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More targeting enforcement is to come, but long-term solutions on resident and hospital visitor parking concerns around Cariboo Memorial are still up in the air.

During Tuesday, December 16’s Williams Lake City Council Meeting, the City Council debated for half an hour on the most viable immediate solution, and what the City Council, Staff, and Bylaw would love to be able to do over the concerns of high congestion and parked cars blocking resident access in the neighbourhood around Cariboo Memorial.

Reports of blocked driveways, no parking in general for residents during the day, and high congestion during construction hours have been viewed along six of the most impacted streets in the area: 4th Avenue North, 5th Avenue North, 6th Avenue North, Gibbon Street, Johnson Street, and Pigeon Avenue.

“One issue is that there is enough parking for patients, but it’s the ongoing construction and the workers that are creating heavy congestion and taking direct parking,” says Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.

“To me, though, the message has to be very clear. Anybody blocking anybody’s driveway is not acceptable.”

The Council reviewed three options that City Staff reported following their findings.

Option 1 – Maintain Status Quo with Enhanced Enforcement (Add Towing for Egregious Violations)

Option 2 – Convert All Streets Around the Hospital to 2-Hour Restricted Parking Zones 

Option 3 – Mixed Parking Restrictions: 2-Hour Zones on Johnson Street & 6th Avenue North; Full No Parking on Gibbon Street & 4th Avenue North 

The majority of council members, including Mayor Rathor and City Staff, supported Option 1, as city staff reported that they do not have the necessary number of Bylaw staff to enforce 2-Hour Restricted Parking Zones in Options 2 and 3.

To enforce Option 2, or even Option 3 with more limited street restrictions, Chief Administrative Officer(CAO) Gary Muraca said many Bylaw enforcers would have to be pulled from handling the unhoused and issues in the city’s downtown.

Another concern came from Councillor Sheila Boehm about the potential amount of time a visitor may be held up in the hospital. Adding the stress of moving a vehicle and losing a spot in the ER is unfair to patients.

“I will not and do not want to compromise with any safety that belongs to [the] residents,” Mayor Rathor said. “In reference to any of the options other than Option 1, I agree with the council, it is needed down the road, but right now, they’re not viable. Not today.”

Councillor Scott Nelson was the only one initially opposed to Option 1. He wanted more immediate and enforced restrictions due to the residents’ concerns. However, after hearing the issues detailed by the Staff, and that Options 2 and 3 could be long-term solutions, Nelson did end up agreeing with the Staff recommendation.

CAO, Gary Muraca, did mention that most concerns in the area are about parking congestion. Which to deal with it would require parking restrictions.

Muarca added that most municipalities with a development like the Cariboo Memorial Hospital, and of similar size as Williams Lake, often have 2-Hour Restricted Parking Zones in hospital neighbourhoods. But, with Williams Lake’s budget and staffing amount, it stretches the City’s resources and is not the most viable at this time.

“We can go to a 2-Hour Parking at a later stage,” said Rathor. “We will need Staff to go back to the drawing board for the budget, and hire more staff, so not today… But any blocking of people’s residences is not acceptable, period. I cannot have the residents in prison in their own houses because of parking.”

Council unanimously passed City Staff and Bylaw to proceed with Option 1, meaning more targeted enforcement, including towing on egregious violations, to take effect by City Bylaw, once fully passed.

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Sports by Hartley Wednesday, December 17th, 2025  as of 12:05 a.m.

The (22-8) Prince George Cougars visit the (15-9-4-3) Penticton Vees tonight (Wednesday) and the (25-3-2-1) Everett Silvertips on Friday in their final two games before Christmas.

The Cougars lead the BC Division by 7 points over Penticton and they sit 2nd in the Western Conference, 9 points behind Everett.

The PG Cougars regular season schedule and results are here.

The post Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Wednesday, December 17th appeared first on My Prince George Now.

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The City of Cranbrook has approved a new policy around single egress stairwells, but won’t be allowing recent changes made by the provincial government.

The province changed the British Columbia Building Code to allow certain residential buildings to be constructed with a single egress stairwell.

They are only allowed where several critical fire safety assumptions are met.

Cranbrook Fire Chief Scott Driver said their detachment doesn’t have the resources to allow it.

“This is becoming an issue in communities everywhere, because we designed fire services to meet what the buildings were and now that they’re changing we don’t have the fire services that exist to address those risks,” he said.

He said a number of fire departments across the province have been fighting the changes.

Driver said if the city allowed the changes under its policy, it would create a foreseeable life safety risk that cannot be reasonably mitigated.

The policy approved by council does not allow buildings with a single egress stairwell.

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Selkirk College is launching two new programs aimed at giving students hands-on, job-ready training while responding to local labour market needs.

The college is now accepting applications for a new Entrepreneurship Associate Certificate and a Tourism and Destination Management Diploma for the 2026/27 school year.

Both programs, according to Taya Whitehead, Selkirk’s vice-president of education and students, were developed alongside regional industry trends to ensure they meet local needs.

They also align with the college’s strategic plan, Land Learning and Legacy: Our Path to 2040.

“When we develop programming that aligns directly with our new strategy, it does more than just fill seats. It creates relevant, creative and sustainable learning experiences that meet labour-market needs in our communities,” said Whitehead.

Entrepreneurship program

The eight-month Entrepreneurship Associate Certificate program is geared toward people who already hold a certificate, diploma or degree and want to launch a business or freelance venture.

Whitehead said students will learn strategy, marketing, finance and digital solutions while developing real business ideas, ideally completing the program with a launch-ready business plan.

“Here in the West Kootenay Boundary region, so many of our businesses are small or family-run, and self-employment is really a part of our DNA. So that’s why Selkirk created the new Entrepreneurship Associate Certificate,” she said.

“It helps students turn ideas into real workable business plans, whether they’re in the trades, tech or something totally different.”

The program will accept 24 students at the college’s Castlegar campus. It also ladders into further business studies, with transfer pathways into bachelor’s degree programs in B.C., Alberta and Paris, France.

Tourism and destination management

The new Tourism and Destination Management diploma will focus on sustainable tourism, destination planning, marketing, financial management, guest services and responsible leadership.

Whitehead said the program is unique in its emphasis on place-based learning, environmental stewardship and Indigenous perspectives.

“What’s really special about this program is its focus on place-based learning and Indigenous perspectives. It’s all about preparing new generation of tourism professionals who can innovate, collaborate, and lead in this dynamic growing industry,” said Whitehead.

She said tourism brings in more than $1 billion in revenue to the region each year, and workforce development is critical to sustaining the industry.

“Through our refreshed tourism diploma we’re hoping to keep students local and get them ready for opportunities in a growing sector, building on skills that they can take into really all types of careers.”

The diploma program will accept 30 students at Selkirk’s Tenth Street campus in Nelson. It will begin in the fall of 2027.

Whitehead said the new programs also reflect Selkirk’s efforts to mitigate financial pressures caused by federal restrictions on international student enrolment.

“These two new programs really grew out of areas that were hit hard by the drop in international students and we’ve taken the opportunity to reimagine the programs so they better serve local learners,” she said.

“We’re really looking at the domestic market, connecting more closely with industry, opening up stronger career paths, and creating clear transfer for students who want to move on to degree programs.”

While some intakes for international postgraduate business and tourism programs are suspended, Selkirk continues to offer business, tourism and hospitality programs for domestic students.

“We’re really just excited to be building in areas that our community need and encouraging our local students to stay close to home and study here at Selkirk College,” Whitehead added.

More information on both programs is available on Selkirk College’s website.

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

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Prince George City Council approved a recommendation to have a report returned on potentially joining the Auxiliary RCMP program.

According to a notice of motion put forward by Councillors Cori Ramsay and Kyle Sampson, Auxiliaries are uniformed, unarmed community volunteers appointed by the province as peace officers once screening, medical and training requirements have been completed.

These Auxiliaries perform 180 hours per year of public safety services and programs in their respective communities, under the direct supervision of RCMP regular members.

Ramsay noted the province covers costs associated with implementing the program (training, uniforms, and medical expenses), but municipalities will be responsible for ongoing costs associated with operations.

“I do feel that it provides a really great benefit to communities, and given that the initial start ups for the program are covered, I think it’s a really beneficial opportunity for Council to explore the pros and cons of, and the operational financing requirements to roll something like this out,” she explained.

Council approved a recommendation to have administration return a report on the program, providing information on submitting a formal request to joining the program through the Prince George RCMP.

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Another edition of 99.7 The River’s Stuff the Truck fundraiser has wrapped up in Campbell River.

The annual holiday fundraiser was held Saturday, Dec. 13, raising about $7,000 in cash and non-perishable food donations for the Campbell River Food Bank.

Food bank manager Sandra Rushton said the donations are especially important as the organization continues to register new clients.

Sandra Rushton comments:

This post was originally published on My Campbell River Now

So that’s what it’s like when a pair of long-time rivals duke it out on the ice.

It was a testy and physical weekend split between the Valley West Giants and the Cariboo Cougars in U17 AAA BC Elite Hockey League action over the weekend in Kin 1.

On Saturday, the Giants stormed back from an early 2-0 deficit to upend Cariboo by a 4-3 score.

Shay Peters and Cole Otten stepped up to the plate for Valley West in the third period and played the role of hero.

Cooper Kursteiner and Brody Bustard opened up the scoring for the Cougars in the first period solving Giants netminder Luc Wilson Kurenoff.

However, it would be Kurenoff that would keep Valley West within striking distance making several highlight reel saves.

In the second, the visitors found new life thanks to a pair of goals from Elijah Mahabub and Ethan Manan.

The Cougars were down 3-2 early in the third before a Gavin Parmar goal evened the score.

Cariboo outshot Valley West 43-29 but were unable to get the equalizer on a 6-on-3 man advantage at the end of the game.

Wilson Kurenoff made 40 saves in the victory while Caleb Sandberg took the loss in net for the U17 Cougars.

In the second half of the double-header, a pair of two-goal performances from Kursteiner and Garrett Harrop allowed the Cougars to skate to a 6-2 win on Sunday over the Giants.

Kursteiner and Tavon Peterson gave Cariboo a 2-1 edge after 20 minutes following the game’s opening goal from Valley West’s Mitchell Anderson.

In the second, Harrop scored his first of two before penalty trouble cost Cariboo a late goal courtesy of an Alex Dhillon point shot.

That’s as close a Valley West would get for a comeback as Harrop, Kursteiner and Sawyer Latkowski lit the lamp three consecutive times to ice the victory.

Brennen Purych picked up the win in goal for Cariboo who improves to 15-7-0-1 on the season, two points back of the Vancouver Northwest Hawks for first place in the nine-team league.

The U17 Cougars finish their pre-Christmas schedule and six game homestand with a pair of outings against the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs (13-8-1-0) Saturday (2:30pm) and Sunday at (9:30am) from CN Centre.

In U15 action, the Cariboo Cougars were forced to a split against the Vancouver Northwest Hawks.

A sterling 41-save performance Helen Turnill propelled the Hawks to a 4-2 victory on Sunday from Kin 1.

Grayson Twinney opened the scoring for VNW after an ill-advised pass inside the Cougars zone.

Taylor McKay evened the score for Cariboo two minutes later, but any sort of momentum was foiled thanks to a Luke Valente power-play goal to put the Hawks up 2-1 after 20 minutes.

The lacklustre start for Cariboo spilled into the middle period as VNW struck twice more courtesy of Wesley Mayor and Thomas Williams.

Warner Callender scored the only goal for Cariboo in the third.

Jayden Avery took the loss in net for the U15 Cougars.

On Saturday, a lengthy power-play in the second period allowed Cariboo to open the floodgates on the Hawks, enroute to a 10-2 thrashing.

The turning point in the game was a Hugo Smith double-minor for head contact along with a five-minute major for abuse of an official.

During the elongated power-play, Cariboo struck four times courtesy of Madden Weldon, Callender, Kellen Flanagan and Evan Bragg extending their lead to 6-0 after two periods.

Both teams combined for six goals in the third period as Callender, Hendrik Hesselgrave and Ryland Lemp (2) padded the offensive stats for Cariboo.

Xavier Kuss and Andrew Warsaba replied for the Hawks.

Cariboo began the game with a 2-0 edge due to goals from Hesselgrave and Max Pellegrino.

The U15’s are 10-8-0-0 and are in Kamloops this weekend for a double-header against the Thompson Blazers (10-7-1-0).

Puck drop is at 6:00pm on Saturday and 9:45am on Sunday from the Memorial Arena.

The road was not a friendly place for the U18 Cairboo Cougars dropping a pair of one-goal decisions against the VNW Hawks, 4-3 on Saturday and 3-2 on Sunday.

On Saturday, Lukas Hoff’s power-play goal at 8:25 of the third period was the difference-maker.

Cariboo held a brief 2-1 lead into the second period as Landon Gillanders and Jaxon Larmand found the back of the net.

Rhys Ulinder and Jake Bartlett added a pair of markers late in the frame to put VNW in the driver’s seat.

Dylan Stanley tied the game at 3-3 on the power-play assisted by Nicholas Gordon.

Sunday’s rematch saw Hudson Guiel notch the X-Factor with 4:26 remaining in the third period, his second of the contest to put the Hawks back at .500.

Cariboo spotted VNW a 2-0 lead in the second as Guiel and Max Malinowsky kicked started the hosts goal scoring prowess.

Nicholas Gordon lit the lamp twice for the Cougars to briefly pull them on even terms.

Cariboo drops to 9-8-2-1 on the season, sitting fourth in the seven-team league.

The U18 Cougars are back on home ice this weekend against the Okanagan Rockets 16-2-0-0 Saturday (6:30pm) and Sunday (9:15am) from Kin 1.

Saturday’s contest is the Teddy Bear toss where fans will have a chance to throw them on the ice after the first Cariboo goal.

Lastly, the Northern Capitals U18 female team dropped a pair of road decisions against the top-ranked Greater Vancouver Comets.

On Saturday, the Caps dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to GVR. Kira Bui’s power-play goal proved to be the most crucial keeping the host Comets in the driver’s seat.

The Capitals held a 2-1 lead at one point on the Comets as Johana Ketter and Paxton Fraser took advantage of the lack of discipline from the home side.

Hana Nishi tied the game for the Comets while Finley Elliott opened the scoring in the first period.

All five goals were scored either on the power-play or shorthanded.

On Sunday, the Comets bottled up the Caps by a 4-1 margin.

Paige Umbach scored the lone goal for the visitors.

Bui, Samantha Woo, Aika Bercic and Zoe Wilcox lit the lamp for the GVR.

The Capitals head into the holiday break with a mark of 8-11-0-1 returning to action January 10th and 11th against the Fraser Valley Rush (11-8-0-0).

The post Cariboo Hockey Wrap; Tuesday, December 16th appeared first on My Prince George Now.

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The Northern Health Authority is keeping its eye on both respiratory illness and measles as case numbers continue to grow.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, influenza and RSV cases have been increasing, but typically see more activity in the winter.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Jong Kim said that activity is expected to continue rising.

“I think it’s heading towards the peak, probably in the next few weeks or so. We’re just starting to see the increase, and we’re continuing to watch closely.”

Dr. Kim added that the weather can have an affect on the respiratory illness behaviour, and the best way to protect yourself is by getting immunized and having good hygiene.

When it comes to measles, he said exposure is higher in northern BC, with most of the recent cases in the north Peace and Prince George area.

“We do track the numbers, and we update our epidemiology report twice a week, and in the last measles update on December 11th, the total number of cases is 361.”

He said the primary way to protect yourself from measles is through vaccination, which also helps protect those around you.

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The Northern Health Authority is keeping its eye on both respiratory illness and measles as case numbers continue to grow.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, influenza and RSV cases have been increasing, but typically see more activity in the winter.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Jong Kim said that activity is expected to continue rising.

“I think it’s heading towards the peak, probably in the next few weeks or so. We’re just starting to see the increase, and we’re continuing to watch closely.”

Dr. Kim added that the weather can have an affect on the respiratory illness behaviour, and the best way to protect yourself is by getting immunized and having good hygiene.

When it comes to measles, he said exposure is higher in northern BC, with most of the recent cases in the north Peace and Prince George area.

“We do track the numbers, and we update our epidemiology report twice a week, and in the last measles update on December 11th, the total number of cases is 361.”

He said the primary way to protect yourself from measles is through vaccination, which also helps protect those around you.

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Fire Chief Ron Richert says the call came in to Quesnel-Hixon Road just after 10 o’clock.

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The Williams Lake Fire Department more than doubled their number of call outs last month compared to November of 2024.

Deputy Fire Chief Brendan Foote said they responded to 43 compared to 23.

Foote noted the majority of those calls were: 16 false alarms, 9 fires, 9 burning complaints and 6 motor vehicle incidents.

Looking at November 2024 call outs:

There were 8 burning complaints

6 motor vehicle incidents

4 false alarms

3 fires

Total amount of calls to date this year for the Williams Lake Fire Department is 464.

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RCMP in the north will be getting some support from the newly launched North District Uniform Gang Enforcement Team.

Along with disrupting gang activity and supporting northern RCMP, they will also respond to the increasing demand for a sustained enforcement presence in the region.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger talked about having a dedicated northern team.

“We know that the north presents some distinct challenges in terms of geography, and the fact that Prince George is really a gateway to the north.”

“We are fortunate that this region features heavily in our economic development plans for the province as well.”

She added they need to continue to take action to keep communities safe.

Unlike the current uniform gang team based in the Lower Mainland, this new team will be posted in Prince George, consisting of eight members from across the province.

Assistant Commissioner Manny Mann said the new team will allow them to be mobile, flexible, and mitigate violence quicker.

“The feedback we get and the intelligence from the bad guys is when they show up in town, that’s already a deterrent and they start going underground.”

“Having that sustained, long-term presence here in the north, is really going to enhance public safety and create safer, stronger, more resilient communities.”

Between 2020 and 2024, the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team has been deployed to northern B.C. 28 times, representing 26 per cent of deployments.

As of September 2025, the team has been deployed 33 times, including six in the North District.

Day to day, the team will be working with RCMP to monitor the gang landscape and plan deployments in certain jurisdictions.

The team is expected to be operational in 2026.

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The Prince George Western Heritage Society renewed their call for more bleachers at last night’s (Monday) City Council meeting.

During the Official Community Plan public hearings this past spring, Kevin Cunin made a similar ask on behalf of the society.

“Our current seating inventory limits our ability to host larger events, and forces us to rely heavily on rentals, which can be expensive and unpredictable,” Cunin said at last night’s meeting.

“By investing in our own fleet of portable bleachers, the City gains flexibility reduces long term costs, and enhances overall experience for residents and visitors.”

Cunin’s recommendation included three types of units that could be used by many organizations throughout the City:

• Large-capacity towable bleachers (250-300 seats)
• Mid-size aluminum bleachers (50-100 seats)
• Small portable tip-and-roll units

“This mixture ensures we can support events of all sizes, while keeping deployment fast and efficient,” Cunin said.

“These systems are durable, safe, and designed for frequent movement.”

Councillor Susan Scott moved the item to be referred to staff to follow up on, a motion that was passed unanimously.

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The Comox Valley Food Bank will be well stocked for the holiday season and heading into next year. 

Jet FM and the Comox Valley Food Bank’s annual Stuff the Truck holiday fundraiser wrapped up Dec. 12, with a week of fundraising efforts leading to 105 pallets, which equals around 105,000 lbs of food donations. 

Communications director for the food bank Chris Arruda said the pallet numbers are unofficial and may climb past 110 in the coming days, which amounts to more than $50,000. 

“Seeing the outpouring of support is special to us and more importantly we are able to realize a lot of our fundraising goals during the season.” 

This year’s event also featured the most amount of food donations since 2019. 

Arruda said this fundraiser has made a big impact for the food bank heading into the new year. 

“Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to rise in Canada and as a result of that we have to really make these funds stretch longer than ever because as we roll into next year this is going to be something that really helps us moving forward, probably into the first half of next year.” 

Both Jet FM and the Comox Valley Food Bank would like to thank everyone who was able to contribute. 

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While patrolling Highway 97 near Lac La Hache, RCMP observed a vehicle parked blocking an intersection.

“On December tenth, Police stopped and spoke with two passengers in the vehicle,” Sargent Brian Lamb said, “While speaking with the driver and passenger illegal cigarettes were observed and both occupants were arrested.”

Lamb said a search of the vehicle yielded a large sum of illegal cigarettes, a significant amount of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, and the male passenger was found to be in breach of a release order.

“The male was subsequently arrested for the breach as well as the suspected drugs and held in custody for a bail hearing. He was later released to attend court at a later date,” Lamb said.

Police are continuing the investigation and charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking are anticipated.

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The federal government is allocating more than $113 million to British Columbia to support French language education in schools.

Ottawa said Monday the funding will help the province provide French language education from preschool to the post-secondary level over four years.

The announcement comes as the province and the federal government signed an updated bilateral agreement on minority-language education and second-language instruction, in effect through to 2028.

For decades, the province doled out federal funding for French language programs in schools under an agreement with the federal government.

The previous 2020-2023 agreement included about $48.3 million over three-years, with an additional $4.2 million specifically for minority language education. Though some of that funding was rolled over from 2019-2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Bilingualism is at the heart of the Canadian identity and is a big source of pride from coast to coast to coast,” said Marc Miller, federal minister of Canadian identity and culture and minister responsible for official languages. “Collaboration between our two governments is important in supporting learning in French, as well as bolstering linguistic, cultural and economic vitality.”

“This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing students with access to high-quality French-language education in both minority language and French immersion settings,” said B.C.’s education and child care minister, Lisa Beare.

Statistics Canada data suggest demand for French Immersion programs is rising in Canada, with enrollment in the programs at the elementary and secondary level up 64 per cent between 2005 to 2021.

Enrolment in French-language minority schools also increased by more than 20 per cent during that period.

A report released in September by the group Canadian Parents for French said B.C.’s French Immersion programs are facing “significant challenges.”

It highlights a shortage of qualified French-speaking teachers and educational assistants, more students dropping out of the program before Grade 12, and inconsistent access to programs across districts.

The post Ottawa allocates $113M to support French education in B.C. appeared first on AM 1150.

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Thursday won’t be opening day at Red Mountain after all.

The Rossland ski hill had originally opened to open on Saturday, but then pushed the start the season back a few days due to warm temperatures and lack of snow.

But sales and marketing director Kevin Manuel says Thursday is a no-go.

“We’re still contemplating an opening on Saturday, but we need to see how this next storm unfolds before we make any decisions,” he said. “Hopefully the temps cool off a bit. We need snow to the base. The forecast looks promising, but it’s too early to tell how things will unfold.”

The current snow depth is 76 centimeters but there has been no snow reported over the past 72 hours. Four centimeters are expected to fall today, followed by one centimeter tomorrow, and nine centimeters on Thursday.

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Nanaimo city council is moving ahead with its 2026-30 financial plan, which includes a projected property tax increase of 6.3 per cent in 2026. 

The city said the increase would add nearly $200 in additional property taxes for the average home in 2026. 

Under the plan, property taxes are projected to rise 5.9 per cent in 2027, 2.9 per cent in 2028, 2.8 per cent in 2029 and 2.3 per cent in 2030. 

Council gave the budget three readings at its Dec. 15 meeting. 

A series of meetings in November and December helped shape the budget, with residents invited to provide input. 

A staff report prepared for council said the financial plan supports five major goals: being green, connected, healthy, empowered and prosperous. 

The plan reflects motions from the finance and audit committee in November, including a $5.5-million increase for Loudon Park improvements to fund an amenity building and an additional $1.3 million for future park improvements. 

The committee also approved changes to the city’s Pedestrian Unallocated Program, renaming it the Active Transportation Unallocated Program and increasing funding to $600,000 annually for five years. 

The E&N Trail lighting project was removed from the budget, with $1.1 million redirected to the Active Transportation Unallocated Program. 

The Luminous Paths festival will become a biennial event, with a starting budget of $86,000. 

The financial plan has not yet been formally adopted. Council is expected to review and amend it in April before final approval. A staff report noted that giving the plan three readings now allows the city to proceed with work on programs and projects planned for 2026. 

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The South Cariboo showed their true spirit of giving by supporting in a big way two charitable events that took place Friday December 12.

100 Mile House RCMP along with BC Highway Patrol and BC Conservation Service teamed up with Fresh Co to host the “Cram the Cruiser” food drive.

“In total 195 donation bags were purchased and donated in addition to several hundred dollars in cash donations,” RCMP Sargeant Brian Lamb said, “The donated items were distributed to the 100 Mile Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes.”

Later that night members of 100 Mile House RCMP and 100 Mile Fire Rescue took to the ice for the annual “Guns and Hoses” charity hockey game at the South Cariboo Rec Centre.

“Approximately 300 people came out to the rink,” Lamb said, “In total 980 pounds of food and roughly $2000 were donated that will go to the 100 Mile Food Bank.”

The RCMP thank all the volunteers, local merchants and organizations that donated the prizes for this game and the community who made these two events a huge success.

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One person remains in hospital after North Cowichan fire crews responded to a call around 7:30 last night on Gibbons Road. 

Fire chief Ron French says crews were returning from another call in the area when they were flagged down to respond to the blaze. 

“A neighbour flagged them down and the crew could see flames behind a house,” he says. “Before the 911 call came in crews were already on the scene.” 

 Crews were quick to extinguish the fire, but French says there were still injuries sustained. 

“We knocked the fire down as best we could, but we still had to rescue a couple of people,” he says. “One was on the top floor and another was able to escape from the second floor.”  

French says response time played a big factor in the fire and the scene could’ve had a different outcome if crews weren’t already in the area.  

The fire is under investigation by the department’s investigator and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. 

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RCMP are looking for witnesses to an assault in downtown Trail.

They say on Nov. 29 at about 9:30 p.m., a victim was assaulted by an unknown man at 970 Spokane Street. They say the victim was grabbed and tossed to the ground. The victim was hurt badly enough that they had to go to the hospital.

Police are trying to identify the suspect, who is described as a white man, five-foot-seven or five-foot-eight, between 50 and 70 years old, and with shoulder-length white-greying hair.

Anyone with info is asked to call RCMP at 250-364-2566.

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The District of Elkford will open a warming centre at the Community Conference Centre for the upcoming planned power outage.

The outage is expected to start at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and last until 4 a.m. Thurrsday, Dec. 18.

The warming centre will be open for the same timeframe.

Mayor Steve Fairbairn said residents have enough time to get prepared.

“Have an extra blanket on your bed, make sure your windows are closed and blinds are drawn,” he said.

“If people know what’s going on, they have the time to make decisions about what they are going to do within their own home.”

The outage is weather dependent and could still be postponed depending on how cold it is outside.

Anyone with questions regarding the outage or the warming centre is asked to contact BC Hydro directly.

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Fernie’s wastewater system is returning to normal after the city was pelted by the recent atmospheric river.

City staff said flows are still elevated, but the system is performing well.

The Ministry of Transportation has deemed the two mudslides on Cokato Road are considered safe, and there is no immediate risk to the public.

Crews will continue to monitor while working through the required post-spill reporting from the emergency response.

The city had to dump wastewater into the river.

Staff will also be presenting council with an update on the Wastewater Treatment Compliance Design Project.

In 2020, the Ministry of Environment advised that the city must obtain regulatory authorization to discharge effluent in accordance with the Municipal Wastewater Regulation or risk enforcement action.

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A provincially mandated deer hunt will take place in the Cranbrook area from Jan. 5 to 31.

The targeted hunt aims to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease and increase sampling to monitor its presence, according to the City of Cranbrook.

The city is reminding hunters to be aware of municipal boundaries and all applicable regulations, including a prohibition on hunting in the Cranbrook Community Forest.

Discharging a firearm or bow within the City of Cranbrook is prohibited and subject to a $5,000 fine.

A map of the boundary area can be found here.

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BC Housing provided an update on its supportive housing and shelter project in Smithers to council at Tuesday’s meeting.

The new building would be built on Alfred Avenue behind town hall, and originally planned to bring 40 new supportive housing units to the community.

“After consulting engagement that occurred in 2024 and early 2025, a 20-bed shelter component was added to the development scheme,” said James Weldon, Director for JTW Consulting.

The supportive housing would not include clinical support, instead focusing on life skills, education, employment, and other similar aspects.

The building would also include communal spaces both indoors and outside to allow residents to connect and interact with each other.

“The building will be 24 hour staffed with outreach workers and visiting support consultants,” said Weldon.

The supportive housing units on the second and third floors would include a kitchen and bathroom, with a meal program also being offered.

The building will have five shelter dorms on the main floor, each accommodating four people, with a separate entrance, amenities, and supports from the supportive housing tenants.

Work started in January, 2024, when the three lots were rezoned to allow for the new building with two existing homes and an office building being demolished.

A community engagement session is scheduled for spring next year with construction to start the following autumn.

BC Housing expects the building to start accepting residents either late 2027 or early 2028.

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Public consultation for the CVRD’s official community plan has resulted in more emphasis on sustainable growth, housing, climate action and environmental stewardship  

According to the district, the adopted bylaw in the OCP will provide a comprehensive framework for land use in all electoral areas for the next 20 years and chair Kate Segall says this adoption was done after significant engagement on current issues. 

“Throughout this process, we heard clearly what matters to most residents; strengthening our communities, supporting responsible growth and protecting the rural landscapes that define us,” she says. “The board and CVRD staff worked thoughtfully to bring input into the document and were grateful for the community’s commitment to understanding how this plan guides our shared future.” 

Segall says further engagement is needed to update zoning bylaws. 

“Moving forward, we’ll be modernizing our zoning bylaw, which is where the ‘rubber hits the road,’” she says. “We’ll be reaching out to the development community on how to streamline our process.” 

According to the district, interest in the OCP from the public has grown in South Cowichan and Segall says the district will need to engage those Electoral Areas to include them in the plan. 

“There’s a lot of interest around our master plan development identified in Areas A, B and C, so those are some potential works,” she says. 

Some of the highlights will also include growth management to establish containment boundaries, detailed policies for development permits and gathering community input on projects within the Cowichan Valley. 

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The Cowichan Valley Regional District has completed the McGee Creek Bridge Replacement Project along the Cowichan Valley Trail, a key section of the Trans Canada Trail near Shawnigan Lake.

The project involved removing the aging timber bridge and installing a new single-span steel bridge designed to be more climate-resilient, environmentally friendly, and lower maintenance. Additional work included erosion control, environmental restoration around the creek, and resurfacing sections of the trail impacted during construction.

The upgrade was supported in part by a $120,000 grant from the Trans Canada Trail Foundation, which helps fund improvements to trail infrastructure across Canada.

CVRD officials say the new bridge will improve safety, access, and long-term sustainability for trail users, ensuring the Cowichan Valley Trail continues to serve both residents and visitors for years to come.

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A trio of Grand Forks Border Bruins players has been named to the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Team of the Week for the period ending Dec. 14.

Goaltender Thomas Samborski, defenceman Logan McCabe and forward Levi Astill were recognized after helping the Border Bruins shut out both the Beaver Valley Nitehawks and the Nelson Leafs in a dominant weekend.

Samborski, a Grande Prairie, Alta., native, earned back-to-back shutouts, stopping a total of 59 shots. He made 40 saves in a 1-0 win over Beaver Valley, then turned aside 19 shots as the Bruins blanked Nelson 8-0.

Astill, from Edmonton, recorded five points across the two games, including his first hat trick of the season in the win over Nelson. He scored the game-winner and added an assist in that match, and also set up the lone goal against Beaver Valley. Astill finished the weekend +6 while averaging 20:37 of ice time. It’s his second consecutive Team of the Week selection.

McCabe, also of Edmonton, had four assists in the 8-0 victory over Nelson, including one on the insurance goal. He posted a +6 rating and logged 24:22 of ice time.

The Border Bruins now sit among the KIJHL’s top defensive teams, having allowed the fewest goals in the league this season as of Dec. 14.

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The crowds were big and so were the results.

The Rossland Warriors scored home-opening wins of 5-2 and 10-1 over the visiting Spokane Grinders.

Dyne Parker of Rossland buried the the game winning goal last Friday with a late second period snipe.

Creston’s Jesse Collins and former Beaver Valley Nitehawk Nolan Corrado had a goal and assist each.

Former Nitehawk and Selkirk Saints netminder Tallon Kramer recorded the win in goal.

Collins was one of the main contributors in Saturday’s doubleheader sweeping 10-1 tuning of the Grinders.

He had two goals and assisted on three others, while Ryan Edwards also had a five point night on a goal and four helpers.

Kyle Hope pitched in with a goal and two assists.

Spencer McLean started the offensive onslaught with a highlight reel goal early in the second period.

The winning goaltender was Carson Schamerhorn.

The Warriors return home Jan. 23 and 24 against the Hope Icebreakers, looking to avenge two losses to the newly formed senior AA team during the late-October twin bill in their rink.

The Warriors will hit the road Jan 15. and 16 for a doubleheader against the Regals in Powell River.

Their record this season is 4-2.

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The Prince George RCMP is looking for witnesses to help with a bear spray incident investigation.

Police say the incident occurred just before 6:00 last night, where five people believed to be youth, ran through the mall and are believed to have deployed bear spray.

“We’re just looking for any witnesses that have not yet spoken to police that either saw them in the mall, or as they were leaving the mall property.”

Anyone with information can contact the Prince George RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-561-3300.

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The City of Campbell River has named a developer for its Reimagine the Row project on Shoppers Row.

Seymour Pacific Developments and Broadstreet Properties will lead the downtown redevelopment, which could include up to 200 rental housing units above commercial and civic space.

Mayor Kermit Dahl is pleased to see this partnership come to fruition.

“This partnership is another meaningful step that will strengthen housing options in Campbell River and add energy and vibrancy to Shoppers Row,” shared Mayor Kermit Dahl. “The middle-income and affordable rental housing will help address the City’s low rental vacancy rate and the commercial and civic spaces will support long-term community revitalization.”

The city says at least 10 per cent of the units are slated to be affordable housing, pending final approvals.

Preliminary concepts include up to 200 rental units, a new home for the Downtown Safety Office, space for a potential restaurant with an outdoor patio as well as civic and commercial spaces with nearby parking.

Demolition in the 1300-block of Shoppers Row is expected to begin later this month, with construction continuing into next year.

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Smithers RCMP are investigating an impaired driving collision that occurred early Thursday morning.

According to police, the incident happened at about 1:00 on Highway 16 between a semi-truck and another vehicle.

Mounties add the vehicle’s passenger was taken to hospital where their injuries were treated while the driver remains under investigation for impaired driving causing bodily harm.

“We continue to see impaired drivers on our roads despite repeated enforcement and public messaging,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Law.

“These are preventable situations, and the consequences can be life-altering for everyone involved.”

Officers add the incident occurred not long after the RCMP’s annual Light Up the Province campaign to combat impaired driving.

Police are reminding motorists impaired driving is one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions in British Columbia.

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A five-month RCMP investigation has led to arrests and multiple charges related to drugs and firearms. 

Police said investigators identified a residence they believed was involved in drug trafficking and executed a search warrant on April 17. Charges were approved earlier this month. 

During the search, officers found 52 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of cocaine, 30 grams of methamphetamine and 213 illicit pills. They also seized body armour and two firearms, including one reported stolen during a break-and-enter in Port Alberni.  

A 44-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman are facing a range of charges related to firearms and drug trafficking.  

No further details are available as the matter is now before the courts. 

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As warm as it was yesterday (December 15) in the Cariboo, only one community broke a daytime high record.

“Yesterday in Quesnel it got up to 10.7 degrees and the old record was 10.6 set in 1962,” Environment Canada Meteorologist Brian Proctor said, “For Williams Lake yesterday was 10.3 and the record is 11.2 set in 1980.”

Proctor said the Cariboo can expect to go from one extreme to another.

“We have a special weather statement out for today (December 16) for strong wind gusts overnight into Wednesday morning. As we move forward into the week daytime highs go from what you saw yesterday, that 10 to 11 degree mark, to 4 degrees today to 1 tomorrow (December 17).”

Proctor noted that by the time we get to the weekend daytime highs will be minus 8 as cold air starts to move down into the Central Interior and the Chilcotin.

“By the time we get to Sunday (December 21) we have daytime highs of around minus 16 to minus 18. It looks like the major surge of Arctic air is going to be coming through the region Thursday night and it could be very windy as well,” Proctor said.

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The Blackwater Mine, 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George is undergoing an expansion.

Today (Tuesday), Artemis Gold announced the expanded Phase 2 development at the facility.

The company says the expansion will be completed at a cost of 1.44 billion dollars.

Artemis says the expansion will represent a significant addition from an expected 8 million tonnes before the end of next year to 21 million tonnes prior to the end of 2028.

Once Phase 2 is in production, the Blackwater Mine is expected to produce an average of 500 thousand to 525 thousand ounces of gold for the first 10 years, which would make it into one of the three largest single gold mines in Canada.

Early works is set to begin in January with major construction slated for the third quarter of 2026, spanning two years.

Peak construction is expected to generate 1,500 direct jobs. Once done, the Blackwater Mine will employ 1,200 employees and contractors.

“The Blackwater Mine is a world-class, large-scale asset in a tier-one mining jurisdiction that is delivering low-cost production and strong cash flows. Our consistent long-term vision for the Blackwater Mine has been to grow low-cost production to at least 500,000 gold ounces per year through staged, capital-efficient expansions funded primarily by cash flow from operations. EP2 delivers on our long-term vision and now is an opportune time to embark on this next phase of growth. We have a strong and experienced team in place who successfully delivered Phase 1, and we have strong cash flows and a solid balance sheet that will allow us to build EP2 without diluting our equity holders.”

“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our Indigenous partners, local communities and the provincial and federal governments to responsibly develop the Blackwater Mine. EP2 will expand the Blackwater Mine to be one of the largest gold mines in Canada and will generate significant economic and other community benefits for many years to come.”

The mine life is expected to be through to 2043, with the final five years of processing from stockpiles.

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It’s a done deal.

Ottawa has signed off on the merger between Teck Resources Ltd. and Anglo American.

Teck chief executive Jonathan Price promises the deal will deliver billions in investment and drive new economic activity and job creation in other countries in addition to Canada.

“Canada and British Columbia are recognized world-wide as strong mining jurisdictions with critical minerals strategies focused on creating a positive environment to attract new investment and growth in responsible mining,” said Price in the company’s news release.

“The merger will combine two world-class companies to form a business of significant scale and capability that will deliver billions in investment and drive new economic activity and job creation here in Canada and beyond,” added Price.

The CEO of Anglo American commented on the combined company’s ability to be a coordinated and diversified force in the industry.

“We are all committed to preserving and building on the proud heritage of both companies,” said Duncan Wanblad.

“In Canada, as home to Anglo Teck’s world headquarters, in South Africa where our commitment to investment and national priorities endures, and across our entire global operational and commercial blueprint,” the statement added, while also making a promise to stakeholders.

“We look forward to our continuing our commitment to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders including Indigenous Peoples and communities,” Wanblad explained.

Federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly endorsed the deal late Monday.

Joly said in a statement she determined the merger will be a net benefit to Canada and called it a “significant win,” claimed the minister.

Joly pointed to the company’s estimate of creating 4,000 Canadian jobs and a five-year investment of $4.5-billion in Canada, which fits into the government’s goals for the Canadian economy.

“It is an unequivocal endorsement of the federal government’s efforts to build the strongest economy in the G-7,” said Joly’s statement.

“Anglo Teck with its global headquarters in Vancouver, will be a truly Canadian champion on the world stage,” Joly’s statement added.

In addition to the cash infusion, the combined company has promised that a significant majority of its senior management will be based in Canada, while a substantial proportion of its board of directors will be Canadian.

Anglo Teck has pledged to put $750 million into the Trail Operation.

That plan includes the possibility of adding critical minerals including germanium and could also see copper processed in Trail.

Shareholders gave their blessing to the merger last week.

It was first announced in September.

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The BC Assembly of First Nations is calling on all levels of government, institutions and Canadians to renew their commitment towards the 94 Calls to Action within the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report.

Today (Tuesday), marks the 10th anniversary of its official launch and publication.

“The TRC specifically calls for the full adoption and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (The Declaration) as the framework for reconciliation in Canada,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee.

“BC was the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement The Declaration, and British Columbians should be very proud of that.”

The group asks Canadians to reflect on the journey over the past decade, since the release of the TRC Final Report, and the struggle to correct centuries of colonial harm and systemic discrimination.

“We must fight the spread of denialism regarding the legacy of residential schools and First Nations rights and continue to advance the work to uphold these legal obligations and commitments,” added Teegee.

More information about the TRC Final Report and the 94 Calls to Action can be found here.

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Strengthening the response to gang violence in Northern B.C. is the topic of an event today (Tuesday) in Prince George.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger is holding an event at the Council Chambers Foyer of Prince George City Hall at 1pm.

Joining her will be Mayor Simon Yu as well as Manny Mann the Assistant Commander and Chief officer of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit as well as Superintendent Ken Floyd, the acting North District Commander.

The conference gets underway at 1pm.

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Old Man Winter is looking to dump a fresh blanket of snow on to the Prince George, Vanderhoof area just in time for Christmas.

Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning where up to 10 to 15 centimetres is expected to accumulate between tonight (Tuesday) and Wednesday morning.

An intense Pacific frontal system is approaching the BC Interior.

Light snow from the system will start late this afternoon and intensify this evening.

The snow will continue through tonight with total accumulations up to 15 cm expected before it tapers off to a few flurries on Wednesday morning.

Travel will likely be challenging. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.

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“It was great.”

That’s how Williams Lake Fresh Co store owner Evan Haubric summed up how the Corporate cash donation match weekend went.

“Saturday (December 13) we raised $1167 and with the matching donation it totalled $2334,” Haubric said, “Donation bags were a big hit. We sold $1385 worth of food bags as well so altogether we raised just over $3700 in one day.”

The Williams Lake RCMP, Fire Department, and the boys U15 hockey were also helping that day from 11 until 3.

Haurbic said Sunday (December 14) wasn’t as busy but they still received $127 in cash donations and $325 in food bags.

The Williams Lake Fresh Co Holiday Food Drive for the Salvation Army Food Bank is currently just over the 10-thousand mark in combined cash and food bag donations that beats last year’s total which they were just shy of reaching.

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BC Cancer’s mobile mammography unit is expected to return to the Kootenay region in the new year, following a period of service disruptions caused by staffing shortages and vehicle maintenance.

The update comes after a social media post shared in Nelson raised concerns about access to breast cancer screening locally and the absence of a publicly confirmed return date for the mobile service.

BC Cancer’s mobile mammography screening program operates a fleet of three digital coaches that travel to more than 170 rural and remote communities across the province annually, helping improve access to cancer screening for eligible people.

The service provides breast cancer screening to women and many Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing care.

In a statement to Vista Radio, BC Cancer acknowledged that visits to some communities were cancelled over the past year because of staff vacancies and fleet maintenance issues.

“To reduce the impact on people in need of screening mammography, we are promoting alternative screening options, such as health authority or community imaging clinics in neighbouring communities,” BC Cancer said.

It said that a vehicle dedicated to servicing the Interior and Kootenay region is operational and will return to the Kootenay region in January 2026, with dates to be announced.

However, scheduling mobile visits is weather dependent, as winter conditions and mountain passes can limit access to some communities.

Once confirmed, upcoming visit dates will be posted on BC Cancer’s clinic locator.

In the meantime, residents who need screening mammography can access services outside Nelson at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook or the Penticton Regional Hospital.

Interior Health said wait times for screening mammography at those facilities are currently about three weeks.

“Interior Health meets regularly with BC Cancer to review wait time and wait list data to improve access to important breast cancer screening services,” Interior Health said.

Information about breast cancer screening eligibility and mammography services is available through BC Cancer and Interior Health.

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

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Prince George City Council has voted against a motion that would have given funds to five seniors centres in the City, but they plan to meet to help figure out how they can better support seniors.

At tonight’s (Monday) meeting, Prince George Mayor Simon Yu put forward a report, asking City Council to consider allocating the remaining Council contingency fund to help address a financial gap affecting the Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society.

However, he changed it so that it would go to each of the five senior centres, divided equally.

Yu put forward two motions.

The first was to distribute the remaining balance of the Council Contingency Fund ($17,691) equally among the five senior citizen organizations.

The second was to direct Administration to engage with senior organizations to determine whether a budget enhancement is required in the coming year to adequately support these organizations.

Councillor Kyle Sampson said he was looking at it differently, calling it a band-aid.

“My concern with the approach is that dipping into contingency to directly support one or a few organizations without a broader look at how the landscape is for seniors programming in our community, what their needs truly are, is a bit reactive and is not providing a long term solution to folks who need it,” Sampson said.

Sampson said he felt they should be bringing the seniors groups together to have a facilitated session to understand where they may be struggling, where they could collaborate, and see if there’s a way the city could do to help.

Councillor Susan Scott said she supported that direction.

“I think we do need to come together in a different way to talk about how we can work better, how we can make our resources go further,” Scott said.

“Every one of us sitting in this room and those listening have a finite amount of resources available to them, and we all have to learn how to make those resources work smarter and harder.”

Councillor Brian Skakun said he would support Yu’s motion, but agreed that a deeper look is needed.

“I definitely think we need to know what their challenges are,” Skakun said.

Asked by Councillor Cori Ramsay, Director of Finance and IT Services Kris Dalio reminded Council that unspent Council Contingency Funds go towards the surplus for the next year.

“I feel like when we get to the end of the year, Council Contingency isn’t just this slush fund of money that we should just allocate to the maximum amount, it is moneys that do go to the following year to help reduce the tax levy and the burden on others,” Ramsay said.

“While I totally understand it’s important to support our seniors groups, our seniors aren’t the only groups that are in need, there’s a lot of other groups around the City of Prince George that also need support.”

Ramsay added with Yu’s pivot to splitting the funds, she added there were a lot of variables that she didn’t have time to consider, such as permissive tax exemptions.

Dalio also added that the $17,691.00 number may not have been accurate, as the City underspent on another project funded by Council Contingency earlier in the year.

Councillor Tim Bennett said he was having an easier time with Yu’s new motion, but he still had concerns.

“I think there is a need to, how do we further support our senior centres, and provide resources to allow them to continue the great work that they’re doing and stretching every dollar, probably better than we’re able to stretch it as a community,”

“But I do have concerns with just approving an amount for the sake of approving an amount.”

Councillor Ron Polillo said the motion is very well intentioned, but the pivot threw him for a loop.

“I do feel that it is short-term, and it’s not sustainable,” Polillo said.

Polillo said this also brings up a larger question of how the Council Contingency Fund is used.

“I’m not going to bring that discussion up here tonight,” he added.

“I know at Finance and Audit, I had suggested that that’s something I would like Council to look at in budget discussion, I’m not sure it’s the best way to use taxpayer dollars quite frankly. I would like and encourage my Council colleagues to have a discussion coming up during budget and month of whether we should even have Council contingency.”

After an amendment to remove the dollar figure, Council ultimately defeated the motion.

Following the vote, many of the visibly upset seniors in attendance got up and left, making remarks such as “you’ll be here one day,” and “their time will come” on their way out, which led to Manager of Legislative Services Ethan Anderson asking that they be quiet during Council proceedings.

Sampson put forward an amendment with more detail to Yu’s second motion.

“The issue I have with this, this is making a phone call and saying would you like us to ask for more money in the tax process, and would you like us to give you more money,” Sampson said.

“The engagement needs to go deeper. We need to understand where their opportunities are, where their challenges are, we need to understand where there’s opportunity for efficiency, where we can help them collaborate with each other, and we need to understand what kind of feedback they have for us on our grant process.”

Sampson’s motion called for a facilitated, collaborative session with representatives from each of the seniors centres, with a one-time budget of up to $5,000 from the Council Contingency Fund to support the session.

This motion was passed.

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Sports by Hartley Tuesday, December 16th, 2025  as of 12:05 a.m.

The (22-8) Cougars visit the (15-9-4-3) Penticton Vees Wednesday and the (25-3-2-1) Everett Silvertips on Friday before heading on their Christmas break.

Prince George leads the BC Division by 7 points over Penticton and is 2nd in the Western Conference 9 points behind Everett.

The PG Cougars regular season schedule and results are here.

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OneBC says its board of directors has removed Dallas Brodie as interim leader. 

The right-wing party, which formed after a split with the B.C Conservatives earlier this year, said in a statement over the weekend the ouster comes due to “Brodie’s increasing instability, paranoia, erratic behaviour, and abusive conduct.”

Tara Armstrong, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream and OneBC House Leader, said she has lost confidence in Brodie’s leadership. 

The party’s statement on the social media platform X, said Brodie fired senior staff members without warning, including OneBC Chief of Staff Tim Thielmann and Director of Strategic Operations Paul Ratchford. 

It also alleges she instructed “agents” to access and copy party assets, communications software, and databases without authorization.

“The board has taken steps to protect membership and other sensitive data and has commenced an external investigation into the matter,” said the statement. 

It alleges that during the final two weeks of the B.C. legislature’s fall session, Brodie yelled and used abusive language toward staff members. 

“After senior staff and caucus colleague MLA Armstrong raised concerns of her behavior, Ms. Brodie severed communications and refused to respond to senior staff or MLA Armstrong for nearly a week, despite multiple urgent requests to discuss pressing matters,” said the statement. 

In a separate statement on social media, Armstrong said the past two weeks have been “shocking and deeply painful.”

Brodie, MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, launched OneBC with Armstrong in June.

Brodie was expelled from the Conservative caucus in March after comments she made on a podcast about residential school survivors.

Armstrong and Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy left the Conservatives shortly after in solidarity, though Kealy remains sitting as an Independent. 

Brodie issued a statement to X on Sunday that doesn’t directly acknowledge her removal as party leader. 

She said she had raised concerns about a junior staffer and alleges Thielmann and Ratchford “subverted” her orders to remove him. 

“I understand that many people are worried, frustrated, and disappointed. I want to assure you that my values, my visions and policies are unchanged, and I am as committed as ever to upholding them and to fighting for excellence and prosperity of British Columbia,” said Brodie.

Brodie’s profile on X still described her as being the leader of OneBC as of Monday afternoon, though her name and bio were removed from the party’s official website. 

Without two MLAs in the legislature, OneBC would not meet the threshold for official party status.

Kealy does not appear ready to rejoin OneBC to meet that threshold, saying in a statement Monday he remains committed to sitting as an Independent.

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Campbell River RCMP said a man reported missing last week has been found deceased.

Police reported Dec. 10 that 53-year-old Michael Surgenor was missing.

In an update issued Monday, police confirmed Surgenor had been located and was deceased.

Police thanked members of the public who assisted with the search.

“The 53-year-old man who was reported missing on December 10th, 2025 has been located,” read a statement from Campbell River RCMP. “The Campbell River RCMP thanks the media and public for their assistance.”

No further details were released.

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Granisle residents are being asked to avoid drinking municipal tap water until further notice.

The village released the Do Not Consume notice today (Monday) due to a coagulant entering the water distribution lines.

The coagulant contains aluminum chlorohydrate which binds to materials in source water to be filtered out during treatment.

This is separate from a Boil Water notice as the contaminant cannot be mitigated by disinfection such as boiling water.

Municipal water can still be used for bathing, showering, household cleaning, and flushing toilets according to the village.

Potable water will be available at the village office.

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Flood and rainfall warnings remain in place for parts of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland as about 100 properties are under evacuation order.

“This remains a dynamic and evolving situation and the risks are real,” said Kelly Greene, B.C.’s emergency management and climate readiness minister, in an update early Monday afternoon.

“The ground is saturated in many areas. The rivers are full. Additional rainfall is going to increase the potential for more flooding and landslides,” said Greene.

About 1,200 properties are under evacuation alert due to flooding in the Fraser Valley region, meaning residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. 

Greene said crews deployed over 30,000 sandbags as B.C’s south coast saw heavy rainfall starting Sunday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an orange-level rainfall warning for the Fraser and Skagit valleys, meaning there’s the possibility of serious disruption or damage. About 80 millimetres are expected in higher elevations. 

ECCC said the rain is expected to ease by early Monday evening as the system moves off. 

Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham said there were no reports of rising water on farms.

Popham said six poultry farms were flooded since last week and ministry staff were helping farmers navigate the situation, including animal disposal where necessary.

She said work is ongoing to ensure livestock can be relocated if floodwaters rise over the next 12-hours. 

She added that one hog farm is cut off from receiving supplies and the province is looking into possibly delivering food to the farm by helicopter. 

Popham also said she spoke to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald on Monday morning, and asked for more support. 

“We need to make sure that the federal government’s at the table when we’re requesting funding to try and find solutions for this situation into the future,” said Popham. 

Last week, Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens slammed Ottawa’s response to the flooding, which comes four-years after the devastating floods of November 2021.  

Connie Chapman, executive director of water management for the province, said flood levels are expected to recede through Monday evening. She said warnings remain in place for the Sumas and Chilliwack Rivers, but the Nooksack in Washington state is not expected to over top its banks.

She said flood warnings are also in place for the North Shore Mountains where many streams were just beginning to peak on Monday afternoon.

Chapman said rain is expected Tuesday in the Hope, Chilliwack and Abbotsford areas, but colder temperatures mean it will fall as snow in higher elevations. 

Sections of Highways 1 and 99 that the province had proactively closed were reopened midday on Monday, though there’s an advisory in place for Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon due to high winds.

There’s no estimated reopening time yet for Highway 3 between Hope and East Gate (Manning Park). DriveBC said there are 21 sites that were seriously damaged, including landslide, culvert blowouts, and road washouts.

The Sumas Canada-U.S. border crossing is also closed to all traffic.

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The Lakes District Hospital Emergency Department is closed tonight (Monday) due to staffing challenges.

According to Northern Health, the disruption started at 3:00 p.m. today with the department reopening at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

The health authority said anyone requiring life-threatening emergency care should call 9-1-1 to be transported to the nearest appropriate and available facility.

That includes chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding.

Those requiring non-urgent care should contact their primary care provider or the Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic.

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City staff in Fernie are preparing to present a draft water and wastewater budget to council that could result in a 14.5 per cent increase to water rates and a 17 per cent hike to wastewater charges.

When it comes to water, 7.5 per cent accounts for one new operator, four per cent will go towards increasing contributions to the reserve to improve backlog and three per cent will cover inflationary operating expenses.

The water rate hike will add $13.15 per quarter for a total bill per quarter of $103.84.

Wastewater will see a four per cent increase for reserve contributions and three per cent for inflation. In addition, wastewater will see either a five per cent or 10 per cent increase to help reduce the borrowing or uncertain grant funding for upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2028-29.

At the full 17 per cent, the average quarterly wastewater bill would rise by $20.77, totalling $142.96.

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The District of Sparwood narrowly broke a daily high temperature record Sunday that had stood for more than four decades.

Environment Canada said the temperature reached 8.1 C on Dec. 14, just above the previous record of 8.0 C set in 1980.

Weather records in Sparwood have been kept since 1960.

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The planned shutdown of Crofton’s pulp and paper mill was scheduled to take place today, but Domtar’s senior director of public affairs said the change will benefit employees and suppliers. 

Chris Stoicheff said the original date was set for Dec. 15, but the company has since re‑evaluated that timeline. 

“The shutdown of the Crofton mill operation has been extended until Jan. 4,” he said. “This provides our employees with a continued schedule throughout the holiday season and our suppliers a few additional weeks to provide services to the mill.” 

Although the shutdown date has been extended, Stoicheff said there will be no change to final staffing decisions. 

“Our employees will continue working at the site until February, and in some cases April on asset preservation,” he said. 

North Cowichan mayor Rob Douglas said it does not matter which date Domtar chooses to close the mill; it will still have a huge impact on the community. 

“This is devastating for our community, we’re talking about 350 jobs,” he said. “These workers are real people with family, mortgages and there are also indirect jobs.” 

The mill closure was announced Dec. 3. 

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Thousands of BC Hydro customers are without power in the Nanaimo area and on the Sunshine Coast as crews work to repair lines damaged by wind. 

Power is out at Icon Radio’s station, which has temporarily put the station off the air. 

According to BC Hydro’s outage map, about 1,500 customers are without power in a large area near Terminal Avenue between Princess Royal Avenue and Fitzwilliam Street because of a downed wire. Crews were on site as of a 12:45 p.m. update. 

An outage stretching from Departure Bay through a significant area of Hammond Bay Road is affecting about 3,000 customers. BC Hydro lists the wind storm as a cause and said crews are assigned for repairs. 

Another outage in the Boundary Crescent area has left about 250 customers in the dark. 

A tree downed across a power line has knocked out power for nearly 2,000 customers in the Rock City area. BC Hydro said crews were on the way. 

There are also significant outages in the Oceanside area. This includes the French Creek area, Whiskey Creek and Dashwood. 

Current outages and updates can be found on BC Hydro’s website. 

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Residents can expect a small increase in curbside collection and landfill fees in 2026, according to the City of Cranbrook’s proposed financial plan.

The monthly fee for garbage collection is expected to rise from $9.50 in 2025 to $10.50 in 2026.

There is also the landfill requisition, which was $10.50 a month in 2025 and will go up to $12.

Landfill user fees are re-evaluated annually. City staff said the proposed five-year financial plan includes an annual 50-cent increase per month, but the exact amount is confirmed each fall.

Finance director Charlotte Osborne explains what residents will pay for all utilities.

“The total monthly utility fees for water, sewer, garbage collection and landfill will increase in 2026 by $4 across all of those, resulting in an increase from $69.50 a month to $73.50.”

Cranbrook city council will give final adoption at a future meeting.

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The province and ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation have signed an agreement aimed at supporting predictable harvesting and sustainable forestry in northern Vancouver Island’s TFL 37 area.

Under the joint decision-making agreement, the province and the First Nation will work together to ensure transparency and build consensus on where and how harvesting activities will occur, officials said. The pact also reflects implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The shared decision-making agreement recognises our right to make forestry management decisions in our territory, an important incremental recognition of our jurisdiction that fosters reconciliation,” ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation chief Victor Isaac said. “The agreement implements the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by ensuring processes for obtaining our free, prior and informed consent for [Forest Landscape Plans] and [Forest Operations Plans]. Our consent will ensure that ’Na̱mg̱is forest values will be central to stewardship.”

The agreement focuses on Tree Farm Licence 37 near Woss and Port McNeill, territory where Western Forest Products holds the licence. A draft of the agreement was completed in October and neighbouring communities, industry and stakeholders were invited to provide input between Oct. 3 and Nov. 2.

Western Forest Products and ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation previously collaborated on a draft Forest Landscape Plan and Forest Operations Plan covering most of TFL 37 and submitted those plans under a pilot project in 2025.

“Completing this agreement marks a major step forward in building a modern, collaborative planning approach for northern Vancouver Island firmly rooted in partnership with ’Na̱mg̱is,” said Steven Hofer, president and CEO of Western Forest Products Inc. “Guided by transparency and ongoing engagement, this agreement enables timely approval and implementation of the Forest Landscape Plan and Forest Operations Plan for TFL 37 and moves toward what our sector needs to support reduced costs, strengthen economic resilience and deliver lasting benefits for communities as we navigate challenging times.”

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The 2025 Air Tahiti NUI Cup was a very successful venture for several Prince George judo athletes.

Olivia Wisniwoski of the Northern Capital Judo Club captured a trio of gold medals in the U18 +69 kilogram, +70kg women and in team fights.

In additional several members of the Hart Judo Academy left with some hardware around their necks.

Sylvie Schimann picked up gold and silver in the U15 girls 46kg individual and mixed team events.

Megan Grooten collected three gold medals in the U18 59-kilogram, 55kg senior and team competition representing Team Canada 1, which also included PG’s Preston Holt.

Yannick Schimann also collected a gold and a silver medal in the U18 64-kilogram and senior 62-kilo weight classes. He also collected a bronze medal as a member of Team Canada 2.

Lastly, Madeline Schimann claimed a bronze medal in the senior 55-kilogram competition.

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The Village of Burns Lake is asking residents to limit demand on the municipal sewer system.

This is because rain and melting snow are putting a heavy strain on the wastewater pumping system at the Pioneer Lift Station according to the village.

Some ways to reduce sewer usage include limiting showering, laundry, toilet, dishwasher, and sump pump use until further notice.

The village added there is no immediate risk to the public, property, or flooding.

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Two calls to the Microwave area, about 22 kilometres west of Telkwa, were attended by Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue (BVSAR) last week.

One call was for a snowmobile group that got stuck in the area with another being due to an injured snowmobiler.

According to a post on Facebook, weather and snow conditions played a major role in the callouts.

BVSAR is recommending those who are planning a trip outdoors to be prepared to spend the night if things don’t go according to plan, and to plan ahead.

Items to check before heading out include turn-around times with those traveling at the same time, leaving a trip plan with a friend or family member, pack essentials, and check the avalanche forecast.

Search and Rescue also thanked the Smithers Snowmobile Association for maintaining backcountry cabins which were used for one of the rescues.

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A drug trafficking investigation at a downtown hotel netted one arrest for the Prince George RCMP.

The file began on December 5th, when officers became aware of some suspicious behaviour occurring on the 1500-block of Victoria Street.

This led police officers to obtain and execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant on three of the units at that location.

Once inside, investigators located and seized more than 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine and fentanyl.

“By seizing these illicit substances from those who would continue to do harm by selling them to the vulnerable people in our community, we see another great example of the dedication to public safety that our Frontline police officers exhibit daily,” stated Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

This file is now concluded.

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Temperatures in the Comox Valley reached a new daily high over the weekend. 

Both the Courtenay and Comox areas hit 11.7 C on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, tying the record for that date, according to Environment Canada. 

The readings were among eight locations across British Columbia to reach or match Dec. 14 temperature records, and Qualicum Beach was the only other Vancouver Island site on the list. 

Records in the Comox Valley have been kept since 1914. 

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Welcome to Hartley’s Cat Scan!

This is a weekly podcast featuring the ‘who’s who’ of the Prince George Cougars.

Hartley’s guest this week is Washington Capitals prospect and Cougars forward Terik Parascak

During the episode, he discussed a number of topics including:

• Development over the years, one major highlight prior to being drafted
• Thoughts on Alex Ovechkin
• WHL Draft outcome with the Cougars; getting selected first round by the Washington Capitals
• Establishing pro habits, plans during the off-season
• Playing against Jack Hughes in pre-season
• Same results, different team for the Cougars
• What do kids ask the most during school, community visits

You can also find this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

LISTEN:

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BC Hydro says a windstorm has knocked down power lines across Duncan, leaving over 4,600 people without power. 

According to their website, outages started around 10:30 a.m. with the hardest hit areas being in the vicinity of north-east Trans-Canada Highway and Garnett Road, as well as Hillbank Road and Indian Road.  

Crews have been assigned to four of the seven reported power outages, but so far, no time is estimated for service restoration. 

For a list of outages, visit BC Hydro’s website. 

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Interior Health says there is a respiratory infection outbreak int he medical unit at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

The outbreak was declared Dec. 8, although we are only learning about it now. It’s not known how many cases there are.

A health authority website says respiratory illness is generally caused by viruses and bacteria and spread through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include cough and fever, weakness, runny nose, sore throat or headache.

Interior Health says the agent in question is parainfluenza virus 2.

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Another blast of winter is set to blanket the Pine Pass.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Highway 97 and the Pine Pass with 10 to 20 centimetres expected along with patchy freezing rain.

Heavy snowfall is expected to continue today and this evening north of the pass.

Travel will likely be challenging. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

The system will be taking place from now until this evening.

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Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd (CCR) and the forestry division of the Okanagan Indian Band hosted each other on forestry field tours.

Percy Guichon, CEO of CCR said the tours took place in mid October to strengthen relationships, sharing each others expertise and technical knowledge, plus explored opportunities to advance Indigenous-led forestry and land stewardship across their respective territories.

“They came here first to see what we were doing then 2 weeks later we went down to have a look at their operations in the Osoyoos region” Guichon said, “We looked at their projects and their tree nursery that they will be opening up in June. We were collaborating, trading information, and sharing different challenges and successes that we have had in the forest industry.”

Guichon said the Okanagan Indian Band is being innovated just as we (CCR) have been in order to survive in the forest industry and getting into biomass operations out in the Chilcotin.

“They’re being strategic and using different types of management systems. For example using different types of harvesting equipment like Harvesters and Forwarders, and trying to improve the forest for wildlife and also create economic opportunities. The tree nursery that’s something that we (CCR), we plant a lot of trees in the Chilcotin. This Spring we planted 7 and a half million trees so we’d like to modify that and maybe look at partnership opportunities with tree nurseries in the North.”

Guichon noted that the two territories may look different and carry out different projects for our regions but the goals are the same.

“We want healthier forests, safer communities, and we want stronger futures for our Nations. In order to survive in these uncertain times in the forest industry we have to work together. We have to compliment each others businesses, we can’t be competing, we can’t be drawing lines. We have to work together and collaborate, that’s the only way we can, I think, be successful in our respective territories.”

Guichon said they always welcome our First Nations to come and tour Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation’s operations and we’re always open to sharing our knowledge and our experiences.

If we can help someone and vice versa, it’s great, Guichon added.

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Capilano University will close its Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt this spring, citing budget pressures. 

“After extensive review of enrolment trends, infrastructure needs and fiscal realities, the university has determined that maintaining the current campus model is no longer viable,” the university said in a news release. “Despite sustained efforts to revitalize the site through new programs, community partnerships and outreach, on-campus participation has remained low while operating and maintenance costs have continued to rise.” 

The university said there will be no disruption to students currently enrolled in programs and that information on future course planning will be shared in the new year. 

CapU said it continues to explore other ways to support learners on the Sunshine Coast. 

“CapU remains deeply committed to the Sunshine Coast and to the learners, partners and communities who have engaged with our ḵálax̱-ay campus for many years,” said Laureen Styles, interim president and vice-chancellor. “While the decision to decommission the facility is difficult, it reflects our responsibility to ensure that educational access is sustainable, modern and responsive to today’s learners. We look forward to building new pathways for learning — shaped by community input — that will continue to support the Sunshine Coast’s economic and social vitality.” 

The ḵálax̱-a | Sunshine Coast campus will permanently close on April 24. 

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A 75 and a half kilometre stretch of Highway 20 continues to be closed due to rocks on the road.

Earlier today Drive BC reported the closure is between Corbould (core-bold) Drive and Kappan Mountain Road.

An assessment is in progress and there is no detour available.

Drive BC also stated that the Heckman Pass is closed at Avalanche gate.

Next update is expected at 4 this afternoon.

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Vehicle access on Victoria Avenue will be impacted on Wednesday, Dec. 17 as city staff confirm Copcan Civil LP will be doing additional work on a manhole structure in the 6th Street North/Victoria Avenue intersection.

Work is expected to start at 8 a.m. and wrap up in the mid-afternoon.

Drivers are asked to slow down and follow all posted signage.

This additional work will wrap up the Victoria Avenue Sanitary Sewer Trunk Phase 1 project.

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The B.C. Ministry of Forests is reviewing the harvesting of a large yellow cedar tree near Gold River.

Provincial officials confirmed the tree was cut during authorized forestry operations and said they are assessing whether provincial old-growth and special tree protection policies were properly applied.

Under B.C. law, certain trees may qualify for additional protection based on factors such as size, species, location and tenure conditions.

The ministry said it is gathering information from the licensee involved and reviewing compliance requirements.

No enforcement action has been announced.

Officials said further updates will be provided once the review is complete.

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BC Transit and the City of Kimberley are once again offering the free Peak to Platzl winter shuttle.

The shuttle offers free transportation between the Kimberley Alpine Resort base area, on-mountain accommodations and the platzl.

The shuttle will begin operations on Dec. 27 and run until April 7.

The shuttle’s schedule will be the same each day of the week and can be found here.

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After 18 years of service to the arts community in the Lower Columbia region, Nadine Tremblay will be stepping down from her role with the Trail and District Arts Council as she relocates to Victoria for new opportunities.

Tremblay joined the Trail Arts Council team in 2007 and has been instrumental in shaping the cultural vibrancy of the region, the council said in a news release.

Her work has included leading the transformation and growth of the Bailey Theatre, expanding programming across the community, championing professional and emerging artists, and cultivating partnerships that have enriched local access to the arts.

“Serving this community has been one of the great honours of my life,” says Tremblay.

“I never imagined that when I moved to the Kootenays in 2006 that this was where my career would land but I am so happy it did. It has been a privilege to work alongside passionate colleagues, dedicated volunteers, fabulous artists, hard working arts affiliates groups and supporters who believe so deeply in the power of the arts.

“Trail and the surrounding region have inspired me, challenged me, and filled me with pride. I will truly miss this place and the people who make it so special.”

While Tremblay said the decision to leave is bittersweet, she notes that personal circumstances, and a new exciting work opportunity have prompted the move.

The organization has new leadership with the addition of Amelia Ewart as executive and artistic director. Ewart is a longtime performer, art lover and currently sits on the boards of the Rossland Light Opera Players acting as vice president and the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture. She also directs RLOP productions, including the latest show, Into the Woods in which Tremblay performed. Outside of the art world, Ewart has many years’ experience  in project coordination, administration, and management.

Ewart moved to the Trail area from Vancouver in 2022 with her husband, and young son.

“One of the things that made me choose Trail to call home was the amazing community programming, both art, and sport,” she said.

“Music in the Park was a must do, a highlight of our summer. Then getting involved with the various art organizations, we built the most amazing connections. I am constantly in awe of the talent in this area. I really look forward to nurturing and building onto the amazing foundation that Nadine laid out.”

During the transition, Tremblay will provide continued support to the organization and to Ewart into 2026, to ensure continuity for upcoming programming and projects.

“I am sad to go, but incredibly grateful for the years I’ve spent here and for the community that has trusted, encouraged, and collaborated with me,” Tremblay said. “The arts in this region are strong, resilient, and filled with heart. I know they will continue to thrive.”

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The B.C. River Forecast Centre has upgraded Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to a flood watch.

The upgrade follows last week’s high streamflow advisory amid heavy rain across the region.

Officials said a series of atmospheric rivers began to affect B.C. on Sunday and are expected to continue through the week. They urged people to stay clear of swift-running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.

“The first of these storms is currently impacting the province, with the heaviest rainfall occurring over Vancouver Island, the North Coast and areas of the Central and South Coast,” the River Forecast Centre said in a statement. “Rainfall totals for this event, so far, range from up to 200 to 275 mm for western Vancouver Island, 30 to 90 mm for eastern Vancouver Island.”

On Sunday, the province advised west coast residents to be vigilant and use caution, as more stormy weather and elevated flood hazards are expected throughout the area.

“The current forecast is for this storm to be less severe than earlier during the week of Dec. 7-13,” the province said. “However, high streamflow, flooded areas and ground saturation could lead to persistent flood hazards on Sunday and Monday.”

A flood watch is issued when river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed their banks, and flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

Click here for more information from the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

– Article includes files from B.C. River Forecast Centre

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The Smithers Steelheads and Hazelton Wolverines each played home double headers over the weekend in the Central Interior Hockey League. (CIHL)

On Saturday, the Wolverines doubled the Williams Lake Stampeders 6-3 as Ethan Browne led the way with a hat trick.

The same night, the Steelheads lost 3-2 to the Quesnel Kangaroos.

Both teams played again on Sunday with Hazelton beating Quesnel 5-3 and Smithers dropping a 5-4 decision to Williams Lake.

The 10-3-1 Wolverines remain first in the league while the 3-9-1 Steelheads remain second last of the seven teams.

Both Hazleton and Smithers are off until the new year.

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The Prince George Cougars struck another deal with a familiar trade partner.

Today (Monday), General Manager and Head Coach Mark Lamb announced the team has traded forward Patrick Sopiarz to the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a conditional 2029 fourth-round pick.

He appeared in 29 games with the Cougars this season, recording three points (2G-1A).

In 79 career WHL games, the Edmonton native has registered six points (4G-2A), along with seven playoff appearances for Prince George.

Sopiarz was originally selected by the Cougars in the third round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.

The Cougars return to action on Wednesday as they visit the Penticton Vees at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

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Bronson Hunt’s 12-year journey through the hockey world has brought the 20-year-old from South Carolina to Trail.

The centreman based in Long Beach, NY made his Smoke Eaters debut during last Friday’s 5-2 win over the defending BCHL champion Brooks Bandits.

He made an immediate defensive impression pulling a puck off the goal line early in the first period

Although the five-foot-10, 175-pound forward didn’t pick up points against the Bandits, his line mates Ryan Oothoudt and Zach Coutu both scored.

Hunt hopes to raise his offensive game to the next level as a Smoke Eater.

“They (coaches) want me to be an offensive presence for them,” said Bronson.

“To come in an make an impact and I’m looking forward to it, obviously as a hockey player growing up, when you’re in your last year in junior, that’s what’s you’re looking for and there’s no better place to do that then Trail,” added Hunt, who is also hoping the goals will come.

“I can really make plays but I think when it comes down to it, when we need a goal, I want to be that guy, I want to be that person that people can count on to get the job done,” he commented.

Hunt who had three goals and six assists in 11 games with St. Cloud, Minnesota of the North American Hockey League before joining the Smokies, feels he can offer the team a solid all-around game.

“I think I’m pretty gritty down low, but I can also use my skill to make good plays and I got a good (hockey) IQ, I can be hard on pucks, but defensively I think I’m good second layer as a centreman,” Hunt explained.

Hunt says he developed a quick love for hockey after moving from South Carolina at the age of eight, to his new home near Long Island, NY.

Bronson and his twin brother Tanner started playing house league hockey together.

“I loved hockey growing up because of the energy and the speed,” Hunt said.

“Me and my brother really loved getting after it in the corners and beating each other up and I think that’s what really drives us to love the game,” Bronson added, but he admitted it was tough to leave Tanner who remains with St. Cloud.

“We played together all the way up growing up and we separated this year,” Bronson said, adding that he has the full support of his brother.

“We want what’s best for each other and I thinks that’s what’s most important and he knows that and he supports me with this decision,” Bronson told Vista Radio.

Hunt got into his first BCHL game after practicing all last week with his new team mates and likes the culture that has developed in the Trail dressing room.

“I’m really happy to be here, the boys are really good, a very skilled group, a great group of guys and the boys love hockey and they really work hard on and off the ice and you can really tell and I’m just looking forward to transitioning into games,” Hunt concluded.

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Weekend number 3 for Operation Red Nose in Williams Lake is in the books.

This past Friday (December 12) Coordinator Deborah Pickering said it snowed all day and night which caused many folks to stay home.

Even so, Pickering said they provided 24 safe rides home thanks to volunteer drivers from the Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association, Lakers Car Club, and Citizens on Patrol.

On Saturday (December 13) a total of 45 safe rides home were given by volunteers from Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association’s U18 female rep team and Citizens on Patrol.

Since Operation Red Nose began offering Williams Lake motorists and their vehicles safe rides home back on November 28 they have given a total of 202.

There is just one more weekend left, this Friday and Saturday (December 19 and 20) before they take a break then they’ll be back on the road New Years Eve

To book your safe ride call Operation Red Nose in Williams Lake 250-392-22-22.

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Two Cariboo archers will be representing their zones in the upcoming BC Winter Games in February.

Hudson Huska (15) and Heidi Schaer (16), both from Williams Lake, will be competing for Zone 8 in archery in the Compound Division.

The two archers competed in the 60-arrow playdowns at the Trails in Quesnel earlier this month.

Hudson is in the youngest qualifying bracket, and after a slower start by shooting just below his average score after 30 arrows, he improved his score by nine points to beat out every other competitor there in his first indoor shoot.

Heidi dominated her class, being the only archer who shot 60 straight arrows without shooting below a 9 score, hitting a three-inch, or eight-centimeter-diameter circle on the target on every single shot, from 20 yards away.

Both Heidi and Hudson will represent Zone 8 in Trail in February 2026.

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   Quesnel RCMP were called to the CIBC bank in the 300 block of Reid Street back on February 1st, 2023.

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Quesnel Search and Rescue responded to numerous critical search and rescue operations in 2025.

They conducted back to back rescues on the Bowron Lake chain, responded to two separate incidents involving emergency alerting devices in aircraft, and managed multiple swift water rescue calls on the Fraser River.

Vice President Bob Holowenko said Quesnel SARS also provided mutual aid to neighboring communities deploying as far as Chilko Lake, the Vanderhoof area and the Robson Valley.

Holowenko noted the year’s most notable operation was a successful and complex search for a missing person that extended over eight days.

“In 2025, our volunteer team demonstrated unwavering commitment to saving lives and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors throughout the Quesnel region,” Holowenko said.

In total Quesnel Search and Rescue contributed this past year over 4-thousand hours of volunteer time to:

31 incidents/tasks

138 training exercises

105 meetings and events

274 total activities

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The City of Trail has agreed to sell three lots on Pine Avenue to an adjacent homeowner who has spent thousands of dollars caring for the properties.

According to a staff report to council last week, the sale to the owner of 1584 Pine Avenue was for $1, subject to a few conditions.

The report said that while the city was updating civic addresses, it discovered the municipally-owned properties contained a garage converted into a garden suite, part of a gazebo, and a deck encroachment from the home at 1553 Diamond Avenue.

A surveyor confirmed the findings and the city talked to the adjacent property owner about options including purchase, lease, or removal of the buildings.

The owner was under the impression the lots belonged to him and provided receipts showing he had spent more than $19,000 removing dangerous trees. He had also built a retaining wall to keep rocks and debris from rolling down the hill.

The owner initially sought a comfort letter that would absolve him from liability for the city lands in the event he sold his property. But the owner and the city have since agreed on the sale instead.

While the city will pick up all legal costs, the owner won’t be reimbursed for past expenditures and will be on the hook for consolidating the lots if he chooses to do so.

The lots have a combined assessed value of $101,500, but an appraised value of only $24,000. The legal and related land transaction costs are expected to be $1,500. The city also paid $1,680 for the appraisal and $1,200 to the surveyor.

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Sports by Hartley Monday, December 15th, 2025  as of 12:05 a.m.

The (22-8) Cougars visit the (15-9-4-3) Penticton Vees Wednesday and the (25-3-2-1) Everett Silvertips on Friday before heading on their Christmas break.

Prince George leads the BC Division by 7 points over Penticton and is 2nd in the Western Conference 9 points behind Everett.

On Sunday, Penticton lost 4-0 to Portland while Everett beat Wenatchee 4-1.

The PG Cougars regular season schedule and results are here.

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BC Hydro is responding to a pair of outages east of Prince George that have more than 1,200 customers without power.

According to BC Hydro’s outages webpage, both outages are affecting customers east of Beaver Forest Road.

The cause is under investigation, and there’s no time table for power to come back on.

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If you bought a Lotto 6/49 ticket in Chetwynd this week, you may want to check your numbers.

According to the BC Lottery Corporation, a ticket purchased in Chetwynd matched five out of six numbers plus the bonus in the Classic Draw, netting $60,938.40.

Three other tickets won the same prize, one in Western Canada and two in Quebec.

The winning numbers were 13, 14, 21, 23, 26 and 49, with 41 as the bonus number.

Another ticket purchased in Quebec matched all six numbers to win the $5 million prize.

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The City of Fernie says the final emergency discharge point has closed and no more untreated sewage is being released into the river.

The city has begun the required follow-up and post-incident reporting with the Environmental Emergencies Branch of the Ministry of Environment.

While outflow remains high, the wastewater system is returning to average operation.

City crews will continue to monitor system performance and weather forecasts to ensure stable conditions persist and respond quickly if necessary.

The City of Fernie thanked the public for its cooperation and patience throughout the situation.

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Eastern Vancouver Island should brace themselves for heavy rainfall after Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a rainfall advisory. 

The rainfall is expected to hit tonight (Dec. 14) and expected to end at noon tomorrow, and they say it could bring significant rainfall causing dangerous conditions on roads. 

“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas,” they say.  

They say light rain will start throughout most of the day before the frontal system hits, with some areas expected to get more than 50 millimeters of rain around Qualicum Beach and Fanny Bay. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada are asking everyone to avoid driving on flooding roads, and watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. 

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Prince George Mayor Simon Yu has an idea for what’s left of the 2025 Council Contingency Fund.

According to a report to be presented to City Council at tomorrow’s (Monday) meeting, Yu is proposing the remaining $17,691 in the fund go to the Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society.

“The Centre has recently experienced unanticipated financial pressures, including increasing operating costs and fluctuations in external funding environments,” the report states.

“These pressures have created a short-term financial gap that affects the Centre’s ability to maintain operations through the end of 2025.”

The report also states proactive steps have been taken by the Centre to secure additional revenue and long-term funding commitments for 2026 and beyond, but these commitments do not resolve the immediate short-term funding gap required to sustain operations for the rest of this year.

The Council Contingency Fund may be used at City Council’s discretion to fund one-time expenses that may arise during the year.

Any unspent funds do not carry forward into the next year, and are absorbed into the City’s year-end surplus.

Other items to be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting includes an Auxiliary RCMP program, as well as Arts and Culture planning.

The full agenda for tomorrow’s meeting can be found here.

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Despite outshooting the Langley Rivermen, the Prince George Spruce Kings were on the losing end of a 6-2 decision.

After the Rivermen opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the game, Spencer Masters and Ryan Wachtel put the Spruce Kings in front in the first period.

The Rivermen stormed for five unanswered, much to the delight of the 603 fans at the George Preston Arena.

Colin Reay got the start between the pipes for the Spruce Kings, making 23 saves on 29 shots.

The Spruce Kings outshot the Rivermen 36-29.

The box score is here.

The Spruce Kings (15-10-1-0) are second in the BCHL’s Coastal East division.

The BCHL standings are here.

The Spruce Kings host the Cowichan Valley Capitals at Kopar Memorial Arena for a double header, starting Friday.

The full Spruce Kings schedule is here.

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We’ve “Shurgot” a lot of teddies and toques.

Lee Shurgot scored the goal that sent the bears flying, in a 4-1 Cougars win over the Kamloops Blazers on Teddy Bear Toss night.

The goal came 16:48 into the second period, with Shurgot banging home a rebound from a Townes Kozicky shot.

LEE SHURGOT IS YOUR 2025 TEDDY BEAR GOAL SCORER @CarlsJrCA https://t.co/neikm45NNS pic.twitter.com/rc8NMx9kfL

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) December 14, 2025

“It was kind of close there between me and [Dmitri Yakutsenak], so it was near the goal line for sure, but we don’t know who got the last touch,” Shurgot said on the broadcast on 94.3 the Goat shortly after the goal.

“I feel like Shurgy’s an unsung hero on our team,” said Head Coach and GM Mark Lamb on the post game show in 94.3 the Goat.

“He just goes out there, he does his business, he’s always in good position, and it’s really nice to see him get some action tonight, get a couple points.”

Shurgot had an assist on the night as well.

The goal tied the game at 1-1, coming after Tommy Lafreniere opened the scoring earlier in the middle frame.

TOMMY MAKES IT LOOK EASY pic.twitter.com/ZrQkG3GmDV

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) December 14, 2025

The first half of the game was much different from the 5-4 shootout win the night before, with offence more hard to come by for both teams.

“I thought we started a little slower, but they were going to push us, they played well,” Lamb said.

“We just stuck with it, and our third is our third.”

The “second intermission” was taken after the teddy bear goal with 3:12 to go in the second.

The Cougars continued their pressure after the break, with Kooper Gizowski breaking the tie with less than a minute to go in the second.

Kooper Gizowski gives us the lead late in the second!@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/GsyQ4yOnBi pic.twitter.com/w4AFiD6MXX

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) December 14, 2025

More scoring didn’t come until the final minute of the third, but the Cougars kept up their strong play, outshooting the Blazers 18-6 in the third.

“We want to play aggressive, it doesn’t matter the part of the game, but we want to play smart,” Lamb said.

“When we get rolling, I’ve said it lots, we start playing the right way, and get pucks deep, get a lot of volume on net, get people around it, we’re tough to handle.”

For the whole game, the Cougars nearly doubled the Blazers shot total, outshooting Kamloops 40-23 on the night.

Dmitri Yakutsenak put an insurance marker on the board, blasting home a feed from Shurgot on the powerplay with a minute to go.

Yak attack on the powerplay to seal the deal!@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/JTzGYE9EeD pic.twitter.com/gPvzdsU337

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) December 14, 2025

Just nine seconds after Yakutsenak put the icing on the cake, Arsenii Anisimov put the cherry on top, shooting the puck from his own end into a not quite empty net.

Arsenii Anisimov from DOWNTOWN@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/5bIJYjgAOG pic.twitter.com/Ew8G2teZhH

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) December 14, 2025

The game also marked the return of Alexander Levshyn to the team, after representing Ukraine at the IIHF U20 World Championship, Division 1, Group A tournament in Slovenia.

Levshyn was excellent in his return, making 22 saves.

The box score is here.

The Cougars (22-8-0-0) are riding a five game win streak, and are on top of the WHL’s BC Division.

The WHL standings are here.

The Cougars are back at it Wednesday, taking on the Penticton Vees for the very first time.

The full Cougars schedule is here.

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Sports by Darin, as of 6:00 a.m., Sunday, December 14th

WHL:

Prince George Cougars  4  Kamloops Blazers  1

Lee Shurgot is your 2025 Teddy Bear goal scorer for the Cougars.

LEE SHURGOT IS YOUR 2025 TEDDY BEAR GOAL SCORER @CarlsJrCA https://t.co/neikm45NNS pic.twitter.com/rc8NMx9kfL

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) December 14, 2025

Kooper Gizowski, Dmitri Yakutsenak and Arsenii Anisimov scored as well.

Alexander Levshyn made 22 saves in his return to the Cougars.

The box score is here.

The Cougars (22-8-0-0) are riding a five game win streak, and are on top of the WHL’s BC Division.

The WHL standings are here.

The Cougars are back at it Wednesday, taking on the Penticton Vees for the very first time.

The full Cougars schedule is here.

BCHL:

Langley Rivermen  6  Prince George Spruce Kings  2

After a 2-2 first period, the Rivermen stormed to score four, including three in the third period.

Spencer Masters and Ryan Wachtel scored for the Spruce Kings in the loss.

Colin Reay made 23 saves.

The box score is here.

The Spruce Kings (15-10-1-0) are second in the BCHL’s Coastal East division.

The BCHL standings are here.

The Spruce Kings host the Cowichan Valley Capitals at Kopar Memorial Arena for a double header, starting Friday.

The full Spruce Kings schedule is here.

NHL:

That’s a wrap on a 13-game Saturday with over 12 hours of hockey action. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/8T5DHL9ny5

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) December 14, 2025

NFL:

Whole lot on the line in Week 15 pic.twitter.com/OzvA3i3VYe

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

 NBA:

NY Knicks  132  Orlando  120

San Antonio  111  Oklahoma City  109

26 games in, this is only Oklahoma City’s second loss on the season.

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Creston Fire Rescue is hitting the road again this holiday season, and this year, they’re wrapping up a little earlier to make it easier for families to join in the fun.

The department’s popular Christmas Carolling Fire Truck Tour rolls out on Sunday, Dec. 21, with a new planned end time of 9 p.m. The earlier finish is in response to community feedback, especially from parents of young children.

“Our festive fire trucks will be cruising around Creston on Sunday, December 21, playing your favourite Christmas carols and sharing holiday joy. And guess what? We have it on good authority that Santa will be joining in on the fun, too!” said the Town of Creston.

When and where

• Saturday, Dec. 20: Quick route through Erickson and Lakeview-Arrow Creek. The tour will finish early so Santa can catch part of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats game.

• Sunday, Dec. 21: Main Creston route with carolling trucks and Santa. The goal is to wrap up by 9 p.m. to accommodate earlier bedtimes.

This year, Creston Fire Rescue will again use a GPS sharing app so you can follow Santa and the fire trucks live. The app will also show the planned route in advance so you can time your stop along the street.

Details and the tracking link will be posted next week on Creston Fire Rescue’s Facebook page and on Instagram: @CrestonFireRescue.

“We are looking so forward to celebrating with you!” said the Town of Creston.

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Watching Trail city council meetings online should soon become a better experience.

The city records its committee of the whole and regular council meetings and places them on YouTube, but under the current set-up, it can be hard to identify who is speaking and hard to hear what’s being said.

This week council awarded a $118,000 contract to a company called Sapphire to upgrade the video conferencing equipment in both council chambers and the committee room.

A staff report says the existing system doesn’t meet the operational requirements for modern meetings, and is no longer supported by the manufacturer.

The city approached several companies to ask them about designing a new audio-visual system for both rooms. Two proponents participated, but only one provided a quote. Sapphire was previously chosen to do an equipment upgrade in the Victoria View room of the Trail Memorial Centre.

City staff said Sapphire, which has offices in BC and Alberta, will be able to simultaneously install equipment in all three rooms using the same crew, which will reduce costs.

The new system includes video and audio for presentations and video conference for council and staff as well as the public gallery, with dedicated microphones for all members of council, staff, and the podium. It includes multiple video cameras providing a static view of council chambers and close-ups of each person speaking.

The city is able to pay for the project with provincial money intended to enhance virtual meeting capabilities for municipalities.

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The Creston Museum is hoping to make nearly 45 years’ worth of newspapers available online around this time next year.

Manager Tammy Bradford said they have just applied for funding to digitize the Creston Review between 1936 and 1980. Editions from 1909 and 1936 are already available online through the UBC historic newspapers site.

Bradford said the missing issues represent a “huge gap in the local information record.”

“The newspapers are so full of that information, who’s doing what and why, and how is it shaping the community,” she said.

The museum has the original editions as well as microfilm copies. Bradford said while looking through the papers is a lot of fun, it can also be very time consuming if you’re trying to track down something specific.

Once the papers are online, they will be searchable by keyword, “so it’s a dream come true for genealogists or local historians.”

Bradford said when they receive requests about things that happened prior to 1936, they are able to search the papers quickly and easily and provide “phenomenal” amounts of information.

Recently, she discovered a woman’s grandfather had gone to university for engineering. The woman was unaware her grandfather had ever been to university, and what’s more, her son is now entering UBC to take engineering.

“So there was an interesting family connection they had no idea was there,” Bradford said. “It’s very powerful when you can do that and make those connections with people.”

She said as time marches on, they are starting to see more inquiries about much more recent events, so this batch of newspapers will be a great help in answering them.

The grant they have applied for will cover about half of the $12,000 project cost, so Bradford said they will have to raise the rest. It will be several months before they hear whether they are successful in their application, but if all goes well, work will start in May and the papers will be online by the end of December 2026.

The museum will provide microfilm to the University of BC, which will hire a student to do the work over two semesters.

Bradford said they have also resolved the issue of copyright. Herb Legg Sr., who ran the now-defunct newspaper for many years, eventually turned it over to his son and a consortium of local businessmen. One of them, Jimmy Karountzos, signed a release form for the museum, allowing the papers to be digitized and shared.

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Trail city council has awarded a contract to rebuild the 1200 block of Dewdney Avenue.

Brenton Industries of Kaslo will do the work for $887,000 plus GST. According to a staff report, the city learned in 2021 of water problems in the underground parking lot adjacent to the Fortis building.

The following year the city started working with an engineer to design a replacement for that block, with an eye to replacing old infrastructure in the laneway while also doing drainage and grading work to protect the underground lot.

Funds for the project were approved in this year’s budget, but other priorities and staffing issues forced the work to be delayed until 2026.

Brenton Industries had the lowest of three bids. MarWest Industries’ bid came in at $942,000 and Copcan Civil Ltd.’s bid was $950,000. Each was within previous cost estimates for the project. The total budget is $1.065 million.

City staff said it was encouraging they received multiple bids, and that the tenders were within seven per cent of each other indicates the contract “was well understood by the contractors, and was bid competitively.”

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Progress has been made in pre-construction activities for the Kimberley Wastewater Treatment Plant, a $90-million project slated to open in 2028.

Kimberley city council provided an update this week, noting that early onsite work — including road upgrades, excavation, clearing and the development of temporary work areas — was completed in late 2025. This work has prepared the site for construction to begin in spring 2026.

Mayor Don McCormick said the city is on track to begin building in April.

“All of the groundwork around where the facility is going to be built was finished late November so it’s all ready for early April. As soon as frost is out of the ground we will be able to get the back hose in the ground, so we are ready to rock ‘n’ roll with the construction of the facility. We fully expect we’re gonna be going first thing in April”. said McCormick.

Detailed design is underway and expected to finish by the end of Quarter 1 2026, along with BC Hydro installation planned for the same timeframe.  

The City submitted a Municipal Wastewater Regulation (MWR) and early construction application for approval in September 2025 but had delays to the review due to a strike. Approval will be needed by January 2026 to avoid delaying construction and further costs as the hold up has already cost the city $250,000.  

The project has received approval to switch to Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology. 

The federal and provincial governments will update the Shared Cost Agreement in early 2026. 

City officials said they remain committed to regular public communication and thanked staff, elected officials and residents for their continued support.

Ongoing collaboration with local First Nations is a priority, and the project team remains available to provide updates and support.

The next steps in place are to finish detailing the design of the project, complete BC Hydro electrical work and obtain MWR registration or early construction approval.

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A new online tool documents every known avalanche fatality in Canada dating back more than two centuries.

Avalanche Canada launched the Fatal Avalanche Incidents database on Wednesday. It features an interactive map showing hundreds of records of deaths from avalanches across Canada, dating back to 1782. The majority of the incidents were in British Columbia, though there are also records from Yukon, Nunavut, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

James Floyer, the program director with Avalanche Canada, said it took nearly three years to compile and digitize avalanche records and develop the online tool. It includes detailed expert incident analyses and comparative statistics showing long-term trends and patterns.

Floyer said the historic cases include the Rogers Pass disaster of 1910, considered one of Canada’s mostly deadly avalanche incidents.

The online tool includes first-person accounts of the disaster that took place about 70-kilometres east of Revelstoke, B.C. A crew had been clearing the way for a locomotive after an avalanche, when they were buried by a second avalanche, leaving 58 dead. One man survived and lived until 1973. 

Floyer also notes some other significant avalanche incidents recorded in B.C., like the Britannia Mine disaster of 1915 that left 57 dead. 

He said many of the earlier recorded avalanche disasters were related to industries like mining or railways, but improved worker protections and infrastructure mean there have been far fewer work-site avalanche deaths in recent decades. He said nearly all avalanche deaths over the past four decades were related to recreational activities in the backcountry.

Data show Canada sees an average of 11 avalanche-related deaths each year, with March tending to be the deadliest month.

The 2008-09 season was the deadliest in the past 20 years, with 26 fatalities. That season included a December 2008 incident in Harvey Pass, B.C., about 50 kilometres south of Fernie, where eight snowmobilers died in a series of avalanches.

Avalanche Canada said it hopes the information will help improve the understanding of avalanche risks for backcountry users. 

“Every entry in this database does reflect a person or in some cases, groups of people who lost their lives in the mountains, and every one of those is a tragedy,” said Floyer. “At the same time, each one of those is an opportunity to learn something.”

He said the online tool will continue to be updated in the coming years.

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Tourism Prince George and Two Rivers Gallery are calling for artists to submit their work for the Colour the Core mural downtown.

The art will be on a banner that will be installed at 1260 3rd Avenue, and is supported by a 2025 Fall myPG Community Grant and developed in collaboration with Downtown Prince George and the Prince George Arts Council.

Tourism PG said the selected artwork will be printed on a 68.8 ft by 6.1 ft vinyl mesh banner, to transform a central downtown sidewalk into a streetscape reflecting Prince George’s creative spirit.

This opportunity is open to artists living or working in Prince George and the surrounding areas, and must submit original, high-quality work that is suitable for reproduction at a large scale and can withstand visual translation onto a vinyl mesh banner.

The deadline for submission is January 8th, and more information can be found here.

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Environment Canada has put parts of northern BC under a yellow alert snowfall warning for today (Saturday).

The areas included in the alert are Prince George, Stuart – Nechako, Williston, and Pine Pass.

The warning is due to a frontal system crossing the region, bringing a period of heavy snow today, which is expected to ease near noon for Stuart-Nechako and Prince George, and later this afternoon for Williston and Pine Pass.

The heaviest snowfall is forecast for Pine Pass.

Environment Canada noted several more pulses of snowfall and potentially freezing rain are on their way tonight and Sunday.

Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow with visibility likely being reduced at times.

Allow extra time for travel, and if driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance.

More information on the forecast can be found on Environment Canada’s website here.

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WHL:

For the third straight game, the Prince George Cougars needed extra time to pull out a victory, this time being 5-4 over the Kamloops Blazers yesterday (Friday).

Both teams face-off at the CN Centre tonight at 6 for the Teddy Bear Toss game.

The full Cougars schedule is here.

The WHL standings are here.

BCHL:

The Prince George Spruce Kings snagged a 4-3 win over the Coquitlam Express with a buzzer beater goal yesterday (Friday).

The Spruce Kings continue their road trip in Langley against the Rivermen tonight at 7:15.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

NHL:

There are six Canadian teams in action today.

A busy Saturday features Macklin Celebrini and Sidney Crosby going head-to-head on a @Sportsnet matinee when the @Penguins host the @SanJoseSharks before five Canadian teams hit the ice for Hockey Night in Canada. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/Ir3JuB6DB5

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) December 13, 2025

Vancouver will play the Devils in New Jersey tomorrow morning (Sunday) at 9:30.

The NHL schedule and results are here.

The NHL standings are here.

The NHL scoring leaders are here.

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Interior Health is rolling out a new virtual emergency care pilot that will see doctors support multiple hospitals remotely overnight, a move aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas.

Starting last week, patients visiting emergency departments in Nakusp, Lillooet, Clearwater, and Princeton may be treated by a physician working virtually, depending on the time of day and severity of the case.

The program, called IH LINK-ED (Local Integrated Network for Emergency Departments), combines in-person and virtual emergency care to ensure consistent coverage overnight. It also aims to ease workload pressure on rural doctors and support nurses working in smaller communities.

“Integrating virtual care into emergency services is a proven approach already delivering results in communities across B.C.,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne.

“By expanding this technology into four communities, we’re supporting front-line staff, helping our health-care teams reach more patients and making sure people in rural communities can access high-quality care when they need it.”

How it works

The pilot connects one emergency physician, working on-site at their home hospital, with up to three other hospitals virtually during the night shift.

When patients arrive at a participating emergency department, they are first assessed by an on-site emergency-trained nurse, who determines whether to consult with the virtual physician.

• For less urgent cases, the nurse can connect with the virtual doctor via secure video or phone.

• For life-threatening emergencies, an on-call in-person physician remains available in each community.

Arrow Lakes Hospital is one of four hospitals chosen for the pilot program.

Currently, the new model will run a few nights a week, with full seven-day-a-week service expected in early 2026.

Building on past success

Interior Health has already used overnight virtual physician support in Nakusp for two nights a week through the Virtual Emergency Room Rural Assistance (VERRa) program — something staff say has worked well.

“Having used virtual care at Arrow Lakes Hospital, I believe other rural communities can benefit from this collaborative model,” said Colin Watson, clinical practice educator in Nakusp.

“The partnership between nursing and physicians is really important to keeping care safe and accessible. We’re eager to trial a model that eases physician workload while letting us connect with colleagues across the Interior region.”

Interior Health says the shared overnight coverage will help address rural physician burnout and reduce professional isolation, while allowing nurses to practise to the full scope of their training.

The service is designed to strengthen relationships between care teams in smaller hospitals and create a more sustainable emergency response network.

Public feedback welcome

The health authority is inviting the public to follow the project and submit feedback at
https://engageih.ca/link-ed.

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

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The spirit of giving is alive and well this Holiday season in the Lake City.

Once again Williams Lake Fresh Co is holding holiday their annual Holiday Food Drive to support the Salvation Army’s Food Bank.

Store owner Evan Haubrich said they started collecting donations for it back on December first.

“It’s been a resounding success so far thanks to our customers. We have raised over $3,000 in cash donations and over 24-hundred dollars worth of Food Bank donation bags. We’re really excited to see the community get behind this and support a really worthy cause.”

Haubrich noted that last year’s Holiday Food Drive exceeded their target but came a few dollars short of ten thousand raised in terms of cash and food donations.

This Saturday and Sunday (December 13 & 14) Fresh Co will be having their Corporate matching donations to help them get even closer to their target.

“With our food bag donations we have in them the most needed items that the Food Bank needs ranging from $5 to $10 to $15. Our staff has been really behind this as well.” Haubrich said, “We have one cashier rock star Cheryl who has raised quite a bit of money all on her own. It’s nice the cashiers get involved with this special event to do their part to help support the community. We keep track of donations every day and they’re always looking to see  who’s pulled ahead of who.”

Haubrich thanks the community of Williams Lake and surrounding area because they have been outstanding in helping support the Food Bank this Holiday Season.

Donations will be accepted right up until Christmas Eve.

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Campbell River residents can give back this weekend as 99.7 The River hosts its annual Stuff the Truck food drive and fundraiser, collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations for the Campbell River Food Bank.

Rickie Tyler from The Morning Catch and AJ from The Afternoon Drive will be live at Save-On-Foods, 1400 Dogwood St., on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help collect donations.

“Demand at the food bank is actually way up,” said Tyler. “Just in the month of September, the Campbell River Food Bank served 3,200 people. That’s nearly 10 per cent of the Campbell River population, and their biggest demographic is children, followed by seniors.”

Save-On-Foods will host a hot dog barbecue by donation and display a table of items most needed by the food bank.

The pallet challenge also returns this year. Participants are encouraged to buy a full pallet of food for $500 and challenge others to do the same.

Tyler said last year’s food drive raised about $10,000. “What was fun is seeing businesses — in particular the car dealerships — start challenging one another to buy a pallet,” she said. “So a lot of money and food was raised that way. It’s just great.”

Donations will no longer be accepted at The River’s drop-off point at Campbell River Toyota after Sunday, Dec. 14. People who still wish to donate can do so directly at the Campbell River Food Bank, 1393 Marwalk Cres.

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It’s time for Powell River to Stuff the Trailer.

Coast FM’s annual holiday fundraiser is in full swing to raise food and monetary donations for the Powell River Food Bank.

This year, the local food bank has created the Corporate Pallet Challenge where corporations and businesses around the region can donate and challenge other businesses. Receipts will be provided for tax purposes.

We’re on location at the Freshco Stuff the Trailer event today (Saturday) to take in your donations.

Our goal this year is to gather enough donations to ensure families in our community have access to nutritious meals throughout the winter months.

Click here for more information about this year’s event.

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A set play on a face-off came up aces for the Prince George Spruce Kings.

Marcus Lougheed’s game-winning goal with a one second remaining propelled the BCHL’s most northern franchise to a 4-3 victory over the Coquitlam Express on Friday.

It was anything but a status quo third period for the Spruce Kings who lost Tai Ushio, their leading scorer to a five-minute boarding major and a game-misconduct.

After serving the penalty, River Arnason sprung loose and gave PG a 3-2 edge at the 11:39 mark.

Less than a minute later, Carson Lesiuk struck back for Coquitlam thanks to a Cole Bieksa pass.

The Express jumped out to a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes courtesy of goals from Georgios Stavrianeas and Bieksa.

Sandwiched in between all of that was a Carter Hesselgrave marker to keep Prince George within ear shot on the road.

Ryan Wachtel evened the score at 2-2 for the Spruce Kings courtesy of a three-way scoring play that included Michael Denney and Jackson Froysland.

Coquitlam outshot the Spruce Kings 31-28. The Express went 1-for-3 on the power-play while PG was unable to convert on two opportunities.

Ryder Green picked up the win in net for the Spruce Kings who improve to 15-9-1-0, pulling into a first-place tie with the Express for the Coastal East Division lead.

PG is back on the road tonight (Saturday) against the Langley Rivermen 14-12-0-0. Puck drop is at 7:15 pm from the George Preston Memorial Arena.

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The whirlwind week for Preston Lewis reached an emotional climax.

After getting added to the Prince George Cougars roster on Wednesday, the 19-year-old performed admirably in a wacky 5-4 shootout victory over the Kamloops Blazers in front of 3,904 fans at CN Centre.

Even without star players like Carson Carels (World Juniors), Josh Ravensbergen (World Juniors) and Terik Parascak (out of the lineup), the B.C. Division leaders wasted little time pushing the pace.

Kayden Lemire opened the scoring for PG at 7:25 of the first period on a play set up by Brock Souch and Kooper Gizowski.

Souch and Gizowski then set the table for Cougars captain Bauer Dumanski who blasted a shot past Blazers Latvian netminder Ivans Kufterins making it a 2-0 edge.

The offensive tidal wave reached another level as Souch scored shorthanded after getting sprung by Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Aiden Foster.

However, the old adage a three-goal is the worst in hockey reared its ugly head.

Kamloops shook off the bus legs and found a way to pull back on even terms.

An ineligible player penalty by Lewis proved costly as Tommy Lafreniere capitalized on a JP Hurlburt connecting breaking any chance of a shutout bid.

Cooper Moore trimmed the deficit to a single-goal seven minutes later as he finished off a Rhett Ravndahl rush.

The Blazers burned the Cats again on the man-advantage as Hurlbert notched his 22nd of the season to wipe the slate clean for the visitors after 40 minutes.

Lafreniere (Blazers) and Dmitri Yakutsenak (Cougars) traded goals in the third to make it a 4-4.

After overtime solved nothing, Souch and Yakutsenak solved Kufertins in the shootout while Hurlbert was the lone Kamloops player to light the lamp in the glorified skills competition.

PG outshot the Blazers 49-27 including a 32-15 in the last two periods. The Cougars were 1-6 on the power-play while Kamloops went 2-for-5.

Lee Shurgot had a good night in the face-off circle going 16-for-29.

Lewis who is a member of the AJHL’s Devon Xtreme made 23 saves to collect his first WHL victory. PG also called up 15-year-old Kole Anderosov.

Current backup Alex Levshyn is on his back from international competition representing Ukraine.

Both teams play again tonight (Saturday) at 6pm from CN Centre, in the Teddy Bear Toss game, which is nearing a sell-out.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s Holiday Train is making a stop in Cranbrook this Sunday, Dec. 14, with a performance by Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies.

The train is scheduled to arrive at the CPKC parking lot at 25 Van Horne St. at 8:45 p.m. The event will run from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

The Cranbrook Food Bank is asking guests to bring a non-perishable food item for donation. 

Earlier the same day, the Holiday Train will stop in Sparwood from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. at 367 Pine Ave., and in Fernie from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at 700 1st Ave.

Dress warmly and get ready to rock with the CPKC Holiday Train.

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Another Smokie will be part of the BCHL All Star weekend in Spruce Grove, Alta.

Erik Pastro will play for team Interior in the Top Prospects game.

The 20-year-old, acquired from Vernon at the end of the preseason has eight goals and nine assists. The centreman is in his third BCHL season.

The Top Prospects games is for players pursuing NCAA scholarships.

Pastro’s linemates Cash Carter and Christian Kim will play in the All-Star game.

Carter is on Team Canada’s roster, while Kim, a Californian, will play for Team World.

The Top Prospects game is Friday, Jan. 16 with the All-Star game the following evening.

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Rossland’s annual Community Contributor Award has gone to the group that has been fighting a proposed magnesium mine near the city.

The award is chosen by city council from nominations presented by citizens. Mayor Andy Morel said they recognized the committee’s level of commitment.

“These are volunteers who recognize the true value of the community and surrounding area,” he said. “They’ve got environmental backgrounds, engineering backgrounds, mining backgrounds, and recognize the risk that this mining proposal has.”

Morel said while the mine’s proponents have outlined its potential benefits, he doesn’t think they outweigh the risks.

“Our community is no longer a mining community. We like to think we’re mining snow these days and obviously Rossland has transitioned into very much a strong tourism-based economy and as well as lifestyle.”

Morel said people moved to Rossland for lifestyle reasons and he feels the risks to the environment and human health in the project are too high.

He said the community has gotten behind the organization and donated money to their cause. He said it was “impressive” to see the hundreds or thousand of hours that have been logged in investigation, research, and legal work to better understand the application and its potential impacts.

“Council is very much behind the efforts and has, of course, attempted to try wherever possible at all levels to voice our opposition to this proposal as well.”

One of the members of the group who was in council chambers last week to receive the award called it an “emotional” moment.  

“It’s deeply touching and I feel so honoured and the other directors certainly feel that way as well,” Melanie Mercier said.

“It’s nice to have the validation. Not that we didn’t think that our work was worth it, but to have the community get behind us on that level is just very wonderful, especially at this time where the fight continues. It’s just adding even more strength to our efforts.”

The committee is seeking judicial reviews of both the provincial government’s decision not to subject the Record Ridge project to a full environmental review as well as the mining permit that has been issued. They are also lobbying other ministries not to approve other outstanding permits.

West High Yield has said that it hopes to being construction on the mine in the second quarter of 2026.

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Nanaimo RCMP are seeking help locating a man wanted for sexual offences involving a child in Alberta. 

Police have a warrant to arrest 33-year-old Kyle Soloway for crimes allegedly committed in Red Deer, Alta., in 2023. 

Warrants for Soloway also exist in B.C., issued in August after he failed to comply with a court order. 

His last known residence was the Salvation Army New Hope Centre in Nanaimo in August. 

Soloway is described as a Caucasian man, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He has a tribal tattoo on his upper right arm, a cross on his left hand, and Chinese characters on his upper left arm. Police say the photo provided is recent. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. 

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Amid financial headwinds, College of New Caledonia President Cindy Heitman acknowledged a workforce adjustment process has begun.

In a statement to Vista Radio, Heitman issued the following:

“CNC, like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, is experiencing a decline in revenue due to several factors, including recent federal IRCC regulations that have significantly affected student enrolment. As we review program viability and enrolment trends, it is clear that programs with a low number of students are not sustainable to operate. When programs cannot be maintained, fewer staff are required to support them.

CNC has now begun its workforce adjustment processes, as required under our collective agreements. These processes include several steps and consultations, and final outcomes will not be known until they are complete. Because of this, it would be premature to confirm specific numbers, and the number of employees ultimately impacted may be different than those initially under consideration.

These are incredibly difficult decisions. We understand that behind every position are real people, families, and futures, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. Our goal is to sustain and grow the College in a responsible and forward-looking way, focusing our resources on programs and courses that meet labour market needs and support long-term stability for CNC and the communities we serve.

We remain committed to open communication with employees to ensure transparency throughout the process.”

In October, CNC cut eight programs due to an eight-million-dollar revenue shortfall:

• ABT Admin Assistant
• ABT Online Office Clerk
• ABT Online Office Assistant
• Social Service Worker Applied Diploma
• Post Diploma Human Resources Management
• Post Diploma Tourism and Hotel Management
• Kinesiology Diploma
• Applied Science Engineering Certificate

The Kinesiology program cancellation has sparked the most backlash.

In an October interview with MyPGNow, Simon Lamarche the high-performance manager at Engage Sport North in Prince George said losing the program was a massive blow as the program often leads students to several rewarding career paths, some of which includes assisting our older population.

The closest program to study Kinesiology for prospective students from northern BC is Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie.

Other degree programs in the province include UBC, Fraser Valley, Simon Fraser and Camosun College in Victoria.

Earlier this year, the college also axed the Associate Arts – Modern Classics, English Language, and Community and School Support programs.

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The College of New Caledonia confirmed a measles exposure today (Friday), that occurred in late November.

The confirmation was given with a letter from Northern Health that was sent to students and staff.

It stated that the exposure was between November 25th and 27th in the main building, in rooms 1-317, 2-110, and 3-201.

Northern Health said anyone that was there and is not protected should stay home for 21 days from the date of the exposure to help prevent further spread.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads.

Anyone with those symptoms or similar is asked to call their doctor or the Northern Health Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 for health advice.

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Campbell River has seen a notable decline in police calls and property crime this year, according to RCMP statistics covering January to November compared with 2024.

A city news release says the data reflects trends highlighted in Campbell River’s Citizen Satisfaction Survey, particularly in the downtown core. The city credits its ongoing partnership with the RCMP for contributing to a safer community.

“A healthy and safe community has always been our top priority,” Mayor Kermit Dahl said. “We listened to residents and businesses, took action to improve downtown safety, and invested in resources for RCMP, bylaw and security staff, cleanliness programs and supportive housing. These results — lower crime rates and fewer calls — show we’re on the right path, and we’ll keep building on this progress.”

The statistics show a 37.8 per cent drop in downtown property crime, a 27.7 per cent reduction in overall city property crime, a 28.9 per cent decline in downtown violent crime, a 20.5 per cent decrease in downtown calls for service and 11.3 per cent fewer overall calls for service.

The city says it has increased RCMP, bylaw and security staffing, expanded patrol hours and launched new cleanliness and safety initiatives.

“The drop in property crime, violent crime and calls for service is encouraging,” said Campbell River RCMP detachment commander Jeff Preston. “This progress reflects the dedication of RCMP officers, bylaw and security teams, guided by council’s priorities. We remain committed to working with the city and our partners to address crime and underlying issues such as homelessness, mental health and addictions to ensure a safe and prosperous community.”

Campbell River adopted a Community Safety and Well-Being Action Plan that sets seven priorities, including crime prevention, homelessness support and downtown revitalization.

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The Regional District East Kootenay (RDEK) board has adopted a bylaw that will allow the district’s compliance officers to issue fines to a maximum of $500.

However, development and protective services director Michele Bates said fines are still a last resort.

“Aside from short-term rentals operating without a valid Temporary Use Permit, our primary enforcement objective is voluntary compliance; fines will not be the primary means of enforcement,” Bates added.

“We have traditionally seen a high rate of voluntary compliance and our intention is to pursue that before further steps are taken.”

Bylaw contraventions include noise, unsightly premises, dog control and building bylaws.

“There are steps that could be taken prior to a fine being issued, depending on the contravention,” said Bates.

“Owners or occupants will be given the opportunity to voluntarily comply or remedy the contravention prior to a fine being issued or engaging legal counsel.”

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Budget discussions have been ongoing in Cranbrook and the city is now proposing a 5.67 per cent tax levy increase.

Originally the city was looking at a 6.5 per cent increase.

The 5.67 per cent hike includes the one per cent dedicated roads tax, so this tax levy is only for maintaining current service levels except for city roads.

This is lower then last year’s increase which was 6.4 per cent.

The final special budget meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026.

It will give a review of the proposed budget, updates from the December 2025 budget meetings and presentation of the final budget.

Council will then give it three readings and adoption in February.

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Cranbrook city council has adopted changes to the official community plan, which will include the findings of the 2024 interim housing needs report.

Changing the OCP gives direction to the city on how they should reach the housing needs targets.

Cranbrook is expected to need 1,262 units in the next five years and a total of 3,650 over the next two decades.

Community planner Conor Britton said the city has enough zoned space to be able to meet those numbers.

“We have sufficient land base to meet the needs. There’s enough residential zoned land,” he said.

“We don’t have to change anything in the zoning bylaw because we are meeting our residential needs.”

The city was required by the province to make these OCP changes by the end of the year.

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The Fernie area has taken the brunt of this recent atmospheric river in the East Kootenay, but conditions are improving.

Fernie mayor Nic Milligan said there has been some flooding, washouts and minor landslides around Fernie in the last couple days.

“You would just have to drive the highway to see the impact,” he said.

“Our team worked really closely with the ministry of environment to ensure they understood the situation we found ourselves in.”

The city had issued a notice asking residents to conserve water as the system was overwhelmed and crews had to discharge wastewater into the river.

“It appeared that the water flows were in excess of five times what they usually are through our system,” Milligan added.

“It was a scramble to ensure there was no catastrophic failure.”

He said things are starting to get back to normal.

“We were discharging wastewater into the river and that has now been reduced as of this morning to 85 per cent of what it was yesterday,” he said.

“It feels like things are coming back in line.”

Self fill sand bag stations have been set up next to the city’s operations yard on Railway Avenue as well as the Elk River Hotel in Hosmer.

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The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation received an early Christmas present.

Prince George Ford and Subaru of Prince George donated a combined 90-thousand dollars to fund the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at UHNBC as well as a new Endobronchial Ultrasound Diagnostic System.

CEO, Aimee Cassie told MyPGNow.com the new piece of equipment that helps diagnose different types of cancers will be a nice addition as they currently send between 5-10 patients down to Vancouver or Kelowna per week for this service.

“That is a hardship that patients in the north face. It is the time off work, trying to find a hotel for accommodations down south and then you have days like today where you have winter driving conditions and suddenly that 20-30 procedure becomes quite daunting.”

Cassie added the new piece of equipment, once it arrives will assist those from across the region, not just PG.

“We treat a lot of patients from different communities across the north and they will all be coming to Prince George and that is massive for northern B.C. and a massive addition for us.”

The Ronald McDonald House at UHNBC officially opened at our hospital last week during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District board has committed $50 million to fund a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo hospital if the province approves the project. 

The board unanimously supported a motion from Lantzville Mayor Mark Swain this week to provide full upfront financing for planning, construction and equipping of the lab. 

Swain said he was troubled Island Health had pushed the project to 2030 and that the board’s motion could make a real difference for patients. 

“It’s like we are giving a loan to the province. We are loaning them the upfront costs. Where does that happen? And that is troubling but it’s necessary,” he said. 

Board chair Janice Perinno said the $50 million would come from the hospital board’s 40 per cent share of projects at the facility, which also includes a new patient tower. 

“By offering to pay 100 per cent – if the government and Island Health of course agree to go forward with the catheterization lab – we would pay for it out of our 40 per cent of the total projects that we are doing. So this does not mean that we are asking for more tax dollars – we are not upping the taxes to take care of that 100 per cent,” she said. 

The Fair Care Alliance, which has advocated for the lab, called the funding commitment decisive and unprecedented. 

In a news release, the group said it hopes the step is seen as the first phase in developing infrastructure and the patient care tower at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. 

“This step affirms the region’s readiness to proceed and signals that responsibility now shifts squarely to Island Health and the government of British Columbia to accelerate planning, authorization and construction, with the goal the infrastructure is in place within three years,” Fair Care Alliance chair Donna Hais said. “With this unprecedented financial commitment to full capital support up front, all remaining delays fall within the jurisdiction of Island Health and the province.” 

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Floodwaters in the Fraser Valley are expected to recede in the coming days, forecasters said, but uncertainty remains with more rain in the forecast next week.

British Columbia’s Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene said in an update Friday morning there were 450 properties under evacuation order and another 1,700 more are under evacuation alert, mostly in the Abbotsford area. 

“As difficult as the last few days have been, there is more rain in the forecast,” said Greene.

She urged everyone in flood areas to pack a grab-and-go bag that includes winter clothing and any needed medications. 

Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said water levels rose overnight at many farms in the Fraser Valley. 

“Today is a day of assessing and unfortunately finding some difficult situations that farmers are facing,” she said. 

Popham said some poultry barns were flooded, and the remaining birds are being relocated. She declined to provide numbers on how many animals were lost, saying it could be distressing for farmers to hear while they are still actively dealing with the emergency. 

David Campbell, head of the River Forecast Centre said Washington State’s Nooksack River peaked Thursday afternoon, spilling more water into the Fraser Valley region.

He said more storms are expected in the coming week, particularly on Sunday and Monday, and flood risk will stay high over the period. 

Some major routes between the Interior and the lower Mainland remained closed Friday morning due to flooding, debris and avalanche risk. DriveBC warns other provincial roadways could be closed with little or no notice.

Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens slammed the federal response to emergency preparation, particularly following the devastating floods that hit B.C. in November 2021. He said no one from Ottawa had yet reached out to him during this event. 

“To put my city residents at risk once again needlessly because of inaction is frustrating,” said Siemens. 

He called on the federal government to work with the province and city on a long-term flood mitigation plan, noting Ottawa rejected funding a plan the city developed in the aftermath of the 2021 floods.

He said it’s important that Canada work also with officials in Washington state on flood prevention efforts for the region.

Ian Paton, Delta South MLA and Opposition Critic for Agriculture, said the province’s 10-year flood mitigation action plan, introduced in 2024 lacked a clear budget, priorities and timelines.

“Our agricultural communities in the Sumas Prairie face potential devastation with insufficient resources for vital flood defences,” stated Paton in a statement. “Local farmers should not have to shoulder these burdens alone.”

Paton said the City of Delta alone needs an estimated $3 billion for flood protection upgrades.

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A young family is reeling after their there house, that had only been lived in for three months, caught fire on Simon Fraser Avenue Monday.

26-year-old Brayden was out at work, and 24-year-old Elena Tobin was Christmas shopping when the fire broke, with their neighbours noticing smoke and calling Brayden.

Elena said they had lost all of their belongings in the fire and their two pets, one being their dog Maria.

“She was my best friend for eight years. What we had together was once in a life time. Everyday I wake up hoping that she’s going to be there, that I’m going to hear her little footsteps, but there’s nothing.”

Brayden added that their cat Lillith was also lost to the fire.

“Our baby cat, we liked to call her pretty kitty, she was one of the most gorgeous cats I’ve ever seen. She acted like a puppy dog that one. She would follow me around, sit on my lap. I don’t think I’ll ever get that again.”

Brayden said they’re working with a few restoration companies, and are staying in a hotel for the time being, and will be with family over the holidays.

A Go Fund Me was set up by Elena for people to donate.

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The North Island College Foundation is inviting community members to take part in its Future 50 Legacy Match campaign, which aims to double the impact of legacy gifts made this holiday season.

Under the initiative, donors who pledge a gift in their will or estate plans unlock matching funds that provide immediate support for North Island College students. The college said the campaign’s goal is to secure 50 new legacy commitments.

The foundation hosted a legacy planning workshop in late November that drew strong interest and prompted several attendees to pledge future gifts.

One student already feeling the benefit of legacy support is Zander Hole, who is enrolled in NIC’s instrumentation and electrical automation technician program. Hole received the Elizabeth Sywulych Ukrainian Heritage Bursary and said the help came at a crucial time.

“I was honoured and grateful to receive this award,” he said. “Studying full-time has been both challenging and rewarding.”

Hole said the bursary eased financial pressures and allowed him to focus on completing his program.

“It truly has made a huge impact on my ability to complete my program at NIC and relieved some financial stress that would only have gotten in the way of my studies.”

The Future 50 Legacy Match campaign operates on two levels. Legacy gifts, whether included in wills or through assets such as securities, help future generations of students. At the same time, every new or increased pledge triggers a $1,000 release from a $50,000 matching fund to support current students through awards, bursaries or emergency assistance.

The matching fund is supported by two $25,000 contributions from Ida and Ted Sauvé and Coastal Community Credit Union.

The foundation said legacy gifts and the Future 50 campaign reflect the community’s generosity and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

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UPDATE

BC Hydro is once again advising the public of increased water flows down Elk Falls Canyon and the lower Campbell River.

On Dec. 5, water flow was increased from four cubic metres per second to about 45 m³/s until Dec. 12. Starting the evening of Dec. 12, BC Hydro said it will increase discharges to about 105 m³/s.

BC Hydro public affairs coordinator Karla Louwers said spill levels down Elk Falls Canyon will rise while the John Hart generating station runs at full capacity.

“The total water discharge from the John Hart facilities will be about 225 m³/s,” Louwers said. “Inflows into the Upper Campbell Reservoir over the next seven days are expected to be approximately five times higher than normal.”

The change will remain in effect until Monday, Dec. 22. Temporary safety signs warning of high flows will be placed around Elk Falls Canyon for that period, BC Hydro said.

BC Hydro is also warning river users and anglers that it has flexibility to adjust John Hart operations from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 to meet electricity demand.

That can cause fairly rapid flow changes: the river is fully covered at about 80 m³/s and flows may range from roughly 80 m³/s up to about 128 m³/s when the station is at full electricity generation.

Anglers are urged to take caution during the six-week period.

Temporary safety signage will be posted along the river before Jan. 1 and remain in place until Feb. 15, BC Hydro said.

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No charges will be laid against a Nakusp RCMP officer involved in a fatal crash last year.

The officer was following a stolen vehicle on Nov. 25, 2024, with its light and siren activated, when the suspect driver lost control, crashed, and was fatally injured.

The Independent Investigations Office looked into the incident, and determined there were reasonable grounds to believe the officer may have committed a Motor Vehicle Act offence. They submitted a report to the BC Prosecution Service.

Today, prosecutors said they have concluded the available evidence does not meet the charge assessment standard. They feel there is no substantial likelihood of conviction.

(MORE TO COME)

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Members of the Williams Lake RCMP detachment will be doing their part this weekend to bring some much needed cheer to those in need this Holiday Season.

Officer Fraser Bjornson said on Saturday (December 13) between 11 am and 3 pm they will be holding their annual Cram Cruiser in the Fresh Co parking lot.

“We’re partnering up with the Williams Lake fire Department accepting donations to cram a cruiser and possibly a fire truck with non-perishable food items to give to the Williams Lake Salvation Army Food Bank. A U15 hockey team will also be joining us to help push carts and assist with the donations aspect.”

Bjornson said he hadn’t taken part in this Food Drive in the past but has heard a lot of good things about it.

“Staff Sargent Brad McKinnon and I have been talking about it, that he has been a part of it before. The detachment had good success with it last year and I’m looking forward to being with our partners at the Fire Department to raise donations, especially during the Holidays because there definitely is a need.”

Bjornson noted that this Food Drive is combined again with the second annual “Guns & Hoses” Charity hockey game for Williams Lake Kids Sport that will be taking place Saturday January 4^th at the Memorial Recreation Complex.

Last year 600 fans came out to the rink to cheer on the RCMP and Firefighters.

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The Regional District of Central Kootenay has bought land for a new park in the Creston Valley to re-open long-term public access to the Goat River.

The RDCK says it has paid $899,000 for the 4.4 acres (1.8 hectares) at 3823 Goat Canyon Road. The assessed value was $631,000.

The RDCK says the creation of a new regional park is in keeping with a recreation master plan for the Creston Valley that set a goal of adding parkland.

“Securing this land marks an important step in re-establishing a community gathering place cherished by generations,” the RDCK said in a news release.

“It’s exciting to see our efforts to acquire parkland for the community come to life,” said Area B director Roger Tierney, in whose area the property sits.

“This acquisition represents an important step toward improving parkland access in the region. As we move into planning, it is important that we hear from residents to help shape the future of this regional park, while also continuing our engagement with the Yaqan Nuʔkiy.”

Although the land is now publicly owned, it’s not yet open for public use. The RDCK says any risks must be assessed at mitigated before the public can safely enjoy the park. Over the next year, the RDCK will complete these site assessments and begin developing a management plan to guide access, safety, and environmental protection.

Residents will have opportunities to provide input as planning for the future of the park moves forward. The RDCK says it has been in contact with the Yaqan Nuʔkiy throughout the acquisition and will continue their engagement as planning advances.

“We’re grateful to our partners for their support in making this acquisition possible,” said Tierney. “Without their contributions, this purchase wouldn’t have been feasible.”

The land acquisition was made possible through contributions from Columbia Basin Trust ($540,000), BC Parks Foundation ($200,000), and the RDCK ($159,000).

“Restoring access to the Goat River has long been a community priority, and we’re pleased to help make this important step possible,” says Katie Kendall, senior manager, delivery of benefits for the Trust. “We look forward to seeing the RDCK, Yaqan Nuʔkiy, and the community shape the future of this cherished place.”

“Adding this land to the public trust is a real win for the Creston Valley and we are happy to have played a role in making it happen,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation.

“It sets the stage for a future regional park where people will be able to swim, paddle, and spend time by the Goat River in a beautiful place. Parks like this improve people’s mental and physical health, boost the local economy, and are good for nature.”

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Two major charity events led by North Cowichan–Duncan RCMP this past week brought in an impressive amount of support for local families heading into the holidays.

On Thursday, the RCMP’s Indigenous Policing Service teamed up with M’Akola Housing, the Cowichan Valley Basket Society, Cowichan Community Policing & Engagement Society, and Superstore for the annual Capsize the Canoe Christmas Food Drive. The event collected 2,150 pounds of food, valued at more than $7,600, along with nearly $1,000 in cash and $300 in gift cards.

Then on Saturday, officers took part in Cram the Cruiser at Canadian Tire, where community members donated enough toys to fill an entire police vehicle. More than $2,100 in cash and gift cards was also raised. The Cowichan Valley Basket Society says the generosity will help support the over 600 families registered for Christmas hampers this year.

Organizers thanked Superstore and Canadian Tire for hosting, along with staff at Save-On-Foods, Thrifty Foods and Tim Hortons for their help. They also expressed appreciation to everyone who donated during the drives and wished the community a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.

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Santa Claus is making early stops in Creston, Elkford and Kimberley this year, thanks to support from local fire rescue departments.

The Creston area will be Saint Nick’s first stop along the way. Erickson and Lakeview-Arrowcreek communities just outside Creston will be visited by the Christmas mogul Saturday evening, Dec. 20.

Decorated fire trucks will make their way through the neighbourhoods, playing Christmas carols for residents to enjoy.

Santa will return to Creston the following evening, Sunday, Dec. 21, for a ride through town aboard a festively lit fire truck. The event is expected to wrap up around 9 p.m. to ensure younger children can still get to bed on time.

Families can also track where Santa and the trucks are so they know when and where to go.

Real time updates will be provided on Creston Fire Rescue Facebook page along with a link for the GPS sharing app that will keep a close eye on Father Christmas. 

Next stop on Mr. Clause’s path is Elkford on Wednesday, Dec. 24, as he will be riding aboard an Elkford Fire Rescue truck from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Holiday helpers will accompany Santa, collecting cash donations and grocery vouchers for Elk Valley food banks.

Printed maps with the planned route will appear next week at all district facilities and the Kootenay Market. To save the map digitally, visit www.elkford.ca/2025santaroute 

Later that evening, Santa will make his way to Kimberley. He’ll begin his holiday cruise at 4:30 p.m. from the Marysville Fire Hall, stopping in the following neighbourhoods:

• Marysville: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• Forest Crowne: 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

• Blarchmont: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Chapman Camp: 7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

• Downtown (including Halpin): 7:45 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Townsite: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Ski Hill: 9 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.

The Kimberley Fire Department is helping make Santa’s trip possible and asks residents to keep a safe distance to preserve the magic of his sleigh. Santa’s route can be tracked through the web-based app SANTAFD.APP, with updates also available on the fire department’s Facebook page.

Residents are encouraged to wave to Santa, sing along to carols and enjoy the festive spirit in their communities.

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Backcountry users are being urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly around alpine terrain north of Kaslo, as buried weak layers continue to create dangerous and highly unpredictable conditions.

Avalanche Canada has listed the danger rating in the Kaslo/Nakusp area as “high” for alpine terrain and “considerable” at the treeline and below.

Avalanche forecaster Ian Snowsell said the high rating reflects recent weather patterns in the region.

“A lot of storm snow over the last week or so has kind of accumulated in that area north of Kaslo. There are a couple buried weak layers within the snowpack that we’re still monitoring,” he said.

Snowsell said conditions are expected to remain touchy into the weekend, with some storm slabs failing naturally in certain areas.

“We just ask backcountry users to keep an eye on the forecast closely to see how officials are treating those layers as we watch how they develop as we get more snow on top of them,” he said.

Avalanche Canada’s Dec. 11 bulletin said between 20 and 50 centimetres of new snow fell in the area Wednesday, with strong southwest winds creating thick deposits in leeward terrain.

The new load is sitting over a layer of surface hoar and faceted snow buried 50 to 100 centimetres deep. This combination has been producing avalanches 40 to 100 centimetres deep on all aspects.

In the East and West Kootenay regions, the avalanche rating is listed as considerable.

Snowsell said recent rain at higher elevations, followed by a drop in temperatures, has helped stabilize the snowpack in these areas.

“In the East and West Kootenay regions, it’s rained quite high into the mountains and now with temperatures dropping, it’s just freezing the snowpack, making it nice and consolidated and tight and very stable,” he said.

“Now things are cooling off. Things will really freeze up. You’ll probably end up with quite a significant crust on the surface in a lot of places, which, while it will very much decrease the likelihood of triggering avalanches.”

Avalanche Canada reminds anyone travelling in alpine terrain to check local forecasts, travel with proper safety equipment, and adjust plans based on current conditions.

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Quesnel and Williams Lake will get more than their share of the white stuff today (December 12).

This morning at 4:30 Environment Canada issued a Yellow Snowfall warning as they expect those communities to receive a total of 10 centimetres.

Meteorologist Brian Proctor said there is a very interesting weather situation in store for the Cariboo and Chilcotin.

“A frontal system from the South Coast is pushing a lot of warm and moist air over top of the region. That’s interacting with that cold Arctic air that’s trapped at the surface and it’s producing snowfall. The snow began around 4 o’clock this morning in the Williams Lake area and we’re expecting that snow to continue through much of the day today before easing off slowly through the evening an overnight period.”

Proctor said they are expecting a snowfall amount totaling 10 centimetres across the Cariboo.

“Looking at the weekend we start to see day time highs of minus two for Saturday and maybe a little bit of snow off and on through the day but not a lot accumulating. Then we start a little bit of a warm up as the Arctic air starts to recede on Sunday with daytime highs of about plus 5.”

Proctor noted the start of the week will be wet for the region.

“On Monday daytime highs will be about plus 8 with rain likely over the Cariboo and Chilcotin. The Arctic air will come sliding back through mid-week on wards again and the daytime highs drop well down into the negative teens, so it’s really going to be a roller coaster ride of weather over the next week at this point in time.”

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Several Prince George biathletes are trying to make their mark overseas.

At the International Biathlon Cup Individual women’s event in Italy yesterday (Thursday), PG’s Moira Green ranked as the top Canadian placing 40th out of 99 competitors.

Green who is out of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, completed the 15-kilometre course in 47 minutes and 21.6 seconds – nearly 4:47 seconds behind France Paula Botet who claimed the gold medal.

Emily Dickson of Burns Lake and Iona Cadell of PG (representing Great Britain) 67th and 82nd respectively in the same race.

In addition, Aliah Turner of PG placed 49th out of 100 at the IBU Junior World Cup in Switzerland.

Turner, who was selected as a Rising Star Athlete by the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame in April of 2024, went 7-for-10 shooting and was 3:40 behind first-place finisher Lou-Anne Dupont Ballet Baz of France.

Isla Cadell, also from Prince George and representing Great Britain placed 70th.

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Emergency services will be unavailable until 8 tonight (December 12) at the 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

Interior Health said patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

Interior Health said 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 last interrupted at the hospital back on November 24^th and 26^th.

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Two teams that are both easy to cheer for will be squaring off later this evening (December 12) at the South Cariboo Rec Centre.

It’s the second annual “Guns and Hoses” charity hockey game between members of the 100 Mile House RCMP and 100 Mile Fire Rescue.

Organizer Sargeant Jason Nash with BC Highway Patrol Cariboo Region said it’s all about getting donations to give to the 100 Mile House Food Bank to help those struggling this Holiday Season.

“Last year we raised approximately $3,000 and about 800 pounds of food. This year we’re hoping that community comes together and we’re able to exceed that goal. We had a pretty full house to watch it, especially some that probably don’t attend hockey very often but they came out to be part of a good cause.”

Nash noted that his RCMP squad is looking pretty good and that they’ve gotten a couple of skates to hopefully be ready for game time.

“This year the majority of our players will be RCMP. I think we have about 10 to 11 RCMP members made up of 100 Mile House and a couple from Williams Lake. We do have a couple of First Responders, there’s also some CVSE members, and probably two community members that are going to be playing.”

100 Mile Fire Rescue Chief Dave Bissat said his lineup is ready to go as well.

“Besides myself we have 3 or 4 members from the Canim Lake First Nations Fire Department, the Cariboo Regional District Fire Chief Roger Hollander, and the rest are from our Department.”

Nash said he likes to take part in this charity game, to see the community come together, the happy faces and the fun the people have.

“It’s a chance for us to relax and looking at our profession we deal with a lot of negative things on a daily basis and this is an opportunity to do something positive and get everybody involved, especially during the time of the season that we’re in. The community itself has gone through some tough things lately and this is a chance for us to give back, it’s just fun to do.”

Admission to the “Guns & Hoses” charity hockey game is the donation of a non-perishable food item.

Puck drop is this evening at 7.

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A Rossland group fighting a proposed magnesium mine southwest of the city says they’re trying to ensure the project continues to be scrutinized while they wait for a pair of court challenges to be heard.

Although West High Yield’s has received its mining permit, Melanie Mercier of the Save Record Ridge Action Committee says other permits still need to be processed from different government ministries for things like water use, waste and effluent discharges, trail relocation, and road access.

Mercier says each permit needs to satisfy environmental and public-interest requirements, and her group has filed detailed legal submissions to the ministries responsible explaining why they feel the approvals should not be granted.

“We strongly believe that the information that’s been provided is insufficient to go ahead in approving these permits,” Mercier says. “We trust that the government will make the right decisions on not approving these remaining permits.”

The committee says it has started meeting with several ministries and describes its early discussions as constructive. It says it is also talking to the Washington State Department of Ecology about potential cross-border water impacts.

The committee is further seeking a judicial review of the Environmental Assessment Office’s decision not to require a full-blown environmental review of the project. No date has been set for their application to be heard.

They’re also planning to seek a judicial review of the approval of the mining permit, arguing that it was issued without enough data on things like asbestos, air quality, and water contamination. They say evidence showing the project will be overbuilt was ignored and that tourism impacts weren’t addressed.

Mercier says they hope the courts will hear their challenges before the company can start its mine.

“We truly believe it would it would be unlawful for the company to end up with all the permits they require before the judicial reviews are heard,” she says.

The committee says its concerns include the project’s location in an old growth management area, risks to downstream water rights, potential impacts to the Seven Summits Trail, transportation and road-safety issues, and questions about air and water emissions.

West High Yield said this week that it has posted an initial reclamation bond for the project and has “accelerated work across regulatory, environmental, engineering, and capital planning streams,” as its prepares to start construction in the second quarter of 2026.

“We continue to move the Record Ridge project forward in a disciplined and structured manner,” president and CEO Frank Marasco said in a news release.

“Posting the initial reclamation bond and executing the early-stage permit requirements demonstrate our commitment to responsible development and to maintaining strong momentum following the issuance of the Mines Act permit.”

The company said it is working on a vegetation audit covering the mine’s footprint and access corridor and also doing site prep to support final design and construction.

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It’s home opening weekend for the Rossland Warriors.

The senior men’s hockey team hosts the Spokane Grinders for Friday and Saturday night games that start at 7 p.m.

The Warriors got all the way to the Coy Cup provincial senior AA final last March before bowing 5-4 to the Terrace River Kings. It was the only game they lost during the four-team round robin, followed by two-round sudden death playoff rounds.

Head coach Darin Sinal believes they are just as just as good this season.

“We’ve got most of our players returning from last season, we placed second in Prince Rupert during the Coy Cup final (tournament),” he said.

Sinal points out the level of competition is keen.

“It’s definitely not beer league,” he stated.

“It is complete contact hockey, a lot of guys played junior, college, mid-20s and older and still have the need to play competitive hockey,” Sinal added.

The organization is committed to going one step further and bringing the Coy Cup to Rossland, but Sinal says fan support is needed to help finance their quest.

“The more fans we get the more money we can generate to help offset costs going to the Coy Cup this year,” the coach commented.

“There are costs involved if we qualify, we will have to playoff against another independent (team) in Ft. St. John,” added Sinal, who said that team hasn’t yet been determined.

“The funding to get up there, we’d like to make it cost effective for all of the players, if we get sponsorship, to which a lot of local companies have been sponsoring us all this year,” he explained.

Last season the Warriors swept the Powell River Regals in the best-of-three qualifying series to advance to the Coy Cup.

Rossland applied to host the 2026 Coy Cup, but lost out to Dawson Creek.

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North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are asking for the public’s help to find 37-year-old Andrew Olesen, who has not been seen since Dec. 1 and was reported missing nearly a week later.

Police said they have followed up on several leads and possible sightings, but Olesen remains missing.

He is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 170 lb, with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

RCMP said they are concerned for Olesen’s health and well-being. His friends and family say it is out of character for him to be out of contact for this long.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment at 250-748-5522 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

See a picture of Olsen below:

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Sports by Hartley Friday, December 12th, 2025  as of 12:05 a.m.

The Prince George Cougars will be without goalie Josh Ravensbergen and defenseman
Carson Carels when they host the (14-11-2-2) Kamloops Blazers tonight (Friday) at 7:00
and Saturday night at 6:00 on Spirit Weekend.

Both Ravensbergen and Carels are among 27 players at Team Canada’s World Junior Selection Camp that begins today and goes until December 22nd in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Tonight is Carson Carels Bobblehead night while Saturday is the Teddy Bear Toss game at CN Centre.

The (20-8) Cougars lead the BC Division by 7 points over Penticton and by 8 over both Kelowna and Kamloops.

The PG Cougars regular season schedule and results are here.

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Northern Health has won an award for pioneering a new virtual health care project at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel.

Northern Health’s Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Services Program (VCPS) won the Strengthening Health & Wellness award in this year’s Health Quality BC Awards, for how health care and pharmacy can be delivered through a virtual model.

“ We have a pharmacy technician, who goes and does an interview with the patient to find out if all their medications are the same or similar to what they had at home to optimize patient medications,” says Barb Falkner, the Pharmacy Professional Practice Lead for Northern Health, and the Project Lead on VCPS.

“We have a special iPad that the pharmacy tech will set up so the pharmacist can talk to the patient about their medications and help answer any questions.”

Falkner said the program, which started in November 2024 and ran four days a week until March 2025, “filled a gap in service” in Northern Health, which has had a shortage of pharmacists.

She said the program far exceeded the intial expectations to match the on site referrals at G.R Baker Memorial with other hospitals in the region.

“Initially we did not have an on site pharmacist on the ward, so our baseline for referrals was zero,” Falkner says, adding the total amount of referrals received during the pilot window reached 362.

“The referrals were higher than what we were getting at other hospitals. The staff at [G.R. Baker Memorial] were really supportive of the project, and the patients were great. They really wanted to talk with the pharmacists and appreciated getting the help.”

Patients were able to connect with a pharmacist living in a different community, and vice versa. Northern Health said more medications were prescribed and more patients were helped than they had been able to help before.

With winning the award and being able to showcase the methods of referrals and data, Falkner believes this virtual method is highly beneficial for rural areas across Canada. She hopes that this virtual method will become more available in difficult-to-recruit areas. Though face-to-face methods are still the preferred method.

“We’ll continue to keep recruiting to have people on site face-to-face, but in the meantime. We’re filling a gap of service, and I hope to have this at every single hospital that we have trouble recruiting to, so that there won’t be a gap in service anymore. So I’m really excited about it, and I’m really proud of the frontline staff that we’re able to do this and make it work so well.”

The pilot program is officially over; however, Falkner says that the VCPS is still ongoing at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital, and Northern Health hopes to expand the program to other hospitals within 2026.

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One person is dead and another injured after a motorhome fire in Nanaimo on Wednesday evening.   

Nanaimo RCMP said officers were called to a blaze in the 6800 block of Dover Road at about 5 p.m. on Dec. 10. Firefighters had the fire under control before police arrived, and it does not appear to be criminal in nature.  

“By the time police arrived, fire crews had contained the fire and no fire damage was reported to any other structures,” the RCMP said in a news release. “The injured man was found outside the motorhome and transported for medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. An adult man was located inside the motorhome deceased.”  

Police said the fire remains under investigation and asked anyone with information to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. 

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Valemount residents will soon have better access to high-speed internet.

Today (Thursday), Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation received 17-million dollar in provincial funding for the connectivity expansion.

It builds on the 82-million dollar Connect the Basin initiative for people in the Columbia Basin and the Kootenays.

“Valemount is pleased Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation is expanding its Connect the Basin project with provincial funding. The expansion supports residents and businesses, fosters economic development, remote education and virtual healthcare, and betters the overall quality of life for Valemount and surrounding areas. The new last-mile fibre installations and upgrades to existing infrastructure bridges connectivity gaps and provides access to high-speed internet ‘in the middle of everywhere,” said Owen Torgerson, mayor, Valemount.

In March 2022, the provincial and federal governments announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services.

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Ness Lake Bible Camp will be holding its 25th annual Polar Bear Dip, with a unique addition.

The event has raised over $250,000 over the 24 years for the Camper Sponsorship Fund, making camp affordable for families and their kids.

Program Director Dayna Penson said it’s the biggest fundraiser they do for the fund.

“Over the last 24 years, we think it’s help over 1,000 kids come to camp so, it’s a very big deal.”

“We really look forward to this event every year, just because of the impact it has on families.”

Last year, around $35,000 was raised.

This year’s Polar Bear Dip, now reaching the quarter century mark, Ness Lake Bible Camp will be showing off some of the event’s history including a video with footage over the the last 25 years, and displays of previous t-shirt designs.

Prizes are also able to be won for both the top pledge raiser and the person with the best costume.

The entry fee is $35, with the event starting at 1:30 p.m., with the dip at 2:00, and ending at 3:00 on January 1st, 2026.

More information about the Polar Bear dip, registration and pledge forms can be found on Ness Lake Bible Camp’s website here.

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A 60-year-old Ontario man has been charged after an alleged assault involving gasoline at a property near the Universal Ostrich Farm in September.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency obtained a warrant to search the farm on Sept. 3. RCMP were called to help maintain the peace while CFIA officers carried out the search. 

Police said in a statement that officers arrived at the farm on Sept. 22 to help secure three properties named in the warrant. 

Shortly after arriving, RCMP said officers became aware of a reported altercation at a neighbouring property involving an individual linked to a protest camp at the farm. 

The suspect was arrested on the scene without incident.  

A 73-year-old woman received medical care from RCMP medics. The extent of her injuries has not been publicly disclosed.  

The man has since been charged with assault, assault with a weapon and mischief. 

B.C. RCMP Staff Sergeant Kris Clark said the details of the alleged assault have been reported elsewhere, but could not be shared further by police as the matter is now before the courts.  

However, he did confirm that the incident involved the use of gasoline.  

“The nature of the assault, I think, has been more widely reported. There was an interview done by the victim with media, but we’re not really able to go into the specifics obviously, now that charges are laid. This is before the courts.”  

He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8, 2026. 

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The Prince George Chamber of Commerce has formally invited Premier David Eby to meet with local businesses to discuss way to improve public safety in the community.

The Chamber issued the invitation in a letter to the Premier on Wednesday to coincide with his keynote speech at a BC Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Vancouver.

The Prince George Chamber was represented at the lunch event by Chamber advocacy committee chair Dr. Ron Camp and Chamber
executive director Neil Godbout.

“We propose hosting a 60-minute, private roundtable during your visit (during the BC Natural Resources Forum in January) with a small cross-section of our members to share data and ideas and to identify ways we can work together to move forward to find solutions to the serious safety concerns in Prince
George,” the letter from the Chamber’s board of directors reads.

Along with the letter, the Prince George Chamber included a report on the Voices For Change Safe Streets Rally held at CN Centre in October and the results of a recent survey of businesses conducted by Downtown Prince George.

In the survey, 55 respondents reported more than $4.5 million in damage caused by criminal activity so far this year, the most significant incident being the fire that
destroyed the Crossroad Brewery and Restaurant in September.

“We want the residents who attended the rally and took part in the live polling to know that your voices have been heard in Victoria,” Godbout said. “The Chamber will be continuing to work in 2026 with Downtown Prince George and other local and provincial partners to make Prince George a safer community for everyone.”

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About 400 properties are under evacuation order and another 1,800 are on evacuation alert due to flooding in the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford and the Okanagan-Similkameen region, officials said.

The City of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley Regional District have declared a local state of emergency.

British Columbia’s Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene said in an update late Thursday morning that emergency support services are being provided to those who have been evacuated. 

Greene said geotechnical experts are also assessing the situation on highways and other at-risk areas. 

She urged residents under evacuation orders to have a grab-and-go bag ready and to be prepared to leave on short notice.

Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said the province is better prepared to deal with flooding events than it was in November 2021, when severe rainfall swamped southern B.C., forcing thousands to evacuate and causing an estimated $285 million in damage.

“We know from 2021 the significant impact that this type of event has on our agricultural community,” said Popham. She said she has talked to many farmers who are worried about how the coming hours and days will play out. 

Popham said staff have been working around the clock to support emergency response in the Fraser Valley, including livestock relocation. She said there are 66 farms registered with livestock under evacuation orders, and about 100 others under evacuation alert.

“At this point in time, the animals are safe,” said Popham. 

David Campbell, head of the River Forecast Centre, said the atmospheric river hitting B.C. has brought about 90 to 150 mm of rain to the Fraser Valley and surrounding regions since Tuesday. 

He said the rainfall rates eased on Thursday, as water levels drop in most smaller and medium-sized rivers.

The Nooksack River in northwestern Washington breached its banks Wednesday afternoon and spilled north into Sumas Prairie.

Campbell said flood warnings remain in place for the Chilliwack River and for rivers in the Sumas region. Levels are expected to remain high throughout Thursday night and into Friday. 

“While some areas are improving through the valley, in the Sumas particularly we expect to see the potential for ongoing challenging conditions as we go through the day today,” said Campbell. 

He said another atmospheric river is expected to begin Sunday and continue through Monday, though it remains unclear how much additional risk that rainfall could bring.

“At this point, vigilance is important as we go through the coming week,” said Campbell.

Flooding shut down all major major routes between the Interior and the Lower Mainland Wednesday. 

Janelle Staite, Deputy Director for the South Coast Region with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation said the province is not seeing near the same level of infrastructure damage as the 2021 flooding event.

Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened fully in both directions early Thursday morning.

There was single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 7 between Agassiz and Hope Thursday morning as crews worked to clear rockfall, and Staite said it’s expected to be fully reopened later Thursday evening.

Highway 99 between Mount Currie and Lillooet has been reopened, but drivers on the road are being told to prepare for winter conditions. 

Highway 1 in the Sumas prairie remains open in both directions, and Staite said crews have positioned a flood barrier that can be deployed to protect the highway if necessary.

Highway 1 eastbound in the Bridal Falls area remains closed due to a mudslide. The Coquihalla remains closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt. Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton and Highway 11 at Sumas Canada-U.S. border crossing also remained closed.

Residents can check DriveBC for updated road closure status.

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Mosaic Forest Management has hired consultants to help it build a better system for managing recreational access on its land. 

In May, more than 7,600 people responded to a public survey, and Mosaic said the results clearly indicated Vancouver Islanders want well-managed public recreation access.  

RC Strategies and Legacy Tourism Group will do the work to balance access with environmental protection, safety and operational needs. Mosaic said pilot initiatives are expected to be implemented in 2026.  

“Engaging RC Strategies and Legacy Tourism Group reflects our commitment to doing things differently for public recreation access,” said Duncan Davies, president and CEO of Mosaic Forest Management. “We’re investing in a sustainable model that creates lasting value for communities and Mosaic.” 

According to a Mosaic news release, RC Strategies specializes in outdoor recreation development and sustainable tourism and Legacy Tourism Group helps organizations develop their recreation and tourism assets.  

“Mosaic is taking a progressive step that very few private landowners have undertaken at this scale,” said Justin Ellis, partner at RC Strategies. “We’re excited to help develop a recreation access program that balances great outdoor experiences with the operational and environmental realities of a privately owned working forest.”  

Mosaic manages 585,000 hectares of land on Vancouver Island and coastal B.C. 

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The Kus-kus-sum restoration project is getting a funding boost from the federal government. 

Ottawa has invested $1 million in the project to restore an industrial sawmill site in the heart of the K’ómoks Estuary on Vancouver Island to a natural, functioning ecosystem.  

The work is taking place on about 8.3 acres of tidal marsh and riparian forest that will connect to an already protected and conserved area of healthy estuary.  

“The K’ómoks Estuary is one of British Columbia’s most ecologically significant estuaries, recognized for its vital role in supporting biodiversity,” said the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors).

“We are proud to invest in the Kus-kus-sum watershed restoration project so that the community can benefit for years to come.”  

The habitat supports all five species of Pacific salmon as well as hundreds of bird and plant species.  

Work is underway to restore biodiversity, maximize benefits to fish and wildlife, lessen climate change impacts, and restore cultural and traditional uses of the site by members of the K’ómoks First Nation.  

Caitlin Pierzchalski, executive director of Project Watershed, said the investment brings the project close to its final fundraising goal.  

“It’s been an honour to work so closely with K’ómoks First Nation and the City of Courtenay on this project that centres ecological restoration and cultural revitalization.” 

Once completed, the land will be repatriated to the K’ómoks First Nation.

Elected Chief Nicole Rempel said the people have lived in villages on both sides of the estuary and harvested and managed salmon at the site for millennia.  

“We look forward to the full remediation of this former mill site, and the repatriation of the lands, restoring crucial chinook habitat and our rightful relationship.”

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BC Hydro has released a plan to address persistent power outages in Elkford, and Mayor Steve Fairbairn said he is pleased work is beginning immediately.

“It could have been a very dismissive report and it’s not,” he said.

“I asked directly for a list of action items and timelines for those to take place and they’ve delivered on that.”

BC Hydro has transported a temporary mobile transformer to the Elkford substation.

Officials said these transformers are used to support communities where need is the greatest and the unit will help provide a more reliable supply of power for the town.

Fairbairn believes the existing transformer is the cause of a lot of the power issues and the new one will be installed soon.

“I’m happy with the report. The temporary substation has already arrived in town and they have a planned power outage,” he added.

“They are acting on their plan already and they are doing it before it gets cold.”

The outage is scheduled to begin Dec. 17 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. It is weather-dependent and will be postponed if temperatures are too low.

BC Hydro will also be initiating inspections of the underground electrical system to identify potential defects.

“I hope inspecting means they are actually going to repair and not just look, but I think there has been a recognition that some of their infrastructure is hitting end of life,” said Fairbairn.

Dead trees are also being removed along a five kilometre stretch in Elk Lakes Provincial Park to ensure they do not fall onto the transmission line this winter.

BC Hydro said that work has been planned for a number of month and they just received the necessary permits.

In the Summer of 2026, BC Hydro will replace disconnect switches in the Elkford substation and will replace an underground switchgear by the winter of 2026.

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The Campbell River Minor Hockey Association’s female program raised more than $7,100 during its Hockey Fights Cancer Day on Nov. 29.

All games were played on Rink 2 at Strathcona Gardens and featured the U11, U13, U15 and U18 girls’ teams.

Players took to the ice in specially designed jerseys, accented with purple socks and lavender tape on their sticks to show support for cancer awareness.

Chad Braithwaite, female director for the CRMHA, said he is very thankful for the people who helped make the jerseys possible.

“I want to thank Kevin Lance of El Toro Contracting, Charlie Walcot from Walcot Industries and Bobby Chandhok from Griffin Restorations, as well as Fitness Etc., for purchasing the commemorative jerseys,” Braithwaite said. “Thanks to Don Dawson from Double D Sportswear in Victoria for manufacturing the jerseys in a timely fashion.”

The organization’s initial goal was to raise $5,000.

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Houston’s Cram the Cruiser event on Saturday was a success for its 13th year outside the Houston Mall.

The annual fundraiser put on by the Houston RCMP collects non-perishable food items and unwrapped toys for the Houston Community Services Association food bank.

“We were bracing ourselves for a very low year,” said Paul Batley, Houston and Granisle RCMP Victim Services Program Coordinator.

“This community has suffered the loss of two sawmills so we were a little hesitant but this community never fails to surprise,” he continued.

All the shelves at the food bank were able to be filled according to Batley with about $4,300 donated as well.

Along with RCMP members, firefighters, paramedics, and search and rescue members in the community attended to help run the event.

“The event itself has a life of its own now after 13 very successful years,” said Batley.

“It’s embedded in the long term memory of community members and I’m actually approached a week or two ahead of the event asking what the date is.”

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With the increased rainfall hitting the region, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is urging residents to be cautious around local waterways.

Rivers are higher due to the combination of rain and snow melt, and in some instances, flooding and landslides have occurred in the Elk Valley.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been activated, and the RDEK is working with supporting agencies to respond to impacted areas.

The high streamflow increases the risk for unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding, and landslides.

Residents should stay away from swift-running rivers and should never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.

The RDEK also recommends keeping storm drains clear of debris.

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All major highways between the Interior and the Lower Mainland remain closed.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit closed the highways last night due to flooding, falling rock and debris, as well as avalanche hazards.

The Lower Mainland has received record-breaking amounts of rain over the last several days. Including 140 mm in Hope, 125 mm in Cultus Lake, and 103 mm in Agassiz, on direct routes of the Highway.

At this time, Drive BC has these major highway routes closed as of Wednesday, Dec 10:

• Highway 1 eastbound closed at Highway 9
• Highway 1 closed between Hope and Lytton
• Highway 3 closed between Hope and Princeton
• Highway 5 closed between Hope and Merritt
• Highway 7 is partially closed west of Hope (between Highway 9 and Ross Road) with single lane alternating traffic, expect delays
• Highway 8 is closed with local traffic only
• Highway 11 at the Sumas border crossing is closed to commercial traffic, open to local traffic only
• Highway 99 is closed between Mt. Currie and Lillooet.

Cariboo Motorists are able to take an alternate route through Highway 99 and Lilloet.

The Ministry cautions motorists not to travel to and from the Lower Mainland unless necessary.

At this time, the Ministry says there is no timeline for when the highways will reopen, as the situation and conditions are changing rapidly and are hard to predict.

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The City of Cranbrook is reporting another good year of the Bird Canada e-scooter program.

There was 22,977 total rides, up three per cent from last year.

City staff said that was in part due to a longer operating season.

The average rides per user went up 30 per cent, but the number of unique riders went down 20 per cent with 2,553.

While there was a decline in new riders, city staff said the numbers show those who used the service rode more often.

The scooter program is set to return in the spring of 2026.

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A by-election has been called in Montrose following the resignation of village councillor Don Berriault.

The nomination period runs Jan. 13 to 23. If more than one person seeks the position, residents will go to the polls on Feb. 28. The winner will only serve until shortly after the next general election on Oct. 17.

While municipalities have the option not to hold a by-election if a resignation comes after Jan. 1 in a year where a general election is scheduled, that wasn’t the case in this instance.

It wasn’t immediately clear when Berriault resigned, but minutes show he was absent from the Nov. 17 council meeting.

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Reaching the Starry Night’s Fundraiser campaign goal got a whole brighter.

South Cariboo Health Foundation Public Relations and Fundraiser Coordinator, Danielle Sabiston said earlier this week they were given two very generous donations.

“Our 100 Mile House Tim Hortons sponsored the Foundation during their Smile Cookie campaign. In total through buying those cookies raised $10,422. Half of that, $5,211, was given to us to add to our Starry Nights campaign, and the other half went to support the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.”

But the giving didn’t end there.

“The second donation came from the Keystone of Life Foundation,” Sabiston said, “they provided us with a grant to fund two Tilt Wheel Chairs for Long Term Care and we are looking to give 10 of those. So the Keystone of Life Foundation has generously given us $10,573.”

In total that comes to $15,784 in new donations.

“It looks now like we’ve reached our halfway point and there’s still a long way to go to hit that $130,000 goal we set for this year,” Sabiston said, “but the community keeps showing up in big ways so we’re crossing our fingers and very hopeful that we get there.”

Donations to the South Cariboo Health Foundation’s Starry Nights campaign will be graciously accepted right up until the end of January 2026.

“The whole community has been so generous this season. I know there are a lot of people out there who are struggling with the cost of everything but people keep giving and the South Cariboo is a wonderful place because of it. We are very grateful.”

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Despite losing out on the Olympics Trails due to a lack of snow, another major event will make its way to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in Prince George.

The facility will 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.

Between 200 to 250 athletes are expected to attend with the event projected to generate over a million dollars into the local economy.

The Olympic Trials 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.

Caledonia was already scheduled to host a significant international biathlon competition in March, and in
discussions with the Olympic Trials funding partners about the cancellation, the possibility emerged to redirect their support toward this major event.

“We are incredibly humbled by the response from our partners,” said Kevin Pettersen, Past Event Chair of the 2026 Nordiq Canada Olympic Trials. “When we began discussions about the cancellation, we shared that we were already preparing to host a major international biathlon event in March. What happened next was truly remarkable. Our funding partners and presenting sponsor Canadian Tire Prince George enthusiastically agreed to redirect their support to this event. This overwhelming show of confidence in our club and our community has transformed our disappointment into renewed determination and excitement.”

While the Olympic Trials would have generated approximately
$770,000) for the local economy, the March 2026 combined biathlon event is expected to surpass that impact:

• 200-250 athletes expected, potentially reaching over 300
• Participants from 6-10 Canadian provinces and territories
• Teams from the United States and potentially other nations through the IBU Regional
program
• Expected to generate over $1 million in direct and indirect economic activity through
accommodation, food services, transportation, retail, and tourism
World-Class Competition on Home Soil

The event will feature athletes spanning the full biathlon development pathway, from U13/U15 competitors (ages 11-14) through Youth, Junior, and Senior categories, to Masters competitors.
National-calibre athletes are expected to compete, including:

• Biathlon Canada Senior National Team and NextGen athletes
• Youth and Junior National Team members
• Top provincial-team athletes from across Western Canada
• Former World Cup and IBU Cup competitors

“Few communities in Canada have the venue readiness, organizational capacity, and proven
event-hosting expertise that Prince George does,” said Pettersen.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase that capacity to the IBU and Biathlon Canada. While we were deeply saddened by the loss of the Olympic Trials, we are now energized by what lies ahead. Our volunteers, our sponsors, and our athletes are fully committed to making this event a signature success for Prince George.”

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Prince George City Council will begin setting itself up for next year’s municipal election.

On Tuesday, Council will look to appoint Ethan Anderson, Manager of Legislative Services/Corporate Officer, as the Chief Election Officer.

He will be responsible for appointing other election officials, designating voting places, and ensuring the election complies with the requirements of the Local Government Act.

In the staff report to council, the recommendation has Leslie Kellett, Deputy Corporate Officer, and Joan Switzer, Supervisor of Information, Privacy and Records Management, to take the roles of Deputy Chief Election Officers.

A line item of $35,000 dollars a year from 2023 to 2026 financial operational plans were set aside for the $186,300 required budget, with the remaining $46,300 coming from the 2026 budget.

Municipal elections will take place October 17th, 2026.

The full agenda to Tuesday’s meeting can be found here.

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The BCHL has announced the rosters for its Canada vs. World game at this year’s all star weekend and one Buck has made the cut.

The game will be Canadian BCHL players against players from around the world,  with Bucks forward Adam Csabi to represent his home nation of Czechia.

Csabi has had a good year with the Bucks despite the team’s spot in the standings.

He’s put up 10 goals and 13 assists in 25 games.

The all star weekend takes place from Jan. 16-18.

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B.C. Hydro said reports of copper theft from maintenance holes have risen significantly over the past 18 months. 

The utility said Thursday it has logged 24 maintenance hole theft and mischief cases since January 2024, compared to just five in the previous two years.

There were 11 reports on Vancouver Island, nine in the Lower Mainland and one in Northern B.C.

B.C. Hydro said maintenance holes contain copper cables that carry electricity between underground circuits and substations.

“In each case, suspects removed maintenance hole covers and cut cables at both ends, typically targeting a single span of approximately 200 metres before dragging the cable out using a vehicle or winch,” it said in a statement, adding the repair cost is about $1.2 million.

B.C. Hydro warns that, while the copper cables are valuable on the scrap market, cutting into them can be dangerous. 

“This isn’t just a property crime. It’s a direct threat to public safety, to our crews and to the thieves themselves. Anyone who touches live electrical equipment is risking severe injury or loss of life,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder in a statement. 

B.C. Hydro said open maintenance holes also create hazards for pedestrians and vehicles, while severed cables can spark fires and trigger outages. 

The utility is urging people to report any suspicious activity near maintenance holes or electrical infrastructure immediately by calling 911 or BC Hydro Security Command Centre at 1-877-311-8611. 

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The City of Duncan is moving ahead with updated utility rates for 2026 after council endorsed a new fees and charges bylaw this week.

The changes include a 2.75 per cent increase to garbage collection fees, a 13.6 per cent rise in sewer rates, and a 10.9 per cent increase to water rates for users both inside and outside city limits. The bylaw also revises charges for large multi-dwelling properties and metered water users.

Council has added two administrative updates as well. Business licence penalties will now remain in place if a closed account is reopened within the same year, and a new fee will be charged to property owners who tamper with water meters.

The City says billing systems and online information will be updated ahead of the new year.

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Chairlifts at Mount Washington Alpine Resort will not run Friday as originally planned. 

The resort said the scheduled opening day for Dec. 12 has been delayed due to a lack of snowfall.

In a social media post, the resort said it is continuing snowmaking efforts despite uncooperative weather. 

“Despite our team’s best efforts, snowmaking every change we get and pushing around every patch Mother Nature has given us, the weather just hasn’t cooperated,” the post said. 

According to the resort’s website, it has received a cumulative total of 17 centimetres of snow so far. 

The resort will still welcome people Saturday for Ted’s Funky Forecast celebration from 3 p.m. to midnight.

Updates on chairlift openings will be provided once more snow arrives, the resort said. 

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Nanaimo RCMP say a threat directed at a student led to Nanaimo District Secondary School being locked down for about half an hour on Dec. 10. 

Police said school administration implemented lockdown procedures about 2:30 p.m. after learning about the threat. 

“Nanaimo RCMP officers were on scene throughout to ensure the safety of everyone in the school,” reads a news release from police. “By 3 p.m., it was considered safe to release students and staff from their respective classrooms. Students were dismissed for the day and there were no further incidents.” 

The incident is under investigation, RCMP said. 

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The City of Fernie is asking residents to use less water as rain and snow melt overwhelm the wastewater treatment system.

City staff said crews are making every effort to protect critical components of the system from catastrophic failure.

They’re also trying prevent back up of the system into homes and businesses.

The city is coordinating with provincial ministries and wastewater is being discharged to the river at two locations.

Residents are being asked to be mindful of crews and to avoid the river.

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The three-week shut down Brink Forest Products Prince George, Vanderhoof and Houston sawmills begins today (Thursday).

CEO John Brink told Vista Radio there are a trio of reasons for the temporary shut down.

“We have paid duties since 2017 to the tune of 80-million dollars from our companies. The reasons are in public forest policies in B.C., a lack of access to fibre and then on top of all of that duties through the United States.”

“Now, we are to the point where we can no longer compete or continue under the current circumstance. We will go down temporarily starting on December the 11th until the 6th of January where we will re-evaluate and figure out how we go forward.”

Brink noted this is just the second time in the company’s history, a tough decision like this had to be made.

“We only slowed down once and that is when the river flooded back in 2008 for about three months otherwise we have been running steadily. Gradually in the last six months, we have reduced our operations to about 25% of the volume.”

The temporary closure impacts between 75 and 80 workers.

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The community of Williams Lake came out in full force yesterday (December 10) to support the 20^th annual Child Development Centre’s Christmas Wish Breakfast at Boston Pizza.

Executive Director Vanessa Riplinger said between 6 am and 9 am they served 936 meals to those who showed up with a new unwrapped toy or monetary donation.

“When we brought all the toys back to the Centre, we ended up having 1,117. And we are incredibly happy to say that we had $10,500 in monetary donations to go back into buying gifts for the children.”

Riplinger noted that last year they had more toys but this year , monetary wise, we raised more funds.

“Each year the Christmas Wish Breakfast gets a little bit bigger and little bit better so we can give a little bit more out to our community. Every dollar raised at this breakfast goes back to the families, children and youth in need. It’s just an amazing event at Christmas so we are always thrilled to do it.”

Riplinger noted that this event gets lots of community support with people looking after each other, making sure that nobody goes without especially during the Holiday Season.

“Williams Lake thinks that’s so important, the Cariboo thinks that’s so important, and that’s the charm of living in a small town, we look after each other.”

Even Representatives from Boston Pizza’s (BP) Head Office made the trek to the Lake City.

“They brought in a videographer who has done a piece on the Yuletide Dinner and the work that Jay and Chris from Boston Pizza that have been doing the last 7 years with this event and it’s going on their website internationally,” Riplinger said, “So the good work we’ve been doing in our community and how Williams Lake has come together around this event and giving back to our community will be seen by around a hundred thousand people.”

When she had a chance to speak with the people who came from BP Head Office to see what this breakfast is all about, Riplinger says they were in awe of how we come together.

“One gentleman said to me more than once that Williams Lake is an amazing community and the work that we do is amazing and how the community just comes together. He knew he said when he drove into Williams Lake you could feel how kind people were and how welcoming our community is. He also commented on how happy people were and how people were loving that everything we were doing at the breakfast was going back to children.”

Riplinger added that one lady, also a Boston Pizza representative, told her that this event brought tears to her eyes to see the RCMP and Fire Department gathering the toys and bringing them to our office, and everyone wanting to be part of such a wonderful day.

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The 2025 Cranbrook Turkey Drive has broken its goal of $65,000, with money going to the Cranbrook Food Bank and Salvation Army.

The team of little pluckers have been busy fundraising since early November to try and reach the goal.

Cranbrook Food Bank executive director Julie Rose said it really shows that the community cares about what they’re doing.

“It means the world to us. 
It means that our community is still rallying behind us,” she said.

“They believe in our mission of supporting us in a hunger free Cranbrook, where no one is alone in their fight of putting food on the table for their families or themselves.”

She said there’s a big need for the food bank’s services and that need 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.”

She said the organization is incredibly grateful for the work that was put in to the fundraiser.

Jason Caven was this year’s biggest plucker bringing in over $38,000.

While the goal has been met, the turkey Drive is accepting donations until Christmas Day.

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The head of the committee organizing the 2026 Trail-Rossland BC Winter Games says with opening day two and a half months away, he’s optimistic they will find enough volunteers.

President Brian Stefani told Trail city council this week that they are about one-third of the way to their volunteer target, which has previously been reported as 1,600 people.

But that was prior to a volunteer drive at Rossland’s Rekindle event. Another recruitment push will come this weekend at the Christmas market at Waneta Plaza.

Stefani said they also hope that many parents from out of the area who bringing their kids to participate in the games will end up volunteering. They’re also hoping to tap high school students who need to put in a certain number of volunteer hours to meet graduation requirements.

“We’re pretty confident right now,” he said. “Is there going to be a scramble at the end? Absolutely, because you never know what happens.”

Stefani said some events are at the mercy of the weather and could require more intensive effort, for instance, if there is a lack of snow or the snow becomes soft.

Financially, Stefani said they are doing well. They have allocated $600,000 of their $650,000 budget and received $63,000 in cash donations from local businesses as well as $160,000 in in-kind donations.

He said the Trail Memorial Centre will be the site of the opening ceremonies and the hub for the games, which take place Feb. 25 to March 1. Overall 15 sports will be represented. Venues also include Red Mountain ski resort. About 1,200 athletes will be boarded at local schools.

This week city council agreed to a couple of things steps to help the games: they will provide a $27,500 cash grant and they will close the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Center for up to three and a half hours on the evenings of Feb. 26, 27, and 28 so athletes can use the pool and showers.

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Trail city council is expected to give final approval to its 2026 utility rates today, which will see a nine per cent hike in water rates but no change to sewer rates.

A $150 water parcel tax will also be rolled in with the rest of the water rates and $76,000 moved from the city’s sewer fund to its water fund.

The overall effect is that homeowners will pay $942 for utilities next year.

City staff had originally proposed a 10 per cent increase in water rates and a 2.75 per cent increase in sewer rates, but council opted for the lower figures.

Garbage is no longer included in the city’s utility rates since the regional district took over the service a couple of years ago.

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Fruitvale’s Alli Schroder is destined to throw her first professional pitch in August.

The 23-year-old was the first Canadian selected in the inaugural professional women’s baseball league draft.

The right-handed pitcher was picked in the first round, fifth overall by Boston.

The forest firefighter feels the timing is right for professional women’s baseball.

“Everybody always says a girl won’t play in MLB (Major League Baseball), but that’s not what we are really asking for,” says the national team program member since 2017.

“We are just asking for our own sports teams being respected and I see a similarity with basketball and hockey as well, so I think now women are having these platforms that are there own sports, people are really becoming attracted to it,” she added.

Schroder was four when she started playing baseball and starting playing for the provincial team at age 12.

She hopes adding women’s baseball to the professional ranks will motivate more local girls to follow in her footsteps and pursue professional sports careers.

“I’m really excited for what it means for women’s baseball,” said Baseball Canada’s Women’s National Team Future Award winner in 2018.

“I’m also really excited for, first of all, what it means for women and girls playing youth sports,” she added.

“I hope it just gives them a facility to achieve, playing professional women’s sports isn’t that far out and they can do it in any sport they want to play,” Schroder explained.

Schroder also feels the starting the first-ever season of professional women’s baseball in August allows her to train at home and spend time on the forest fire front lines before opening day.

Schroder also likes how the league is approaching its inaugural campaign and asks fans to be patient.

“It’s the first year of the league so give us a little bit of time here to figure things out,” she urged, noting it will not be a travelling league in its first season.

“We are all going to playing out of Springfield, Illinois for the first year, in between the eastern and western teams to keep it in the central location.”

The six-team loop includes teams in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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Sports by Hartley Thursday, December 11th, 2025  as of 12:05 a.m.

WHL:

The (20-8) Prince George Cougars host the (14-11-2-2) Kamloops Blazers Friday night at 7:00 and Saturday night at 6:00 on Spirit Weekend.

Friday is Carson Carels Bobblehead night while Saturday is the Teddy Bear Toss game.

Prince George leads the BC Division by 7 points over Penticton and by 8 over both Kelowna and Kamloops.

The PG Cougars regular season schedule and results are here.

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Families in Cranbrook and surrounding communities now have access to improved infant care following the renovation and expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

The expanded intensive care unit has been open in Cranbrook for nearly a month now. The unit provides modern equipment, private spaces for families and all-around improved safety, comfort and quality care for newborns.

The facility is seen as an essential step in strengthening local maternity services, reducing the need for families to travel to larger cities for neonatal care. With less travel and stress, families are able to spend more time together during vulnerable periods. The revitalized areas and updated equipment also help staff provide quality care in a more functional and timely manner.

“The regional NICU in Cranbrook is a significant improvement for our community’s health care. We can now provide specialized care for newborns locally, reducing the need for transfers out of the region. This means faster, more accessible support for families and a healthier beginning for our newborns.” Said Dr. Paul Kahlke, department head of pediatrics, East Kootenay Regional Hospital, Interior Health. 

The NICU expansion, which began construction in early 2025 and officially opened on Nov.13, provides care for newborns born at 34 weeks gestation and older who are at low to moderate risk of health complications. It facility contains modern neonatal equipment, private spaces for families and improved security features including controlled access and infant abduction prevention systems.

It also carries enhanced infection prevention with dedicated handwashing sinks as well as additional work and nursing stations to advance patient assessment and allow staff to work more effectively.

The facility was made possible through funding from the province, the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health. Funding from the province consisted of roughly $820,000, helping to ensure all renovations stayed on schedule.                                                                                                             

David Wilks, chair of Kootenay East Regional Hospital District expresses the hope and excitement of the facility upgrades.

“As a contributing funder, we are proud to partner in this project, as it significantly strengthens support for newborns, parents and the dedicated staff who care for them.” Wilks said. 

The NICU expansion is part of B.C.’s broader effort to improve and expand health-care services in the Interior and across the province.

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Highway 1 is closed in both directions near Golden following a multi-vehicle crash and ongoing avalanche control.

No injuries have been reported, but the Golden-Field RCMP are urging drivers to exercise caution and drive according to conditions.

Just after 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, a semi truck and trailer spun out, crossed the barrier and blocked all four lanes on Highway 1 east of Golden. The semi was then hit by another semi truck and a car. 

Police said snowy weather was determined to be a major factor in the crash.

RCMP are advising the public to check DriveBC for the latest road conditions and updates.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries in this incident, but the highway was closed for some time. The highway is closed in both directions due to the vehicle incident and avalanche control.” said Cpl. Brett Urano RCMP spokesperson.

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Elkford Search and Rescue is making its final call for 2026 volunteer applications, with the deadline set for Monday, Dec. 15.

Elkford Search & Rescue wants to give residents a chance to be a part of the team. If you’ve ever felt the urge to help when something goes wrong in the mountains, now is the time to step forward. To apply, message [email protected] telling them about yourself and why you’re right for the crew. 

Search and rescue teams respond when the backcountry turns dangerous — when conditions shift suddenly, a route no longer makes sense or calm turns to panic.

The Elkford team is looking for individuals familiar with the backcountry and able to:

• Understand how quickly emergencies happen.
• Stay calm in bad weather or stressful situations.
• Can handle tough terrain and tough moments.
• Want to help others on their worst day.
• Work well as part of a team.
• Understand the responsibility that comes with adventuring in the mountains

Elkford Search & Rescue expressed the importance of the brave people stepping up to be apart of the crew. Since it’s possible volunteers may be the only backup coming when things go wrong in the mountains, it’s essential to be comfortable responding to uncomfortable situations.  

“You would be one of the people someone is desperately hoping will appear out of the dark with a headlamp and a calm voice to help bring them home on an unimaginable day.” – Elkford Search and Rescue.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 15, 2025. Applications can be submitted by email to [email protected].

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Fernie city council has given first and second reading for Official Community Plan amendments to allow the firehall on a portion of Prentice Park.

The City’s OCP and zoning bylaws are largely silent on emergency services uses so amendments would be needed no matter the site.

Now that two readings have been given it will no head to a public hearing.

“A public hearing will be scheduled for the bylaws and a notice of that public hearing will be delivered to property owners and residents,” said planning manager Derek Cimolini.

“After that public hearing the bylaws can return to council for third reading.”

A date hasn’t been set but city staff anticipate it will occur in January, with at least 10 days notice to be given.

Once a public hearing takes place it will be up for third reading and will need Ministry of Transportation approval before final adoption.

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Premier David Eby slammed recent court decisions in British Columbia related to Indigenous rights and title, in remarks at a B.C. Chamber of Commerce event on Wednesday.

He pointed to the August ruling by the B.C. Supreme Court on the Cowichan Nation’s title rights in an area of Richmond, as well as a B.C. Court of Appeal ruling last week, calling them “overreaching” and “unhelpful.”

In an Aug. 7 ruling, the B.C. Supreme Court found the Cowichan have Aboriginal title to the lands at their former village site in Richmond and the right to fish the south arm of the Fraser River.

The court ruled the majority of titles and interests in the lands held by Canada and Richmond are defective and invalid, and gave them 18-months to work out a solution with the First Nation.

Eby has said the province is appealing the decision and is working on a stay of its implementation.

“The court began the case assuring all parties that nothing would be decided in the case that impacted the interest of landowners in the title area, and then when the decision was issued, did the exact opposite,” Eby told the BC Chamber Premier & Cabinet Luncheon.

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad called for all negotiations with First Nations to be put on hold, and for the case to be put to the Supreme Court of Canada for a reference question.

First Nations leaders have said the case is not about seizing private property, and politicians are unfairly scapegoating First Nations.

Last Friday, the B.C. Court of Appeal ruled that the province’s mineral tenure system is not compatible with B.C.’s Indigenous right legislation. It said that courts can decide whether a law is inconsistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), opening the door to more lawsuits against the province.

Eby said the cases are creating uncertainty and jeopardizing public support for reconciliation efforts with First Nations.

“There have to be strong boundaries,” said Eby. He said that means any reconciliation work must respect private property, and that British Columbians, not judges, should decide the path forward.

Eby said B.C.’s Attorney General Niki Sharma is leading work to amend the Interpretation Act and Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA) to reflect what he said was the original intent of the legislation. He said his government plans to introduce those amendments in the spring.

Eby earlier this week rejected calls from the B.C. Conservatives to recall the legislature in order to repeal DRIPA.

Regional Chief Terry Teegee told Vista News that Eby is mischaracterizing the Declaration Act.

“This [B.C. Court of Appeals ruling] is, I would say, a legal correction, rather than confusion,” said Teegee, saying it reinforces the original intent of DRIPA.

“You can’t simply say you don’t like a judgement, so you’re going to change the rules,” he said, adding that efforts to amend the law would be “a slap in the face” to First Nations after the commitment made when the legislation was introduced in 2019.

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We’re a few weeks away from changing the calendar — and why not start the new year with a plunge? The Town of Comox is gearing up for the 2026 New Year’s Day Plunge at Goose Spit Park.

The long-standing event will see dozens brave the chilly water for a quick dip to start the year. Town officials are encouraging plunge enthusiasts to dress up and celebrate the occasion.

Nicole Minions, mayor of Comox, hopes to see plenty of brave faces embracing their inner polar bear.

“It is invigorating to begin your new year by saying ‘YES’ to the annual Polar Bear Plunge,” Minions said. “If you’re on the fence, come watch and cheer on friends and family this year. The community spirit is contagious, and you may find yourself up for the challenge.”

Comox Fire Rescue and a lifeguard will be on hand to ensure everyone has a safe swim. Those who register onsite will be eligible to win prizes.

The plunge will take place on Jan. 1. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at Goose Spit Park; the swim is set for 11:00 a.m.

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People looking to join the RCMP will be able to get first hand information tomorrow.

A Career Presentation Information Session is being held by the Prince George RCMP, which is one of the first steps for people wanting to get into the profession.

Corporal Jennifer Cooper said this is something every RCMP officer has to attend for the current application process.

“Based on the conversations I had with people at the last career fair, I know there’s quite a number of people in Prince George that are interested in being members of the RCMP.”

“This is an opportunity for them to get this process started.”

Cooper said this would be an informal session that gives a PowerPoint presentation on the application process and what to expect at the training facility, known as Depot, in Regina Saskatchewan.

She added the information sessions are well attended, drawing in roughly 20 people.

The information session will be at the Prince George RCMP Detachment (455 Victoria Street) tomorrow (Thursday), beginning at 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is preferred, but won’t turn anyone away that show up last minute.

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The Cariboo has moderate chances of avalanches in its forecast.

Avalanche Canada forecaster, Jesse Percival, says with the rapidly changing conditions in the area due to a storm period, hikers going into the back country should take extra precautions.

“The conditions will change rapidly. So, it’s recommended that you check the updated forecast with the appropriate training,” Percival says. “You can essentially go into the mountains; we don’t close the entire mountainous area, but with the appropriate training, you can still access areas, just not in avalanche terrain.”

“We don’t recommend that you go into avalanche terrain under a high rating. However, there are still ways to enjoy and recreate in the mountains by seeking terrain that isn’t avalanche terrain.”

Percival says the Cariboo region is split between High-risk areas north in the Pine Pass region and around Prince George, and Moderate near Quesnel and the Bowren Lakes, and all the way down southeast of Williams Lake near the Wells Grey Provincial Park.

He recommends that any hikers stick to lower terrains where conditions are more Considerable, and avoid high alpine tree lines that are currently at High-Risk.

He also suggests everyone going into the back country to get avalanche trained.

“The training outlines how to identify avalanche terrain, andit also gives you the skills to do a companion rescue,” Percival says. “That’s really the important piece there, and utilizing, the equipment that you’re gonna carry. Your critical equipment is your transceiver, and your shovel and probe.”

An updated map with the current conditions, as well as links on how to get avalanche trained, can be found at Avalanche.ca.

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Island Health has extended a drug-poisoning and overdose advisory for the Cowichan area.

The advisory was originally issued in November, and this marks the second time it’s been extended since then.

The health authority said unregulated drug poisonings are rising in the area and warned that those who use such substances face increased overdose risk.

People using substances are being urged to carry naloxone, have drugs tested and visit a local overdose-prevention service.

Island Health reminds residents they can report a toxic-drug event or poisoning by texting OD to 253787.

For more information, people are directed to Island Health social-media channels and its “Overdose Prevention Services” page.

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The Prince George RCMP is asking for the public’s help in finding 43-year-old Andrew Donald Woodcock.

Police say Woodcock is wanted on six unendorsed warrants including:

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Careless use of a firearm
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (two counts)
• Occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present (two counts)
• Contravention of the Firearms Act
• Possession of a firearm without a licence or a registration certificate (two counts)
• Possession of a firearm while prohibited (four counts)
• Breach of release order (five counts)
• Flight from police while driving a motor vehicle

He’s described as:

• Caucasian male
• 5’11” (180 cm)
• 181 lb (82 kg)
• Brown hair
• Brown eyes
• Scar on his left wrist

Mounties say Woodcock is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.

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After Trevor Halford took over as interim leader of the Conservative Caucus, he’s announced the responsibilities for MLA’s including those locally.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird will be taking on the leadership role of Caucus Whip, moving from the role of the Official Opposition Critic for Citizens’ Services.

Sheldon Clare, MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo, will be the Critic for Environment, Parks, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, leaving the role of Official Opposition Deputy Whip.

MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, Kiel Giddens is listed as the Critic for Labour, with Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad as Joint-Indigenous Relations Critic.

The party said the roles reflect the caucus’s ongoing work to expose waste, challenge ineffective policies, and advance practical solutions that respond to issues facing British Columbians.

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On Dec. 5, the We Wai Kai Nation and Finning Canada unveiled a 24‑foot cedar totem at Quinsam Crossing near Campbell River — the first to stand on the Nation’s industrial lands— a milestone they call historic in their partnership and a significant step in cultural and economic reconciliation.

The pole, carved by master carver Max Chickite with help from his daughter Jessica and apprentice Brent Smith, depicts an eagle, whale and bear to honour the power of sky, ocean and land.

Chickite began carving the pole in May 2025.

“Totem poles tell a story of the people they represent,” Chickite said. “This pole will stand as a reminder that our culture is not something from the past. It’s alive, it’s powerful and it belongs here on our land.”

Members of Finning’s Campbell River branch helped paint the pole — part of an effort to include company staff in the unveiling.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by We Wai Kai members and Finning employees, was described by Ronnie Chickite, chief of the We Wai Kai Nation, as “a proud expression of our cultural identity and enduring connection to these lands.” He said it may be the first totem pole ever raised at Quinsam Crossing, near Finning’s Campbell River site at 700 Osprey Ave.

Finning, a supplier and seller of heavy equipment and parts for construction, mining, forestry and industrial sectors, became the first commercial tenant in the We Wai Kai Nation’s industrial‑development area at Quinsam Crossing.

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Nelson local Nicole Ripley has collaborated with her 5 year old son, Archer, to create a children’s book titled “My Brother is Still With Me”. It is about sibling loss and resilient healing, and follows Archer’s experiences following the passing of his older brother Everest.

Nicole joins Summit Radio’s Afternoons with Andrea to talk about it. Listen to the full interview below.

You can get the book online here, and it will be available soon in Nelson bookstores. All proceeds from the book are going towards the Everest Legacy Fund. 

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Welcome to Hartley’s Cat Scan!

This is a weekly podcast featuring the ‘who’s who’ of the Prince George Cougars.

Hartley’s guest this week is Cole Waldie, Director of Broadcasting and Public Relations.

During the episode, he discussed a number of topics including:

• Player requests, most popular players
• Teddy Bear Toss
• Josh Ravesbergen, Carson Carels going to World Juniors Selection Camp.
• Relationship with the players
• Road trips, social media posts
• Career goals, mood on bus after games
• Getting information from coaches and staff

You can also find this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

LISTEN:

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An impaired driving enforcement blitz in Nelson last week saw just one driver removed from the road.

The Nelson Police Department conducted a Counter Attack road check for impaired drivers from Dec. 1 to Dec. 9.

Officers stopped about 400 vehicles, but only one driver was found to be under the influence.

That driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition.

“With the holiday season approaching, we know people are attending gatherings and celebrations,” said Special Const. Singh.

“We’re asking everyone to plan ahead. Impaired driving endangers not only the driver but every person who shares the road with them.”

The department is also cautioning drivers to be aware of changing road conditions after responding to several motor vehicle collisions.

The local forecast calls for rain and variable weather, which can increase the risk of a crash. Motorists are asked to drive with increased caution.

“Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year,” said Special Const. Singh.

“Slowing down and giving yourself extra time can prevent a collision.”

Drivers are encouraged to implement the following safety tips:

• Turn on headlights during periods of darkness or reduced visibility
• Reduce speed and allow for longer stopping distances
• Avoid distractions such as mobile devices
• Increase following distance to allow time to react

During the same reporting period, Nelson police responded to 123 calls for service, including a reported theft from a vehicle in the 500 block of Lake Street.

Items stolen included an umbrella and paddleboard attachments.

“Crimes of opportunity like this can happen in seconds,” said Special Const. Singh.

“A few simple steps can greatly reduce the chance of becoming a victim.”

As a result, the public is once again being reminded of the following vehicle security precautions:

• Park in well-lit areas
• Stow valuables out of sight
• Lock all doors and windows
• Do not leave keys inside the vehicle
• Never leave your vehicle running while unattended

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

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Police made contact with thousands of drivers across Vancouver Island last week as part of the BC Highway Patrol’s “Light Up the Province” campaign targeting impaired driving.

Data from B.C. RCMP shows 13,500 drivers passed through 16 Vancouver Island check stops on Dec. 5 and 6.

The operation resulted in 18 roadside prohibitions and 112 tickets.

Province‑wide, officers checked more than 52,000 vehicles last weekend, leading to 190 prohibitions — a drop from 222 prohibitions after 43,000 vehicles were checked during the campaign’s equivalent event last year.

“Most drivers are supportive of police efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road, even though check stops can be an inconvenience,” said Inspector Adam Tallboy of BC Highway Patrol. “Mandatory alcohol screening continues to be a great tool, as multiple impaired drivers were pulled off the road even though they did not show any symptoms until they were breath tested.”

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BC Ferries will put more locally made food aboard its vessels thanks to a partnership with the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The Feed BC and Buy BC programs will help showcase B.C.-grown and processed food on ferries and at onboard retail outlets. 

“We’re excited to see our seafood — and other home-grown B.C. products — featured through this partnership,” said Tim van den Boog of the Authentic Indigenous Seafood Cooperative. “It’s a valuable opportunity for travellers, both locals as well as tourists, to learn where their seafood comes from and how their choices directly support Indigenous-owned fisheries, coastal economies and sustainable resource stewardship. We hope BC Ferries customers continue to support local small-to-medium businesses like ours, helping keep value and jobs in our communities.” 

BC Ferries said more than 60 per cent of the food served onboard is sourced within the province, and that proportion rises in summer when local produce is in season. 

“Experiencing local flavours is a great part of the sailing experience,” said Lana Popham, minister of agriculture and food. “It’s fantastic that BC Ferries will be offering more B.C.-made and grown products for passengers to enjoy.” 

Signs will also be added to ships’ shops to highlight local items. 

“December is one of our busiest months for onboard shopping,” said Melanie Lucia, vice-president of customer experience at BC Ferries. “We know we play an important role in connecting families and communities across the coast during the holidays — and we also know it’s a busy time for travellers. Shopping onboard has become part of the journey and our Passages shops are filled with fabulous B.C.-made gifts that make it easy to support local while you sail.” 

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No charges have been approved in relation to a December 2024 fatal collision near Castlegar.

The crash, which killed an eight-year-old boy and seriously injured two others, was investigated by the B.C. Highway Patrol.

Investigators concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe an offence may have been committed, specifically careless driving under the Motor Vehicle Act, and submitted a report to Crown counsel in November 2025.

After reviewing the material, the B.C. Prosecution Service said in a statement this week that the available evidence did not meet the charge-assessment standard.

It said prosecutors found there was no substantial likelihood of conviction for any criminal or Motor Vehicle Act offences. As a result, no charges were laid.

A clear statement was also released explaining why.

What investigators found

The collision happened on the morning of Dec. 7, 2024 on Highway 3 west of Castlegar.

At the time, the highway was extremely icy, with snow, slush and black ice on the surface. The posted speed limit was 100 km/h and the section of road involved is flat and relatively straight.

The statement said an eastbound snowplow was laying sand on the highway when it approached a recently-crashed GMC Sierra in the westbound ditch.

Several other motorists had also stopped to help, including the driver of a Honda Civic that had pulled onto the eastbound shoulder, partially blocking it. Two or three other vehicles were stopped on the westbound shoulder.

Witnesses described the area as “congested” at the time.

When the snowplow stopped it had its blade raised and emergency lights on, pulling up alongside the Honda. The position of the snowplow later became a key factor, with prosecutors noting it was at least partially over the centre line and may have been several feet into the westbound lane.

At this point, a westbound Kia SUV approached the scene.

The driver of the Kia was travelling with his two stepsons, aged eight and five, in the back seats.

The summary said the Kia driver slowed down when he saw lights and activity ahead and attempted to stop by pumping his brakes.

However, he was unable to gain traction on what multiple responding officers later described as a “sheet of ice.”

A collision reconstructionist determined the Kia’s onboard vehicle data was consistent with heavy braking and aggressive steering inputs to avoid impact.

With vehicles blocking the shoulder on his right and the snowplow extending into his lane on the left, the Kia driver tried to steer between the two hazards.

As the Kia attempted to navigate between the ditch and the snowplow, it struck the raised blade of the plow on the rear driver’s side. The blade entered the vehicle behind the driver’s seat and peeled back the rear driver-side section.

The Kia then spun out of control and struck a pedestrian — the driver of the Honda who had been assisting with the earlier crash.

The eight-year-old boy seated behind the driver of the Kia was killed. His younger brother and the pedestrian suffered significant injuries.

Why charges were declined

Prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to determine the Kia driver was negligent, driving too fast or lacked due care and attention.

Road conditions that were unexpectedly hazardous, and the truck sliding into the ditch indicating a sudden change in road conditions, were key factors in their conclusion.

Police also struggled to maintain control on their way to the scene and while there, with one officer reporting they nearly slid off the road while arriving and another slipping and falling on the ice at the scene.

Vehicle data was also found not to be reliable.

The Kia recorded 86 km/h five seconds before the crash and 47 km/h at impact, but these readings came from tires spinning on ice, not true travel speed.

Prosecutors noted that hazards at the time left little room to manoeuvre. With vehicles blocking both shoulders and the snowplow encroaching into the westbound lane, the driver may have had as little as 84 centimetres of clearance.

The exact placement of the snowplow remains uncertain. The Honda’s position was verified by photographs, but the plow and other vehicles had been moved before police arrived.

Prosecutors ultimately determined the crash was caused by a “confluence of factors,” including black ice, unexpected obstructions on both shoulders and a stopped snowplow protruding into oncoming traffic.

Given those circumstances, prosecutors concluded there was no substantial likelihood a court would find the SUV driver failed to drive with reasonable care.

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The Ken’ulh K’it Yikh housing project expected to open in February next year, bringing 37 new housing units to Smithers.

The project started construction in August, 2024, and is a collaboration between the Dze L’ Kant Friendship Society and BC Housing.

It is the first indigenous led housing project in the community with a focus on offering affordable and culturally supportive units to Indigenous families and seniors.

The society added the building and common spaces are expected to be furnished with the individual homes being left unfurnished.

It is also planning on providing Welcome Home Kits for future tenants which will include various furnishings, basic kitchen items, bedding, and basic bathroom items.

Funding for the kits would be coming out of the society’s new Welcome Home Fund.

The land at 1611 Main Street was given to the society by the town and is on track to hit it’s 2026 completion target.

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The City of Cranbrook has set a new record for annual building permit values, reaching $93 million in 2025.

That’s up from $37 million in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2020.

City staff said it’s a testament to investor confidence in Cranbrook as a growing community.

Mayor Wayne Price said it also shows the hard work of city staff.

“These types of numbers require that type of work,” he said.

“I know our engineering and development staff have been working at a reckless pace for the last year. They’ve really been overwhelmed.”

He said they are expecting similar numbers in both 2026 and 2027.

The leading project for construction value was the FW Green Memorial Home.

The city will be releasing a more detailed report on the final permit values for 2025 in the new year.

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Kimberley city council has adopted changes to its waterworks and sewer bylaws that will increase rates starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The Waterworks Rates and Regulations Bylaw and the Sewer Rates and Regulations Bylaw will each see a five per cent increase. Bulk water rates will rise by 15 per cent.

According to the city, a typical home will see a rise of about $6 to its sewer bill every three months, and its water bill will rise by about $6.80 every three months starting in 2026.

Council said the increases are needed to align with the increasing costs of providing water and up keeping the systems. These increases will assure the systems are running efficiently and maintaining proper operations for years to come.

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Prince George is eyeing down a cold weekend, with a possibility of a snowfall warning.

According to Environment Canada, an arctic air system will be rolling in from the north, which has already brought roughly 70 centimetres of snow in a five day period.

As for Prince George, Meteorologist Brian Proctor said we could see anywhere from 10 to 15 centimetres of snow starting Friday.

“There’s quite a bit of uncertainty about snowfall amounts, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see that sort of Friday through the day into Saturday giving us more significant snowfall.”

“Be prepared to see a warning out there, perhaps in the next 24 to 36 hours being issued.”

Proctor added temperatures will also be at its lowest on Friday, reaching a daytime high of minus 12, with overnight lows at minus 19.

Temperatures will return to near normal highs of minus 4 on Saturday and Sunday, down to minus 6 on Monday.

Environment Canada has also implemented a new colour coded weather alert system, so in the case of a warning yellow would be least severe, increasing in severity to orange and red respectively.

Information on the forecast can be found on Environment Canada’s website here.

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British Columbia was among the provinces leading in declines as rents continued to fall across the country in November.

The latest report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation said rents fell in six major Canadian markets, with Vancouver seeing its lowest levels in over three years.

Average asking rents across all property types in B.C. were down 6.8 per cent compared to November 2024, to $2,392. It marked the 24th consecutive month of annual rent declines.

The three most expensive cities in Canada for renters were North Vancouver, Richmond and Coquitlam. The average price for a one-bedroom in North Vancouver fell to $2,493, down close to nine per cent compared to last year.

The average monthly cost for a one bedroom in Vancouver was down five per cent from last year, at $2,407, and down 5.6 per cent in Victoria, at $1,975. 

Nanaimo was among the top 10 fastest growing rental markets in November, with average rents up five per cent. 

Average asking rent for shared accommodation in B.C. was $1,072, a drop of 8.6 per cent from last year. 

Nationally, the report said average rents for all property types across Canada declined more than three per cent compared to November 2024, to $2,074. That marks a drop of about $100 from two years ago. 

B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle said data from last month show that B.C. has seen an increase of about 55 per cent in registered purpose-built rental homes, compared to the same period last year.

She pointed to recently passed legislation aimed at supporting the implementation of small-scale, multi-unit housing and improving the effectiveness of short-term rental restrictions.

Bill 25, passed in late November, expands the province’s authority to regulate certain development standards and dictate where small-scale, multi-unit housing can be built.

“There is still much more ground to cover, and I look forward to seeing even more affordable homes take shape throughout B.C., as we continue to innovate and deliver the housing solutions that people need,” said Boyle.

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A new group has been formed to help create more affordable homes in the Comox Valley. 

The Comox Valley Regional District board has approved the formation of the Comox Valley Housing Authority. 

Board chair Will Cole-Hamilton said the move responds directly to growing housing-affordability challenges in the region. 

“This is a critical and urgent issue for our region and by creating a lean and purpose-driven organization, we can unlock new housing that is within reach of workers, seniors and families.” 

The authority will work with non-profit housing societies, senior government housing agencies and local governments to increase the supply of non-market rental housing once it is established. 

The CVHA will initially focus on housing development through partnerships, land acquisition and regional affordable-housing coordination. 

Access to land and funding for early planning and design work needed to obtain federal and provincial grants for construction will also be key strategies for the authority. 

“By working in collaboration with community housing organizations in our region, the Comox Valley Housing Authority can help develop a pipeline of projects that are shovel-ready and shovel-worthy,” Cole-Hamilton said. 

The authority must be approved by the provincial government, but similar organizations exist in Tofino, Whistler and Squamish. 

The CVRD will apply to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to incorporate the CVHA and, if approved, will recruit a board of directors and an executive director. 

The authority will operate independently but in collaboration with the CVRD and will be made up of CVRD elected officials and individuals with experience in the development or operation of private or non-profit housing. 

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A home on Broadway Avenue South in the Lake City was lost to a fire earlier this morning (December 10).

The Williams Lake Fire Department responded to the incident late last night (Tuesday) and when crews arrived around 11:30, Fire Chief Evan Dean said they discovered heavy smoke and flames and that all occupants were safely out of the building.

“Firefighters knocked the blaze down by 2 am,” Dean said, “but the fire reignited just before 6 am leaving the building fully involved. An excavator and aerial stream were used to bring it under control.”

Dean said no injuries were reported and the cause has been confirmed as a cooking related accident.

Three fire trucks, 26 firefighters, and support from 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services, RCMP, BC Hydro, and Fortis were all on scene.

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Nanaimo has received a $78,600 bonus from BC Hydro for upgrades to the water-treatment systems at Beban Pool and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre to help offset implementation costs. 

The city replaced its ultraviolet disinfection systems with new energy-efficient filtration systems. In a news release, the city said UV treatments formerly were the industry standard for pools but can contribute to poor indoor air quality, consume large amounts of energy and be expensive to maintain. 

When it was time to replace the old UV system, the city said it tested a new chemistry-based filtration system at one pool that could save more than $34,000 annually in energy costs. 

“This upgrade benefits us in many ways with enhanced water quality, superior air quality and substantial energy savings. By adopting cutting-edge technology, we’re not just improving the experience for pool users but also promoting the city’s dedication to sustainability,” said Mike Bryson, deputy director of civic facilities. 

BC Hydro said it appreciates Nanaimo’s commitment to energy conservation. 

“Through our Commercial Energy Manager Program, the city is enhancing community spaces while advancing sustainability goals. These efforts not only earned bonus funding under the program but also demonstrate true leadership in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for residents,” said Meaghan Fahey, key account manager for BC Hydro. 

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RCMP officers returned to the Walbran Forest Service Road on Monday, December 8, to continue enforcing a court-ordered injunction against protestors blockading forestry operations.

The injunction was granted to Tsawak-qin Forestry Limited Partnership and Tsawak-qin Forestry Inc.

Police discovered that a new encampment had been established following previous enforcement action in late November, with physical structures erected on a bridge that provided the only access to a company worksite.

Four adult men were arrested at the site for allegedly breaching the court injunction. One of the individuals was also arrested for criminal obstruction of police for allegedly resisting arrest. Police confirmed that another person arrested will be held in custody for breaching their release conditions from a prior arrest on November 25.

Following the arrests, the encampment structures were dismantled, and the road was cleared for passage.

Since enforcement began on November 25, the Lake Cowichan RCMP has made a total of eleven arrests. The allegations include eight for breaching the injunction, one for criminal mischief, one for obstruction, and one for breaching release conditions.

All individuals arrested are scheduled to make a court appearance in January 2026. The RCMP stated they will continue to patrol the Walbran Forest Service Road to ensure unimpeded access for forestry workers.

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A high streamflow advisory is in effect for the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay.

The advisory was issued by the B.C. River Forecast Centre on Decc. 12 and means river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly.

No major flooding is expected, although minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

The forecast centre said a series of atmospheric rivers is impacting the province this week.

The heaviest rainfall is focused on coastal areas, although spillover into the interior ranges of the southern Interior and southeast B.C. is possible.

Temperatures are expected to rise through Wednesday. While the first precipitation is expected to fall as snow, a transition to rain and melting snow is possible through Wednesday.

Officials said rivers are expected to rise Wednesday in response to rainfall and snowmelt.

Current hydrologic modelling is forecasting higher flows around the Okanagan, Boundary and Kootenay regions.

A significant flood hazard is not expected, although localized high flows, particularly in lower-elevation creeks and smaller watersheds, is possible.

“Heavy rain and high streamflow bring increased risk for unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding and landslides,” said the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

“Stay clear of the banks of swift running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings. At this time of year leaves can clog storm drains and impact urban drainage. Keep storm drains clear.”

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November was a steady month for single-family home sales in Prince George according to the B.C. Northern Real Estate Board.

Sixty-two single-detached homes were sold last month, an increase of seven (55) when compared to 12 months earlier.

In addition, the average selling price spiked by 30-grand during that same time period going from $491,312 (November 2024) to $521,304.

Director, Kristin Houghtaling told MyPGNow.com it was a pretty positive result given the time of year on the calendar.

“This month was a little bit slower than last November but overall, the single-detached sales have actually increased by about 13% over last year. It is a little bit slow right now, which is typical for the season but its looking strong and resilient.”

She expects a surge in activity once the holiday season comes to a close.

“I think so. I think that is what we normally see around that time of year as the positivity is shifting upwards and people start looking forward on what is to come and we are expecting a pretty decent market I would think.”

Houghtaling stated with the Bank of Canada holding its rate steady at 2.25% is good news for potential home buyers.

“Everything is not changing so drastically like we had seen a few years past where they dropped the rates really fast and then came back up really quick. Having nice stability and even lines through there and it brings some structure to the market for people looking for mortgages and stuff like that.”

On a year-to-date basis, 779 single-family homes have sold, selling for an average price of $539,249 – an increase of 24-grand when compared to November 2024.

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The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation (CDHF) says it hit several milestones during 2025, but its biggest achievement has been fundraising for the new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital. 

Fundraising efforts began with a $5-million matching campaign by Jim Pattison for critical hospital equipment, and CDHF CEO Namoi Low said the campaign is now in its final stretch. 

“It’s the last mile and we’re finishing strong,” she said. “So far, we’ve raised over $16 million in the campaign.” 

Low said the funds will purchase more than 260 pieces of equipment — including the MRI — for the new hospital once it is completed. 

Marketing director Deborah Rogers said money raised does not stop at the new hospital. Some has already gone toward existing facilities — a milestone for 2025, she said. 

“We’ve also been able to purchase smaller pieces of equipment for the current hospital,” she said. “We completed a small renovation at Cainsmore Place and provided beds for residents there.” 

CDHF plans to host its gala on March 14 next year. The foundation said it expects the new hospital to be completed in the fall, when the contractor hands the keys to Island Health. 

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