Responses to the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il
North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-il, died on December 17, 2011, from a heart attack. North Korean state television has shown North Koreans mourning and sobbing hard at the news. There are looming concerns that the death of Kim Jong-il could destabilize the Korean peninsula; the country's military has reportedly conducted...
Border security deal's ugly twin carries major energy and environmental implications for Canada
The Harper government officially announced in recent weeks a new Border Security deal with the US. However, little press space was given to the ugly twin of this deal - the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) and their "Joint Action Plan". The RCC was set up to "streamline" regulations in four economic...
COMMENT: Help our farmers and seasonal farm workers
It is the time of the year when farmers in the Southern Interior of British Columbia are making plans for the next season which includes securing labour. Many orchard and vineyard owners are placing ads in their local papers looking for full time farm workers for next year. Season duration and wages vary depending on […]
RCMP: Weekly beat - Cars get snowed under
Grand Forks RCMP had some silent and mostly peaceful nights this past week. While holiday CounterAttack checks continue, RCMP Staff Sergeant Jim Harrison said he is pleased to report his officers have made no new impaired driving charges. “This means people are being careful out there and we really appreciate it,” said Harrison. At […]
Red Cross equipment loan program on the move again
The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Depot is moving to a new, more convenient home at the Boundary Hospital after a year of uncertainty. The move, taking the service from the old forestry building back to the lower level of Grand Forks Hospital (just follow the signs once inside), will take place over the […]
RDCK waste facility user fees to change
Beginning in the New Year, revised user fee schedules will be in effect at Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) landfills and transfer stations. The changes come as part of the RDCK’s overall update of its resource recovery facilities regulatory bylaw. Rates for key fee categories are detailed below. Rates are effective Jan.1. For mixed waste […]
Bridesville residents say road conditions are unacceptable
Bridesville residents have had enough and they let the government and Emcon know it. On the evening of Monday, Dec. 12, more than 60 people packed the Bridesville Community Hall to discuss what they feel is a deteriorating road service in their area. Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater, two Emcon employees and Stephanie Gillis, […]
Closure of sex infection clinics may leave people at risk
Nurses in BC’s Interior are decrying the closure of the five public health clinics that test and treat sexually transmitted infections (STI). The decision by the Interior Health Authority (IHA) has shocked public health nurses in the region who are struggling to understand how officials could choose to cut these services to already vulnerable populations. […]
Climate action commitments now focus of future RDCK decisions
A green fleet and green purchasing policy have been adopted at the Regional District level, helping mark another rung up the ladder of the Carbon Neutral Kootenays project. Sustainable considerations will now come into play when it concerns vehicle acquisition, replacement and usage decisions under the new policy — replacing the existing RDCK Vehicles Policy. […]
Council moves forward with bylaw for Hydro borrowing
Council has taken the first step in authorizing the City to borrow up to $6 million toward Nelson Hydro infrastructure projects. The first three readings of the loan authorization bylaw passed at a special Council meeting on Monday afternoon. This is the first of several steps before borrowing moves forward. Next the bylaw must be […]
