BC Ombudsperson releases updated guide on open meetings to support transparency across local governments
The Office of the Ombudsperson has released an updated edition of its Open Meetings: Best Practices for Local Governments guide, designed to support municipalities, regional districts, and other local governments in meeting their legal obligations to hold meetings that are open, accessible, and transparent. Originally published in 2012, the guide has been comprehensively updated to reflect legal, […]
Basin libraries enhance accessibility
Libraries across British Columbia are working to ensure everyone can access information, ideas and services. Building on this commitment, 13 public libraries in the Columbia Basin are receiving more than $990,000 from Columbia Basin Trust to complete projects that reduce barriers for people with diverse abilities. “Whether a Basin resident wants to borrow a novel, […]
Rossland’s Taylor Clark premiers “Within the White Sphere” Photography show at the VISAC
The VISAC Gallery is pleased to invite residents and visitors to join them in kicking off a stunning exhibit, reflecting the mountain heart of the Kootenays, “Within the White Sphere”. This show features the photography of Rossland’s Taylor Clark and will be on display at the VISAC January 12 to February 12. A community reception to launch the […]
Ethics Bowl: more dialogue, less debate
By Rackeb Tesfaye and Nicolas Fillion of Simon Fraser University As Canadian federal election candidates prepared for their final debate in April 2025, youth across the country were preparing for collaborative conversations around timely and potentially divisive issues for the National Ethics Bowl at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. Ethics Bowl Canada […]
A year of fighting wildfires, building community resilience
B.C. expertise helps lead future of wildland firefighting in Canada In 2025, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) worked tirelessly with people and communities to fight wildfires and build community resilience throughout the province. “We’re coming off our second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “From technology to equipment and training, […]
DriveSmartBC: Recognize Your Bad Driving Habits
Serious drivers treat driving as a skill that can be measured, reviewed, and improved. Everyone is at risk for developing bad driving habits over time and if we let them become our default setting we might not make changes until it is too late. Just because you are a better than average driver, it doesn’t […]
Air fryers, luggage limits and bad haircuts are not cause to call 9-1-1
E-Comm releases its annual top ten list reminding the public to keep 9-1-1 lines free for emergencies only When a store refuses to return your air fryer, an airline fines your oversized carry-on, or your dishwasher breaks, 9-1-1 is not the appropriate number to call. E-Comm is reminding British Columbians that 9-1-1 is for emergencies, […]
OUT OF LEFT FIELD: Celebrating 70 years of NORAD Tracks Santa
There are variations of the origin story of the NORAD/Santa tradition (just like with all other long-standing traditions) but we all agree it started 70 years ago this Christmas. I’ll tell you what I know. It started in 1955 when a child called CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command) looking to talk to Santa Claus. Now, […]
BC winter Games: a major contribution from a local credit union
The Kootenay Savings Community Foundation (KSCF) and Kootenay Savings Credit Union (KSCU) are proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games. This significant commitment, valued at $25,000, designates KSCU as the Official Financial Institution of the Games and establishes KSCF as a key Community Partner sponsor. This partnership represents one […]
RCMP seek witnesses to an assault
On Nov.29, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a victim was assaulted by an unknown man on the 970 block of Spokane Street, Trail, BC. The victim was grabbed and tossed onto the ground. The victim sustained injuries that required them to go to the hospital. Police are looking to identify the suspect and need witnesses to […]