The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary isn’t impressed with a letter it received from the provincial government on the future of the Columbia & Western rail trail.
The letter, dated Dec. 1 from Lori Halls, the deputy minister of water, land and resource stewardship, says the province “recognizes the scenic and recreational value .. as well as its economic, cultural and historic importance” of the trail between Castlegar and Christina Lake. But in the same paragraph, Halls adds that the province has no plans to change its mind and maintain the old rail grade.
The rail corridor lost its designation as a recreational trail 2020. By the province’s reckoning, it reverted at that time to wilderness status, with no funding available for maintenance.
Halls says that because it was never a logging road, the corridor isn’t eligible for money beyond emergencies. The provincial government will respond to environmental concerns or safety problems, but won’t repair the trail itself.
Halls says the province will get more information about unspecified “structures” on the rail trail and decide on “future use, remediation measures, and/or deactivation of structures or sections of the rail grade.” The trail has several trestles and tunnels.
The trail remains open to the public. Halls said anyone who wants tenure over the railbed can apply for it. “Currently, the province is unable to fund or manage the [trail],” Halls wrote. “In recognition of the value and interest raised by local users, the province is open to receiving and adjudicating applications for authorized uses.”
Christina Lake director and board chair Grace McGregor said she wasn’t happy with the answer and would like to see a resolution go to the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments and the Union of BC Municipalities.
Area B director Linda Worley said she has been working on the issue with former RDCK Area J director Rick Smith.
“The trail has never been just about the money that Area B residents have put into this for the kiosks, the bathrooms, the back country signage and all this that goes along with it,” she said.
“This is about history. This would be denying people their right to access historical points. And I feel that this is a big issue.
“It’s also about the hundreds or thousands of hours of in-kind work that’s been done by not only residents, volunteer trails people, but also by people with large companies who’ve given their time, their product, their machinery to work on this trail.”
The Columbia and Western Railway was built in 1898-99 and operated until 1990. The CPR donated the line to the provincial government in 2000 to be part of the Trans-Canada Trail.
A major provincial competition is coming to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club to kick off the New Year.
The facility will play host to the 2026 Teck BC Cup #1 on January 10th and 11th.
Photo supplied by Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.
This event will bring together cross-country skiers from across British Columbia for a weekend of competition and community engagement.
“We are thrilled to host the 2026 Teck BC Cup #1 at our club,” said Chris Simons,
Director of Competitions, Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.
“This event not only showcases the talent of skiers from across the province but also highlights the vibrant community and exceptional facilities we have here in Prince George.”
Admission will be free for all spectators.
The deck on the ski club lodge will provide the best views for those who attend.
Start time for both days is 10am.
The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club will also host a combined International Biathlon Regional Event, Western Canadian Biathlon Championships and the BC Provincial Biathlon Championships from March 3rd to 6th.
It is one of the largest competitions across North America drawing athletes from Canada and the United States.
The Olympic Trials originally set for PG were cancelled by Nordiq Canada on November 27 due to uncertainty around snow conditions caused by unusually mild temperatures.
The trials were re-located to Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre near Vernon.
The (22-9-1-0) Prince George Cougars are off until December 27th and 28th when they welcome the Victoria Royals (13-11-4-3) at CN Centre.
PG is six points up on the Penticton Vees for the B.C. Division lead.
BCHL:
The (16-11-1) Prince George Spruce Kings are off until January 2nd and 3rd when they visit the Spruce Grove Saints (13-14-1-0) and the Blackfalds Bulldogs (21-8-1-0).
PG is two points back of the Coquitlam Express (17-8-1-0) for top spot in the Coastal East Division.
World Juniors Pre-competition
Canada 13 Denmark 2
PG Cougars defenceman Carson Carels had a goal and an assist in the win while goaltender Josh Ravensbergen made five saves splitting time with starter Carter George.
The Round Robin begins Boxing Day as the Canadians take on Czechia.
Spengler Cup
Former Prince George Cougars goaltender Taylor Gauthier will represent Canada at the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland.
The 24-year-old is currently with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, a minor-league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He played four and a half seasons with the Prince George Cougars between 2017-2022 before getting dealt to the Portland Winterhawks.
Cariboo Cougars
The U18 Cariboo Cougars are off until the Circle K Classic in Calgary.
Cariboo takes on the Calgary Royals on Saturday at 12:15 Pacific Time.
The Cougars also take on Team Maryland (Sunday) and Northern Alberta Xtreme on Monday (29th).
NHL (13 games)
Toronto Maple Leafs 6 Pittsburgh Penguins 3
Montreal Canadians 6 Boston Bruins 2
Edmonton Oilers 5 Calgary Flames 1
Buffalo Sabres 3 Ottawa Senators 2 (OT)
The Vancouver Canucks are off until Saturday as they host the San Jose Sharks.
NFL
Week 17 begins on Christmas Day with a trio of games.
Dallas at Washington
Detroit at Minnesota
Denver at Kansas City
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended for the final two games of the regular season after an altercation with a fan in Detroit during the team’s 29-24 victory on Sunday.
UNBC Timberwolves
UNBC’s men’s soccer team added goalkeeper Owen Shum for the 2026 season.
Shum transferred from the University of Lethbridge.
He is a less than a year removed from graduating from AR MacNeill Secondary School.
NBA
Toronto Raptors 112 Miami Heat 91
Scottie Barnes had a team-high 27 points for the Raptors.
Toronto sits at 18-13 on the season while they Heat are 15-15.
It was the busiest Holiday Food and Toy Drive in Quesnel to date.
Coral Byrd is in her 6th year as Coordinator.
“I added toys three years ago, four years ago. It has been the busiest year. We had 220 registered households, and over 700 children were able to receive some gifts under the Christmas tree this year. At the very end we hand out a lot of toys that are left over. We try to count people walking through the mall. You know we see a little girl walking in the mall and she gets to come in and pick a little doll for herself. “
Byrd says it was a total team effort.
“I just want to say thank you to all the businesses that have helped out, all the individuals that have helped out, everybody that’s donated, whether it was toys or food or cash, it all helps. And the volunteers, I couldn’t do this without them.”
Byrd says things started back in September with “Dangerous Curves”, a female motor cycle group.
“They did the toy run back in September, the beginning of September. At the end of September, the prospector’s car club, did a run out to Sylvia’s and they collected food and toys also. So that’s when things really start for me is in September. And then we had the occidental and Granville’s, we had an amazing ribs and lasagna fundraiser there at the end of November. We sold 140 tickets so the occidental was full to the rafters. We had the Quesnel River Rush team, they had a couple of events. The Quesnel & District Seniors Society, they do a pancake breakfast and every years that seems to be growing also. That was a huge turnout again this year, it was amazing. And we have been, Little Red Pony, they donate a lot of animal food, mostly cat and dog food and it is very well appreciated by many of our households.”
Byrd says the Quesnel Kangaroos hockey team did a teddy bear toss as well, the RCMP had a full cruiser from its event this year, and she says Active Rental all helped out as well.
The Comox Valley Regional District advanced several major projects throughout 2025.
Board chair Will Cole-Hamilton said work on the Comox Valley Sewer Conveyance project took up much of the year and thanked residents for their patience during prolonged road disruptions.
“The road interruptions are done,” claimed Cole-Hamilton. “There will be no more changes to traffic patterns. They were completed on time and ever so slightly under budget. That was an important thing to complete, and I’m sure people will appreciate the fact that it’s now done.”
Comox Road and Comox Avenue reopened in early December after the completion of infrastructure upgrades. The next phase of the project will focus on construction and retrofitting of pump stations in the new year.
Another major milestone was the announcement of new fire halls planned for Mount Washington and Union Bay.
“Both of which are going to fill really important needs for public safety,” Cole-Hamilton said. “You think of somewhere like Mount Washington, it’s a long way for a fire truck to get up there. To be able to have resources right there on site, it’s just an extra element of safety for everyone.”
In the new year, the regional district plans to address housing affordability through the newly established Comox Valley Housing Authority.
The housing task force was announced in late 2025.
Powell River RCMP are investigating after dozens of trees were damaged in the community.
Police said the City of Powell River received a report on November 26 that fir trees had been damaged around the old golf course lands below Laburnum Avenue in Townsite.
City officials visited the site and found that about 70 trees had been cut around their bases, likely with a chainsaw.
“The trees will be monitored but with multiple cuts around the entire trunk, it is predicted that they will perish over the next year,” RCMP said in a statement.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Powell River RCMP.
A former Prince George Cougars goaltender is heading to the Spengler Cup in Switzerland.
Taylor Gauthier was among 25 players selected by Hockey Canada today (Tuesday) for the invitational tournament.
The 24-year-old from Calgary is 2-1 this season with the Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Last season with the Nailers, Gauthier went 18-10-2 with a 2.06 goals against average and a .928 save percentage.
Gauthier was named the ECHL Goaltender of the Year in 2023-24. He also got played for the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on 25 different occasions in the past three seasons.
He played four and a half seasons with the Prince George Cougars between 2017-2022.
Gauthier played the most minutes of any goalie (2,870) in 2019-2020 prior to the pandemic shut down
He won a gold medal with Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in 2018-19 and took home a silver medal at the 2020-21 World Juniors in Edmonton.
Gauthier enjoyed a brief stint with the Portland Winterhawks after getting dealt their by the Cougars in December of 2021.
With Portland, Gauthier went 24-4-0 with 2.16 goals against average and a .931 save percentage.
In the 2022 WHL playoffs, he tallied a 7-4 record with 1.92 goals against average and a .937 save percentage.
Canada’s first game at the Spengler Cup is on Boxing Day when they take on the US Collegiate Selects (11:15am Pacific Time).
Smithers RCMP have responded to 4,500 calls in 2025 with most being related to public safety and complex social situations.
That’s according to data released by the detachment in a year in review.
“The majority of calls that we’ve responded to actually have to do with traffic related calls,” said Constable Jocelyn Foidart.
She added most of the calls are linked to community concerns around driving behaviour and community safety.
Assistance calls and wellness checks Foidart said were the main items that kept officers busy this year with checks sometimes taking four to five hours.
“In Smithers, police are often the first and only responders to wellness checks and are responsible for making the situation save and managing those risks,” she said.
Those types of calls remained on par with 2024 with the number of theft related calls going down.
“We compared the same late fall period in 2024 to this year and saw there was a dramatic shift in theft related calls for service, specifically after the warming shelter opened,” said Foidart.
She added that showed officers access to warm shelter and basic supports can reduce theft.
The number of criminal code offences between the two years has also dropped.
“I think what’s really important is when those criminal code offences occur, they often involve repeat offenders and ongoing safety concerns,” Foidart said.
“We did spend a significant portion of our time this year at the detachment advocating for appropriate detention or release conditions through the court process by explaining how repeat situations were affecting our community.”
She added the detachment this year has been using a two pronged approach to policing with focuses on both prevention and enforcement.
“Our calls for service reflect the reality that modern policing is becoming increasingly complex,” said Foidart.
“Our officers are often the first point of contact for people experiencing significant trauma or crisis and those situations require specialized skills.”
The Prince George Airport is looking forward to a fruitful 2026 after reaching their pre-pandemic numbers in 2025.
During a year-in-review interview with Vista Radio, YXS President and CEO Geoff Ritchie stated adding capacity will be one of the main goals heading into the new year.
He says the upward trend in available seats was already in a good place when looking at this year’s figures.
“We have seen this year a six percent increase in capacity and that means we have more seats available across all the airplanes to all of our destinations. That means we can achieve greater passenger levels.”
“I think that realistically in the coming year is that we are going to see additional regional route networks but medium to longer haul destinations are likely not to happen next year but the following year.”
As for destinations, more regional network increases are coming in 2026 including twice daily service to Kelowna starting in April.
“What that does is give us better connection to some of our airline partner networks so you can get to places like the Island, which can be a three-hour destination on what used to be a six-hour trip.”
Ritchie added YXS was 91% recovered when compared to pre-pandemic passenger levels in 2019.
2025 final numbers are expected to meet or surpass that threshold once released in the New Year.
“We’ve got three years of peace to look forward to.”
That’s from Local CUPW 812 President Nicole Chouinard after a tentative five-year deal was reached between Canada Post and the postal workers union.
The agreement includes wage hikes and covers all mail carriers in urban, rural and suburban settings.
Wage increases will total six-and-a-half per cent in the first year, including raises already paid, followed by three per cent more in year two. In later years, increases would follow inflation.
Chouinard told Vista Radio it was good to see the company hold off on such a major overhaul.
“We were happy to see that Canada Post dropped this initiative that it had to completely reconfigure the way that we do our jobs. We were grateful to see that gone and that is speaking to dynamic routing and things like that.”
She added while both sides have labour peace for the next three years, not all issues between the company and its workers are settled.
“As much as this collective agreement will bring some peace of mind to workers, the reality is that Canada Post and the federal government are still pushing forward to try and end door-to-door delivery and there is still a process that should be gone through to include public input an avenue they are trying to by-pass.”
Chouinard expects several part-time positions to be added with weekend parcel delivery to be established.
A ratification vote is expected in the new year with the agreement running until January 31st, 2029.
Beaver Valley Nitehawks defenceman Ryan Neufeld was among those named to the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Team of the Week for the period ending Sunday, Dec. 21.
Neufeld played a key role in a 4-3 win over the Castlegar Rebels, assisting on Ayden Probe’s short-handed goal to give Beaver Valley a 3-2 lead before scoring the game-winning goal. He finished plus-3 and averaged 24:50 of ice time per game.
Elsewhere on the Team of the Week, Golden Rockets forward Hayden Iron Shirt and goaltender Beck Boiteau were recognized for their performances in wins over the Kimberley Dynamiters and Creston Valley Thunder Cats. Grand Forks Border Bruins forward Levi Astill and defenceman Logan McCabe were also selected following a 7-1 victory over the Nelson Leafs, while Merritt Centennials forward Kaden Wilkins rounded out the list.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNow News Alerts.
Grand Forks Border Bruins players were prominent on the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Team of the Week for the period ending Sunday, Dec. 21.
Forward Levi Astill earned his third straight Team of the Week selection after another strong showing against the Nelson Leafs. Astill scored the game-winning goal midway through the first period and added three assists in a 7-1 Border Bruins victory. In four games against Nelson this season, Astill has produced six goals and nine points.
Defenceman Logan McCabe also represented Grand Forks following a productive night from the blueline in the same win. McCabe set up Astill for the game-winner and added assists on goals by Hayden Evans and Devon Boyle. He logged 20:48 of ice time, finished plus-3 and picked up his second consecutive Team of the Week nod.
Elsewhere around the league, Golden Rockets forward Hayden Iron Shirt and goaltender Beck Boiteau were recognized for their performances in wins over Kimberley and Creston Valley. Merritt Centennials forward Kaden Wilkins and Beaver Valley Nitehawks defenceman Ryan Neufeld rounded out the weekly selections.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyGrandForksNow News Alerts.
Prince George’s Security Camera Pilot Project will be live this week, with ten cameras installed at key locations throughout the downtown core.
It is intended to support public safety, assist RCMP, and contribute to a more welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors.
Graphic supplied by Downtown PG
The cameras have been placed in high-activity areas identified through crime statistics and internal reports from Downtown Prince George members.
Each location was chosen to support incident documentation and, when requested, assist RCMP investigations.
The system is monitored 24/7 by trained personnel and supported by AI technology designed to detect indicators of safety threats.
The tools will help identify potential incidents quickly and support the goal of enabling real-time reporting and timely response when needed.
The system is designed to capture evidence-grade footage that can support investigations and, when applicable, assist in laying charges.
“This pilot project comes at a time when downtown businesses are facing significant and ongoing challenges related to crime, vandalism, and safety,” said Chrisie Berry, Executive Director of Downtown Prince George.
“We hear from business owners every day about the impact these issues have on their operations, their staff, and their customers. While monitored security cameras are not a standalone solution, this real-time monitoring and reporting system is expected to help increase response times, assist in making arrests, deter further criminal activity, and provide a clearer picture of what’s happening on our streets.”
The total cost of the pilot project is $45,000. Funding includes $40,000 from the City of Prince George and a $5,000 contribution from Iren.
Snuneymuxw First Nation has agreed to purchase another casino on the mainland.
The nation’s Petroglyph Development Group has agreed to buy Great Canadian Casino Vancouver from Great Canadian Entertainment.
“This latest agreement reinforces the strategy we’re executing and the proven results we’ve achieved across our gaming portfolio,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum of Snuneymuxw First Nation. “The confidence placed in us by Great Canadian Entertainment and the industry is grounded in our disciplined approach to sustainable growth. The proposed acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver marks another step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening our long-term prosperity, financial independence and restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years.”
It is the fifth major casino acquisition agreement for the nation in the past year. Petroglyph Development Group became the largest Indigenous-led casino operator in B.C., and one of the largest casino operators by revenue in the province, when it agreed to purchase two casinos on the mainland in October.
“We are seizing opportunities that will unlock Snuneymuxw’s economic potential and build a strong, resilient future for our nation,” said Erralyn Joseph, president of Petroglyph Development Group. “Decades of big work have delivered transformative economic growth. Over the last 10 years, PDG has grown from three companies to 13 and counting. We plan to keep the pedal to the metal with a measured and strategic approach, smashing economic ceilings for the benefit of Snuneymuxw, the region, the province and the country.”
The Kootenay Valley Salvation Army is still trying to reach its fundraising goal, with a couple days left to donate.
The Salvation Army Fernie has a goal of $86,000 and is just shy of that.
“We’re within $1,000 and in reach of that goal right now with two days left,” said Major Rick Robins.
“That money goes towards running our food bank, food programs, monthly meal programs and our voucher programs that help out people in need who need stuff from our thrift store.”
All of that money stays within the Elk Valley.
Salvation Army Cranbrook has a much bigger goal because of the area it covers.
“The Cranbrook office covers all the way up to Golden and Field and over to Creston, so it’s quite a large area,” Robins added.
“The reach is quite large but also the cost of stuff has gone up drastically.”
They have a goal of $250,000 and are currently at around $175,000.
Robins explains how people can donate.
“The best way to donate is through our kettles that are in place around town,” he said.
It was a record breaking year for the Angel Tree program in Cranbrook, with over 200 kids receiving presents.
“We had 205 children registered for the program and that amounted to 95 families in the community,” said Colleen Bermel with the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club.
“It is sad that we have to serve the community in this way, but we love to do it. I keep hoping it gets better but it’s not, so we keep soldiering on and helping these families out every year.”
While this year is done, Bermel explains what the program does for those looking to take part next year.
“In October I send out letters to the schools and local agencies that support children. I attach an order form or wishlist for the families and they fill them out and return them to the tamarack Centre,” she added.
“People from the community come and pick them off the tree. This year the cards where cleared within four days which is a record.”
Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club has spearheaded the Angel Tree program in Cranbrook since 2003.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Those in need will have access to more warm clothing and supplies this winter in Williams Lake.
Thanks to the generosity of staff and physicians at Cariboo Memorial Hospital the “Warmth for All” clothing drive (October 27 to November 21) was an overwhelming success.
“I attended a Williams Lake Cold Weather Planning working group meeting,” Clinical Operations Director Kelly Dillon said, “and the initiative was intended to support individuals and families in our community who are facing the cold weather without adequate clothing or supplies.”
Andrew Frenette of the Williams Lake Salvation was part of the group and he talked about a couple of resources that they usually tap into during these cold months that were no longer able to support the Salvation Army in clothing and keeping people warm who spend most their time outside or don’t have a place to live.
“And I thought what a great way to come together and support community and to ask all of our staff members, because we have so many, hey do you have anything at home to donate.” Dillon said, “With Andrews help we put together the list of items he was looking for from coats and jackets to blankets, toques, socks and more and we shared that with the entire staff at the Hospital.”
Dillon noted that she was blown away with the amount of donations that came in.
Photo submitted by Interior Health
“It estimated a weight of 700 pounds so we literally filled one person’s office up completely. Our bins were brimming, we had to take so many bins, fill them up then bring them down to the Salvation Army van. I couldn’t have been more proud and thankful and more thankful to everyone who contributed to the campaign.”
She noted Health Care workers outside of Cariboo Memorial Hospital heard about our campaign and wanted to join.
“The generosity, the compassion and dedication made such a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve within the community.” Dillon said, “I was truly inspired by the teamwork and the kindness that brought this initiative to life. And I think our success here reflects our unwavering commitment to compassionate care and to the values that define our Hospital and our Health Care community.
Dillon added that they plan to hold this Warmth for All clothing drive again next year and will be putting out a challenge to other facilities and community groups to see if they can support what we’re doing as well.
Burns Lake RCMP have arrested a male in connection with the recent fire at the Island Gospel Church.
The blaze happened Saturday morning and was attended by the Burns Lake Fire Department, with half the church already destroyed when police arrived.
Mounties immediately called the fire suspicious and have arrested a 19-year-old male in connection with the incident.
He has been charged with break and enter commit an indictable offence therein, arson, and intentionally or recklessly cause damage by fire or explosion to property.
The male remains in custody and could face additional charges.
“Evidence collected at this stage of the investigation suggests this was an isolated incident and police believe there are no further risks perceived to the public,” said Sergeant Anthony Brooks.
Since the fire, the Village of Burns Lake and Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako have released statements reacting to the fire.
“We are grateful to the Burns Lake Fire/Rescue and Burns Lake RCMP for their prompt response and ongoing investigation,” the village said.
“We remain mindful of the impact this event has had and we will continue to share verified information as it becomes available through appropriate channels,” it continued.
The regional district’s statement said, “Events like this have a deep impact, particularly on spaces that serve as gathering places and sources of connection and support within a community.
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected as they manage the days ahead.”
More information may be released as it becomes available.
Nanaimo RCMP are looking for security footage that could help in an arson investigation.
Police were called to a home in the 1600 block of Mallard Drive on Dec. 19 around 9:12 p.m. by a person concerned about someone walking around in their backyard.
“The person was gone when police arrived however, some of the fence panels had fresh burn marks,” reads a news release from police.
Officers are asking anyone with a security camera or dashcam in the area to review footage between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The person was wearing a light coloured hoodie and sweatpants, a hat and a fanny pack across their chest. Police say they wore black shoes and carried a small bag in their left hand.
Anyone with information to share can contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and reference file number 2025-39826.
Stephan Piernitzki has been building a rammed earth home on McPhee Road over the past few years. It caught fire early one morning last week.
Stephan’s son Shawn said the fire occurred when no one was on site, and his father woke to multiple missed calls from the fire chief.
“He’s still in shock over this incident,” Shawn said, noting the cause remains under investigation. The family is encouraging anyone with information or footage from that night to come forward.
Shawn says his father did have a construction insurance policy, but it doesn’t cover replacement, meaning he won’t be in a position to a hire a builder for reconstruction and will have to do the work himself.
“The policy cap must cover debris removal and reconstruction, which is challenging given his significant investment in materials and labour,” Shawn said, adding that his father has poured his savings and energy into the project, and the timing of the tragedy, just before Christmas, makes it even harder.
“If he needs to start from scratch, the policy will barely cover materials, especially considering the high engineering costs associated with rammed earth construction. Additionally, he lost nearly all of his tools — a devastating loss after 50 years in the business.”
Shawn’s sister Talia has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help replace their father’s tools, and Shawn is planning work parties next summer to help with reconstruction. So far $2,500 has been raised toward a $6,500 goal.
Shawn and Talia both grew up in the Kootenays but now live in the Okanagan.
“We are grateful for the community’s support and the efforts to help make rebuilding possible,” Shawn said. “We hope the community can rally to help our dad get this project back on track.”
Shawn said anyone who would like to support his father in ways other than financial can reach out to him or his sister.
What remains of an unfinished home on McPhee Road following a fire last week. (Courtesy Shawn Piernitzki)
There is nothing like going into the Christmas break with a couple of statement wins in your back pocket.
That was certainly the case for the U18 Cariboo Cougars who outgunned the Okanagan Rockets in B.C. Elite Hockey League action 6-0 (Saturday) and 4-3 (Sunday).
During Saturday’s Teddy Bear Toss game, Landon Gillanders set the pace for Cariboo with a hard wrist shot that went ping off the bar and past Rockets goalie Finn McKiernan at 3:55 of the first period.
Lukas Woods added to the Cougars edge a few minutes later as his point blast got through a maze of Rockets and into the goal.
Cariboo kept the foot on the gas pedal in the second period Kadric Mujcin got on the board while on the man-advantage, extending the lead to 3-0.
Nicholas Gordon and Miller Tedesco added singles to put an exclamation mark on a rather dominant period.
Riley Lettington blasted a vicious one-timer past Rockets goalie Reed Russell in third period.
Ivan Anderson picked up the shutout victory in goal for the Cougars.
On Sunday, Gordon played the role of overtime hero accepting a Jaxon Larmand pass before firing the puck into a yawning Okanagan cage.
Both teams found themselves dead locked at the end of each period.
Mujcin (Cariboo) and Brayden Jugnauth (Rockets) lit the lamp for their respective sides in the opening 20 minutes.
A nifty end-to-end rush by Ryan Richter brought the crowd out of their seats as he tucked the puck past Rockets goalie Reed Russell for a 2-1 advantage.
However, some risky passes by the Cariboo defenceman proved costly as Jugnauth collected his second of the game off a turnover.
Jugnauth and Blake Lambe traded goals in the third to keep the game tied at 3-3 after regulation.
Oscar Hicik was named the game’s first star after tallying 33 saves in net for Cariboo who improves to 11-8-2-1.
Cariboo is off until the Circle K tournament in Calgary, which begins Saturday in Calgary.
In U17 action, the Cariboo Cougars earned a split at CN Centre against the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs.
The Chiefs coasted to a 3-0 victory on Saturday taking advantage of a lacklustre performance from the Cougars who were without leading scorer Gavin Parmar and top defenseman Tavon Perterson (called up to U18’s on Saturday).
Two power-play goals from Nolan Perry and Philip Beedle set the pace for the Chiefs who also got a marker from Logan Suh.
Cariboo outshot the VNE 37-35 but were unable to solve Devin Miller who pitched the shutout while Brennan Purych took the loss.
On Sunday, the Cougars stormed back from a 4-1 deficit to skate away with a dramatic 7-5 victory.
VNE held leads of 2-1 and 4-2 at the end of the opening 40 minutes.
Perry found the back of the net twice while Kai-Jang Read and Suh also lit the lamp.
A power-play goal from Sawyer Latkowski and an even-strength marker from Rhys Barnes kept the Cougars within striking distance.
The floodgates opened in the third as Latkowski scored his second on the man-advantage followed by a 5-on-5 marker from Cooper Kursteiner to even the score at 4-4.
Trypp Wilson (VNE) and Jayden Brideau (Cariboo) provided some quick strike offense 42 seconds apart to make it a 5-5 contest.
The game-winner came off the stick of Liam Elstad who snuck in from the point accepting a pass from Taryn Willis that beat Chiefs goalie Jaxson Lafortune.
Latkowski completed his hat-trick with an empty net goal in the dying seconds.
The Cougars outshot the Chiefs 46-33.
Cariboo improves to 16-8-0-1 on the season, second in the nine-team BCEHL four points back of the Vancouver Northwest Hawks (17-6-3-0).
Lastly, the U15 Cougars forced a road split against the Thompson Blazers in Kamloops.
Karter Beare, Casey Minnabarriet, Tucker O’Brien and Declan McCrimmon also tallied two goals each in an 11-1 blowout win over Cariboo on Saturday.
Warner Callender scored in defeat for the Cougars.
Cariboo roared back on Sunday with a 4-1 victory thanks to a pair of goals each from Madden Weldon and Callender.
The U15 Cougars finish the first half of the season with a mark of 11-9-0-0, fifth out of eight teams in the BCEHL.
Northern Health is offering early measles vaccines for infants 6-12 months of age, and children between 13 months and 4 years – as well as anyone who needs a second dose to ensure strong immunity to the virus.
Measles is circulating in Prince George, and in other Northern BC communities.
The health authority says vaccines are the best way to prevent illness and potentially serious complications.
Drop-in clinics are being held at the Northern Interior Health Unit, at 1444 Edmonton St.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has responded, via e-mail, to Durrell Road residents who are extremely unhappy with the permanent closure of their road just south of Quesnel.
It says it came down to land stability and money.
“The Ministry of Transportation and Transit undertook extensive investigation and planning and analyzed various options. Alternative route options were explored, but they were extremely costly. As assessments progressed, it became clear that any work on the closed portion of roadway, such as fixing the road, would continue to carry the risk of slide movement. Reopening Durrell Road would require extremely costly solutions to ensure the road meets modern safety and design standards.”
Local residents have been asking for a “farmer’s fix” which would be a one lane dirt road.
The ministry also said that residents had an alternate route.
“As residents continue to have safe, reliable access via an alternate route (Dale Lake Road), and as the ministry cannot guarantee safe passage through the slide area, the ministry decided to close the road. The detour adds about eight minutes of drive time when coming from the south. It does not significantly impact travel times for those driving from Quesnel.”
A slide closed the road in the spring of 2021, and the ministry says the Durrell Road area has a long history of slope instability.
The ministry says work on the closed section of Durrell Road is being undertaken to improve drainage and reduce future slide impacts. Resurfacing of portions of Durrell Road and Dale Lake Road is expected once the turnaround and drainage work is complete.”
The Ministry has also responded to allegations of a lack of communication on the road closure.
“The decision to permanently close the road was announced publicly on April 30, 2025. The ministry has also been in contact with the Cariboo Regional District on a number of occasions to discuss the status of the project, including attending the CRD Board meeting on October 24,2025 to provide an update on the program.”
It goes on to say that “the project team continues to communicate with residents, answering inquiries as they’re received.”
On the topic of fire protection, the Ministry says fire protection service boundaries and policies is outside its mandate and are determined by local governments, which in this case would be the Cariboo Regional District.
The CRD has extended fire protection to the roughly 20 residences that are impacted until January 1st, 2027.
Fire protection is tied to response times from the fire hall.
The TWolves have made a major addition to their net ahead of the 2026 Canada West season.
UNBC men’s soccer head coach Steve Simonson announced goalkeeper Owen Shum has committed to the Green and Gold.
Shum, is Malaysian-born, and played club soccer for Fusion FC alongside current Timberwolves Josh Jordan and Jayden Lidder.
He joins UNBC after transferring from the University of Lethbridge.
Shum is a less than a year removed from graduating from AR MacNeill Secondary School and he’ll be studying Political Science at UNBC with the hopes of one day becoming a lawyer.
“I love the challenge and competitiveness of soccer,” shared Shum who visited UNBC in late November. “Right away I saw how tight the community is at UNBC across all sports.”
Shum added, “I love Steve’s idea of positive competitiveness and how the team buys into it.”
Coach Simonson is excited for Shum to integrate further with his group in the coming months. “Owen is great young goalkeeper with tremendous potential to find success at the U SPORTS level,” shared Simonson. “He was a top-rated goalkeeper in youth and he brings experience from the university environment and we feel he will be a great addition to our squad.”
In 2025, the Campbell River Rail Yard Market earned multiple awards for its role in supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
The recognition highlighted a collaborative effort among the city, local First Nations and participating vendors.
On May 13, the market received an Award of Merit in the retail category at the Vancouver Island Commercial Building Awards for providing affordable downtown retail space for up to 36 months.
The Rail Yard project was launched by the city’s director of economic development and Indigenous relations, Rose Klukas, and business development officer Erin Neely after receiving a grant from the B.C. government and Island Coastal Economic Trust.
Kimberely Worthington, the city’s manager of economic development and tourism, said it felt great to see the market receive the recognition.
“There was a lot of work and considerable collaboration between city departments, as well as First Nations, vendors and the procurement process, all coming together to showcase business incubation and acceleration,” Worthington said.
A month later, on June 13, the market won the community project award in the population-over-25,000 category at the B.C. Economic Development Awards, which honour efforts to support communities and local economies.
According to the city, each business at the Rail Yard Market completed a targeted business incubator training program developed in partnership with the Rural Islands Economic Partnership. Destination Campbell River
The market is located downtown at 1235 Shoppers Row.
B.C. Green Party leader Emily Lowan says she observed many of the same themes affecting communities across the province during her month-long “Fight the Oligarchs Tour.”
“The main takeaway for me is all across B.C., we’re seeing the province download the costs, while the one per cent and these multinationals extract more and more wealth from, local communities,” said Lowan in a year-end interview with Vista News.
The 25-year-old climate advocate and Victoria native won the party’s leadership race in September. Her campaign focused heavily on youth recruitment through active social media campaigning and progressive policies. Her platform included calls to tax the richest one per cent of British Columbians, ban fossil fuel expansion, and put price caps on staple grocery products.
While she doesn’t yet have a seat in the legislature, Lowan said that has allowed her to focus on building relationships at the grassroots level.
“It’s been, I think, a really great use of my time to be out there in the field and, generating so much energy for the party,” she said.
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, hold the party’s two seats in the legislature.
Lowan has said she’s looking into running for a seat in the Greater Victoria area at the next available opportunity.
Jeremy Valeriote, Emily Lowan and Rob Botterell following Lowan’s leadership victory on Sept 24, 2025. | Vista Radio photo
The B.C. Greens are currently renegotiating their co-operation agreement with the NDP government. The Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord, known as CARGA, has seen the NDP and the Greens work together on shared priorities, ranging from mental health care to electoral reform. The Greens also agree to support the NDP in certain votes, bolstering the NDP’s one-seat majority.
Lowan said this first year of CARGA has been “pretty imperfect.”
“I think about 60 per cent of the CARGA commitments from Year One were completed,” she said. “Mind you, it should have been 100 per cent by this point, but budgetary constraints were used as an excuse. So that in and of itself is problematic.”
CARGA 2025 included an agreement to assemble an all-party committee that would consider methods of proportional representation.
Under such a system, a parties’ share of seats is equal to their share of the vote. If a party gets 30 per cent of the vote, they would get 30 per cent of the seats in the legislature.
A report from the committee released in November doesn’t rule out another referendum on proportional representation. It recommended the province take further steps to consult residents and local governments to gage support for any electoral changes.
Premier David Eby has dismissed doing away with B.C.’s first-past-the-post electoral system since British Columbians opted to stick with the status quo in a 2018 referendum.
Lowan alleged that the NDP intentionally tried to confuse the issue by asking convoluted questions that tasked voters with ranking their preferences for three different electoral systems.
“I think the B.C. Greens are on track to double or triple our seat count [in the next election], to firmly hold the balance of power and force the government’s hand on proportional representation,” said Lowan.
Asked if the Greens are ready to walk away from CARGA if unsatisfied in the negotiations, Lowan suggested that is a possibility.
“The Greens, we have red lines with this agreement. And I think it’s of the utmost importance to hold our ground and to negotiate in good faith, see where we can get, but be prepared for any outcome,” she said.
Lowan didn’t specify what those red lines are while CARGA negotiations are ongoing.
Speaking to Vista News earlier this month, Eby said his NDP and the Greens remain broadly aligned on many issues, but he also seemed to leave the door open to ending the deal.
“I committed to British Columbians we would try to work across party lines wherever we could. And if we’re not able to do that, then we’re not,” he said.
One point of contention in the new year is likely to be Eby’s promise to table amendments to B.C.’s Indigenous rights legislation. Eby has said recent court decisions related to Indigenous rights and title were “overreaching,” and amendments are needed to reflect what he says was the original intent of the legislation.
Lowan said emphatically the Greens don’t support amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“I think Eby’s plan to amend DRIPA is a dangerous, slippery slope,” she said. “I think he’s spinelessly ceding ground to anti-Indigenous players and is opening the door to dilute DRIPA.”
Premier David Eby speaks at the end of the fall legislative session. | Vista News
University of British Columbia political lecturer Stewart Prest said Lowan has been successful in tapping into a younger demographic in a way other B.C. parties have not.
“[There’s] that sense of a younger generation that is deeply frustrated with the lack of action on the environment, but also lack of action on issues of equality more broadly,” said Prest.
But he said there is a risk of creating divides between more traditional Green voters and the party’s growing youth movement.
Prest also said, in the case an election is called, some voters frustrated by the NDP’s climate policies, like LNG expansion, may turn to the reinvigorated Greens as an alternative.
“And you don’t need to lose too many of those voters to see the NDP’s coalition decline just enough to allow the Conservatives to surge ahead because we are so polarized and…balanced on a knife edge between the two parties electorally,” said Prest.
Central Cariboo Search and Rescue (CSARS) and Cariboo Regional District announced the retirement of a longtime member.
After dedicating an incredible 28 years of volunteer service, 16 as Chief, Rick White is calling it a career.
“Rick started in 1997 with Central Cariboo Search and Rescue just doing Land Search and Rescue,” Interim Chief Deborah Bortolussi said, “From there doing Auto Extrication, then building up to being Chief. He has given us so much and we are incredibly grateful to him.”
Bortolussi said she’s known White for many, many, years both personally and through Search and Rescue.
“I’m coming up on my tenth year with CSARS and Rick was a huge part of getting me involved taking on new roles. This year I took Interim Deputy Chief and he has been incredibly supportive of my time stepping into this position. He’s been a mentor and a friend and we’re really going to miss seeing him around. But he’s not going to be a stranger to us.”
Photo CSARS Facebook
Bortolussi added that the team is going to stay up to date on all the wonderful things he’s going to be doing in his well earned retirement.
“I know that if I continue to need any mentorship or any feedback, or even just a sounding board on how to handle something, that he will always be there. When you give 28 years of your life to something, that commitment to community, that love for helping others, doesn’t just disappear, it will always exist for us,” Bortolussi said.
The Chief position of Central Cariboo Search and Rescue is a public appointed position that is appointed by the Cariboo Regional District.
“The permanent position will be posted in January and from there it will go to interviews, and then come mid to late February we’ll have a permanent Chief,” Bortolussi said.
Trevor Halford says he’s focused on moving the B.C. Conservatives forward in the new year and positioning the party as a government-in-waiting.
Halford became interim leader in early December, after John Rustad’s dramatic removal from the top role. It was a course-correction for the Conservatives after a year of internal turmoil that spilled out into the open.
Five caucus members were either kicked out or left the party, and all were sharply critical of Rustad’s leadership. Some of those former members went on to form OneBC, whose platform calls for the introduction of private health care and an end to Indigenous land acknowledgements.
Meanwhile, some MLAs appeared to remain staunchly on Rustad’s team in the chaotic few days in which the party moved to oust him as leader.
Asked how he plans to bridge ideological and political gaps between members going forward, Halford brushed them off as differences of opinion.
“There is a spectrum of views in every single caucus,” said Halford. “I think it’s great that we have some diversified views, but we have to be unified and caucus acknowledges that.”
He said it’s time to “turn the page,” and he’s focused on bringing stability to the party.
“It’s about being disciplined and it’s about thinking about, what are the needs of British Columbia right now?” he said.
Halford’s message to the 70 per cent of voting members who supported Rustad in the Conservative party leadership race last summer is that he appreciates their support for the former leader.But says he wants to address the needs of the majority of British Columbians, who don’t have a party membership in their wallets.
“I think a very, very small, minuscule fraction of British Columbians get caught up in party politics, and I think that’s probably a good thing,” he said.
Halford also said he’s open to more collaboration with the federal Conservatives, after a meeting with leader Pierre Poilievre earlier this month. He said their discussion included the B.C. Conservatives’ calls to walk back the province’s landmark Indigenous rights legislation
Repealing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIPA) was part of the Conservative’s platform in the 2024 provincial election and Halford has continued to hammer the NDP government on the issue.
Premier David Eby has said his government will propose amendments to DRIPA. Eby claims recent court cases are “overreaching” and they put the original intent of the 2019 legislation in jeopardy.
That includes a B.C. Court of Appeal ruling that said courts can decide whether a law is inconsistent with the reconciliation framework, opening the door to more lawsuits against the province.
Another B.C. Supreme Court ruling in August in favour of the Cowichan Tribes land claim in Richmond has also dominated political discourse in recent months and raised questions about the impact on private property rights.
It’s not yet clear what the NDP’s amendments could include, but Halford said the issue can’t wait until the spring session. He reiterated his call for the legislature to return early to repeal DRIPA, saying it has had unintended consequences.
In an interview with Vista News earlier this month, Regional Chief Terry Teegee criticized the attempts to characterize DRIPA as sowing confusion and uncertainty.
“I think this is a clear misrepresentation of the collaborative efforts and respectful dialogue that brought us to the implementation of the Declaration Act.”
Teegee said amending or repealing DRIPA would be “undemocratic,” and “immoral.”
Halford also pointed to health care, crime and the forests industry as pain points the Conservatives will continue to press the NDP government on.
Halford said a timeline for a leadership race will become clear in the new year. While Halford has said he won’t be in the race, a handful of others have come out saying they’re mulling a leadership run.
They include North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn, Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu, Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar and former grocery executive Darrell Jones.
Work is about to begin in earnest on an affordable housing project at 903 Hume Street in Slocan.
Slocan Valley Housing Society chair Sally Mackenzie says Monday’s groundbreaking isn’t ceremonial, but rather the actual start on the project by North Mountain Construction.
She said they would have liked to have begun a few months ago, but because of the mild weather, they are still able to proceed now.
The 10-unit project will consist of two townhome-like buildings for a mix of seniors and families, with one, two, and three-bedroom units. Rents will be set at three different levels: one for those on social assistance or with limited income; a second geared to income; and a third with low-end market rates.
Construction is expected to be completed in March 2027.
Mackenzie said the project’s seeds date to a housing needs study conducted for the Village of Slocan in 2019. While plans proceeded in 2020, they were slowed by the pandemic. Mackenzie said her society was “watching from the sidelines” at that point, and the project was put on hold while the village worked on a new official community plan. As part of that process, the location for the housing project shifted to the site of the recently-demolished curling rink.
“That worked better with the community, and so it got reactivated,” Mackenzie says. In 2023 things got rolling again and the housing society became formally involved, signing a lease with the village for the property.
The society previously worked with the village on the Slocan Valley Suites seniors housing project, completed in 2018, which has three fourplexes with a total of 12 units.
“The village was so supportive and it’s been the same kind of experience this time,” Mackenzie said. “They’re so helpful and agreeable. They want affordable housing in Slocan and our society is delighted to work with them and make it happen.”
Funding for the project will come from BC Housing.
The (22-9-1-0) Prince George Cougars are off until December 27th and 28th when they welcome the Victoria Royals (13-11-4-3) at CN Centre.
PG is six points up on the Penticton Vees for the B.C. Division lead.
BCHL:
The (16-11-1) Prince George Spruce Kings are off until January 2nd and 3rd when they visit the Spruce Grove Saints (13-14-1-0) and the Blackfalds Bulldogs (21-8-1-0).
PG is two points back of the Coquitlam Express (17-8-1-0) for top spot in the Coastal East Division.
World Juniors Pre-competition
Canada takes on Denmark tonight in its final tune up game ahead of the round-robin in Mankato, Minnesota.
Goaltender Josh Ravensbergen and defenceman Carson Carels of the PG Cougars are with Team Canada.
The Round Robin begins Boxing Day.
Cariboo Cougars
The U18 Cariboo Cougars are off until the Circle K Classic in Calgary.
Cariboo takes on the Calgary Royals on Saturday at 12:15 Pacific Time.
The Cougars also take on Team Maryland (Sunday) and Northern Alberta Xtreme on Monday (29th).
NHL
Philadelphia Flyers 5 Vancouver Canucks 2
There are 13 games on the schedule tonight with five Canadian teams in action.
NFL
San Francisco 49ers 48 Indianapolis Colts 27
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for five touchdown passes in the win.
Week 17 begins on Christmas Day with a trio of games.
Dallas at Washington
Detroit at Minnesota
Denver at Kansas City
UNBC Timberwolves
UNBC’s men’s soccer team added goalkeeper Owen Shum for the 2026 season.
Shum transferred from the University of Lethbridge.
He is a less than a year removed from graduating from AR MacNeill Secondary School.
NBA
The Toronto Raptors are back in action when they head to South Beach to play the Miami Heat at 4:30 Pacific this evening.
Toronto sits at 17-13 on the season while they Heat are 15-14.
Cowichan Search and Rescue has provided an update on two searches that were underway over the weekend.
One search was launched after RCMP were notified of a report involving a five-year-old child and the child’s mother. Multiple search and rescue teams and significant resources were deployed overnight Sunday and into Monday.
In a statement, Cowichan Search and Rescue said crews were unable to locate the pair and police were unable to verify the information, which was reported anonymously. The search has been suspended while an RCMP investigation continues.
“Police say there have been no additional reports to support the claim and the information provided anonymously could not be confirmed,” the statement said.
A second search has been stood down after the subject, a middle-aged man, returned home.
Search and Rescue said the man underestimated the amount of daylight while hiking and became lost.
“He became lost and was able to use limited cell connectivity to call police,” the statement said. “He was not able to respond to the location request sent out by SAR team and the cell ping location was inaccurate.”
Thirty searchers were involved in the operation Sunday night and early Monday.
The Kootenays may be in luck for a white Christmas, according to Environment Canada.
The forecast for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in East Kootenay calls for cloudy skies with periods of snow. There is a 40 per cent chance of flurries, with daytime highs expected to range from minus 2 to minus 4 and overnight lows dipping to minus 7 and minus 8.
In West Kootenay, the same three days are expected to bring cloudy skies and snow on Christmas Eve, along with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. Highs will hover around 0 or minus 1, with lows near minus 3.
Kootenay Lake and the surrounding area are forecast to see cloudy skies with periods of snow and rain. There is a 60 per cent chance of showers and flurries, with highs between 0 and minus 2 and lows between minus 3 and minus 5.
Environment Canada is reminding drivers to check weather and road conditions through DriveBC before heading out. It also advises motorists to drive according to conditions during the holiday season.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
The BCHL’s Powell River Kings are seeking immediate support from its fans and the hockey community.
Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society president Shaun Garvey said the organization that has provided financial backing for the community-owned franchise is no longer able to continue its support.
That leaves the club facing a projected $200,000 shortfall by the end of the season, driven by rising costs, declining revenue and volunteer fatigue.
The society held a well-attended town hall meeting last week to outline the situation and urge fans and the broader hockey community to step forward.
Collage of stollen property (Photo Supplied: Smithers RCMP)
Smithers RCMP are investigating a break and enter that occurred in the Telkwa area, leading to about $37,000 in property being stollen.
Mounties said the items were stollen from a home and garage including:
A red Honda EU7000i generator
A red Can-Am Outlander 800 quad
A yellow kids’ E-Ton Viper quad
A Ski-Doo Summit (Summit 800 H.D.)
ATV ramps
Ladders and two chests full of tools
An air compressor
Stihl 14 inch chainsaw
Police are also asking for the public’s assistance in locating the stolen items and ask anyone contact the Smithers detachment if items are found.
A forensic examination was completed at the scene with trace evidence being obtained with no further details being released as the investigation remains ongoing.
A site for a indoor pickleball facility in Powell River is still up in the air.
Powell River City Council has postponed a study on city-owned land on Timberlane Avenue after the qathet Pickleball Association (qPA) indicated last month it wants to be near the civic complex.
Council has learned the 1.1 hectares (2.72 acres) of land has an encumbrance, which means the city can’t sell the land to the qPA but could have a long-term lease. The study would be done to make sure the city protects its interests.
City Development Manager Melissa Howey told council Thursday (Dec. 18) having a site picked is “key” before a costly due diligence study is completed.
As for the complex site, CAO Sundance Topham said city staff believe the site is “not appropriate.”
Councillor Jim Palm agreed the matter should be put off until February.
“Even if the rec complex is out of the question, they (qPA) would like to explore all possibilities. Not just this particular one so as Councillor (George) Doubt has pointed out, I don’t want to spend a great deal of money on a study that not everybody’s buying into, so I fully support a postponement,” Palm stated.
Doubt explained there’s no need to rush the process.
“Just take a step back and make sure we’re spending our money on studying the place where everybody wants the facility to go, if we ever get to it,” he said.
Councillor Cindy Elliott says the association needs to really decide whether it wants it at the rec center because it will be a slow process.
“It may be a longer term process and includes input from the broader community about what is the priority for city lands in that rec center area. It’s a city-owned property that we generally own the facilities on and no lease them out. We have a lot of undecided future for our current rec center and how that might be refurbished or rebuilt or not and all of that comes with some planning and none of that’s going to happen quickly,” Elliott explained.
The qathet Pickleball Association has been fundraising for an eight-court indoor facility.
With Christmas fast approaching our Cariboo roads and Highways will see an increase in holiday travelers.
Media Relations Officer for BC Highway Patrol, Corporal Michael McLaughlin, said to help make your trip safer, take a few more minutes before you get into your vehicle to prepare for what’s out there.
“Is you vehicle ready? Do you have appropriate windshield wipers. Do all the lights work? Is everything in good shape? “
McLaughlin said when it comes to driving, you personally need to be ready.
“You need to be completely sober. Yes there are going to be parties but plan ahead for that. You need to be completely focused on your driving, don’t have any distractions. Winter driving is a little more complicated with a little more going on so be focused.”
Conditions are really important, McLaughlin noted, they are the backbone of what makes winter driving so complex.
“Check on the roads. If you’re going any kind of distance conditions are probably going to change. You might go from snow, to ice, to rain, to sun. Be prepared for all of that and give yourself some extra time on the roads.”
Making sure you’re wearing your seat belt is very important.
“In the Cariboo we do have a problem with not wearing our seat belts,” Mclaughlin said, “not sure why, it’s really easy and it will literally save your life in a collision. If you do get into a collision, going slowly is a force multiplier for your survival. So you really need to slow down, speed limits are for ideal conditions in the summer so go slower.”
During this time of year, you will see even more of a presence from BC Highway Patrol.
“We are putting in some overtime to keep the roads safe. Impaired driving is always a big focus in December. Another thing we’re seeing a lot of lately and it is happening in the Cariboo, is stunt driving.” McLaughlin said, “People having fun in their vehicles in the snow. Doing donuts is really dangerous, that is a good way to go plowing into a business, perhaps get on sidewalk and hurt someone, and we will write a ticket for that . So drive safely, get to where you’re going, and you won’t have to deal with all those extra police officers.”
If you do have to drive during the peak conditions on our Highways this Holiday Season, McLaughlin said try to be patient, give yourself 20 percent more patience than you would normally and it will really help you get where you’re going safely.
Red Mountain Resort is pushing back its opening day — again.
The resort near Rossland, B.C., says recent snowfalls haven’t delivered enough coverage, temperatures have been too warm for snowmaking, and a windstorm last week brought down trees across the mountain.
Crews are still cleaning up, and about 20 to 30 centimetres of fresh snow is needed before skiers can hit the slopes.
If the forecast holds, the resort is aiming to open on December 24th.
Alert Bay RCMP said they have helped prevent the loss of tens of thousands of dollars intended for a new Wellness and Treatment Centre for the ’Namgis First Nation.
Police said the First Nation reported being defrauded of about $406,000 on May 13 after a fraudulent email redirected a contractor payment to a fake bank account.
RCMP said frontline officers quickly froze a significant amount of the money in a bank account linked to an organized crime group in Eastern Canada.
Alert Bay RCMP executed a search warrant at a home in Aurora, Ont., where investigators recovered forged documents, multiple electronic devices and what police described as suspected counterfeit currency.
RCMP said the frozen funds will now be returned to the ’Namgis First Nation through court processes.
“While these incidents are concerning, investigators have reasons to believe this was not random, but rather targeted incidents,” said Corporal Alex Bérubé, spokesperson for the RCMP in B.C. “Police are actively exploring every possible avenue to gather all the necessary evidence to locate and arrest the suspect(s). Public safety is a priority and we are asking the public to assist us in our investigation to identify any suspect in order to prevent further similar incidents.”
Police are reminding organizations to verify payment instructions through secure channels as the investigation continues.
The updated Woodcote Park playground is getting ready to arrive in the first half of next year.
The City of Courtenay announced the process of installing the new playground has begun, and a new photo rendering of its design has been released.
The previous equipment has been removed to make room for the installation of the new features, to make a more modern, inclusive, and engaging play space.
Drainage improvements and concrete work are now underway, and the new structure is expected to be installed before the end of December.
More important elements such as the play surface and landscaping require warmer weather and will be completed by March 2026.
The construction area will remain fenced and closed to the public throughout the winter and is expected to open in April.
The project was developed with community engagement and follows the City’s “Let’s Play Courtenay!” playground design standards.
Creston residents can now receive property tax and utility notices electronically, thanks to a new online service launched by the Town of Creston.
The digital platform offers a convenient way to access and manage property tax and utility invoices. Once registered, users will get email notifications whenever a new tax or utility invoice is issued. Paper copies will no longer be mailed to those who enrol in the online service.
How to Register
To sign up, you’ll need the following:
Your property roll number
Your utility account number
The access or PIN code for each account
You can find these codes on your 2025 property tax notice and utility bill.
New users: Click “How to Register for Tax and Utilities” and follow the guide
Existing users: Click “How to Update My Account to Receive Online Invoices” and follow the steps
Important deadline for 2026 invoices
To receive your 2026 utility invoice online, you must register by Jan. 4, 2026. If you register after this date, you’ll still be eligible for online invoices in future years, but the 2026 invoice will be mailed in early January as usual.
Visit creston.ca or contact the Town of Creston for more information about switching to paperless billing.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyCrestonNowNews Alerts.
On average, 17 people are injured in 106 crashes during the Christmas holidays in North Central B.C.
That’s according to ICBC, as the crown corporation encourages drives to prepare for winter weather conditions to keep their holiday road trips safe.
ICBC says December is the top crash month in the province, with an average four lives lost and 603 people injured in 2,575 crashes across B.C.
“Winter road conditions can change in an instant, especially on mountain passes,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager.
“We want to help you feel confident and prepared for your holiday road trip. Plan for all weather conditions, pack an emergency kit, use winter tires, and drive slow and steady on snowy, icy roads.”
ICBC says drivers should prepare their vehicles for winter conditions, including topping up wiper fluid, and packing an emergency kit with essentials such as blankets, warm clothing, food and water.
They add the key to winter driving is to be slow and steady, and avoid unexpected sudden movements that could cause you to skid. ICBC says posted speed limits are set for ideal conditions, so it’s important to adjust driving speed to the conditions you encounter.
Drivers should also check weather forecasts and road conditions for their entire route on DriveBC before hitting the road.
“I’m excited and really optimistic about the second half,” said Smoke Eaters head coach and GM Eric Thurston after assessing the team’s first 26 games of the 2025-26 regular season.
They won their first six games on the road while the finishing touches were put on about $2-million worth of renovations at Cominco Arena.
The Smokies also set a team record with a nine game winning streak on the road and got off to an 11-1 start despite only playing two games in Trail during that stretch.
Their road warrior act included five wins in overtime and a shootout victory.
Thurston calls those victories character builders.
“Getting those overtime wins was positive, building strong chemistry within our group buying in and understanding our expectations, the culture of it,” commented Thurston, who also feels the team responded positively to adversity.
Rookie Gairin Michalski, as well as veterans Drew Anastasio and Cade De St. Hubert left the team for the USHL, but Thurston remains impressed with how the players responded, calling Junior hockey “a tough gig,” for everyone.
“It’s tough on the players, it’s tough on the coaches, it’s tough on the ownership and it’s tough on the fans,” stated the bench boss.
“And when you lose players that you’ve built around and you’ve extended trust to and then they decide to look elsewhere it can be difficult,” noted Thurston who credits the players for showing maturity and character.
“I’m really impressed with how our guys have reacted, how they’ve welcomed the new guys, and then you just kind of realize after the fact how resilient they are,” he added.
New additions include Swedish imports Louis Jonerheim and Ted Welander.
Jonerheim, a six-foot-four, 205-pound winger has landed an NCAA Division I commitment to the Rochester Institute of Technology and Thurston says there is NCAA interest in Welander.
Meanwhile, German import Max Hense secured an NCAA Division I commitment to St. Lawrence University.
Hense, and 19-year-old teammate Matthis Pape are with the German national team at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Minnesota.
Fellow 19-year-old defenseman Matthew Keller has two goals in his first three games as a Smokie following the trade with Prince George.
Twenty-year-old centreman Bronson Hunt has played two games since arriving from St Cloud Minnesota of the North American Hockey League.
Thurston believes both will make key contributions during the second half.
“It’s really been business as usual (since arriving),” stated Thurston, who credits associate coach and assistant GM Bryan Kromm and assistant coach Bailey Monteith with recruiting them.
“Those players have really stepped in and played well, it’s kind of unusual, but it’s a credit to Bailey and Bryan, working hard to find those good players and putting them into the fold and letting them get accustomed to our culture and fitting in,” Thurston added. “It will be exciting to see as they get a little more comfortable how well they are going to improve.”
Among the returnees, Christian Kim leads the team with 31 points including a team leading 22 assists after picking up three helpers during last Sat’s 5-1 win over Okotoks.
Thurston also has high praise for second-year winger Cash Carter who is tied for the team lead with 11 goals.
“He has really stepped up, he’s been playing fantastic, he’s got an opportunity, moving up, playing on that first line with Erik Pastro and Christian Kim and he really is the Latin term carpe diem, he’s really seized the day,” explained Thurston.
Carter has 27 points, already surpassing last season’s totals of seven goals and 21 points. The 19-year-old recently became an assistant captain and will play in the BCHL All-Star Game.
Thurston is also elated with the offense from rookie Ryan Oothoudt.
The 18-year-old winger has three goals and three assists in seven games after missing the first two months of the season with mononucleosis.
Other key contributors in a balanced offensive attack include Pastro who has 10 goals and 21 points and fellow 20-year-old Dylan Lariviere who has 11 goals and 19 points.
On the back line, Colton Whitfield is adding offense to his solid shutdown work in the defensive zone.
The Smokies sit second in the BCHL’s Interior West Division, four points behind West Kelowna with Trail holding two games in hand.
The Smokies second half of the season opens on New Year’s Eve in Cranbrook.
Residents across the Cowichan Valley are being invited to take part in discussions around the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s 2026 budget.
The CVRD is hosting four in-person budget engagement sessions in early January, giving community members the opportunity to learn how regional services are funded, ask questions, and share their priorities.
Sessions will be held Monday, January 5th at the CVRD Boardroom in Duncan, Tuesday, January 6th at the Lake Cowichan Council Chambers, and Wednesday, January 7th at Aggie Hall in Ladysmith and the Kerry Park Lounge in Shawnigan Lake. All sessions run from 4 to 7 p.m.
Those unable to attend in person can find more information about the CVRD’s 2026 budget and engagement opportunities online at planyourcowichan.ca.
The Town of Creston is reminding its residents that the 2025 Utility Bill deadline is right around the corner. Officials want to make sure the public settle their payment on or before Dec. 31, 2025.
Creston offers easy options for payments including online at creston.ca under Quick Links and Account services, you can contact the municipal office at (250) 428-2214 for assistance if needed. Anyone who prefers to pay in person can head down to town hall to settle their bill.
Town hall is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but will be closing early at 1 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 24th. Town Hall will also be closed the following days Thursday Dec. 25, Friday Dec. 26 and Thursday Jan. 1.
The Town of Creston thanks you for staying on top of your utility payments.
During the festive season, it’s easy to let waste production get out of hand. The District of Invermere is offering a few tips to help keep holiday spirits high and landfill waste low.
Start by using recyclable or repurposed paper or fabric for wrapping gifts — old newspapers are a popular option. Reusable boxes, tins or bags are also a good choice. Instead of ribbons or bows, try using greenery.
Get creative with leftovers to prevent food waste — a casserole can be made out of pretty much anything. When going to a potluck or party, use reusable dishes to keep that food fresh. Thrift stores are a great place to find reusable containers.
Consider giving the gift of an experience instead of material items. An activity or event can offer lasting memories, unlike a gift that may soon be outgrown or forgotten. When shopping for gifts, buy local and look for sustainable products.
Make the switch to LED lights, they last longer, save energy and can be recycled. Invest in rechargeable batteries which can be a more cost effective, environmentally friendly and high performance option.
Old electronics can also be donated to the thrift store if they still work, if not try and repair them or if none of those options work, the next best thing is to recycle. Find a location to dispose of electronics responsibly at www.return-it.ca
The District of Invermere states choosing environment friendly options can help keep our communities clean and green for years to come.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
The Williams Lake Fire Department was called out early this morning (December 22) to a structure fire behind the Williams Lake Veterinary Hospital.
Fire Chief Evan Dean said they responded to multiple 911 calls at approximately 2 am.
“Crews arrived to find an outbuilding/shed fully involved with fire extending to a nearby fence and threatening adjacent mobile homes.” Dean said, “Once it was confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated without injury, initial crews focused on exposure protection to prevent further spread.”
Dean said the shed was completely destroyed and two mobile homes sustained damage, both remain repairable.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Williams Lake RCMP.”
21 firefighters, two large apparatus responded, and crews were on scene for roughly two hours followed by an additional hour of cleanup.
The properties were returned to the owners after the firefighting phase was complete.
“This incident is another clear example of smoke alarms saving lives.” Dean said, “The occupants were alerted by their detectors giving them time to evacuate safely. Please ensure your smoke alarms have fresh batteries and are tested regularly”
The Cranbrook Turkey Drive passed its initial goal of $65,000 on Dec. 11, but has now raised over $70,000 with a few days left to donate.
At the time of writing the turkey drive has raised $71,715.
The money is split between the Cranbrook Food Bank and Salvation Army.
Cranbrook Food Bank executive director Julie Rose said need for their services continues to grow.
“We are seeing more and more new clients registering. In the last 6 months, we’ve had over 300 new households register with us and we know the need will keep on increasing in 2026,” Rose added.
“Food prices are set to increase again in the new year, four to six per cent increase. They’re suspecting a family of four is going to have to pay another $1,000 increase in their grocery costs. So we’re bracing for another year of more families and more individuals needing us.”
Dallas Brodie says she is once again leader of OneBC, following her sudden ouster earlier this month.
“After negotiations, I have regained control of the party and have reassumed my position as leader of OneBC effective immediately,” said the Vancouver-Quilchena MLA in a social media post on X on Sunday.
“I am terribly sorry for this conflict that spilled out into the open. It was not what I wanted or ever dreamed could happen,” she said.
The party itself said in a brief post “we are back to work.”
Tim Thielmann, who was OneBC’s chief of staff, said in a separate post that the board had decided to resign on Saturday and transfer control of the party to Brodie.
Paul Ratchford also said on X he is no longer the executive director of OneBC and will have no further affiliation with the party.
Brodie returns to the top role about a week after the party’s board announced she had been removed as interim leader. The board issued a statement alleging Brodie had demonstrated “increasing instability, paranoia, erratic behaviour, and abusive conduct.”
Brodie has said the split happened after she raised concerns about a staffer’s social media posts that allegedly shared antisemitic and white nationalist views. She said her colleagues tried to prevent the staffer from being fired.
Tara Armstrong, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream and former OneBC House Leader, said on Dec. 16 the Speaker’s Office had confirmed OneBC will no longer be recognized as an official party within the legislature. Armstrong said she would once again sit as an Independent.
Brodie and Armstrong launched OneBC in June, soon after leaving the B.C. Conservatives.
“I hope people will say that the College really extended into the community.”
That’s coming from College of New Caledonia President Cindy Heitman, who sat down with Vista Radio for a year-end interview.
Heitman said 2025 was focused on reconnecting and re-establishing relationships within the communities the College serves.
“When I think back to the events, everything from hosting an alumni event, to our most recent donor appreciation night, it really is about building those relationships,” Heitman said.
“It was an opportunity for us to try something different,” Heitman said.
“How do you build school spirit, get some sporting back into the College, and we see it as very successful. It was a partnership where we support the Kodiaks in recruiting players, and the Kodiaks support the College with providing opportunities for those players to attend CNC.”
Prince George Kodiaks President Craig Briere and CNC President Cindy Heitman announce a partnership between the two organizations (Darin Bain, My PG Now staff)
“We do see a continued emphasis on building partnerships with Community,” Heitman continued.
“Whether it’s sporting partnerships like the Kodiaks one, or partnership with industry. I think that the communities in the North are really invested in education and post-secondary education. They’re looking for skilled employees to hire, and the role CNC can play in that is really critical as they’re developing their workforces. I do see continued opportunities with partnerships and particularly with industries.”
The Duchess Park Condors are 2A Boys Volleyball Provincial Champions (D. Bain, My PG Now staff)
Heitman said while there’s no conversations to bring more of that to College at this time, CNC is open to having those conversations.
“We’re really looking to modernize our practices here, we’re really looking to re-establish CNC as that pillar within Prince George,” she said.
“CNC is deeply rooted in the community, and it doesn’t matter where you go, somebody will have some type of connection, whether it’s a student, or to an event, or child who’s been here. I think that there is always an open door to establishing partnerships for the North.”
2025 has held its fair share of negatives for the College as well.
“It is a really difficult time for the College right now, and unfortunately, so much of it is beyond our control,” Heitman said.
“I think what we’re really trying to do is, how do we recover from this restructure that’s needing to be done across the sector, across the country, CNC isn’t excluded from that. We’re really focusing on moving forward together, and how do we establish ourselves so that we are sustainable, so we can grow and continue to thrive here in the north.”
Heitman said the college is looking at program diversifications and continued partnerships.
Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan (seated left) and CNC President Cindy Heitman (seated right) signed a memorandum of understanding on a partnership between the College and the First Nation (D. Bain, My PG Now staff)
“We know we can’t do the same thing that we’ve always done, we’re going to have to do things different, and how we are going to do that together.”
Heitman noted the College’s six campuses covers a large geographic area, serving 22 First Nations.
“We have realized that not all of our service delivery models in those small regions are reaching the learners that we would like to reach,” she explained.
“In partnership with First Nations, through Memorandum of Understandings and agreements, working with the communities, how do we reach into those remote areas to provide education as well.”
Heitman added one thing the College will be looking at is increasing access to learning.
“Access can be through virtual opportunities, through partnership opportunities, how do we take learning into the community,” she said.
“Based on a very traditional model where it’s an expectation that people come to us to learn, but how do we go to communities to provide those opportunities.”
Heitman added what the College is hearing from industry is that they are in dire need of employees.
“The conversations we’ve had with them is really what skills do they need, and is there an opportunity for us to work with you to get employees for your particular industry, everything from in mining to construction to technologies to even forestry,”
“Forestry is diversified, it’s very different now, but there is a need for a workforce in those areas. It’s having individual conversations with partners, and with industry who are looking to be partners with CNC to provide training for our workforce.”
Heitman took the time to thank the community for their continued support of the College.
“We’re really, really happy that we are in the position we’re in to be able to provide the service to the communities in which we really believe in.”
A section of Johnny’s Motel in Grand Forks has been badly damaged by fire.
Grand Forks Fire and Rescue says it was called about 8 p.m. Sunday to a report of a vehicle fire in a carport at the motel.
Crews arrived to find the fire had extended into the motel roof. Firefighters contained the fire and prevent it from spreading further, but as a result five occupants staying in the motel were displaced. No injuries were reported.
A total of 20 members of Grand Forks Fire Rescue responded, using seven pieces of equipment, including the city’s aerial platform.
During the fire, RCMP temporarily re-routed BC Highway 3 through the downtown core to allow for area closures and additional water supply.
“We thank the RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, and city partners for their assistance, and we appreciate the public’s patience during the response,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.
Nanaimo will bring back a popular free skating event this year and transform the Frank Crane Arena into a West Coast Winter Wonderland.
“Winter Wonderland is a Nanaimo tradition! For seven days each year, the Frank Crane Arena is transformed into a winter theme with an abundance of participation,” said Grace Bell, manager of sport and arenas for the city. “The City of Nanaimo is grateful for the local businesses and organizations for their support in bringing this event to our community. New this year is ‘Music in the Breezeway’ featuring a variety of local musical talent.”
The event will be held Dec. 24 and again from Dec. 26 to 31. It will feature real trees, winter décor, twinkling lights and seasonal music. There will be free skating sessions with free helmet and skate rentals. A pancake breakfast is planned Dec. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Beban Park Social Centre.
This year will also feature live music on Dec. 27 and 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as part of the Music in the Beban Breezeway program.
BC Ferries has cancelled several sailings between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland today after Environment Canada issued wind warnings for the south coast.
Cancellations include the 10:55 a.m., 1:20 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. sailings from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay. The corresponding 11:05 a.m., 1:25 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo are also cancelled.
On the Duke Point–Tsawwassen route, the 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. sailings to the Lower Mainland are cancelled. All sailings from Tsawwassen to Duke Point up to 5:45 p.m. are also cancelled.
Sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen are cancelled in both directions through 5 p.m.
In a statement, BC Ferries said high winds and sea conditions are forcing cancellations across these routes. The company said it will monitor weather conditions and resume service when it is safe to do so. Customers with bookings on cancelled sailings will be contacted about alternate travel or refunds.
Police in Cranbrook are investigating a shooting in the Innes Avenue area.
Police received multiple reports at around 9 a.m. on Dec. 21 of shots fired.
Cranbrook RCMP, Kimberley RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Service and RPAS assistance immediately responded to the scene.
No one was struck or injured by the discharged rounds.
There were multiple reports of a silver 4 door sedan with dark tinted rear windows and loud exhaust, in the area at the time of the shooting.
Police believes it was an isolated targeted incident.
The Cranbrook RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining any relevant video surveillance in the area of Innes Avenue around the time of the shooting in an effort to identify the suspect and suspect vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cranbrook detachment at 250-289-3471.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
100 Mile House and area residents are being advised of a temporary service interruption at the 100 Mile District General Hospital Emergency Department today.
Interior Health (IH) said emergency services will be unavailable until 8 this evening (December 22) and that patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time.
IH said all other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile House District General Hospital.
People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.
Emergency services were also unavailable earlier this month at the 100 Mile District General Hospital back on December 12th and 14th.
The City of Campbell River outlined bold concepts in 2025 for the future of Shoppers Row, proposing substantial changes to the area as part of an effort to revitalise the downtown core.
In early 2025, the city expressed interest in finding a qualified developer after strategically acquiring four properties in the 1300-block of Shoppers Row, including the Harbourside Inn, the vacant lot beside it and the former Dairy Queen site.
According to a city release, the goal of the project is to increase vibrancy and safety downtown through mixed-use development, including middle-income rental housing.
“In addition to housing, the city envisions a variety of commercial, retail and civic uses at the ground level of the development, aimed at invigorating and animating both Shoppers Row and 13th Avenue,” the release said.
The city’s acquisition of the inn required rehousing 40 of its 45 low-income residents.
In partnership with B.C. Housing and Island Health, the city said it conducted vulnerability assessments for all tenants to help provide housing that better reflected their needs.
“City staff and partners have worked tirelessly to complete assessments and match individuals with better housing,” the release said. “Every resident who required support and provided consent was offered housing, should they want it — many with improved supports, accessibility and proximity to services and family.”
With a demolition permit in hand, the city said pre-demolition work has begun, with most activities at this stage taking place inside the building.
In December, the city named Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. and Broadstreet Properties Ltd. as developers for the redevelopment, which will include up to 200 rental housing units. The city said 10 per cent of the units are slated to be affordable housing.
Looking ahead to early 2026, next steps include completing all remaining demolition activities.
The City of Williams Lake had some good news this Holiday Season regarding the Endowment Fund.
Manager of Economic Development Beth Veenkamp said they received some donations this Fall that pushed it to the half a million dollar mark and we couldn’t be happier.
“This is a future thinking Endowment. The City of Williams Lake in 2019 decided to tuck away some money annually from the Community Forest Dividends that we receive so that we can plan for the future. We’ve been inviting the community to join us in that so the goal is to get to a million dollars.”
When it gets to a million dollars Veenkamp said the City will be able to take the interest earned annually and use that to fund programs for Arts and Community groups, Sports groups, and all the things the people come to the City looking for support for.
“We have a very generous community,” Veenkamp said., “People understand the longevity in investing in something like this. It’s truly a lasting gift, something that goes on for generations to come. The community has been fantastic and we’ve been able to grow this fairly quickly.”
Veenkamp noted that Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) use to offer a matching grant to start an Endowment so Williams Lake started with an investment of $50,000 and that was matched by NDIT.
“So I saw that that money was available and having worked sort of in the non-profit sector I know how much it means to to local non-profits to have access to funding like this. Thankfully the Council of the day and the current Council agrees with me that it’s a good way to plan for the future.”
Looking at other communities around the province that do this, Veenkamp said it’s certainly a viable path to support community groups and give people an opportunity to donate, or give, or legacy give, through planned giving, making sure that their funds are truly there for generations to come.
Anyone planning a special event in Invermere next year will need to apply for a permit and seek approval from the District of Invermere.
Officials said organizers planning to use district-owned streets, parks or public property in 2026 are required to submit a Special Event and Greenspace application at least 30 days before the scheduled event date.
This policy is to ensure Invermere events are safe, organized and well-managed.
The permit applies for events such as parades, festivals, street fairs, sidewalk sales, concerts, block parties, races, walks and runs.
The District of Invermere said it supports special events that build community, enhance quality of life and boost the local economy but want to keep the safety of the public a priority.
Application forms and further details are available at invermere.net.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
British Columbia’s NDP government introduced a slew of legislative reforms in 2025 giving Cabinet broader powers to fast-track major projects and centralize decision-making. But Premier David Eby is rejecting the suggestion that the moves amount to weakening independent oversight or sidelining the legislature.
In a year-end interview with Vista News, Eby said the legislation has been about reducing red tape and delivering projects faster.
“I acknowledge we are spending some political currency on that. We’re going to be held accountable for that by voters,” he said. “But I would rather be in a position of saying we got these things built than to say we went through an extensive amount of processes and we’re just about to get started construction when I go back to the voters.”
Eby faced intense backlash early in the year for a portion of his tariff response bill that would have given government the ability to bypass the legislature. The NDP walked back that section before the bill passed.
A pair of bills introduced in the spring further expanded cabinet’s decision-making power over major projects.
Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, accelerates approvals for certain renewable energy projects. That includes consolidating oversight under the British Columbia Energy Regulator, a Crown corporation.
Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act also gives the government broader powers to accelerate permitting and approvals for major projects.
Eby has maintained that the legislation, as well as the fall’s Bill 31 aimed at fast-tracking the North Coast Transmission line, is necessary to counter the impact of U.S. tariffs and to position B.C. as Canada’s “economic engine.”
Premier David Eby announces new legislation to on North Coast transmission line, Oct. 20, 2025. | Vista News photo
Stewart Prest, a political science lecturer at the University of British Columbia, said the moves are part of a trend across Canada of political leaders wanting to make a show of shoring up their economies against the economic uncertainty created by the Trump administration.
“By making use of the bills from the spring session and by trying to further consolidate power in cabinet, the NDP is trying to equip itself with tools to both actually do things and to be seen to be taking assertive action,” said Prest.
“But of course, when you centralize power and decision making and streamline it, it does introduce the possibility of mistakes being made and not caught,” he said.
Eby went as far as to stake his government on certain bills passed this fall, including the North Coast Transmission Line legislation. The B.C. Conservatives opposed the bill and even sought to delay it by six months through a hoist motion, which failed.
Bill 31 gives Cabinet more decision-making power over what industries and businesses can connect to B.C.’s power grid.
Donegal Wilson, Conservative MLA for Boundary- Similkameen and critic for water, land, and resource stewardship, said in the legislature in October the legislation was part of a continued pattern by the NDP government to centralize power.
The B.C. Greens also voted against the bill, but it narrowly passed last month thanks to the NDP’s one-seat majority.
Ahead of the vote, Eby painted opposition to the bill as a direct threat to B.C.’s economic future and said his party is prepared for an election “if necessary.”
Premier David Eby says he would “stake his government” on Bill 31 | Vista News photo
The NDP deemed another bill that makes changes to the Mental Health Act a confidence vote earlier this month. The amendments are intended to update language in the act to ensure health professionals won’t fear being sued for providing treatment to involuntary care patients.
Prest said the confidence votes help further the narrative of the NDP as a proactive government.
“I think that’s why Mr. Eby used such inflammatory rhetoric and rhetoric that went against the edge of what the political realities were,” said Prest. “Because the NDP has a working majority, particularly when they are working with the Green Party and even without, they have this razor thin majority. And so it is unlikely that an election would emerge unless the NDP somehow engineers it.”
Questions have swirled for months about whether Eby would call a snap election, given recent internal tensions that left the Opposition Conservatives in disarray and culminated in the ouster of leader John Rustad earlier this month.
Asked under what circumstances he would call an election, Eby said there are some “bright lines.” He said the province needs to be able to pass bills that grow the economy and address issues like mental health and drug addiction.
“We have enough votes, I hope, to be able to ensure that government is stable and we’re able to pass all these. But if anything were to happen, a member was away for some reason or unable to dial in or whatever the challenge was and the government lost a vote, then we would be into an election, and we will be ready if necessary,” said Eby. “We just don’t want to. It’s not a priority for British Columbians, and we would prefer not to.”
Nanaimo RCMP are warning residents about text message scams and offering tips to avoid falling victim.
“At this time of the year, fraudsters ramp up their misguided efforts by creating false and misleading text messages meant to fool you into thinking they are legitimate,” the force said in a news release. “The risk of getting hacked via a text message is less than other means. However, you may be exposed to the risk of hacking or malware if you click on an unknown or malicious link or download a suspicious attachment.”
Police advise not clicking on links from unknown senders and to watch for unusually long phone numbers in text messages, which can indicate a scam.
“If you receive a message from a company that you frequently do business with such as Costco, B.C. Hydro, or Telus, do not respond to the message. Go to their official website and respond accordingly,” the release said. “If you are expecting an update on a recent transaction and you think the message may be legitimate, try reaching out to the company on their website.”
Random messages claiming to be from family members needing money or from financial institutions are also warning signs.
“If you receive a text or email claiming to be from a bank or financial institution, do not respond to the phone number provided. Again, go to their website or call the number on the back of your credit or debit card. Most legitimate companies have a link on their website where you can report frauds and scams,” police said.
Burns Lake Fire Rescue had a busy morning today (Saturday), putting out a substantial structure fire at the Island Gospel Church.
Crews were called out at 5:11 after a report was made by a passing motorist, but once crews arrived on scene, the front of the church was fully involved in the fire.
Photo – provided by Burns Lake Fire Rescue
Fire Chief Rob Krause said they had 20 members and 6 vehicles attend the blaze.
“We worked on the fire until approximately 9:00 this morning.”
“We still have crews on scene monitoring and knocking down some hot spots, and we were able to save the auditorium and the classrooms, but the church is completely destroyed.”
Krause added he’s started a preliminary investigation and is waiting for an investigator to arrive from Prince George to determine the cause.
The cost of the damage is also unknown, but he said he’s treating the incident as a multi-million dollar loss.
Krause said on behalf of the Fire Department and the Municipality, he’d like to extend their condolences to the congregation of the Island Gospel Church on their loss today.
Quesnel residents are getting an extra bit of holiday cheer this year.
Anyone needing to use public transit on Christmas Eve will be able to ride for free, as part of BC Transit’s annual Holiday Events.
Whether it’s to get to the stores for last-minute gift shopping or trying to get home in time for the holiday feast, all routes and stops in town will be free from the start of the day until the last bus at 4 pm.
Quesnel is one of eleven cities part of BC Transit’s Holiday Event.
Powell River Fire Rescue is no longer responding to non-urgent medical calls.
City council approved a change in the fire department’s level of service Thursday night (Dec. 18), which took effect Friday.
Councillor Rob Southcott – a former paramedic chief – says this “gradual rollback” will ease wear and tear on firefighters.
“I really feel that it should be very safe for this change in dispatch…this is, I think, a very conservative and very smart approach to this and I wholeheartedly support it,” Southcott said after reading the motion.
He says BC Ambulance continues to look to firefighters to pick up the slack for its own inefficiencies.
Under the new protocol, city firefighters will only respond to serious or life-threatening situations, known as purple and red colour-coded calls under the BC Emergency Health Services Clinical Response Model.
Fire Chief Martin Drakeley says the local dispatch system is already aware.
“Our dispatch has been in the loop for the last week or so. I’ve spoken to management, our BC Ambulance management, who’ve spoken to their dispatch so there’s not much of a change for BC Ambulance dispatch. During COVID they completely shut the door to medicals for the fire department just because they couldn’t control the exposure during the pandemic,” Drakeley explained.
A report by the fire chief notes the department does not get reimbursed by the province for medical calls, including pay, vehicle use and medical supplies.
The report says about 22 per cent of all calls so far this year for Powell River firefighters are deemed non-urgent.
As of Thursday, Powell River Fire Rescue had responded to 857 medical aid calls, accounting for almost 61 per cent of all fire department calls this year. Almost 22 per cent were non-urgent.
Powell River is not alone in the change. Fire departments only responding to high-priority calls is also happening in Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Victoria to name a few.
To find the answer we asked the expert, Environment Canada Meteorologist Lisa Erven.
“Around the area we have anywhere from about 5 to 10 centimetres currently sitting on the ground as measured at the various weather stations across the region. Looking at the forecast over the next 5 days or so, our temperatures are staying at mainly below zero so it’s a really good chance that the snow on the ground is going to remain preserved now through Christmas so that will give us at least a white Christmas.”
Erven added at Environment Canada they track whether or not it will be a perfect Christmas.
“Which would mean at least 2 centimetres of snow on the ground on Christmas Day and snow or flurries falling at some point during Christmas Day itself. That one is a little bit more up in the air.”
As of right now (December 20) Erven said the current weather models suggest that we’ll be between storm systems and is not calling for any snow falling on Christmas day itself. However just a subtle shift in the atmosphere pattern could change that story so it’s something to stay tuned for over the next coming of days.
“At the very least it’s looking like that snow on the ground that’s there right now will be there for Christmas especially since we do have some flurries in the forecast in between now and Christmas,” Erven said.
Prince George residents can look forward to a white Christmas this year, though we might not see much more snow until then.
According to Environment Canada, this weekend is when the city will see the most snow, particularly on Sunday with 5 centimetres, though temperatures will sit between -12 to -16.
Meteorologist Lisa Erven said by early next week is when the snowfall should taper off.
“For Christmas Day itself, we’re not seeing too much in the weather forecast. Basically, the central interior is kind of being in between weather systems, at least that’s what the current models suggest.”
Heading into Boxing Day, snow is forecast to make a return, with temperatures remaining in the negative mid teens.
Daytime highs will be well below the seasonal average by roughly 10 degrees, however, overnight lows to be a couple degrees closer to normal.
Erven added that anyone travelling for the holidays should keep their eye on the forecast, and to look on Environment Canada’s BC Travellers Forecast for updates on the highways.
Information on the forecast can be found on Environment Canada’s website here.
Quesnel Search and Rescue enhanced its skill development in several ways this past year.
Vice President Bob Holowenko said that has been their trend over the last four or five years working toward their five and ten year plan.
“Having four of our team members go from Roper Rescue Team Member Level 1 to Level 2 has been a really big win for us. This means we now have a full compliment of resources on our team should we need to respond to a technical rescue or a rope technical rescue. So that’s something where we’re dealing with over an edge, over a cliff, high angle, it could be a number of scenarios, so this gives us the complete autonomy to respond as our own team without having to rely on resources from neighboring teams.”
Another tool Quesnel Search and Rescue added to the tool box were two Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems, commonly known as drones, using funds granted to them by the Quesnel Community Foundation.
“Having that eye in the sky can be absolutely game changing when it comes to things like situational awareness,” Holowenko said, “It means we can now look over the edge of a cliff in order to see is there a hazard there, is it undercut, is our subject in urgent need of us or can we approach them in a more methodical way.”
Holowenko added the drones gives their Swift Water Team the ability to get a look downstream to see if there are any any hazards, do we have any strainers or sweepers that might become a hazard to our rescuers.
And the third addition this year to Quesnel Search and Rescue is they now have three BC Tracking Association certified instructors, an increase from the previous year.
“Additionally we have six Track Aware certified members and three Tracker certified members. This enhanced tracking capability is invaluable for locating lost persons in wilderness environments,” Holowenko said.
As colder weather sets in, Powell River is scrambling to find an adequate emergency overnight shelter for the homeless.
City council instructed staff Thursday night (Dec. 18) to work with community partners to find an emergency weather response (EWR) shelter location.
It appears the city is leaning towards setting something up in the former library portion of Dwight Hall.
Any location would need two bathrooms, controlled access and room for 20 cots.
“I know that none of the options the city has in terms of city spaces are perfect and most of them are not even great or good,” Councillor Trina Isakson said in proposing her motion.
Some of the options explored were the Powell River Recreation Complex, council chambers, the fire hall in Wildwood and the bylaw building on Duncan Street.
“I mean the purpose of this motion is to keep people alive. It’s not to keep people healthy. It’s just literally to keep people alive when the temperatures drop or the snow accumulates,” Isakson stated.
A temporary location is triggered by BC Housing rules and was activated about a dozen times last winter.
The location is needed because the shelter on Barnet Street won’t be operating until February.
The city does have a warming center, run by the qathet Coalition to End Homelessness, but CAO Sundance Topham told council the coalition “does not have the resources or ability.”
Topham said they are leaning towards the former library section of Dwight Hall as a possible location in partnership with LIFT Community Services for extreme weather response.
‘There’s a time constraint and some work required by this community group before we can even move forward. So, staff are going to start by meeting with them tomorrow (Friday) to try to get something in process before the holidays,” Topham said.
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) continues to make strong progress at their Palmer Lake Project in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
They noted early results show positive outcomes on the land and benefits for local communities.
CCR said their team is seeing firsthand how large-scale rehabilitation work is helping burned forested areas back to health while creating steady employment across remote First Nations communities in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
“The work we are doing is more important than ever with BC’s forest sector facing uncertainty due to tariffs, limited wood fibre supply, and mills curtailing operations,” Daniel Persson, Registered Professional Forester and CCR’s Forestry Superintendent said, “By taking on large scale rehabilitation work, we are helping create stable jobs for workers and supporting communities, many which are more rural and remote, that rely on forestry.”
Percy Guichon, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation CEO, said this work is imperative if we want to have healthy forests in the future.
“We’re doing something with these dead forested areas that haven’t been touched for almost a decade,” he said.
For CCR the Palmer project is more than a technical effort, but one that reflects a long-term commitment to rehabilitating and healing the land.
As it continues, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation and its partners, including investments by the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and Natural Resources Canada, remain focused on creating resiliency in the region.
The Prince George Cougars are heading into the holiday break on a sour note, dropping a two goal lead in a 3-2 loss to the Everett Silvertips yesterday (Friday).
The Cougars return to action on December 27th and 28th when they host the
Victoria Royals in a doubleheader.
Sometimes even the best power-plays suffer through an outage.
For the Prince George Spruce Kings, it came at the most inopportune time facing off against the BCHL’s top team going 0-for-8 in the process.
A two-goal performance from Gavin Nevis allowed the Cowichan Valley Capitals to escape the Kopar Memorial Arena with a 4-3 victory in front of 1,044 fans at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena on Friday.
Nevis drilled home a saucer pass from Tristan Gravenor past an outstretched Ryder Green and into the yawning cage at 17:06 of the third period.
The transition play began a 2-on-1 rush after Spruce Kings defender Dracen Campbell missed a pinch at the blueline.
Cowichan built up an advantage against PG courtesy of a short-handed marker by Carter DeKay who put the visitors up by a 3-1 score.
Despite the setback, the Spruce Kings put their workbooks on and got back on even terms.
A Dominic Szczygiel pass to Marcus Lougheed netted some late dividends beating an outstretched Rhett Stoesser, trimming the deficit to a goal.
Szczygiel notched his seventh of the season after a great battle along the boards – he snuck into an open area and light the lamp against Cowichan netminder Rhett Stoesser making it a 3-3 game.
Both teams were scoreless after the first period thanks to several highlight reel saves by both Stoesser and Green.
Tai Ushio put the Spruce Kings in the driver seat as he gained access to the danger zone, deflecting a Nick Bianchi feed for a 1-0 lead 1:14 into the second period.
However, the quick strike offense from Cowichan Valley worked like a charm.
Nemis deflected his first of the game, re-directing a Junsu Kwak pass that went behind Green for a 1-1 score.
Less than two minutes later, Anthony Hall, who is normally a playmaker gobbled up a rebound, feathering it past Green to give the visitors a one-goal lead after 40 minutes.
Prince George navigated most of the third period without Ben Vreugdenhill who took an errant stick up in the face cutting his lip and chin and didn’t return.
The Spruce Kings outshot the Capitals by a 41-26 margin including a 33-14 spread in the final forty minutes.
PG falls to 15-11-1-0 on the season, two points back of the Coquitlam Express for top spot in the Coastal East division.
Cowichan improves to 23-6-1-0 and holds first place in the league standings by three points over the West Kelowna Rockets.
Both teams finish their pre-Christmas schedule tonight (Saturday) at the Kopar Memorial Arena with puck drop at 6pm.
The Prince George Cougars left Angel of the Winds arena with their tails between their legs after blowing a two goal lead late in the third period in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Everett Silvertips in front of 6,073 fans.
Cougars goaltender Alexander Levshyn was sensational and the main reason his team got a point, stopping 51 of 54 shots from a dominant Silvertips team, earning himself the game’s second star.
Neither team scored in the first period even though Everett outshot Prince George by a whopping 25-3 margin.
“I think he’s [Levshyn] been good, the two games he’s been back. I think he’s done a good job for us, and I think he’s put us in a position where he gives us a chance to win,” said Cougars associate coach Jim Playfair on the 94.3 the Goat post-game show.
The scoring didn’t start until the 1:10 mark in the second period, with Cougars defenceman Corbin Vaughan picking up his fourth goal of the season on the team’s fifth shot of the game.
Cue the comeback for Everett as Silvertips forward and former P.G. Cougar Zackary Shantz scored with 1:11 remaining in regulation.
Just 29 seconds after that goal, 16-year-old defenceman Landon DuPont tied the game with 42 seconds left.
DuPont, who is eligible for the 2027 NHL entry draft, was named the game’s first star by scoring his second goal of the game at 2:47 of overtime.
It was the first time this season the Cougars have lost when the game went beyond regulation time.
“I felt that some of our young defencemen really struggled with their (Everett) pace, their push, and I thought we started making poor plays back on the back end,” added Playfair.
The (22-9-1) Cougars start the holiday break first in the B.C. Division, by six points over the (16-9-4-3) Penticton Vees.
Prince George will return to action on December 27th and 28th when they host the
(13-11-4-3) Victoria Royals in a doubleheader.
The MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo says his office has received numerous complaints about the lack of proper road maintenance in the Quesnel area.
Sheldon Clare says “it’s downright dangerous right now.”
He says he can speak from personal experience as well.
“I’ve, as you know, been driving a lot of these roads myself and experienced these conditions first hand, I’ve had a couple of close calls on the road. I’ve been seeing plow trucks in the ditch even, and it’s crazy.”
Clare says the problems vary.
“Well it’s a mix. Some of it has to do with not getting there, some it has to do with how work seems to be getting allocated. I mean there is a priority list of roads that are dealt with first, and it seems just a bit haphazard with what’s been going on, and there are roads that have never been touched. I’ve been hearing from people who are wondering when they’re going to see some sanding and clearing of ice off of their particular roads.”
He says the most worrying examples are school bus routes.
“We’ve had all of these cancellations in both Districts 27 and 28, and it’s just not acceptable that children can’t get to school. And if they aren’t getting to school, the roads need to be safe, they need to be in a condition that’s safe to drive on, both for the buses and for parents and teachers and everyone else.”
Clare says he is trying to get some answers.
“We’ve put calls out to Minister Farnworth (Minister of Highways and Transit) and we’re waiting a call back from him about road issue. And we’re really pushing hard. We’ve got calls out to Dawson and I plan to go out to Emcon Services this (Thursday) and having a word with the management out there as to what’s going on, because we simply can’t be tolerating this any longer.”
The Cariboo region is broken down into two service areas, one serviced by Dawson Road Maintenance and the other by Emcon Services Road Maintenance.
We have reached out to both for a comment on this issue.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Comox Valley.
The federal agency said a primary control zone is now in effect, restricting the movement of poultry, backyard flocks and some captive birds to prevent the spread of the virus.
“On December 16, 2025, primary control zone 317 was declared by Paul MacKinnon, president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, under subsection 27(1) of the Health of Animals Act for highly pathogenic avian influenza,” the agency said.
The agency said the measures apply to both commercial and non-commercial birds, including eggs and related products.
The primary control zone spans from Royston to Merville.
It added there is no risk to public safety from properly handled and cooked poultry.
Momentum is continuing to grow for a new blood plasma donor centre in Prince George, however, more needs to be done to make it a reality.
Our Blood Counts is a community-led initiative that launched the petition for the new centre, demonstrating how northern BC residents want to make a difference for patients and families while supporting Canada’s blood plasma supply.
Founder Mark Karjaluoto said plasma is in short supply in Canada, collecting only 20 per cent needed domestically.
“Plasma use, or the medications that are derived from plasma, their use is growing by about 5 to 6 per cent every year worldwide.”
“What we’re trying to say is northern BC can contribute to that. We could hopefully tap into the support from the entire region, and we can make a difference for not only patients here, but for patients across the country.”
Canada is heavily reliant on plasma from the United States, with the medications used for people with cancer, immune issues, and a number of other conditions.
As more people travel for the holiday season, Karjaluoto urges northerners to donate blood and talk about the need for a centre in the north.
“When I travel for work or pleasure, I’ll always find myself at a donor centre, but i always say to them that I’m from the north, and it would be very important to bring it back here, because we know there are people that would contribute.”
“As part of the giving part of the holiday season, we hope that people will keep that in mind, but also say where they’re from and why it’s important the blood donation comes back to the north.”
Karjaluoto hopes people see it as an opportunity to spread the word, and continue to get that message to Canadian Blood Services.
A petition to have a plasma donor centre for northern BC can be foundhere, and has so far gathered 2,500 signatures.
This week’s Summit Radio Pets of the Week from the BC SPCA in Castlegar are Seven and Toe Beans. They were tragically found in a cardboard box, huddled together and shivering, atop the Kootenay Pass, this week. Despite the harsh conditions they were left in, they are both in fantastic health and are extremely cuddly. Seven and Toe Beans are sisters, but can be adopted separately. They’re about 2 years old and they are beautiful tabbies.
Sparwood council has decided to approve funds from the Community Funding and Support budget to help the Sparwood Lion’s Club purchase concession equipment.
The club requested $1,400 to help pay for a commercial popcorn machine, cotton candy machine and related accessories.
They will be used during different during community events and will generate money for local youth, seniors and food-bank programs.
With the funds being approved, the District has $10,420 remaining within the 2025 Category 2 Community Funding and Support budget.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Cranbrook city council has approved zoning amendments for a BC Builds development at the Baker Gardens site.
The property is a city owned lot adjacent to the existing BC Housing Seniors Housing project and the Historic Colonel Baker House.
The plan is to build a 30-unit mixed-use apartment complex.
The amendments will increase the allowed density to meet that number.
The city adopted OCP amendments for the proposal back in November and was waiting on ministry of Transportation approval before the zoning amendments could be approved.
The project will still require a multiple unit development permit and building permits.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
The snow response in Fernie may be a little slower than normal as crews are tied up with the city’s wastewater system.
The city has been hit with snow and more is expected to fall through the weekend.
Crews are out plowing and sanding, but city staff said they have a lighter team than usual with staff still working on getting the wastewater system back to normal.
City staff are asking residents to do their part and keep vehicles off roads and boulevards, following the alternating parking schedule and to watch out for active crews.
It’s also important to not shovel or snow blow snow onto already plowed streets.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Just over 500 FortisBC customers remain without power following a ferocious windstorm that ripped through the Kootenays, Boundary, and South Okanagan on Wednesday morning.
The company says at the peak of the outages, about 26,000 customers were affected. Line crews have been working to restore electricity ever since.
“We’ll be working throughout the day to repair damage and restore power as safely and as quickly as they can,” the company’s Holly Harrison said at noon today.
She added intermittent outages could still occur as crews continue their work. Areas with the most extensive damage are in the Boundary as well as Rossland and Fruitvale.
About 30 crews in the West Kootenay have been receiving help from colleagues in Kelowna and Penticton, as well as sister company Fortis Alberta.
“Crews have been really working around the clock, making sure they’re supported, making sure customers are safe,” Harrison said. “So it’s been a really big team effort.”
Harrison said crews have had to deal with many fallen trees just to access certain areas.
She expects the majority of customers who are still without power will have service restored this afternoon and evening, but cautioned a few might still be out for another night in the areas with the most extensive damage. She said they are communicating with those customers directly so they can be prepared.
If you see downed power lines or poles, you’re asked not to try clearing it yourself, but to call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-866-436-7847. Fortis also has a real-time outage map here.
Quesnel RCMP have made a couple of arrests in connection with an investigation into counterfeit money circulating in the area.
Sergeant Clay Kronebusch says the Crime Reduction Unit executed a search warrant yesterday (Thursday) on a residence in the 3500 block of Hilborn Road.
“A 37-year old man and a 37-year old woman were arrested during the execution of the search warrant and are suspected of being involved in using counterfeit money to purchase items from several businesses throughout Quesnel.”
Kronebusch says a variety of items were seized.
“Police located and seized $680 in Canadian currency as well as two firearms, ammunition, several unstamped cartons of cigarettes, and approximately 23 grams of suspected cocaine.”
Kronebusch says the currency seized is being sent for further analysis to confirm if it is legitimate.
He says “the Quesnel RCMP want to remind the public and businesses to use caution when accepting cash and ensure they are examining the bills thoroughly.”
Kronebusch says once their investigation is complete, the results will then be sent to the BC Prosecution Service for assessment of appropriate charges.
Vancouver Island wood manufacturing companies are receiving provincial funding weeks after the announced closure of the Crofton pulp and paper mill.
Western Forest Products’ value-added division in Chemainus will receive $7.5 million to add two new continuous dry kilns to its manufacturing operation.
Island TimberFrame in Cumberland will receive $325,000 to expand production of high-value structural mass timber and wood-finishing products through the purchase and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment.
Western Forest Products president and chief executive officer Steven Hofer said the investments are vital to the company, its employees and the communities where it operates.
“They enhance our ability to add value to harvested timber and support family-sustaining jobs – from the seedlings we grow to the products we sent to global markets.”
The funding will help Western Forest Products expand high-value applications for second-growth western hemlock, including future mass-timber inputs.
Island TimberFrame’s funding will allow the company to improve operational efficiency, increase production capacity and access larger construction projects.
Island TimberFrame partner Carl Tessmann said the funding will help expand exports and domestic supply of value-added wood products by investing in production systems and advanced manufacturing equipment.
“The result of these funds will strengthen partnerships with First Nations and wood suppliers across British Columbia, while creating skilled employment in our rural community.”
The funding comes from the province’s B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which supports manufacturing businesses in expanding operations to produce and sell made-in-B.C. products.
Major cancer care upgrades are coming to the 100 Mile District General Hospital in the new year.
Thanks to various donations including two large anonymous ones, received by the South Cariboo Health Foundation, the oncology unit will grow from its current size of roughly 500 square feet to about 1500 square feet.
“We received some phone calls from the Morrison’s who wanted to make a donation to this project in memory of their late father Neil, a rancher and pioneer,” Foundation Public Relations Spokesperson Danielle Sabiston said, “This donation kick started this, it caused the conversation to happen and thanks to the many donors over the last few years we have been able to fund the entire project.”
Sabiston noted some of those donations also came from community events like the annual Mr. T Charity Golf Tournament.
“And many individuals donate in memory of loved ones and specify that it go to the oncology department. So all of those people have played a part in making this major project a reality.”
The oncology unit will also be moved to a new location in the same building where it can be directly accessed.
The renovation will offer more privacy, more comfort and is a timely one, considering the need to expand the unit.
Kathy Munroe, Manager of Acute care at 100 Mile District General Hospital said some cancer treatments require patients to be at the oncology unit for up to five hours so having a comfortable space is important.
“Having treatment close to home was a true blessing for our family and we’re so thankful my dad could receive his care here. We hope these upgrades will bring the same comfort to others,” Angela Morrison said.
The largest lottery prize available in Canada is up for grabs.
A combined 103 million dollars is one the line when it comes to tonight’s (Friday) Lotto Max Draw, which includes 23 max million prizes.
BC Lottery Corporation spokesperson, Shelley Wong told Vista Radio northern B.C. gamblers have their eye on the big prize, which could enhance their holiday season.
“That 80-million jackpot is a life-changing amount of money and that is also the largest jackpot available to win in Canada.”
“We have seen a strong role pattern so the jackpot has been pretty high for a while now and we have seen the max millions grow. Anytime, you have a chance to win such a large jackpot, we do see a spike in sales right up until the draw time – it shows how excited people are to win a life-changing amount of money.”
The deadline to purchase your tickets is 7:30pm this evening.
The Regional District of Nanaimo is asking residents in the Gabriola and Bowser areas for feedback on proposed changes to its parks development cost charges.
Development cost charges, or DCCs, are collected from developers to help fund park improvements needed to service new development.
Two new bylaws introduced earlier this year affect DCCs in electoral areas B and H. In area H, which includes Bowser, Qualicum Bay and Deep Bay, a bylaw would waive parks DCCs for not-for-profit developments.
In area B, covering Gabriola, DeCourcy and Mudge Islands, not-for-profit developments would pay half the usual charge under a reduction bylaw.
The RDN is inviting affected residents, developers and groups in those areas to share their views on the changes until Jan. 31, 2026. People can visit the RDN’s website to provide feedback.
Grand Forks will have to wait a little longer to receive its new fire truck, but city councillors say they would rather wait than have the vehicle rushed to completion.
Fire chief Rich Piché reported to council this week that he recently visited the truck’s manufacturer in New Brunswick, but “they weren’t quite ready for us. I think we got there a little bit ahead of the builder.”
The new truck will replace the city’s existing engine 354. Piché said he noted a few deficiencies that need correcting before the city takes ownership in early 2026. Once those fixes are made, he’ll do another virtual inspection of the truck, and then it will be driven from Fredericton to Airdrie, Alta., where it will receive a final safety inspection before making its final trek to Grand Forks on a flatbed.
Councillor David Mark said he preferred the manufacturer not be rushed, telling Piché: “Do emphasize that we prefer quality and a month late rather than, ‘oh, we got it before January and there’s still issues.’”
In an interview with Vista Radio after the meeting, Mayor Everett Baker agreed: “They need to take the time to make sure things are correct on this truck. It’s a huge investment of taxpayer dollars and we want it done right. I always like the terminology DIRTFT: do it right the first time.”
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyGrandForksNow News Alerts.
DriveBC confirmed at 12:09 this morning that the travel advisory on Highway 97 from north of McLeod Lake to south of Prince George was cleared.
In that time, the Prince George RCMP and BC ambulance responded to two motor vehicle incidents due to icy roads.
According to BC Emergency Health Services, the first call came in at 12:46 p.m. yesterday in the 35000 block of Highway 97 North south of Bear Lake, where paramedics gave emergency medical treatment to one patient who was transported to hospital.
Then at 2:28 p.m., an ambulance with primary care paramedics and a paramedic manager responded to a motor vehicle incident in the 35200 block of Highway 97 North.
Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to one patient who was transported to hospital in stable condition.
The Prince George RCMP are cautioning drivers heading north of the city as conditions deteriorate.
At around 2:30 this afternoon, officers responded to an approximate five car motor vehicle incident, roughly five kilometres north of Summit Lake, with another just south of that involving two vehicles.
Emergency services have only been at these locations for a short time, and the extent of any injuries is currently unknown.
“Everybody heading north of Prince George this evening (Thursday) should definitely slow down, and keep in mind that weather conditions do change abruptly here in the north.” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper.
“Use your road sense. Drive to the conditions.”
Cooper added the area is typically a spot where they do see motor vehicle incidents happening when weather conditions change.
Traffic on the highway is still able to pass through, though police say it’s subject to change at any time.
There will be no further updates on these incidents, and drivers are encouraged to check DriveBC for up-to-date conditions before heading north of Prince George this evening.
PG residents during the evening commute had to fight through Old Man Winter who provided a snow squall for the area last night (Thursday).
The cold front led to challenging driving conditions especially on Highway 97 where the PG RCMP responded to two motor incidents near Summit Lake involving a combined seven vehicles.
Environment Canada Meteorologist, Tanmay Rane told MyPGNow.com three to five centimetres fell last night (Thursday) and the cold front will stick around for the next week.
“We have an arctic front that passed through the region and we have a pool of cold air that is just going to sit where the Central Interior and Prince George region are at least through Christmas.”
The snow squall also included 30 kilometre per hour winds, which gusted up to 50 km/hr, which also gave us some blowing snow.
Rane said daytime temperatures will be ten degrees below normal for this time of year while the overnight lows are expected to be two to three degrees off the seasonal mark.
Looking back on the 2025 fire season, Duncan Fire’s acting deputy chief says there were a lot of positive aspects, but they also overcame some hurdles.
Chris Irving says calls for services were down by 300 calls, which is a step forward, but the department was kept very busy in the latter part of 2025.
“Coming off last year (2024) we were on a record high of 800 calls, and we’re around 500 calls this year,” he says. “At the end of September into October was quite busy for us, we did five structure fires in a three-week span.”
The calls were put out for a variety of reasons, and according to Irving they centred around burning complaints, medical calls, alarms, and a variety of fire calls.
Even though the number of calls were down, when compared to 2024, Irving says the department has seen its share of hurdles with membership being the biggest obstacle but it’s being addressed.
“We’re always looking for members and trying to keep training and recruitment up,” he says. “We had a strong class last year of seven new recruits and they’ve been able to get certified within the year.”
Cost continues to be another hurdle that Duncan fire is continuing to navigate, which Irving says isn’t specific to one year.
“We need to work within our budget,” he says. “Everything is getting more expensive, and we’re lucky to be supported by the taxpayers and city council, and next year bring another year of interesting events.”
Duncan Fire is looking forward to providing more community engagement into 2026, and Irving says providing more events that interact with residents in the area is one way to educate fire prevention.
“We’re looking forward to 2026 and getting out in public,” he says. “Hopefully we can do more around fire prevention, and we’re hoping to do an open house and interact with the community.”
North Cowichan made several positive strides in 2025, but Mayor Rob Douglas said the closure of the Crofton pulp and paper mill delivered a major setback that will take years to overcome.
Douglas said the mill closure will cost the municipality about $5 million a year in lost tax revenue, though he emphasized that workers and their families are bearing the greatest impact.
The closure had been scheduled to take effect Dec. 15, but Douglas said it has since been delayed.
“The initial closure date was December, but that has been pushed back, and we understand it has since been extended to Jan. 4,” Douglas said.
Despite the economic hit, Douglas said North Cowichan made progress on several key infrastructure projects this year.
“Earlier this year we completed the replacement of the Crofton fire hall,” he said. “We also undertook emergency repairs to our water mains that cross the Cowichan River and supply drinking water to 20,000 residents in record time.
“We also completed the new roundabout at Herd Road and Bell McKinnon, which will support traffic flow for the new hospital.”
Douglas said other improvements included upgrades to the Herd Road bridge and major repairs to municipal water mains.
He said the municipality continues to face challenges related to homelessness and the opioid crisis and lacks the resources to address them alone.
“We’re continuing to invest more resources to tackle these issues, but as local government, we just don’t have the tools to fix these big problems,” Douglas said.
Looking ahead, Douglas said North Cowichan will focus in 2026 on managing the fallout from the mill closure and supporting families, businesses and the municipality as it adjusts to the loss of jobs and economic activity.
It’s the last full weekend for Operation Red Nose in Williams Lake.
Coordinator Deborah Pickering said they’ve had a great season so far since they started offering safe rides home back on November 28.
“Every weekend we have surpassed the number of rides given in the past four years. We’ve done six nights so far and have given 202. Last year by the end of the sixth night we had done 176 rides.”
We asked Pickering with it being the final weekend before Christmas is she thinks it will be a busy one getting drivers and their vehicles safely home.
“I always anticipate being busy, it’s an optimistic feeling that I have that we’re going to have lots of rides and I never know what’s going to happen. I do anticipate being busy this weekend because it’s not only our last weekend it’s everyone’s last weekend to celebrate with co-workers, friends and family from out of town, so I do think we will be busy.”
Pickering’s goal for this years Operation Red Nose campaign was to give 300 rides before it was over for another.
“We’re always just below that. I think the closest we got was 297 one year. And we just might break that 300 mark because we have this last full weekend and then we come out again on New Years Eve and that’s typically the most rides we give in one single night.”
Operation Red Nose will be available in Williams Lake tonight and tomorrow night (December 20 & 21) from 9 pm to 2 am.
Pickering asks anyone wishing a safe ride home either evening should call (392-2222) at least a half hour before you think you want to leave so they can get your name in a cue as it’s first come first served.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District says work on the Keats Landing Dock project will pause for the holiday season, with ferry service available in the meantime.
The regional district said the Stormaway passenger vessel will be in service from Dec. 20 through Jan. 5. Sunshine Coast Regional District
Work on the dock will resume Jan. 6, with the 8:55 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. sailings operating that week, the SCRD said in a news release.
“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, dock work is anticipated to be completed by Jan. 9,” the release said. “The SCRD appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while this important work at Keats Landing Dock is completed.”
Sniper @TerikParascak of @PGCougars is the guest on the Cat Scan #podcast. He talks about highlight prior to being drafted, getting chosen by Washington Capitals, thoughts on Alex Ovechkin, same positive results with different PG team & what kids ask most in community visits. https://t.co/Xb3ikWtptB
The (15-10-1) Prince George Spruce Kings host the (22-6-1) Cowichan Valley Capitals tonight (Friday) at 7:00 and Saturday night at 6:00 in their final games of 2025.
The Spruce Kings are in 2nd place in the Coastal East Division, two points behind (16-7-1) Coquitlam and one point ahead of (15-12) Langley.
The Spruce Kings regular season schedule and results are here.
The B.C. SPCA is reminding the public to follow proper procedures when surrendering animals.
The reminder follows what the organization called an “unprecedented case” in Sechelt, where 32 cats were left in plastic containers outside its Sunshine Coast branch.
Images supplied by B.C. SPCA.
In a statement, the SPCA said the cats were dropped off around 9 a.m. on Dec. 4. Staff discovered them about 20 minutes later and immediately began transferring the animals into proper carriers. One cat was deceased.
Staff spent several hours triaging the animals and arranging temporary housing. The Sunshine Coast branch was closed for a few days as a result.
Fifteen of the cats were transferred to the SPCA’s Surrey branch.
Image supplied by B.C. SPCA.
The SPCA said abandoning animals is a crime under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and an investigation is underway.
“If you’re struggling with the hard choice of needing to surrender your animal, please call the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline team or at least speak with the animal centre staff so we can help you but also to ensure the animals receive the care they need right away,” said Kaila Wolf, senior director of media and internal communications.
Images suppled by B.C. SPCA.
One SPCA staff member said most of the cats are friendly, although some were undersocialized and fearful.
All of the cats have completed their quarantine period and some will be available for adoption on Friday, Dec. 19.
In her presentation, Merrick said there are more than 180 non-profits working in Prince George, around 30 of which she believes have a direct relationship to making downtown safer.
“Non-profits are overloaded, they have more work than what they can do,” Merrick said.
“They are poorly trained, they want to provide their staff with training, but they don’t have the training resources, nor do they have the funding to be training their people. They are overmanaged. Our government agencies are requesting report after report after report, and so they’re not able to focus on what’s important because they’re so busy trying to manage the financial books. They are fragmented, they’re not working together, they are forced to work in siloes because of funding competitions and the way that we structure it, and they’re also silenced. They see important things that are happening in our downtown core, but they’re too afraid of speaking up, because they’re too afraid that they’re going to lose their funding.”
Merrick added real-time learning is needed.
“We’re seeing new drugs, we’re seeing new gangs of people, we’re seeing new interactions that are happening,” she said.
“We need to come together to develop learning systems so that we can react to it, we can follow the trends, we have good data to follow the trends, we can find reasonable solutions, and from that we can disseminate it to the 30 organizations, but when we see that there is no money for training, I guarantee you this isn’t happening. These organizations want to, but they’re not able to do it because of their funding.”
Merrick proposed the PG Hope and Healing network.
“We propose that using the City’s Permissive Tax Exemption, we create incentives for organizations to work together,” she explained.
“This is just a small incentive, honestly, I think we need a lot more, I think we need the province to step in and provide more, and federal to provide more, but this is something that the City could do.”
Be person-centred, involving those most affected by decisions, in decisions that will affect their lives.
Participate in the Digital Network for referrals, to share good practices, and provide a link to their website’s annual reports and financial statements.
Commit to the progressive decolonization of systems and services.
Commit to daytime dignity, offering indoor places for socializing and eating.
Collaborate with other agencies to address unmet client needs.
Be a good neighbour and be accountable for their organizational footprint.
Invest in learning, together.
Use a common approach for key procedures, including restricted access.
Have a board who have experience, expertise and are based in PG.
Participate in a community-based feedback and complaints mechanism.
“The problem, it is a complicated one,” said Mayor Simon Yu.
“I like this approach, because right now, the problem is being filtered upwards, and then reaches the provincial, federal table, and they try to design a solution and try to feed it back downwards, but as we all know, every community, every situation is slightly different, down to the individual level.”
On the Permissive Tax Exemptions piece, Director of Administrative Services Eric Depenau said a good starting point could be to look at the current list of exemptions, who could be eligible from the list Merrick presented, and come up with dollar figure implications.
“Perhaps a report back could be a way to go, or over to Council to consider directly adding this as it exists,” he said.
Councillor Trudy Klassen moved to refer the item to Council, so administration can take a deeper dive.
Get your skis shined up and grab a stick of Juicy Fruit — some slopes are opening at Mount Washington on Friday, Dec. 19.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort said its beginner zone and all magic carpets will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The opening follows a fresh snowfall on Thursday, allowing the resort to begin opening terrain about a week later than originally planned.
“Snow has been falling all day,” the resort said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “A friendly reminder to keep safety top of mind and to abide by the Responsibility Code — do not enter closed terrain.”
The resort said machinery will be active around the mountain.
The opening also marks the return of the resort’s Learn Free Discovery Days, with ski, snowboard and cross-country ski options available.
The Nordic Centre’s Raven Lodge, Jutland and Stadium areas will also be open for cross-country skiing. The tube park will remain closed.
The Prince George RCMP are cautioning drivers heading north of the city as conditions deteriorate.
At around 2:30 this afternoon, officers responded to an approximate five car motor vehicle incident, roughly five kilometres north of Summit Lake, with another just south of that involving two vehicles.
Emergency services have only been at these locations for a short time, and the extent of any injuries is currently unknown.
“Everybody heading north of Prince George this evening (Thursday) should definitely slow down, and keep in mind that weather conditions do change abruptly here in the north.” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper.
“Use your road sense. Drive to the conditions.”
Cooper added the area is typically a spot where they do see motor vehicle incidents happening when weather conditions change.
Traffic on the highway is still able to pass through, though police say it’s subject to change at any time.
There will be no further updates on these incidents, and drivers are encouraged to check DriveBC for up-to-date conditions before heading north of Prince George this evening.
It should be a festive final weekend before a short Christmas break for the U18 Cariboo Cougars.
Photo credit Sharon Rysz Wells.,
Not only do they renew their rivalry against the Okanagan Rockets, but some holiday cheer will likely be coming from the crowd.
On Saturday, the AAA hockey club is hosting its Teddy Bear Toss game at 6:30pm from Kin 1.
When the Cougars score their first goal, the ice will be littered with teddies.
The feature game is in support of the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
Genuine Article (formerly Alison’s Embroidery) has donated approximately 100 stuffed animals for the event.
They’ll be available for purchase for $5 each, and all the proceeds will go to St. Vincent de Paul.
The Prince George Cougars are also donating their Fanboni for Cariboo to use during the intermissions.
This is the first trip back to Prince George for the Rockets who claimed the B.C. Elite Hockey League title on enemy ice in overtime on a controversial goal by Hudson Getzlaf.
Photo credit Sharon Rysz Wells.,
Okanagan is the top-rated team in the U18 league so far in 2025-26 with a robust record of 16-2-0-0.
The second game of the weekend set takes place at 9:15am from Kin 1 on Sunday.
Okanagan won the first two meetings against the Cougars by scores of 5-4 and 2-1 in Kelowna on October 4th and 5th.
The Rockets are led by the dynamic duo of playmaker Brayden Westman and WHL draft eligible stud Brayden Jugnauth.
Jugnauth, ripped up the BCEHL’s U15 league last season scoring 42 goals and 66 points in 30 regular season games.
The 14-year-old also tallied 15 points in six playoff contests. So far this year, Jugnauth has 25 points in 28 games at the U18 level.
He is the younger brother of Portland Winterhawks alum Tyson Jugnauth, who is now suiting up for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.
His other older brother Logan is also on the Rockets and is a prospect of the Prince George Cougars.
Cariboo sits fourth in the seven-team league with a mark of 9-8-2-1 after dropping a pair of road games to the Vancouver Northwest Hawks by scores of 2-1 and 4-3 last weekend.
Admission is free for all fans.
Both teams will also make their way to Calgary for the Circle K Classic, which kicks off on December 27th.
The Salvation Army is reminding residents that it does not go door-to-door requesting donations and is urging the public not to give money to anyone claiming to represent the organization at their doorstep.
Rick Robins, Corporation officer, urges residents to contact them and report to them if that situation happens.
“Someone was reported going door to door in Kimberley and we just want to notify the public that that is not someone we do and that person is not authorized by the salvation army, so please do not give donations to someone at your door, thank you, and if someone is coming door to door please contact us.” Robins said.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made through the Kettles at Save On Foods in Kimberley and in Cranbrook along with Tamarack mall, Superstore, Walmart and the liquor store Thursday to Saturday nights.
In Fernie, donations can be made at the Kettle at the Independent grocer from Tuesday to Saturday, and at the liquor store on Thursday to Saturday nights.
The public can also donate through mailers sent out to all addresses and online at salvationarmy.ca.
Robins said donations are currently at about 60 per cent of the goal for both locations, but he hopes to see that increase as the campaign wraps up.
Robins thanked all who have donated and is hoping for one last big push before the kettles end at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24.
“Thank you everybody for your donations going far, if everyone can dig deep and help us out to continue to be able to serve the people of the community.” Robins said.
He added that this year’s hamper program has seen a significant increase over last year.
“We’ve done 349 hampers this year which is 120 more than what we did last year, this year we’ve spent almost $70,000 on our Christmas hampers, with food, toys for kids and gift cards for teens”. said Robins.
The Salvation Army serves multiple communities from Creston to Golden and Field, and east of Jaffray through its Fernie location.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
It was a record-setting year for the Campbell River Shoebox Project.
The nonprofit delivered about 630 gift-filled shoeboxes, valued at $50 each, to women in Campbell River and Port Hardy/North Island who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Of those, 560 were distributed in Campbell River and 70 in Port Hardy/North Island.
Alison Skepneck, local co-ordinator of the project, said the goal was 500 shoeboxes in Campbell River and 100 in Port Hardy/North Island.
“We began delivering shoebox gifts for local women in need in the North Island in 2017. We met our goal the first few years but have struggled to provide the requested number of shoebox gifts for the area since before the pandemic,” Skepneck said.
According to a news release from the organization, the total value of gifts delivered exceeded $31,000.
Large donations received later in the campaign allowed more gifts to reach local shelters and agencies, pushing the organization past its target.
“One woman who received a shoebox gift told me recently that she hoped one day she would be able to create a shoebox for someone else,” Skepneck said.
With the help of financial donations from the community and local organizations, the nonprofit also created 120 special shoeboxes containing practical items specifically for women experiencing homelessness.
Donors were asked to fill a decorated shoebox with daily essentials, several small luxuries, something warm, a $10 gift card to a grocery or drugstore, and an inspirational message, all valued at roughly $50.
In 2027, the Sparwood mayor could make $65,000, while councillors could make $31,000.
The district is currently in the process of amending the renumeration bylaw to increase the annual pay for mayor and council and decided on these numbers.
Council still has to adopt the changes.
Without the increase, the annual pay for mayor is $48,460 and $21,538 for councillors. There’s also a guaranteed 2.5 per cent annual increase for cost of living.
Mayor David Wilks said the pay is not consistent compared to other government positions.
“We never pay ourselves enough and are always worried about what the public is going to say,” he said.
“An MP today as we speak without any added duties and who is just a backbencher makes 209,000.”
However councilllor Sam Atwal was against the pay hike.
“It makes no sense to me that we would have the taxpayer swallow this cost,” he said.
“I don’t think it makes sense to be the highest paid mayor and council in the Kootenays, higher than Cranbrook. I don’t agree with it at all.”
If the increase is approved it will not be for this existing council, but for whomever is voted in next municipal election.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
BC Hydro has reported multiple power outages throughout Cranbrook, Kimberley and Golden, with crews either on site or soon to be on the way.
The outages have been caused by wind storms, transmission circuit failures, and trees knocking down wires, with two sources still under investigation.
Crews are currently at work east of Mineral Lake Road, north of Highway 3/95 with 65 customers being affected, all along St Mary Lake Road affecting 105 customers and southwest of Curzon on highway 3/95 impacting 413 customers.
Additional crews have been dispatched or are on the way to outages affecting an estimated 200 customers.
Outages are occurring south of Ryan on Highway 3/95, all along Highway 3/95 northeast of Yahk, 7700 block of Highway 95 south of Glenlilly, two on the 7300 block of Majestic Road and one southwest of Canyon Creek Road south of Golden.
BC Hydro is reminding people to stay safe during outages and to check on family, friends and neighbours—particularly seniors. Tips for staying safe during an outage are available on BC Hydro’s website at bchydro.com.
To report an outage not already listed on the outage map, customers can log in to the BC Hydro website or call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) from a mobile phone.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Fernie City council has adopted changes to the official community plan to implement the housing needs report.
Fernie’s latest housing needs report found the city needs 551 new housing units within five years and 1,856 units over the next 20 years.
The report also highlights the need to increase affordable and accessible housing in Fernie, including purpose-built rentals and workforce and seniors’ housing.
Implementing it into the OCP helps guide the city on how to address the housing needs.
The city was required to make the changes by the end of the year to meet provincial legislation.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Nelson has been selected to pilot a new provincial program aimed at addressing chronic property crime and public disorder.
The Chronic Property and Public Disorder Intervention Initiative (C-POII) is being piloted in three communities: Nelson, Kelowna and Nanaimo.
The province said the program will focus on a small number of repeat offenders whose ongoing theft, vandalism and persistent disorder have affected public spaces and local businesses.
The initiative’s coordinated model will provide enhanced monitoring, enforcement and supports to address public safety concerns affecting communities.
“This new program will help to stop chronic property crime offenders, which will save businesses the expense of crimes like shoplifting and vandalism,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in a press release.
“By targeting, monitoring and addressing key repeat offenders of crimes and disorder, we’re going to help make our streets safer for everyone in these cities,” added Krieger.
Under the pilot, each community will identify five individuals whose persistent involvement in property crime and public disorder has affected downtown areas and commercial corridors.
“Nelson has advocated so strongly on the issue of property and public disorder crime, and I am so grateful to see this innovative pilot launched in our community,” said Kootenay Central MLA Brittny Anderson.
“By focusing on the individuals who create the most disruption, and combining accountability with support, we can reduce harm and work toward long-term, sustainable solutions.”
That program, according to the province, has 12 hubs operating in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Prince George, Williams Lake and Terrace.
At these hubs, ReVOII provides support throughout the province. The province said ReVOII has offered intensive supervision and supports to more than 500 high-risk, complex-needs violent offenders to date.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNowNews Alerts.
The City of Nelson is reintroducing its Angel Program this winter, reconnecting volunteers with seniors and residents with mobility challenges who need help with snow removal.
The community-driven initiative pairs “Angels” with eligible households to shovel snow and clear debris from sidewalks in front of residential properties at no cost.
While city crews work to keep roads and public access areas safe after each snowfall, the city noted homeowners remain responsible for clearing sidewalks under municipal bylaws.
For some residents, however, that task can be a significant barrier. That is where Nelson’s Angels step in.
“The Angel Program is one of those small but powerful examples of what makes Nelson special,” said Mayor Janice Morrison.
“A cleared sidewalk is a small but mighty action that can help magnify connection and kindness in the community.”
How the Angel Program works
Morrison said the program has proven successful in previous years, noting there were times when more volunteers signed up than there were households needing assistance.
“That just goes to show you that Nelson volunteers are really willing to go the distance,” she said.
She added the program also helps reduce safety hazards by ensuring snow is cleared quickly before it is compacted into ice.
“If volunteers are able to get out quite early, we don’t get that stepped-on, trampled snow that turns into ice, which then becomes almost impossible to remove and a real hazard on sidewalks,” Morrison said.
Nelson has a large population of seniors and residents with physical disabilities, which Morrison said makes programs like this especially important during the winter months.
Residents may apply if they:
live within Nelson city limits; and
are seniors or have mobility limitations that prevent them from clearing their sidewalk.
Become a volunteer Angel
Nelson’s Angels can be individuals, families, businesses or community groups – anyone willing to help make winter a little easier for neighbours in need.
Volunteers must:
be physically able to clear snow and debris;
provide their own shovel and appropriate winter clothing; and
commit to assisting at least one home for the season.
Youth Angels welcome
Youth under 19 who want to gain volunteer experience can also participate. A parent or guardian must complete the application on their behalf.
At the end of the season, youth volunteers will receive official recognition from the City of Nelson for their contribution.
The Quesnel School District has new catchment boundaries for the first time in decades.
The Board of Education approved them at Wednesday (Dec 17) night’s meeting.
Superintendent Dan Lowndes says four of the District’s schools will see fairly significant changes.
“The four schools, Carson Elementary of course being one of them with the most significant impact. The whole student population there would obviously move to the new building. Voyageur Elementary will see significant changes. Riverview Elementary will see significant changes as well as Dragon Lake Elementary. For the specifics on what that looks like I do recommend that people access out website. The new catchment maps are live on the website as well as links on our Facebook page. You can simply type in the address and find out exactly where your home will be in the catchment lines.”
Lakeview, Barlow Creek, Bouchie Lake, Ecole Red Bluff Lhtako, and Parkland elementary schools will see minor changes, and there will no change for Wells, Nazko and Kersley.
Lowndes says the District plans to hold community engagement sessions in the New Year on these changes, as well as sessions at the schools that are most impacted.
He says it was a fairly lengthy process to get to this point.
“We started this process back in December of 2024 knowing that because the new Carson build is definitely considerably bigger than the current Carson School. We needed to increase the enrollment base for the school. Yes, Carson started the process but it also allowed us to really look holistically at the whole district and really look at enrollment patterns and trying to really provide space in all of our elementary schools as best we could to try and balance out enrollment.”
Lowndes stresses that there will be no school closures as a result of this process, something that a lot of people have expressed concern about.
He adds that there will also still be a process for students to attend school outside their catchment area.
A new process for that was also passed at the Board meeting.
“We’ve always had what’s called a school of choice process, and that’s what has led to 20 percent of our elementary population being out of catchment, so really it is a similar process.”
Lowndes says the biggest change is around the timing.
“What we’re asking is that if you are impacted and you are currently attending a school outside of the catchment lines, we ask that you register at your catchment school, being step one. And then step two if you wanted to, lets say you’re a grade 6 student at Dragon Lake Elementary and you’re impacted by the catchment lines and your new catchment is Carson, we ask you to register at Carson. But at the same time you can do an out-of-catchment request to remain at Dragon Lake. We did hear a lot from the community about the importance of maintaining consistency with peers and with some great relationships they’ve made with the schools and the staff, so we wanted to make sure we could allow for that in this.”
The changes will go into effect for the 2026-27 school year.
The province is holding off on proposed changes to pipeline valuations after pushback from municipalities that said the move would result in millions in lost tax revenue.
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey issued a brief statement on Thursday, confirming that B.C. Assessment’s new pipeline valuation model will not take effect in 2026.
“I know communities have been worried about the proposed changes on pipeline valuations from BC Assessment. Any risk of a big tax burden shifting to residents and small businesses is something I take seriously,” said Bailey.
“After further consideration and my discussions with BC Assessment, I can now confirm that BC Assessment’s regulated rates valuation model for pipelines will not change for the upcoming 2026 Assessment Roll Year — a decision I support,” she said.
The process to redevelop the cost model used to evaluate pipelines began in 2016, after calls from the industry. The changes by B.C. Assessment would have decreased pipeline tax values by up to 30 per cent in some areas next year.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and other municipalities raised concerns earlier this fall about the short notice given for the changes. The TNDR board said they only found out about the proposed valuation changes in mid-September, while the B.C. Assessment board was due to give final approval in December.
The board said municipalities would be forced to make up the gap in tax revenues by shifting those taxes to residential and business properties, noting areas with smaller populations would be particularly impacted.
“The TNRD would have seen residents and businesses have to make up $1 million in lost pipeline revenue through increased taxation if the change had gone through,” said board chair Barbara Roden.
The board said Wednesday they were notified that pipeline tax values within TNRD boundaries will instead be increasing by about seven per cent in 2026.
Kamloops Centre MLA and finance critic Peter Milobar celebrated the decision to step back from the changes, but questioned how the proposal made it so far.
“Municipal leaders were not consulted, yet they were expected to absorb the consequences of a decision that would have delivered significant tax relief to billion-dollar pipeline companies while everyday British Columbians paid the price,” said Milobar in a statement.
You can get your paws on envelopes for the Sled Dog Mail Run on Friday, December 19.
Envelopes for the Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run are now on sale at select locations across the Cariboo.
The majority of locations selling envelopes are in Quesnel, but there are locations in Williams Lake, Wells, Prince George, and Bouchie Lake.
Those locations are:
Canada Post downtown —Quesnel
Shoppers Drug Mart — Quesnel
Total Pet — Quesnel
Bosley’s — Quesnel
Little Red Pony — Quesnel
Four Rivers Co-op — Quesnel
Rocky’s — Bouchie Lake
BNC Mercantile — Wells
Jack O’Clubs — Wells
Canada Post — Williams Lake
and Books & Co. — Prince George
This year is the 34th annual Sled Dog Mail Run, and is set to start at Troll Mountain and end in Barkerville. The official date and time will be announced at a later date.
Last year’s event delivered over 15-hundred envelopes across the Globe to the US, Germany, Sweden, and Japan.
Courtenay’s mayor says new housing will help support 19 Wing Comox members.
Bob Wells attended a ceremony Wednesday to unveil the base’s newly acquired 52-unit apartment building at 574 Cumberland Road.
The base has been seeking more housing options for its members for years, while housing has been a top priority for Wells since he took office in 2019.
“The base has had some real challenges with housing,” Wells said. “It’s been one of their biggest issues in terms of trying to get folks coming here, or when they get here – finding a place for them to stay.”
Wells noted that the Comox Valley is a desirable place to live and work, but affordability can be a barrier for newcomers, including those joining 19 Wing Comox.
“If you’re military, and you’re coming from another, maybe, smaller community where if you sell your house, you’re not going to get what it’s going to cost to buy a house here,” Wells said. “If you’re renting, again, you’re not necessarily going to be able to rent the same type of house that you had in a smaller community.”
A statement from 19 Wing says the Department of National Defence’s $19.1-million investment to purchase the building will help meet housing demand.
The Canadian Native Fastpitch Championships are returning to Prince George for a fifth time.
In an interview with MyPGNow.com, Tourism PG CEO Scott McWalter confirmed the event is being held in August of 2026 at various ball diamonds in the city.
PG last hosted the championships in 2022 and held the event in 2016, 2004 and 1994.
Nearly four years ago, the tournament had 80 teams and roughly 1,200 athletes.
More information is slated to be announced in January.
Castlegar’s downtown has an oversupply of parking, city council has been told.
Policy planner Sarah Martin presented the results this week of a parking assessment that will help inform a proposed management plan.
The study counted 1,444 total parking spaces downtown, of which 547 are on-street and 897 are off-street. All on-street parking spots are public, with 395 for commercial use and 152 for residential. Of the off-street parking, 220 spaces are public and 677 are private; 703 are commercial and 194 are residential.
Of the 1,098 total commercial spaces, 42 per cent are used on average. Martin said that falls far short of the 85 per cent benchmark that is considered an optimum balance between parking spot supply and demand. Anything under 70 per cent use suggests an excess supply.
The streets with the highest uses were 13th Avenue (83 per cent) and 4th Street (79 per cent). By comparison, the study said Nelson had 1,529 spaces as of 2016 and Trail had 932 spaces as of 2012. Both cities had usage rates above 85 per cent.
However, the surplus parking doesn’t mean the city is trying to find cars to fill empty stalls. Rather, city manager Chris Barlow said it confirms they can relax parking requirements for new developments.
“This was something we thought we knew about parking, that we had an oversupply downtown,” he said.
“This really reinforced that and gives us the confidence that we can start to see more developments happen downtown and not necessarily have the traditional parking requirements.”
Snowy and cooler weather is expected across the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District over the holiday season.
According to Environment Canada, an arctic front has been lingering above northern B.C. over the past few days which is starting to move east.
“Daytime highs today (Thursday) will be -2 but for the remainder of the work week and through the weekend, we’ll probably hit the -10 to -14 degree range,” said Meteorologist Brian Proctor.
He added snow is also expected over the coming days though not expecting a lot to fall at any given time.
“We’re probably going to see five to 10 centimetres on and off but nothing particularly onerous or drastic,” said Proctor.
Temperatures are expected to remain cool until Christmas along with the periods of snow.
“We’ll probably start to see temperatures on Christmas day come back up to -10 and then warming up as we get towards the end of the year,” Proctor said.
No extreme cold weather alerts are expected over the next couple of weeks with the lowest temperature expected being -24 degrees Monday night.
A full forecast for the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District can be found on Environment Canada’s website.
The Prince George RCMP and local firefighters will be taking their friendly rivalry onto the ice in the New Year.
The fourth annual Sirens Cup Charity Hockey Game is set for January 31st at 2pm from the Kopar Memorial Arena.
Photo credit, Brendan Pawliw, MyPGNow.com staff
After the PG Fire Department took last year’s game by a 5-3 score, Cpl. Aaron Penner with the Prince George RCMP says they are ready to even the score once again.
“This cup has gone back and forth each year and this year we have a really good chance of taking it back. We have all been training, we are focused but at the end of the day, it is a real pleasure playing against them, they are pros whether its on the street or in a charity game like this.”
Penner, who works in Major Crimes, added the cops are looking to rebound.
“Well, I am the goalie and I hope too to put on a show whether I get scored on or not. We don’t get a chance to practice very often but we will come together and its a team effort for this. It’s a lot of grit, grind and determination.”
Lieutenant, Denver McCullough with the PG Fire Department stated while both sides will enjoy the friendly rivalry, the game is for a great cause.
“The winner out of all of this is the charity. This game has brought more than just the game itself – we have had a lot of great comradery and we work every day with them. Super proud of it and happy to be on their side.”
McCullough joked hey might have an edge on the ice as most of their members play fairly regularly.
“We have a group that plays about twice a week and some of them have been playing quite a while. We got a lot of chemistry on their side, we know who we have and we will reach deep in the bullpen as to who we will be leaning on.”
Last year’s game raised over $9500 dollars, which benefits the Cops for Cancer Tour de North and the Prince George Firefighters Charitable Society.
Families at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. got a special visit from Santa Claus this morning (Thursday).
St. Nick began his rounds at Paediatrics, dropping gifts off for kids in care.
Photo – taken by Zach Barrowcliff, My PG Now staff
Spirit of the North Community and Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Thomson said Santa makes sure every kid gets a gift from him during his visit.
“These toys don’t just get handed out in the Paediatric ward, but they get handed out throughout the areas of the hospital, so maternity, ICU, kids coming through emergency or through family counselling.”
“All of the kids in those areas benefit from a toy.”
Thomson added that Santa got some help from the community putting together toy drives throughout the year, with other toy drives still ongoing throughout Christmas.
She noted their groups for the toy drives are listed on their Facebook page.
The City of Williams Lake has formally adopted the 2025-2050 Official Community Plan (OCP).
It follows months of technical work, policy development and extensive public engagement.
The City said the OCP and Zoning Bylaws establish a comprehensive planning framework that will guide land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, economic development and community well-being over the next 25 years.
“Council is proud to adopt a plan that balances growth with sustainability, supports housing diversity and provides clarity for residents, developers and staff as our community continues to evolve,” Mayor Surinderpal Rathor stated.
Once the new Zoning Bylaw is adopted following Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval, the City said it will align with their zoning regulations with the visions and policies set out by the Official Community Plan.
“This is an important step toward implementing the community’s long-term vision,” Manager of Economic Development Beth Veenkamp stated, “With updated OCP the City has a strong foundation to guide decision-making and respond to future opportunities and challenges.”
BC Ferries has cancelled several morning and early afternoon sailings on the Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay route because of high winds.
The following sailings will not run Thursday, Dec. 18:
10:55 a.m. departing Departure Bay
11:05 a.m. departing Horseshoe Bay
1:20 p.m. departing Departure Bay
1:25 p.m. departing Horseshoe Bay
“Other sailings on this route are expected to proceed as scheduled, starting with the 4 p.m. departures from Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay,” said BC Ferries in a travel notice. “If you have a booking on one of these cancelled sailings, you will hear from our customer service centre to let you know if we can fit you on an alternate sailing later today, or if your booking must be cancelled. In the case of a cancellation, we will refund your fees and/or fares.”
Ferries are still running today between Tsawwassen and Duke Point.
Environment Canada has issued a gale warning in the Salish Sea north and south of Nanaimo, with winds near 75 km/h expected.
Grand Forks city council hasn’t decided whether to let drag racing go ahead at the airport next year after hearing that this year’s event prevented four medevac flights.
Fire chief Rich Piché told council this week that September’s drag races, organized by the people behind the BC DragiT Challenge, was very successful. However, while the event is underway, alternate arrangements have to be made for medical-related aviation.
In this case, Piché said he was told four medevac flights weren’t able to use the airport, although BC Emergency Health Services was notified in advance to make alternate arrangements. Piche said it wouldn’t have been practical to move everything out of the way to accommodate medevac flights during the event.
“They were very clear that while this event’s happening, they would not land the airplane there, period,” Piché said. “As soon as we run a car down the strip and we’ve altered the strip, they will not land.”
City manager Duncan Redfearn said under airport regulations, private aircraft have more latitude to decide where they land, but for medevac and commercial flights, any alteration to the runway, including the addition of bleachers or equipment, will generally prevent them from landing.
Drag race organizers told council in a letter that they had fewer cars but far more spectators than they expected this year, and they would like to expand the event to two days next year.
Councillor Deborah Lafleur said she wasn’t comfortable going to two days, but other councillors thought they could accommodate the longer event.
“I’m in favor of two days,” councillor Rod Zielinski said. “Once we get the people here we can keep here and they can spend more money in the area. I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time.”
Council decided they wanted more information first, including what criteria determines whether medevac flights use the airport versus the helicopter landing pad at the hospital.
Mayor Everett Baker told Vista Radio after the meeting that he is optimistic an expanded event can operate next year without compromising medevac needs.
“As a mayor that takes health care very seriously in my community, it’s something we need to look at, but I’m almost positive there are other protocols in place,” he said.
“Anything that brings new groups to our community and exposes Grand Forks, I’m 100 per cent in favor of, so we just need to find a way to make this work.”
We have requested comment from the event organizers.
Matthew Keller’s junior hockey journey has brought him to Trail.
The six-foot-three, 205-pound defenseman played a season and a half in Victoria with the WHL Royals before moving on to his home town Calgary Canucks last season.
Keller calls playing for the AJHL powerhouse that went on to host and win the Centennial Cup a confidence building experience.
“We were winning a lot of games, not really losing any so, going through playoffs and we swept everybody, just having that experience going into the Centennial Cup and hosting the Centennial Cup was an amazing opportunity,” said the 19-year-old, who added that culminating last season with a championship was the best ending possible.
“I was so happy and thankful that we were able to get it (the championship) done, that whole experience of winning has really helped me in my career,” commented Keller, who started this season in the BCHL with Prince George.
Keller says he felt he could make a bigger contribution to the Spruce Kings when the trade to Trail happened.
“It was a bit of a shock,” stated Keller. “PG had a really good team, couldn’t really give me what I wanted, I walked into the office one day and they decided to trade me, so when I heard it was Trail, I was super excited,” he explained.
Keller scored the winning goal during his Cominco Arena debut last Friday in the Smokies’ 5-2 win over the defending BCHL champion Brooks Bandits.
His searing slap shot from the left-wing boards found the far corner of the net just inside the post.
It was Matthew’s first junior goal since the 2023-24 season in Victoria and a pleasant surprise.
“I like to contribute offense when I can, but I know throughout my career that’s not exactly my game,” noted the big rearguard.
“I just like to play that shut down role, hard to play against, gritty, also a leader, I feel I can be a leader,” Keller stated, adding that he will strive to be known for his physicality.
“I want to be harder to play against,” Keller commented.
“With my size, I can definitely be more punishable to other teams and their top players, so that’s something I definitely want to work on.”
Keller met his new team mates during the Dec. 6 road trip to West Kelowna and immediately felt a positive vibe that continues to build in the Smokies dressing room.
He says the phone call he received from head coach and GM Eric Thurston following the trade was prophetic.
“Eric had hold me when he first called me after I got traded that they had a great group of guys,” Keller stated, noting that he has spoken to all of his new teammates.
“No one was really any stickler or anything like that and it’s true, we have a great group of guys, really special, right away I could tell we have a special group of guys, everybody has been so welcoming.”
The Smokies play their last game before Christmas this Saturday at Cominco Arena against the Okotoks Oilers.
A snow squall warning is in place for Prince George.
According to Environment Canada, five to centimetres is expected to fall this evening (Thursday) as an Arctic front is slated to bring strong wind gusts, poor visibility and blowing snow.
The weather office says the system is supposed to hit Prince George during rush hour while McGregor will see it in the mid-evening possibly stretching to midnight.
North to northwest winds gusting to 60 km/h are also in the forecast.
Travel will likely be hazardous with visibility suddenly reduced to near zero at times.
There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic.
The Cranbrook Fire Department has confirmed with the North Pole that Jolly Old Saint Nick will be touring Cranbrook on Christmas Eve ahead of the big night.
Santa will be escorted by the fire department and Cranbrook Fire Chief Scott Driver said it’s their pleasure to be able to assist the Big Man.
“The Cranbrook Firefighters love helping keep this tradition alive, as there are generations of families that make a point to come out and get a quick glimpse of Santa on Christmas Eve,” he said.
“We are grateful that Santa’s tour on Christmas Eve continues to be part of so many cherished family memories.”
Sinterklass’ tour will begin at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24.
Santa’s Schedule
Steeples School and Park Royal area – 4:15-5 p.m.
Fire Hall and Highlands School area – 5-6 p.m.
Kinsmen Park and Kootenay Orchards School area – 6-7 p.m.
11th Ave – 14th Ave, Gordon Terrace, Parkland School, and T. M. Roberts School area – 7-8 p.m.
Gyro and Rotary Park areas – 8-9 p.m.
Slater Road and Echo Field Road areas – 9-9:30 p.m.
The Town of Creston is applying for a grant to extend the runway at the Creston Valley Regional Airport to support emergency services and accommodate larger aircraft.
At Tuesday’s Dec. 16 council meeting, council unanimously directed staff to submit a grant application to the British Columbia Air Access Program (BCAAP) to help fund the project, which is estimated to cost just over $2.16 million.
The funding stream provides cost‑sharing grants for airport upgrades, particularly in rural and remote communities.
A civic document highlights how the extension project aligns with the airport’s 2025 master plan, which identifies expanding the 3,944‑foot runway as a short‑term priority to support air ambulance services, emergency response operations and future economic development
Mayor Arnold DeBoon said the existing runway has operational limits, especially in summer.
“The runway is actually just a little bit short of what would be required to effectively have air ambulance come in here with larger craft,” said DeBoon.
“And in the summertime when the weather is hot, they actually need more of a runway to take off than they do when the air is denser and colder.”
Additionally, BC Emergency Health Services’ planned upgrades to larger aircraft cannot be accommodated on the existing runway length.
The airport master plan recommends extending the runway to 4,500 feet in the short‑term horizon to address these limitations.
Safety improvements are also being considered, including the addition of turning bays and pavement strengthening to accommodate heavier aircraft.
It would also include wider turnaround space at each end of the runway.
Staff said BCAAP grants are capped at $2 million per applicant per year, so the town would have to cover a portion of the cost.
The extension project is expected to improve medevac operations, support search‑and‑rescue and wildfire response, and enhance tourism and charter services.
DeBoon said the project reflects the airport’s importance to the region.
“It will serve us in many different ways and it will allow larger craft to land here for tourism as well as our needs,” he said.
The town has to apply by the Jan. 16, 2026, deadline.
DeBoon said it’s a competitive process but assured the community will be kept informed.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyCrestonNowNews Alerts.
Three Central Kootenay residents are being recognized for their hands-on work protecting local ecosystems from invasive species.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society has named Jazmine Lowther and Ron Lowther, both from Nelson, and Kyle Hicks of Vallican as this year’s Volunteer Award recipients.
CKISS said in a press release the award celebrates leadership and commitment to community-based environmental stewardship.
“Jazmine, Ron and Kyle embody the heart of community conservation,” said Laurie Frankcom, CKISS engagement co-ordinator.
“Their dedication has strengthened CKISS programs and helped protect some of the Kootenays’ most cherished outdoor spaces. We are truly grateful for their contributions.”
Jazmine Lowther
Jazmine Lowther, a professional trail runner, is being honoured for her role leading Communities Pulling Together events at the Pulpit Rock trail, one of the region’s most popular trails.
For the past three years, CKISS said Lowther has spearheaded volunteer recruitment, community outreach and on-the-ground co-ordination for invasive plant pulls at Pulpit Rock.
Lowther said her involvement with CKISS came full circle after previously working in invasive plant management with the Ministry of Forests.
“When I left that career, I still wanted to be involved with invasive species management in the Kootenay region and it kind of everything clicked,” said Lowther.
She said regularly running on local trails made the issue of invasive plants hard to ignore.
“I would go run up pulpit quite often or up to flagpole and still see some invasive plants growing up there and over time, that kind of just bugged me,” said Lowther.
Lowther said she reached out to CKISS with the idea of engaging the local trail running community, including the Nelson Run Club, and has been leading invasive plant pulls ever since.
She said one of the most rewarding aspects has been volunteer turnout, which CKISS said has been some of its best-attended stewardship initiatives.
“It’s been one of the best showings for volunteers coming out. We’ve had a lot of outdoor enthusiasts coming out and helping remove mostly scotch broom and a few other plants that grow along the trail,” said Lowther.
She said seeing tangible results, including trailers filled with bagged invasive plants and fewer infestations along the trail, has been especially satisfying.
“Now whenever I run up to Pulpit, I don’t see as many invasive plants.”
Lowther said being named one of this year’s volunteer award winners was especially heartwarming.
She emphasized how volunteering just a few times a year can make a meaningful difference.
“Its just heartwarming for me. It’s really invaluable to be volunteering in some shape or form at least a few times in the year.”
She said she hopes to continue the work for a fourth year in 2026 and encouraged others to get involved.
“Try to learn and educate yourself. Once you see invasive plants, your worldview kind of changes with the natural environment.
As a recreator, I see them everywhere I go worldwide, and they can cause massive amounts of ecological damage. It’s important we help out our environment in every way that we can.”
Ron Lowther
Also being honoured is Ron Lowther for his behind-the-scenes contributions to the same Pulpit Rock trail events.
For the past three years, CKISS said Ron has taken on the task of transporting and disposing of invasive plant debris collected during Pulpit Rock pulls.
CKISS said he reliably arrives with his trailer at each event to haul full bags of debris to the transfer station for proper disposal, a critical step in preventing the spread of invasive species.
“Ron’s efforts often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is significant and deeply appreciated,” CKISS noted.
Kyle Hicks
The third recipient of this year’s volunteer awards is Kyle Hicks of Vallican, a youth volunteer whose consistent involvement has made him a standout presence at CKISS events across the region.
Hicks is described as a familiar face at CKISS’s BroomBash and Communities Pulling Together events, where he has taken on a wide range of tasks, from digging and cutting to clipping and bagging invasive plants.
CKISS said Hicks approaches every event with enthusiasm and reliability, helping motivate other volunteers and contributing to the success of each project.
“Kyle’s commitment to environmental protection sets an inspiring example for other young people in the Kootenays.
His steady involvement and positive energy help build momentum for community-based stewardship and long-term invasive species management.”
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNowNews Alerts.
The Quesnel Community Foundation’s $50,000 challenge was a huge success !
President Graeme Armstrong says they reached their goal and then some.
“We did amazing. Including the matching donation we raised just shy of 240 thousand dollars. Every single year it just keeps going up a little bit more.”
Just over 130 thousand dollars was raised last year.
An anonymous donor matches every dollar donated up to 50 grand during this campaign.
Armstrong says their endowment fund continues to grow…
‘It kind of goes up and down a little bit with the market, but I think it’s around 6 1/2 million dollars. And last year, what the grants are and the scholarships, have to do with how much is in the total fund, and last year the grants were around $200,000, so I would imagine that this year it’s going to be a little bit higher.”
People can start to apply for grants on January 1st.
The deadline is February 27th and then the grants will go out in late April.
The bells continue to ring at all Williams Lake Christmas Kettle locations.
Salvation Army Community Engagement Coordinator Sarah Jackman said things are going really well since it began back on November 22.
“We went over the numbers this morning (December 17) and we are currently around $51,000 and our goal is $70,000.”
Jackman noted that all donations received right up until Christmas Eve day go to their service programs.
“That includes our breakfast and lunch program, our Food Bank, our drop-in centre, this is a very important campaign that we have every Holiday Season. On Saturday (December 20) which I know is going to be a very busy day for everyone, up at Walmart it’s going to be Fill the Kettle Day. That’s when Walmart will match every dollar put in our kettle from noon until 6 o’clock.”
There are 5 Salvation Army kettle locations around the City of Williams Lake, Walmart, the Wholesale Store, Save on Foods, Fresh Co, and the downtown Liquor Store.
“In addition to our Kettle campaign our Christmas Dinner is tomorrow (December 19) starting at 4 o’clock,” Jackman said, “Everyone is welcome and we are busy preparing for that right now. It’s become a bit of a tradition for some people so we try to make it as accessible as possible and it will be going on until 6 o’clock and hopefully everyone that wants to attend can attend.”
Jackman thanks the community of Williams Lake for being so generous with their time and donations.
“We are in a good spot to reach our goal, we’re still right on track with just under a week left to go.”
This year’s Light Up the Hospitals campaign has raised more than $435,000 for equipment and other improvements at local health care facilities.
The Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation is $60,300 towards its $80,000 goal to fund a state-of-the-art OmniBed care station for the maternity ward.
The Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Foundation has raised $355,000, including a $100,000 matching donation from Teck. The money will go toward the foundation’s Mental Health Matters campaign, which it says will “address growing needs to create safer, trauma-informed spaces that promote healing with dignity and respect, while ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare teams and patients.”
And the Castlegar and District Health Centre has raised about $20,000 towards a mobile floor lift for the emergency department and two ceiling lifts for the tub room at Talarico Place. They’re hoping to double that total and will continue to accept donations to the campaign into the new year.
Anyone with a passion for giving back and making a positive impact — now is the time to shine.
The City of Kimberley is seeking volunteers to help build a stronger, more vibrant community. Local non-profits are looking to connect with individuals who want to make a difference.
Current opportunities include volunteering with the Kimberley Trail Society, Better at Home and the Kimberley Nordic Club.
The Kimberley Trail Society (KTS) is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the city’s trail network. A love for the outdoors is the only requirement to join the team.
Better at Home has programs that support low income seniors with simple daily tasks, to help them remain independent in their lives while staying connected to their communities.
Volunteer roles in Kimberley include grocery shopping, transportation support, light housekeeping, yard work, minor home repairs or simply providing companionship.
If that peaks your interest, schedule a meeting with the Better at Home coordinator to learn more. You can contact Thea Dahl at [email protected]
The Kimberley Nordic Club is seeking volunteers for the 2026 Kootenay Cup, scheduled for Jan. 16 to 18, 2026. To register or find out more, visit www.givepulse.com/event/723229-2026-kootenay-cup.
Non-profit organizations in Kimberley seeking volunteers can email [email protected] with information about their organization and available positions.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Residents of the Elk Valley should prepare for a heavy snowstorm beginning Thursday and continuing through the weekend.
Environment Canada has forecast snowfall starting Thursday morning, with up to 20 centimetres expected by day’s end.
Friday’s snowfall will ease up a bit with up to four centimetres forecast.
Another system will bring increased snowfall Saturday, with up to 10 centimetres expected, followed by 15 centimetres on Sunday continuing into Monday.
Mainroad reminds drivers to drive according to the weather conditions, slowing down and leaving a safe following distance behind plow trucks.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Premier David Eby said severe flooding in the Fraser Valley has had a major impact on farmers and key trade corridors, and called on the federal government to step up support for flood mitigation efforts.
Eby spoke with reporters a day after meeting with affected farmers and visiting the Barrowtown Pump Station in Abbotsford, alongside B.C.’s Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham and Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene.
Eby said he also met earlier on Wednesday with Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, whose state is bearing the brunt of the storm systems and widespread flooding.
Floodwaters are gradually receding in the Fraser Valley after the heavy rains last week caused the Nooksack river in Washington to overflow its banks, swamping farms, homes and highways.
It came four years after the devastating floods of November 2021, when overflows from the Nooksack led to significant loss of livestock and forced over 3,300 people from their homes.
In an update last week, Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens slammed the lack of federal support for flood mitigation efforts in the wake of the 2021 deluge, and called on Ottawa to work with officials south of the border on flood prevention.
Eby echoed those calls Wednesday. He said it’s important for the federal government to recognize that a major flooding event can not only damage local roads and farms, but affects national transport corridors and other infrastructure of national significance.
He said he’ll be bringing those concerns to a first ministers’ meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney this Thursday.
“This is definitely about flood prevention in the Fraser Valley, but this is also a national issue,” said Eby.
“Addressing Highway 1 stability, ensuring that it’s protected from floods from Washington state, addressing the Massey Tunnel, addressing other rail related bottlenecks should be a huge priority for the federal government given their desire to significantly increase transport out of our ports,” he said.
Eby also noted the federal government made changes to its disaster support program earlier this year and said his government is working to navigate that with affected property owners.
The City of Abbotsford has also said it’s waiving building permit fees and expediting permit processing for affected properties over the next year.
Meanwhile, the B.C. Conservatives are criticizing the province for not sending out emergency text messages to warn residents about the risks due to the flooding.
B.C. has a localized alert system intended to notify residents of urgent public safety information during life-threatening emergencies, but generally local governments need to request those alerts.
“This past week’s floods have been so rapid and powerful that lives are literally on the line, making the government’s inaction without reason or justification,” says emergency management critic Sheldon Clare. “To then follow up such negligence by hiding behind a political blame game against municipal officials, is beyond egregious.”
Eby said in this case, officials had an advanced window to notify residents and farmers about the threat of flooding.
“There’s a balance between not wanting to panic people but wanting to give people lots of notice so that they’re able to make that decision,” said Eby.
A flood warning remained in effect Wednesday afternoon for the Chilliwack River, while the River Forecast Centre downgraded to a high streamflow advisory for the Sumas River, meaning no major flooding is expected.
High streamflow advisories are also in place for Vancouver Island and the Central Coast due to heavy rain in recent days.
The centre said rainfall rates have eased through the region but more rain is expected on Thursday and Friday, with snow at higher elevations.
The District of Sparwood is sending a letter to the provincial government opposing Bill M216 which aims to reduce red tape in the development approval process.
The bill has passed two readings in the legislature, and if adopted, would remove the ability of local governments to review development proposals. Instead, developers would hire qualified professionals to certify that their projects comply with provincial standards.
Under the proposed changes, municipalities to accept any certified submission, and any disputes will have to be appealed to the Office of the Superintendent for Professional Guidance.
District staff said it would effectively deregulate a core element of the development approval process.
The City of Cranbrook has also sent a letter opposing the private members bill.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
Cranbrook city council will determine what activities are permitted at the Western Financial Place concourse.
The city received a request from the East Kootenay Track and Field Group to use the concourse for off season training.
The city typically does not approve these types of requests because they interfere with walking groups.
However, recreation and culture director Trevor Thors said it already happens even if it’s not allowed.
“Currently it’s not recognized by the staff and if staff witness it they ask them to cease what they’re doing,” he said.
Thors said walking groups then have to get off the concourse to get around.
“A lot of times walkers will dip into the stands to go around, but now that we’ve installed the hand rails they have to dip down quite a ways. The interaction is not safe.”
He is recommending that council adjusts the current bylaw to set out time frames, scheduling, costs and requirements for user groups.
With those changes there’s the possibility of having set times where groups can do more high impact training and not interfere with other groups.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
World Junior Hockey: (Exhibition game in Kitchener, Ontario)
Canada 2 Sweden 1
Carson Carels of the PG Cougars was among the defensemen in the line-up for Team Canada, who will play Sweden again in its next pre-tournament game Saturday in London, Ont.
Sniper @TerikParascak of @PGCougars is the guest on the Cat Scan #podcast. He talks about highlight prior to being drafted, getting chosen by Washington Capitals, thoughts on Alex Ovechkin, same positive results with different PG team & what kids ask most in community visits. https://t.co/Xb3ikWtptB
The City of Fernie is urging residents and businesses to immediately conserve water as heavy rainfall has again pushed the municipality’s wastewater system near capacity.
The city is requesting the public limit all non-essential water use, including laundry, dishwashing and showers.
Officials said the system is under major strain as continued rain is causing rapid water rising. To protect critical infrastructure and avoid backups into homes and businesses, the City is preparing to re-open an emergency discharge point at the main sewage lift station.
Operators have been working consistently through the night to manage the increased flows, along with vac trucks being used for assistance.
As the situation changes, updates will be provided.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
No one would blame the Prince George Cougars for wanting to hum I’ll be home for Christmas with two road games left prior to the WHL holiday break.
However, the upstart Penticton Vees played the role of the Grinch.
A blooper shot by Brady Birnie turned out to be game winner as the Vees put a lump of coal into the stocking of all the Cougars players, enroute to a 5-2 victory on Wednesday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Gravity was not the friend of PG netminder Alex Levshyn who made the initial save on the Birnie shot, unfortunately, the puck went straight in the air and into the yawning cage at 4:54 of the second period.
Both teams made life hard on themselves in the opening 20 minutes, ending deadlocked in a 2-2 tie.
Brittan Alstead opened the scoring for Penticton at 7:04 of the first period finishing off a nice individual effort, beating Levshyn for a 1-0 lead.
The Cougars dusted themselves off and found some secondary scoring in the process.
Aiden Foster notched his eighth of the season on the power-play completing a scoring sequence that involved Bauer Dumanski and Eli Johnson.
Shaun Rios lit the lamp for the first time as a Cougar two minutes later – this time it was Foster playing the role of passer to set up the 20-year-old from San Jose, California.
Prior to the intermission, Ryden Evers continued his torrid goal scoring pace, parking himself in front of the blue paint, knocking home a loose puck following a point blast from Nolan Stevenson.
Evers now has nine goals in his last seven games. He was equally as impressive in the face-off circle winning 23 of 28 draws.
Birnie collected his second of the game with a snapshot on a Vees power-play doubling the lead to 4-2 in the third period.
He then completed the hat-trick 2:32 later driving towards the goal after a nice curl and drag from ex-Cougar Matteo Danis who slipped past Dumanski.
Evers, Birnie and Stevenson all ended the game with three points each.
Wednesday’s tilt was a sneak peek into the future for the Cougars coaching staff as they elevated rookie d-man Eli Johnson to the power-play.
He rewarded their confidence with a two-assist outing.
Johnson tallied 56 points in 43 games last season for the Regina Pat Canadians, who claimed the Telus Cup National Championship playing alongside phenom Maddox Schultz and fellow Cougars prospect Cooper Bratton.
Prince George outshot Penticton 32-28. The Cougars went 1-for-5 on the power-play while the Vees were 2-for-3.
Former Saskatoon Blades and Medicine Hat Tigers netminder Ethan McCallum picked up the 30-save victory for the 16-9-4-3 Vees.
Penticton is now five points back of the Cougars (22-9-0-0) for top spot in the BC Division, with PG having a game in hand.
Diego Johnson of Fort Saint James is enjoying his first foray into the WHL providing 20 points in 32 games. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Thunderbirds but elected for the previous NCAA route that consisted of stops in the BCHL, AJHL and USHL.
Star goaltender Josh Ravensbergen and draft-eligible blueliner Carson Carels were not in the lineup as they are at the Canadian World Junior Selection Camp.
Carels was in the lineup for Canada’s 2-1 pre-competition victory against Sweden in Kitchener, Ontario.
Prince George plays its final game before the Christmas break on Friday against the WHL-leading Everett Silvertips (25-3-2-1) at 7pm from the Angel of the Winds Arena.
Prince George City Council discussed options to increase security in the downtown zone, including options for a Local Area Service.
According to a staff report to Council, a Local Area Service (LAS) project is a neighbourhood improvement paid for by the owners of the benefiting properties to deliver specific upgrades, normally infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks.
However, a review suggests that any service can be established through local area service, initiated by a petition or by Council initiative, and must be approved by the benefiting properties and City Council through a bylaw.
“Administration has reviewed the topic and confirms Council has a few options that could be considered,” said Director of Administrative Services Eric Depenau.
“Namely, reallocating existing resources which would primarily be Bylaw staff, bringing on new resources such as additional contracted security as an example, or by taking other actions that support safety and security more broadly, such as the direction to investigate auxiliary officers tonight.”
Funding for these options could come from general taxation, a Local Area Service agreement, or a mix of both.
“If the other one comes back, depends on the tier of the RCMP officer, the 24/7 by our bylaw, or whether we’re using the LAS, it will change some of the decision making process,” Yu said.
Councillor Cori Ramsay supported just receiving for information, but said she would support the first option.
“This is really dependent on business owners doing the petition, if they’re interested in the LAS service,” she said.
“I am curious to get more information back from Administration on the RCMP Auxiliary to see if there’s potential to alleviate some of the pressures that this report is speaking to, while having the province come cover some of those costs. I don’t think I am ready to make a decision on this this evening until we get back information on the other report.”
Councillor Brian Skakun said he put it to Downtown Prince George to Downtown PG to survey their members.
“I challenged them on that again in a meeting in the summer as to where they were,” he said.
“I don’t know if it was because Ms. Van Mook left and just the transition, but they had committed to doing the work and surveying their members before we took the time to do this.”
He asked Administration if they just received the report, if they could find out if there was still an appetite to take this on.
City Council unanimously voted to just receive the report for information for now.
A 19-year-old Qualicum Beach man is facing charges in connection with a pair of incidents in May when police responded to reports of rocks being intentionally placed on the Inland Island Highway.
Oceanside RCMP said the incidents occurred during the overnight hours of the weekend of May 3 and 4 between the Little Qualicum River Bridge and Corcan Road.
RCMP said five vehicles struck the rocks, causing varying amounts of damage, though no injuries were reported.
Following an investigation, RCMP said the man was approved for a charge of mischief over $5,000 and is due to appear in court in January.
“At the time of the incidents, Oceanside RCMP appealed for information from the public for this investigation and thank them for their assistance,” said Sergeant Shane Worth.
No further information will be released as the matter is now before the courts.
The Prince George RCMP are asking for help from the public in finding 38-year-old Christopher Del Castor and 26-year-old Sierra-Dawn Isabelle Vandenborn.
Both Castor and Vandenborn are wanted on one endorsed warrant for possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Castor is described as:
Indigenous male
5’11” (180 cm)
180 lb (82 kg)
Black hair
Brown eyes
Tattoo of a sword on his left forearm
Tattoo of a tribal sun on his right upper arm
Also known as Christopher Gardiner Castor
Vandenborn is described as:
Caucasian female
5’8” (173 cm)
160 lb (72 kg)
Blonde hair
Green eyes
Anyone with information about Castor’s or Vandenborn’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.
A man accused of setting a fire at the West Fraser Centre in Quesnel has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam and assessment.
44-year old Jamie Harkley is due back in court on December 22nd.
He’s charged with arson in relation to an inhabited property.
The Quesnel Fire Department was called out to the arena back on Saturday, September 20th for a fire in the lower floor men’s washroom.
Fire Chief Ron Richert said that it was partially extinguished by the sprinkler system, and that a good samaritan was able to put the rest of it out with some fire extinguishers.
The fire caused water damage to the washroom and the hockey office, which is located on the other side of the wall.
No one was hurt as the parents and the kids at the rink were quickly evacuated.
A celebration was held in Courtenay on Wednesday by 19 Wing Comox to unveil its new 52-unit apartment building, giving its members and their families more options for housing.
Colonel Chris Shapka speaking at Wednesday’s unveiling of the new 19 Wing Comox housing.
The building, at 574 Cumberland Road, was acquired to help address a shortage of housing for members of the Canadian Armed Forces at the base.
The Department of National Defence announced the purchase of the apartment complex — a $19.1-million investment — and said occupancy is expected to begin in summer 2026.
The City of Campbell River said it is making significant investments in infrastructure with support from the federal government’s Canada Community-Building Fund.
The program provides funding to communities across the country to support essential infrastructure projects.
According to a city release, Campbell River has received $1.68 million through the fund for local improvements.
“The Canada Community-Building Fund has allowed Campbell River to invest strategically in projects that improve daily life for residents, businesses and visitors,” Mayor Kermit Dahl said. “From a revitalized event space for the Salmon Festival to smoother commutes through the upgraded Dogwood and 9th Avenue intersection, these investments make a real difference. This federal support is vital for council to meet local infrastructure needs, and we’re grateful for the continued partnership.”
Revitalized event spaces and upgrades to the Dogwood and 9th Avenue intersection are among several CCBF-funded projects identified by the city.
According to the release, funding allowed Campbell River to launch several projects in 2025, including $650,000 in upgrades to key roadways, $519,000 in bridge rehabilitation, $380,000 in enhancements to Nunns Creek Park, and $120,000 in pedestrian safety and traffic improvements.
The city said funding also helps support its Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw upgrades.
Weather conditions are easing on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, prompting a reduction in flood advisories.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has downgraded the flood watch for Vancouver Island to a high streamflow advisory and removed all advisories for the Sunshine Coast.
The downgrade comes two days after the areas were put on a flood watch due to a series of atmospheric rivers which began on Sunday.
A high streamflow advisory indicates that no major flooding is expected, but minor flooding could occur in low-lying areas because of higher-than-normal river levels.
A flood watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull, and flooding of areas adjacent to the affected rivers may occur.
A Prince George volleyball standout is taking her talents to the Okanagan next fall.
Tyler Dahl has committed to the UBC Okanagan Heat for the 2026-27 season.
Photo supplied by UBCO Athletics.
Dahl is an outside hitter attending Prince George Secondary School while also playing for the PGYVC Kodiaks.
She captured the Canada Cup this year with Team B.C.
In 2024, the PG product received the Maple Award for Team B.C. at the Canada Cup while also winning MVP at the Best of the West tournament.
Dahl is the reigning Athlete of the Year at PGSS for the past two years.
“Tyler is a dynamic athlete and a strong attacker with a wide variety of shots,” says head coach Steve Manuel.
“Her ball control is what truly sets her apart and rounds out her skill set as a well-rounded power hitter. We believe that Tyler will fit in nicely here at UBCO.”
UBCO is currently 4-8 in the Canada West women’s volleyball standings.
Westridge residents in the Lake City may see some smoke in the air from some pile burnings in the area.
The burnings are part of a fuel management project that began today in the area and will be ongoing through the winter.
Westridge is part of a series of pile burnings managed by the Cariboo Aboriginal Forestry Enterprise and Borland Creek Logging that will take place until the Spring of 2026.
The Williams Lake FireSmart Coordinator says two more fuel management projects are slated at Tower Crescent and Airport Road this winter.
Those projects have no set schedule at this time, but will start when the conditions are favourable and safe.
Williams Lake FireSmart Coordinators say fire crews will be monitoring and extinguishing the piles at each location every day.
The City of Williams Lake will be posting updates on locations and start times on their social media.
The Western Hockey League announced five players added to the 2026 WHL Prospects Game rosters, two of which with Prince George ties.
Prince George Cougar defencemen Carson Carels will be joining the game, who’s tallied 29 points (8 goals and 21 assists) in 28 games.
Carels, who was assigned an ‘A’ rating by NHL Scouting Central, is also training with Canada’s National Junior Team in hopes of representing his nation at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota.
Spokane Chiefs forward Chase Harrington of Prince George was also selected to the prospects game roster.
Harrington, who’s posted 28 points (11G-17A) in 32 games, was given a ‘B’ rating by NHL Central Scouting.
The 2026 WHL Prospects Game is set for Wednesday, February 18th, at the Langley Events Centre.
The Village of Sayward and the Strathcona Regional District are seeking provincial support for a geotechnical assessment of the Newcastle Creek watershed.
The request follows an October landslide upstream, which prompted the village to ask residents to conserve water because of increased turbidity during ongoing work at the water treatment plant and Newcastle Creek intake.
“Due to ongoing turbidity issues in water drawn from Newcastle Creek following the landslide that occurred on Oct. 23, 2025, the Village of Sayward and the Strathcona Regional District are seeking additional support from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR),” said a joint statement from the regional district and the village.
If funding is approved, the assessment would be followed by a light detection and ranging survey in early 2026 to gather more detailed information about the watershed.
The statement said the water treatment plant, intake and reservoir continue to operate properly.
The Prince George Airport is bracing for a spike in passenger numbers ahead of Christmas.
Geoff Ritchie, who is the President and CEO at YXS expects passenger numbers to peak in the days leading up to Christmas and encourages passengers to show up a little earlier for their scheduled flight.
“We don’t have the full numbers for this year’s travel yet but in total, in 2024, we were close to the half-a-million mark, which is back to target for us realistically in terms of pre-pandemic numbers.”
“The Christmas travel period is one of our main travel points,” added Ritchie.
While Ritchie expects the majority of traffic to come from domestic flights, their seasonal, non-stop service to Puerto Vallarta, which re-started earlier this month, is seeing a small uptick in bookings with more people boycotting travel to the United States.
“The forward bookings on that flight I would say are slightly busier than normal but its hard to suggest if that is because of the U.S. travel or is it because we have a recent dump of snow that incentivizes people to go somewhere warmer.”
Passenger traffic at the Prince George Airport saw 450,494 travellers going through YXS in 2024, an 8% increase compared to the year prior.
“This coming week leading up to the final few days before Christmas will be the peak. All of our staff operations are ready for that as well as our on-board screening which is the one point you have to follow through to get to the hold room. We have the staff, they know what the numbers are and what is expected from the airlines at any given flight. We will be staffed as best we can to get through the two lines of pre-board screening that we have,” added Ritchie.
Final passenger numbers for 2025 are expected to be unveiled in the New Year.
The housing market across Northern B.C. saw its first noticeable decline of 2025.
Data released by the province’s Real Estate Association says the region saw a 13% year-over-year decline in home sales.
Last month, 262 transactions were detected, 40 fewer when compared to November of 2024.
Economist, Amit Sidhu told Vista Radio many regions in BC experienced the same fate and is hoping for a strong finish to the year.
“In November alone, it’s really difficult to pin point what is going on throughout the province but we do hope for a strong end to 2025 because overall, rate environments are still quite steady.”
“In the last 10 years, the north has averaged around 309 unit sales in November. We are about 16% below that ten-year average. Overall, there was a little bit of weakness in the north but this behaviour wasn’t confined to the north.”
Other real estate boards such as Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Victoria all saw a year-over-decline in sales of at least eight percent or more in November.
The average home price in Northern BC is $437,726 – an increase of 4.5% over the past 12 months.
In Prince George, the average selling price for a single-family home in November was $521,304.
The BCREA reported 5,052 residential unit sales were recorded in MLS during
November 2025, down 13.3 per cent from twelve months earlier.
The average residential price in B.C. last month was down 1.4 per cent at $965,914 compared to $979,774 in November of 2024
A man is facing drug charges following a bust in Castlegar in early spring.
RCMP say Ryan Colville, who was born in 1977, faces seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. The charges were laid on Oct. 15, but only announced today as Colville made his first appearance in Castlegar Provincial Court. The matter was adjourned to Jan. 14. Colville is not in custody.
Police say the charges stem from their search of a home in the 1300 block of Columbia Avenue on April 4.
They seized fentanyl, meth, MDMA, psilocybin and cocaine along with cash and other items they say were consistent with the trafficking of illicit drugs. They also located property stolen from a local business and were able to return it.
Three people were arrested and later released, but charges have only been approved against Colville.
2025 has been a strong year for development in Prince George, and November was no different.
According to a staff report to Council, the City issued 29 building and development permits last month, worth a combined $9.2 million.
Eight of those permits were for single-family dwellings, worth a combined $4.4 million.
November 2025 development permit numbers (Courtesy: City of Prince George)
“The piece that really struck me is the number of single family dwellings we get every month, and how much that contributes to the housing that’s available in Prince George,” said Councillor Garth Frizzell.
“Yes, it’s exciting to see the permit value numbers and the number of permits, really great to see that, but I was zeroing in on those single family because it seems like we’re getting a lot of houses built every month.”
Frizzell also asked for a brief outlook for the end of the year.
“The future permits that we note, that are development permits that will eventually be building permits indicate a strong 2026,” said Director of Planning and Development Deanna Wasnik.
“But your note about the housing, for single-family dwellings, that’s certainly a number that stands out, especially for November, but I think it’s important to note also, the stats we see this year to the end of November, which this report is reporting on, are strong across all building permit types.”
As of the end of November, the City has issued 401 permits worth a combined $287.7 million so far this year.
November 2025 year-to-date building permit values (Courtesy: City of Prince George)
“I think this is a really strong indicator that Prince George is going strong and 2025 has been a very good year for construction,” Frizzell responded.
“I’ve been obviously frustrated with Development Services, and my frustration isn’t with the staff, it’s with the process,” he said.
“I wanted to make sure [Wasnik] and her know that it’s not them, and I really appreciate the work that they do.”
Councillor Ron Polillo asked if there was potentially to surpass the $300 million mark for the year.
“We’re within range, but I’m hesitant to commit because I’m not sure what December’s numbers look like quite yet,” Wasnik said.
“I just bring that up because that would be nearly double what we did in 2023, to me, when I read the report, that really shot out at me,” Polillo responded.
Frizzell added it would be hard to be comparable next year due to large projects from Northern Health.
Wasnik noted the large projects could be highlighted in these monthly reports as a reminder.
Fencing around the Waterview Retirement Resort development on Vernon Street was removed this week to allow for additional parking during the holidays.
Vendure Living, the project developer, asked the project’s construction crews to temporarily remove the fencing to ease parking demand in the downtown core.
“It is nothing too interesting other than we asked our construction crew to bring in the fencing yesterday to allow for more parking during the holiday season,” said Cindy Shaw, marketing director with Vendure.
Shaw said the company is finalizing refinancing for the project and still plans to open a presentation centre in the spring.
Work at the site began in fall 2023. The project was originally expected to be finished the following spring but is now aiming for a 2026 completion date.
The project will feature 125 suites for people aged 55 and up, with options for supported or independent living.
It will also include 5,000 square feet of commercial storefront space for lease.
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.
The Regional District of Fraser Fort George Board of Directors were presented the Regional Hospital’s financial plan for 2026 to 2040.
This was during Thursday’s Board Meeting, which outlined the impacts the funding requests from Northern Health Authority will have on the Regional Hospital District budget within the plan’s timeline and beyond.
Community and recreation grants in aid were also awarded Electoral Areas A, C, D, and H
Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes) was given grants for:
Nukko Lake Recreation Commission for $1,293 for a volunteer dinner
Pilot Mountain Volunteer Fire Fighter Club for $3,000 for a volunteer dinner
Salmon Valley Community Association for $4,850 for operating expenses
Electoral Area C (Chilako River-Nechako) was given a grant for:
Miworth Community Association for $950 for Emergency Preparedness Committee expenses
Electoral Area D (Tabor Lake-Stone Creek) was given grants for:
Buckhorn Elementary Parent Advisory Committee for $4,000 for bussing
Pineview Recreation Commission for $5,860 for daycare equipment
Pineview Recreation Commission for $9,472 for painting
South of Prince George Christmas Hampers for $3,000 for food hampers
Electoral Area H (Robson Valley-Canoe) was given a grant for:
Old Age Pensioners Organization for $400 for Fit Pit rental
The Board Meeting highlights, along with the full agenda can be found here.
A short list of projects on the City of Williams Lake’s 2026 budget has been approved to get early starts for the new year.
In Tuesday’s, December 16, City Council Meeting, Mayor and Council took a staff recommendation of 18 early budget items that could be sped up if the bouncing ball starts a little earlier.
“A lot of the stuff in this early approval is because the committees and proposed staff need to plan,” Mayor Surinderpal Rathor explained before the vote. “If there’s something they need to order, they need to order. Lots of people would be planning their year.”
The proposed list totals $3,915,176.00 and is primarily comprised of equipment purchases and replacements, as well as the initiation of preliminary works and allocation of funds for construction and water main projects.
The largest item on the list is the Annual Pacing Rehabilitation and Water Saddle Replacement for $1,785,000.
“These are key projects that we’ve tracked that we want to get on,” said Councillor Scott Nelson. “If we get them out the door early, it gives us an opportunity of being able to save some potential savings, as [City Staff] has done in the past.”
Here is a full list of items that got Early Budget Approvals can be found here.
The motion was carried unanimously by the council.
Prince George City Council was presented with an update on the progress of advancing arts and culture planning by the City at this week’s meeting.
At a meeting in December 2024, City Council recognized a need for a comprehensive plan that would engage the community and further strengthen arts and culture as a vital part of the City’s identity.
“Over the past year, we’ve reviewed reports and strategies, consulted with similar communities, and engaged key stakeholders to gather insight,” said Manager of Event Services Debbie Heywood.
Option 1 – Use existing City strategies and establish an Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee supported by a dedicated staff position to create a stand-alone guiding document
Option 2 – Update the existing Arts Policy (1997) and Administrative Procedure (2011). Work completed internally with limited external input.
Option 3 – Hire a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive Culture Plan, led by a dedicated staff position.
“When we did review the Citizen Budget feedback, I think that was the first year where I’ve seen Arts and Culture ranked at the top of the list,” said Councillor Cori Ramsay.
“I think there’s really a clear need to invest in and support this moving forward.”
Ramsay supported option one to use existing City strategies.
Councillor Tim Bennett questioned what would happen if the approved the motion at this week’s meeting, but defeated the enhancement at budget.
“I believe if I’m understanding the question, if we go through the process in January, and Council decides not to fund the position, then the answer would be, we would regroup and likely need to come back to Council then with a new plan,” responded Director of Civic Facilities and Events Andy Beesley.
Councillor Trudy Klassen asked about what mechanism Council could have to ensure the position would be filled with someone with deep local knowledge.
“If we’re going to do this properly, I think we need to make sure it’s somebody who understands the City,” she said.
Beesley said one of the things they heard loud and clear from the Arts and Culture community is there’s plenty of knowledge in the community.
“They are the experts, us City bureaucrats made a conscious decision to say, ‘we don’t want to be writing arts and culture policy, why would bureaucrats do that when we’ve got an arts and culture community that is more than willing to step up to the plate,’” he said.
“That is precisely what this new council that is being proposed would insist upon, and we would certainly follow that too.”
Councillor Susan Scott asked if there would be an opportunity for the committee to have a Council representative.
“There’s always that possibility, we would have to take it back and do a little bit of research on what other committees like look like, and what the Arts and Culture community feels is appropriate as well,” Heywood said.
Council unanimously supported option one.
The dedicated staff ask will be addressed through 2026 budget deliberations following Council’s review and conclusion regarding the Heritage Planner service enhancement, where staff have been asked to revise the proposed Heritage Planner role to incorporate responsibilities for arts and culture.
The Prince George RCMP had a busy weekend, seizing various items and illicit drugs from suspected traffickers.
On Friday, a pair of search warrants were executed on the 200-block of McIntyre Crescent, where ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia, various weapons and a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine were seized.
Investigators also executed a search warrant on the 1300-block of Pearson Avenue in relation to a stolen property investigation, locating a firearm, a small quantity of suspected illicit drugs and two stolen motorcycles.
No arrests were made in either investigation.
Corporal Jennifer Cooper said Saturday’s bust was during a wellness check of two people sleeping in their vehicle on Third Avenue.
“Upon arrival, investigators located and seized various weapons, a replica firearm, illicit cigarettes, over $1000 in cash, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and nearly 10 grams of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.”
Cooper added the driver was served a 24-hour driving prohibition and both parties were released pending laboratory results and charge approval by the B.C. Prosecution Service.
During a traffic stop on Highway 97 North near fifth Avenue on Sunday, a driver was in possession of body armour, who was then arrested and released on scene with a future court date, with the vehicle returned to the rental car company.
“These investigations serve to highlight the constant work our Frontline police officers are doing to ensure the safety of our community every day, every shift.”
“Removing weapons and illicit drugs or cigarettes from those who are suspected of trafficking them to the most vulnerable in Prince George is one of our top priorities.”
The annual rental report from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows overall vacancy rates increased this year in major cities in British Columbia.
The 2025 report released last week said vacancy rates in the Greater Vancouver area surpassed expectations and saw their highest levels in over three decades.
CMHC said slower population growth due to federal restrictions on temporary workers and students have softened demand for rentals.
“B.C. saw 3 consecutive quarters of outflow of non-permanent residents, most of whom were renters. With migration expected to remain lower, vacancies may stay higher in the short term,” said the report.
The report also pointed to higher youth unemployment and slow wage growth, saying more young professionals are co-living with roommates or parents.
Vancouver’s vacancy rate for purpose-built rentals was 3.7 per cent. The average price for a two-bedroom rose 2.2 per cent to $2,363.
The vacancy rate was lower for condominium apartments at 1.5 per cent, with the average price for a two-bedroom condo at $2,900.
While rental supply growth was concentrated in Vancouver, surrounding cities also saw strong increases. The report said Coquitlam saw 20-year high increases, and Burnaby reversed a five-year downward trend.
CMHC said Victoria’s vacancy rate exceeded even forecasted historic highs. The provincial capital’s overall vacancy rate rose to 3.3 per cent – the highest level since 1999.
“Victoria faces similar demographic trends to Vancouver with outflows of international migrants and students, but to a lesser degree. A weak labour market for younger people reduced rental demand,” said the report.
It said rent growth in Victoria sped up in 2025, due to higher turnover.
The average rent for a two-bedroom purpose-built apartment was up more than five per cent to $2,120.
B.C.’s Housing Minister Christine Boyle said the higher vacancy rates show the province’s housing initiatives are paying off for renters.
She points to policies aimed at speeding up development approvals, regulating short-term rentals and cracking down on speculators.
“These results show that our housing initiatives are paying off for renters,” said Boyle.
“Through our short-term rental rules, thousands of homes have returned to the long-term rental market, an important factor that is helping to drive these promising results and helping to ensure that new units that are built are available as permanent homes and not diverted to the short-term rental market,” she said.
It was a Christmas gift that came early to the Organizers of Hot July Nights in the South Cariboo.
Just two months ago it was looking like there may not be a show this coming Summer as they were about 15 volunteers short to make it happen.
So on December 11th they held an open meeting to see if they could find the help they were looking for.
“55 people showed up,” Chair Marty Mahovlich said, “it proved that the town actually wants this show and sees the importance of it. We had lots of new people that we have never seen before come in and step up. I gave a brief explanation on the history of the show and the purpose of it and a lot of people were quite surprised why we do it which was really good.”
Mahovlich noted that the car show is not a car show to the organization, it’s a mechanism to bring people into our town and support our local businesses by spending their money and having a good time.
“We were down to 8 people on our board and there was no way we could put on Hot July Nights with 8 people and I think we’re sitting at 42 people now. We have a lot of new folks that we have to train and get them involved and hopefully they’ll stick around and hopefully that will cut the work load down so everyone can enjoy it and we’re excited about that.”
Mahovlich said they’re hoping to be active on the actual pre-registrations starting on January first which was their target date so we’re back on schedule for that.
“The car community has been very receptive and we’ve already had at least 20 phone calls on people wanting to register so this is really great that the word’s out there and people want to come here and be a part of it.”
Prior to that open meeting on December 11th Mahovlich was hopeful there would be a good turn out.
“We had arranged to hold this meeting in the Chamber office and by a quarter to 6 we were already moving people into the District office next door, which we had planned to use for a backup. Then we couldn’t find enough chairs which is always a really good problem to have so we went around to the different offices grabbing all the chairs we could find and we still didn’t have enough when the meeting started. We were told they never seen that many people in that room.”
Mahovlich said a lot of the people that took roles on are already wanting to get going so we’ve been working on getting them the tools to get them started.
“I’m thinking this is where the future of Hot July Nights is and down the road these people can take bigger roles as they go and hopefully it just carries on forever.”
In 2024 he estimated they had about 12-thousand spectators show up and that this event takes in an estimated three quarters to a million dollars a year in new money to the town.
Several major highways in southern B.C. remained closed Wednesday, Dec. 17, due to fallen trees, heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions.
Highway 3 is closed in multiple locations, including near the Paulson Bridge, Castlegar and Salmo, due to trees on the road. The Bombi Pass, Nancy Greene Pass and portions of Highway 3B are also shut down.
Highway 3 near Manning Park and Hope remains closed, and the Coquihalla near Merritt is again shut down.
Environment Canada has issued warnings for further snowfall, with up to 10 centimetres expected on top of the 15 centimetres already reported at the Paulson Summit, Kootenay Pass and between Eagle and Rogers passes. Wind gusts up to 80 km/h are also contributing to dangerous driving conditions.
Kootenay Pass has reopened following overnight avalanche control.
Compact snow and slushy conditions are reported on Highway 31 from Meadow Creek to about 25 kilometres south of Trout Lake, and on Highway 31A near New Denver. Highway 6 north of New Denver is reduced to single-lane alternating traffic due to roadwork.
Drivers are also warned to watch for pooling water and dense fog on several routes, including:
Highway 3A between Creston and Crawford Bay
Highway 3 between Creston and Yahk
Highway 6 through the Slocan Valley
Additional highway incidents and closures include:
Highway 3A: Closed between Smith Road and Maia Lane, 17 km south of the Kootenay Bay ferry landing, due to downed hydro lines.
Highway 3: Closed near Christina Lake, Castlegar and Salmo due to trees on the road.
Highway 3B: Closed from Rossland to north of Nancy Greene Summit for 27.9 km.
Highway 3: Minor delays near Greenwood due to utility work until Friday.
Highways 3, 3A, 3B, 6 and 22: Numerous reports of debris, fallen trees and downed lines; drive with caution.
Highway 6 (north of Passmore): All lanes blocked by a fallen tree.
Highway 6 (north of New Denver): Single-lane alternating traffic due to construction.
Highway 3A (north of Kuskonook): Hydro lines reported down.
Highway 22: Debris on roadway from the U.S. border to Castlegar.
Motorists are advised to check DriveBC.ca for the latest conditions and updates.
Nelson Hydro is experiencing a widespread power outage affecting customers from Six Mile to Coffee Creek, including Keniris Road and the Harrop and Procter areas, as of 8:54 a.m.
Nelson Hydro’s outage line said Wednesday’s windstorm brought down trees throughout the service area.
Fire dispatch was also on scene on Keniris Road, where downed power lines sparked a small grass fire.
Crews are working to restore power.
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.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are investigating two recent overnight shootings directed at a home and vehicles.
RCMP said the first incident occurred about 4:45 a.m. on Dec. 15, when several shots were heard in the 5800 block of Jaynes Road in North Cowichan. Evidence at the scene indicated a home in the area was shot at, but no injuries were reported.
Then about 2:45 a.m. on Dec. 17, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 1000 block of Marchmont Road in Duncan, where it appeared two vehicles had been targeted.
An older model Jeep Cherokee later was found engulfed in flames on Herd Road, and RCMP believe it is associated with the incident.
“While these incidents are concerning, investigators have reasons to believe this was not random, but rather targeted incidents,” said Corporal Alex Bérubé, spokesperson for BC RCMP. “Police are actively exploring every possible avenue to gather all the necessary evidence to locate and arrest the suspect(s). Public safety is a priority and we are asking the public to assist us in our investigation to identify any suspect in order to prevent further similar incidents.”
The investigations are ongoing, and no further details are being released.
Strong winds early this morning throughout the region caused a wide range of power outages.
They include the Christina Lake area, Greater Trail, Castlegar, south of Nelson, in the Ymir and Salmo areas, and north of Vallican.
Power outages have also hit Creston and north through the valley to Crawford Bay and areas north of the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal.
District 20 schools closed because of outages are Rossland Summit School, Twin Rivers Elementary, the Castlegar Primary Campus, the Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre in Castlegar, Stanley Humphries Secondary, and Fruitvale Elementary School.
District 8 schools closed are Jewett School, J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary School, Crawford Bay School, Canyon-Lister Elementary, Erickson Elementary, Adam Robertson Elementary, Homelinks, Kootenay River Secondary, Redfish Elementary, Salmo Elementary, Salmo Secondary, Winlaw Elementary and W.E. Graham Community School.
Fallen trees across roads resulted in closures on Highway 3 near the Bombi Summit, Highway 3B near the Nancy Greene summit, and Highway 3 near the Paulson Bridge.
Several schools in the West Kootenay region are closed today due to widespread power outages.
The following schools are closed: Jewett School, J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary School, Crawford Bay School, Canyon-Lister Elementary, Erickson Elementary, Adam Robertson Elementary, Homelinks, Kootenay River Secondary, Redfish Elementary, Salmo Elementary, Salmo Secondary, Winlaw Elementary and W.E. Graham Community School.
Schools remaining open include South Nelson Elementary, Hume Elementary, Rosemont Elementary, Trafalgar Middle School, L.V. Rogers Secondary, Blewett Elementary, Brent Kennedy Elementary and Mount Sentinel Secondary, including the Sequoia program.
The window to submit your letter of intent for the City of Prince George’s Limited Duration Two-Year Operating Grant is now open.
Submissions will be accepted until January 15th, 2026.
The grant provides registered not-for-profits funding for overall operating costs for up to two years, with allocations of up to 30 per cent of the organization’s operating budget, to a maximum of $30,000.
The City has $131,576 available for the grant stream and aims to award it to between five and eight organizations.
Starting in 2026, funding will be prioritized for organizations that align with the grant’s focus areas:
A safe, healthy, and clean community
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
While priority is given to these focus areas, organizations not directly aligned are still welcome to apply.
Starting in the new year, the following eligibility criteria apply:
Must have an operating budget of less than $250,000
Must directly impact more than 100 residents annually through programs or services
Must offer ongoing programming
Must demonstrate partnership with at least one other organization on an ongoing basis
Must not have a low-cost or subsidized lease agreement in place with the City
Must not have a standing grant agreement
The myPG Community grant, Quick Response Micro grant, SportPG Hosting grant, and Capacity Building grant will be available for applications next month.
The first major cold snap of the winter season is upon with some strong winds anticipated.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement from a number of areas in the province including Prince George. The winds are expected to reach this morning.
A vigorous cold front is moving across the interior.
In its wake, strong westerly wind gusts will develop which may lead to possible tree damages, local power outages and travel delays.
Winds will ease as the front tracks eastward.
In addition, another snowfall warning is in place for Highway 97 and the Pine Pass.
10 to 15 centimetres is expected to fall in the area.
Approximately 2 to 4 cm has already fallen with a further 10 cm expected before the snow tapers to flurries.
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.
Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.
If driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance
Quesnel’s Gold Pan was a topic of controversy back in 2020 when it was relocated from Highway 97 near the Barkerville turnoff to its current spot by the railway station, across from the museum.
This time it’s in the news for a far less controversial reason.
Quesnel City Council has asked staff to come back with a plan to address the deterioration of the beloved Gold Pan.
It is showing its age and now has rust to the point where City Manager Joel McKay said a simple paint job won’t do.
“Staff is not recommending any touch ups on the Gold Pan because we can’t actually paint match it. Even if we went up there with a battleship grey can of spray paint it would look worse than the rust. So our recommendation through committee to Council was this is a sacred object, for lack of a better word, it’s very close to the heart of this community, we want to do this right so we are recommending to allow us the time to research it, look into it and then come back for options and costing.”
Councillor Mitch Vik, speaking at last (Tuesday) night’s City Council meeting, noted that the beloved landmark is deteriorating and needs some attention.
Initially he suggested addressing it in both the short term and the long term, but later removed the touching it up with paint portion of his motion.
Councillor Deb McKelvie suggested putting a timeline on getting the report back.
McKay noted that he was “operating under coming back to Council in the first half of 2026 with options and costing on it.”
He went on to say that he was aware of the rust that is on the Gold Pan a year ago, but that it hasn’t deteriorated terribly from that stage, and that while it is not in good shape it’s also not about to turn into dust either.
Options for Council to consider will likely be to either repair the Gold Pan to its original glory, or replace it.
Duncan’s mayor said the city has stepped up and listened to residents, bringing several key projects to life in 2025, with big plans for the future.
Michelle Staples said council approved successful initiatives including the opening of McAdam Park, automated curbside collection and protected bike lanes that will benefit the region for years to come.
“We’re thinking about the future,” she said. “Part of the work we’re doing as a local government is developing a world that people will inherit and bike lanes are being part of the conservation plans for decades.”
Staples said another positive step for council was moving forward on supportive housing.
“The White Road supportive housing, although not open now, will be available soon,” she said. “This will provide another 48 spaces of supportive housing.”
She added other successes included establishing a temporary use permit for supportive housing at The Village on Trunk Road, which city council advocated for funding at the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
With all the projects the city has undertaken in 2025 and plans for the future, Staples said funding and securing more resources continue to be hurdles to completing projects.
“There’s never enough funding for any city, municipality or nation to provide services that are required,” she said. “The system just isn’t built that way.”
She said another challenge is ensuring the city has enough funds to provide essential services while keeping costs low.
“People talk constantly about lowering taxes, but the whole premise of the system is built on raising taxes every year,” Staples said. “It’s just not designed to cost us less every year.”
According to Staples, the city is looking to improve infrastructure in 2026 with most projects starting in early spring.
Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Creston, and Nakusp all saw longtime weather records broken Tuesday as an unseasonably warm December continued.
Environment Canada said the highest temperature recorded in the region was in Creston, where it got up to 12.3 degrees. The old record of 11.1 was set in 1942. Recordkeeping in the area dates to 1912.
Meanwhile, Trail (actually recorded at Warfield) reached 11.2 degrees. The old mark for Dec. 16 of 7.5 degrees was set in 1982. Records have been kept since 1928.
In Castlegar, the thermometer reached 9.9 degrees, compared to the old record of 8 degrees set in 1982. Recordkeeping there dates to 1916.
Nelson got up to 9.3 degrees, which was one degree warmer than the old mark set in 1941. Records have been kept since 1904.
Nakusp also hit 9.3 degrees, more than three degrees warmer than the previous mark of 6.1 set in 1966, which was the earliest year that records are available.
The region’s inclusion on the list is due to a new initiative by Arrow Slocan Tourism dubbed the Japanese Canadian Legacy Trail, which will encourage visitors to check out places where Japanese Canadians were interned during the Second World War.
Diane Selkirk, a Vancouver-based travel writer who contributed the section on the Slocan Valley to the BBC list, said their goal was to highlight lesser-known places.
“There are so many beautiful places in the world that a lot of people don’t intuitively know about,” she said. “So the goals of a lot of my work are to steer people to places that are interested in having tourists and have really compelling stories and beautiful landscapes.”
Selkirk said she has visited the Slocan Valley a few times, but it was placed on her radar for the purposes of this story through a conversation with a friend of Japanese descent who told her how meaningful it was to do a bus tour and learn what her parents had gone through as internees. They had rarely spoken of their experience.
New Denver, Sandon, and areas just south of Slocan City were home to thousands of internees between 1942 and 1945. The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver commemorates that era, as does interpretive signage in various places, while the Slocan Valley Historical Society expects to unveil the restored Merriwake next year, a fishing boat that was seized during the internment.
Selkirk said when she learned the legacy trail was being developed to highlight Japanese-Canadian history and the impact of the internment on survivors, “it just struck me as a really deeply compelling and important story, especially right now.”
“We have so many negative things happening in the world and so many displaced people and so many groups under attack for just being who they are,” she said. “To look at this really difficult time in Canadian history and the resilience of Japanese Canadians who came out of those camps is an important story right now.”
Selkirk said while it is a sad chapter in Canadian history, it is significant that locals have tried to prevent it from fading from memory and to ensure future generations know what occurred.
“That’s what struck me as interesting: this is about locals saying ‘this is the story of our place. This is the story we want to share.’
“Those are the ones that I think travellers get so much from. It means that they develop personal connections to a place. When they go home, they have a story to tell that goes beyond mai tais at the beach. It has the power to change who we are, and that’s pretty remarkable gift for a place to give to visitors.”
Selkirk explained that in helping to compile the list — which stretches from Abu Dhabi to Uruguay, but has no other Canadian entries — she started with seven potential locations, with the Slocan Valley one of her top picks.
Writers had to argue on behalf of their places, and she didn’t know where her choices would land until shortly before the list was published. However, she thought the Slocan would make the cut because editors kept coming back with questions. (Her other pick that made the list: Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.)
This is the second year the BBC has compiled such a list. Selkirk explained the BBC has traditionally avoided list-making and they try to avoid creating tourism pressure that isn’t beneficial, so they look for out-of-the-way places.
“I think the Slocan has an awful lot to offer, and I hope that being on this list turns out to be the positive thing,” she said.
Lynn Shortt, tourism development manager with Arrow Slocan Tourism, said that while she has worked with Selkirk before, she only had a little advance warning that the Slocan Valley would be on the list.
“It was absolutely a bit of a fantastic shock,” Shortt said. “I had no idea that it was going to be picked up at this level.”
The Japanese Canadian Legacy Trail’s website is live now, but Short said an official launch will come next year.
The project originated with a conversation Shortt had with New Denver mayor Leonard Casley about how the Slocan had the potential to attract more tourists. They noted the valley had more internment camps, and housed more internees, than any other part of BC.
The Japanese Canadian Legacy Fund and Destination BC provided grants for the project. While concentrated on the Slocan Valley for now, it’s expected to be expanded to the Lower Mainland, Lethbridge, and further east.
Shortt said they hope it will appeal to a broad demographic across North America, including those with direct links to the internment as well as those interested in history and culture generally.
Shortt said she is still wrapping her head around the boost the BBC list could have on the initiative. She said Arrow Slocan Tourism is conscious of making sure travelers who come to the region respect communities and the natural environment.
One anomaly: the picture used with the list (and seen above) doesn’t actually show the Slocan Valley. It was taken near the Shelter Bay ferry landing on Upper Arrow Lake. Selkirk said her visit to the area in September was on a rainy weekend, and resulted in gloomy photo. The photo used instead was taken a couple of years ago, but it came from the wrong pile. Selkirk says it will be corrected.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.
Two more deer harvested in the Kootenay region have tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), bringing B.C.’s total number of confirmed cases to eight.
“These newest confirmations are deeply concerning and the Province continues to work with partners to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease,” said Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Minister Randene Neill.
“Protecting B.C.’s wildlife is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful to hunters, First Nations and community partners who are working with us to respond and manage the disease effectively.”
The latest cases were found within the province’s existing CWD management zone. All eight confirmed cases to date have occurred in this area, near Cranbrook, Kimberley and Jaffray.
CWD is a fatal, infectious disease that affects cervids — deer, elk, moose and caribou. Once it is introduced to an area, it is unlikely to be eradicated. Early detection, however, can help contain the disease and limit its spread.
Preventing transmission is key, officials said, and includes avoiding activities such as moving potentially contaminated animal parts across regions.
“As more cases of CWD are confirmed, we are encouraging hunters in every part of B.C. to submit samples from every animal they harvest,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director of the B.C. Wildlife Federation.
“Hunters and hunting continue to be the best tool we have to identify and manage chronic wasting disease.”
Response plan expands in affected areas
The province’s surveillance and response plan includes several ongoing measures:
Increased sampling in areas at risk;
Outreach with hunters, local governments and wildlife groups;
Public guidance on safe handling and testing of harvested animals.
The Kootenay and Peace regions are the current focus of surveillance efforts due to their proximity to confirmed cases in neighbouring jurisdictions.
Hunters required to submit samples
In the CWD management zone, licensed hunters must submit samples from any harvested deer, elk or moose at designated drop-off locations. Submissions are free of charge.
Hunters may also take part in a special hunt from Jan. 5 to 31, 2026, during which one additional deer may be harvested beyond the regional bag limit of two. The hunt is part of the effort to expand testing and reduce disease risk.
Outside the management zone, hunters are encouraged to voluntarily submit samples to support monitoring efforts.
There is no confirmed evidence that CWD can infect humans. However, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend people avoid eating meat from infected animals as a precaution.
The province said it remains focused on preventing further transmission and minimizing impacts on B.C.’s wildlife populations.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
The following travel advisories on DriveBC have cleared:
For the latest on advisories and current road conditions, check…
| 
