What are "ecological reserves"? Ecological reserves are areas selected to preserve representative and special natural ecosystems, plant and animal species, features, and phenomena. Scientific research and educational purposes are the principal uses of ecological reserves. Ecological reserves are established for the: preservation...

The Castlegar RCMP along with the Castlegar Fire Department have responded to a volume of suspicious fires that are believed to have been deliberately set in Castlegar parks, forested areas, and on one occasion inside the bathroom of a local business, according to Castlegar RCMP NCO/ic Sgt. Monty Taylor. He said in one of...

First Nations and local governments throughout B.C. will benefit from funding to help strengthen resilience against climate-related hazards, such as flooding, drought, wildfires and heat. “With the severe flooding, drought and wildfires we’ve experienced recently, we are seeing direct impacts of climate change...

The natural swimming ponds at Castlegar’s Millennium Park are now open. The ponds were voluntarily closed on May 25, 2023, following tests showing the presence of chlorine. Chlorine is a chemical element used for disinfectants and bleaches. “We are very happy to be able to open the ponds in time for the long weekend,” says ...

Nelson and Castlegar have the dubious distinction of ranking the second and third (respectively) deadliest communities for black bears in B.C. The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals presented a report yesterday listing 2022's eight deadliest communities in the province for black bears, Prince George being...

Highway 4 is expected to open to limited travel as early as the weekend of June 24-25, 2023, after a wildfire closed the route on June 6.   Safety for people driving the highway is the top priority. The roadway will reopen only when it is safe for drivers. Assessment of dangerous trees and slope stability is ongoing with work...

The BC Wildfire Service has granted the Castlegar Festival Society an exemption from restricted equipment and activities, as defined in Section 12 of the Wildfire Act, permitting the Sunfest fireworks display to proceed Saturday, June 3, 2023. This exemption relates to the restricted equipment and activities outlined within...

The Grand Forks RCMP is asking for public assistance in helping solve the theft of a pickup truck. In the early hours of Sunday morning, May 21, 2023, RCMP received a report of a theft of a truck from a residence in the 5600 block of Como Road, in Grand Forks. The victims reported that they were in the process of selling the...

CFD responded to a residential structure fire the morning of May 21 in the 600 block of 9 Avenue, According to Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio. He said the call came in at 8:00 a.m., and R1, E1, L1, E2 and C1 attended along with 12 members. Upon arrival, Incident Command determined that all occupants and pets were out and accounted...

West High Yield (WHY) continues its efforts to further its application for a permit to go ahead with the next phase of its proposed magnesium mine on Record Ridge.  The Ministry has accepted the WHY application for a permit, but has not approved it.  The review process has just begun. Local residents should be aware that...