Fortis rates to change July 1 as company phases out two-tiered residential electricity charges
FortisBC electric rates will be changing on July 1 as part of a five-year process to gradually phase-in a single flat rate for residential customers and make other changes related to how rates are structured. Earlier this year, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) approved these changes as part of FortisBC’s rate design...
Improving Murphy Creek Spawning Channel
The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is funding a project that will restore the intakes at Murphy Creek Spawning Channel, just north of Trail. The channel provides prime spawning habitat for Rainbow Trout. Led by the Trail Wildlife Association, in partnership with Okanagan Nation Alliance, Teck, and Birchbank...
British Columbians willing to fly less to reduce carbon footprint
A BC Hydro survey1 finds when planning a vacation, one-third of British Columbians are open to taking a road trip over a flight to reduce their carbon footprint. As a worldwide “fly less” movement continues to grow, a survey conducted for BC Hydro found 75 per cent of British Columbians are concerned with the impact air travel...
Castlegar Search and Rescue speaks to boating safety and public involvement
May 18 - 24 was Canada’s National Safe Boating Awareness Week. Along with festivities and fun events, the Canadian Safe Boating Council sent out a safety message that most boating accidents are avoidable, if operators follow the safety guidelines. We wish all boating enthusiasts a safe and enjoyable boating season. Castlegar...
Grand Forks finally to receive flood aid from Feds, Province
More than a year after Grand Forks experienced a flood of the century, federal and provincial governments have stepped up to the plate with $50 million for an important flood mitigation project in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary community of Grand Forks. Wednesday, Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister...
CBT HELPS INCREASE ACCESS TO LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
Residents in Rossland, Trail, and Nelson can benefit from the farmers’ markets coupon program Farmers’ markets are an important way of connecting residents with the products of local farmers. Columbia Basin Trust is increasing access to fresh, healthy food locally by providing even more funding to the BC Farmers’ Market...
A FREE Workshop: Wetlands and what to do about them
Water -- increasingly precious. Don't “drain the swamp”! As climate change shrinks the glaciers that feed our major rivers, and changes patterns of precipitation that feed smaller streams and groundwater, our water supply becomes increasingly precarious – and precious. Wetlands the world over...
Editorial: Age-friendly pedal-power – a positive addition to any community
Last Thursday, Rosslanders may have seen a pedal-powered “trishaw” demonstrating its ability to carry a couple of passengers at a time – and, with the help of the electric “pedal-assist” motor, make it all the way to the top of town. Thanks to the volunteers who are powering this age-friendly...
Seniors Advocate: Home Support Falling Short
A report submitted by the office of the Seniors Advocate: British Columbia’s Home Support program is unaffordable for most seniors, offers too little service for high-need clients and has created a workforce where 75 per cent of staff are casual or part-time, says B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie. In a comprehensive...
BC's Indigenous Leaders remain opposed to TMX
In spite of today’s federal cabinet approval of the controversial project, Indigenous leaders from across BC remain staunchly opposed to the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) and have vowed that it will never get built. The federal government was forced to redo consultation with First Nations after a unanimous Federal...