Selkirk College Students Assist Arrow Lakes Restoration Project
Selkirk College students in the Integrated Environmental Planning (IEP) Program dug a little deeper into their studies at the end of the semester along the banks of the Lower Arrow Lake. At the tail end of completing the first year of the two-year program, 17 students gathered in a 50-hectare wetland area just up the lake...
Poverty groups continues to pressure government over BC Bus Pass changes
The Nelson Committee on Homelessness (NCOH), along with over 150 organizations from around the province have signed on an open letter released by the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition calling for changes to the Provincial bus pass rates and transportation program for people living in poverty. The Province plans on increasing the disability benefits by $77 […]
Late-night mill fire prompts impressive regional effort from three fire departments
A late-night fire at Kalesnikoff Lumber Thursday served to underline the importance of mutual-aid agreements between fire departments in our region, according to Tarrys Fire Chief Greg Patterson. Patterson said they got a call at 11 p.m. from Trail fire dispatch reporting a structure fire at Kalesnikoff Lumber (just off Highway...
Developers look for financial and non-financial support from the city for affordable housing project
An affordable housing project that is “very close to shovel ready” is asking the city to overlook other projects that are preparing to solicit grant money in favour of its proposal, as well as around $700,000 in financial support. The working committee for the Kootenay Christian Fellowship Share Housing Initiative appeared before city council Monday […]
Mental health system could do more to ensure people can access specialized services
Auditor General of British Columbia Carol Bellringer issued her latest audit May 17: Access to Adult Tertiary Mental Health and Substance Use Services. Bellringer's team looked at how B.C.'s health system manages access to the highest level of mental health and substance use services. They found pockets of good practice, but...
Cougar sightings in Castlegar, Trail, Montrose, Blueberry
Multiple cougar sightings in several communities: three in Castlegar this month, at least one in Trail, and more in Montrose and Blueberry – have Conservation reminding residents that this is the season for it, and to secure any and all attractants that might lure a cougar to your home. “There's still snow high up in the...
SD 20 approves fees for riding school bus
Not even SD 20 trustees were happy about voting in favour of user-fees for school busing, according to Trail trustee Toni Driutti, after the board approved the fees at their regular meeting Monday evening. Driutti pointed to decreasing ministry funding and wage increases the ministry negotiated but isn't funding, as the reason...
DeGroot shooting now oldest open IIO investigation
An officer-involved fatal shooting dating back to Oct. 13, 2014, has now become the oldest open investigation being handled by the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO). (For coverage of the shooting, click here). The sixth-oldest open IIO investigation is also local, after a fatal shooting on Kinnaird Bridge in...
Chief addresses fire preparedness in Castlegar and area
After last year's frightening fire season and the massive fire in Fort McMurray this season, residents are understandably wanting to know what the Castlegar Fire Department (CFD) is doing to protect our community from interface fires. To clarify, the province defines wildland/urban interface as the geographical point where ...
RDCK residents can now get emergency alerts via text message or landline
Emergency communications in the RDCK are getting a big boost from a new system that will notify residents and visitors about emergency events throughout the region. The Emergency Alert notification system is a free and easy program that enables users to receive free text messages and landline calls notifying them of emergencies...
