Lifeguard shortage means reduced hours in Castlegar/Nelson pools
A nation wide shortage of lifeguards and swimming instructors is having a notable impact at the local level. The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has had to make the difficult decision to continue to operate our Castlegar, Creston and Nelson pools with reduced hours. “Public safety is our number-one priority and unfortunately with staff […]
RDKB receives $1.7 million boost from Government’s Growing Communities Fund
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has received a $1,774,000 boost from the provincial government to address the needs of its growing communities. The one-time grant, which the RDKB will receive at the end of March 2023, was allocated using a funding formula based on population size and per capita population ...
At least 211 British Columbians killed by toxic drugs in January
Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service shows that the toxic, unregulated drug supply claimed the lives of at least 211 British Columbians in January, with the total number of deaths surpassing 200 for the eighth time in the past 16 months. “Once again, our agency is reporting on preventable losses of life...
Castlegar woman dies after fall from Trail bridge
On Saturday, March 4, at 1:06 p.m., Trail RCMP, Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue, and EHS first responders attended the scene of a grievously injured 44-year-old Castlegar woman lying on the banks of the Columbia River near the Victoria Street Bridge in Trail, according to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. He said officers ...
Fatal crash near Castlegar kills two Nelson women
On Saturday, Feb 25, at 3:35 pm, a collision between two vehicles on Hwy 3A near Castlegar left two dead, according to BC Highway Patrol Insp.Chad Badry. First responders, including Castlegar RCMP, Nelson RCMP, BC Highway Patrol, BC Ambulance, Fire Services, and a physician with Kootenay Emergency Response Physician Association,...
Opinion: Profit over safety = recipe for disaster
On February 3, a 150-car train carrying toxic chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio. Close to half the town’s 4,700 residents had to evacuate as deadly gas and smoke fouled the air and chemicals contaminated waterways. Fortunately, no people were killed (although at least 3,500 fish perished), unlike in the devastating...
Two vehicle crashes in as many days in Rossland prompt police warning about winter road conditions
On Feb. 17, at 15:18 p.m., Frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP and Integrated Road Safety Unit officers responded to a report of a single motor vehicle roll over near the intersection of Murphy Creek Forest Service Road and Hwy 3B in Rossland. Police say a 62-year-old West Kelowna woman was driving a 2021 Ford Ranger ...
BC SPCA offers 50% off all adoptions
February is the month for love, and what better expression of love than the unconditional devotion and affection of a four-legged friend? The BC SPCA is offering 50 per cent off all adoption fees from Feb.10 through 26 at its locations throughout the province. The adoption promotion is presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “We...
Province touts use of Electronic logging devices to make roads safer
Starting this summer, provincially regulated commercial vehicle operators will be required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track drivers’ time behind the wheel, reducing the likelihood of driving while tired. ELDs automatically record driving time, helping to ensure commercial drivers do not drive longer each day...
Local hospice urges public to make waves in swim-a-thon fundraiser
The Greater Trail Hospice Society (GTHS) is holding its annual swim-a-thon fundraiser on Thursday, March 9 at the Trail Aquatic Centre. “This event is our major fundraiser of the year,” says Society Chair Brenda Hooper. “We’ve held this event most years since 1997 and rely on the funds generated to support our Hospice Programs,”...
