A new phase in British Columbia’s approach to mental health crisis response began on February 25 in the Southeast District, as RCMP detachments in Golden, Columbia Valley, Elk Valley Regional, Creston, Kimberley, and Cranbrook adopted HealthIM in collaboration with Interior Health. The system enhances real-time risk assessment and strengthens coordination with Interior Health emergency departments. HealthIM is […]

Every winter, instructor Doris Hausleitner takes second-year students in the Recreation, Fish and Wildlife (RFW) Program to Beasley for a hands-on look at a bat conservation initiative led by the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA). The field lab showcases innovative techniques designed to replicate bat roosts in areas where logging has reduced or eliminated critical habitat. This year, students learned directly […]

A $1.65 million investment through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program is driving a major expansion of Selkirk College’s Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) in Trail, BC. On Monday, March 2, The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), toured STAC and announced this federal investment. “British Columbia […]

Kalesnikoff in Castlegar, a longstanding B.C. wood products manufacturer and major employer in the West Kootenays that produces engineered mass timber building materials. Kalesnikoff is receiving a repayable investment of $5.5 million to help purchase new equipment to make prefabricated housing components used in multi-family housing, schools, daycares, and commercial buildings. This equipment will increase […]

On March 8, 2026, members of the public, local athletes and RCMP officers in Castlegar will brave the frigid waters of the Columbia River at Millennium Park to support Special Olympics BC. The Polar Plunge will take place from 12 to 1 p.m. All community members are invited to participate or donate to raise funds for this […]

Selkirk College students, graduates and community members from across the region are invited to connect education with opportunity at the upcoming West Kootenay Career Fair. Taking place in Nelson on March 11 and in Castlegar on March 12, the fair brings together local employers, educators and job seekers to explore how academic pathways align with real-world careers. Hosted […]

This spring caring people across B.C. have the chance to win big, while helping vulnerable animals. The BC SPCA Lottery for animals in need is back March 3 with 30 daily cash prizes, plus its biggest spring 50/50 yet – up to $1,100,000!  Last spring’s big 50/50 winner, animal lover Shannon W. from Ladysmith, took home an incredible $500,000 cash prize. “This money is life changing,” says Shannon. “I can travel, […]

Question: The scenario is a two car accident. Both parties have different versions of what happened but it happened in a gas station parking lot with video cameras pointed at the location of the accident. I requested the surveillance video but the gas station refuses to provide it and states I need a court order. I […]

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) is pleased to announce its Power Rankings for Week 23. The Grand Forks Border Bruins closed out their weekend with a split. They started by shutting out the Castlegar Rebels 4-0 as Nash Wassing’s 15th goal won the game, while Thomas Samborski earned his fourth shutout with a […]

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) staff have returned to B.C. after supporting Forest Fire Management Victoria in Australia for the past month with wildfire-fighting efforts. “Our world-class BC Wildfire Service has once again stepped up on the global stage,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “As we prepare for the 2026 wildfire season, our BCWS crews consistently […]