Dear Editor, I am writing from indoors today because the wildfire smoke in the West Kootenays is once again at hazardous levels. Thousands across the province have been evacuated or are on alert. Hundreds of exhausted fire fighters continue to battle the flames in an attempt to save communities. Kids, adults and seniors are cloistered […]

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has issued the following statement in response to the arrival of wildfire personnel from Mexico: “Supporting our neighbours and communities, showing hospitality to our partners and taking care of each other. These are the values that make me proud to be a British Columbian. “In our time of need, I […]

Dear Editor, I want to express my concerns regarding the proposed new West Coast Pipeline. Here is my letter to the editor: We are all impacted by wildfires. Climate change isn’t tomorrow’s crisis. It’s today’s rising insurance bills, cancelled harvests, smoky skies, sweeping floods, destructive fires and deadly heat waves. It’s checking the BC Wildfire […]

BC Conservation Officers are engaging in Campfire Ban Patrols as wildfire season continues to ramp up across the province. “Over the weekend, BC Conservation Officers conducted campfire ban patrols across several regions of the province,” read a Facebook post on BC conservation wall. “Unfortunately, numerous illegal fires were discovered.” They said a total of 19 […]

A man who claimed to be on a test-drive has had his prospective purchase impounded just east of Merritt, over 300 kilometres away from the dealership where he started. On July 17, 2026, at 6:15 p.m., on Highway 97C near Elkhart, BC, a grey Toyota sedan was stopped for excessive speed when a BC Highway […]

The Government of Canada is committed to making life simpler and more convenient for Canadians. This includes a modern passport program that delivers secure, user‑friendly digital services that save time, reduce in‑person visits and make passport renewal easier. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that online passport renewal is […]

Exhibition Dates: August 13 – October 31, 2026 Artist Reception: Saturday, September 12, at the Kootenay Gallery of Art from 2-4pm What is it about dogs that connects us? How do they bring people together, shape our relationships, and leave lasting impressions on our lives? For the Love of Dog is a multimedia exhibition that […]

There are many reasons why mirrors are required on vehicles in BC. One reason is that you can see emergency vehicles- including police- when they are right behind you. A motorcycle rider has lost his machine, and his licence, after stunt-riding on Highway #99 within a few metres of BC Highway Patrol. On July 18, […]

Wildfires are occurring across the province due to increased lightning and hot, dry weather. Whether you’re travelling or staying close to home, stay prepared by checking road conditions, having an emergency kit ready, and checking in on friends and family who may be affected. Be sure to check out the following. Drive BC: https://www.drivebc.ca/ Emergency Info […]

As wildfire activity increases, government is encouraging everyone throughout BC to pre-register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) before an emergency occurs, regardless of where they live or how close they are to an active wildfire or other emergency event. Emergency Support Services (ESS) make it quicker and easier to receive support if you need to […]