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Residents and businesses around Kootenay Lake will face reduced ferry service for nearly a month as the Osprey 2000 is taken out of operation for spring maintenance.

The vessel will be out of service from April 7 to May 5 for scheduled refit work, according to ferry operator Western Pacific Marine.

“Due to new Transport Canada regulatory requirements, this spring’s refit has been extended to allow for necessary and time sensitive upgrades to the vessel,” the company said.

During that period, the smaller-capacity MV Balfour will run on the regular winter schedule between Balfour and Kootenay Bay.

The reduced capacity and schedule are expected to increase wait times and limit travel flexibility for commuters, commercial drivers and residents who rely on the ferry as a key link across the lake.

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A UNBC graduate student exploring how Indigenous Arctic communities navigate the pressures of large-scale energy development as received an award for her studies.

According to the University, Jenikka Kirkland earned the Marna Feldt Graduate Publication Award from the Association for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies in Canada (AASSC) for her essay, entitled “Indigenous Reindeer Herders and Liquefied Natural Gas: The Cases of Hámmarfeasta and the Yamal Peninsula.”

“Being given this award is very exciting for me because it signifies that my research work meets the rigorous academic standards demanded by the journal,” Kirkland said.

“This has been incredibly validating as a young academic that still has a lot to learn. It’s also proof that I am capable of conducting thorough research that meets the expectations of the academic community.”

Kirkland’s research explores how Indigenous reindeer herders navigate large-scale liquefied natural gas development projects and broader questions of colonialism, environmental policy and Indigenous rights in Arctic regions.

“Growing up in the Greater Edmonton area, I was always awestruck by the idea that people were creating flourishing lives in places even colder and further north,” Kirkland said.

“During my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta, I studied Scandinavian culture and Russian language, which introduced me to Indigenous peoples who use reindeer herding as a means of surviving in the harsh Arctic climate. Combining those interests with the importance of continuing conversations about Indigenous rights brought me to this research.”

Kirkland hopes readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous resilience and a clearer understanding of global responsibility in addressing colonial legacies tied to resource development.

“One of the most important takeaways of my paper is the adaptability and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic,” Kirkland said.

“Indigenous Peoples are often portrayed as powerless victims, but even in extremely difficult circumstances in Russia the Nenets continue to show solidarity and bravery.”

The University says the research also challenges governments and industry to uphold commitments to reconciliation and environmental responsibility.

“Calling out hypocrisy and demanding change should not be the sole responsibility of Indigenous Peoples,” Kirkland said.

““It is crucial that the international community steps up.”

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The B.C. General Employees’ Union is raising new concerns about persistent problems with the Kootenay Lake ferry operator Western Pacific Marine (WPM), warning that issues with scheduling, staffing and service reliability continue months after last year’s prolonged labour dispute.

BCGEU vice-president Sebastian Kallos said the union continues to hear about challenges its members are experiencing on the job.

“From what we’re hearing from workers on the ground, there are still ongoing issues with scheduling, staffing and overall operations,” Kallos said.

He highlighted problems with overtime and worker burnout.

“At some point, you need to protect yourself and your family, right? They can’t sustain their lives running off of infinite overtime because almost all the inland ferries are just running a crazy amount of overtime,” he said.

Kallos said there is a global shortage of mariners, which is affecting competitiveness and sustaining a hostile work environment. He also criticised the Vancouver-based operator for lacking local commitment.

“We’re concerned that WPM doesn’t really have any vested interest in Nelson and the area. They’re a Vancouver-based company, they’re wanting to run the operation to the ground before the next contract renewal in 2028. And what’s going to be left for the next contractor?”

Pay and arbitration disputes

Kallos also raised concerns about retroactive pay from the new collective agreement.

“WPM is withholding the majority of the collective agreement bargain language through that binding arbitration and not honouring a ratified collective agreement and has not paid a single member any retro pay that they’re entitled to since April 2024,” he said.

He explained that the employer is refusing to finalise the ceremonial signing process, known as the “faceplate,” until certain articles of the collective agreement are renegotiated.

“They want to remove at least one article and they want to change the language on another. Even though we’ve been through binding arbitration, our perspective is that once a deal is ratified by the members, it is the collective agreement,” he said.

The concerns follow a nearly five-month strike in 2024 that significantly disrupted ferry service. The dispute began after negotiations for a new collective agreement broke down in May 2024, with major sticking points including wages, scheduling and working conditions.

Roughly 90 proposals were put forward during bargaining, mostly from the union, with about 60 per cent resolved before mediation. The remaining issues were handed to special mediator Vince Ready, who was appointed by the province to bridge what he described as a “Himalayan gulf” between the two sides.

Ready issued his final report in June 2025, laying out 17 binding recommendations covering wages, scheduling, training and certification requirements. Those recommendations formed the basis of a new collective agreement, retroactive to April 2024 and in place until March 2028.

One of the most contentious issues during the dispute was scheduling.

The union pushed to move away from a six-days-on, three-days-off model to a day-for-day rotation. Ready ultimately required a seven-days-on, seven-days-off schedule to be implemented across all vessels by January 2026.

Union proposals and long-term solutions

Kallos said the BCGEU believes a solution could be returning inland ferries to public service.

“There was a time when the ferries were in the public service. Employees got training, they got time off to get ship experience abroad. They were invested in, and it seems like what’s happening is these contractors are just trying to sustain a profitable operation without investing anything into the workforce, which is their most valuable resource by far,” he said.

“We’re going to be pushing that up until 2028 that we think the ferries should be brought back into the public service and that the service would be more reliable, it would be more sustainable employment for those members.”

Vista Radio reached out to WPM for a response, but didn’t hear back in time for publication.

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The Kimberley Dynamiters opened their series against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks with back-to-back wins, earning 4-1 and 4-3 victories over the weekend to take a 2-0 lead.

In Game 1, the Dynamiters responded well after allowing the opening goal six minutes into the contest. They tied the game later in the first period before Brayden Schwartz (5) scored the winner shorthanded at 3:16 of the second. Kimberley added insurance in the third period when Toren Fron (2) scored on the power play.

Goaltender Adam Kisilevich made 33 saves to backstop the win.

Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said his team wasn’t at its best despite the result.

“Our penalty-kill (6-for-6) was great and we were able to steal one,” he said.

Kimberley carried that momentum into Game 2, edging Beaver Valley 4-3 in a tighter contest. Carter Coutu led the way with two goals (4) and three points, while also setting up Nate Tillmanns’ winner with four minutes remaining in the third period.

Kisilevich turned aside 25 of 28 shots to earn his second straight victory, as the Dynamiters held off a late push from the Nitehawks.

“We battled hard,” said Stuart. “Carter was a force out there tonight. He was the best player on the ice.”

With contributions from their special teams, top scorers and steady goaltending, the Dynamiters will look to maintain control of the series as it shifts to the next games.

Game three heads to Kimberley with puck drop at 7 p.m.

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The Beaver Valley Nitehawks dropped the first two games of their series against the Kimberley Dynamiters, falling 4-1 and 4-3 over the weekend to trail 2-0.

In Game 1, the Nitehawks opened the scoring when Maddox Gandha struck six minutes into the game, but Kimberley responded with an equalizer later in the first period and took control from there. The Dynamiters added a shorthanded winner early in the second period and sealed the game with a power-play goal in the third.

Beaver Valley goaltender Karsten Hugenholtz made 24 saves in the loss.

Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said his team didn’t play its best despite the win.

“Our penalty-kill (6-for-6) was great and we were able to steal one,” he said.

Game 2 was a tighter contest, with the Nitehawks pushing back but ultimately falling 4-3. Beaver Valley was led by Brady Walker, who scored twice, while Hugenholtz turned aside 32 shots.

The Nitehawks kept pace through much of the game before Kimberley pulled ahead late, with Nate Tillmanns scoring the winner with four minutes remaining in the third period.

Carter Coutu led the Dynamiters with two goals and three points. Adam Kisilevich made 25 saves for Kimberley.

“We battled hard,” said Stuart. “Carter was a force out there tonight. He was the best player on the ice.”

Despite improved offensive production in Game 2, the Nitehawks will look to tighten defensively and find a way to contain Kimberley’s top scorers as the series continues.

Game three heads to Kimberley with puck drop at 7 p.m.

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The B.C. government and Tla’amin Nation signed a memorandum of understanding on April 2 to improve land and resource stewardship.

The MOU, named the yiχmɛtštəm ʔəms gɩǰɛ Territorial Stewardship Action Plan, focuses on advancing key treaty commitments through a shared stewardship structure.

yiχmɛtštəm ʔəms gɩǰɛ means “together we are taking care of the land” in the Tla’amin language.

According to the province, the MOU sets out how B.C. and Tla’amin Nation will work together to care for land and water, heritage resources and Tla’amin wildlife harvesting rights.

“With the signing of this memorandum of understanding, the province and Tla’amin Nation have taken a significant step forward to implement key commitments of the Tla’amin Treaty,” said Randene Neill, minister of water, land and resource stewardship. “This work will happen in the years ahead, continuing our collaborative work on reconciliation and environmental stewardship that benefits ecosystems and the region’s communities — both now and in the future.”

The province said the MOU upholds commitments it made when the Tla’amin Treaty came into effect on April 5, 2016.

“This MOU moves treaty commitments forward in some of the most important parts of our territory,” said Hegus John Hackett. “The treaty is a living document. Through this MOU, we’re taking an honest look at what climate change, industry and human pressure have done to these lands and, working in partnership, we will ensure these places remain healthy for everyone in the region to enjoy now and into the future.”

According to a news release from the province, the MOU outlines five priority areas that the province and Tla’amin Nation are committed to working on:

• a shared decision-making agreement for the toqʷanən (Theodosia) watershed
• a negotiated Tla’amin maloχᶗhom (groundwater) allocation
• a renewed reasonable opportunity agreement to support wildlife harvesting rights
• collaborative management of parks and protected areas
• a co-ordinated approach to protecting Tla’amin cultural heritage resources

Neill said the MOU will not have any impact on privately owned land in the area covered by the agreement.

“Nothing changes. Private property will not be affected by this treaty at all,” said Neill. “Access to some of the beautiful areas that people in Powell River and qathet love to go to will not be impacted either.”

“I think that when we work together and we have certainty and predictability about the land and the land base, that benefits everybody.”

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The Strathcona Regional District is inviting the community to take part in four upcoming exercises as part of Tsunami Preparedness Week from April 13 to 17.

Among the events are three high-ground hikes aimed at ensuring residents are better prepared in the event of a tsunami.

“Preparedness goes beyond the individual — it’s about building community resilience,” said SRD chair Mark Baker. “In times of crisis, we rely on each other — whether that’s lending a hand, sharing resources or offering emotional support. Emergencies can be overwhelming, but when we come together, we’re better equipped to respond and recover.”

According to the SRD, exercises during Tsunami Preparedness Week will focus on distant tsunamis generated by the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone (AASZ), allowing communities to test different aspects of their warning systems.

Following an AASZ earthquake, the average tsunami arrival time is three hours 15 minutes, with waves ranging from 2.9 to 6.8 metres in height.

The SRD said tsunamis caused by the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) pose the greatest risk to the district. If residents are anywhere near the coast when a CSZ earthquake hits, they should drop, hold on and then move to higher ground.

“If it knocks you down, then go to high ground,” said SRD manager of emergency services Shaun Koopman. “You should not wait for notifications from any other channels such as radio, cellphone or tsunami sirens, as there will likely be damage from the earthquake.”

Tsunami wave arrival times following a CSZ earthquake range from 25 to 54 minutes, with waves ranging from 7.5 to 12.4 metres high.

High-ground hikes will be held in Oclucje on April 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Ehatis and Zeballos on April 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and Tahsis on April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Please join us for a free barbecue taking place at each high-ground hike at the tsunami muster site,” said a news release from the SRD. “Each participant will be entered into a draw to win prizes ranging from a cellphone battery pack charger to a household disaster preparedness kit.”

For more information and a full list of events, visit the district’s website.

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Tumbler Ridge, B.C. has been named the runner up for Kraft Hockeyville 2026.

Taber, Alberta was named the winner of the annual contest, and will receive $250,000 for upgrades to the Taber Community Centre.

In December, an explosion in the Zamboni caused massive damage to the Taber Community Centre, forcing the closure of both ice arenas in the building, as well as the curling rink.

As the runner-up, Tumbler Ridge will receive $100,000 for arena upgrades.

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A non-profit water science and stewardship organization says it will continue to map water sources to help Kootenay communities prepare for wildfire.

Living Lakes Canada says this year they will take on projects in the Lardeau Valley in the West Kootenay and at Parson in the East Kootenay to help them strengthen their emergency planning.

“We’re helping emergency responders find and access water more quickly,” program manager Paige Thurston said in a news release. “By compiling local knowledge and water monitoring data, this project is working to protect homes, lives, and ecosystems from the impacts of increasingly intense wildfires.”

She said the approach has already proven effective. During the 2024 Argenta Creek wildfire, maps developed by Living Lakes Canada in collaboration with the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society were used by BC Wildfire Service to support their response.

Fire crews reported that the maps significantly cut down the time needed for field reconnaissance.

“This is a practical tool that could make a difference in response,” said Jeremy Angus, senior wildfire officer with the BC Wildfire Service. “We are happy to support Living Lakes on this project by providing our perspective on the demands that come from wildfire suppression.”

Living Lakes says the project is rooted in community collaboration. In each area, it works with a local partner and designated community champion who act as a liaison and garners community participation.

Maps for the Red Mountain Road and Enterprise Creek area in the Slocan Valley were produced in 2025 and were recently published.

“This mapping project was instrumental in strengthening our rural community’s disaster preparedness while ensuring response readiness for the next emergency we will face,” said Nicky Blackshaw of the Red Mountain Road and Enterprise Creek Emergency Preparedness Society.

“We were thrilled with the number of residents who participated in the project, and grateful to partner with Living Lakes Canada to undertake this important work.”

Mapping for this year’s projects will take place through the summer, with reports and maps due to be published in early 2027.

Mapping will also continue in Winlaw in the West Kootenay and in Grasmere and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation in the East Kootenay from projects that started last year.

Residents are invited to share their knowledge of creeks, standpipes, hydrants, access routes and other important features on both public and private lands (with landowner consent).

Living Lakes says this on-the-ground information, often missing from existing emergency response systems, is combined with scientific water data to create detailed, interactive maps.

For Chelsey Jones, the Lardeau Valley’s community champion and program coordinator with Lardeau Valley LINKS, the benefits of this project are clear.

“We need to be proactive to put ourselves in the best position to deal with the increasing climate-caused emergencies that we are seeing,” she said.

“We were extremely lucky that we had fast response times and easy access during the big Parson fire two years ago, but we might not be as lucky next time,” said Trina Wolfenden, community champion for the Parson area.

“Anything that we can do to help speed up and streamline firefighting help in an emergency will be invaluable. I am grateful that our area was picked for this project this year, it will help us to be ready in case of another fire event.”

Residents in the project areas are encouraged to contribute by attending the community meetings scheduled in Parson or Meadow Creek, completing a short online questionnaire or contacting Living Lakes Canada directly.

The organization says local knowledge of water sources could save vital time and support more effective emergency response when every minute counts.

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A non-profit water science and stewardship organization says it will continue to map water sources to help Kootenay communities prepare for wildfire.

Living Lakes Canada says this year they will take on projects at Parson in the East Kootenay and the Lardeau Valley in the West Kootenay and to help them strengthen their emergency planning.

“We’re helping emergency responders find and access water more quickly,” program manager Paige Thurston said in a news release. “By compiling local knowledge and water monitoring data, this project is working to protect homes, lives, and ecosystems from the impacts of increasingly intense wildfires.”

She said the approach has already proven effective. During the 2024 Argenta Creek wildfire, maps developed by Living Lakes Canada in collaboration with the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society were used by BC Wildfire Service to support their response.

Fire crews reported that the maps significantly cut down the time needed for field reconnaissance.

“This is a practical tool that could make a difference in response,” said Jeremy Angus, senior wildfire officer with the BC Wildfire Service. “We are happy to support Living Lakes on this project by providing our perspective on the demands that come from wildfire suppression.”

Living Lakes says the project is rooted in community collaboration. In each area, it works with a local partner and designated community champion who act as a liaison and garners community participation.

Maps for the Red Mountain Road and Enterprise Creek area in the Slocan Valley were produced in 2025 and were recently published.

“This mapping project was instrumental in strengthening our rural
community’s disaster preparedness while ensuring response readiness for the next emergency we will face,” said Nicky Blackshaw of the Red Mountain Road and Enterprise Creek Emergency Preparedness Society.

“We were thrilled with the number of residents who participated in the project, and grateful to partner with Living Lakes Canada to undertake this important work.”

Mapping for this year’s projects will take place through the summer, with reports and maps due to be published in early 2027.

Mapping will also continue in Winlaw in the West Kootenay and in Grasmere and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation in the East Kootenay from projects that started last year.

Residents are invited to share their knowledge of creeks, standpipes, hydrants, access routes and other important features on both public and private lands (with landowner consent).

Living Lakes says this on-the-ground information, often missing from existing emergency response systems, is combined with scientific water data to create detailed, interactive maps.

“We were extremely lucky that we had fast response times and easy access during the big Parson fire two years ago, but we might not be as lucky next time,” said Trina Wolfenden, community champion for the Parson area.

“Anything that we can do to help speed up and streamline firefighting help in an emergency will be invaluable. I am grateful that our area was picked for this project this year, it will help us to be ready in case of another fire event.”

Residents in the project areas are encouraged to contribute by attending the community meetings scheduled in Parson or Meadow Creek, completing a short online questionnaire or contacting Living Lakes Canada directly.

The organization says local knowledge of water sources could save vital time and support more effective emergency response when every minute counts.

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All of the residents of the Fircrest Apartments in Quesnel had to be evacuated because of a fire.

Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ron Richert says that crews were called to “an item fire” at the apartment building located on the corner of Front Street and Bowren Avenue.

“Upon arrival, our duty officer saw heavy smoke and fire coming from a basement apartment,” says Richert. “The cause is still under investigation, but crews were able to gain entry into the apartment building, quickly extinguished the fire, and kept it within the one apartment.”

The apartment building was completely evacuated, and were outside for just over an hour and a half, while the Fire Department secured the area.

“Residents were able to go back in after the smoke was cleared,” said Richert. “No injuries, and only one apartment suffered significant damage.”

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A Williams Lake high school student and his mentor are on a mission.

Since February, Nathan Daye and Bhavna Pooni, have been raising awareness about blood donation and the need for a donor centre in the Cariboo.

The duo have been helped along the way by Mike Penninga, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services in Kelowna.

Penninga said they are always impressed by young people who are passionate to see good accomplished in our communities and we were connected with one such student in Williams Lake.

“He is doing a Capstone Graduation project on Canada’s lifeline and Canadian Blood Services. We have been working with Nathan and Bhavna for a couple of months and it’s been absolutely amazing to have met him in person recently when he came down to Kelowna to donate for the very first time.”

He noted that Canadian Blood Services is currently not receiving donations in Williams Lake itself, the closest location would be Kamloops.

“He is finding out more about how people can make a difference with Canada’s lifeline and we are loving that. This month (April) I believe he is going to be having a tabling event and fundraiser event and we’ve also set him up to participate in a stem cell swabbing event to invite people to join Canada’s lifeline through the stem cell registry.”

Penninga said even though there isn’t a localized opportunity to donate blood or plasma in Williams Lake, there are absolutely opportunities to make a difference in Canada’s lifeline and he is not only finding out, he’s inviting others to do the same.

“Canada needs one million new donors over the next five years. We are currently just over 400 thousand active donors. When you think of a population of 41-million people, literally one percent of the country’s population are consistent with donating. The need for blood and plasma is growing because people are living longer, some donors are coming to an age where they are no longer to donate just for their own health purposes so we do need to find new ways to welcome new donors.

Penninga noted that Canadian Blood Services celebrates young people like Nathan who have a passion to find out more and to let people know that they can be a part of Canada’s lifeline even if there isn’t a donation centre in their community.

Both Daye and Pooni have also received strong support for their efforts from Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson.

In a letter Doerkson stated “I express my strong support for the establishment of a Canadian Blood Services plasma donor centre in Northern British Columbia and specifically to advocate for serious consideration of Williams Lake as a host community. Establishing a plasma donor centre in Williams Lake would significantly improve accessibility for residents across the Cariboo and surrounding regions. It would strengthen local participation, enhance regional health resilience, and ensure northern British Columbians can more easily contribute to a stable and sustainable national blood supply.”

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As the BCHL playoffs begin, we spoke to league commissioner Steven Cocker about competition for players from other leagues, using AI to generate schedules, the future of three franchises, and the creation of a new independent Junior A league.

Let’s reflect on the season that we just saw. What are your thoughts? 

Another fantastic regular season for the BCHL. A year where as a league we’re facing adversity and the changes with college hockey. But such a strong year. Year-over-year, our league and the talent within the league keeps getting better and better. And all the credit goes to our athletes and coaches. But so many storylines heading into the playoffs. A big change, which I’m really excited about is the in-division play through the first two rounds. It’s going to bring another layer of excitement and rivalries back into the playoffs. 

What was the reason for that change? 

It was really just to ramp up those first two rounds of the playoffs, make sure that we’re seeing those rivalries, some decades long, in the first couple of rounds. Not to say in past years the end conference matchups have been dulled by any means, but any time we’re able to bring even more importance into those early rounds of the playoffs, we thought it was a great idea. So we’re going to see how it plays out. I certainly don’t see it being a negative change. If anything, it brings our fans out to the rink even more to see some great playoff hockey. 

You referred to the changed junior hockey landscape and anyone who’s a follower of the Trail Smoke Eaters knows they’ve lost seven players this season to the US Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. As an independent league where you don’t get any development money from these leagues, how do you prevent the USHL and the CHL from continuing to raid BC Hockey League teams during the season? 

I don’t think it’s about stopping those leagues as much as making sure our teams are doing the best job they can and showing why the BCHL is a great development spot. I’m not saying any players that left our league did so because they were having bad experiences. But for some athletes, they think the grass is greener on the other side. We’ve had many examples of players that have made that decision and a couple of weeks to three weeks [later] are looking at returning to the BCHL. So we know this is the early days of the change.

We think there’s going to be some stability brought back into the equation with the players realizing that this is what we do. We develop college hockey players and we believe there’s no better spot to develop as a student athlete and a big emphasis on the student part. We continue to work hard at solidifying our position as that elite academic development league. And the numbers are certainly paying off.

We don’t have a draft. We put a lot of focus on making sure our athletes choose where they want to play. We follow the recruiting model that the NCAA follows. And on the other side of the equation, if a player feels like they need to go to another league or another team, we also have the ability to bring in great players that want to develop inside the BC Hockey League. We certainly feel independence is one of our biggest advantages, and that flexibility has been critical in these past two years. 

Last season, or just before the beginning of this season, it was announced that the league would go to nine 20-year-olds, including one goaltender. How has that experiment worked for you this year? 

It’s worked well. What we tried to do this off-season, knowing that it was going to be more challenging to get some of the prospects that we had before, was open up roster limitations for our coaches to be able to bring in the best players available and to really challenge our own Canadian athletes with the best level of hockey. We continue to see that. Despite it being more challenging now to get that Division I scholarship, we see a league that continues to get better and better. So we have gotten older this year. Over the next few years, we’ll see where that levels out and where our average age is. But the product on the ice for our fans on a nightly basis has never been better. 

What are the chances of adding another 20-year-old for next season? 

I don’t see that coming to to fruition. Again, we’re going to be nimble. It’s a strength of our our independence. We’re going to rely on what we’re hearing from colleges and what they want. That’s ultimately who we’re developing for. So that will play a role in any decision we make. But right now we’ve given so much, we put the power back in our coaches’ hands. I don’t think we need to really stray any further. 

What kind of update can you give us on the dormant Penticton franchise? 

No update right now. The Penticton ownership remains an inactive member of the BCHL. They have their franchise. So we’ll continue to work with them and identify places, communities across Western Canada that may interest them and may interest the league. We’re obviously open in them re-homing their membership, but it does have to work in where we want to see growth in the BCHL. 

At this time last year, there were questions about the future of the Chilliwack franchise. What can you tell us about that? 

Moray Keith and his ownership group in Chilliwack have done a fantastic job in maintaining that relationship with the City of Chilliwack and the building. The Western Hockey League, as everyone knows, is not moving into Chilliwack next year. Beyond that, I don’t know. It has nothing to do with the BCHL, nothing to do with the Chilliwack Chiefs. All we can say at this moment is for the ’26-27 season, we’re thrilled that BCHL hockey is returning to Chilliwack.

Earlier this season, there was a public meeting in Powell River asking fans to come out and support the team, as their financial situation was challenging. Have you had a guarantee Powell River will return next season? 

We continue to work with the ownership in Powell River to understand what the options for ’26-27 look like. Ultimately, the BCHL and all our members want nothing more than to have the Kings back, obviously a very storied and long-running franchise. So nothing further to report. But I’m sure over the next coming months, there’ll be some developments. 

There were some scheduling anomalies this year after the AI-driven schedule was released, quite a few involving the Trail Smoke Eaters. What kind of measures are you going to put in place to prevent these anomalies from happening next season? 

Anytime you have a 540-game schedule and facilities blacked out and the City of Trail had no rink for essentially a month to begin the season [due to renovations at the Cominco Arena], there’s going to be complications, right? The freedom of open nights creates a much more efficient schedule. Any time you don’t have that, it can bring some challenges. Every year we try to make it more efficient on player rest, making sure there’s no overexertion, but also to maximize the number of prime nights and business opportunities for our teams. We ultimately put our teams in the best position to succeed when that comes to attendance and sponsorship and all the above. 

Are there any specific measures that have been decided upon for this offseason?  

Yes, we’re going to add a couple more cheques and balances, whether that’s out-of-conference games and how we prioritize those trips. Just a few more layers added to the process. 

The final question I have for you relates to the newly announced Western International Junior Hockey League with eight franchises, including several in the Kootenays. Have you been approached by them? What do you foresee in terms of a relationship between the BC Hockey League and the WIJHL? 

Any time a league becomes an independent league, especially when they’re in our immediate geographical footprint, it’s a no brainer that we can help them and they can help us from a player pool perspective. So it’s obviously very intriguing to us. Fits right into our team map. I think there’s going to be a lot of ways we can work with them from an affiliate perspective, from a best practices perspective, from an officiating perspective, now that they’ve made that decision to become independent, we can work together and help them in the early years of their independence. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a growing ecosystem of independent hockey and it sounds like we’ve got franchises that have made the decision for the right reasons and are like-minded in many ways.

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Paramedics in the Bulkley Valley provided medical treatment to three patients, two of which were sent to hospital in serious condition following a motor vehicle incident near Witset.

According to the Provincial Health Services Authority, it happened just after 8:30 last night (Thursday) on Highway 16 near the intersection of River Road.

Three ground ambulances and one air ambulance responded to the call.

Drive BC noted the crash shut down the highway overnight and re-opened to traffic this morning (Friday).

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British Columbia’s government wants to suspend some sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

Premier David Eby said it comes after negative feedback from First Nations leaders about B.C.’s proposed amendments to DRIPA.

Eby held a nearly two-hour virtual meeting Thursday morning with First Nations leaders to present the updated proposal and hear feedback.

“We’ve brought forward a proposal of a temporary pause, and we hope that is less offensive to Indigenous leadership,” Eby told reporters.

Eby said his government would introduce legislation to suspend parts of DRIPA for up to three years. He said the vote would be a confidence motion, meaning a failure could trigger an election. He said his NDP caucus is united on the issue and dismissed concerns his government could fall if some members choose to vote against it.

B.C. adopted DRIPA in 2019 as a framework for reconciliation. The province has said changes to the landmark law are needed to prevent potential future litigation following a pair of 2025 court cases.

Last August, the B.C. Supreme Court declared the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) First Nation has title to part of Richmond. The B.C. government vowed to appeal the ruling, saying it could have significant unintended consequences for fee simple private property rights. First Nations leaders have said the case is not about seizing private property.

A B.C. Court of Appeal ruling last December in favour of the Gitxaała Nation found the province’s mineral tenure system is not compatible with the legislation. It said that courts can decide whether a law is inconsistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), potentially opening the door to more lawsuits against the province.

Eby has previously described both rulings as “overreaching,” and said DRIPA needs to be amended to better reflect its original intent as a pathway for reconciliation outside the courts.

He said as recently as Wednesday that amendments were coming during the spring session.

But Eby told reporters Thursday that, rather than a permanent amendment, the province is suggesting a suspension of certain sections of DRIPA while it seeks input from the Supreme Court of Canada on the rulings.

The government hasn’t said which sections of the legislation would be paused.

“The very specific sections that we are proposing to put a temporary pause on relate directly to the Gitxaała decision,” said Eby.

He said the suspension wouldn’t include Sections 6 and 7 of the Act, which allow for agreements on shared decision-making authority on things like child welfare and major mining projects.

The B.C. Conservatives reiterated their call for DRIPA to be repealed entirely.

“[It] should appear clear to all British Columbians that David Eby has hit the panic button here, in a big way,” said interim leader Trevor Halford.

He said the move just creates more uncertainty for the province.

First Nations Summit political executive Robert Phillips said some leaders in Thursday’s meeting were positive about the updated proposal from the province, but he said most were frustrated and upset.

Phillips said he and other leaders are opposed to any changes to DRIPA.

He said many First Nations will be taking the time to analyze the discuss the latest proposal, but expressed concerns about the rushed timeline for consultations.

“There hasn’t been meaningful consultation. There’s no free, prior and informed consent,” he said.

“No matter if it’s an whether it’s a suspension, no matter if it’s an amendment and especially if it’s an abolishment, as the B.C. Conservatives are saying, it’s more than just two steps back. It’s almost 10 steps back,” said Phillips.

“You can’t suspend aboriginal rights and title,” he added. “It’s a fact. We’ve been here for thousands of years.”

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Two longstanding West Kootenay co-ops are thinking about joining forces.

The board of directors of the Fruitvale Co-op and Slocan Valley Co-op announced Wednesday that they are proposing to amalgamate.

In a news release, they said that “following months of collaborative discussions and a comprehensive review process,” the boards and leadership teams of both organizations have unanimously agreed that a merger is a good idea.

They say it would “enhance service delivery, strengthen operations and ensure long-term stability for members, customers and team members.”

If approved by members, the amalgamation would bring both co-ops under a single unified association.

“This is a positive opportunity for our members,” said Chris Sapriken, general manager of Slocan Valley Co-op. “By joining together, we can continue to build better, grow and diversify our co-ops to ensure relevance and strength in the area.”

In an interview, Sapriken said discussions began last year. Both co-ops belong to Federated Co-operatives Ltd. and used that organization’s help to do a feasibility study to see if a merger made sense. Based on that information, they’re now recommending it to their respective memberships.

Sapriken said the two co-ops have already collaborated “on numerous occasions” on matters of mutual benefit.

“The overall goal is to continue to offer value, to grow, and to be successful for our existing members and our next generation of members, said Pauline Bergstrom, general manager of Fruitvale Co-op. “Having one co-op association will provide members and customers with the products and services they love and an improved member experiences with access to lifetime membership benefits.”

Members of both co-ops have been invited to special information sessions to learn more and ask questions:

Fruitvale: May 12, 6:30 p.m. at Fruitvale Curling Rink
Slocan Valley: May 13, 6:30 p.m. at Slocan Park Community Hall

Members will then be asked to vote on the amalgamation on the following dates:

Fruitvale: May 26, 6:30 p.m. at Fruitvale Community Hall
Slocan Valley: May 27, 6:30 p.m. at Slocan Park Community Hall

A two-thirds majority vote in favour from both memberships is required for the amalgamation to proceed. If it succeeds, the merger is expected to take effect on Nov. 1.

The Slocan Valley Co-op was founded in 1957 and has more than 5,000 members. It operates gas bars and convenience stores in Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail. The Slocan Park location has a gas bar, grocery store, and liquor agency.

Additionally, the Slocan Valley Co-op has a bulk fuel department in Castlegar that serves Tempo service stations in Robson, Genelle, Christina Lake, and Winlaw, and the Husky station in Creston. In 2024, the co-op bought The Dam Restaurant and Bar in South Slocan.

The Fruitvale Co-op was established in 1935 as a transportation co-op and is the oldest surviving co-operative in the Kootenays. It operates a gas bar and convenience store in Fruitvale.

Sapriken said if the merger is approved, the new co-op would be legally known as Valley Merchant Co-operative, but would be referred in day-to-day business just as the Valley Co-op.

The two co-ops combined have about 11,000 members.

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Two longstanding West Kootenay co-ops are thinking about joining forces.

The board of directors of the Fruitvale Co-op and Slocan Valley Co-op announced Wednesday that they are proposing to amalgamate.

In a news release, they said that “following months of collaborative discussions and a comprehensive review process,” the boards and leadership teams of both organizations have unanimously agreed that a merger is a good idea.

They say it would “enhance service delivery, strengthen operations and ensure long-term stability for members, customers and team members.”

If approved by members, the amalgamation would bring both co-ops under a single unified association.

“This is a positive opportunity for our members,” said Chris Sapriken, general manager of Slocan Valley Co-op. “By joining together, we can continue to build better, grow and diversify our co-ops to ensure relevance and strength in the area.”

In an interview, Sapriken said discussions began last year. Both co-ops belong to Federated Co-operatives Ltd. and used that organization’s help to do a feasibility study to see if a merger made sense. Based on that information, they’re now recommending it to their respective memberships.

Sapriken said the two co-ops have already collaborated “on numerous occasions” on matters of mutual benefit.

“The overall goal is to continue to offer value, to grow, and to be successful for our existing members and our next generation of members, said Pauline Bergstrom, general manager of Fruitvale Co-op. “Having one co-op association will provide members and customers with the products and services they love and an improved member experiences with access to lifetime membership benefits.”

Members of both co-ops have been invited to special information sessions to learn more and ask questions:

Fruitvale: May 12, 6:30 p.m. at Fruitvale Curling Rink
Slocan Valley: May 13, 6:30 p.m. at Slocan Park Community Hall

Members will then be asked to vote on the amalgamation on the following dates:

Fruitvale: May 26, 6:30 p.m. at Fruitvale Community Hall
Slocan Valley: May 27, 6:30 p.m. at Slocan Park Community Hall

A two-thirds majority vote in favour from both memberships is required for the amalgamation to proceed. If it succeeds, the merger is expected to take effect on Nov. 1.

The Slocan Valley Co-op was founded in 1957 and has more than 5,000 members. It operates gas bars and convenience stores in Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail. The Slocan Park location has a gas bar, grocery store, and liquor agency.

Additionally, the Slocan Valley Co-op has a bulk fuel department in Castlegar that serves Tempo service stations in Robson, Genelle, Christina Lake, and Winlaw, and the Husky station in Creston. In 2024, the co-op bought The Dam Restaurant and Bar in South Slocan.

The Fruitvale Co-op was established in 1935 as a transportation co-op and is the oldest surviving co-operative in the Kootenays. It operates a gas bar and convenience store in Fruitvale.

Sapriken said if the merger is approved, the new co-op would be legally known as Valley Merchant Co-operative, but would be referred in day-to-day business just as the Valley Co-op.

The two co-ops combined have about 11,000 members.

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The Nazko First Nation gathered, drummed, and marched together, bringing awareness of the still missing Sidney Boyd.

The fifth annual walk to bring awareness of Boyd and other Missing or Murdered Indigenous Men, Women, and Children was held on Thursday, April 2.

Members of Nazko and friends gathered at the small park across from Season’s House and walked across the Walking Bridge to Echen Hall.

Martina Perry, sister to Boyd, was grateful for the support.

“A lot of things go unnoticed when there are no names brought forward and no pictures posted,” said Perry. “So today is in hopes of getting his name back out there. Just bringing that forward gives a little bit of comfort every day, just to allow people to not lose hope or give up.”

Boyd’s close friend, Michelle Munch, says his friends and family have not given up hope that a new lead could be brought forward with each year the walk takes place.

“After five years, not a single day goes by that we don’t think about Sidney,” said Munch. “We often wonder where he is, we look for him in the smallest of signs when we’re searching. We hold onto that hope that one day someone will come forward and give us that tip we need, where we can bring him back home, because it’s hard to grieve when we don’t know where he is. That’s a pain we live with every single day.”

Over the years, Sidney’s Walk has become more than a search for one man. It is also a way to bring awareness to the other still missing Indigenous men, women, and children from the region.

Sidney Boyd was reported missing on April 5, 2021.

He was last seen in Quesnel’s downtown core.

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100 Mile House and District residents will be without their emergency department (ED) for the majority of this Easter Long Weekend.

Interior Health says the ED at 100 Mile House District General Hospital will be out of service starting Friday, April 3, from 3 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 4.

Sunday, April 5, the ED will be out of service from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

On Monday, April 6, it will be closed again from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Interior Health says patients in need of emergency care will have to go to Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake. Any patients with life-threatening injuries should call 911.

In a statement, the health authority says that it recognizes the impact this will have on the 100 Mile and District community and the importance of transparency at this time.

“Our teams remain committed to working to cover these shifts right up to the day of each potential service interruption,” Interior Health said in its statement. “If coverage is secured and an interruption is avoided, we will provide an update to the community.”

Interior Health continued by saying all other inpatient care will continue at 100 Mile District General Hospital.

It advises that if anyone is unsure whether an emergency room visit is needed, patients can call HealthLink BC at 811 or HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information.

After this weekend, the ED at 100 Mile District General Hospital will have been closed 16 times in 2026, which is more than the number of weekends so far this year.

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Nanaimo RCMP are asking for help finding a 46-year-old man who has not been seen or heard from in more than two weeks.

William “Billy” Morrell was reported missing by family on March 31 and police say his family is concerned for his wellbeing.

He has no fixed address and is believed to be in the Nanaimo area.

Police say the photo provided is recent and ask anyone with information that could help find him to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

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The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) says the planned departure of eight teams is a “disappointing outcome” for community-based junior hockey in British Columbia.

In a statement, the league said it has spent the past 24 months working with BC Hockey and partners to plan the future of sanctioned junior hockey in the province. That work included exploring opportunities for some teams to move to the Junior A Tier 1 level, while also focusing on the long-term sustainability of Tier 2 clubs.

Despite the split, the KIJHL said it remains committed to its partnerships with Hockey Canada, BC Hockey and minor hockey organizations.

“We thank the departing teams for their years in the KIJHL and wish them the best in the future,” said the KIJHL.

Details about plans for the 2026-27 season will be announced in the near future.

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Nanaimo RCMP are looking for witnesses after two signs associated with a federal petition from the Iranian community were vandalized.

Police say the signs along Island Highway North were spray painted black and the incidents were reported on March 23.

The vandalism is believed to have happened sometime between 6 p.m. on March 18 and March 19 at the Island Highway intersections at both Departure Bay Road and Aulds Road.

Investigators are asking anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area during this time to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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The City of Cranbrook has changed the designation of Spirit of the Rockies and introduced a new fess for the festival weekend.

it changes the designation from the city’s largest annual event to the official annual civic celebration.

That allows the director of recreation to authorize free public transportation on the Saturday of the festival weekend.

Council also adopted changes to the recreation and culture fees bylaw for the Spirit of the Rockies weekend.

The changes introduce a new fee for the festival to get preferred field fee rates for the tournaments associated with the festival.

The rate will be $125 per field (including lights) for the festival weekend.

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Fire dispatch in Nelson is now provided by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG).

The City gave the green light to outsource fire dispatch services through the RDFFG in June of 2025. The agreement came into effect on Tuesday.  

A press release from the RDFFG said the agreement means when someone in Nelson calls 911, the call is first answered by E-Comm, which determines the type of emergency and routes the call to police, fire or ambulance dispatch centres as required.

When a call requires fire rescue services, the RDFFG will dispatch firefighters and coordinate response resources.

The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is delivered by trained emergency communications professionals at the Fire Operations Communications Centre at Prince George Fire Hall No. 1.

Nelson Fire Rescue Services receives about 1,500 calls per year. The city approved the new dispatch agreement to address staffing pressures and align with other agencies in the Regional District of Central Kootenay, which already use the RDFFG’s fire dispatch services.

The city looked at several providers before entering the agreement with the RDFFG, which was ultimately identified as the most cost-effective choice.

“We reached out to Kelowna, Fraser Fort George, as well as looked at what it would cost for police to operate dispatch for us. And Fraser Fort George was the more cost-effective option by a significant margin,” Nelson Fire Chief Jeff Hebert said at the June 5, 2025 council meeting.

“We had discussions with other municipalities that run both police and fire dispatching, and the challenges that we ran into were that fire and police CAD (computer-aided dispatch) systems don’t talk to each other. We’d need to run independent CAD, which is very cost-prohibitive, and the staffing increases required to meet the fire dispatch requirements made police not a viable option.”

The transition will also save the fire service $61,000 in total operating costs over three years.

The new fire dispatch service will cost up to $211,000 per year from 2026 to 2028, based on 2,000 fire dispatch calls annually. Most of these costs will be covered by savings from reduced overtime for staff.

An additional $100,000 covers items such as radio dispatch equipment and upgrades to fire station alert systems, which aren’t covered by the grant.

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The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) has released its statement on the news that eight teams will be leaving the league to create their own.

Here is the KIJHL’s statement:

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has issued a statement regarding an announcement by eight clubs to leave the KIJHL and operate a league outside the sanctioning of Hockey Canada:

Over the past 24 months, the KIJHL has worked diligently with BC Hockey and its partners to help determine the future pathway of sanctioned junior hockey in British Columbia. While much of this planning has focused on the opportunity for teams to elevate to the Junior A, Tier 1 level, there has also been significant time and resources invested in ensuring the future sustainability of members who remain and compete at the Tier 2 level.

While this announcement represents a disappointing outcome for community-driven, sanctioned junior hockey in our province, the KIJHL remains committed to strengthening existing partnerships with Hockey Canada, BC Hockey, and our minor hockey partners. We thank the departing teams for their years in the KIJHL and wish them the best in the future.

An announcement regarding plans for the 2026-27 season will be made in the near future.

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Hope Beyond Borders is giving residents a unique way to support its work.

The local animal rescue group is offering an exclusive four-hour private charter cruise aboard the historic Cara Mia on Kootenay Lake this summer to raise funds for animals in need.

The cruise can accommodate up to four guests and includes a captain-guided tour of Kootenay Lake’s scenic spots, as well as hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

The all-inclusive cost is $1,000, with all proceeds going directly to Hope Beyond Borders Animal Rescue to support medical care and supplies for dogs rescued from Mexico.

The cruise is designed for small groups, which Hope Beyond Borders founder Denise Maglio said makes it a perfect way to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary, or simply enjoy the region’s beauty.

“It’s a beautiful thing to do. If somebody’s got like an anniversary or birthday, it’s a great experience. And so we’re going to be probably doing two of those cruises, and that would really help us with the animals,” Maglio said.

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A section of St. Ann’s Road in Campbell River will be closed to traffic Wednesday morning for maintenance work. 

The road will be fully closed between Alder Street and Island Highway/Shoppers Row on April 8. 

City crews will be on site from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. completing boulevard maintenance. 

Drivers are asked to respect all traffic controls in place.

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The Quinsam River bridge on Highway 28 near Campbell River has been reduced to single-lane alternating traffic until further notice.

Local highways contractor Mainroad North Island Contracting said the bridge is routinely inspected by ministry staff. After a recent inspection, officials recommended limiting traffic to one lane.

“While the bridge remains safe for use, this is a prudent interim measure to ensure safety while a permanent repair solution is planned and delivered,” said a Mainroad news release. “The bridge will remain open to pedestrian and cyclist traffic.”

Mainroad said work is underway to design permanent repairs.

To reduce risk to fish and fish habitat, construction is expected to begin in June, with completion anticipated in August.

Drivers can expect delays and are asked to respect all traffic controls.

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The Comox Valley Regional District says the region is preparing to celebrate Canada’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a community viewing event. 

As part of a B.C. government announcement Tuesday, the Comox Valley will receive $60,000 to host a viewing party for Canada’s opening match on June 12, along with live local music and cultural performances. 

Melanie McCollum, chair of the Comox Valley Recreation Commission, said organizers are excited to host an affordable event for residents across the Comox Valley. 

“Very few people can afford to go and attend in person so having an event like this where it’s free, it’s family-friendly, it’s inclusive and we can bring the whole community together and celebrate the diversity of the Comox Valley and really share connection through a fun experience.” 

McCollum said planning for the viewing party is still in the early stages. The event is expected to take place at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds and she said there may not be a limit on the number of people allowed to attend. 

The province said 32 municipalities, regional districts and First Nations will receive a combined $1.7 million in one-time funding to host community events ranging from single-day soccer-themed gatherings to large multi-day public match-viewing events. 

McCollum said the event could lead to an increase in soccer registrations in the Comox Valley. She said the region is preparing for potential growth with plans for a second artificial turf field in the future. 

“There’s a real challenge in cities in North America and I think that will probably continue but we may see some prioritization of resources to new field spaces coming out of the FIFA World Cup.” 

The grant is being provided to the Comox Valley Regional District, though McCollum said municipalities across the region will work together to organize the event. 

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The BC Wildfire is preparing for five prescribed burns in the East Kootenay this spring.

Four of the burns are in the Invermere area.

A 98 hectare burn is planned for Lot 48, a seven hectare burn in the Dry Gulch Provincial Park, 23 hectares near Canal Flats and another 28 hectare burn by Invermere.

There’s one planned for the Cranbrook area, with a 22 hectare burn by Warder.

The Southeast Fire Centre said this isn’t a finalized list and more could be added.

some of these burns could also be cancelled and conducted in the fall depending on conditions.

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Nelson residents will be able to take in the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup close to home, with new provincial funding supporting a series of free community events.  

The province is giving the city $100,000 through its 2026 Community Event Support Fund, which will see a total of $1.7 million given to 32 communities across B.C. 

Kootenay-Central MLA Brittny Anderson said in a press release that the money will go toward free public activities, including match viewings and community events.  

“I am thrilled that Nelson will be able to welcome people from across the region to join together during the World Cup!” Said Anderson. 

 “In the Kootenays we love soccer, and moments like these bring people closer together and highlight the strong sense of community we value so deeply. Go Canada!” 

According to the province, Nelson will host four days of public match screenings at Lakeside Park, along with additional indoor viewing opportunities and soccer-themed activities. A downtown event involving local businesses is also planned. 

Nelson received the largest allocation in the entire province. 

The province says the funding is intended to support local events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including public screenings, cultural programming and community gatherings.  

The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, is scheduled for June and July 2026. 

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The Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society’s temporary warming shelter in Smithers closed its doors Tuesday night.

Funding was provided by BC Housing’s Emergency Shelter Program and opened in November last year.

“We’re proud to say that we met our goal of keeping a warm, safe 24/7 space open all winter to people at risk in our community,” said Society Program Manager Billie Kennedy.

She added the shelter was able connect guests with outreach services, supports, and longer-term housing for some.

“These shelter spaces are lifesaving. Without them, the most vulnerable people in our communities face significant health and safety risks every night they spend outdoors,” BC Housing told My Bulkley Lakes Now.

While the shelter was open, town Community and Engagement Officer Samantha LeBlanc said only four to seven tents were set up at the temporary overnight shelter area.

“We have seen about 10 to 15 tents go up over the last few days so it is a bit of an increase,” she added.

The society said it will continue to operate with various projects to support those moving back into the encampment.

“We’ve been incredibly moved by the support we’ve received from so many folks in the Smithers community,” said Kennedy.

“All of this generosity and warmth helped keep the shelter running smoothly and lifted the spirits of both guests and staff.”

BC Housing is continuing to work on two projects in Smithers around addressing homelessness with HEART and HEARTH, and the Alfred Avenue housing project.

“The next step will likely be some community engagement around locations of temporary warming shelters and providing shelter in our community,” LeBlanc said.

The Alfred Avenue housing project will bring 40 new supportive housing units and 20 permanent shelter beds to the community.

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All four teams are even in the Coy Cup standings.

After two games of play, all four teams are tied 1 win and 1 loss apiece after the Quesnel Kangaroos beat the Rossland Warriors 3 to 2 last night.

The Roos opened the scoring in the first, Tanner Cochrane scoring unassisted.

Rossland scored two unanswered goals in the second period to take the lead.

Tavis Roch tied the game for Quesnel early in the third, off a Brody Dale assist and a Chase Astorino assist. Dale would score the game winner late in the third period, with the assist from Tanner Cochrane.

The Kangaroos will take on the Powell River Regals in their final game of the round robin on Thursday, April 2.

The Coy Cup Final is scheduled for Saturday, April 4.

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Kimberley Dynamiters goaltender Adam Kisilevich has been named the KIJHL’s Rookie of the Week after a standout performance in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Edmonton native backstopped the Dynamiters to a five-game series win over the Fernie Ghostriders, securing the Eddie Mountain Division title and a berth in the Kootenay Conference final.

Kisilevich posted two wins during the series, stopping 49 of 51 shots for a 0.94 goals-against average and an impressive .961 save percentage.

“Adam was excellent all series. He gives us a chance to win every time he starts,” Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. He added that he was impressed with Kisilevich’s “calmness and ability to make hard saves look easy.”

Through seven playoff appearances, Kisilevich remains unbeaten with a 7-0 record, along with a 1.12 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage.

The Dynamiters now move on to the Kootenay Conference final as they continue their playoff run.

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The East Kootenay FireSmart program is getting set for the third annual Ember Stomp event in Jaffray.

The wildfire community preparedness day event is scheduled for May 1.

“All residents in the area are invited to take part in Ember Stomp to learn what they can do to help themselves, their neighbours, and their communities be prepared in case of wildfire,” said RDEK Emergency and Disaster Mitigation Coordinator, Sloane More.

“Local FireSmart Representative, Jessica Chalmers, has worked incredibly hard on putting together a day filled with activities, including an educational presentation at 1 p.m., a live fire demonstration at 2 p.m. from our Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service and more. Bring the kids to check out the wildland firefighting apparatus, play games, meet Ember the FireSmart Fox, and learn more about wildfire preparedness.”

The event will be at the Jaffray Community Hall from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It will feature the Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service, BC Wildfire Service and Living Lakes Canada among many other organizations.

The full list of participants can be found here.

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The Nanaimo RCMP say a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant may be in the area. 

Police said the warrant was issued for 39-year-old Clint Billy after he failed to comply with release conditions following his parole. 

Billy served part of a two-year sentence for robbery and weapons offences. Police said he was released on March 24 and instructed to live at a home in Victoria. 

“Although Billy does not have confirmed connections to Nanaimo, police have received information indicating he may be in the area,” reads a news release from Nanaimo RCMP. 

Billy is described as an Indigenous man who is six feet tall and weighs 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a sleeve tattoo on his left arm depicting Japanese demons. 

Police said the photo provided is recent and asked anyone with information that could help locate him to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 or the nearest RCMP detachment if he is seen elsewhere. 

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Cranbrook’s annual street sweeping is chugging along and crews are shifting to Zone 2A West.

Crews are starting operations there today and will last for a few weeks.

Zone 2A West covers from 11th Street South to 19th Street South between 1st Avenue South and 7th Avenue/Larch Drive/4th Avenue South.

Crews will be working Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Residents are asked to avoid parking on the street during these times.

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A major overhaul of how health professionals are regulated in British Columbia took effect Wednesday.

The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) covers doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and a wide range of other regulated health professions.

B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne has said the overhaul is intended to provide more independent oversight and transparency, improve the complaints process, and better address anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care system.

“These changes will not disrupt day-to-day operations for health-care providers or the care that patients receive,” Osborne said Tuesday.

But critics say the act represents government overreach in the health-care system, and groups representing health professionals argue they were not adequately consulted on the changes.

The province passed the HPOA in 2022, and regulations were approved last year to bring it into force this April.

It replaces the previous Health Professions Act, which had governed health professionals and regulatory colleges since the ’90s.

In 2024, the province moved to amalgamate B.C.’s 15 health-profession regulatory colleges into six. The province also established a new oversight office under the HPOA and appointed a superintendent to oversee the six colleges.

The new framework includes a tribunal to oversee the discipline process for regulated health professions. The tribunal will be able to hold disciplinary hearings, hear appeals, and decide what information to make public after each case is finished.

One key change under the HPOA is that the oversight office will make recommendations for appointments to college boards, replacing the previous internal election process within the colleges.

The province said the superintendent will recommend board appointments to the health minister based on merit and diversity of perspectives.

Osborne said boards will continue to be composed of at least half professionals and half public members.

“This is to make it more clear that colleges are there to regulate the professionals…in the interests of the public, not in the interests of the professionals themselves,” Osborne said.

The province said the HPOA also creates new safeguards for addressing the spread of false and misleading information.

B.C. Conservative health critic Anna Kindy, who is a physician, said the changes amount to government overreach.

“Now it’s government that’s government that’s going to decide what is misinformation, without input from the frontlines,” said Kindy.

Doctors of B.C. president Dr. Adam Thompson said in an interview that while most doctors are well prepared for the changes, many are not welcoming them. He said the ministry did not properly engage with physicians in B.C. to understand and address their concerns.

“We’ve had a regulatory system for physicians in British Columbia for decades that’s been very effective,” Thompson said. “There’s a health-care crisis at the moment, not a regulatory crisis.”

He said some doctors are concerned the legislation limits their right to appeal disciplinary decisions largely to an internal process. Previously, they had the right to take appeals to the B.C. Supreme Court, but now they will instead be allowed to seek a judicial review.

Thompson said many are also concerned the new disciplinary structure will require complaints to be published online.

“The risk is that as doctors become fearful of the complaints system…they will practise what’s called ‘defensive medicine,’ so they will go above and beyond and start ordering investigations like CT scans that really aren’t warranted,” Thompson said, adding that it can also increase patient anxiety.

The province said the HPOA aims to increase transparency around the complaints process. It said only disciplinary orders made with the consent of the respondent, or following a finding of misconduct by the discipline tribunal, will be published.

Angela Wignall, CEO of the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of B.C., also said there has been a lack of engagement from the province around the legislation.

She said, while nurses broadly support the province’s goals of improving patient protections, the HPOA goes too far.

“It goes so far that it removes those disciplinary functions from the profession and puts them into a ministry office,” she said. “These are really big, very significant changes that potentially will change how professions behave.”

Wignall said she would have liked to see the rollout of the changes happen more slowly, with more engagement with health professionals.

“We know from our partners across the system that they are not ready for this to go into full force on Day One,” she said.

Osborne said the health ministry engaged with health professionals and colleges as the legislation was developed and implemented, and she expects that to continue. She encouraged health-care professionals to provide feedback to their colleges and trade associations.

Ayendri Riddell with the B.C. Health Coalition said the legislation provides stronger mechanisms for addressing anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care system.

Riddell said she believes the changes under the HPOA will allow more patients to have their voices heard.

“We know through research that communities having a say in health-care provision is always better,” she said. “It means better access, better health care.”

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The B.C. Conservatives and some families of children with autism gathered at the legislature Thursday to call on the province to reconsider recent changes to disability funding.

They voiced concerns that the new programs could reduce access to needed supports and funding for children with autism.

The B.C. government announced in February it would replace the current autism funding program with a new benefits model.

The province said the new benefit will provide families of children with significant disabilities with $6,500 or $17,000 per year, based on need. The benefit will be phased in over 2026 and 2027.

It also said $80 million will be used to expand community programs, such as behavioural therapy and mental health supports.

The previous autism funding program, created in 2002, offers up to $22,000 annually for children aged three to five, and up to $6,000 for children and youth aged six to 18.

The broader funding approach under the new program has been praised by families of children with disabilities such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, who have long been ineligible for funding in B.C.

However, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has said some families of autistic children with lower needs who exceed a $200,000 household income threshold may see their direct funding reduced under the new program.

Children and family development critic Reann Gasper said Thursday during a rally in front of the legislature that more than 10,000 children would be affected by the changes.

“We do not want to build a better system by pulling support away from children who are already receiving it,” said Gasper.

Jennifer Marcell said her family travelled four hours from their home in the small community of Sayward to attend the legislature gathering. She said her four children with autism were receiving funding under the previous model.

She said that under the new program, her children will no longer be able to access at-home therapy, and the family will instead need to drive two hours to see a therapist.

“With four kids, it’s very hard to manage,” said Marcell.

The province has shared example profiles illustrating how funding might change for families. In one example, a child dubbed “Sam,” who has low-needs autism and a household income of $165,000, would see their funding reduced from $78,000 over their childhood to $41,600. The province said the child would also have priority access to expanded community programs, such as employment-readiness groups and speech-language therapy.

MCFD Minister Jodie Wickens said the province is taking a more “tailored approach” to disability funding, based on advice from experts.

“We’re making sure that funding is based on functional need, not a singular diagnosis alone,” said Wickens.

“When you change a system … that is going to be hard for some families,” she said.

Provincial data show an estimated 107,000 children and youth in B.C. have support needs, not including those with milder needs such as learning disabilities.

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100 Mile House and District residents will be out of their Emergency Department today.

Interior Health has said the Emergency Department at 100 Mile District General Hospital will be closed today, Thursday, April 2, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Patients in need of emergency care will have to access it at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake. Patients in need of life-threatening care should call 911.

The Health Authority says that all other in-patient services will continue at 100 Mile District General.

If any patient has questions about their injuries or whether they need to go to the emergency department. Call Healthlink BC at 811 or visit its website, Healthlinkbc.ca.

This is the thirteenth time the ED at 100 Mile District General has been closed in 2026. It was closed 8 times in the month of March alone.

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Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd (CCR) working with provincial and federal partners, have rehabilitated wildfire-affected forests in the Cariboo Chilcotin region.

Following events like the 2017 Elephant Hill fire, many areas were left with dense stands of damaged trees and heavy fuel buildup, increasing the risk in the landscape and slowing natural forest growth.

With support from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) CCR has been able to rehabilitate thousands of hectares through various projects.

That includes the Pressy Lake pilot project, the ongoing Palmer Lake rehabilitation initiative, and fuel break work near local communities.

Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation said they have completed approximately 1,000 hectares of risk reduction work through the construction of fuel breaks and has rehabilitated roughly 3,000 hectares of fire-damaged forest.

They also focus on utilizing wood fibre that might otherwise be burned or left to decay.

Through fibre recovery and rehabilitation work, more than one million cubic metres of wood fibre have been put to use supporting pulp, bioenergy, and biomass production while reducing waste.

“Support from the FESBC and Natural Resources Canada has allowed us to take on large scale rehabilitation work that would not otherwise be possible,” Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation said, “it has helped us reduce risk, recover usable wood fibre, and move these areas toward long-term recovery.”

CCR looks forward to continuing this work together in the future.

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The City of Trail spent far less money plowing snow last year compared to the four years previous.

Figures presented to council last week by chief administrator Colin McClure showed the city spent about $334,000 in 2025, which includes both the early months and the tail end of the year, and therefore parts of two winters.

This is how that compares to the previous few years:

2024: $501,000
2023: $537,000
2022: $1.1 million
2021: $696,000

McClure explained the lack of snow didn’t mean city workers were idle. Instead, they were redeployed to work on local parks.

According to the website Canada Weather Stats, Trail had 73 days with snow in 2025, compared to 90 days in 2024 and 103 days in 2023.

The largest snowfall last year came on Jan. 31, when about 10 centimeters fell overnight. But the end of the year showed a stark contrast: Trail was mostly snow-free through December.

Because early 2026 was also very mild, McClure said it’s possible the city’s snow plow bill will come in below average again this year. As a result, part of the public works budget has been moved to parks for this year.

Between Oct. 1, 2025 and March 28, 2026, Trail only received 23 centimeters of snow. Trail’s average annual snowfall is 181 centimeters.

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Much like the rest of the province, Northern Health is seeing an influx of American health care professional being hired on.

According to the province, over 500 U.S. trained medical staff have been hired in B.C. as of February – 30 of which have found their way to our region.

Some of the communities who have hired on American health care workers include McBride, Prince George, Quesnel, Fort St John, Terrace and Prince Rupert.

From March 2025 until this February, B.C. received over 2,900 job applications from U.S. Health Care professionals.

The province states 77% of British Columbians are now attached to a primary care provider.

The full hiring breakdown province-wide looks like this:

* 109 doctors, and specifically more than 25 family doctors

* 315 nurses

* 51 nurse practitioners

* 29 allied health professionals

“Primary care is how people get answers early, stay healthier, and avoid more serious issues down the road. That’s why connecting more people to family doctors and nurse practitioners across B.C. has been a top priority,” said Premier David Eby.

“At the same time, more doctors and health professionals from the United States are choosing B.C. because they can focus on patients in a strong public system that values their work. That means shorter waits and better care when you need it most.”

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The Tumbler Ridge RCMP says a number of firearms seized during previous investigations have been destroyed as a part of routine operations.

A total of 20 firearms, seized during investigations between 2016 and 2024, were destroyed.

According to police, it has come to their attention that local community members found the destroyed firearms, which has reportedly led to rumours suggesting they were connected to February’s tragedy.

Mounties want to clarify there is no connection between the destroyed firearms and the February incident.

“All firearms related to the February tragedy are currently being held by the North District Major Crime Unit as part of their ongoing investigation,” said Interim Detachment Commander Sergeant Ian Rissanen.

“Non of the firearms destroyed as part of this routine process are connected to that event.”

The Tumbler Ridge RCMP say they understand the concern these rumours may cause, and encourages any community members with questions or concerns to contact the detachment directly.

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Kimberley RCMP are investigating an incident involving a 2004 silver Chevrolet Cavalier with B.C. licence plate JF869C that occurred Friday, March 27.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who has dashcam footage of it in Kimberley or along Highway 95A between Kimberley and Marysville between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kimberley RCMP at 250-427-4811.

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The countdown for Nelson’s patio season is underway – and it could arrive earlier than expected.

Outdoor patios are officially scheduled to open May 1, but city staff say favourable weather and preparation timelines could move up that date.

At the March 17 council meeting, Manager of Community Planning Chris Johnson said the city hopes to allow patios to open as soon as conditions allow.

“We always try and do it sooner. As we get near to the day, based on our progress and weather and all of those things, we inform them [businesses] if we think that we can open them sooner,” Johnson said.

Last year, patios opened ahead of schedule on April 15.

Johnson said businesses will be notified early this month if an early opening is possible, giving them time to prepare.

In the meantime, business owners are encouraged to submit their patio applications to the city’s planning department as soon as possible.

Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.

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April is here, and a local brewery is teaming up with BC Marine Trails to recognise Earth Day later this month in Courtenay.

Ace Brewing, with support from BC Marine Trails, is hosting its second annual cleanup of the Courtenay River on April 26, the first Sunday following Earth Day.

Those who take part in the annual cleanup will meet the volunteer crew at Ace Brewing on Mansfield Drive before heading to the river.

Garbage bags will be provided, but you’re asked to bring your own gloves.

After the cleanup, all are invited to return to Ace Brewing for discounted lunch and beverages.

The event will go rain or shine. You can RSVP by clicking here.

– Article includes link and photo from BC Marine Trails

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 The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s chief executive officer said the market is sitting in balanced territory as it picks up moving into spring. 

The VIREB recorded 636 sales across all property types on the island in March, up one per cent from the same time last year.  

Active listings were up two per cent from March last year, with 3,776 units on the market.  

Jason Yochim, chief executive officer of VIREB, said historic stability on the island market compared with other regions in the province remains. 

“Vancouver Island remains a highly desirable place to live, particularly for retirees, which helps support demand even during periods of uncertainty. While buyers may be taking a bit more time, the fundamentals of our market remain strong,” he said. 

The benchmark price for a single-family home on the island in March was $780,500, up one per cent over February and the same as March last year. 

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BC Ferries is reminding Easter travellers to plan ahead for the long weekend.

Travellers are advised to book early or choose off‑peak sailings to secure space.

“Booking early and choosing less busy sailings where possible gives customers more certainty and helps keep everyone moving through the system — especially during busy periods, when demand is high and we’re operating within a constrained system,” said Melanie Lucia, vice‑president of customer experience.

Meanwhile, BC Ferries has rolled out new tools that could help with finding a spot on busy or sold‑out sailings.

Sailing alerts are being expanded to include the Duke Point to Tsawwassen route. The alerts are already available for the Comox to Powell River and Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay routes.

Additionally, a new waitlist pilot project is launching Thursday, April 2 for the Comox to Powell River route.

This allows customers to join a waitlist for a sailing where bookable space is sold out and will be automatically booked and charged if space becomes available, based on their position in line.

“As demand continues to grow on our busiest routes, tools like sailing alerts and waitlists give customers more ways to secure the sailing they want — even when bookable space is initially full,” added Lucia.

Customers are reminded that anyone travelling by vehicle from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo must book their sailing in advance.

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BC Ferries is reminding Easter travellers to plan ahead for the long weekend.

Travellers are advised to book early or choose off‑peak sailings to secure space.

“Booking early and choosing less busy sailings where possible gives customers more certainty and helps keep everyone moving through the system — especially during busy periods, when demand is high and we’re operating within a constrained system,” said Melanie Lucia, vice‑president of customer experience.

Meanwhile, BC Ferries has rolled out new tools that could help with finding a spot on busy or sold‑out sailings.

Sailing alerts are being expanded to include the Duke Point to Tsawwassen route. The alerts are already available for the Comox to Powell River and Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay routes.

Additionally, a new waitlist pilot project is launching Thursday, April 2 for the Comox to Powell River route.

This allows customers to join a waitlist for a sailing where bookable space is sold out and will be automatically booked and charged if space becomes available, based on their position in line.

“As demand continues to grow on our busiest routes, tools like sailing alerts and waitlists give customers more ways to secure the sailing they want — even when bookable space is initially full,” added Lucia.

Customers are reminded that anyone travelling by vehicle from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo must book their sailing in advance.

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North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said an investigation is under way after a student was allegedly threatened at Chemainus Secondary School.  

Police said the incident occurred March 31 and that they were contacted by the school about the alleged threats made by a student.  

RCMP said they were concerned about the safety and well‑being of all involved.  

The investigation is still preliminary, but police said they attended the school, took the student into custody and transported them to hospital for medical assessment.  

RCMP said the investigation will be a collaborative effort with School District 79 Cowichan Valley to provide support to affected families and to evaluate the nature of the threat. 

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A pair of pools operated by the Sunshine Coast Regional District will have extended hours starting this month. 

The Sechelt Aquatic Centre will be open for 8.5 additional hours each week starting April 12, bringing its total operating time to 74.5 hours weekly. 

“These changes reflect ongoing efforts to better meet community demand and enhance access to recreation services across the Sunshine Coast,” reads a news release from the Sunshine Coast Regional District. “While the expansion is modest, extended Friday evening hours will provide improved access for patrons.” 

The Sunshine Coast Regional District said expanded hours at the Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Centre will be introduced in two phases. 

Updated schedules and operating hours are available on the regional district’s website. 

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The 108 Heritage Site is a finalist in a National competition.

They are 1 of 12 heritage places from across the country competing in the National Trust for Canada’s Next Great Save contest.

“I belong to the National Trust website and it was on there,” Kelly Carnochan, President of the 100 Mile and District Historical Society said, “so I thought let’s throw our hat in and see what happens.”

$65,000 in prizes are available to support winning projects including a $50,000 grand prize and two runner-up prizes.

Carnochan said the Society’s goal is to keep preserving the history of the 108 Mile Heritage Site and explained what they would do with the money if they finished first.

“Our log barn, the Watson Barn that was built in 1908, it needs some work. So we keep saving money so that we can get some work done on it. It is still considered Canada’s largest standing log barn and we, the Cariboo own it.”

The other thing they would like to do with the money is to put it towards interpretative signs, one in each of the buildings for people who may have a disability that they can’t go into the buildings.

“We would take pictures of the inside of the buildings and put the history on the signage as well so everyone can be a part of each building,” Carnochan said.

We asked how busy the 108 Mile Heritage Site is.

“We’re open for 4 months of the year, from the May long weekend until the end of September. During our opening season we have whoever is working the Heritage Site try and count the visitors three times a day. In our counting in those 4 months we have over 13,000 visitors walk through here. We have a world map on our wall and we get people to put pins in where they’re from. Almost half come from Europe. We’ve had them all the way from New Zealand, Australia, even from Russia.”

She noted the site dates back to 1860 and a lot of the buildings are original to the site.

“The museum itself came from the the 105, it was part of the MacNeal ranch, the Watson barn was built by captain Watson who owned 35,000 acres at the time when he owned this property and he built it for his hundred Clydesdale’s. The Post House is part of the notorious Agnus McVee who apparently murdered 56 people and stole the gold from miners,” Carnochan said.

You can vote once per day for the 108 Mile Heritage Site starting April 7 at 10 am by going online nextgreatsave.ca and the winner and two runner-ups will be announced April 24 at 2 pm.

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The Prince George RCMP made quick work of an arrest following a break-and-enter.

Just before midnight on Monday, March 30, the RCMP were notified an unauthorized person was inside of a compound on the 2000-block of First Avenue.

According to police, frontline officers attended and swiftly located the man inside of the compound, using a combination of traditional police tactics, a Police Dog Services team and a drone.

The man was arrested without incident and was taken to the Prince George RCMP detachment.

The suspect was identified as James Edward Martin Smith, who police say had two outstanding unendorsed arrest warrants at the time of his arrest.

Mounties say Smith was held in custody until he could attend court.

“The speed at which investigators located and arrested the suspect was due in part to the quick notification to police of the occurrence, but also due to our blend of traditional police tactics with advancements in available technology,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.

“We look forward to the continued use and positive results we are seeing with the new technologies we have been integrating into our investigations.”

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Provincial funding has helped increase training capacity for fire departments in the Regional District of Nanaimo. 

A $200,000 grant from the provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund helped equip the Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue training centre with live training props and supported construction of a new joint training facility for the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department and Lantzville Fire Rescue. 

The live training props were funded with $120,000 from the grant and will be used by firefighters with Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue, the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department and the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department. 

“The car fire training prop will enhance firefighter readiness and operational effectiveness across our region by expanding access to high-quality, standardized training. This investment directly supports improved emergency response capabilities and shows strong regional collaboration among local fire rescue departments in delivering effective service to our communities,” said Peter Cornell, fire chief at Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue. 

The remaining $80,000 supported construction of a new joint training facility at the Nanoose fire hall. The two-storey building includes multiple rooms, stairs, windows and training props. 

Additional funding for the project came from Growing Community Funds ($30,000), Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area E ($28,500), Electoral Area G ($1,500), the Lantzville Fire Rescue budget ($30,000) and a donation of nearly $48,000 made to the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department in 2020. 

“The new training facility has significantly elevated the level of training the fire department can offer our crews. It allows our firefighters to safely train more often and realistically, directly improving the service we provide to our community and mutual aid partners. We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this important initiative a reality,” said Leo Groenewegen, fire chief at the Nanoose Bay fire department. 

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The Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating the arrival of a new fire engine, replacing the truck that has served the island since 1997.

According to the qathet Regional District, the new fire engine, built and delivered at a cost of $577,652, was designed to carry 600 gallons of water, along with a pump and firefighting equipment on a short wheelbase.

“Designing a fire engine to meet the unique conditions on Savary Island while also meeting the stringent apparatus requirements of the Fire Underwriters Survey is a challenging task,” said electoral Area A director Jason Lennox. “The new, optimized fire engine has officially arrived and is ready to roll into service.”

The regional district said the new apparatus will support ongoing fire protection and suppression efforts on the island.

“The new fire engine is an essential asset for maintaining reliable and effective fire response for Savary Island,” said Savary Island volunteer fire Chief Doug Corbett. “Recognizing the unique environment of the Island, our response teams are excited to have this specialized, and fully compliant engine which will maintain the Island’s current fire insurance grading.”

The new apparatus arrived on Savary Island by barge March 29.

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The Cowichan Valley Regional District said communication around its proposed Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw could have been clearer and outlined how it plans to proceed with public engagement. 

Board chair Kate Segall said the bylaw remains in a preliminary phase and emphasized directors want to ensure the rules are fair and equitable across the region. 

“No draft is perfect,” she said. “All the electoral area directors are dedicated in doing the work that it takes and making the revisions necessary for the zoning bylaw to support the community.” 

Segall said the purpose of the bylaw is to consolidate several existing zoning bylaws and update older regulations while shaping land-use rules to meet current community needs. 

“There are different zoning bylaws for each electoral area,” Segall said. “They’re inconsistent with what’s happening in our community, and the draft bylaw would consolidate all the others into one and introduce some new ones to include residential chickens, food trucks and farm stands.” 

Recommendations had been put forward for a special meeting where the bylaw would have received first reading, but Segall said more work is needed before directors consider a vote. 

“The draft isn’t ready to go to that stage,” she said. “We will be amending our recommendation on today’s (Apr. 1) agenda to ensure all the community engagement is completed and included in the draft before we have any bylaw reading, and we’ll also consider the option of a public hearing.” 

During a rally held March 31 in Duncan, British Columbia, concerns were raised about food security and the potential impacts the bylaw could have on local food production. 

“Area directors are paying very close attention to any regulations that may have unintended consequences regarding agriculture,” Segall said. “We want to support food security across the region.” 

According to the regional district, other points of discussion in the proposed bylaw include regulations around food trucks and recreational vehicles. 

Segall said food trucks are currently allowed only in the Skywalk area under existing bylaws and the draft would expand where they could operate. 

“The new bylaw would allow them in the entire area,” she said. 

Segall estimated adoption of the bylaw could happen in September, but said no timeline has been finalized while revisions and public consultation continue. 

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A new shelter has opened in Powell River to help the community’s unhoused population. 

The B.C. government announced 40 new beds are available at the temporary Driftwood Shelter, located at 7104 Barnet St. 

Powell River–Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill said helping vulnerable residents is one of many actions the government is taking to support the community. 

“These shelter spaces are the first step to ensuring that no one in Powell River is left behind and we’re looking forward to continuing our work together to help people find homes, improving safety for them and the community.” 

The shelter opened following the closure of a 20-bed emergency shelter at 4746 Joyce Ave. in March 2025. 

It will be operated by Lift Community Services and has been built using temporary modular units. The shelter will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round while work continues on a permanent facility. 

The shelter will offer 24-hour staffing, daily meals, laundry and hygiene facilities, storage for belongings and connections to housing and support services. 

“The Driftwood Shelter is a place where the Powell River Community comes together to support essential needs and provide life-saving supports, ensuring people have a place where safety, dignity and health are the priority,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne. 

The site will also include fenced grounds, controlled access, security cameras and lighting. 

The qathet overdose prevention service will also move to the temporary shelter site from its previous location at 4752 Joyce Ave. 

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Cranbrook city council has approved an amendment to the five-year financial plan for a pilot project involving the city’s wastewater treatment lagoons and wastewater collection system.

The city will shift $100,000 in 2026 and $120,000 in 2027 from the desludging reserve.

The money will go towards a pilot project to apply granular enzyme treatment to the lagoons and collection system.

City staff said Granular enzyme treatments are not a replacement for required treatment, but are allowed as an operational aid.

They said it should help reduce the need for desludging.

The pilot project will go for two years because city staff said they will have a good idea of its effectiveness by then.

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Changes to Elkford’s off-road vehicle bylaw are coming soon, but the mayor said they offer more clarity around existing laws.

The existing bylaw was adopted in 2006 and predates the BC Off-Road Vehicle Act that was implemented in 2015.

One change to the bylaw involves removing the annual district issued permit and fee since an RCMP permit is already required.

There is also a clear designation of trails within the district’s authority.

This bylaw has been in place,” said Mayor Steve Fairbairn.

“There are no rights or privileges being taken away.”

The bylaw amendments are expected to be adopted during the April 13 council meeting.

More on the bylaw can be found here.

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BC Hydro has begun a 15-day fish migration and spawning flow through Elk Falls Canyon to help steelhead reach spawning habitat.

Flows through the canyon increased to seven cubic metres per second late Tuesday, March 31, and are expected to continue until April 15.

BC Hydro said it will also provide two fish pulse flows lasting two days each. The pulses were originally scheduled to finish by March 26.

“These flows are now scheduled April 1 and 2 and April 8 and 9, during which flows down Elk Falls Canyon will be increased to 10 cubic metres per second,” the utility said.

The public is being urged to stay away from the canyon during the higher flows. Safety signage has been placed along trails in the Elk Falls Canyon area.

The falls can be viewed safely from the suspension bridge and the lookout in Elk Falls Provincial Park.

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Powell River plans to tighten up laws when it comes to resident’s interaction with wildlife – namely stuff that attracts large birds and bears.

The city says it’s getting more complaints about people feeding crows in residential areas, which has resulted in property damage and attracting pests.

During a discussion yesterday (Mar 31), Councillor George Doubt hopes the city doesn’t go overboard with new laws and property inspections.

“You know, if we need to strengthen the rules that we do have so we can prevent somebody from feeding crows that cause damage to a neighbour’s house and it actually does that, in an effective way, that’s fine,” Doubt said.

Right now the bylaw department doesn’t have the means to act on complaints about “animal attractants,” unless it has to do with pigeons or poultry.

Councillor Rob Southcott wants to see any new rules not infringe on people feeding little birds.

“As is pointed out in the (Town of) Gibsons bylaw, there are definitely ways to feed little birds that does not attract larger birds. At least not in a way where the larger birds are annoying and the last couple of winters I’ve actually been feeding small birds in a very controlled bird feeder because we enjoy the birds,” Southcott said.

Councillor Jim Palm added the city knew there would be problems when it introduced waste bins that were not bear-proof.

“We knew we were going to attract wildlife with our bins when we signed them up for duty. They’re not bear-proof and we knew that was coming. I had to build a shelter…in my carport just to deal with it and those aren’t cheap. We’re talking several thousand dollars if you want to keep bears out of that contained area,” Palm said.

“I don’t want to overburden our citizens, keep that in mind,” he said.

City staff have been asked by council to come back with a draft of a wildlife attractant bylaw, similar to the Town of Gibsons, for a future meeting.

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The Prince George Kodiaks’ new board of directors is now playing the waiting game when it comes to a decision on the upcoming season.

After the new board was elected at the team’s annual general meeting last week, work immediately got started to present a balanced budget to the BC Football Conference, something the league is requiring from the team, following recent organizational “restructuring”.

“We just wanted to get that out to the community that we’ve done everything the league has asked, we are moving forward, we are working diligently to get the information we need, where it needs to be, but we haven’t heard back from the league, so we’re kind of in a holding pattern right now,” Fricke said.

He added he’s going to be reaching out to the league to hopefully get an answer today. (Wednesday)

“There is a league meeting next week, and I need to know, we all need to know, what’s the future that we hold?” Fricke said.

“Is the work we’ve put in so far sufficient for the league to be happy, or do we need additional work? Personally, I want to know in either direction so I know what work needs to be done and what areas the league thinks we need improvement on, or just a little bit stronger case.”

Fricke said talks with the league so far have been very positive.

“The information was given, they were quite happy with it, and then through the conversations there’s a lot of laughter, a lot of jokes, a lot of positive messages of support from the league,” he said.

“Got the warm and fuzzies from that conversation, but as the days go on with no answers, warm and fuzzies only last so long, we need to know.”

Alongside budget planning, the board has also begun discussions to address the team’s head coaching position.

Last month, BCFC Coach of the Year Jamie Boreham was dismissed from the position by the previous board of directors.

The team says discussions to address the position includes entering preliminary conversations with Boreham.

“We’re approaching the coaching decision with care and respect for everyone involved,” Fricke said.

“our goal is to have the right leadership in place for our athletes and to give the program the best possible chance to succeed heading into the 2026 season.”

In the meantime, Fricke said one thing they do know is they will continue to run their youth programs.

“We have NFL Flag that starts on April 14 as long as there’s no snow,” he said.

“Good news there, we got all the coaching and stuff secured for that so the NFL Flag is good for the youth, so we can see some activity at least.”

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Residents protesting changes to the Official Community Plan in Duncan are calling on the Cowichan Valley Regional District to engage the public and halt a draft zoning bylaw. 

The approved plan has drawn opposition both in person and on social media, with farmers, residents and businesses urging the regional district to reconsider. 

Dennis Comeau, general manager of Top Shelf Feeds, attended a rally outside the CVRD office on Ingram Street. He said pushing the bylaw forward without public engagement puts several aspects of daily life at risk. 

“This is about B.C. food security,” Comeau said. “We learned a lot during the pandemic where we were short of food, and a lot of our backyard growers were the ones who brought food to the table,” 

Comeau also said food can be produced through several avenues and that limiting residents to six chickens could affect the local food supply. 

“We’re 94 per cent short on chicken demand,” he said. “These backyard growers only service six per cent of the population, and they’re supporting families across the region.” 

Comeau said the CVRD is not considering public feedback. Savannah Wright, a South Duncan resident, said she agrees. 

Wright said the more than 300-page bylaw is causing concern among residents and added that moving it forward without public consultation should raise alarm among Cowichan Valley residents. 

“This massive local protest happened within days because people are nervous,” Wright said. “People are scared and they’re not trusting the local representatives, because we’ve spoke up numerous times, but they seem to do what they want anyway.” 

Wright said removing the ability for residents to support one another through local food production shows disregard for the community. 

“We’re in a crisis where people are struggling to put food on their table,” she said. “It’s frustrating to hear they’re taking away an option for people to feed themselves nutritious, home-based food, who are less reliant on the system and have control over their food supply. 

“Rural life doesn’t want to be regulated.” 

An estimated 300 to 400 people attended the rally. Tek Manhas, a municipally appointed representative from North Cowichan, said he hopes the demonstration will prompt discussion. 

“There are directors who are stuck in their ways and who were dead set on getting the OCP they wanted,” he said. “I hope the rally makes a difference, but I don’t think it will.” 

The CVRD is scheduled to meet this afternoon (April 1) to discuss the comprehensive zoning bylaw. 

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A Quesnel River Rush player is heading to the collegiate leagues.

The KIJHL confirms Ian George has committed to play for the University of Flint-Michigan Wolverines in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 next fall.

George put up 16 goals, 16 assists, and 32 points across 44 games this season for the River Rush. He was ranked fifth among defencemen across the league in points and second in scoring. George was also pivotal on the Quesnel blue line.

“We love the two-way game that Ian George brings to the table,” said University of Flint-Michigan’s head coach Nick Karstens in a statement.

“We see him as a player that will lead our powerplay and play in all situations.”

In his KIJHL career, George played 122 games, scoring 31 goals, 48 assists, and 79 points, and played on the Quesnel River Rush and North Okanagan Knights.

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Garbage collection for commercial and residential customers in Elkford will take place Thursday, April 2, rather than Friday, April 3, due to the statutory holiday.

Officials said operational adjustments mean routes will vary, so residents should follow Elkford’s solid waste bylaw.

Officials also reminded residents that garbage containers must be placed at the curb and remain unclipped until 3:30 p.m. or until collected.

All District of Elkford facilities will be closed for Good Friday and Easter Monday.

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Rural fire departments in the RDEK are urging residents to be prepared when conducting spring burns, following three recent fires that got out of control.

The first call came on Monday, Mar. 30, in the Columbia Valley.

“Members of the Edgewater Fire Department responded yesterday afternoon after strong winds caused a small grassfire to quickly spread,” explained Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair.

“Fortunately, our crews were able to quickly contain the fire, but this could have been a much more serious situation.”

A few hours later, a separate fire on private property in the Brisco area was reported.

The next morning, six members of the Jaffray and Baynes Lake Fire Departments responded to a grassfire in the Baynes Lake area.

Sinclair said it’s extremely important that residents are properly prepared when conducting these burns.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring you have proper equipment, conditions and tools ready and with you before burning. In addition to a shovel and other tools, you must have a water source,” said Sinclair.

“Another important piece of planning prior to doing outdoor burning is checking the weather conditions to ensure you are not burning during windy conditions and then remain on site until the fire has been fully extinguished.”

He said this time of the year is known as the “spring dip” when snow has melted and temperatures start to rise.

During this time, dead, dry fuels from last season pose a fire risk.

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An ecosystem restoration cultural burn is planned to take place in the Chilcotin.

It is expected to begin today on approximately 30 hectares including the Xeni Gwet’in Rodeo Grounds within the declared title area adjacent to Nemiah Valley Road.

Smoke and flames will be visible from Xeni Gwet’in and surrounding residences.

Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times and the perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

This ecosystem restoration cultural burn may continue periodically until April tenth.

It’s being conducted by Xeni Gwet’in First Nation with support from BC Wildfire Service.

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On March 28th, 100 Mile House RCMP Sargeant Brian Lamb said a vehicle was observed with no license plates or temporary operator permit attached and was stopped.

He said the female driver advised that she was test driving the vehicle for possible purchase.

“Police conducted queries on the vehicle and found that it had been stolen from Chilliwack,” Lamb said, “The woman was arrested for possession of stolen property. A search of the vehicle yielded small amounts of suspected methamphetamine as well as counterfeit Canadian currency.”

Lamb said the female was held in custody and was later released to attend court on a future date.

The vehicle was towed and the owner notified.

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While they are open to further discussion, Trail council won’t reduce Teck’s share of the city’s overall tax bill this year.

The company has approached the city about reducing the amount it pays, which sits at 60 per cent of total municipal tax revenue. Teck would like to get that down to 50 per cent over the next decade.

Last week as part of budget discussions, council considered some options presented by city manager Colin McClure.

McClure said council could offer Teck a one per cent reduction in 2026 and direct staff to work with the company on a deal to provide further shifts based on addressing things like Teck’s current appeal of its property assessment, eliminating future assessment appeals, providing Teck-owned properties for future city use, and other funding support.

Alternatively, McClure said council could just decline the company’s request.

Councillor Bev Benson said she wasn’t against the idea of a reduction and wants industrial taxation to be fair, but asked why the request was coming now, given that a court decision on the company’s property assessment remains outstanding. She also noted Teck is on the verge of merging with Anglo American while Trail might amalgamate with Warfield.

Benson said it was worth talking with the company but felt it was too early to make a decision.

Council has heard that if the full tax shift was implemented overnight, the city would have to make up $2 million in lost revenue, which would presumably fall on residential and commercial taxpayers.

Councillor Nick Cashol said he considers the Teck tax shift “the single most important decision I will be making on council” and that it will set the city’s financial strategy “for the next decade plus.”

But Cashol felt the city has time to collect more information and solicit feedback from the United Steelworkers, businesses, and others. He said he wasn’t comfortable granting a reduction immediately, even at one per cent.

Cashol said he is “having a hard time” placing an additional burden on other taxpayers. He agreed 60 per cent is a large amount for a single company to pay, but is struggling to “find the rationalization to justify that allocation onto local businesses and taxpayers.”

He noted the company made $280 million last year and wondered if it was fair to ask other taxpayers to pay more. At the same time, he felt the company’s request was reasonable and said he wanted to work with Teck.

Cashol wondered how much of the $2 million might be absorbed by the growth of the tax base over the next decade.

Councillor Terry Martin, who sits on the city’s industrial tax committee, said he would like council to reach consensus and for taxpayers to understand council’s reasoning for whatever direction they head.

Mayor Colleen Jones said she fears small businesses would stand to be the most affected by a tax shift and feels they are already having a hard time in an “unstable economy” given American tariffs. But she said the matter deserves further discussion.

“Even when this was first proposed, Teck was very willing to work with us,” she said. “They understood this was a big step and something we’ve never entertained before. We certainly don’t have all the information we need.”

Council unanimously passed a motion not to decrease the major industry tax until it receives further information.

As part of background information to council, McClure provided a slide that showed the percentage of tax paid by major industry in other municipalities. At the top of the list is Kitimat, where the local aluminum smelter picks up 85 per cent of the overall bill. Slightly ahead of Trail is Tumbler Ridge, where coal mining pays 61 per cent.

In Castlegar, the Mercer Celgar pulp mill pays 28 per cent. The amount used to be 40 per cent but was reduced following a dispute in 2009 where the company refused to pay its taxes entirely.

Residential tax hike expected to be 3% to 3.5%

On the residential front, McClure recommended an average overall residential property tax increase of 3.5 per cent.

He showed a slide comparing Trail to 50 other municipalities, whose tax increases range this year from nothing (Vancouver) to a high of 17 per cent (Keremeos).

Local increases include Rossland at 10 per cent, Castlegar at 7.76 per cent, Nelson at 7.75 per cent, and Creston at 4.09 per cent.

McClure noted that because Trail has a higher tax base, smaller percentage increases generate more revenue than in many other places.

A 3.5 per cent increase would mean an average home assessed at $406,000 would pay $1,115 in municipal property tax, up from $1,077 in 2025, a net change of $38.

When adding the residential flat tax, property debt tax, water rates, and sewer rates, the average home pays $2,381, up from $2,308, a change of $73.

However, councillor Thea Hanson said she wasn’t prepared to support the 3.5 per cent increase and proposed an increase of three per cent instead.

McClure will present the implications of a three per cent increase for council’s consideration later this month.

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Interior Health says a respiratory outbreak at Minto House in Nakusp has ended.

Five people were infected since the outbreak at the long-term care facility began on April 21. The health authority says it was declared over this morning.

Minto House has 16 beds and is attached to Arrow Lakes Hospital.

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Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, with support from BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a cultural burn.

Fire Information Officer Amanda Cullum said burning is expected to begin as early as Wednesday April first and may continue periodically until April 6.

“The cultural burn will take place on approximately 18 hectares of land on two treatment units located near Nemiah Valley Lodge,” Cullum said, “ Smoke may be visible to Nemiah Valley and to motorists travelling along 900 Road.”

Cullum added that firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn and that the perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day.

Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

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Several Kootenay-based junior hockey teams are set to leave the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) to form a new independent circuit beginning in the 2026-27 season.

The Castlegar Rebels, Golden Rockets and Creston Valley Thunder are among eight teams that announced the creation of the Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL). The move will see the clubs end their affiliation with the KIJHL, Hockey Canada and B.C. Hockey following the 2025-26 season.

Other teams joining the new league include the 100 Mile House Wranglers, Chase Heat, Kelowna Chiefs, Sicamous Eagles and Spokane Braves.

Creston Valley Thunder president Brandon Buliziuk, acting co-spokesperson, said the decision is aimed at improving development opportunities and giving organizations more control over operations.

“We are pleased to announce our move to create an independent league starting next season and to operate outside of Hockey Canada’s umbrella going forward,” said Buliziuk.

“After lengthy discussions between our eight franchises, we believe this decision to create our own league will provide our players with more opportunities for development going forward.”

The departure of three Kootenay-region teams is expected to significantly alter the KIJHL’s footprint in southeastern B.C., where the league has long been a staple of junior hockey and a key draw for local fans.

Team officials said the new league will focus on expanding player development through affiliations with higher levels of hockey while also allowing clubs to make decisions tailored to their communities.

Buliziuk said the response has been positive since the announcement.

“This isn’t the establishment of a brand-new hockey league with brand-new organizations. All 8 clubs are very historic within the KIJHL and well-established franchises that have been operating junior teams. The quality remains, and in our view, the quality will actually increase,” he said.

“We really appreciate the support that our communities provide all the clubs and our players and we look forward to continuing to work with everybody to, to make sure that there’s still quality junior hockey, especially in our smaller towns in the Kootenays here and we’re very excited about what’s ahead.”

The founding members said more details about league structure, partnerships and scheduling will be released in the coming weeks ahead of the inaugural 2026-27 season.

“We would also like to thank our former league partners in the KIJHL for their years of partnership,” said Darryl Adamson, president of the Chase Heat and acting co-spokesperson. “We wish them nothing but the best going forward.”

The KIJHL has yet to respond to the announcement by eight of its teams, which will now depart to form their own league.

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The B.C. government is providing funding to communities across the province to celebrate the “beautiful game.” 

The province announced 32 municipalities, regional districts and First Nations will share $1.7 million in one-time funding to host free public events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

David Eby, premier of British Columbia, said hosting the tournament is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. 

“It’s something that everyone will remember, especially the thousands of kids in B.C. who look up to these incredible athletes.” 

The City of Campbell River will receive $20,000, the City of Nanaimo will receive $15,000 and the District of Sechelt will receive $20,000. Details about how the funding will be used in those communities have not yet been announced. 

The Comox Valley will receive $60,000 to host a public viewing of Canada’s opening match on June 12, along with live local music and cultural performances. 

Melanie McCollum, chair of the Comox Valley Recreation Commission, said the organization is proud to support initiatives that are accessible, inclusive and reflective of the region. 

“Events like this strengthen our community by creating opportunities for people to come together, connect and celebrate diversity.” 

The funding will support events ranging from single-day soccer-themed gatherings to larger multi-day public match-viewing events across the province. 

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The City of Fernie is sending a letter to the Ministry of Transportation opposing the planned detour at Dicken Road for construction project this summer.

Construction on the Hartley Creek bridge starting in May is set to divert all Highway 3 traffic the length of Dicken Road for six months.

The Dicken Road Safety Committee said the plan is not safe and asked the city to formally oppose it.

“From a safety perspective, Dicken Road is unsuitable for the heavy traffic sustained by Highway 3 because it has 38 private and business driveway accesses, eight mobile home park accesses, six multifamily and industrial subdivision accesses and eight primary commercial and secondary road intersections,: committee officials said.

“There is no paved shoulder, no street lighting, and it is regularly used by pedestrians and bicyclists to get back and forth to school and work. Speeding is already a concern.”

The committee said a temporary overpass should be built.

Council approved sending a letter opposing the detour plan, but is also open to have Ministry of Transportation officials come to council and explain the reasoning behind the decision.

The concerns were also brought to the RDEK and the board has also opposed it.

MORE: RDEK urges province to change detour during bridge construction (Mar. 16, 2026)

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Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan said he has no immediate plans to resign after being charged with offences related to intimate partner violence.

The B.C. Prosecution Service (BCPS) said Chan was charged last Wednesday with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats.

The provincial court file number related to the charges is a “K-file,” a designation used in cases of intimate partner violence.

The BCPS said a special prosecutor was appointed last June in relation to a Richmond RCMP investigation into the allegations against Chan.

Chan was at the legislature Monday and Tuesday to participate in the legislative assembly, sitting as an Independent.

“I did not know there was a special prosecutor until this month,” he told reporters Tuesday.

Chan said he was not contacted by police about the allegations prior to his election.

“I did not hide anything from my constituents. I did not hide anything from the party,” said Chan.

He did not respond to multiple questions about when he became aware of the police investigation, saying the matter is before the courts.

When asked if he planned to resign, Chan said, “not right now.”

Some NDP and Green MLAs have called for Chan to give up his seat.

Halford did not directly call for his resignation last week, saying that decision would be up to Chan.

Chan is due to appear in Richmond provincial court on April 22.

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Kalesnikoff Mass Timber is launching a new line of modular timber classrooms today at the world’s largest mass timber conference in Portland, Oregon, showcasing its innovation to thousands of attendees at Booth 878.

The company said in a press release that the classrooms are designed to address growing pressures on school infrastructure across North America.

“We are proud to introduce another innovative product from our exceptional team. Many communities in North America are growing, leaving local schools at capacity,” said Chris Kalesnikoff, President and C.E.O. of Kalesnikoff in a statement.

“These new modulars can be built and deployed rapidly, are cost effective, and create a warm and exceptional learning environment for students and staff.”

The modular classrooms, constructed of cross-laminated timber (CLT) from Kalesnikoff’s mass timber facility in the West Kootenays using high-quality B.C. wood, are highly adaptable. They can function as a single classroom or be combined into larger expansions or entirely new schools.

They can also be built in single-storey, or stacked configurations, and arrive with pre-installed heating, plumbing and digital systems.

“Given the rising costs and other challenges of traditional construction, and ongoing labour shortages, these modular classrooms – like modular housing – are generating a lot of interest,” added Kalesnikoff.

The company said the new mass timber classroom mods are “extremely adaptive” to meet the needs of the community and schools.

The structures are designed for timely assembly, delivery and site installation, while providing safe, modern mechanical air performance and resilient classroom spaces that remain comfortable in any climate.

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Half of the WHL’s Western Conference First All-Star Team have Prince George ties.

The WHL announced its First and Second All-Star teams for both conferences today (Tuesday).

Cougars defenceman Carson Carels and goaltender Josh Ravensbergen were named to the Western Conference First All-Star team, along with PG product and Seattle Thunderbirds forward Cameron Schmidt.

Carels, a product of Cypress River, Manitoba, recorded 73 (20G, 53A) points in 58 games with the Cougars this season, tying for fourth among WHL defencemen.

He was also only one of six defencemen to hit the 20-goal mark.

Carels is ranked third among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming NHL Draft.

Ravensbergen, a product of North Vancouver, posted a 32-13-0-0 record, along with a 2.51 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage, and four shutouts.

The San Jose Sharks prospect was also ranked first in wins, first in save percentage, tied for second in shutouts, and fourth in goals-against average.

Schmidt, a Dallas Stars prospect, finished third in WHL scoring with 100 points, and was the only WHL player to hit the 50 goal plateau this season.

Schmidt had started the season with the Vancouver Giants, before being traded to the Thunderbirds near the deadline.

Rounding out the Western Conference First All-Star Team were:

• Defence – Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips,
• Forward – Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets,
• Forward – JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers.

The Eastern Conference First All-Star Team:

• Goaltender – Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders,
• Defence – Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers,
• Defence – Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders,
• Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers,
• Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers,
• Luke Mistelbacher, Brandon Wheat Kings

The Second All-Star teams can be found here.

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Volunteer and composite fire departments in the region are receiving close to half a million dollars in provincial funding to support training and equipment upgrades.

The funding, according to the province, aims to help improve emergency response and keep communities safer.

“Fire crews respond to emergencies in every corner of the RDCK, helping save lives, land, and homes,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, in a press release.

“Nearly $500,000 for equipment upgrades and training will help ensure that these amazing volunteers are better supported to serve our communities in the Kootenays.”

The Regional District of Central Kootenay is receiving $480,000 for breathing apparatus, fire equipment and firefighter training.

The Castlegar Fire Department is also getting just under $12,000 for firefighter training and personal protective equipment.

Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee, said the funding will support volunteer first responders who play a critical role in many communities.

“I can’t thank volunteer first responders, like firefighters, enough for all they do in our community,” he said.

“Giving a boost to these essential services so they can improve training capacity and make sure to have up to date equipment allows for more safety in our communities and for our volunteers.”

The province said the funding is being provided through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which is investing nearly $4 million in volunteer and composite fire departments across the province.

Since 2017, the fund has provided more than $29 million, supporting more than 500 projects.

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The Grand Forks Border Bruins saw their season come to an end with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in Game 7 of their Kootenay Conference semifinal.

Grand Forks forced overtime on a third-period goal by Hayden Evans, who scored at 12:08 and added an assist in a strong performance.

Tied 2-2 after two periods, the Border Bruins pushed hard in the third to extend their season, but Beaver Valley’s Vance Amyotte scored the winner at 7:52 of overtime to clinch the series 4-3.

Goaltender Eric Kahl delivered a standout effort for Grand Forks, turning aside 41 shots, including 10 of 11 in overtime.

The Border Bruins were outshot but remained competitive throughout, while Beaver Valley’s Landan Uzeloc made 31 saves in the win.

The loss ends Grand Forks’ playoff run one game short of the conference final.

Beaver Valley will now meet the Kimberley Dynamiters in the Kootenay Conference final in Fruitvale this Friday, April 3.

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Vance Amyotte scored twice, including the overtime winner, to send the Beaver Valley Nitehawks to the Kootenay Conference final with a 4-3 victory over the Grand Forks Border Bruins.

Amyotte ended the game at 7:52 of overtime as Beaver Valley clinched the series 4-3.

The teams were tied 2-2 after two periods before Grand Forks pushed the game to overtime. Hayden Evans scored at 12:08 of the third period and added an assist for the Border Bruins.

Beaver Valley goaltender Landan Uzeloc made 31 saves, including three in overtime, to secure the win.

Eric Kahl was busy in the Grand Forks net, stopping 41 shots, including 10 of 11 in overtime.

Jonas Bourchier led the Nitehawks offence with two points as Beaver Valley advanced to the next round.

Beaver Valley will now meet the Kimberley Dynamiters in Fruitvale for game 1 on Friday, April 3.

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Excitement for an adult recreation hockey league in Houston was expressed over the weekend with the inaugural Parish Memorial Cup tournament.

The event was held to gauge community interest for a new adult recreation league starting in the community.

“It’s been over 10 years since we’ve had a rec hockey league in Houston so we’re hoping this is the start of what will turn into a league here, being able to have a couple of teams,” said Volunteer Manager Cassie Henrickson.

About 800 people attended the various games played through the weekend with eight teams participating.

“We had a vision on what we wanted to do here and didn’t know how it was going to be received but the reception’s been great with nothing but positive feedback,” said General Manager Shay Long.

Players on the teams came were mostly players from Smithers to Burns Lake with some coming from elsewhere who used to play hockey in Houston.

The Bulkley Valley Hockey League would start it’s first season in October with four teams already jumping on board.

The Knights team won the tournament to become the first Parish Memorial Cup winner.

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Cranbrook council meetings can now be held fully online in the event of a State of Local Emergency or a local evacuation.

The amendments allows for all council members to participate in all special, regular and committee of the whole meetings electronically until an evacuation ends.

Electronic participation was previously allowed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there was no provisions if city hall could not be occupied.

The amendment will cover off events such as forest fires threatening the community that are the result of a SOLE or a local evacuation like a building fire, water leak, or gas leak.

City staff said they will look at having a trial full online council meeting in the future to make sure they are prepared for the real thing.

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The City of Cranbrook has received $190,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust for two planned wildfire mitigation projects.

One of the burns will take place at the Canadian Rockies International Airport and the other in the community watershed area in Phillips North around Gold Creek.

Crews will be removing excess vegetation in high-risk areas to slow down the spread of a wildfire.

“These projects are to build on the work we’ve done to date to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen community resilience, and focus on areas that have historically faced higher wildfire threats and protect important assets like homes, the community watershed, the airport, transportation routes and power lines,” said fire chief Scott Driver.

“This is an important part of a broader, long-term wildfire management approach that prioritizes prevention and risk reduction.”

The burns are planned for early fall if conditions allow.

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The City of Nanaimo will celebrate the winners of its 2026 Culture Awards next month.

The city will recognize three individuals for their contributions to arts, culture and heritage during a ceremony in April.

Leon Potter has received the Excellence in Culture Award. Luis Porretta will receive the Honour in Culture Award and Brian McFadden has earned the Honour in Heritage Award.

The three recipients will be recognized during a ceremony at the Port Theatre on April 14.

The event begins at 7 p.m. More information is available on the City of Nanaimo’s website.

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A spike in water pressure caused tap water in the District of Houston to be discoloured today. (Tuesday)

According to the district, it is from sediment in the water mains being disturbed and does not pose a health risk.

The district added valve exercises are also being carried out on water infrastructure, contributing to the discolouration.

It added anyone experiencing discoloured water should run taps cold for a few minutes until water runs clear.

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The province is providing $4 million to 86 fire departments across the province for equipment and training through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

“Volunteer firefighters show up when it matters most, and this funding equips them to respond faster and more effectively,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“Every community faces different risks and these projects will allow local fire departments to invest in the specific training and equipment they need to keep both responders and residents safe.”

In northwest B.C., communities receiving funding include:

• Burns Lake – $30,000 – Firefighter safety, communications, and training equipment.
• Witset First Nation – $30,000 – Firefighter equipment and safety equipment
• Atlin Community Improvement District – $28,713 – Turnout gear, breathing-apparatus cylinders, hoses and training
• Haisla Nation – $27,365 – Firefighter equipment
• Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine – $30,000 – Structure firefighting hose and nozzles
• Massett – $27,756 – Protective and firefighter equipment

More than $29 million has been provided for over 500 volunteer and composite fire department projects since 2017.

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A new daily low temperature record was set in Burns Lake last night. (Monday)

According to Environment Canada, the thermometer reached -19.5 degrees, a half step above the previous record set in 2008.

It added the cooler temperature was due to clear skies and calm winds.

No new records were set in Smithers.

A full forecast for the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District can be found on Environment Canada’s website.

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The B.C. Government is committing nearly $4 million through the Community Preparedness Fund for 86 volunteer and composite fire department projects.

“Volunteer firefighters show up when it matters most, and this funding equips them to respond faster and more effectively,” said Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene.

“Every community faces different risks and these projects will allow local fire departments to invest in the specific training and equipment they need to keep both responders and residents safe.”

In the central interior, communities receiving funding include:

• Burns Lake – Fire Fighter safety, communications and training equipment – $30,000
• Fort St. James – Protective equipment and thermal imaging upgrades – $29,260
• Fraser-Fort George Regional District – Turnout gear and breathing apparatus replacement – $390,000
• Fraser Lake – Firefighter equipment – $17,130
• Horsefly VFD – Hoses, pumps and breathing apparatus – $29,908
• Mackenzie – Replacement of expiring PPE – $30,000
• McLeod Lake Indian Band – Firefighting equipment and training – $29,757
• Quesnel – Firefighter training support – $21,663
• Tumbler Ridge – Wildland firefighting protective equipment replacement – $30,000
• Wells – Structure and wildland equipment and fire-service instructor training – $29,998

More than $29 million from the fund has enabled more than 500 projects for volunteer, composite fire departments since 2017.

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After months of debate, the Municipality of North Cowichan has voted to adopt its financial plan, which includes an 8.42 per cent property tax increase. 

A draft budget proposed earlier this year forecast an increase of 10.62 per cent, but council agreed that was too steep for taxpayers already facing financial pressures. 

The original proposal was intended to help offset the loss of $820,000 in revenue from the closure of the Crofton Mill and to cover what the municipality described as “uncontrollable costs.” 

Those costs include allocations for staff wage increases ($1.6 million), long-term debt ($1.2 million), a $615,000 increase to the RCMP contract and $400,000 for E-Comm 9-1-1 services. The municipality said those costs continue to drive the tax increase. 

“If it weren’t for these uncontrollable costs, the increase would be 0.54 per cent,” they said. 

Since January, council has trimmed the budget to keep costs down. However, Mayor Rob Douglas said council had aimed to keep the increase close to five per cent but faced several challenges in maintaining services. 

“We’re dealing with challenges around our infrastructure, and we’ve had a big jump in our cost for policing,” Douglas said. “We’re also facing costs associated with E-comm 911. Although we knew that was going to be downloaded to us, it’s a big driver of why taxes are going up this year.”  

But some council members said the increase should be higher. 

“I think the taxes are too low, even with the increase,” Coun. Chris Istace said. “We are a business that is thriving right now and has more demand for services that is never the time to cut services.  

Residents also had an opportunity to speak about the proposed budget last month. Rob Saare said he moved to the region because costs were low but now questions whether retirement is still possible. 

“I need to come up with another $5,000 this year to pay for my property taxes, and forego investing in my retirement,” he said. “I don’t have a golden pension package, so now I have to make decisions at home, and why don’t staff and council get on an austerity program?” 

Council finalized the budget March 18. 

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The cancer care department at Comox Valley Hospital is receiving a boost following a donation. 

The Comox Valley Lions Club has donated $25,000 to the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation to help fund the purchase of a specialized vein finder. 

Co-executive director Rhonda Stevens of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation said the Lions Club has been an extraordinary partner in advancing health care in the community. 

“Their long-standing commitment and generosity continue to make a tangible difference for patients and care teams at Comox Valley Hospital.” 

The new vein finder is a clinical tool that will improve the experience of patients receiving cancer treatment. 

The tool identifies veins beneath the skin and can help reduce discomfort, anxiety and bruising while increasing efficiency and confidence among clinical staff. 

The cancer care department at the hospital provides about 4,400 treatments annually and supports hundreds of patients and their families. 

Tools such as the vein finder play a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate and high-quality care close to home. 

The Lions Club has contributed more than $120,000 to the healthcare foundation to support health care needs in the region since the partnership began more than 25 years ago. 

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The City of Duncan has once again been recognized for excellence in financial reporting.

The city received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its 2024 annual financial report.

It marks the 14th consecutive year Duncan has earned the honour.

The award recognizes municipalities that produce clear, transparent and well-organized financial reports that meet national standards.

City officials said the report goes beyond basic requirements and helps residents, council and stakeholders better understand Duncan’s financial position.

Mayor Michelle Staples credited the city’s finance team, calling the recognition a reflection of their professionalism and commitment to accountability.

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Nearly $4 million is being invested by the Province to equip and train volunteer and composite fire departments throughout BC.

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) 86 projects including several in the Cariboo are being supported by this stream.

100 Mile House: $29,924 for Wildland Structure Protection Equipment

Chimney and Felker Lakes Volunteer Fire Department $30,000 for Structure and wildland turnout gear and training.

Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade $29,998 for Structure and wildland equipment and fire-service instructor training.

Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department $29,908 for Hoses, pumps and breathing apparatus.

Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department $21,663 for Firefighter training support.

70 Mile House Volunteer Firefighters Association $18,910 for Equipment upgrades and firefighter training.

The Province said this funding will help volunteer and composite fire departments prepare for and respond to emergencies supported by new equipment and the delivery of firefighter training.

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B.C. Trucking Association president Dave Earle said rising diesel prices are putting a major damper on the province’s trucking and transportation sector.

The spat between Iran and the United States has reached one month and consumers might soon feel the pinch, with certain goods likely to cost more if no solution is found.

Earle told Vista Radio even interprovincial short-haul trips will become more expensive. However, the price impact will vary depending on what’s being shipped.

“If you think about a trip that costs $3000, that may be an interprovincial run between Vancouver and Edmonton. A thousand of that is fuel – if fuel prices go up 50% that means that run goes up by $500 and the goods in that truck are going to be $500 more expensive.”

“If it’s six million dollars worth of electronics, what is an extra 500 bucks? If it’s fresh produce that is worth $20,000 – 500 dollars represents a lot more cost for that item. The thing is, that 500 dollars extra, a full load of lettuce is 20,000 heads and that’s pennies. ”

“The problem is that its pennies on everything and it’s only trip in the supply chain. That doesn’t include a run from the San Fernando Valley to Vancouver, it’s that run from Vancouver to Edmonton and doesn’t include the back runs – it doesn’t include upstream costs – all these things get built in,” added Earle.

He noted when it comes to the taxation burden for fuel, it is taxed where it is burned, not where it is purchased.

“So, in other words, if I decide as an inter-provincial trucking company that I am going to buy all my fuel in Alberta and then when I drive around B.C. I am going to buy fuel that is not taxed as heavily. That doesn’t work as there are interjurisdictional tax agreements right across North America and companies pay tax on where actually where the fuel is burned and not where it is purchased.”

B.C. has the most expensive taxation and fuel prices on the continent, a trend that has been that way for years with no signs of slowing down according to Earle .

“And you and I as taxpayers pay for that free fully and we vote governments in and make decisions that create these costs and you and I pay. Everything that you and I buy has a little bit more in the price that is built in because of the taxation on transportation and fuel in British Columbia.”

‘Every dollar that gets spent in our economy via taxes, fuel prices, building a courthouse, whatever it is, everyone of those dollars is paid by you and I the consumer and tax payer. There is no mysterious pot of money – it is you and I.”

Earle added the entity that controls the price on the shelf is the entity that also puts the product on the shelf.

The price of fuel in Prince George ranges from 159.9 cents per litre to 168.9 cents, with diesel usually five to seven cents higher.

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A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 184 kilometres west of Port Hardy over the weekend. 

The earthquake was recorded March 29. Port Hardy Emergency Services said while the coastline is prone to earthquakes, the event served as a reminder for residents in northern communities to be prepared. 

“Though most earthquakes aren’t felt, including the one that occurred this past Sunday, it’s a reminder of the need to be prepared,” they said. 

Earthquakes Canada said there were no reports of damage and none were expected based on the quake’s offshore location. 

The quake occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at a depth of five kilometres. 

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B.C. Trucking Association president Dave Earle said rising diesel prices are putting a major damper on the province’s trucking and transportation sector.

The spat between Iran and the United States has reached one month and consumers might soon feel the pinch, with certain goods likely to cost more if no solution is found.

Earle told Vista Radio even interprovincial short-haul trips will become more expensive. However, the price impact will vary depending on what’s being shipped.

“If you think about a trip that costs $3000, that may be an interprovincial run between Vancouver and Edmonton. A thousand of that is fuel – if fuel prices go up 50% that means that run goes up by $500 and the goods in that truck are going to be $500 more expensive.”

“If it’s six million dollars worth of electronics, what is an extra 500 bucks? If it’s fresh produce that is worth $20,000 – 500 dollars represents a lot more cost for that item. The thing is, that 500 dollars extra, a full load of lettuce is 20,000 heads and that’s pennies. ”

“The problem is that its pennies on everything and it’s only trip in the supply chain. That doesn’t include a run from the San Fernando Valley to Vancouver, it’s that run from Vancouver to Edmonton and doesn’t include the back runs – it doesn’t include upstream costs – all these things get built in,” added Earle.

He noted when it comes to the taxation burden for fuel, it is taxed where it is burned, not where it is purchased.

“So, in other words, if I decide as an inter-provincial trucking company that I am going to buy all my fuel in Alberta and then when I drive around B.C. I am going to buy fuel that is not taxed as heavily. That doesn’t work as there are interjurisdictional tax agreements right across North America and companies pay tax on where actually where the fuel is burned and not where it is purchased.”

B.C. has the most expensive taxation and fuel prices on the continent, a trend that has been that way for years with no signs of slowing down according to Earle .

“And you and I as taxpayers pay for that free fully and we vote governments in and make decisions that create these costs and you and I pay. Everything that you and I buy has a little bit more in the price that is built in because of the taxation on transportation and fuel in British Columbia.”

‘Every dollar that gets spent in our economy via taxes, fuel prices, building a courthouse, whatever it is, everyone of those dollars is paid by you and I the consumer and tax payer. There is no mysterious pot of money – it is you and I.”

Earle added the entity that controls the price on the shelf is the entity that also puts the product on the shelf.

The price of fuel in Prince George ranges from 159.9 cents per litre to 168.9 cents, with diesel usually five to seven cents higher.

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Trail’s new seniors villa project has become a lot more prominent lately.

Construction has begun on the third storey of the project on Seventh Avenue in Shavers Bench, making it visible from Highway 3B.

Trail and District Senior Citizens’ Villa Society president Tom Hart estimated the project is about 20 per cent complete.

“They’re framing the top story and probably in the next couple weeks, they’ll be putting the roof on,” Hart said Monday. “Electrical and mechanical are in there doing their installations, so we’re on schedule for finishing early next year.”

The contractor is North Mountain Construction of Taghum, the same company that built Blizzard Mountain Place in Fruitvale, among other things.

Once finished, the new villa will offer 41 one-bedroom units for seniors, three of which will be fully accessible for those with mobility issues and the rest adaptable.

The previous villa on the same site, built in the mid-1950s by the Rotary Club, had 23 units across several buildings. Two of those buildings have been demolished and 11 residents relocated. A dozen others are still living on site in two other original buildings, adjacent to and behind they construction site.

Hart said it was “kind of difficult” finding suitable places in the community for those who had to move, “and certainly the cost was a lot higher than what they were paying at the villa, but we had a good tenant coordinator and she managed to find places for them.” 

Once the new building is complete, the dozen residents still on site will move into their new units, and the other two buildings will be demolished to make way for extra parking and a community garden.

Hart said the mild winter has allowed crews to work without delay. He’s happy with the progress and has had people asking him when they can add their name to the list to secure a unit. But the intake process won’t open until near the end of this year, he said.

Construction on the $15-million project began last fall after several years of planning. Funders include BC Housing, the Columbia Basin Trust, Kootenay Savings Credit Union, and Teck.

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Several prescribed burns in parts of the Cariboo could begin as early as today (March 31).

An ecosystem restoration prescribed burn is planned within Pablo Creek area continuing periodically until April 25.

It will take place on approximately 11 hectares of land north of the Sheep Creek Bridge on the east side of the Fraser River and Highway 20 approximately 15 kilometres west of Williams Lake.

Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding areas and to motorists on Highway 20.

A series of four burns are expected to began as early as today (March 31) continuing until Monday April 6 at Chimney Lake and Felker Lake recreation sites to reduce the threat of wildfires.

These burns will take place on approximately 9 hectares of land at the Chimney and Felker Lake recreation sites.

Smoke and flames will be visible to the Chimney and Felker Lake communities and to motorists on Chimney Lake Road.

And a prescribed burn may began as early as today (March 31) continuing periodically until April 25.

This burn will cover approximately 4 hectares in the Esler Road area north of Highway 20.

Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding communities and to motorists travelling along Highway 20, Dog Creek Road, and Bond Lake Road.

Ignitions of these burns will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.

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B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Yuri Fulmer and OneBC Leader Dallas Brodie have announced an agreement to “unite the right” if Fulmer is elected leader.

They said in a joint statement Monday the two have signed an accord saying if Fulmer is elected as leader of the B.C. Conservatives, OneBC will not run candidates in all but five of B.C. electoral districts.

“In exchange, the Conservative Party of BC will clear the path for OneBC in five targeted ridings,” the statement said. 

The agreement also includes a prospective confidence and supply agreement for OneBC to support a Conservative government led by Fulmer. 

“British Columbians are desperate for real change, but they are concerned that a split vote will hand the NDP another majority. Today, we have resolved those concerns,” said Brodie.

Brodie was removed from the B.C. Conservative caucus last year for comments she made about residential school survivors. She and her OneBC party have faced criticism from First Nations leaders, who say she has perpetuated anti-Indigenous and residential school denialist rhetoric.

OneBC no longer meets the two-member threshold for official party status in the legislature, after Tara Armstrong split from the party in December to again sit as an Independent.

Fulmer is a Vancouver-based entrepreneur who built his career as the owner of several A&W restaurants and other franchises. He also serves as chancellor of Capilano University.

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Six candidates remain in the B.C. Conservative leadership race after Darrell Jones announced his withdrawal.

The former president of Save-On-Foods and later its parent company, Pattison Food Group, said in a post on X Saturday he is endorsing political commentator Caroline Elliott to be the party’s next leader.

Jones is the fourth candidate to withdraw from the race.

Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu also threw his support behind Elliott when he bowed out of the race earlier this month.

MLAs Bruce Banman, Sheldon Clare and Steve Kooner have also withdrawn.

The approved candidates remaining in the race are:

• Former B.C. Liberal labour minister Iain Black
• Political commentator and former BC United vice-president Caroline Elliott
• Former federal Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay
• Entrepreneur and Capilano University chancellor Yuri Fulmer
• Rossland contractor Warren Hamm
• Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar

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One of British Columbia’s largest public-sector unions is calling on the province to allow more remote work as fuel prices remain high.

“The increasing price of gas places an undue burden on workers across the province,” said Paul Finch, president of the B.C. General Employees’ Union, in a statement.

“The provincial government has an opportunity to help alleviate that burden by allowing workers the flexibility to work from home. In addition to lessening the pain workers are feeling at the pump, this move would help reduce emissions and congestion,” said Finch.

The call follows a similar appeal by federal unions, which point to recommendations from the International Energy Agency (IEA) to reduce demand for oil and gas.

The IEA said the current conflict in the Middle East has triggered massive disruptions of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude oil prices above $100 US per barrel.

It recommends immediate public-sector measures that governments can take to reduce global demand for oil, including working from home where possible.

B.C.’s Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said about 70 per cent of government workers currently have a telework agreement negotiated with their managers.

“The province has been very open to people working from home,” Bailey told reporters Monday. “We see many benefits from it, but it’s really a relationship between a manager and employee.”

She said the province is not currently considering other measures to help ease pressures due to the high cost of fuel, saying it’s “very early days.”

B.C. Conservative labour critic Kiel Giddens said allowing more people to work from home makes sense for rural and remote communities, but raised concerns about the impact on downtowns if there are fewer commuters. 

“Ultimately, what we’re seeing is an affordability crisis,” said Giddens.

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The Regional District of Nanaimo is seeking public feedback on a new Englishman River Regional Park management plan that will guide how the park is managed over the next 20 years. 

An online survey is open until April 26 on the RDN website. The plan is expected to be finalized in the winter. 

Englishman River Regional Park is a 207-hectare park near Parksville that provides recreation opportunities and protects an ecologically significant river corridor. 

“Lands within the park are owned by the Province of BC, The Nature Trust of BC, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada,” reads a news release from the RDN. “The RDN manages these lands on behalf of the landowners, currently guided by the 2009-2014 Englishman River Regional Park Management Plan.” 

A drop-in open house is scheduled for April 18 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Top Bridge parking lot on Allsbrook Road in Parksville. 

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The pride of South Slocan returned home empty-handed from the Juno Awards in Hamilton on Sunday, but Shawn Hook says he left “with a full heart and a deeper love for what we’re building in Canada music.”

Hook was nominated for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for Rebuild. He lost to Sarah MacLachlan’s Better Broken. 

In a Facebook post he said being nominated “meant everything. Grateful doesn’t even cover it.” Hook performed his song Try at the Juno after-party.

Hook was previously nominated for a Juno in 2013 as breakthrough artist of the year and in 2016 and 2018 for the fan choice award. His other hits include Sound of Your Heart and Take Me Home.

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Quesnel RCMP, the Barlow Creek Fire Department, and BC Ambulance responded to a single vehicle accident this (Monday) afternoon.

Sergeant Clay Kronebusch says it happened just past Sundown Road.

“Members are responding to a school bus collision on Barkerville Highway.  At this point we’re still investigating but initial reports are there were no injuries, and all the kids have been removed rom the bus safely.”

Kronebusch confirms that it was a single vehicle accident.

He says the road is temporarily closed and the School District has arranged for an alternate bus to transport the kids home.

– story done by George Henderson, My Cariboo Now

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A sign that spring has arrived is on display in Campbell River.

The City of Campbell River is inviting the public to view blooming cherry blossoms at city hall.

Picnic tables have been placed on the lawn and will be available during the day while the trees are in bloom.

The 25 cherry trees at city hall were a gift from Campbell River’s sister city, Ishikari, Japan, in 2008 to mark the 25th anniversary of the twinning relationship between the two communities.

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Quesnel RCMP, the Barlow Creek Fire Department, and BC Ambulance responded to a single vehicle accident this (Monday) afternoon.

Sergeant Clay Kronebusch says the accident happened at 2:40 p.m. just past Sundown Road.

“Members are responding to a school bus collision on Barkerville Highway.  At this point we’re still investigating but initial reports are there were no injuries, and all the kids have been removed rom the bus safely.”

Kronebusch confirms that it was a single vehicle accident.

He says the road is temporarily closed and the School District has arranged for an alternate bus to transport the kids home.

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The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is looking for witnesses to an arrest that happened on March 24 in Burns Lake.

The office said police received a disturbance call at about 3:15 a.m. with police arresting a female youth at about 4:30 that morning on the 500 block of Government Street.

The watchdog said Mounties placed the youth into a police vehicle and she requested to go to the hospital, where she was taken for assessment.

After arriving, the IIO added the youth was involved with an interaction with police, injuring an officer with a weapon.

It said the youth also sustained what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries before being treated and transported to a different hospital.

The IIO was notified shortly after and launched an investigation into the incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477 or on its website.

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100 Mile Fire Rescue responded to an early morning structure fire at Hillside Community Church on Exeter Truck Route.

Fire Chief Dave Bissat said they got the call at approximately 3 o’clock (March 30) and upon arrival encountered a property representative who had responded to a burglar alarm and used a fire extinguisher on the exterior of the building.

Bissat said the use of the fire extinguisher helped slow the progression of the fire prior to the department’s arrival.

“Due to this early detection and initial action it allowed firefighters to conduct an effective interior fire attack. Crews made entry into the structure that was heavily charged with smoke, and located an active fire in a sound room that had burned through the floor and had been burning for some time. Crews quickly brought the fire under control followed by salvage and overhaul operations, and ventilated the building using positive pressure fans.”

He said mutual aid was requested early from the 108 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department for additional water supply.

“The fire was contained to a single area of the building,” Bissat said, “however the structure sustained smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and is not believed to be suspicious in nature.”

In total 20 firefighters and 7 apparatus responded to the incident and there were no injuries.

BC Ambulance Service, RCMP, and BC Hydro also attended the scene.

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The City of Fernie has approved license of operation agreements with several downtown restaurants for outdoor patios.

The agreement allows for the use of portions of dedicated roadway for curbside patios for a term of three years.

It has a specified fee of $10 per square metre and $12 per seat for flanking patios.

Fernie staff said the patio locations, configurations and operators are consistent with the previous agreement.

The Northern Bar & Stage requested an expansion, which was approved by council.

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Transit fees will see a minor increase this year in Cranbrook followed by another jump in 2028.

Current single ride fees for an adult is $2.25 and will rise to $2.50 for 2026 and 2027.

That will be followed by a 50 cent increase in 2028.

The full list of fee changes can be found here.

“I really appreciate the simplified fare structure and I particularly appreciate it’s going to align with new technical options in terms of paying. I think that’s really positive,” said councillor Lynnette Wray.

The city will be supporting BC Transit in implementing some new programs.

The ProPass and EcoPass prepaid programs are being introduced.

The ProPass is a permanent bus pass purchased by BC Public Service employees through payroll deductions, while the EcoPass allows organizations to invest in a transit fund.

Phase 2 of the Umo implementation will also take place, which will allow for single ride tap debit/credit card payments.

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Elkford Search and Rescue is reminding residents that things can change quickly out in the backcountry following two recent calls for service.

On Friday night, Mar. 27, SAR crews were called up the valley to assist a snowmobiler who was seriously injured.

Crews were able to stabilize the rider, and Bighorn Helicopters was able to fly them out for rapid medical attention.

On Mar. 13, crews were called out to assist an injured skier near the Elk Lakes Cabin at around 9 p.m.

Members responded by snowmobile overnight, and they were able to get to the subject within a few hours to stabilize them.

They had to wait until the next morning to get the skier out by helicopter, as it was too dark by the time they got to them.

SAR officials said these recent cases are a good example of how things can go bad quickly.

In both calls, SAR officials said both parties were with large groups who had a plan, had proper gear and knew how to get help.

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Police on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are dedicating April to the “Slow Down, Move Over” campaign. 

Police are reminding drivers to follow the 70/40 rule when approaching vehicles with flashing lights. When the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, drivers must slow to 70 km/h or less. When the limit is below 80 km/h, drivers must slow to 40 km/h or less. 

“Slow down, move over is not just being polite, it’s the law,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of B.C. Highway Patrol. “The BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations require drivers to slow down and move into the furthest lane of traffic away from stopped vehicles that have activated flashing red, blue, or amber lights.” 

The law applies to construction vehicles, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Drivers who do not slow down can receive a $173 ticket. 

“We need to change driving culture so that drivers slow down to 70 at highway speeds, or 40 in most municipalities, whenever they see flashing yellow, red, or blue lights,” said McLaughlin. “We have made some progress in making conditions safer for roadside workers, but we still need to do much better.”

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A Trail resident has been presented with a Medal of Bravery by the Governor General for his efforts to save a man from a burning vehicle more than six years ago.

Brendan Prough received the award at Rideau Hall from Mary Simon last week.

Prough, an off-duty volunteer firefighter, came across the scene on Nov. 26, 2019 in Yahk. Despite intense heat, he smashed the vehicle’s windows, removed the driver, dragged him to safety, and administered CPR. However, the man died before emergency services arrived.

Prough said he learned about two years ago that he would receive the award. He was nominated by the victim’s wife, who lives in Creston, but whom he only met for the first time in Ottawa during the ceremony.

Prough was one of 31 people from across the country, and one of eight from BC, who received commendations for bravery in a variety of incidents between 2019 and 2022.

“It’s pretty emotional,” he said. “It’s very humbling to be around a group of people like that.”

Prough was part of the Warfield fire department for 17 years. He was driving home from the East Kootenay that day when he saw the car on fire. He said he didn’t hesitate.

“I just kind of acted. I didn’t really think about what I was doing. I just knew someone was in trouble and I had to do what I had to do.

“Anyone that’s a first responder or a nurse or a doctor, it’s kind of in your nature, like you’ve chosen to give yourself to your community to help and when someone’s in need, you act.”

Prough said he isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight and never thought he needed any special recognition for what he did that day.

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North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing woman.

Police said 31-year-old Jayne Norris was last seen in Duncan on March 24 and was reported missing on March 28.

Norris is described as a Caucasian woman, five-foot-five, about 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

RCMP and her family are concerned for her health and well-being.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.

A photo of Norris is available below.

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A Trail resident has been presented with a Medal of Bravery by the Governor General for his efforts to save a man from a burning vehicle more than six years ago.

Brendan Prough received the award at Rideau Hall from Mary Simon last week.

Prough, an off-duty volunteer firefighter, came across the scene on Nov. 26, 2019 in Yahk. Despite intense heat, he smashed the vehicle’s windows, removed the driver, dragged him to safety, and administered CPR. However, the man died before emergency services arrived.

Prough said he learned about two years ago that he would receive the award. He was nominated by the victim’s wife, who lives in Creston, but whom he only met for the first time in Ottawa during the ceremony.

Prough was one of 31 people from across the country, and one of eight from BC, who received commendations for bravery in a variety of incidents between 2019 and 2022.

“It’s pretty emotional,” he said. “It’s very humbling to be around a group of people like that.”

Prough was part of the Warfield fire department for 17 years. He was driving home from the East Kootenay that day when he saw the car on fire. He said he didn’t hesitate.

“I just kind of acted. I didn’t really think about what I was doing. I just knew someone was in trouble and I had to do what I had to do.

“Anyone that’s a first responder or a nurse or a doctor, it’s kind of in your nature, like you’ve chosen to give yourself to your community to help and when someone’s in need, you act.”

Prough said he isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight and never thought he needed any special recognition for what he did that day.

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Two temporary drop-off sites will soon allow Comox Valley residents to dispose of excess yard waste. 

The first site will be available for City of Courtenay residents at the end of McKenzie Avenue from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from April 7 to May 2. 

City of Courtenay public works services manager Chris Thompson said Saturday drop-off hours were added after strong participation last spring and fall. 

“Many households find themselves managing extra yard waste in the spring as they clean up winter debris and get their gardens ready for the growing season.” 

McKenzie Avenue is located next to the City Operations Yard and is accessed from Cumberland Road, just west of the railway tracks between McPhee and Piercy avenues. 

Meanwhile, the Comox Valley Regional District, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland are partnering to offer a drop-off site at 1200 Knight Rd. in Comox. 

The site will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during April and May, with service dependent on weather conditions. 

“By removing dry leaves, twigs and branches from your yard and gutters, you can help protect your home and community from wildfire damage,” said Capt. Brent Craven of Comox Fire Rescue. 

Both drop-off sites will accept leaves, grass clippings, branches up to three inches in diameter and plants. Materials can be loose or in paper yard-waste bags. 

Food waste, plastic bags, rocks, concrete, root balls and stumps will not be accepted. 

Invasive species will also not be accepted at the drop-off sites and should instead be taken to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre. 

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Temporary changes to the emergency department hours at 100 Mile House District General Hospital will be in effect later this (Monday) evening.

Interior Health (IH) is advising 100 Mile House and area residents that emergency services will be unavailable from 7 pm Monday March 30 to 8 am on Tuesday March 31.

IH said patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile District General Hospital.

Interior Health said people in the community who need life-threatening emergency care should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

This is seventh time this month (March) and eleventh time this year that emergency services have been unavailable at 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

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Smithers artist Alex Cuba received the first ever Juno for Best Latin Music Recording on Sunday.

It was for his album Índole, following previous Juno wins for World Music Album of the Year in 2006 and 2008.

“Winning this Juno feels like the first one I won,” the artist said on Facebook.

“Thank you to the Juno awards for creating a category for Latin music. That opens the door for Latin music to develop and flourish in this beautiful country.”

In 2022, Cuba won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album with Mendó, and holds four Latin Grammy Awards.

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At the request of pickleball players, Castlegar will put a first aid kit in Millennium Park, but council doesn’t think it’s practical to place a defibrillator there as well.

Council discussed a request last week from Kere MacGregor and Carolyn MacKinnon on behalf of the local pickleball community.

They said one of their members recently broke a bone while playing the game. Another member who is a registered nurse treated the injury until the ambulance arrived.

However, they wrote that the incident has “rocked our community and got us discussing the lack of emergency equipment at such a busy recreation area.”

They asked for a first aid kit to be added to Millennium Park along with an automated external defibrillator.

“It’s only a matter of time before another medical event happens and we would like to know that the city has assessed the risks and provided ample emergency preparedness,” they said.

“One of our members had a cardiac incident at another facility a
couple of months ago so we know the threat is real.”

Councillors said they had no issue adding a first aid kit, but they felt the defibrillator posed a challenge, since they weren’t sure where and how it would be stored.

“I don’t think it’s something that cities normally put in parks,” councillor Darcy Bell said. “It’s just not logistically feasible.”

Other councillors agreed.

“Most things in Millennium are getting vandalized and we’re having to replace them or fix them, so I don’t know how we would have that [defibrillator] there, even if it was under lock and key,” said councillor Cherryl MacLeod.

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The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has launched an investigation into a 2024 arrest in Cranbrook.

On Oct. 5, 2024, police responded to a domestic dispute near Mission Wasa Low Road and South Kootenay Reserve Road.

Officers found two men engaged in a dispute and arrested both.

One of the men sustained injuries during the arrest and was taken to a local hospital for examination and treatment.

At the time, the IIO determined the injuries did not meet the threshold of serious harm.

However, the IIO said more information was provided in October 2025 and it now believes the injuries meet that threshold.

The IIO continues to examine all available evidence to determine what occurred.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

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The new Pine Avenue child care and affordable housing project has broken ground in Fernie this month.

The development will create nearly 100 new child-care spaces and 27 housing units, with more than half offered at below-market rents.

The project, a partnership between the City of Fernie, Elk Valley Family Society and Elk Valley Childcare Society, is expected to begin construction this spring.

The goal is to help meet the community’s urgent need for child-care spaces and affordable homes.

“The City of Fernie is proud to contribute the land needed to make this project possible, and even prouder of the collaborative effort that brought us to this milestone. By working closely with our partners, we are advancing a solution that delivers both the childcare spaces and affordable homes our community urgently needs, and it’s exciting to see construction set to get underway.” said Mayor Nic Milligan.

The residential units will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The project site is at 302 Pine Ave. near the Fernie Aquatic Centre, community rink, beach volleyball courts and the Fernie Dirt Jump Park.

Funding support for the project comes from provincial and federal housing organizations and local partners, including the Ministry of Education and Child Care, B.C. Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., Columbia Basin Trust and Elk Valley Resources.

Other partners involved in financial management, contracting and construction include New Commons Development and North Mountain Construction.

The project reflects the City of Fernie and its partners’ collaboration and commitment to supporting local families.

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A Nelson woman is once again preparing to travel thousands of kilometres to give a handful of street dogs a second chance at life.  

Denise Maglio, founder of Hope Beyond Borders, leaves for Mexico on March 31, where she will spend two weeks working with dogs living in difficult situations near Tijuana and Rosarito.  

Maglio said the trip is part rescue mission and part labour of love.  

“We’re going to go and work with street dogs for two weeks. And after that time, we will pick the lucky five, and we will get them back to Canada,” said Maglio.  

Only five, and that’s the hardest part.  

Choosing who gets a second chance

Maglio said narrowing it down is heartbreaking, especially because so many of the animals have already been through so much.  

“It’s really hard. It breaks my heart. Sometimes I pick the ones that have the one eye or the one that’s had like a really, really rough life. This time I’d like to focus on ones that have been there a very long time.”  

The dogs are cared for by a local woman in Mexico named Maria, who runs a modest shelter with limited resources. Maglio said there is no running water and the structure is built from plywood and tarps.  

But the animals are fed, receive medical care and aren’t alone.  

Still, Maglio said their future is uncertain.  

“They’re starting to develop the fields. So pretty soon it’s going to be houses going up. And so I don’t know what’s going to happen. And Maria is getting older, every year she says, I cannot do this anymore. This is my last year. But she keeps doing it.”  

A long journey home  

Once selected, the dogs are vaccinated, treated and prepared for travel.  

For this trip, Maglio is trying a new transport system to bring them back to Canada, but that process comes with added costs and uncertainty.  

Each dog can cost hundreds of dollars in medical care alone, while transportation runs into the thousands.  

Adoption fees help but don’t come close to covering all the expenses.  

“We pay for our own flights, we pay for our condo, we pay for all that stuff and it’s just exhausting,” said Maglio.  

“The transport is $1,800 US and Medical on each dog is probably costing me $300. The adoption fee we asked for is $600. I think we’re going to up it to $650. And that doesn’t cover our costs, so this is why fundraising is really important.”  

Local support in the Kootenays  

Back in the Kootenays, a network of foster homes is already lined up and ready to welcome the dogs when they arrive in mid-April.  

“We’ve really nailed some super solid people this year. They’re all ready and waiting.”  

Maglio said the community continues to step up, offering donations, opening their homes and following the journey online.  

She hopes people will continue supporting the cause by donating, fostering or raising awareness.  

“I would just love some more awareness perhaps. And if people can go onto the Facebook site, I’ll be posting some pictures and some videos. it’s like a picture into our world down there,” she said.  

More than just rescue  

Maglio has been helping animals for most of her life but said her perspective has evolved over the years.  

What started as a mission to save animals in 2020 has grown into something much bigger.  

“When I see these dogs connect with their new families, it’s full circle,” she said. “You realize how much they help people too.”  

For Maglio, it’s that connection – between people, animals and communities across borders – that keeps her going back.  

To fund the work, Hope Beyond Borders is organizing upcoming fundraising initiatives, including a private cruise for four aboard the historic Caramella on Kootenay Lake.  

Maglio said donations remain essential for covering travel, medical and transport costs and ultimately giving more dogs a chance at a new life.  

Those looking to support the effort can donate through the group’s Facebook page, where updates from the trip will also be posted.

Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.

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Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will be without some trails on the north side of Fox Mountain for about a month.

The BC Wildfire Service and City of Williams Lake will be conducting prescribed burns starting on March 31 on approximately 40 hectares of land west of Eider Drive.

“Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe and there is favourable weather and atmospheric venting,” says Madison Dahl, Fire Information Officer with the Cariboo Fire Centre. Who adds the burns will be ongoing periodically until April 24.

Dahl cautions residents in the area that smoke and flames will be visible in Fox Mountain and Williams Lake, as well as to motorists traveling along Highway 97.

She also says some biking and hiking trails may also be closed.

“While burning is underway, portions of the Barracuda Mountain bike trail will be restricted. Signage will be placed on the trails as needed, and traffic control may also be on-site to ensure public and firefighter safety.”

Firefighters will also remain at the burn sites to ensure that the fires are extinguished at the end of each day.

BC Wildfire does caution that smoke from within the burn perimeters may be visible to residents and motorists in the area for up to 72 hours after ignition.

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Something new and exciting is being offered this year by Puddle Produce Farm.

Owner/Operator Brianna van de Wijngaard said she’s really excited to be committed to an online farm store.

“We have been growing veggies for the last 13 years and mostly selling them through the Williams Lake Farmers Market twice a week, a little bit of retail, and we have a weekly veggie box program. This year we’re dropping one of those Farmers Markets and opening a full diet online farm store.”

van de Wijngaard said that means people can get their vegetables by ordering them at home.

“I have also sourced lots of other great products from other other local producers and farms. We’re getting local bread, and honey from a producer in Lillooet, so people will have access to those as well. Everything people order on the website is free delivery within Williams Lake.

She noted that deliveries in the coming months will be on Tuesday’s from 11 am to 6 pm.

“It will be free delivery. For now I’m doing deliveries within 8 kilometres within downtown Williams Lake. The first half of South Lakeside should be in there, North Lakeside, even a bit of Fox Mountain falls into that range. It should cover most people except for obviously maybe people who live way out of town. In the future if there are lots of people interested I might add other delivery areas or delivery days but for now it’s just those 8 kilometres.”

van de Wijngaard said she got the idea for an online farm store after seeing other small farms do this.

“As opportunities for E Commerce have grown in the last number of years it’s become something you can easily do yourself as a business owner and it’s the way people are accustomed to shopping now. Doing Farmers Markets is a lot of labor, if that’s all you’re doing it’s too much for a lot of farms. This is just an easy way for them to sell and it’s more convenient for customers and I like the idea of creating more access to other products as well.”

She added you can view the online farm store puddleproduce.ca but we’re not selling products yet until the store launches on June third.

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The Grand Forks Border Bruins earned a 4-1 win over the Beaver Valley Nitehawks to even the series at 3-3.

Devon Boyle scored a pair of goals (7), including the winner late in the second period, while Logan McCabe added his second of the playoffs.

Eric Kahl stopped 31 shots for the Border Bruins.

Nathan Planger scored Beaver Valley’s lone goal with three minutes left in the second period, while Karsten Hugenholtz made 25 saves for the Nitehawks.

The puck will drop at 7 p.m. for game 7 on Monday, March 30, in Fruitvale.

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The Beaver Valley Nitehawks held pace in the series despite a 4-1 loss to the Grand Forks Border Bruins, leaving the matchup tied 3-3.

Karsten Hugenholtz made 25 saves for the Nitehawks, keeping the game within reach through two periods. Nathan Planger scored Beaver Valley’s lone goal with three minutes left in the second period.

Devon Boyle led Grand Forks with two goals (7), including the winner late in the second period, while Logan McCabe added his second of the playoffs. Eric Kahl stopped 31 shots for the Border Bruins.

The puck will drop at 7 p.m. for game 7 on Monday, March 30, in Fruitvale.

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The Fort St. John RCMP is continuing to investigate an incident that resulted in one man being taken to hospital.

At 3:15 this morning, (Sunday) several members conducted a traffic stop with a black Ford truck on the 9700 block of 86th Street.

Mounties say the truck is believed to be involved in criminal activity in Fort St. John.

According to police, there were two individuals in the truck at the time of the traffic stop, and the interaction between one of the males in the truck resulted in BC Ambulance Service attending and taking him to hospital.

The investigation is in the early stages, and police are looking to the public for potential dash cam or cellular video of the event, if anyone was in the area at the time.

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Not every deer fawn found alone is an orphan.

That’s the message the BC SPCA is trying to spread this spring to avoid accidental “fawn-nappings,” this spring.

The BC SPCA says they receive calls about “orphaned” deer fawns hiding in backyards every May and June, and even sometimes people bringing fawns to Wild ARC, thinking they are rescuing them.

They add its normal for a mother deer to leave a fawn alone for long periods of time, and may only come back a few times a day to feed the baby.

If you find a fawn lying quietly, hiding in grass or brush, the BC SPCA says not to disturb them.

They add sometimes fawns do need help, and hiding quietly is their best strategy to avoid attracting predators.

The BC SPCA says if you’re worried a fawn may have been abandoned or orphaned, it’s ok to check on them from a distance over the next 24 hours.

They say to contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the fawn:

• hasn’t moved from their hiding spot in 24 hours
• is crying continuously
• is wandering aimlessly
• looks injured
• follows you
• is in an unsafe location

If the fawn needs help, the BC SPCA says you should contact your local wildlife rehabilitator, or the BC Conservation Officer Service.

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Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services now have more space for firefighter training after gaining access to the former Claydon Villa building.

The building is vacant and set to be demolished later this spring. The space gives firefighters a realistic place to practise emergency scenarios and improve their skills.

“The building offers a valuable and unique training environment for our firefighters. Training in a new location allows our crews to enhance their operational readiness, practice realistic emergency scenarios, and further strengthen their skills, which directly contribute to increasing community safety,” said Scott Driver, Cranbrook Fire Chief.

Residents nearby may notice increased activity, including fire crews, multiple fire apparatus and equipment on site. All training is controlled and planned to keep firefighters and the public safe.

“These training exercises are planned and controlled, ensuring the ongoing safety of our firefighters and neighbouring property owners and residents,” said Driver.

The Aq’amtnam Housing Society is being thanked for allowing Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services to use the building before the society repurposes the site into a new housing development.

“We extend our deepest thanks to the Aq’amtnam Housing Society for their generosity and collaboration on this unique training opportunity,” said Driver.

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With a 3-2 win Saturday night, the Prince George Cougars are headed to Spokane with a 2-0 series lead in the first round of the WHL Playoffs, thanks to another stellar performance from Josh Ravensbergen.

“Really nice to go up 2-0. We bent and bent, and we didn’t break and we won the game,” said Cougars Head Coach and GM Mark Lamb on the post-game show on 94.3 the Goat.

“They really put a push on, we didn’t have a lot of answers there for a while, we had Rav.”

The Chiefs piled on the shots, outshooting the Cougars 45-24 on the night. The Chiefs almost matched the Cougars game total in the second period alone, where they outshot the Cougars 23-4 in the middle frame.

Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Ravensbergen was incredible on the night, turning away 43 shots, including a kick save in the dying seconds of the third to seal the win and send the 5,933 fans at the CN Centre into a frenzy.

“When things don’t go our way up front, we expect that from Rav. He’s always there for us, he was outstanding,” Lamb said.

Calm. Cool. Collected. Josh Ravensbergen.@CarlsJrCA . @SanJoseSharks pic.twitter.com/tzsDjBkee2

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 29, 2026

Down 3-0 in the third, the Chiefs found the scoreboard with a shorthanded marker. Ethan Hughes pickpocketed a Cougar, and fired a perfect shot past Ravensbergen.

HUGHESY ON THE BREAKAWAY

Ethan Hughes gets us on the board with a shorthanded beauty at 7:23 in the third!#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/5yXyzmMOus

— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) March 29, 2026

 “A lot of different emotions happen in games, it’s 3-0 there, we have a powerplay and that could’ve put the game away,” Lamb said.

“They get that shorthanded goal and then they put the pressure on, even though they were putting the pressure on before that, then we miss the empty net, and then it was just, we’re just all over the place after and we have to depend on Rav.”

With Linus Vieillard on the bench for the extra attacker, Tyus Sparks scored a late goal with 2:37 to go, bringing the Chiefs within one.

SPARKY ONE TIMER PUTS US WITHIN ONE #GoChiefsGo | #WHLPlayoffs | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/PdwTXe8lpm

— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) March 29, 2026

It was a strong performance for Broch Souch as well, who opened the scoring 9:27 into the first period, and added an assist on the eventual game winner.

Souch pounces on a juuuuuicy rebound to open the scoring in game two!@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/CFMxOQjba1 pic.twitter.com/SF3BqeoQPM

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 29, 2026

Shortly after Souch broke the ice, Kooper Gizowski found a wide-open Lee Shurgot in the slot, who then trickled one past Vieillard with a backhand shot.

Leaving Lee Shurgot that open in the slot is certainly a choice. @CarlsJrCA https://t.co/T9xT56gJb6 pic.twitter.com/iPpvyXJsOM

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 29, 2026

Gizowski capped off the scoring for the Cougars in the second period,  taking a cross-ice feed on the powerplay and firing home his first of the post-season.

Kooper Gizowski powerplay goals in the regular season? Great.

Kooper Gizowski powerplay goals in the playoffs? Even better!@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/B3sbYEXie3 pic.twitter.com/zVmmlPNX0C

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 29, 2026

The box score is here.

Game three will be played in Spokane tomorrow (Monday) night.

Game four will go on Wednesday, and if necessary, game five will be played Thursday.

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Residents in Nelson and across the West Kootenay will have expanded opportunities this April to connect with the local environment through a month-long series of events.

EarthDays Nelson is returning with more than 40 activities planned throughout April, building on last year’s Earth Week, which featured 25 events and drew about 1,000 participants. Organizers say the expanded schedule aims to deepen community involvement and highlight local efforts to address environmental challenges.

Living in rural B.C. provides close access to lakes, rivers, forests and mountains, and organizers say the event is designed to strengthen that relationship while encouraging practical action.

“The theme this year is Celebrate – Connect- Engage,” said organizer Suzanne Simoni of the West Kootenay Climate Hub.

“Our goal is to involve more people in both leading and participating in events that engage the community with the planet. The earth has taught me that we are all kin and need to protect and support each other.”

Events will take place across Nelson and surrounding areas, with local groups leading workshops, hikes and community gatherings. Organizers say the programming is intended to make environmental action accessible at the community level.

“Canada is no different than other countries with the majority of people experiencing climate anxiety, while not knowing what to do and not realizing almost everyone has the same concerns. EarthDays is about bringing people together to share what they love about the planet, what they understand about how to support it and how to engage together on this topic,” said fellow lead organizer Judith Fearing.

“We know that working together not only brings hope and inspiration, it is much more effective.”

More than 34 local organizations and individuals are involved in hosting events. All activities are free and open to the public.

Highlights include a community festival and parade featuring local musicians and artists, a weekly Green Film Festival, a family-friendly Rail Trail event, a Green Home and Energy Show, and guided hikes focused on regional wildlife, geology and plant life.

A full schedule is available at earthdaysnelson.ca.

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Kootenay Christian Academy raised $47,000 at a recent gala in Cranbrook, drawing 125 guests in support of its REVIVE campaign.

The evening focused on building community and supporting students, with funds earmarked for upgrades to classrooms and hallways, as well as resources for educators.

Organizers said the campaign goes beyond physical improvements.

“REVIVE is more than a campaign to refresh our school,” organizers said. “It is a commitment to steward the resources God has entrusted to us and to provide for the needs of our students and educators as they grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

They described the initiative as a broader shift in mindset for the school community, one that will continue after project work is complete.

“It is a new perspective, a focus, and a way of walking with God that will continue long after the paint has dried.”

The school thanked attendees, volunteers, donors and partners for their support, along with those who contributed through prayer.

Kootenay Christian Academy said the campaign helps advance its mission of preparing students to live with faith, purpose and service.

More information is available at kcacademy.ca.

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The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has tentatively budgeted $30,000 for the struggling Trail Skills Centre, but a final decision won’t be made until next month.

Fruitvale’s Bill Wenman, who chairs a committee made up of directors from Greater Trail, said they received a request from the non-profit organization for emergency funding. But because all money in regional districts has to be tied to a specific service, they had to think it.

“Staff did a deep dive and figured we could possibly take it out of our economic development account,” he said. “In a roundabout way, the Skill Centre does assist with economic development. So we parked some money in this year’s budget.”

Wenman said the committee then asked the Skills Centre for “more of a statement on what they needed, why they needed it and where they needed it,” which was provided this month. However, RDKB policy is that following a delegation, they wait until their next meeting before making a final decision, so the outcome won’t be known until April.

Trail city council recently turned down a similar request. The Skills Centre provides poverty reduction and employment services, but says its government funding has been scaled back or eliminated. The organization has responded by cutting costs and laying off ten of its 14 staff, including its former executive director.

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The Kimberley Dynamiters are moving on.

Kimberley defeated the Fernie Ghostriders 2-1 to win their series 4-1, punching their ticket to the Kootenay Conference final.

Jackson Murphy scored the series-clinching goal, finishing a play set up by Brayden Schwartz, who assisted on both Dynamiters goals.

Adam Kisilevich made 22 saves to secure the win, with the lone Fernie goal coming from Liam Breakenridge on the power play in the second period. At the other end, Kael Svenson was busy in the Ghostriders net, stopping 43 shots.

With the victory, the Dynamiters now await their next opponent. Kimberley will face the winner of the series between the Grand Forks Border Bruins and Beaver Valley Nitehawks for a spot in the league final.

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Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue crews worked quickly to contain a house fire in Sunningdale on Friday, March 27, limiting damage and preventing any injuries.

Emergency crews were called to a home on Hazlewood Drive at 8:33 p.m. and arrived within six minutes to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of the house. The fire was brought under control by 8:50 p.m.

“Crews responded to a fire with heavy smoke and flame showing from the rear of the home. The fire started accidentally from a faulty generator outside and quickly spread to the home, involving the kitchen and roof structure. Crews got the fire under control quickly, stopping further damage,” said Acting Capt. Kyle Boutin.

No injuries were reported.

Fire officials are reminding residents to ensure generators and other outdoor equipment are properly maintained and kept a safe distance from structures to reduce fire risk.

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College of the Rockies and the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the province’s outdoor recreation sector through training, research and community-based initiatives.

The agreement focuses on workforce development, applied learning and stewardship, with both organizations exploring ways to better align education and industry needs across British Columbia.

College of the Rockies has offered outdoor education programs for more than 30 years, including its Mountain Adventure Skills Training and Adventure Tourism Business Operations programs. The new partnership builds on that experience and recent collaborations with groups such as Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise and the ReHub Outdoor Gear Workforce Development Working Group.

Michael Crowe, president of College of the Rockies, said the agreement reflects a shared goal of building a more co-ordinated and sustainable sector.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that outdoor recreation is not only central to the culture and lifestyle of British Columbians, but also to the strength and resilience of our regional economies,” he said.

The Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. brings provincewide expertise in recreation planning, policy and stewardship, which complements the college’s regional connections and applied learning approach in the East Kootenay.

Eric Vanderkruk, chair of the council, said the partnership will help connect education and training with on-the-ground needs in communities.

“Through this partnership with College of the Rockies, we can better connect education, applied learning, and stewardship with what the recreation sector and communities need on the ground,” he said.

Under the three-year agreement, the organizations will explore joint efforts in areas such as professional training, microcredentials, applied research, student placements and industry resources. The memorandum will be reviewed annually to align with shifting provincial and regional priorities, including economic diversification and workforce development.

More information is available at cotr.bc.ca.

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The RCMP is cautioning the public to be wary of sharing or forwarding a particular type of social media post known as a “heartbreaker” post.

The scam involves the poster usually asking for help in finding the owners of a lost dog or the parents of a lost child and social media users are encouraged to share the information in hopes of spreading awareness.

RCMP say after the information is shared, the poster changes their post to a deceptive rental add or fraudulent contest, so when your friends and family see it on your social media page, they believe it to be legitimate, and are more inclined to click the link.

The link could ask to people to share personal information, which can lead to identity theft, or they will be asked for a deposit on the fake rental property.

Some ways to prevent falling for “heartbreaking” social media posts include:

• Run a search of the original poster’s name to see if their account is legitimate. Often, the original poster will have numerous social media accounts on a single platform, few friends, or the accounts is very new, which should all be red flags.
• Search the key words to see if the same post has been made elsewhere, especially if they have targeted other cities further away from your own town.
• Perform a reverse image search to see if the image has been used for other purposes before sharing.
• Be sure to avoid clicking links that you cannot verify as coming from a legitimate source. If you aren’t certain if a link is legitimate, go to the parent website on your own or log into your online account to verify if the actual company is requesting you to visit their website.
• Report the post to the social media platform so it can be taken down.

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The Shakesides building is gone and will soon be replaced by a viewing platform. 

The Town of Comox, said construction has begun on the new Mack Laing viewing platform following the removal of the home, with a cultural heritage investigation permit now in place.  

Comox Mayor Nicole Minions said the town looks forward to welcoming visitors to the park and platform this fall. 

“Mack Laing Nature Park is a place of significant historical importance and we remain committed to delivering this project with the collaboration of the K’ómoks First Nation while meeting all the requirements under both the Heritage Conservation Act and the K’ómoks First Nation Cultural Heritage Policy.” 

The platform is being built on the existing foundation of Shakesides, allowing residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the same views Mack Laing experienced while living there. 

In 2023 the Supreme Court of British Columbia approved a joint application by the Town of Comox and the B.C. attorney general to vary one of the trusts left by Mack Laing, allowing the construction of a viewing platform. 

The approved budget for the platform is just over $680 000, including about $300 000 from trust funds, with the remaining amount allocated in the 2026‑30 financial plan. 

Trail users in the area are asked to respect any posted signage while work is underway. 

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The Beaver Valley Nitehawks were held off the scoresheet in a 2-0 loss to the Grand Forks Border Bruins, but maintain a 3-2 lead in their series.

Beaver Valley goaltender Landan Uzeloc turned aside 31 shots in a strong performance despite the loss.

Jace Koole opened the scoring midway through the first period for Grand Forks, while Hayden Evans added an empty-net goal (4) late in the third. Eric Kahl made 31 saves for the shutout.

The teams will return to Fruitvale Saturday night.

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The Grand Forks Border Bruins staved off elimination with a 2-0 win over the Beaver Valley Nitehawks, cutting the series deficit to 3-2.

Eric Kahl led the way with a 31-save shutout performance.

Jace Koole scored his first of the playoffs midway through the first period and it stood as the winner. Hayden Evans added an empty-net goal (4) late in the third period.

Landan Uzeloc made 31 saves for Beaver Valley.

The teams will return to Fruitvale Saturday night.

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Kimberley’s winter shuttle season is coming to an end.

April 6, 2026, will be the last day for Route 23 Peak to Platzl until its return in December.

BC Transit acknowledges the service disruptions the winter shuttle experienced this season and the impacts on riders. BC Transit extends its apologies for the inconvenience and its appreciation for customers’ patience.

Visit bctransit.com/kimberley for more information regarding schedules, trip planning  and to sign up for customer alerts.

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The City of Castlegar is no rush to climb the zero carbon step code ladder.

This month representatives of Doctors and Nurses for Planetary Health and the West Kootenay Climate Hub asked the city to speed up implementing a section of the BC building code that lets local governments regulate greenhouse gas emissions in new buildings.

In particular, the city was asked to mandate heat pumps, which use minimal electricity when a building is constructed to high energy efficiency standards.

While some neighbouring communities have voluntarily advanced their progress in the carbon step code, Castlegar remains on the bottom rung, described as “measure only.” That isn’t going to change anytime soon.

Mayor Maria McFaddin said she saw “tremendous risk of moving ahead of the provincial government,” and felt that proceeding more slowly was actually a benefit to the city.

“It’s not as black and white as it sounds,” she said. “This will slow down our building and cost more for our builders. We have had some people wanting to build in Castlegar because we haven’t adopted some of the things other cities have.” 

City manager Chris Barlow said the city was already planning an update of its building code bylaw in the latter half of this year, and the zero carbon step code can be part of those discussions.

Council was previously told that if the city does adopt higher code requirements before it’s required to do so, it has to provide six months notice to the public and building community.

The provincial government’s four-stage carbon step code was introduced in 2023 and intends to make all new construction zero-carbon by 2030.

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The British Columbia government is scaling back several proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act after further engagement with local governments and industry.

The province released a policy paper Thursday outlining revised amendments, after postponing the legislation earlier this year to allow for more consultation.

The government had planned to introduce changes this spring but said in January it needed more time to consult with industry, local governments, and First Nations.

The act governs archaeological assessments and permitting at cultural heritage sites in B.C., but it has not been significantly updated since 1996.

The province says the proposed amendments are intended to streamline permitting, help communities rebuild more quickly after disasters, and strengthen the role of First Nations in managing and protecting cultural heritage.

The Union of B.C. Municipalities has raised concerns about development costs and delays under the act, particularly for residential construction and renovations. Construction must stop if artifacts are discovered, allowing time for archaeological study and permitting. The law became a point of contention for Lytton residents, who said the processes caused for in rebuilding after the devastating 2021 wildfire.

Industry groups like the Association for Mineral Exploration also urged the province to delay the amendments.

The policy paper said the province will remove references to “intangible heritage” from the legislation after concerns the term was too vague.

The province also plans to drop “consent-seeking” language from permitting decisions, saying it created confusion. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 requires the province to consult First Nations when decisions may affect their rights. The province says it was not its intent to “create a new obligation” by implying that decisions would require First Nations approval to move forward.

The revised amendments would also to clarify the role of First Nations in heritage decisions. The province said agreements under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will apply only to Crown land and be limited to certain parts of the act. It says First Nations would not be able to enter into agreements affecting private property without the landowner’s consent.

The province is scrapping a proposal to give First Nations formal powers through compliance and enforcement agreements. The paper said that while First Nations generally supported having enforcement authority, stakeholders and local governments raised concerns about governance, decision-making, and the potential for inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictions.

The legislation will also no longer include the creation of “heritage management zones,” which were intended to reflect that heritage sites may extend beyond known areas and impose additional regulations.

“During engagement, we heard concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the existing data in the Provincial Heritage Register and a desire for greater clarity around how these zones would be established and requirements when undertaking works within these zones,” the paper says.

The province said it will conduct further analysis to address gaps in heritage data and improve public awareness of the existing register.

A proposed requirement for proponents to submit a record of engagement with First Nations as part of permit applications has also been dropped, though the province says it will remain a recommended best practice.

The province still plans to require that local regulators see proof of a preliminary heritage check before approving permits, to identify potential issues early. It says the requirement will apply only to projects involving ground disturbance, with more consultation planned before regulations are finalized.

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Wildsight is urging the federal government to appoint an independent panel to review a proposed coal mine expansion in B.C.’s Elk Valley, citing concerns about environmental impacts.

If approved, the Fording River Extension would expand one of Canada’s largest metallurgical coal mines by more than one-third, raising concerns about water quality and wildlife.

The conservation group said the current review, led by government-selected staff, should instead be conducted by independent experts to ensure neutrality.

“The potential consequences of this mine expansion are enormous, particularly for aquatic ecosystems and downstream communities. Independent review gives the best chance for these concerns to be properly addressed in an unbiased and transparent way.” said Simon Wiebe, Wildsight’s mining policy and impacts lead.

Wildsight points to ongoing environmental issues in the Elk Valley, including water pollution linked to existing coal mines.

“Water pollution from existing Elk Valley coal mines still exceeds aquatic life safety standards by more than 30 times, and these contaminants will persist in our rivers for decades if not centuries. With that much at stake, we need to be sure that this review is carried out to the highest possible standard, under independent eyes,” said Wiebe.

Mining companies in the area have been fined over $80 million in the past five years for environmental violations, according to Wildsight.

“Existing mines in the Elk Valley have been penalized upwards of $80 million in the past five years, including record-breaking fines under the Fisheries Act. Instead of offering even more land and allowing another mountain to be knocked down, we should be asking for them to do better, much better.” said Wiebe.

A similar proposal was rejected in 2023, but a revised version is now moving forward despite continued opposition from the Ktunaxa Nation.

Independent review panels are allowed under federal law, if deemed to be in the public interest and would include public hearings and a more transparent, extensive process.

Wildsight said the stakes are high for downstream communities, ecosystems and water quality, and that stronger oversight is needed.

“B.C. has shown that it is willing to give these mines a long leash, to the detriment of everyone and everything downstream. It is time for more independent eyes to be a part of the conversation.” said Wiebe.

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A new pilot project in Nanaimo, B.C., will help connect Indigenous people with developmental disabilities to services. 

A provincial news release said the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society will deliver the project with funding from Community Living BC (CLBC).  

The pilot program is called Connections through Inclusion and funds new community connections workers who will provide hands‑on support for Indigenous adults who may be eligible for CLBC services.  

“Indigenous people with diverse abilities deserve supports that honour their cultures, their strengths and their connections to community,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of social development and poverty reduction. “So, we’re investing in approaches led by Indigenous organisations for people to be supported in ways that are close to their community, trusted and grounded in who they are. This pilot can help remove barriers and make it easier for people to access the services and cultural supports that matter most in their lives.”  

The workers will help people navigate housing services, connect them with elders and community, and build relationships with service partners.  

“The program is part of CLBC’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety,” said Joanne Mills, vice‑president of quality services and Indigenous relations at CLBC. “It offers friendship centres the flexibility to create culturally grounded, innovative approaches that build trust and improve access to services. Our hope is that this will encourage friendship centres to pursue pre‑qualification as vendors, strengthening opportunities for future service delivery partnerships.”  

The province is investing $900,000 in the pilot project through CLBC

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The City of Courtenay is moving toward installing water meters on all properties in the future. 

At the March 27 council meeting, city council approved moving forward with a phased residential water metering program as the city’s long-term approach. 

Council received three reports on the case study: the results, the financial strategy and implementation pathways. 

Director of Operational Services Kyle Shaw said the reports did not ask council to determine a timeline or capital spending, but whether residential metering should be adopted as a long-term strategic direction. 

“The headline conclusion from the business case is clear; residential metering can be very effective, it improves conservation, fairness and long-term system sustainability.” 

The case study found residential water use is the main driver of seasonal peak demand and has increased significantly in recent years. 

Most single-family homes are currently unmetered and pay a flat rate, resulting in an estimated $1.7 million annual subsidy from metered to unmetered users. 

Shaw said there are several layers to the options and it is not a simple decision whether to install water meters. 

“What it is about is whether the city continues to manage water based on averages or transitions to a system that is measurable, fair and resilient, and whether that transition is managed in a deliberate delivery framework.” 

Council was asked to consider three implementation approaches and chose the phased “balanced” program. The program would begin by installing meters at approximately 2,500 homes already equipped for them, followed by gradual expansion to all properties over time. 

The approach aims to reduce water use, improve equity and manage financial and operational impacts. 

Council directed staff to develop a detailed implementation plan, including how the program will be funded, how rates will be structured based on water use and how residents will be engaged throughout the process. 

Staff will also prepare updated bylaws to support consumption-based water rates and establish a dedicated reserve fund to manage long-term costs, including new metering technology and system upgrades. 

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Gorge Harbour Marina Resort on Cortes Island will redevelop its restaurant as part of a broader revitalization project.

Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation, the economic development arm of the Klahoose First Nation, has received $1 million from the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to support the project.

The corporation said the investment will support redevelopment of the restaurant, a key tourism and community destination on Cortes Island.

“The restaurant is a very important part of the life of Gorge Harbour,” said Marco Bedetti, general manager of Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation. “For decades the harbour has been a gathering place for boaters, travellers and the local community. Rebuilding the restaurant helps bring that atmosphere and social energy back to the harbour.

According to the corporation, the redevelopment will provide economic and social benefits for the region.

“I’m proud to see this project move forward,” said Klahoose First Nation Chief Kevin Peacey. “Rebuilding the restaurant at Gorge Harbour will create local jobs, support tourism in Klahoose territory and help make Gorge Harbour Marina Resort and Cortes Island a vibrant destination.”

The restaurant redevelopment project is part of a bigger tourism vision aimed at strengthening tourism across Klahoose‑owned properties and extending their visitor season.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Gorge Harbour,” Chief Peacey said.

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The Williams Lake Stampede Parade Committee is busy planning this years event with heavy hearts following the passing of their President Willie Dye.

Director Bob Sunner said, “He was a person that was almost a one man band from promoting to organizing to directing to delegating, he did a lot for the parade committee. He did a lot of work for the community.”

Sunner remembers Dye travelling from Williams Lake to other communities wherever there was an event and he would promote the parade.

“We have a small trailer and he would take this little trailer with our banners on it with him and promote the parade in a variety of places. He would don his “Ultimate Artie” costume and he was never shy about promoting our community or promoting especially the Williams Lake Stampede parade. Without Willie there is a big hole to fill so we need help.”

Sunner noted that they really need community support, we really need volunteers to step forward and help them out.

“The parade has almost disappeared a few times throughout it’s history and we don’t want that to happen. We think as a Parade Committee that we need to involve more people, more organizations and really establish a even better footing so that we’re not relying on just one person or two or three people going forward. We have a really solid base from which to work.”

Sunner added there is a lot of things that need to be done, and there many things that Willie was looking after just on his own that he was probably over-extended on so we need to divvy up a lot of those responsibilities as well.

“Willie was a phenomenal person, a real champion of this event and every event, he was an event master. Everything he worked on he wanted to do the best of his ability. This is a really big loss for the City of Williams Lake. Going forward we’d like to make sure that all the work he did is recognized, appreciated, and built upon. He gave us a really good foundation, he established an organization devoted just primarily to the parade.”

Sunner said he heard from so many people how much they’ve enjoyed the parade, how much sentimental value is attached to the event, that we need to preserve this really, really, important aspect of our community and hopefully build upon it, enhance it, and make it even bigger and better.

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Changes to the Waterworks bylaw will raise the fees for new water meters and end points in Cranbrook.

City staff said the raise was needed due to increased costs.

The new fees can be seen below.

The city is also adding a new water meter size with the 1.5 inch.

Engineering manager Curtis Penson says it fits a lot of the fourplexes that are popping up.

“It will also add the 1.5 inch meter that we currently don’t offer, because we’re seeing more services for fourplexes that need a little bit bigger than a one inch,” he said.

The fees are the actual costs plus 20 per cent to cover staff time, storage and handling.

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The City of Fernie has modified a lease with the Elk Valley Family Society to ensure an upcoming day care and affordable housing project moves ahead smoothly.

A lease was executed back in November 2023 for the Pine Avenue project adjacent to the Fernie Aquatic Centre.

The original lease included a clause requiring commencement of construction within one year, and completion within two years.

However, the project has gone through a substantial change change from modular to ground-up construction.

The lease has been changed to reflect the delays.

The project is in the final approval stage and will be moving ahead soon.

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There are a few more days for Fernie non-profits to apply to the spring discretionary grant program.

Each year the city allocates funds to support community groups.

There is a total of $14,400 available in this year’s intake.

Recent recipients include the Cycling Without Age Fernie Foundation, Elk River Watershed Alliance, Elk Valley Rugby Football Club, Fernie Elks Lodge #81 and Ghostrider Adventure Camp Foundation.

The deadline to apply is Mar. 31.

Application details can be found here.

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The Thompson Rivers University’s Board of Governors unanimously agreed to delay the potential closure of the university’s Williams Lake Campus.

In its Board of Governors’ Meeting held today, March 27, in Kamloops, it was agreed that the Board will wait for further consultation due for the June 2026 board meeting before making a decision.

A three-part recommendation that would “reimagine post-secondary education in the Williams Lake region” and include the “full closure and disposal of the facilities” in Williams Lake was split and addressed in three parts.

The first and second parts of the recommendation were amended to have further consultation from TRU’s administration and senate, to look into options to keep programming in the community.

These amendments were passed unanimously.

The Final part of the recommendation, which would look into the full closure of the campus, was delayed because of a motion put forward by TRU’s Chancellor Dede DeRose, who is from the area and taught at the Williams Lake campus for three years.

“I want to make sure that we, the Board, have all the information before us, before we make the decision,” DeRose said. “Seven members from my little community of Esk’etemc crossed the stage last year in Williams Lake. I know they wouldn’t have had they not had the opportunity of having the building there.”

DeRose continued by understanding that the third recommendation was to only close the “bricks and mortar” of the campus, and the programming would continue. However, DeRose said having a physical campus has deep roots and impacts within the community.

“When you have more people cross the stage from your community in graduation, it speaks loudly to the passion of the staff and community, and the building. So, I want our board to be very careful, and to do the right thing for the Cariboo-Chilcotin community.”

Vice-President of Administration and Finance, Matt Milovick, said the costs of maintenance alone cost $5.21 million per 3 annum. It would cost up to $21 million for the full term of the university’s agreed commitment, ending in 2034.

TRU’s Board of Governors meeting to make their final decision will be held on June 19, 2026.

More to come.

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BC Hydro says it will repurpose the Site C worker camp facilities for construction of the North Coast Transmission Line.

The utility said Friday it will reuse 21 modular dormitories, the construction site office and other infrastructure used during construction of the hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in northeast B.C.

It said the facilities will be relocated to areas between Prince George and Terrace after the Site C camp wraps up operations at the end of March.

Site C came into full operation in August.

“Our goal was to give the Site C camp a meaningful second life,” said BC Hydro president and CEO Charlotte Mitha in a statement. “With Site C nearly complete and construction on the North Coast Transmission Line starting this summer, the timing is ideal.”

BC Hydro said the three-storey dormitories provide a total of 1,764 beds, along with other amenities such as kitchens and dining halls, coffee shops and lounges.

It plans to continue negotiations with other organizations for the remaining Site C camp structures, including a theatre and gymnasium.

“Repurposing the Site C camp not only prevents unnecessary waste but saves money and time, while supporting a project that will generate significant economic benefits for our province,” said Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix.

The chiefs of the Stellat’en, Nadleh Whut’en, Saik’uz and Lheidli T’enneh First Nations, which are partners in the transmission line project, said in a joint statement they support the reuse of the Site C camp.

“Providing new uses for this camp saves construction materials and resources to build new camp infrastructure. These resources can be better used to mitigate impacts on our lands impacted by the NCTL project,” they said.

BC Hydro said clearing and access work along the route is set to begin this summer.

The first two phases of the project aim to twin the existing transmission line between Prince George and Terrace, at an estimated cost of $6 billion. A planned third phase would extend north of Terrace to the Bob Quinn substation.

The province says the additional energy capacity is needed to power projects such as the planned Ksi Lisims LNG facility on Pearse Island, as well as other proposed mining and critical minerals projects.

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Smithers’ Cold Weather Response Plan was adopted during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

It’s development was funded by a $30,000 grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Council moved to create the plan during its October 14th meeting.

“The goal of the document is town related so if further services are needed that any of the temporary winter shelters can’t offer during extreme cold events, this will allow us to get reimbursed from the province,” said Fire Chief Alle Jan de Vries.

Some of the items the plan includes are activation criteria, risk assessment, pre-season preparation, and response procedures.

The report from de Vries added it would not create new infrastructure and instead provide guidance for temporarily using existing facilities as warming centres when needed.

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One person died while trying to help a driver involved in a two vehicle collision.

On March 25 at approximately 7:26 pm Williams Lake RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle incident involving two semi-trucks on Highway 20, approximately 25 kilometres west of Williams Lake.

Division Media Relations Officer, Corporal Brett Urano, said in a release that Emergency responders attended the scene where it was determined that one person had died.

“The deceased is a 49-year-old man who had stopped at the scene to assist following the initial collision. While assisting with efforts to extricate a trapped driver from one of the commercial vehicles, the second commercial vehicle became dislodged and struck the man resulting in fatal injuries.”

Police said Highway 20 was closed for several hours while emergency personnel and investigators worked to manage the scene and conduct the initial investigation.

‘The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Williams Lake RCMP with assistance from BC Coroners Service and other agencies,” Urano said.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage from the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact Williams Lake RCMP.

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Elkford district council has adopted the 2026-2030 five-year financial plan

This year’s budget will see a 8.5 per cent residential tax levy increase.

The full financial plan can be found here.

Municipalities must adopt a five-year financial plan annually by May 15.

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Comox Valley RCMP are investigating a stabbing that occurred early Friday morning in Courtenay.

Police were called to assist B.C. Emergency Health Services near the Courtenay City Hall parking lot at about 7 a.m. after a male victim was reportedly stabbed.

RCMP said a crime scene was established around the Connect Warming Centre parking lot to allow the Serious Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Section to collect evidence.

“The male victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries and continues to be assessed,” said a statement from RCMP.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP.

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The Prince George Native Friendship Centre is receiving $150,000 in provincial funds to assist Indigenous residents with diverse needs.

Community Living B.C. has launched Connections Through Inclusion, a project aimed at increasing culturally appropriate support.

The facility will hire workers to assist people in accessing funded services, housing resources and community programs.

Similar initiatives are taking place in Port Alberni, Kamloops, Smithers, Nanaimo and Surrey.

“Through Connections Through Inclusion, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre is removing barriers and fostering belonging while empowering urban Indigenous individuals to build meaningful connections to family and community. This program helps people build relationships, value culture and grow together in ways that honour diversity and celebrate connection and inclusion,” said Barb Ward-Burkitt, executive director.

Our province is investing $900,000 into the project.

The pilot will run through 2027.

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The qathet Regional District has approved its five-year financial plan with a 2.2 per cent tax requisition reduction for 2026.

The 2026 budget totals $29.4 million and includes $18.2 million for operating, $5 million in capital spending and $4.4 million for debt payments and transfers to reserves.

A news release from the regional district said it has secured a total of $2.7 million in grant funding for planned projects in 2026.

The 2026 budget represents an overall tax requisition decrease of $306,575 from 2025.

“The regional board is committed to maintaining a consistent tax requisition rate for our residents with the goal of avoiding significant variations from year to year,” said Clay Brander. “The board had many discussions concerning the cost benefit of utilizing previous-year surpluses to offset requisition rates, while balancing the importance of maintaining healthy reserves to support the maintenance and replacement of large capital assets, including fire apparatus. These deliberations, along with the expert advice of our staff, ensure our budgets and financial plans consider the short and long-term needs of our entire region in line with the impacts on individual service users.”

Projects planned for 2026 include completion of the Savary Island Official Community Plan, expansion of the Texada Island paratransit route, replacement of the Shelter Point Park footbridge and replacement of the cedar roof on the Palm Beach Park washroom and concession building.

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Drivers are being reminded to slow down and if safe to do so, move over for emergency and maintenance vehicles with flashing red, blue or amber lights.

According to the RCMP, between 2014 and 2023, 251 workers were hit by vehicles, with nine being killed in BC while working beside or on the road.

It said legally, drivers travelling in a 80 kilometres an hour or faster speed zone must slow down to 70 kilometres an hour when driving past a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle.

If the speed zone is less than 80 kilometres an hour, drivers must slow down to 40 kilometres an hour.

Drivers who fail to slow down and/or move over near stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles can face a $173 ticket, including 3 penalty points on their driving record.

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The City of Campbell River has purchased the parking lot at 251 Dogwood St., next to the Campbell River Curling Club, for just over $1 million.

According to the city, the acquisition aligns with council’s goal to encourage mixed-use development along the Dogwood Street corridor.

The city said it does not have an immediate plan for the property.

“This acquisition supports council’s long-term vision for the Dogwood Street Corridor, which is a key transportation corridor, and positions the city to respond to future community growth in a fiscally responsible and strategic way,” said Kermit Dahl. “By securing this centrally located property, Council is taking a prudent step to strengthen the City’s land inventory while maintaining flexibility for future community needs.”

According to a release from the City of Campbell River, the property was identified by the Campbell River Curling Club as surplus to its operational needs.

“This agreement is a positive step forward for the Campbell River Curling Club, one of the few remaining member-owned and operated clubs in BC,” said Scott Kratzmann, president of the Campbell River Curling Club. “The sale of this portion of the property provides long-term financial stability for the Curling Club and helps ensure we can continue to provide a first-class experience for our members and the community.”

Kratzmann said parking will continue to be available on the Cedar Street side of the building.

The purchase will be funded through the city’s capital lending reserve, with costs supported by the financial stabilization reserve and housing accelerator funds.

The city and the curling club finalized the purchase in February 2026.

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A new pilot project in Smithers funded by the province is looking to help connect indigenous people who need significant help with day-to-day tasks with local various supports.

The Connections through Inclusion program is being run by the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in partnership with Community Living BC.

The province said the main focus is on those with developmental disabilities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and autism.

“Indigenous people with diverse abilities deserve supports that honour their cultures, their strengths and their connections to community,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Program workers would work with individuals to help them connect with housing, cultural, and community supports.

“We embrace this partnership as a crucial step toward reconciliation, ensuring that the voices of our community are not only heard but prioritized in every aspect of our work,” said Annette Morgan, Friendship Centre Society Executive Director.

The centre will be getting $150,000 to run the program with the pilot also running in five other communities, including Prince George.

It will run through early 2027.

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North Cowichan has added a new aerial ladder truck to its fire fleet, and municipal officials say the purchase delivered significant savings for taxpayers.

Mayor Rob Douglas joined fire chief Ron French this week at the Chemainus fire hall to tour the department’s newest apparatus — a 2013 Rosenbauer aerial ladder truck acquired from the Enumclaw Fire Department in Washington state.

The truck was purchased used and later outfitted for local service, bringing the total cost to about $800,000.

Officials say a new aerial truck of this type would typically cost between $2.9 million and $3.2 million, making the purchase a significant cost-saving measure for the municipality.

The unit is now part of the North Cowichan Fire Department’s fleet and will support emergency response operations across the region.

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Duncan city council is supporting an extension for a temporary winter shelter in the community until April 30.

At a meeting Thursday, council confirmed its support for BC Housing’s decision to extend funding to keep the shelter at the former Ramada Inn site open until the end of April. The shelter had been scheduled to close for the season on March 31.

Lookout Housing and Health Society has operated the shelter since it opened in November and confirmed it can continue operations.

READ MORE: Rally urges Duncan shelter to remain open amid housing concerns  : My Cowichan Valley Now

Council will send a letter to BC Housing confirming its support for the extension.

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The Pine Pass will be under a snowfall warning until midday.

Environment Canada said a frontal system is crossing central and northern B.C. giving heavy snow totalling 10 to 15 centimetres.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions, with visibility likely to be reduced at times.

Environment Canada noted that drivers should prepare for changing and deteriorating travel conditions, and to allow extra time for travel.

More information can be found here.

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Meet today’s Summit Radio Pet of the Week, Maverick! He has a few words of introduction to say,

“My name is Maverick and I am an approximately 10 year old St. Bernard/Golden Retriever mix. I had lots of matted hair, but the worst parts got shaved off and now I am a little funny looking, but feel so much better! I’m a very affectionate, loving kind a guy and am looking for a home with people that don’t mind me being a little older. Better yet, if you have room for my Bestie Misha that I came to the Castlegar shelter with, that would be so awesome but should not discourage you from just looking at wonderful ME.”

I mean, just look at those eyes!!! If you can’t resist, check out more on Maverick here: https://adopt.spca.bc.ca/pets/789909/

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The UNBC Timberwolves stuck to the north in finding its first Men’s Basketball recruit.

Today (Friday), head coach Todd Jordan announced 6’5” shooting guard/small forward Jules Tersago of Smithers committed to the program for next season.

Tersago graduated from PGSS in 2024 and played last season at CTA West under the watchful eye of head coach Adam Huffman.

At the prep level he averaged 10.3 points-per-game to go along with 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot 53.2 percent from the field, 37.4 percent from beyond the arc, and clicked at an 84.3 percent clip from the free-throw line.

“I’m a strong scorer inside and out, and I like to get my teammates involved,” shared Tersago who has been training with his future teammates through much of the offseason so far.

“Todd has always checked in on me through the years and has helped monitor my development. I’m impressed by his attention to detail, and I like his coaching style,” said Tersago who lists Russell Westbrook as his favourite NBA player, past or present.

When Tersago looks ahead to 2026-27, he can’t help but get excited when he thinks about putting that Timberwolves jersey on the first time.

He is prioritizing conditioning over the summer as he gets himself ready for the heightened pace and physicality of the Canada West conference.

WATCH

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Kimberley council has approved a proposed development permit to add five new walk-in tent campsites and more parking spaces at 500 St. Mary Lake Rd., commonly known as Riverside Campground.

Each additional site will include a 12-by-12-foot tent pad, a picnic table and a fire pit. These new sites are designed for non-service camping, meaning there will be no direct hookups for electricity, water or sewage.

The planned parking expansion will bring total capacity for walk-in campers to 12 parking spots. The spaces, located next to the campground’s washroom, will also support nearby “Trappers’ Tents.”

The developments are considered a low-impact way to improve campground capacity. Planning technician Max Garvey said no major servicing upgrades are needed at this time, aside from some tree and shrub removal.

“The area development is in the lower section of the campground adjacent to the municipal park lands. The proposed tent sites will be low impact with only some minor clearing of vegetation required. Parking will be provided nearby on private land, and campground amenities will be available to the users,” said Garvey.

The new campsites and parking spaces are intended to help meet demand for affordable, simple camping options, particularly for cyclists and backpackers in the region.

Council approval of the development is expected to increase campground capacity, boost tourism in Kimberley and provide more options for visitors passing through the area.

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The Professional Employees Association (PEA) said its members have voted to ratify a tentative agreement with the British Columbia government’s Public Service Agency.

The union represents more than 1,800 licensed professionals working for the province, from foresters to pharmacists.

The PEA said members voted nearly 96 per cent in favour of the agreement.

The union said the deal comes after 10 months of bargaining and an eight-week strike alongside the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) last fall.

“We took the longest strike in our union’s history to get a deal that respects the professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving this province,” said PEA Executive Director Melissa Moroz in a statement. “This ratification means members are backing an agreement that recognizes their value and strengthens their rights.”

PEA members began job action on Sept. 2 alongside the B.C. General Employees’ Union.

The PEA said in late October it would return to negotiations with the province after the BCGEU announced it had reached a tentative agreement.

The PEA announced on March 12 that a tentative agreement had been reached.

It said the four-year agreement provides an annual general wage increase of three per cent each year, the same increase BCGEU members received.

The union says the agreement also includes non-monetary gains, employment security, improved health and wellness benefits, improvements to overtime compensation and key terms for government lawyers.

The province says just over 220,000 people are currently covered by tentative or ratified agreements reached in the 2025 round of bargaining.

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A Prince George athlete is trying to secure a Gold Medal with Team BC at the Canadian Ringette Championships in Ottawa.

Jocelyn Atkinson was named to the provincial U19 squad, which begins round robin play on Monday against Quebec.

Nationals run from March 30th to April 4th.

In addition, Houston’s Casey Stumpf was named to BC’s U16 roster.

Their first two games are also on Monday against the West Ottawa Wild (8am) and Calgary Rowdy (545pm).

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For the second time this week, Interior Health (IH) is advising 100 Mile House and area residents of temporary changes to emergency department hours at 100 Mile District General Hospital.

IH says emergency services will be unavailable today (March 27) from 7 am to 8 pm and that patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time.

All other inpatient services at 100 Mile District General Hospital will continue.

People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

This is now the seventh time this month (March) the emergency department at 100 Mile District General Hospital has been unavailable.

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The Regional District of Central Kootenay has awarded a contract for the first phase of residential water meter installations in Erickson.

The contract, valued at up to $328,637.41 plus GST, was awarded to Valhalla Hydrovac Ltd. and approved at the March 19 board meeting.

Staff said in a board report that the work will involve installing 70 water meter pits at residential properties in Erickson. The project is scheduled to start this spring and be finished by June 30.

It is the first of several contract packages tied to a broader plan to install 506 residential and small agricultural water meters in the Erickson water system.

The overall project is fully funded through a $3.5-million grant from the provincial Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, with a deadline to complete the work by the end of next March.

RDCK staff said the metering program aims to improve water management in Erickson, where summer flows in Arrow Creek have been declining in recent years.

Increased water demand from the agricultural sector and distribution leakage have also put pressure on supply, at times requiring supplemental water from Creston’s wells.

The RDCK believes the capacity challenges of this water system could be largely mitigated through demand-side management.

Staff said expanded metering will also help identify leaks and high water use, reduce waste and improve the long-term sustainability of the watershed.

The larger project has been divided into multiple contract packages to spread out the work and reduce the risk of delays tied to labour or supply issues, ensuring it is finished by the March 2027 deadline.

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The City of Trail will look at creating a seven-day-per-week “community safety patrol.”

Councillor Nick Cashol proposed the idea in response to concerns raised by downtown businesses about open drug use, vandalism, and other public disorder.

Cashol said the local RCMP detachment is understaffed, limiting their abilities to do proactive patrols, and the city’s bylaw team is already stretched to its limit Monday through Friday. He said business owners are frustrated because it’s not always clear who is responsible for what.

Cashol’s motion asked staff to find out how much it would cost to have contracted security personnel based out of a small downtown office and to identify potential funding sources and an oversight and reporting structure.

“This would not replace police work, but supplement it through deterrence, observation, reporting, and response coordination,” Cashol said. “This is not about criminalizing homelessness or addiction. The purpose is to address public disorder, safety and accountability in shared places.”

Cashol said his model could also refer people to outreach services while maintaining public order. He said options could include a pilot project or seasonal deployment.

Cashol added his motion wasn’t prompted by a single letter, but by multiple letters, emails, conversations, and his own observations.

The motion, which doesn’t commit the city to spending any money for the moment, passed unanimously.

It comes on the heels of a recent internal survey of the city’s community safety task force, which has representation from various agencies.

The results found that while members value existing security patrols in principle, “its current execution does not fully meet expectations.”

According to a summary provided to council: “Frustrations were raised about incident reporting practices, with examples of delayed communication to the RCMP and doubts about whether the patrols are delivering meaningful deterrence.

“Members want to see fewer complaints, less vandalism, and improved safety for vulnerable residents. Several noted that success should be measured by whether patrols reduce the need for businesses and the public to constantly report issues.”

Six recommendations were presented, including strengthening incident reporting protocols, introducing randomized patrols, and measuring success through both crime stats and community satisfaction.

The survey is expected to be extended to the business community.

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Rossland’s mayor says he has no doubt that most of the community opposes a proposed open-pit magnesium mine near the city.

Andy Morel says the large turnout at the city’s courthouse recently for the Save Record Ridge Action Committee’s injunction application demonstrated that sentiment.

“There are a few folks in the community that feel we should be promoting this project and supporting it,” he said. “But the vast majority of people that I come into contact with are greatly against this project for a whole number of reasons.”

Save Record Ridge’s injunction was granted, which prevents certain work on the mine from taking place until a judicial review can be heard in May. That review seeks to subject the project to a full-scale environmental review, which the provincial government has deemed unnecessary. The proponent, West High Yield, is appealing the injunction.

Morel says he is concerned the mine permitting process in BC is a “checkbox exercise” that doesn’t properly reflect environmental and community impacts and that the Mines Act is “far behind the times.”

“It’s poor timing in many ways because both federally and provincially, they’re pushing these kind of projects right now, especially for critical minerals,” he said.

Morel said he doesn’t think the Record Ridge project makes economic sense, even if local residents hadn’t raised a variety of concerns.

Rossland owes its existence to gold mining that began in the 1890s. Despite fighting the Record Ridge proposal, Morel said his community hasn’t forgotten its industrial heritage and isn’t against mining.

“We recognize its importance in our technological requirements, but it has to be measured against other social impacts and environmental impacts,” he said, adding that “short-term economic values just don’t cut it anymore.”

Morel said while there has been some suggestion a precedent could be at stake that could affect other mining projects, his highest priority is to “push the government to realize those impacts aren’t worth it in this case here in Rossland.”

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Sports by Hartley Friday, March 27th, 2026  as of 12:05 a.m.

WHL: 

It is playoff time in the WHL and it starts tonight (Friday).

The Prince George Cougars, who are riding an 8-game winning streak, host the Spokane Chiefs this evening at 7:00 and Saturday night at 6:00.

More than 75 % of the tickets have been sold for each of these games.

CN Centre is going to be BUZZING this weekend.

75% of seats are already sold for Games 1 & 2.

The Whiteout starts TOMORROW at CN Centre.

BE HERE!

https://t.co/MPQIy1kd8A pic.twitter.com/yZy5RKvMFg

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 26, 2026

In the 2-3-2 format, the series will shift to Spokane for games 3, 4 and if needed 5 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week (March 30th, April 1st and April 2nd).

Should games 6 and 7 be needed they would be played in Prince George on Sunday, April 5th and Monday, April 6th.

The (44-22-2) Cougars won all four meetings against the (36-30-2) Chiefs in the regular season.

“I don’t think theres a better barn or city to be in come playoff time.”

Terik Parascak ahead of Game 1 on Friday.#WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/nitepV9u1r

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 25, 2026

The PG Cougars regular season schedule and results are here.

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Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor says he feels “blindsided” by the Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) Board of Governors’ decision to potentially shut down the Williams Lake campus by Spring 2028.

In a letter, Rathor says the City met with TRU in January, which the City left saying a commitment had been made that all impacted parties would come together to “brainstorm all potential options” to keep the campus.

He says that was the last contact between the City and TRU, until he was emailed the announcement of the potential closure on Thursday, March 26.

“Even going through the two years, I can’t digest that. You don’t have a community without the educational institution,” Rathor said. “Why TRU is putting us under the bus… why don’t they come sit at the table and talk to us?”

Rathor says he will do everything in his power to keep the campus viable in Williams Lake.

“I’m not going to let them get away with taking the my university away. We worked very hard for this campus to rebuild where it is. I’m one of the people who fought for the campus to get the money for its renovation, which was about 8 million dollars… We deserve better.”

The Board will make its decision to approve three recommendations to handle the potential closure at its meeting on March 27. The recommendations are:

In the Board’s agenda report, shared to Vista Radio, it says the university is navigating “unprecedented financial challenges” while feeling “significant pressure” to reduce costs primarily because of the Federal Government’s January 2024 decision to limit the amount of international students.

The agenda also states that total enrolment at TRU’s Williams Lake Campus has dropped 24 per cent from 2017/18 to 2024/25. Based on October 2025 projections from TRU’s Integrated Planning and Effectiveness (IPE) office, a further 24 per cent drop in enrolment is anticipated between 25 and 2026/27.

IPE also said that Indigenous student enrolment was down by 37 per cent between 2017/18 and 2024/25. In 2024/25, Indigenous learners accounted for 39 per cent of all TRU Williams Lake students.

The agenda report says TRU has “committed significant effort” to increase enrolment at Williams Lake, though they have not led to “meaningful student enrolment.”

TRU says that is has been operating the Williams Lake Campus at a loss.

In the report, it states that the proposed closure would not necessarily mean TRU will withdraw from the region.

The university will look into potential future post-secondary education options with regional stakeholders that could include:

In the Mayor’s letter to TRU, he says the loss of the campus will have a significant impact on the community. Academic futures for students from Williams Lake and the area will be “significantly disadvantaged,” he says. A closure will also have an impact on long-term industry and healthcare in the community.

“Where would they go? Our economy is based primarily on industry. We need the trades to be trained here, locally. With the costs of living being so high and rising, how can people go, live, and pay $1,500 to $2,000 in rent alone to get an education in Kamloops? Why do they have to do everything in Kamloops?”

The Mayor’s office has sent it’s letter of concern to the TRU Board of Directors’ office, the Premier’s office, and the Ministry of Education.

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Cranbrook council has adopted changes to the lower the amount of election signs allowed on Victoria Avenue.

Candidates are now allowed a max of 10 signs along Victoria Avenue.

“Staff recommend a limit of 10 election signs per candidate along Victoria Avenue to keep the rules clear, simple, and easy to follow. The limit would still allow candidates to have visibility along the main corridors, while recognizing that some elections can include many candidates,” said city officials.

“It would also help reduce the overall number of signs that could impact traffic and pedestrian sightlines along this busy city street.”

The city had introduced a similar bylaw back in 2022, which lowered the number of allowed signs along Highway 3/95 boulevard to 20.

The proposed changes won’t impact the ability of residents to place election campaign signs on their private property.

The changes will be included in all nomination packages for all future elections.

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A new contract for curbside waste collection in Fernie should see residents paying less.

Residents currently pay $17.99 per month, but SRP Projects Ltd. said they could do it for $7.76 per residence per month.

Residents won’t see the decrease this calendar year as saved money will be diverted into reserves.

That reserve money may be used to purchase more bear-resistant bins or mitigation measures focused on animal attractants.

While the company says they can do it for $7.76 a month, the amount residents would pay would be even lower.

With the Recycle BC Rebate, it’s estimated that residents will pay $4.28 per month in 2027.

The contract is for five years with an optional one year extension.

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The Regional District of Central Kootenay is moving ahead with a public approval process for a service targeting dangerous and aggressive dogs in the Creston Valley.

Board members approved moving forward with an alternative approval process for a bylaw that would establish the service in electoral areas A, B and C.

The process will allow eligible voters to submit forms opposing the proposal. If less than 10 per cent of electors respond, the bylaw can be adopted without a referendum.

Staff estimate there are 7,674 eligible electors in the affected area, meaning at least 767 responses would be needed to block the service from moving forward.

The deadline to submit responses is June 15 at 4 p.m.

The proposed bylaw would create a regional service focused on managing dangerous and aggressive dogs in the three electoral areas.

If more than 10 per cent oppose the plan, the board would have to halt the process or proceed to a formal vote.

The alternative approval process will cost about $5,100, covering advertising, public engagement and administrative expenses.

The elector response form can be found here. 

Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.

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The B.C. Conservatives said they have removed Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan from caucus after learning about domestic violence allegations against him.

The B.C. Prosecution Service (BCPS) said Chan was charged on Wednesday with assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. The charges stem from an alleged incident in January 2024, before he was elected to the legislature in October 2024.

Interim Conservative leader Trevor Halford said neither he nor the party were aware of the allegations until Chan informed him the previous day. He said there were no charges against Chan when he was vetted and nominated as a Conservative candidate.

“My thoughts are with everyone involved in this situation,” said Halford. “Anything regarding intimate partner violence cannot and should never be tolerated, and we will respect the court process going forward.”

Halford did not directly call for Chan to resign as MLA for Richmond Centre, saying that decision would be up to Chan.

NDP MLA Grace Lore told reporters Wednesday she was “deeply disappointed” that the B.C. Conservatives are not calling for Chan to resign.

“I think that what we’ve got here is something extremely serious, a case where charges are laid for violence against an MLA, and involving an incident that happened two years ago,” said Lore. “He did not disclose to his leader, to the party to the people of Richmond, and that is a very major violation of public trust.”

B.C. Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote also called on Chan to resign.

“MLA Chan owes it to survivors, the public, the Legislature and his constituents to resign and to answer to these charges before the courts,” said Valeriote in a statement. “Should he refuse to resign, he owes the public an explanation on how he intends to fulfill his duties with these serious charges hanging over him.”

The B.C. Prosecution Service said a special prosecutor was appointed last June in relation to an investigation by Richmond RCMP into the allegations against Chan.

“The appointment of a Special Prosecutor is intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice considering the nature of the allegations and the identity of the accused as an elected public official,” said the BCPS.

Chan’s office responded to inquires from Vista News with a brief emailed statement.

“MLA Chan was made aware of a claim relating to an allegation from approximately two and a half years ago,” the statement said.

“He disagrees with the allegation and looks forward to defending himself through the legal process. He will continue to cooperate fully with the police and the court process. As this matter is now before the court, no further comment will be made at this time,” it said.

The BCPS said Chan is due to appear in Richmond provincial court on April 22.

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An upcoming HVAC replacement will temporarily close Two Rivers Art Gallery until the mid summer.

According to the gallery, the $2.74 million will see the components dismantled to be removed, with the replacements being assembled as the roof or walls cant be removed.

The HVAC system helps maintain a stable temperature and humidity to prevent damage such as warping, cracking, mould, and insect activity.

The gallery added its programs will continue at the PG Public Library Bob Harkins Branch, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43, with Tourism PG hosting Creative Space Sundays at the Nanguz’An Container Market beginning April 26th.

Construction will begin April 6th until June 23rd, with a temporary location at 1322 3rd Avenue opening April 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.

More information and updates can be found on Two Rivers Art Gallery’s website or their social media pages.

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Comox Valley RCMP are seeking public assistance to identify a suspect linked to an attempted robbery.

Police responded to the Bank of Montreal on England Avenue in Courtenay on Feb. 23 after receiving a report of an attempted robbery at the bank’s automatic teller machine.

“During the course of the investigation, police learned that a male suspect approached a female victim using the ATM and allegedly attempted to rob her money by producing an edged weapon,” said Comox Valley RCMP in a statement. “The suspect was not successful and subsequently departed the area.”

RCMP describe the suspect as a Caucasian man in his mid to late 40s who is about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was wearing a dark green rain jacket with a small yellow “Weed Man” logo at the time of the incident.

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Campbell River City Council welcomed and celebrated Paralympian Tyler Turner at its meeting on March 24.

Turner represented Canada and earned a bronze medal in men’s snowboard cross at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.

City council said it was honoured recognize Turner’s accomplishments and presented him with a certificate in celebration of his milestone.

“You continue to inspire our community, and we’re incredibly proud to call you a Campbell River athlete,” said the city in a post on Facebook.

Turner previously competed in the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, China, where he earned gold in snowboard cross and bronze in bank slalom.

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Unlimited WORTH Wellness Society is looking at bringing the Canadian Red Cross psychological first aid training to northwest B.C.

It said over one in four people in rural, remote, and farming communities experience significant mental health challenges compared to those in urban centres.

“Psychological first aid is really about taking care of yourself, thoughts, feeling, emotions when you’ve experienced stress, crisis, or trauma, then taking that skill of self care and applying it to be there for others,” said Society Founder Mike Skrypnek.

He wanted to bring the course to northern B.C. after speaking at several events in communities and learning about some of the biggest challenges around mental health.

“You gain a real respect for people who live in what would be technically challenging environments because there is a heartiness, resilience, and personal individualism that are really great,” Skrypnek said.

“When we have mental health challenges, those great beneficial characteristics can be very harmful to us.”

Another challenge he said was a lack of government funding and resources for upstream resources which could be put in place ahead of going to a clinical environment.

The goal is to run a session in Smithers, Terrace, Prince Rupert, and Kitimat, with 20 to 30 people attending each.

Currently, the society is reaching out to communities to find funding, donations, and sponsorships to offset the about $5,000 cost per course to run.

“The effort we’re in right now is connecting those two areas: the people who need the training, along with those who will fund it, support it, and want to see it happen in their community.,” said Skrypnek.

Other communities in northern B.C. and Alberta are also being looked at to run the program, including Prince George and Fort St. John.

He is hosting a virtual town hall information session on April 8 for those interested to learn more about and how to support the project.

More information can be found on the society’s website.

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The Village of Canal Flats is inviting residents to join council as it unveils its 2026-2030 financial plan.

The open house will be held Monday, March 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Discovery Centre, 8866 Grainger Rd.

Anyone looking to learn about the village’s upcoming capital projects and operating budget for the next five years is encouraged to attend.

Council members and staff will be available to provide details and answer questions.

If you can’t attend the open house but want to learn more, you can call the village office at 250-349-5462 or email them at  [email protected] with any questions.

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The intersection at 16th Avenue and Maple Street will close beginning April 7 as BC Hydro crews install new underground electrical infrastructure nearby.

BC Hydro said the intersection will remain closed until April 24 to allow the work to be completed safely.

“Work along 16th Avenue began in mid-January and is part of critical electrical system upgrades required to support future load growth, including BC Ferries’ electrification plans,” said the utility. “The intersection closure is required due to the depth of excavation, space required and complexity of work around existing utilities.”

During the closure, crews will install duct banks and an access vault to house new underground cables.

Parking will not be permitted near the work zone, but sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists.

Electronic message boards warning drivers about the closure will be installed in the area. Drivers are urged to use caution, follow detour signage and expect minor delays.

“BC Hydro recognizes that this intersection closure will create challenges for residents, commuters and local businesses,” said the utility. “Our goal is to ensure the project is completed safely and responsibly and we thank the community for their patience and understanding.”

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The Prince George Cougars will be kicking off round one of the WHL Playoffs at the CN Centre against the Spokane Chiefs tomorrow night (Friday).

Cougar forward Kooper Gizowski said the team is looking forward to starting the best of seven series at home.

“Game one is probably the most important out of any series.”

“You want to get that little bit of an advantage, and I think for us it’s an important series, important two games when you start at home, and obviously with the whiteout and fans we have, it’s going to be an exciting and I think we’re ready to bring the energy.”

“We’re ready to bring the energy.”

Kooper Gizowski ahead of Game 1 on Friday!#WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/6bxjO3n2Cw

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 25, 2026

Terik Parascak noted a need to get momentum going early in the series.

“We know what they’re all about, I mean, they got a lot of good players on that team.”

“I think they’ve underperformed kind of what they wanted this season, and I think for us just get hard on them early, and just apply all the pressure we can in our building and just get on top of them.”

“I don’t think theres a better barn or city to be in come playoff time.”

Terik Parascak ahead of Game 1 on Friday.#WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/nitepV9u1r

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 25, 2026

Puck drop for tomorrow night’s (Friday) game is set for 7:00, with game two Saturday night at 6:00.

As of this morning (Thursday), 75 per cent of seats are sold out for both games.

CN Centre is going to be BUZZING this weekend.

75% of seats are already sold for Games 1 & 2.

The Whiteout starts TOMORROW at CN Centre.

BE HERE!

https://t.co/MPQIy1kd8A pic.twitter.com/yZy5RKvMFg

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 26, 2026

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The national president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers is asking workers to reject the tentative deal that was reached with Canada Post earlier this year.

Jan Simpson along with four other members of the union’s leadership believe the new deal abandons what they wanted to see in a contract .

Local CUPW 812 President, Nicole Chouinard told Vista Radio the most important vote among the postal workers is set to take place between April 20th and May 30th.

“The votes were placed (from the board) and the majority is recommending a yes to the tentative agreement. At the end of the day, the bigger process involves over 50-thousand members from across the country having their say. That will be the time we know when it plays out and it won’t be sooner than that.”

When asked if there is the possibility of another work stoppage, Chouinard stated a strike vote would only occur if the deal is rejected by the majority of its 50-thousand members.

“There is potential for that to happen. It’s hard to know what everyone’s mindset will be but the information we are fortunate enough to have, access to all of the information, all of the changes from our current collective agreement we are working under right now and what it compares to the new one.”

“We are never going to have a round of bargaining that is going to achieve every single thing we are looking for. Did we achieve enough for people to be to want to work under this, I think so.”

Chouinard referenced one of the things the national union brass wants to see return is the wage scale to be consistent for all employees, doing away with the current tiered format where more experienced mail carriers get more and newer ones receive less.

“In previous rounds of bargaining, Canada Post initiated a tiered pay scale essentially. What that means is new hires are making significantly less than people at the top of the pay scale. There was a time where everyone was making the same as each other. It makes sense that if we are all doing the same job, we should be making the same is each other.”

“The tiered pay scale is what we are working under now and is one of the things they wanted to pull back from and it wasn’t achieved.”

The tentative agreement is for a five-year contract, and includes wage increases of 6.5 per cent and three per cent in the first two years.

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