion Project – Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation and Columbia Basin Trust, are accepting applications for this year’s Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program (WTCP). This program provides up to $50,000 annually to projects in the Waneta area that promote conservation and restoration through research, physical works, and other on-the-ground or applied projects. […]
OP/ED: Out of left field: Firing Drex an insult to women AND media
Ed. Note: A quote in this editorial alludes to a vulgar cuss-word. If a reader finds that troublesome, please read no further. I’m guessing lots of people in the tri-city area remember Australian deejay Drex, of the Drex and Johnson morning radio show on Mountain FM. Drex, whose real name is Justin Wilcomes, left our […]
Emcon answers uproar after record snowfalls
After a record snowfall in December, The Castlegar Source/Trail Champion received several phone calls from professional drivers, first responders and other area motorists expressing concern, and even outrage, over the condition of regional thoroughfares. A reader poll posted to both sites asking “Do you feel Emcon (the regional road maintenance contractor) is doing a good […]
City of Trail welcomes new Communications and Event Coordinator
The City of Trail now boasts its very own Communication and Event Coordinator in the person of Andrea Jolly (no relation to city councillor Kevin Jolly). Jolly’s position was spelled out in council’s most recent meeting, as follows, “The city is very excited to welcome Andrea aboard and her focus will be on enhancing communication...
New boss at helm of Trail Chamber of Commerce
The Trail and District Chamber of Commerce now has a new leader at its helm, after the abrupt and somewhat controversial departure of former executive director Maggie Stayanovich (see http://trailchampion.com/news/update-chamber-president-offers-clarification-22206#.UOSh5uQ0WSo ). Incoming executive director Norm Casler, 50, was already at his desk this afternoon (Wednesday), ready to hit the ground running. “The best thing for […]
How Grinch-like governments make our holiday travel costly
Mark Milke, The Fraser Institute Question: Have you ever felt annoyed at a restaurant when your bill arrived with a mandated tip, thus removing your (monetary) ability to comment on the service? If so, that’s about how governments act vis-à-vis travel costs for Canadians, this when governments prevent full competition which...
US judge finds Teck liable for polluting Upper Columbia River
On Dec. 14, Washington judge found Teck Resources liable for response costs for any environmental or health risks resulting from almost a century’s worth (between 1896 and 1995) of discharges into the Upper Columbia River in Washington State. Judge Lonny Suko said, in his ruling, that, “for decades, Teck’s leadership knew its slag and […]
City to meet with duelling downtown business owners
A meeting will have to happen within the next 30 days to resolve a dispute between the city and two downtown business owners, after council’s regular meeting Monday night became contentious. According to councillor and Planning and Development Committee chair Kevin Chernoff, the issue arose as the result of the city sending ‘unsightly premises’ notification […]
UPDATE: Chamber president offers clarification
Updated as of 6:22 p.m. Nov.30: Trail and District Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Gregorini was able to shed some light on a murky announcement sent to members within the past hour. First, and most importantly, she said many of the rumours surrounding the departure of former executive director Maggie Stayanovich are patently false. “Any […]