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Researchers with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) will be able to further their projects with $868,500 in infrastructure funding.

This is through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund, and the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) advancing knowledge in a sustainable future in northern B.C. and beyond.

Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Wenbo Zheng received $312,393 for a rock mechanics laboratory, to help address challenges with the sustainable utilization of energy resources within the earth.

Ecosystem Science and Management Associate Professor Dr. Lisa Wood got $320,664 for equipment to develop programs to investigate food security, forestry and mining reclamation in Canada’s North.

Environmental Geomatics Associate Professor Dr. Joseph Shea was awarded $94,174 for snow monitoring observatories in the headwaters of the Fraser, Columbia and Peace River basins.

The funding is also designed to help Canada’s post-secondary institutions attract and retain top researchers to push innovation and build resiliency across the country.

More information can be found on UNBC’s website here.

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Researchers with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) will be able to further their projects with over $868,500 in infrastructure funding.

This is through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund, and the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) advancing knowledge in a sustainable future in northern B.C. and beyond.

Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Wenbo Zheng received $312,393 for a rock mechanics laboratory, to help address challenges with the sustainable utilization of energy resources within the earth.

Ecosystem Science and Management Associate Professor Dr. Lisa Wood got $320,664 for equipment to develop programs to investigate food security, forestry and mining reclamation in Canada’s North.

Environmental Geomatics Associate Professor Dr. Joseph Shea was awarded $94,174 for snow monitoring observatories in the headwaters of the Fraser, Columbia and Peace River basins.

The funding is also designed to help Canada’s post-secondary institutions attract and retain top researchers to push innovation and build resiliency across the country.

More information can be found on UNBC’s website here.

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The Trail Mercantile. Eaton’s. The Town Square Mall. Liquidation World.

The city-owned building at 900 Spokane Street has been known by all of those names since 1917. But within a few weeks it will be no more.

Demolition of the block began in earnest on Saturday. As of Tuesday morning, the entire northwest side was gone, exposing the building’s guts.

Garrett White, vice-president of Kootenay operations for Local Industrial Partners, which holds the demolition contract, said some of the material will be salvaged, including joists and beams. He said they would be set aside for future use once nails are removed, although he didn’t know what the City of Trail had in mind for them.

The company is primarily a metal recycler, with a facility in Genelle.

“So all the metal that is easily removed is going to be taken to our yard and recycled for remelt,” White said. “We’re trying to do this strategically so that we’re saving materials that can be salvaged and everything else will be disposed of properly.”

White said all of the abatement work has been completed. The transit exchange outside the building has also been relocated further down Cedar Avenue.

“We’re trying to provide the most limited disruption to the downtown core of Trail and make sure everybody is aware of what we’re doing and keeping out of harm’s way,” he said. “We’re running our dust suppression to make sure that we’re not affecting anybody’s air quality.”

White asked that people respect the construction zone and flaggers. One lane of Spokane Street is presently closed.

The City of Trail received the old department store in a 2024 donation and awarded a demolition contract this past spring worth $1.75 million to remove the building along with the old C.S. Williams Clinic further down the street. The latter is already gone.

Council was told in August that the demolition was about a month behind schedule and overbudget due to the discovery of more hazardous materials during the pre-demolition phase, although no figures have been provided.

The city plans to redevelop both sites, but no specific project has yet been proposed.

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The North District police are advising the public about a missing woman.

Yesterday, shortly before 9:00 pm, the Fraser Lake RCMP received a report of a
missing person.

Wilma Friesen was last seen by family earlier the same day around 1:00 pm.

Information obtained during the investigation can confirm that Wilma was seen at 3:00 pm in the community visiting with a
friend.

Friesen told her friend that she was going to get groceries and then going home.

She is believed to be driving a silver 2020 Ford Edge British Columbia license plate XL136F.

Police say the woman was scheduled to have a medical procedure today (Tuesday), in Prince George
but her family does not believe she would have driven there on her own as a ride service was
scheduled to pick her up.

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A vigorous frontal system is bringing heavy wind and rain to much of the B.C. coast today. 

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for most of eastern Vancouver Island, Powell River and the Sunshine Coast. 

Wind gusts of up to 90 km/h near the Strait of Georgia are expected to begin around noon and last into the evening, while gusts could exceed 100 km/h on the North Island. 

The winds are expected to peak this afternoon and early evening before easing below warning criteria, though conditions will remain blustery overnight. 

Environment Canada said the high winds may cause power outages, downed tree branches and unsecured objects to be blown around. 

Drivers are advised to prepare for changing road conditions and reduced visibility. 

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The Williams Lake River Valley is now fully reopened to pedestrian and non-motorized traffic.

It has been closed to the public since a wildfire burned through the area in July of 2024 damaging trees, trails and infrastructure.

The City said additional work followed to allow for danger tree removal and debris cleanup, as well as selective logging and slope stabilization to ensure long-term safety.

“This is one of our community’s most valued recreation areas, and we are grateful for the patience and support residents have shown throughout the recovery process,” Mayor Surinderpal Rathor stated in a release.

While most work has now been completed, the City said contractors may still be working along some sections of the trail and roadside to complete final cleanup.

Trail users are asked to watch for signage and use caution around any active work zones.

The City encourages visitors to park at the Comer Street parking lot on Mackenzie Avenue and walk or ride down the road into the valley.

The Frizzi Road access point remains permanently closed.

Motorized vehicles, including off-road vehicles, are not permitted in the Williams Lake River Valley.

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A 41-year-old Trail man received a 24-hour driving ban and multiple fines after being forced to pull over by alert witnesses on Highway 22 near Genelle.

Police say they were called Sunday afternoon after people noticed someone driving 40 to 50 km/h, weaving back and forth in his lane, and crossing over the centre line as he headed north toward Genelle.

Police say the witnesses grew concerned for the safety of others. One driver passed the man, pulled in front of his vehicle, and slowed down, causing him to pull over to the side of the highway.

When officers arrived, they located the man and his vehicle surrounded by the other motorists. One person had taken the key out of the ignition to ensure the man and his vehicle remained on the scene until police arrived.

The man failed a field sobriety test.

“This is a very unusual situation that ended well,” Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said in a news release.

“We wouldn’t recommended motorists stopping other motorists in this way due to the risk to their safety; however, this situation appeared to be well calculated and done at low speeds under control. We are glad the man was safely stopped due to the risk he posed to others.”

Oasis man arrested for assault

RCMP say an Oasis man remains in custody pending a bail hearing after being arrested for assaulting a woman.

Police were called Saturday evening to the woman’s home on Hanna Drive. They say the man and woman knew each other. The man was allegedly in breach of a court condition not to have contact with her.

He was arrested without incident.

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The first blast of winter is almost here in Northern B.C.

According to Environment Canada, a snowfall warning is in place for Highway 97 and the Pine Pass.

Up to 10 centimetres is expected to fall this evening.

A warm front moving across northern B.C. will spread snow beginning early this evening.

10 cm of snow is forecast before temperatures rise and snow changes to rain on Wednesday.

Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

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BC Hydro is urging residents to keep electrical safety in mind with their Halloween displays.

The utility said a survey shows more than 60 per cent of British Columbians are not concerned about electrical safety when setting up Halloween decorations. 

It also found nearly 40 per cent of respondents admitted to using decorations not certified for outdoor use.

One-third of respondents said they place extension cords or decorations near water or walkways, which B.C. Hydro said increases shock and fire risk.

Half of those surveyed said they do not check extension cord ratings, and 35 per cent said they were unaware of wattage limitations. 

Nearly 20 per cent said they believe electrical fires are too rare to worry about.

A report by the B.C. fire commissioner’s office said between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024 said there were 915 structure fires during that period. It said 11 per cent of those fires were confirmed to have started with an electrical cause.

B.C. Hydro also expressed concerns about large-scale, “mega-displays” becoming more common, and said it’s important to make sure all equipment is outdoor-rated and properly installed.  

The utility shared other tips for ensuring holiday displays are not increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire:

• Never place decorations near overhead power lines, transformers, or other BC Hydro equipment.
• Always check the wattage rating of your decorations and ensure your outlets and extension cords can handle the load. 
• Avoid plugging multiple extension cords together.
• Turn off and unplug decorations before going to bed or leaving the house to reduce fire risk.

The post Keep the scares spooky, not shocking, says BC Hydro appeared first on AM 1150.

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Selkirk College has reported encouraging growth in domestic student enrolment, though it does not offset the impact of declining international student numbers.

For the 2025-26 academic year, the college said it saw an eight per cent increase in domestic applications, resulting in about 170 additional full-time equivalent domestic students compared with 2024-25.

This increase translates to a two per cent growth rate in domestic enrolment, which the college said signals that more students in the region are choosing to study closer to home.

“We’re encouraged by the growth in domestic enrolment,” said Brier Albano, associate vice-president, student success.

“Students across our region are recognizing that our programs and transfer pathways lead to the kinds of careers they want. They don’t have to leave. They can get high-quality, affordable education without the costs and pressures of big-city life.”

The college said the upward trend is driven by factors such as a high youth unemployment rate, growing awareness of the value of starting post-secondary studies in college and rising interest in retraining to adapt to technological change.

International enrolment

While domestic student enrolment is on the rise, international student enrolment has dropped sharply.

Selkirk said the decline is due to recent changes made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which include a reduction in international study permits and new restrictions on post-graduate work permit eligibility.

At Selkirk College, the changes have resulted in a 32 per cent drop in new international full-time equivalents, or FTEs, and roughly 190 fewer students enrolled compared with last year.

Programs most affected focus on regional and community needs, such as hospitality and business, as these are no longer eligible for post-graduate work permits.

In response to the loss of tuition revenue, the college has implemented targeted efficiency strategies, including adjustments to spending, hiring and space use, while trying to minimize negative impacts on students.

It’s also suspended intakes for some programs and will close the Victoria Street campus in Nelson at the end of this academic year in an effort to cut costs.

“People know if they choose Selkirk College, they’ve chosen well,” said Albano.

“Over 90 per cent of our students told us in last year’s engagement survey that they would choose us again if they were starting over.”

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The Quw’utsun Nation says recent comments about their land title case from Premier David Eby, Richmond’s mayor and other politicians are “at best, misleading, and at worst, deliberately inflammatory.”

The nation said in a statement Monday the August decision by the B.C. Supreme Court ruling does erase private property.

British Columbia’s Attorney General Niki Sharma has said the province will appeal the ruling, which found the Cowichan Tribes 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 declared that most of Canada’s and Richmond’s fee simple titles in the area are invalid, but allowed the parties 18 months to negotiate a resolution.

Sharma said the ruling could have unintended consequences for fee simple property rights in the province. Premier David Eby reiterated those concerns on Monday.

“[The ruling] has created significant uncertainty, it has direct harms for our provincial economy and for homeowners to even understand what the state of their ownership right is. It needs to be clarified as quickly as possible,” said Eby.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie wrote a letter to certain property owners in the city earlier this month, warning that their property’s title could be affected by the Court’s decision.

B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad has called on Ottawa to submit a reference question to the Supreme Court of Canada, which would allow the top court to issue non-binding advice on the case. Rustad also said all negotiations between the province and First Nations should halt until the Supreme Court has provided clarity.

“Richmond and British Columbia’s negative and erroneous messaging is provoking unnecessary fears. Their approach is inconsistent with the Court’s decision and is contrary to reconciliation,” said the Quw’utsun Nation.

“We intentionally did not bring this case against any individual private landowners, and we did not seek to invalidate any of their land titles.” said Quw’utsun Nation Chief Cindy Daniels of the Cowichan Tribes. “The decision makes it clear that it is B.C.’s obligation to advance reconciliation in these circumstances.”

The nation said individual private titleholders who are concerned about the ruling impacting their property rights should take it up with the province, instead of getting involved in the nation’s case.

“We welcome and anticipate supporting individual landowners making any respectful claims they may have against British Columbia,” said Quw’utsun Nation Chief Pam Jack of Penelakut Tribe.

Meanwhile, three Richmond-area B.C. Conservative MLAs said in a joint statement on Monday the B.C. government’s approach has created “fear and confusion.”

“People deserve confidence that their property, their savings, and their futures are secure,” said Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat.

Hon Chan, MLA for Richmond-Centre, expressed concern about the future of an industrial park that sits on the site. “Hundreds of people work there every day, and the uncertainty created by this ruling cannot last for years while appeals move through the courts.”  Chan echoed Rustad’s call to refer the decision to Canada’s top court.

Richmond-Queenborough MLA Steve Kooner said the uncertainty is affecting more than just homeowners. “It puts jobs, investments, and entire communities at risk. When confidence in property rights is shaken, everything else follows: from housing to industry to the economy itself.”

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Affordable housing complexes across the Columbia Basin are set to receive upgrades aimed at improving comfort, accessibility and emergency preparedness, through nearly $3.3 million in new funding from Columbia Basin Trust.

The investment will support non-profit housing providers and community organizations in 17 communities, financing projects that range from installing backup power systems to adding outdoor recreation areas and new furnishings for shared spaces.

“When we’re at home, we all want to feel comfortable and secure,” said Ulli Mueller, senior manager, delivery of benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “These projects will help people feel supported and connected in their homes and communities, while backup power systems will bring peace of mind by keeping essential services running during outages.”

The Trust said upgrades will include accessible appliances, new furniture, gazebos, barbecues and patio seating, as well as equipment to promote physical activity and social gatherings. In some communities, the funding will also help prepare buildings to remain functional during power outages.

In Fernie, Tom Uphill Manor — operated by the Fernie Family Housing Society — will purchase outdoor exercise equipment for its 27-unit independent living facility serving seniors and people with disabilities.

“The new outdoor equipment will provide many benefits, like better balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, which can reduce the risk of falls,” said Sheila Sherburne, general manager of the Fernie Family Housing Society. “It will also support residents’ mental and social well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, combating loneliness and providing opportunities for community involvement.”

In Salmo, the Salmo Senior Citizens Housing Society plans to install a 150-kilowatt backup generator at Salmo Seniors Villa, ensuring power remains available to all 24 suites during an outage.

“This new generator is a real benefit for us,” said Bonnie Cassar, chair of the housing society. “It’s quite amazing that it will power all 24 units, as we had thought we would only be able to back up our meeting room in case of an emergency. This is so much better for our residents who have mobility issues — they can remain safely in their apartments.”

In Creston, the Creston Trinity Housing Society will use a livability grant to improve accessibility at Catalpa Apartments, a 19-unit complex for people 55 and older.

“Many of the residents living at Catalpa Apartments are mobility challenged,” said James Gates, operations manager for the Creston Valley Non-Profit Housing Collective. “The front-load washer and dryer purchased through this grant will provide them with easier access for their laundry needs.”

Columbia Basin Trust said the projects are part of its ongoing work to improve housing quality and community resilience across the region.

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The Cariboo Regional District Board approved submitting a couple of grant applications to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

One was for the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program for up to $800,000.

CRD Manager of Communications, Kat Chatten said they already have a FireSmart Coordinator and he is funded through his position.

“So that means every year we (CRD) put forth another application and we put all of our initiatives into one ask. That would be your FireSmart Coordinator Position, the FireSmart Public Events and Education that we do, Residential and Critical Structure Assessments, Mitigation Assessments, and then a Firesmart Neighbourhood Program.”

Chatten said all of those things together make up making all the communities in the CRD FireSmart.

“We were successful in getting this funding last year. With it we had a FireSmart Coordinator, FireSmart Public Events, we did upwards of 80 Fire Assessments, that’s when someone comes out to your property, surveys everything and gives you a really great checklist of how you can make your property more FireSmart. So if we’re successful with this grant funding again, it will be the same but a little bigger and building off what we learned to make it an even better program.”

The Cariboo Regional District is also applying for up to $30,000 per Volunteer Fire Department through the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

“We have 14 Volunteer Fire Departments that are under the Cariboo Regional District.” Chatten said, “What we’re asking for is critical fire fighting equipment, turnout gear, helmets, boots, wild land gear, Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses when they’re exposed to smoke, as well as pumps and hoses.”

Chatten said a couple of the departments are going for “Live Fire Training Props” so they get hands on training.

“This is he third year we have applied for this funding. We were successful in 2023 and 2024 in the intakes so we’ve already received this investment for our Fire Departments so as long as they keep offering this funding we’re going to keep trying to get it.”

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Talk about a barn burner.

The word quit wasn’t in the vocabulary of the Northern Capitals who rolled a lucky seven and bested a long-standing rival on Sunday.

A pair of goals each from Paxton Fraser and Sofie Passeri anchored the Capitals to a thrilling 7-5 victory over the Fraser Valley Rush in Kin 2.

Both teams were fit to be tied after the opening twenty minutes ending matters at a 2-2 score.

Madelyn Dominato opened the scoring for the Rush at 4:25 of the first period as her point shot floated underneath the cross bar beating Caps goalie Kenzie Bragg for a 1-0 lead.

Fraser evened the score two minutes later as she was sprung on a breakaway by Khya Swanson going short side on Fraser Valley goalie Brooklyn Fernie.

Passeri made it 2-1 Capitals off a broken play trickled into the Fraser Valley slot. The Williams product fired a blast into the open cage.

Ava McGinley put the visitors back on even terms 42 seconds later accepting a Dylann Nelson feed, which beat Bragg.

Much like the first, the middle period kept up to its track meet feel.

Gabrieal Verbain made it 3-2 Rush as McGinley played the role of playmaker this time.

Then, a botched 3-on-2 odd-man chance by Fraser Valley thanks to a desperation poke check by Caps defender Grace Porter, led to a jail break 2-on-oh.

Lucy Lafontaine rushed up the ice on a breakaway and passed across to Passeri who an open shooting late and rippled the mesh past Fernie.

Later in the frame, special teams proved to be a big key as a parade to the penalty box ensued with the Capitals taking four straight penalties.

Kaylyn Halwas made the hosts pay, beating Bragg short side to put Fraser Valley back on top at 4-3.

However, no lead was safe in this matinee as Fraser notched a man-advantage marker of her own, courtesy of a Johana Ketter pass.

The firewagon hockey started off with bang in the third as the red seas parted for Halwas who bull rushed her way to a breakaway chance as she made no mistake on.

The turning point in the game was a cross-checking penalty to Fraser Valley’s Sophie Wilkins.

On the power-play, the Capitals broke down the Rush box as a cross-ice feed from Neen Suapa found Porter who snuck through the back door for a 5-5 tie.

Paige Umbach drove to the net on another power-play, locating a loose puck off a Porter point shot to put the hosts in the driver’s seat.

Ketter added the empty netter to seal the win.

On Saturday, the Rush got the better of the Capitals skating to a 3-0 win on Pink In the Rink Night.

The Capitals improve to 4-5-1 while the Rush drop to 8-5-0-0.

Next action for the Capitals is a weekend set for the Vancouver Island Seals (1-8-0) Saturday (5pm) and Sunday (8am) in Colwood.

In U18 men’s action, the Cariboo Cougars flexed their offensive muscles with a pair of dominant wins against the last-place Greater Vancouver Canadians.

The AAA Cougars pounced to a 12-0 victory on Saturday and romped to a 19-0 shutout on Sunday.

In Sunday’s game Prince George Cougars prospect Jaxon Larmand was credited with six goals while Riley Lettington notched a hat-trick.

Ty Maloney also lit the lamp twice.

Saturday saw Blake Lambe and Lettington score twice while Easton Goulet came through with the hat-trick.

Cariboo (6-3-1) sits third in the eight-team league and heads to Vernon this weekend to play in the RINK Academy tournament.

In U17 action, the Cariboo Cougars earned a road split against the Vancouver Northwest Hawks.

On Saturday, the Hawks got by with a 3-1 victory handing the Cats their first regulation loss of the season.

Charles Payne, William Morantz and Charles Payne scored for the Hawks while Brett DeGans replied for Cariboo.

The Sunday matinee saw the Cougars rebound with a gutsy 2-1 win.

Nigel Nitschke and Brody Bustard drove the bus offensively for Cariboo who is now 9-1-1 – second place in the nine-team league trailing the Thompson Blazers (10-3-1).

The U17’s are hosting the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds Saturday (6:30pm) and Sunday (9am) at Kin 1.

Lastly, the U15 Cariboo Cougars earned a split at home with the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs.

A 4-3 shootout win on Saturday was followed up by a 7-3 defeat on Sunday in Kin 1.

Warner Callendar scored three times including the shootout winner in the weekend opener while Cougars goaltender Jayden Avery was named the first star.

Vancouver NE jumped out to a 4-0 lead Sunday morning and never looked back against the sleepy Cougars.

Jake Pozzobon and Carson Stirling scored twice each for the Chiefs while Ryland Lemp also lit the lamp on two occasions in defeat for the Cougars.

Cariboo drops to (6-4-0) and travels to Chilliwack to play the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds (8-1-0) Saturday and Sunday.

The post Cariboo Hockey recap; Tuesday, October 28th appeared first on My Prince George Now.

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Sports by Hartley Tuesday, October 28th, 2025  

BCHL: 

The (6-5) Prince George Spruce Kings host the (6-3-2) Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday night at 6:00 and the (6-7) Langley Rivermen Sunday afternoon at 3:00 to begin a 4-game homestand.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

NHL: (2 Monday games)

Ottawa  7  Boston  2

Pittsburgh  6  St. Louis  3

The (5-5) Vancouver Canucks host the (3-5-2) New York Rangers tonight at 7:00.

It is one of 16 Tuesday games in the NHL as all 32 teams are in action.

The NHL schedule and results are here.

The Vancouver Canucks schedule and results are here.

The NHL standings are here.

NFL: (Final game in Week 8)

Kansas City  28  Washington  7

The Baltimore Ravens expect quarterback Lamar Jackson to return to their lineup and start Thursday’s game at Miami.

Jackson has missed three games with a right hamstring injury.

The NFL schedule and results can be found here.

The post Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Tuesday, October 28th appeared first on My Prince George Now.

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Businessman and author Tom Lymbery, whose family has been synonymous with Gray Creek for more than a century, has died at 97.

Lymbery’s death was announced on Facebook by the Gray Creek Store, the business his father Arthur established in 1913 that Tom nurtured and expanded into a destination unto itself.

“Tom lived a full life devoted to serving his community, with a deep love of writing, reading and history,” the post said, adding that he died on Saturday.

Outside of the last few years, when he lived in Nelson, and time spent at a boarding school in Vancouver as a teenager, Lymbery spent his entire life in Gray Creek.

He published a two-volume autobiography, Tom’s Gray Creek: A Kootenay Lake Memoir, which chronicled his life and the life of the East Shore. He also wrote prolifically for the Mainstreet, a monthly newspaper to which he contributed a historical feature each issue as well as Tom Sez, a column of short musings. Lymbery further served on the local Chamber of Commerce and was always deeply involved in the community.

The store that remains in the family after 112 years began through happenstance. Arthur Lymbery came from England intending to grow fruit and bought land at what was then a remote community on Kootenay Lake. Because he lived next to the beach where the sternwheeler dropped off supplies three days per week, the community asked him to open a store. Lymbery agreed.

Gray Creek remained an idyll but somewhat sleepy community until 1931, when it was named the eastern terminus of the Kootenay Lake ferry. Suddenly, traffic was passing through daily, creating new business opportunities.

To the store, Arthur added a post office, gas pump, and auto camp. Tom began working in the store at age 12 and eventually returned home from school to take it over.

“I could have gone to university, if there had been some of today’s benefits and scholarships,” he recalled in a 2012 interview. “You had to have a plus-95 to get any sort of scholarship in those days. So I didn’t think too much of going into that. I liked it here in Gray Creek. There was always lots to do.”

Traffic patterns changed again. In 1947, the ferry terminal moved to Kootenay Bay, and in 1963, the opening of the Kootenay Pass meant it was no longer necessary for motorists travelling through the area to pass through Gray Creek. But Lymbery ensured the store remained viable.

He expanded the store’s offerings from simple groceries to woodstoves and chainsaws. A much larger store opened in 1979. (The old building still stands near the current one.) An upper floor included clothing and hardware, while one corner was always well-stocked with Kootenay and BC-related books, reflecting Lymbery’s reading habits.

Lymbery also had a knack for marketing. The Gray Creek Store claimed, with justification, to be the “Woodstove and Fireplace Capital of the Kootenays” and “The Most Interesting Store You’ve Ever Seen. The store also used the tag “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

For Lymbery, a well-stocked store was a point of pride. “People go to Vancouver and come back say gee, we had to go to several stores to find what we bought at yours,” he said. The only item the store never stocked was liquor.

Lymbery’s clever slogans extended to the community at large. He came up with the nickname “Best Shore,” and used a chainsaw to create Gray Creek’s welcome signs, which declared Gray Creek a metric-free zone, inspired in part by confusion between imperial and metric measurements that caused grief during construction of the new store.

The signs also declared Gray Creek to be home of the gold boulder, a mythical lost treasure. In the 1960s, Lymbery got to know a couple of men who were determined to find it, to no avail.

Lymbery became interested in local history from listening to his father’s stories, and was a fount of knowledge, able to recall people and events associated with the East Shore with remarkable precision.

Lymbery had been president of the Gray Creek Historical Society since it was founded in 2003 and his family’s artifacts helped fill exhibits for an annual museum days held at the local community hall. He also served as vice-president of the BC Historical Federation.

While Lymbery gradually scaled back his involvement at the store, he never really retired. “I go down there and do a bit everyday,” he said in 2012. “I’m not necessarily on the sales floor anymore, but I check to see what’s happening.”

Lymbery is survived by his wife Sharon, whom he married in 1963, and two children.

The post East Shore sage Tom Lymbery dies at 97 appeared first on My Creston Now.

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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 guests this week are Cougars defenceman Carson Carels and Bauer Dumanski.

During the episode, both discussed several topics including:

• On living together
• Growing up in the Prairies
• Playing for Jim Playfair and Mark Lamb
• Becoming Cougars; Bauer on blocking shots
• Carels on dealing with first-round NHL Draft projection
• Carels on being targeted by NCAA schools

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

LISTEN:

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The Sunshine Coast Regional District is pleased to see construction of a new community hall for Halfmoon Bay is moving ahead on schedule.

A statement from the regional district says wall framing is complete and the roof is up, now focus will turn to electrical and plumbing.

The new hall is located at Connor Park, and park visitors may notice changes to parking options while work is ongoing.

The project broke ground in April and is on track to be completed by summer, 2026.

The SCRD says the project is getting significant funding via the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

See more information from the SCRD here.

– Article includes images and information supplied by Sunshine Coast Regional District

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A new 148-space child-care centre built on the grounds of Eileen Madson Primary School in Invermere is officially complete.

The $8.6-million project, which broke ground in May 2023, was developed through a partnership between the Rocky Mountain School District and the province.

The new centre includes 24 spaces for infants and toddlers, 100 spaces for children aged 30 months to school age, and 24 spaces for school-aged children.

“The opening of the Rocky Mountain child care facility in Invermere is a proud moment for our district and community,” said Amber Byklum, chair of the Rocky Mountain School District board of education, in a news release.

“Not only will the space provide safe and accessible child care, it will also lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Early childhood education is a critical stepping stone in a child’s development, and this facility will help ensure that our youngest learners are supported from the very start.”

Once the new facility opens, the province said families will also benefit from affordable fees through the provincial fee reduction program, which cuts the cost of child care by as much as $900 per child per month.

Funding for the project came from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, which is jointly supported by the federal and provincial governments.

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Public service workers with the the B.C. General Employees Union (BCGEU) are back on the job Monday after the union and the province reached a tentative agreement over the weekend. 

The agreement ends the two-month-long strike that saw around 25,000 public service workers walk off the job at government ministries, liquor distribution warehouses and dozens of other sites.

Premier David Eby acknowledged the strike has been “challenging” for the workers and for sectors like the restaurant industry. He declined to comment further while members are voting on ratifying the agreement, but said he was grateful to those who were at the negotiating table.

The BCGEU said its 34,000 members with the public service will vote on the tentative agreement in the coming days.

The deal includes a general wage increase of three per cent each year for four years, retroactive to April 1 of this year, along with other targeted pay adjustments for the lowest paid workers in the public service. It would also boost vision care and counselling benefits.

The union said the modernized contract addresses a number of other issues it had been pushing for, like improved access to telework. It said there would also be a category of fully remote workers with unique agreement protections. 

It also said a new process to review union-excluded positions would mean stronger job protections, while a streamlined grievance tribunal process would resolve disputes more quickly.

“I’m very relieved,” said BCGEU President Finch told Vista News Monday.  “Our members are back at work and I think we’ve got a good tentative agreement to recommend to them.”

Asked about concerns that the wage increases could mean lay-offs in the future, Finch noted the agreement includes a memorandum of agreement providing job security for employees with at least three years of tenure. 

The agreement was announced more than a week after mediation talks began between the two sides, with renowned labour mediator Vince Ready and his colleague Amanda Rogers. Finch lauded the pair for keeping discussions productive over long days of talks. 

“The reason we got an agreement was fundamentally the determination of our membership on picket lines and their hard work pushing this forward,” said Finch.

The union initially said that despite ending its strike, members would respect the picket lines maintained by the Professional Employees Association (PEA).

The union representing licensed professionals, from geoscientists to lawyers, launched a concurrent strike with the BCGEU on Sept. 2. But PEA said on Sunday its picket lines would be suspended as it resumes bargaining with the province, allowing BCGEU members to return to work. 

PEA said the province is offering its members the same general wage increases as well as other key proposals that were agreed to by the BCGEU. It said both sides are heading back to the bargaining table to negotiate the remainder of the agreement. 

“Our members have shown incredible resolve,” said Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA. “By standing together for the value of their work and the services they provide to British Columbians, they have strengthened the collective voice of public service professionals across the province. We are deeply grateful to the unions and allies who joined us on the picket lines and stood in solidarity with our members.”

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A big by Caden Brown sure caught the attention of the WHL office.

The Regina Pats forward Caden Brown is the Tempo WHL Player of the Week for the week.

Brown, a 20-year-old product of Prince George, B.C., tallied eight points (5G-3A) and a plus-4 rating in three games, as the Pats went 2-1-0-0 this past week.

He had a four-point (2G-2A) performance in a 6-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Wednesday, October 22nd.

Brown once again factored into the opening goal of the game for Regina in Friday’s loss to the Red Deer Rebels.

Saturday evening up the highway in Edmonton, Brown got back to business, recording the first hat trick of his WHL career to lead the Pats to a 5-4 overtime victory against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

With 14 points (9G-5A) in 12 games, Brown sits second in scoring on the Pats.

Coming out of the weekend, he is in the midst of a four-game point-scoring streak, having recorded 10 points (6G-4A) since October 18th.

The reigning #WHLPlayeroftheWeek, everyone!@WHLPats pic.twitter.com/FeXSLjRUsj

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) October 27, 2025

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On the eve of a high-profile assault trial involving three members of Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire and Rescue, the Crown has stayed charges against two of the accused.

Richard Morris and Wesley Parsons were expected to be in court Wednesday along with Greg Ferraby, each accused of assaulting a homeless man while off duty.

But according to online court records, the Crown entered a stay of proceedings on Friday in the matter where Parsons and Morris are concerned. Only Ferraby is now expected to stand trial.

Damienne Darby, communications counsel for the BC Prosecution Service, said the decision to stay the charges was made after the Crown lawyer handling the matter received “further information,” although Darby didn’t disclose what that information was.

“After reviewing this information and the rest of the file materials the prosecutor concluded the charge approval standard was no longer met,” Darby said.

Crown counsel only proceeds with cases where it believes there is a substantial likelihood of conviction and deems the matter in the public interest.

Ferraby is charged with uttering threats on April 13, 2023 and assault causing bodily harm on April 23, 2023. Police said the alleged attack happened in the 900 block of Spokane Street in Trail. They said the trio knew the 49-year-old victim and they believe it stemmed from a previous incident.

They said the man was punched in the head several times, may have passed out, and suffered a serious shoulder injury.

At the time of the incident, RCMP reported finding a man on the ground in an alley who told them he had been beaten by a man and two accomplices while taking his garbage out to the dumpster in the alley. He was taken to hospital.

All three suspects were arrested and released on a promise to have no contact with the victim.

Regional fire chief Dan Derby said at the time that they were “saddened and disturbed by these charges. Public safety is at the heart of everything we do. The RDKB does not condone this type of conduct on or off duty.”

He described the firefighters as “absent” from the workplace, but did not say when that suspension took effect. It’s not known what effect the Crown’s decision not to proceed with charges against Morris and Parsons will have on their employment. We have asked the fire department.

Ferraby’s trial is scheduled for four days. It will begin Wednesday in Rossland, then take a break until Nov. 3, then take another break and resume Nov. 6-7.

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Campbell River residents now have increased access to life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at two local parks.

The City has installed publicly accessible AEDs at Robron and Willow Point Parks, housed in secure, heated, and alarmed outdoor cabinets to ensure readiness in all seasons.

According to a social media post from the city, the initiative follows a recent medical emergency at the Rotary Community Field House, where quick access to an AED contributed to saving a life.

City staff say the additions strengthen Campbell River’s preparedness for cardiac emergencies.

– Article includes image supplied by City of Campbell River’s Facebook page

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Sparwood’s fall open house takes place on Tuesday and will showcase a number of programs and initiatives going on in the community.

One of the topics will be an update on the FoodCycler pilot program.

The program will offer countertop composters to residents at a subsidized rate.

Mayor David Wilks said they would help cut down on wildlife attractants.

“The challenge with other forms of reducing food waste for Sparwood is trying to hold onto that for a week before collection,” said Wilks.

“At some point in time, it will start to smell and we have wild animal issues as well if you try to store that outside.”

There will also be an update on what council got up to at the UBCM convention back in September.

Curbside recycling, the district’s new FireSmart program, river access and youth programming will also be discussed among others.

The meeting is open to all residents.

It runs from 6-8 p.m. at council chambers on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Smithers RCMP are reminding residents to keep safety top of mind this Halloween.

“Halloween is an exciting night, but also one where we see more children and families out after dark,” said Sergeant Ryan Law.

When trick or treating, Mounties recommended to:

• Bring a flashlight
• Walk instead of run
• Avoid cutting across lawns or taking short-cuts
• Only visit well-lit homes
• Never enter homes or vehicles
• Walk in groups and stay together
• Have a parent approve candy before consumption

Police also ask drivers to slow down in residential areas, watch for children, avoid distracted driving, be patient, and plan ahead for a safe ride home if partying.

Officers add anyone who sees anything should report it to the Smithers detachment and call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

“By planning ahead, staying alert, and looking out for one another, we can make sure Halloween is a safe for our community,” said Constable Jocelyn Foidart.

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A former Creston high school teacher who pleaded guilty to two sex offences is expected to be sentenced on Dec. 15.

Kianuko (Ki) Louie, who used to teach at Kootenay River Secondary, admitted to sexual exploitation and internet luring in May.

He originally faced six charges after an RCMP investigation into alleged incidents involving two students during the 2022-23 school year.

Other charges filed in September 2023 were sexual assault, possession of child pornography, extortion and criminal harassment, but those have since been set aside.

Louie played a large role in getting the name of the school changed from Prince Charles Secondary. He also spearheaded the raising of the Yaqan Nukiy flag at the school in 2019.

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Residents near Donnay Drive have until the end of the month to share their views on a proposed land purchase by the Municipality of North Cowichan. 

The municipality plans to spend about $1.16 million to buy two parcels of forested land totaling 3.66 hectares, currently owned by the Vancouver Island Providence Community Association. 

A delegation appeared before council in March urging the protection of the green space. 

“The community has expressed a strong interest in preserving the green space,” the municipality said. 

If approved, the acquisition would be funded through a local area service, meaning only residents within the designated boundary would pay.  

Mayor Rob Douglas says there will be an increase of $130 dollars in property taxes to the homes in the area, which can be either paid in full or spread over the course of 20 years. 

Property owners in the affected area have until 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 to submit a petition in opposition.  

If at least half of property owners, representing half the assessed value of the area, sign the petition, the purchase will not go ahead. 

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The Friends of the Smithers Public Library’s annual Book Sale raised $7,600 on Friday and Saturday.

Old books from the library along with ones donated to the event are put on sale by donation.

“It’s become a popular event that people look forward to every fall,” said Chair Robi McKnight.

She added hundreds of people attended this year which was partly attributed to favourable weather.

“We know now of days, books are very expensive so they feel like they get a good deal but we get a good deal too because all of that money goes back into the library.”

McKnight said the funds are used to help purchase new books for the library and enhancing its programs.

One example was when the library was able to purchase laptops for people who take exams at the library.

Along with having a positive turn out, she said the final donation count was about $400 more than last year.

“Obviously, not all the books sell and for years, we have had a problem with disposing these books because there is no way to recycle books in B.C.,” said McKnight.

“The Men’s Shed is taking some of the leftover books, cutting off the outside covers, and recycling the pages.”

She added while it isn’t a perfect solution, it was better than having the entire book thrown out.

Next year, McKnight is hoping to have more tables at the event so more books can be on display.

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The qathet Regional District (qRD) is being recognized for leadership in occupational health and safety practices. 

The qRD and Northside Volunteer Fire Department were presented with two awards by the B.C. Municipal Safety Association on October 7. 

Northside Volunteer Fire Department received the 2025 Innovative Safety Solution Award, while the qRD received the 2025 Organizational Safety Excellence Award. 

Northside Volunteer Fire Chief Jim Brown said they are committed to keeping their first responders safe. 

“Our volunteer firefighters are committed to training and building their experience so they are prepared to jump into action to save lives and property in the event of a medical or fire emergency.”

Northside Volunteer Fire Department built a live fire three-story training facility which features three propane-fueled props. 

The furthest prop weighs over 100 lbs. and is approximately 90 feet from the storage shed, requiring two firefighters to lift and move it over sloped, gravel training grounds which identified the igniter as an ergonomic hazard. 

Members of the department built a custom mobile cart to help maneuver the props around and reduce the risk of injury while doing so. 

Meanwhile, the qRD received the 2025 Organizational Safety Excellence Award for improving their experience rating and reducing injuries, illnesses, diseases, and fatalities. 

The qRD improved their experience rating by 19.3 percentage points in the last four years.

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North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are investigating after a black Chevrolet Traverse crashed through the emergency entrance of Cowichan District Hospital last weekend. 

The incident occurred at 7:40 p.m. on Oct. 25, when a 42-year-old woman was apprehended under the Mental Health Act, police said. 

Paramedics attempted to tend to the driver, but she suddenly became violent. 

“The 42-year-old woman allegedly assaulted one of the paramedics, causing minor injuries,” police said. “The woman was then subdued by hospital staff and was apprehended.” 

No other injuries were reported. 

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP non-emergency line at 250-748-5522. 

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BC Hydro is hoping its crews will be able to restore power for those who have been in the dark since Thursday, Oct. 23, due to landslides prompted by heavy rain.

According to the Crown utility corporation, crews are on site to tend to power outages impacting its customers near Holberg and Winter Harbour, they’re hoping to have power restored by 7:00 p.m. Oct. 27.

Nearly 100 BC Hydro customers in the two communities have been without electricity since just before 6pm Thursday when heavy rains prompted several mudslides in the area, knocking out power and forcing a closure of Holberg Road near Port Hardy.

Eight people had to be airlifted from the area after becoming stranded after landslides made roads in the area impassible.

Update: Eight airlifted to safety in joint rescue after being stranded near San Josef Bay : My Tri-Port Now

DriveBC says the road closure remains in effect as of this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued another wind warning for the area Tuesday, Oct. 28, which could bring gusts between 90 and 110 km/h.

Check BC Hydro’s outage map for updates to ongoing power outages.

– Article includes links from BC Hydro, DriveBC and Environment and Climate Change Canada

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Food Bank visits in the province are up nearly 80% from 2019.

Closer to home, that number is significantly higher.

“Since 2020, our statistics for the Food Bank are up 202% much higher than the national average,” Sarah Jackman, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Williams Lake Salvation Army said, “One-third of our Food Bank clients are children, about 20% are seniors, and there is a very, very high percentage that is two person incomes and that makes up for one in four of our visits.”

Jackman said just keeping regular staple pantry items on their shelves is getting more and more challenging.

In addition to trying to keep the Williams Lake Salvation Army Food Bank stocked, they also offer breakfast and lunches.

“We do provide breakfast and lunch everyday and our dining hall is packed everyday. It’s more difficult for us to be able to continue the quality of service that we provide. Just the amount of meals that we’re supplying to families and individuals, everybody is feeling the economic pinch.”

In 2024 Jackman said the Williams Lake Salvation Army served 20,465 breakfast and lunches and that comes at a cost of $269,000.

On November 22^nd they’ll be kicking off their traditional Christmas Kettle Campaign at several stores around the Lake City.

“Hopefully everybody is feeling generous and have the ability to be generous because we really do depend on the Kettle Campaign it is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need it this year more than ever. Every dollar that is donated stays local in Williams Lake,” Jackman said.

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The Cranbrook RCMP continues to look for solutions to it’s staffing issues as officers take extra shifts and overtime.

Staff Sergeant Barry Graham said there are currently eight vacancies, with one member on parental leave, four on long-term medical leave, two on restricted duties, and there is one hard vacancy.

He said there was a brief moment when they were actually overstaffed, but it unfortunately didn’t last long.

“We did have one window of time where we were overstaffed to the point where we actually assigned members out to other communities in need,” Graham added.

“It was nice to have that luxury as briefly as it was, but right now we have 24.6 roadable police officers out of 33 positions.”

Paying overtime is costly for the city, but Graham said it’s been a lifesaver.

“Without that extra help, operations would have collapsed.”

He said patrols can be stressful and they would have a very hard time getting officers to take extra shifts without it.

“It’s Irishman’s Creek to the other side of Jaffray, up to Wycliffe and down to the U.S. border. You are the be-all and end-all and if you’re one of two it’s daunting,” he said.

Graham said there are no easy fixes to getting the detachment staffed up, but they are looking at everything.

“We appreciate that we are able to get people in police cars for right now, but we know it’s not an efficient thing or sustainable long term,” he added.

“We have looked at and will continue to look at every available option.”

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A popular event hosted by the Lake Trail Community Education Society (LTCES) is returning for its fourth year. 

A free Repair Cafe will be hosted at Lake Trail School in Courtenay on November 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Executive Director of LTCES Anna Rambow said the event will feature new additions, so there’s something for everyone. 

“We started with just a repair cafe and have now added a clothing swap and new this year, a garage sale.” 

The Repair Cafe is free and will give residents the chance to get things such as wooden items, small appliances, and stuffed animals fixed by volunteer experts. 

The clothing swap will include clothes from local thrift stores in the Comox Valley and donations from the public. 

Anyone wanting to donate clothing, accessories, or shoes to the swap can bring them the day of the event, with leftover clothing being picked up by local non-profit Sunday Service at the end of the day. 

A garage sale table costs $20 per table or free for youth and can range from records to sports equipment to art being sold. 

More information on the event can be found here. 

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All are welcome to sit around a bonfire, play games, and enjoy food at the annual Williams Lake Halloween Fireworks at the Stampede Grounds on Oct. 31 to end Spooky Season.

New to this year’s dazzling display, the City of Williams Lake is hosting Halloween-themed games for youth at the Let ‘R’ Buck Saloon area with prizes to win.

Also at the Saloon, the Williams Lake Lions Club will be serving hot dogs and hot chocolate by donation.

“The City of Williams Lake’s Halloween Fireworks event is one of our most cherished community traditions,” said Maria McKee, Adult Recreation Program Coordinator in a City media release.

“We’re thrilled to introduce new Halloween games this year to make it even more exciting for families before the fireworks begin.”

The Stampede Grounds gates will open at 6:00 p.m. Attendees are invited to gather at the bonfire that will be located behind the Stampede Grandstands at 7:15 p.m., and the Fireworks Show will begin at 7:45 p.m.

Williams Lake Community Policing Volunteers will be on-site for additional safety and to assist with parking and traffic.

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The City of Nanaimo is getting a funding boost to support its frontline overdose response efforts.

Health Canada has provided more than $440,000 through its Emergency Treatment Fund to help expand support for people experiencing homelessness and substance-use issues.

The money will be used to purchase three new responder vehicles for the city’s community safety officers. Each vehicle will be equipped with medical gear, computers and survival supplies.

The city said its community safety officers have become a vital link for vulnerable residents, administering more than 1,200 doses of naloxone and performing CPR 31 times so far this year.

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The Elk Valley RCMP are searching for suspects involved in a recent string of graffiti in Elkford.

Police said the graffiti incidents have occurred over the past few weeks, with the tags “Koop” and “Senor” being frequently observed at multiple locations and are believed to be connected to the same individual or individuals.

Police are asking anyone who has witnessed the graffiti or has information on the people involved to contact the Elk Valley RCMP.

You can contact the detachment at 250-425-5233 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-847 to remain anonymous.

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The mayor of Grand Forks may be a funeral home director, but Everett Baker says he won’t be planning the funeral for one of the city’s biggest industries.

Baker travelled to Ottawa last week, where he met with members of parliament and industry executives over the indefinite closure of the Interfor sawmill.

He is pushing for a softwood lumber agreement with the United States and for financial support for workers affected by the shutdown.

Baker, who paid for the trip himself, said he met with politicians of all stripes, including Conservative leader Pierre Pollievre.

“The fact that he is the leader of the opposition and therefore has the right to put pressure on government, it was a worthwhile conversation,” Baker told city council this morning, adding that the met with Pollievre for “probably 15 or 20 minutes.”

Baker said Pollievre had a “good grasp” of what Grand Forks was facing and suggested that local MP Helena Konanz raise the matter during question period.

“I was encouraged by the cross-party and cross-jurisdictional recognition of the forestry is vital to rural communities and the federal action is urgently needed,” Baker said.

“The message was clear: our forestry workers and communities need results, not rhetoric. I will continue to pressure Ottawa and make forestry a national priority and to ensure that Grand Forks has a strong voice at that table.”

Baker said he returned home feeling encouraged that Grand Forks is now on radar of federal officials, and is being used as an example of the plight of forest-dependent communities.

“I asked Interfor at my last meeting, ‘should I be arranging a funeral for Interfor here in Grand Forks? ‘And I was directly answered, ‘absolutely not,’ that this mill is extremely important to them.”

Baker said the positions at Interfor are well-paid and often available to young people, so the notion that employees may have to consider leaving the community “greatly concerns me and should concern us as a council.”

Interfor announced in September that the Grand Forks will would be curtailed for three weeks as part of company-wide plans to cut production by 12 per cent by December.

The shutdown has since been extended until further notice and the company now says it will reduce lumber production in the third quarter by 26 per cent.

The company cited “persistent market headwinds and the continued impact of U.S. trade actions.” Tariffs and duties on US-bound softwood exports now total 45 per cent.

The Grand Forks mill has about 150 employees and an estimated 300 contractors are also affected by the closure.

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The City of Fernie will be discharging treated effluent into the Elk River over the next month and a half.

City staff said it’s necessary in order to dispose of massive amounts of water in the sanitary sewer collection system.

Work started on Oct. 21 and will continue until Dec. 16.

City staff said it’s in compliance with Ministry of Environment’s operating permit.

Anyone with questions on the operations should contact city hall.

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The Smithers Steelheads weren’t able to score on Saturday in the Central Interior Hockey League.

The Steelheads lost 6-0 to the visiting Terrace River Kings.

The previous meeting between the two teams also ended in a blowout with the River Kings posting a 9-2 victory over Smithers September 27th in Terrace.

The Steelheads visit the Hazelton Wolverines Saturday.

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Construction continues to advance on the Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) redevelopment project in Williams Lake.

Executive Director, Clinical Operations, Thompson Cariboo Rural, Karen Cooper said the exterior of the new hospital building is nearing completion, and work has shifted to the interior.

That work, Cooper said, includes installation of flooring, walls and ceilings, as well as electrical, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

Physical connections linking the existing hospital to the new addition are also taking place.

Cooper noted what has changed is that the project schedule does have a bit of an update.

“Graham Construction, the project’s design builder, has exercised their one-time contractual allowance to extend the substantial completion date for Phase 1. This adjustment moves substantial completion to the fall of 2026 so as a result the new departments are expected to open in early 2027 instead of late 2026. Our teams our looking forward to construction completion and the start of operational commissioning when we can begin preparing the new spaces for patient care.”

Cooper said once they open the new tower for patient care, they’ll begin immediately renovating the existing site in what’s called Phase 2.

“The updates that will happen to the existing hospital will be moving our Ambulatory Care Units where we do our cancer treatments, our procedures, they’ll move down to where the Emergency Department is currently located. That will come with a new main entry and reception area. Then where our current Med-Surg Inpatient Unit is, that space will be renovated to create a new Mental Health Substance Use Inpatient Unit.”

On the third floor, Cooper noted is the UBC Faculty of Medicine academic space.

“This will let us be able to bring in residence for their medicine preceptorships and have that clinical situation space to support their robust learning. Phase 2 is expected to begin in early 2027 and we’re aiming to have that completed in 2029.”

Cooper said the biggest question she gets asked around the new hospital development is “Will we (Interior Health) have the staff to be able to provide the services in the new building”.

“Interior Health is working really hard in advance of the space opening to begin to bring the staff that we’re going to need to be able to be successful with that. So we’re continuously recruiting, we have 7 new grads this year from the Nursing Program and we’ll continue to build on that success in order to make sure that we have the staff needed. When you build these once-in-a-generation buildings we know that that in itself is attractive. You have the space and the latest and greatest that really does enhance the staff experience and contributes a better health outcomes for our patients.”

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Sayward residents are being asked to conserve water after heavy rain last week forced the village’s water treatment plant offline.

Village officials say runoff from Newcastle Creek has caused high turbidity, making it unsafe for treatment.

This means the plant can’t produce drinking water until levels drop.

People in Sayward are being urged to limit water use to essentials only in the meantime.

The village expects the issue to be short-term and hopes to have it resolved soon.

See more information from the village here.

– Article includes information from the Village of Sayward

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The Smokies net now belongs to Trail native Chayse Johnson.

The 18-year-old backup has been thrust into the starters role after Saturday’s injury to Cooper Michaluk, who is out 6-to-12-weeks with a lower body injury.

The 20-year-old who is the BCHL leader with nine wins, left the game in the dying seconds of the second period against West Kelowna after doing the splits in a slide across the net to fend off a scoring chance.

Michaluk initially got to his feet, but returned to the ice and needed help from two team mates to get to the dressing room as he was unable to put any weight on his left leg.

Johnson recorded 24 shutout minutes until Otto Hanson’s rising wrister ended the game less than four minutes into overtime giving Trail the 3-2 victory, their record 9th straight win on the road.

Johnson says he has remained game ready since game one.

“I just work as hard as I can every day in practice,” said Johnson.

“You just never know when the opportunity is going to present itself and I just make sure I’m ready to go whenever the boys need me,” he added.

Smoke Eaters goaltender coach Pierce Diamond says the key to Chayse’s development has been consistency.

“Finding ways to make sure when he’s practicing and when he’s preparing for games, he has that same preparation throughout the year,” explained Diamond, who added that Johnson responded when he did get his first start of the season on Oct 17 in Powell River.

“I thought he did a ten-out-of ten job,” said Diamond.

Johnson says his game is built on a solid foundation.

“I’d say I’m definitely a structure first goaltender, I rely at lot on my positioning and my tracking,” Johnson noted.

“I think I’m very athletic and I can bring structure and raw compete whenever I need to,” he concluded.

Chayse admits he is is vocal and emotional. Diamond points out while positive attributes, they sometimes need to be reigned in.

“His competitiveness, his work ethic and his athleticism are probably some of his strongest suits but at the same time you want to make sure you’re not using that 24/7,” Diamond commented, feeling Chayse is finding a balance physically and mentally.

“It’s a way of getting control of his game, getting control of the mental side too, while it’s great to have all of those tools in your tool box, but you don’t want to have to use them all the time,” stated Diamond.

After 84 minutes of action this season, Johnson heads into Wednesday’s home game against Salmon Arm with a record of 2-0, with a 1.43 GAA and .943 SP.

The Smoke Eaters have called up Matus Volovar from the VIJHL’s Peninsula Panthers to backup Johnson.

The 18-year-old from Slovakia is 7-1 this season, with two shutouts, a 1.76 GAA and .931 SP.t

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A 73-year-old Montrose man has been seriously injured in a dog attack.

RCMP say the incident happened Oct. 17 in the 700 block of 11th Avenue as the man was walking on the street near his home. The dog allegedly charged him. The man fought the dog off with his cane, but suffered injuries to his hand, leg, and head.

A family member of the dog’s owner arrived soon after to secure the animal.

Police spoke to the owner, who believes the dog may have escaped after a gate was left open. The matter has been referred to the SPCA’s animal protection officer.

No charges are expected. Police didn’t say what kind of dog was involved.

Impaired driving suspect accused of damaging police car

Police say a 27-year-old Oliver man under investigation for impaired driving could be in more trouble for his behaviour after being arrested.

They were called Oct. 17 about a suspected drunk driver in the 1800 block of Highway 3B. Police located the vehicle and found the man sitting in the front passenger seat.

He declined to provide a breath sample. Police found that he was under a driving prohibition.

Police said they arrested the man when he became aggressive. Once inside the police car, they say he kicked the doors and caused damage.

He was jailed until he sobered up. He received a 90-day driving ban and his vehicle was impounded for up to a month. Police say further charges could be coming.

Window smashed in downtown Trail

Police were called Oct. 17 about a man breaking a window on a government office in the 1500 block of Bay Avenue in Trail last week, but they didn’t catch the person responsible.

Sgt. Mike Wicentowich asked for reports of any other instances of vandalism while they investigate.

“We suspect this kind of aggressive window smashing may continue until the perpetrator is caught,” he said in a news release.

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The Wisniowski sisters were queens of the judo mat in the Lower Mainland.

At the Peak International Judo Tournament in Burnaby over the weekend, the sibling duo captured an impressive four gold medals.

Kiya Wisniowski took spot in both the U16 and U18 female 63-kilogram category, winning three matches by choking submissions.

Her sister Olivia claimed gold in the U18 female +70kg and the Senior Women advanced +78kg divisions.

In her second finals bout, Wisniowski beat a 2nd degree black belt from the United States, despite being a blue belt.

Up next for the Wisniowski sisters is a trip to Los Angeles for the USA Winter Nationals December 5th to 8th.

From there, Olivia will then participate in the French Polynesia Tournament in Training Camp from December 8th to 16th.

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One person has died after vehicle crashed into a home on Queeensway over the weekend.

The incident occurred on Saturday just after 2pm and confirmed that a single car had crashed into the front of the home.

Two individuals were inside the home and were not injured in the crash.

BC Emergency Health Services transported the driver and passenger of the vehicle to a nearby hospital, where the driver unfortunately succumbed to their injuries; the passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

“Given the totality of the circumstances surrounding this event, our police investigation has since been concluded and turned over to the B.C. Coroners Service. Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

According to the city, damage to the home is estimated at $50,000. The vehicle was destroyed in the accident.

There will be no further updates on this investigation.

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A woman charged in a head-on crash at Genelle four years ago that left another woman with serious injuries will have her preliminary hearing next year.

Gabrielle Lee Nelson, who was born in 1986, is charged with four counts related to impaired and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

The preliminary inquiry is set for a single day, Feb. 24, in Rossland, and will determine if there is enough evidence to send the matter to trial.

It stems from an Oct. 25, 2021 crash on Highway 22 that left Jessica Kluckert, then 22, with a broken pelvis, broken ankle, and a severely broken leg.

Police said the driver of a southbound car crossed the centre line and hit Kluckert’s car.

According to a GoFundMe page established for Kluckert at the time, she was flown to Kelowna General Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to hospital.

In January 2022, Kluckert wrote on the GoFundMe site that she was “slowly getting better every day” and had recently undergone a third surgery, but was receiving regular physiotherapy and counselling.

Charges in the crash weren’t laid until November 2024.

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A major shakeup is occurring at the College of New Caledonia.

Due to an eight-million-dollar revenue shortfall, eight programs have been cancelled as a result including:

• 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 board voted in favour of the moved during its meeting on Thursday.

MyPGNow.com first broke the news of the Kinesiology Diploma program getting the boot on Friday after receiving information from a senior instructor at the college.

An interview request was made to speak with CNC President and CEO Cindy Heitman, but was denied, however a statement was provided.

“As part of our ongoing response to an $8 million revenue shortfall, caused by a decline in international student enrolment, and in keeping with our commitment to delivering high-quality programs in the North, the CNC Board convened a special meeting on October 23. At this meeting, the Board voted to cancel eight programs.

This decision followed a thorough and comprehensive review process, in accordance with CNC policy. Each program was evaluated based on key criteria, including enrolment trends, financial sustainability, labour market demand, and potential for future growth.

At CNC, students remain our top priority. We are committed to supporting those currently enrolled in the affected programs by providing clear pathways to complete their studies. This includes detailed teach-out plans and direct communication to guide students through their next steps.

We recognize that these changes ae difficult. However, they are necessary to ensure CNC’s long-term sustainability and our ability to continue offering high-quality, relevant programs that prepare students for meaningful careers and contribute to the vitality of communities across the North.”

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Residents in the Wildstone and Shadow Mountain areas can expect to be without water for most of the day on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Crews will be installing new water connections to two properties in the Wildstone area, which will require the watermain on Wildstone Drive to be shut down.

Impacted residents will be getting notices today from the contractor.

Water will likely be shutoff from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents may want to keep a supply of water available in their homes to allow for drinking, cooking, doing dishes and flushing toilets for the day.

Once water service is restored it may be discoloured.

That can be fixed by running the cold water tap until it runs clear.

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Creston RCMP are asking for help to find 30-year-old Nathan Winstanley-Mander, who was last seen around 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 near Millennium Park.

Winstanley-Mander is described as six feet tall with brown hair and blue eyes, was wearing a camouflage-patterned jacket, dark pants and a black baseball cap.

He has not contacted family or friends since then, and police say they’re concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Creston RCMP at 250-428-9313.

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A man who was attacked by a grizzly bear on Oct. 2 near Forte Steele has passed away in Hospital.

Joe Pendry was attacked by a sow grizzly with two cubs while out hunting. He initially survived and underwent several surgeries in Kelowna Hospital, however, he passed away on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Pendry managed to shoot the bear, which was later found dead near the attack location.

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Sports by Hartley Monday, October 27th, 2025  

PG Cougars Cat Scan podcast:

CAT SCAN: @Hartley_Miller chats with @PGCougars Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb on this week’s episode: https://t.co/HuNWaKPn6Y

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) October 21, 2025

BCHL: 

Prince George Spruce Kings  5  Surrey Eagles  2  (Saturday)

The game summary is here.

Chilliwack Chiefs  6  Prince George Spruce Kings  2  (Friday)

The game summary is here.

The (6-5) Spruce Kings host the (6-3-2) Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday night at 6:00 and the (6-7) Langley Rivermen Sunday afternoon at 3:00 to begin a 4-game homestand.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

NHL: (8 Sunday games with 4 Canadian teams in action)

Edmonton  at  Vancouver 

The game summary is here.

The (4-4) Canucks host the New York Rangers Tuesday night at 7:00.

Calgary  5  New York Rangers  1  (3rd)

Utah  3  Winnipeg  2

There are just 2 Monday games in the NHL; Boston at Ottawa and St. Louis at Pittsburgh.

#

The Washington Capitals have fired assistant coach Mitch Love who is from Quesnel.

According to the Capitals, this decision follows the findings of an NHL-led investigation into past allegations.

Update: #allcaps say Mitch Love has been fired effective immediately after findings of an NHL-led investigation into “past allegations.” https://t.co/rjQyfe29Vy

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 26, 2025

The NHL schedule and results are here.

The Vancouver Canucks schedule and results are here.

The NHL standings are here.

NFL: (Week 8)

Green Bay  at  Pittsburgh  (Sunday night)

Week 8 of the NFL concludes tonight (Monday 5:15) with Washington at Kansas City.

The NFL schedule and results can be found here.

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Williams Lake took home the gold in Quesnel Thunder’s U15 tournament over the weekend.

The tourney had four teams, Smithers, Vanderhoof, Williams Lake, and the hosts Quesnel, duking it out at the West Fraser Centre. Lake City’s U15 squad was dominant throughout the whole weekend, finishing with a 3-0-1 record.

Beating Vanderhoof on Friday 14 to nil, the only ‘mark’ on the team’s run was a 5 to 5 tie against Quesnel during the round robin, followed by back-to-back wins against Smithers, a 9 to 1 then 7 to 1, sending them to the gold medal game to face Quesnel.

Quesnel also had a tremendous run through the tournament. The Thunder’s U15s had a similar record at Williams Lake, going 3-0-1 over the weekend.

The Thunder first knocked Smithers down 7, nothing. Then the Cariboo teams tied in their second game. Quesnel hammered Vanderhoof twice in back-to-back games. Winning 16 to 0, then 17 to 0. Then headed into the Gold Medal game to take on Williams Lake.

It was a fairly close match up for the first period, with Williams Lake taking control of the game more or less from the start. The Lake City won the bought 6 to 3 in the end, to take home the Gold. Quesnel took home silver for a first and second finish for the Cariboo teams.

Smithers and Vanderhoof faced each other for bronze, for the teams’ second match up through the weekend. Smithers took home the bronze medal with a 5-to-nothing win over Vanderhoof.

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Quesnel’s Mitch Love has been relieved of his duties as an Assistant Coach with the Washington Capitals.

According to a post on X from the team’s Public Relations account, the decision follows the findings of an NHL-led investigation into past allegations.

Mitch Love has been relieved of his duties as an assistant coach, effective immediately. This decision follows the findings of an NHL-led investigation into past allegations. The organization is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability.

— Capitals PR (@CapitalsPR) October 26, 2025

Love joined the Capitals in 2023. He was also named AHL Coach of the Year in 2022 as the bench boss of Calgary’s AHL Affiliate, then known as the Stockton Heat.

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Prince George’s first responders were showing their stuff as part of the “Adventures with First Responders” event.

Throughout the day, School District 57 students in grades 10-12 got to spend time with first responders, and learn about some of the tasks they do within those careers.

For example, Paramedics taught how to apply airways, Firefighters taught how to use the high pressure hoses, and RCMP Officers taught what it’s like to do a vehicle stop.

“My brother it did last year, and he said he had the best time ever, so I wanted to try, and I don’t what I want to do when I’m older, so I thought this would help,” said Dagny Hilton, one of the students taking part.

Even in the first block of the day, the event left an impression on some of the students.

“Everything I’ve seen, I’ve been really excited for and I think I would pursue this in the future,” said Allyana Santiago, one of the students.

“I think I’ll pursue this in the future as well, it was really fun with all the experiences today,” said Adira Papick, another student.

Prior to the start of the day, the 17 students were polled as to which career they were interested in, which led to some interesting results.

“It’s pretty evenly split across the board,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince George RCMP.

“We found that pretty interesting, those of us organizing it that we had such an even interest.”

CJ Hagreman was one of the students who said he was most interested in ambulance.

“I knew a lot about fire crew and RCMP, but I didn’t know a lot about ambulance, the idea of helping people in a medical way kind of interested me,” he said.

This is the second time the program has been offered, with the first time taking place in the spring of this year.

“We’re really happy with the program and how it runs, we’ve got some really good feedback from our first set of students,” Cooper said.

“We’ve kind of done the same kind of set up again, same run throughs for all of us, just trying to expose students that maybe haven’t made a whole decision on where they want to go after high school, what it’s like, some of the perks, some of the drawbacks too, we try to give them an even picture of what it’s like to either be a Paramedic or a Firefighter or a Police Officer.”

Cooper added its interesting to be interacting with a potential co-worker in this capacity.

“To think that one of these students might decide to be an RCMP Officer down the road and we might get to interact with them,” she said.

“We see that sometimes with students who’ve gone through our Youth Academy, which is another, kind of more in-depth recruiting program that we run with the School District during spring break. We do actually have current police officers that we work with who were Youth Academy students, and we love seeing that return on investment.”

While the event focuses on ambulance, fire, and policing, Cooper said there have been talks about bringing in other first responder careers.

“We wanted to keep it for the first few run throughs to kind of our primary first responders, the ones that are out in the field, taking the calls, and get our feet under us before we looked into if there was room for expansion and looking into some of the other ancillary first responder type jobs,” she explained.

While the event is for high school students, a four-year-old firefighter came to see what was going on, something Cooper said was encouraging.

“These are careers that you can spend 25-plus years in, pensionable careers which is also a selling feature, maybe not for the four-year-olds,” Cooper said.

“But they are good solid careers for people to still choose, and it’s nice to see that even from as young as four-years-old, we’re still getting interest.”

1 of 18

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The BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) and the Provincial Government have reached a tentative agreement.

“This tentative agreement is the result of the incredible strength and solidarity of BCGEU and PEA members across the province,” said Union President Paul Finch.

“For eight weeks, they held the line – standing up for themselves, their families, and the public services that make life in B.C. possible. This deal shows that when workers stand together, we can make real progress.”

According to the union, employees will receive a general wage increase of three per cent per year over four years, along with additional targeted pay adjustments for the lowest paid workers in the public service.

Other non-monetary improvements and enhanced benefits include:

• Improved fairness around telework and a modernized contract to reflect today’s workplace realities.
• Stronger job protections, including a new process to review excluded positions and return improperly excluded ones to the bargaining unit.
• A faster grievance tribunal process to resolve disputes more efficiently.
• Improved vision care and counselling benefits to better support mental health and overall wellbeing.
• Established a category of fully remote workers that have unique agreement protections.

The Union adds more details will be shared directly with members in the coming days.

Professional Employees Union members remain on strike.

BCGEU members went on strike in September, and continued to escalate job action over time.

More than 25,000 public service workers were on strike over the eight week period.

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The Prince George Spruce Kings kept the Surrey Eagles out of the win column with a 5-2 decision.

The Spruce Kings opened the scoring early, with Marcus Lougheed scoring on the powerplay 2:47 into the opening period.

Jackson Froysland extended the lead shortly after.

Landon Jassmann and Easton Jacobs got the Eagles on the board with a pair of quick markers in the second period, but Michael Denney put the Spruce Kings back in front before the end of the middle frame.

Carter Hesselgrave gave the Spruce Kings an insurance marker in the third, and Dominic Szczygiel sealed the win with am empty netter.

Ryder Green got the start in net for the Spruce Kings, making 21 saves on 23 shots.

The Spruce Kings outshot the Eagles 30-23 in front of 900 fans at the South Surrey Arena.

The box score is here.

The Spruce Kings (6-5-0-0) are second in the BCHL’s Coastal East Conference.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have yet to earn a point this season, losing 11 in a row in regulation to open the campaign.

The BCHL standings are here.

The Spruce Kings will start a four-game home stand on Saturday.

The full Spruce Kings schedule is here.

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It was a tight, physical game right until the end, but the Prince George Cougars dropped a 4-3 decision to the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“We got chasing the game a little bit but we got back in it, it was a hard fought game by both teams,” said Cougars Head Coach and GM Mark Lamb on the post-game show on 94.3 the Goat.

Coming off a 6-3 loss at the hands of the Cats on Friday, Seattle looked hungry to get the win in front of 3,551 fans at the CN Centre.

“We had a lot of good things, we scored a couple on our powerplay, they got one, you know [Braeden] Cootes is a special player and he had a big game, and [Radim] Mrtka makes a big difference on their team,” Lamb said.

Cootes, who played three regular season games for the Vancouver Canucks before being sent back to the T-Birds this season, was sensational for Seattle, scoring twice and adding an assist.

Much like the night before, Seattle struck early, with Brendan Rudolph taking a feed from Cootes and beating Alexander Levshyn with a backhand shot 4:07 into the first.

Mrtka 🤝 Cootes 🤝 Rudolph@SeattleTbirds pic.twitter.com/Nsz1MaRi6N

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) October 26, 2025

Cootes got his first on the night and the year on the powerplay 13:37 into the game, putting a perfect wrist shot past Levshyn.

Captain Cootes is SO back! 🫡@SeattleTbirds I @Canucks I #Canucks pic.twitter.com/1X82NXvYzD

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) October 26, 2025

Terik Parascak got the Cougars on the board, making a couple of nifty moves and putting a backhand past Grayson Malinoski towards the tail end of the period.

For anyone counting, that’s 10 points for Perry in his last four games 😯@Capitals | @CarlsJrCA https://t.co/lU3wYtM8dS pic.twitter.com/mSGLzx7JzF

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) October 26, 2025

Brock Souch picked up an assist on Parascak’s goal, extending his point streak to 12 games.

Shortly before the end of the first period, Levshyn left the game with an injury after making 8 saves on ten shots. Josh Ravensbergen entered the game in relief.

“He tweaked something, he tried to fight through it, but he couldn’t go,” Lamb said.

In the middle frame, Jett Lajoie evened things up after Kayden Lemire fed him a pass in front of a wide open net.

UPDATE: the powerplay is still lethal.@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/ALy0gpqgno pic.twitter.com/XDqQjtHsHc

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) October 26, 2025

Seattle seized a late second period lead, with Cootes taking a misplayed puck and putting another perfect shot past Ravensbergen.

Braeden Cootes left all alone = Goal # 2️⃣ 🚨@SeattleTbirds I @Canucks I #Canucks pic.twitter.com/132KDEE8Xb

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) October 26, 2025

Early in the third, Kooper Gizowski tied things up, taking a slick feed from Parascak and putting the puck past Malinoski and extending his point streak to 12 games.

Gizowski’s point streak hits 12 games, and Parascak has his 11th point in his last four!@Capitals | @CarlsJrCA https://t.co/xXZAzKYWOK pic.twitter.com/jGxnAztgNf

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) October 26, 2025

Sawyer Mayes scored the eventual winner with 3:55 to go, on a goal that was reviewed.

Sawyer Mayes with the go-ahead goal for @SeattleTbirds 🙌 pic.twitter.com/v3M3QuDJRi

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) October 26, 2025

With 0.2 seconds on the clock after an icing call, the Cougars came close to tying the game, just missing a faceoff play.

After the final horn, some words that were probably not so friendly were exchanged, and both teams received a pair of roughing minor penalties.

The box score is here.

The Cougars (8-4-0-0) are on top of the WHL’s BC Division.

The WHL standings are here.

The Cougars go on the road for their next six, starting in Portland Friday.

The full Cougars schedule is here.

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A black SUV has caused significant damage to the Cowichan District Hospital after it was driven through the emergency doors last night. 

According to Island Health, the incident happened around 7:30 last night (Oct. 25) and caused damage to the Emergency Room entrance.

 According to a statement, no one was injured in the incident, and although the damage was extensive, they’ve concluded there is no foundational damage. 

“Initial findings show no structural damage to the building’s foundation,” says Island Health. “Temporary doors have been installed, and staff will be stationed at the entrance in the coming days to support access.” 

A staff member has said the hospital is currently only open to ‘life and limb’ emergencies and any other medical issues should be sent to Nanaimo or Victoria. 

Hospital management is expected to meet today to discuss the next steps. 

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Sports by Darin, as of 6:00 a.m., Sunday, October 26th

WHL:

Seattle Thunderbirds  4  Prince George  Cougars  3

Terik Parascak, Jett Lajoie and Kooper Gizowski scored for the Cougars in the loss.

Alexander Levshyn made eight saves on ten shots before leaving the game late in the first period.

Josh Ravensbergen made 17 saves on 19 shots in relief.

The box score is here.

The Cougars (8-4-0-0) are on top of the WHL’s BC Division.

The WHL standings are here.

The Cougars go on the road for their next six, starting in Portland Friday.

The full Cougars schedule is here.

BCHL:

Prince George Spruce Kings  3  Surrey Eagles  2

Marcus Lougheed, Jackson Froysland, Michael Denney, Carter Hesselgrave, and Dominic Szczygiel scored for the Spruce Kings in the win.

Ryder Green got the start in the Spruce Kings net, making 21 saves on 23 shots.

The box score is here.

The Spruce Kings (6-5-0-0) are second in the BCHL’s Coastal East Conference.

The BCHL standings are here.

The Spruce Kings will start a four-game home stand on Saturday.

The full Spruce Kings schedule is here.

World Series:

LA Dodgers  5  Toronto Blue Jays  1 (Series tied 1-1)

Game three is set for tomorrow.

NHL:

That’s a wrap on a 13-game Saturday!#NHLStats: https://t.co/ULVEKxWhEA pic.twitter.com/FEzmGjPGNa

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) October 26, 2025

NFL: 

A week 8 slate that you won’t want to miss 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YAsTW3WWEc

— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025

CFL:

BC Lions  27  Saskatchewan Roughriders  21

Winnipeg Blue Bombers  19  Montreal Alouettes  10

Canadian Junior Football League Playoffs:

Okanagan Sun  34  St. Clair Saints  19

The Sun will face the winner of today’s Prairie Conference Championship in the Canadian Bowl:

Saskatoon Hilltops @ Regina Thunder

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Thomas Mellish, a paralegal with McEwan & Co. in Trail, ran from Rossland to Christina Lake on the old Cascade highway on Sept. 26, a 65-kilometre trek with over 4,500 feet (1,370 metres) of elevation gain. We spoke with him this week. 

What was the inspiration for your run? What prompted you to do this? 

I have a habit of making spur-of-the-moment decisions when it comes to long distance things. When I was in England, I decided to do a six-day cycle ride just because I thought I could. It was honestly a similar thought process here. I started running the old Cascade highway in the spring. I learned that it fed from Rossland to Christina Lake. And I thought, well, I’ve ran 20 to 30 kilometers of it. Why not try and do the whole 65? That was genuinely it. 

So you were training for it without even knowing it. You were already running that route, and you’re pretty familiar with it. 

Yes. That was part of the main reason why I thought it was doable, because I thought, well, I’ve done the first 20, 30 km. How bad can 65 be? He says through his gritted teeth. I didn’t really have any grand plans or illusions. It was more just “this could be fun” and it turns out that it was fun. 

What did it turn out like? 

Honestly, incredible. I knew that Sheep Creek and the hill coming out of Sheep Creek Valley was going to be the crux of the run, because that was, give or take, about 1,000 metres of elevation gain over 10, 12 km. And I really enjoyed that bit, surprisingly, and I didn’t find it too bad at all. So the problems I built up in my mind weren’t problems at all. If anything, they were the most enjoyable parts. I saw bits of BC that not many people are able to see. So a lot of old fantastic woodland, a lot of old really nice little alpine creeks. In that sense, it was everything I expected and a little bit more. 

How long did it take? 

The running was just under eight hours, I think it was seven hours, 58 minutes, but then accounting for stops, it took me about nine and a half hours. I say “we” … me and my girlfriend’s dad left Rossland at about quarter past seven, and then we made it to Christina at about half past four that afternoon. 

Did he run with you or was he in a vehicle? 

Andy’s more sane than I am, so he cycled it. But he put in a really good shift as well, because he was carrying some of my stuff. So he really put his neck out for me. 

What was the weather like? 

Stunning. There wasn’t a hint of rain or anything. It was slightly overcast, which is perfect. Although it turns out there was a planned burn in Christina that day, so the last couple kilometers became incrementally more smoky. And then the last kilometer where you sprint, well, I was sprinting from Santa Rosa Road to the communal public beach. That was incredibly smoky. But thankfully, that was only about five, 10 minutes. So for nine hours and 20 minutes, the weather was absolutely perfect. And for 10 minutes, it was slightly less desirable. 

Did you run into many people along the way, or was it just the two of you?

Running from Rossland to Sheep Creek, which is kind of the halfway point, we met no one. And then there’s a guy who I’ve been talking to on Facebook called Rob about the proposed mine on Record Ridge. He met us in Sheep Creek and gave us a nice little escort because the dogs there can be less than friendly, to put it charitably. And then after meeting Rob, we saw maybe one other person coming out from Sheep Creek to the height of land and then going down, about 20K from Christina, we started seeing people, a lot of cyclists, a lot of hikers. But generally for, I’d say, two-thirds of it, we saw maybe a handful of people. 

You had a cause associated with this run?

Yes, two. I work at a law firm in Trail and the lawyers there have spoken to me in passing about how little access there is to legal services here. To give an example, one per cent of BC qualified lawyers practice in the West Kootenay. It’s one of the least represented areas in terms of lawyers per 1,000 people in the whole province. So I came across the Nelson CARES Society because they provide free legal services for certain legal questions like tenant-landlord disputes, domestic disputes. So that was the first prong of it.

The second was that I’ve been running the old Cascade since I moved here in February. It’s give or take eight or nine months now of running it pretty much every week. And when I was here, in 2023, that summer, I learned about the mine proposal on Record Ridge, and that’s obviously advanced a couple of steps since then. It was also that it was running a route which is quite special to me because it’s an area I know really well and, if the mine goes ahead, it certainly won’t retain that character. So I was enjoying that whilst it still lasts with the hope that it will last. 

How much did you raise? 

I think it was just over $2,500 for the Advocacy Centre.

Is the old Cascade highway popular with runners or are you one of only a few?

Generally, it’s pretty popular in Rossland. I’m a bit weird, so I’ll run there in pretty much any weather. But when the weather’s nicer, an awful lot of people run the road itself. And then sometimes I’ll see cyclists coming down from the Seven Summits. There’s just kind of a runner’s paradise. It’s a link to a lot of trails in the area. And then I would see people coming up and down the hill into Rossland from Sheep Creek. I actually saw Rob a couple of times without knowing who he was on his quad bike with his bright orange helmet. So it does have a surprising amount of traffic. 

Do you know of anybody else who’s made the full trek on foot like you did? 

I don’t know. I asked Andy about that and he said that if anyone had, it would be a handful. I know there’s a cycle race which goes from Christina to Rossland, so people have done it on bike. But I’m not too sure whether someone’s done it on foot or not. 

You’re the first I’ve heard of. That’s part of what makes this so interesting or compelling. 

Well, if it’s a title that’s free, I’ll claim it. 

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A new place to remember and honour those who identified as being from Bouchie Lake now stands proud to welcome those who come into the community.

Many members of the community of Bouchie Lake gathered on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Six Mile Corner, by Bouchie Lake Elementary School, for the reveal of the new Bouchie Lake Cenotaph. A project that has been in the making for more than 15 years.

“It’s  super exciting that the cenotaph in Bouchie Lake at Six Mile Corner is now completed. This is gonna be a really awesome asset in our community. It’s going to provide a gathering space for our community and also for the school to use for Remembrance Day,” said Heloise Dixon–Warren, a member of the Friends of Bouchie Milburn Society.

“I think the other key thing that comes to mind is the need for community identity. By having places like this, it creates a place for the community to come together and to recognize that Bouchie Lake has its own feel and its own identity.”

The ceremony thanked the community partners who donated their time and materials to dig up the old cairn, move it, and build the new cenotaph at its location.

Dixon–Warren says the new cenotaph will be a focal point in the Remembrance Day ceremonies the Friends of Bouchie Lake, the Legion, and the community will be putting on this year. There has been a Remembrance Day service in Bouchie Lake since the pandemic in 2020, which has been growing each year.

Brian Steeves, of the Quesnel Legion Branch 94, was also in attendance, and the Legion donated funds to have the cenotaph built. Steeves is happy to have another location in the area to honour veterans during the Season of Remembrance, and specifically to honour those who were proud to say they were from Bouchie Lake.

“ It’s always nice to have more remembrance items, and the cenotaph is going to be a nice contribution to the whole community. The legion was happy and proud to be involved.”

During the ceremony, there were times made for people from Bouchie Lake to say a few words. Many spoke on how the cenotaph will bring the community together, and one spoke on how proud her parents, who served and built their home in Bouchie Lake after World War 2, would be to see so many gather for the veterans, and how the Remembrance Days have grown in the community.

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The Quesnel Natural Resource District will be conducting two separate and unrelated wildfire risk reduction projects near Puntataenkut Lake (Tibbles Lake Road).

The project will finish risk reduction work, as well as conduct pile burning across two treatment areas covering 19.5 hectares. One in the north, and one in the south of Tibbles Lake Road, located 49 km west of Quesnel.

BC Wildfire Service, in a release, said the burns may start as early as October 27 and will continue through the winter until December 31.

The Wildfire Service says residents in the area should expect:

• Contractors in the southern unit will be using chainsaws and hand tools to create 5-6 metre spacing between the larger, mature timber and the smaller understory trees, as well as removing dead standing Lodgepole Pine.

• Objectives for the northern unit will be to utilize machines to rake and pile debris created from the salvage logging project from last winter.
• Understory trees, less than 12.5 centimetres in diameter, will be thinned and branches on residual conifers will be pruned up to 2 metres, or up to 50 per cent of their height, whichever is less.
• Wildlife trees that are not a threat to workers, deciduous trees, and coarse woody debris will be retained to protect wildlife habitat.
• Piles no larger than two metres by three metres will be created. The piles will be burned this fall or winter when conditions are appropriate. Burning will only proceed if weather and site conditions are suitable and allow smoke to dissipate.

The Wildfire Service adds that fire crews will ignite piles for burning using hand torches, should conditions be favourable, and will remain at the sites, monitoring all fire activity.

They add that smoke may be visible to residents and travellers in the Puntataenkut Lake and Tibbles Lake Road areas.

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A strong wind advisory is now in effect for central and southern Vancouver Island. 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, strong southeasterly and southwesterly winds could hit between 70 to 90 kilometres an hour. 

It forecasts winds could start tonight and continue through the weekend. 

“Strong southeasterly winds could start near midnight, and southwesterly winds could start early Sunday morning,” reads the advisory. 

It says to make sure loose objects are secured and prepare for potential power outages as high winds approach. 

“High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches,” says the advisory. 

Environment Canada says anyone in the affected regions should monitor conditions as they develop and prepare in the event of an outage. 

The advisory has been issued for Nanaimo to Victoria and parts of the Greater Vancouver area. 

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The University of Northern British Columbia showed off some of their programs and clubs during its Discovery Day.

Students were able to walk through the Telus Student Street to see various booths, and see various classes and buildings showing what current students do on a day-to-day basis.

Interim President Dr. Bill Owen said a day like this isn’t just important for the prospective students.

“Talking with some of the parents, some of them are still surprised at the gem that we have here, and it’s good to be able to showcase what we have in our own backyard.”

Dr. Owen noted one of the opportunities undergraduates have is getting involved in research at an early stage, and work on publications with faculty members.

He highlighted the importance of having this institution, as it supports communities throughout northern B.C..

More information about programs and admissions can be found here.

1 of 3

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The Burns Lake RCMP are on the lookout for 14-year-old Starla Bird.

Police say she was last seen on Wednesday at 8:00 at her high school.

Bird is described as:

• Indigenous female
• 5 ft 4 in
• 120 lbs
• Dyed red hair
• brown eyes
• wear glasses

Mounties add she was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with jeans.

Since her disappearance, police have followed up on several leads and possible sightings, but remains missing.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bird is asked to contact the Burns Lake RCMP at 250-692-7171.

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Nanaimo RCMP say the “grandson” scam left a woman out $2,000. 

Police said the woman was contacted on Oct. 14 by a man who claimed to be from out of province and identified himself as Tom Scott.  

He told the victim her grandson had been arrested, had broken his nose and needed money to be released from police custody. 

Believing the story, the woman followed directions to a local bitcoin machine and sent the money. 

Police said the man continued to call even after the transfer was made, but a family member intercepted one of the calls and told him police had been notified. 

Nanaimo RCMP are reminding residents that any request for bitcoin, money or gift cards from someone claiming to be law enforcement is a scam. 

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A motion to support a long-term vision of ‘University Village’ in North Cowichan has been approved by council. 

The recommendation, to ask staff to provide a report by the first quarter of next year on creating a regional hub that’ll boost a shared and unified regional centre for commerce and community between the City of Duncan and North Cowichan. 

Councillor Christoper Justice says the plan was put in place at the beginning of the month, but there’s much more to this ‘plan’ than meets the eye. 

“It’s also more than just a plan update because of the opportunities that we have come to see in this area,” says Justice. “It’s a chance to develop an identity and pride, as well as deal with some of the issues facing our community.” 

Councillor Becky Hogg echoed Justice’s comments on the positive traits the development would bring, and says it would alter the current image of North Cowichan by creating a more ‘positive vibe’ 

“We do have a lot of negative feedback in North Cowichan with our street disorder,” says Hogg. “I think having a vision greater in the future is encouraging, while providing more diverse places we can go and visit.” 

The motion passed unanimously, but councillors Tex Manhas, Bruce Findlay, and Chris Istace all agreed the timing was a worry for them. 

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Entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities will have an opportunity to kickstart their business.

Community Futures and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) announced a $100 million initiative to go towards entrepreneurs in the form of a loan to help start or get closer to their goal.

Chair of Community Futures Fraser Fort George Troy Dungate talked about the scale of rural and remote businesses.

“Across Canada, the Community Futures organization will do on average about $400 million in loans a year to small businesses, and approximately 5,500 different loans.”

“Here in Prince George, what we’ll deploy is anywhere between $1.5 million to $2 million to about 20 different clients, but that’s actively every year, so it adds up.”

Businesses would be able to receive up to $500,000 for their business, which he says can range from a laptop to start a graphic design business, to a logging truck.

Dungate added that a dollar in loans contributed by Community Futures usually has an economic blast of $1.75, equating the $100 million initiative to roughly $350 million.

More information about the initiative can be found here.

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The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has appointed Janice Krall as chair of its board of directors. 

Krall, born and raised in Nanaimo with more than 25 years of leadership experience in corporate, nonprofit and community organizations, currently serves as chief development officer at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.  

“Janice has been instrumental in the foundation’s success in more than doubling its fundraising over the last several years,” said Barney Ellis-Perry, CEO of the foundation. “She is responsible for securing the largest gift in the history of both the Hospital Foundation and Central Vancouver Island, by bringing in a $3 million donation for the new Windsor Plywood Foundation Critical Care Building. Jan is a truly unique and gifted leader, and we are extremely fortunate to have her strategic vision at the foundation.”  

According to a chamber news release, the organization will focus on expanding membership and strengthening cross-sector partnerships under Krall’s leadership. 

“Janice brings the strength and vision the chamber needs at this moment – a leader who understands that Nanaimo’s economy is inseparable from the well-being of its people. Her insight and community roots will help steer the chamber into a future built on resilience and shared prosperity,” said Colin Stansfield, CEO of the Nanaimo Prosperity Council. 

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Even though Halloween hasn’t arrived yet, BGC Williams Lake is already gearing up for their Annual Holiday Fundraiser.

For the 14^th year they’ll be putting on their Stocking and Hamper Drive for the children and youth that attend their Club.

“Our goal is typically every year to fill 50 stockings,” Executive Director Krista Harvey said, “last year I think we did close to 80 stockings thanks to the donations from the community.”

The other part of this Yuletide Fundraiser is focused on Hampers.

“We attempt to do 10 hampers for our families which includes like a turkey dinner,” Harvey said, “Sometimes we have enough money to add like a Christmas breakfast and some snack type items but really our goal is a Turkey dinner.”

Harvey noted that this year the need is huge just like it was last year.

“We try our very best to supply what we can when it comes to the stockings and hampers and give what we can to our families and our youth.”

Last year BGC Williams Lake supported over 400 children, youth, and families, many of whom rely on the Club as a safe space and lifeline.

“You can sponsor a stocking for $40 or a family hamper for $100,” Harvey said, “or you can bring donations like brand new toys, hygiene items, maybe some brand new clothing, stocking type items, to our Club on South Fourth Avenue across from Frescho, or you can straight to our website and make a donation as well.”

All donations need to be in by December 12^th.

“Every gift ensures a child smiles and a family feels cared for this Holiday Season,” Harvey said.

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WHL:

The Prince George Cougars continue their strong start to the season, picking up a 6-3 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds.

The Cougars’ record improves to 8-3-0-0.

The two teams play again tonight at 6:00.

The full Cougars schedule is here.

The WHL standings are here.

BCHL:

The Prince George Spruce Kings fell to the Chilliwack Chiefs 6-2.

The Spruce Kings visit Surrey to take on the Eagles tonight at 7:00.

The Spruce Kings return home on Saturday, November 1st to take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

Canada West Basketball:

The Canada West Basketball regular season begins tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon for the UNBC Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves host the UBC Okanagan Heat with the women’s game starting at 2:00, with the men at 4:00.

The Canada West women’s basketball schedule is here.

The Canada West women’s basketball standings are here.

The Canada West men’s basketball schedule is here.

The Canada West men’s basketball standings are here.

CFL:

We’re in the final week of the CFL regular season, with the remaining two games today.

Starting at noon, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Montreal Alouettes.

Then at 4:00 p.m., the BC Lions will be in Saskatchewan to play the Roughriders.

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The City of Cranbrook’s Choose Cranbrook economic development program has been recognized with top provincial and national honours for marketing excellence.

The program received the 2025 Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Marketing Award for best website, following its earlier win this year from the British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) for marketing innovation.

“Winning both the national and provincial awards is an incredible honour for Cranbrook,” said Darren Brewer, the city’s economic development officer. “These awards recognize the strength of our vision and the authenticity of the story we’re telling through Choose Cranbrook. What’s most rewarding is that this story keeps growing — thanks to our residents, our dedicated engineering and development team, and the collaboration across all city departments. These achievements belong to all of us.”

The EDAC judges praised the website for its “engaging and professional presentation,” while BCEDA called it “a true example of what it takes to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact in economic development.”

BCEDA president and CEO Dale Wheeldon said the city’s “dedication and results-driven approach inspire others across British Columbia and beyond.”

Mayor Wayne Price said Brewer’s collaborative, problem-solving approach has helped raise the city’s profile among investors.

“This award reflects Darren’s commitment and the talents of our staff and our many local businesses and supporters who made this possible,” Price said.

Cranbrook’s award-winning campaign highlights the city’s efforts to attract new residents, investment and talent. It features locally produced videos, a newcomer’s guide, a spotlight on Ktunaxa homelands, and a data portal designed to help investors and residents better understand local opportunities. A central element, the Make it in Cranbrook series, showcases local success stories and entrepreneurial spirit — a reflection of the community’s authentic, collaborative approach to growth.

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Who was more excited at the ribbon cutting Friday for Blizzard Mountain Place in Fruitvale: Kootenay Monashee MLA Steve Morissette or Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society president Jan Morton?

Hard to say. Both have long been involved in the project. But Morissette did offer the louder flourish, capping his speech with: “Fruitvale, we did it! WOO-HOO!”

Morissette said it was “absolutely thrilling” to be present for the completion of the 31-unit rental housing complex after “10 years of meetings, planning, lobbying, and a whole lot of explaining to people.”

He said it began when he was a Fruitvale village councillor and then-mayor Patricia Cecchini suggested the village ought to buy the former Beaver Valley Middle School property, which lay dormant. Council agreed. It took a while, though, for specific plans for the site to develop.

Morissette said after he became mayor in 2018, he floated the idea of a housing project with Morton. “She didn’t even hesitate,” he said. “She was all in right away.” That’s when things really started to happen, Morissette added, but even then it was another five years until groundbreaking.

“It might look like this beautiful building just appeared overnight,” he told assembled dignitaries, “but we all know it took a mountain of hard work, persistence, and heart to get here.

“It really feels special to come home for something like this building. Blizzard Mountain is going to provide beautiful, dignified homes for people for decades to come. And after 10 years of planning, I think we can all agree this might be the best kind of blizzard we’ve ever had in Fruitvale.”

BC Housing provided $3.48 million for the project, the Columbia Basin Trust chipped in $742,000, a federal-provincial housing incentive fund contributed just over $1 million, and the Village of Fruitvale added $250,000 on top of providing the land. Kootenay Savings and Teck also provided funds.

Morton, who has been part of the housing society since its inception in 2013, said Fruitvale was identified early on as a priority for new homes, but the society’s first housing units were acquired or built in Trail and Rossland, including what is now Rossland Yards.

Blizzard Mountain Place was born out of a village planning process that began in 2020, which the housing society participated in. By the spring of 2021, they had the go-ahead to proceed to design.

“These projects take a while, not only due to the financial and funding constraints, but also because of BC Housing’s high design standards and particularly energy efficiency standards in these new builds,” Morton said.

The final green light came in late 2023 and excavation on the site began in early 2024.

Morton said they are now finding tenants who meet BC Housing’s eligibility criteria. They expect the first ones to move in around Dec. 1.

“The whole endeavor gives new meaning to that phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” Morton said. “In our case, it’s taken many building partners to work together to create housing that meets the needs of our region and our village.”

The housing society will operate the three-storey building, which has a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The contractor was North Mountain Construction of Taghum.

A 37-seat daycare also opened on the site two years ago.

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A severe case of the second period blues came back to bite the Prince George Spruce Kings.

Two goals by Nico Grabas followed by singles from Dustin Renas and Easton Schlender paced the Chilliwack Chiefs to a convincing 6-2 win over the BCHL’s most northern franchise.

It was a perfect road start for the Spruce Kings who scored the only goal in the game’s opening 20 minutes courtesy of Mathis Laplante who capped off a feed from Quesnel’s Carter Hesselgrave for a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Whatever was said at intermission by Chiefs bench boss Brian Maloney stuck like glue as Chilliwack swarmed under PG in the middle frame outshooting them by a 12-1 margin, capping it off with the four-pack of markers.

Darik Olson and Dominic Greico added third period singles for the Chiefs for snapped an eight-game losing streak.

During that skid, Chilliwack was lit up by the Spruce Kings at the Kopar Memorial Arena by scores of 10-1 and 5-2 on October 3rd and 4th.

Dracen Campbell notched his first BCHL on the man-advantage for the Spruce Kings with under two minutes remaining dropping to an even 5-5-0-0 on the campaign.

Colin Reay took the loss in goal making 27 saves. His counterpart, David Di Girolamo stopped a mere 16 Spruce King pucks that came his direction.

PG continues its weekend road trip tomorrow (Saturday) with an evening tilt against the Surrey Eagles (0-10-0-0) at 7pm from the South Surrey Arena.

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Lacking focus off the hop has proven to be a dangerous game as of late for the Prince George Cougars.

Luckily, they have the firepower to come back most nights.

Five unanswered goals in the final 40 minutes, including a three-spot in the second period catapulted the Cougars to a 6-3 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds Friday night at CN Centre in front of 3,484 fans.

The start, which left little to be desired, was something out of an old Halloween horror film.

A misplay of a loose puck by rookie defenseman Phoenix Cahill allowed Thunderbirds super-rookie Brock England to speed-demon his way in and tuck the puck past Josh Ravensbergen who failed to swipe away the frozen black disc on an ill-advised poke check.

The horrendous start continued a mere 27 seconds later as a point blast by Vanek Popil found its way through a screened Ravensbergen who was blocked out by the big frame of Cameron Kuzma who drew an assist on the play.

Arsenii Anisimov picked the Cougars off the mat with a bullet of his own pouncing on a cross-ice feed from the half-wall by Kooper Gizowski to trim the deficit to 2-1.

Seattle’s puck luck continued to come up aces.

Sixteen seconds later a hard blast by England went off the pants of Simon Lovsin, re-directing the puck into the PG goal converting three times on their first nine shots.

When the complexion of the game looked bleak, Cougars captain Bauer Dumanski took the game by the throat and led by example as he often does.

On a power-play, the second unit whipped the puck around like their was no tomorrow, ultimatley finding the blade of Dumsnski who’s blast rippled the mesh behind Seattle import goalie Marek Sklenicka ending the first period at 3-2.

In the second, the trio of Brock Souch, Terik Parascak and Dimitry Yakutsenak said enough is enough and owned the ice against the Thunderbirds.

Once again, the Cougars made mince meat out of Seattle’s 17th rated penalty kill as Parascak, a first-round pick of the Washington Capitals finished off the passing sequence, jamming home a loose puck at the side of the goal to tie the game at 3-3.

The marker ended up being Parascak’s 200th regular season point in the WHL.

Less than three minutes later, the red-hot trio made Seattle pay again as a good hustle play by Parascak allowed Souch to scoop a loose puck behind the goal, passing it to Yakustenak who made no mistake from the slot.

The puck mastery continued prior to the intermission where another loose puck battle won by Parascak turned into a 2-on-1 rush. The 19-year-old found the Russian import who tallied his second of the period to go along with a 5-3 Cougars lead.

Souch capped off what would be a 11-point night for the line as he buried a back hand shot past Sklenicka following yet another precision pass by Parascak to ice the first half of the weekend double-header.

The Cougars outshot Seattle 41-36 and went 2-for-4 on the power-play while the Thunderbirds failed to convert on three opportunities.

Braeden Cootes, who began the year with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks came within an eyelash of making it a 5-4 game on the man-advantage but rung a pair of shots off the iron.

After allowing three first period markers, Ravensbergen calmed the team down the rest of the way stopping all 27 Seattle shots in the final two periods.

PG improves to 8-3-0-0 on the season while Seattle drops to 4-7-0-0.

Souch and Gizowski extended their league-best point streaks to 11 games.

Williams Lake product and sophomore forward Colton Gerrior won four out of seven face-offs in defeat for the Thunderbirds.

Gerrior has three points in 11 games so far this season – he tallied 11 points as a rookie in 51 appearances.

Both teams play again tomorrow night (Saturday) at 6pm from CN Centre.

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Community Futures Central Kootenay wants the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to help sustain a new immigration pilot program that it says is helping ease the region’s labour shortage. 

Representatives Andrea Wilkey and Rebecca Richards appeared before the RDCK board at its October meeting to provide an update on the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). 

The program is the successor to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which ran from 2019 to 2024 to help fill jobs throughout the region. 

That pilot helped fill 700 jobs across the West Kootenay, 75 per cent of which were located in Central Kootenay. 

Of those, Wilkey said 90 per cent of participants still live in the region and 80 per cent remain with the same employer. 

“We had some really good, strong results from the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot,” said Wilkey. 

The new RCIP launched in June 2025 and covers all of the RDCK and most of the Kootenay Boundary, excluding Beaverdell and Big White. 

Richards said it is currently the only community-led immigration pathway in Canada and that local demand is already outpacing the previous program. 

“This is because Canada has drastically reduced the number of immigration pathways for permanent residency across the country, so there’s considerable desperation on the part of immigrants to achieve their permanent residency,” explained Richards. 

“Employers are relying heavily on this pilot in order to retain their workforce in our communities.” 

About 150 employers are currently designated to participate in the RCIP program, with another 100 waiting to be processed for designation. 

Wilkey said in the first six weeks after the RCIP launch, the program received 271 applications – roughly equivalent to a year’s worth under the previous pilot. 

The application portal has since been closed after reaching the 200-recommendation cap set by the federal government. 

High demand, low funding 

Although employer and applicant interest in the program is high, funding has not kept pace. 

Community Futures holds the federal contract to deliver the program locally but receives no direct funding from Ottawa for its implementation. 

“We secured close to $700,000 over the four-year duration of that pilot. None of that came from local government,” said Wilkey. 

“Our funders then included the Province of B.C. through the Labour Market Partnership Fund, but unfortunately, the funding in that pot is much tighter than it used to be, so it’s kind of dried up.”

The operating budget for the pilot is roughly $100,000 for 2025 – less than half of the $225,000 annual operating budget under the RNIP. 

Staffing has also dropped from 1.5 full-time positions to 0.75, even though applications have tripled. 

“Employer designation is now taking, I would say, two months,” said Richards. 

“It’s a very simple process, but because staff time is divided between community recommendation applications and employer designation, employers are waiting for a substantial period to have their applications processed – about three to four months.” 

The group asked the RDCK to consider contributing $40,000 to the pilot in its 2026 budget. A similar request will also be made to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. 

“That would enable us to increase our staff capacity to process more applications,” said Wilkey. 

Priority sectors 

The RCIP targets five key sectors: health care, education and community services, sales and service, trades and transport, and manufacturing and utilities. 

Eligable applicants must work in one of 19 occupations to qualify for the program. 

Wilkey said most current candidates are already local, noting that every international candidate so far has been rejected. 

“We’ve seen six overseas applicants, and every single one of them so far has been rejected because the committee was not convinced that they had a strong intent to reside here. 

“And we have so much demand from people who are already here, already settled and already working with businesses.” 

Community Futures plans to adjust priority sectors in 2026 after this year’s applications are processed. It will also continue to seek new funders and advocate for federal and provincial support. 

The board will decide whether to support the initiative in 2026 at a future meeting.  

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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B.C. officials say it’s time to roll up your sleeves as we enter the fall virus season. 

“Immunization remains the best protection against severe disease, complications and hospitalization,” said Dr. Martin Lavoie, deputy provincial health officer, in a statement. “People should also take other measures, including staying home if they are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning their hands frequently.”

He said said anyone six months and older should consider getting the updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines so they are best protected against severe illnesses.

B.C.’s health ministry noted older adults, pregnant people, those living in long-term care, Indigenous people and those with chronic conditions are especially at risk of serious illness and complications. 

The ministry said appointments for priority populations started Oct. 14, and will expand to the general population through early November.

“Getting a vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can look out for each other, and it helps to keep our health-care system from being overwhelmed,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne. 

The province said it secured close to two million doses of this year’s updated flu vaccine and 1.4 million doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada, Moderna Spikevax LP.8.1 and Pfizer Comirnaty. It said the figures were based on uptake in previous seasons to ensure efficient use and to minimize waste.

Both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines are free for B.C. residents. 

Dr. Julie Bettinger, a professor in pediatrics at University of British Columbia’s BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, said data suggests this year’s flu vaccines are a good match for the flu virus that is circulating this year. 

She said getting an updated COVID-19 is also important, because the virus has changed significantly in the years since the first shots were being administered. 

Bettiner said people of all ages should get their shots to prevent spreading illnesses to their more vulnerable loved ones.

“If you’re going to be interacting with someone in a high risk group, the idea would be you get vaccinated so you protect those in your social circle,” said Bettinger. “The benefit also is you’re less likely to have an infection that will make you miss a week of work or make you feel really crummy for a while.”

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported a spike in measles cases during the spring and summer, with numbers tapering off in recent weeks. Data released Thursday show while there have been close to 300 measles cases in B.C. this year, there were just two active cases reported. Both were in northeastern B.C. 

But Bettinger said it remains important for people to make sure they’ve been vaccinated against measles, because it’s a highly contagious disease. 

“If you’ve been vaccinated with two does after the age of one year, you are well protected, so you don’t need to be concerned or worried about it,” she said. 

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Nelson city council has approved a one-year permissive tax exemption for the Granite Pointe Golf and Recreation Society, following a lengthy debate over community benefit, fairness and the future of the golf course lands.

Under the Community Charter, council may exempt land improvements from property taxes by bylaw before Oct. 31 each year.

The City of Nelson’s policy allows four-year exemptions for non-city-owned properties and 10-year exemptions for city-owned lands.

The society did not receive an exemption for 2025 due to uncertainty around a proposed subdivision and land sales for development.

The golf course remained open to the public this year and was fully taxed.

City staff requested council’s consideration of a one-year exemption at the Oct. 21 committee-of-the-whole meeting, but asked that it apply only to the portion of land operated by the society, not to any parcels slated for housing development.

Vancouver-based developer Halo Properties announced plans in July 2024 to build a $500-million residential community at the golf course. But CAO Kevin Cormack told councillors the developer has since decided to scale back its plans.

“The developer is not going ahead with the larger development. Sounds like they may pivot to housing more in bits with the community on that first phase. And there will be no development of the course in 2026 for sure,” said Cormack.

It remains unclear what the project will look like going forward, but the current plan is to develop a three-acre parcel already rezoned for housing, while the golf course will stay under the society’s management for 2026.

Councillor Rik Logtenberg said he would not support the society’s tax exemption request, arguing that doing so amounted to subsidizing a recreational amenity used by only a small portion of residents.

“We’re asking the taxpayer to subsidize an amenity that’s used by a small fraction of the population when there are many such demands from many organizations. My personal policy is that when we’re considering subsidizing a group, we need to consider it for its contribution to common welfare,” said Logtenberg.

He added that the golf course already benefits from low assessment rates as it is zoned parkland, which has significantly reduced its tax burden compared with other properties.

Other councillors questioned whether public access to the land was sufficient to justify a tax break.

“It sounded like a seasonal operation for me,” said Leslie Payne, noting the course’s limited community benefit.

“Currently what we have is a club that predominantly is private. And then when it’s not running, people know to use it for snow activities,” added Keith Page.

But Cormack emphasized that the society’s maintenance of the greenspace provides community value.

He argued that if the land were a city park instead, it would require hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars annually for upkeep.

“That’s the argument they’re making – they pay for cutting the grass and maintaining the pathways and all those things that, if that was a city park, we would pay a substantially greater cost,” explained Cormack.

“So I think from a value-for-the-community standpoint, that is a very cost-effective way to provide green space for the city.”

Logtenberg said he still was not convinced the society needed further financial relief, although he acknowledged the golf course offers seasonal benefits.

Councillor Payne also expressed mixed feelings, referring to $500,000 the society has reserved for future development.

“Are we just facilitating this ever downward fall of an organization with taxpayers’ funds?” she asked.

Other councillors stressed the importance of preserving open, green space in Nelson as the city grows.

Kate Tait noted that while there is significant pressure to increase housing, maintaining green spaces remains essential.

“In 50 years when the city grows and we’re densifying, we’re going to be glad if we’re keeping some open green spaces and some park-only spaces. So even though maybe the best use could be, you know, 4,000 houses at this time, we also need to be building a whole community around that much population,” she said.

Council narrowly approved the tax exemption request, emphasizing that it should not be viewed as a long-term commitment.

The motion passed 4–3, with councillors Logtenberg, Payne and Jesse Pineiro opposed.

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 Regional District of Fraser Fort-George issued a statement today (Friday) on the service withdrawal at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill.

This comes as part of CUPE 1699’s ongoing rotating job action.

According to the Regional District, they believe the union is in violation of an Essential Services Order and is pursuing the issue with the BC Labour Relations Board.

It added the Essential Services Order declared Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill to be an essential service in September, requiring it to be operated five days a week for eight hours a day.

Per the Regional District’s responsibility under the order, they provided CUPE 1699 the days of operation from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the union was responsible for providing the required staff.

The Regional District said starting tomorrow (Saturday), the landfill will move from its regular operating schedule to the Essential Services Order schedule of Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The hours at Vanway Regional Transfer Station will also be adjusted to the same schedule.

The full statement can be found here.

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A 70-year-old Castlegar man has died after starting a fire behind a business in the 1700 block of Columbia Avenue.

RCMP say they were called about the fire shortly after 1 a.m. on Thursday. The fire was put out and the man was taken to hospital, where he died.

Police say they have reviewed surveillance footage and determined that man was by himself when he arrived. After a while, he started the fire, “potentially for light or warmth,” which later spread to him and his belongings.

Police are helping the BC Coroner Service and the Castlegar Fire Department in their investigation.

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The Northern Health Authority wrapped up its board meeting on Wednesday, which covered unregulated drug poisoning numbers in the region.

Between July and August, the health authority held the highest rate of unregulated drug deaths, sitting at 46 deaths per 100,000 individuals.

“The main pain point that we all recognize is the significant number of overdose deaths we’re seeing in the north.” said Medical Health Officer Dr. Rakel Kling.

“We do know that Northern Health does have the highest rate of overdose deaths. Northern Health is very committed to working with the province, and to further support saving lives in the north.”

Since August, Prince George has had four toxic drug alerts and overdose advisories, seven across the health authority, which Dr. Kling said highlights how toxic the unregulated drugs are currently.

According to Northern Health, from January to June it has seen a 37.5 per cent drop in deaths compared to 2024, with June having 6 deaths, down from 22 the same time last year.

“It’s very likely this is just a temporary trend, so it’s very important that we continue with all of the measures that we’re taking to save lives.” said Dr. Kling.

“That’s including take home naloxone, overdose prevention sites, things like the Lifeguard or Be Safe mobile app.”

Some safety tips Dr. Kling include:

• Never using alone,
• Having someone else nearby or using one of the apps in case of an overdose,
• Carry naloxone,
• Test a small amount first and go slow,
• Don’t mix drugs with other drugs and/or alcohol.

The full board meeting agenda can be found here.

More information about Northern Health can be found here.

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This week’s Summit Radio Pet of the Week is Bunny! He’s at the BC SPCA in Castlegar, and here’s all you need to know about if he’s the right fit for you!

Bunny is a charming young boy is ready to find his forever home! At just 1 year old, he’s already full of personality and loves to entertain. Neutered and healthy, he’s looking for a place where he can shine as the only pet – he truly thrives in a solo space where he can be the center of attention.

Whether he’s chasing toys, exploring his surroundings, or just lounging in a sunny spot, he brings energy and charm to every moment. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind companion with tons of character, this guy is your match. Learn more about him here: https://adopt.spca.bc.ca/pets/784766/

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B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said proposed changes to Canada’s bail laws reflect the province’s push for tougher rules targeting repeat and violent offenders. 

The federal Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, introduced Thursday, would make more than 80 changes to the Criminal Code, including stricter bail provisions in cases of violent extortion and intimate partner violence. 

It bill includes several new reverse onuses – meaning that in certain cases, the accused would have to prove why they should be released on bail. Those include in cases of assault and sexual assault involving choking, suffocating or strangulation.

Sharma said she hopes it will prevent tragedies like the death of Bailey McCourt from happening again. 

The 32-year-old mother died in hospital after a July 4 hammer attack in Kelowna. McCourt’s former partner, James Plover, is charged with second-degree murder in her death. The attack happened just hours after Plover was convicted on charges related to a 2024 incident, including assault by choking, and was released on bail. 

“My hope is that this means that what happened to Bailey will never happen again in this province or this country,” said Sharma on Thursday. 

The bill also includes expanded sentencing tools. A sentencing judge would be required to consider consecutive sentences for repeat violent offenders, in certain cases. It also expands the onus for offenders with other convictions within the previous 10 years, up from five years.

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas is among several B.C. mayors who have pushed for stricter bail and sentencing laws targeting repeat offenders. 

“It is encouraging to see the proposed federal bail reforms include a focus on violent and repeat offending including organized retail theft, break and enter, and auto-theft,” said Dyas in a statement.

He also lauds changes that would require courts to consider the number or seriousness of outstanding charges when determining whether to release an offender on bail.

“I am hopeful this legislation will provide the tools needed to improve safety and restore confidence in the justice system — priorities we continue to advance through our advocacy,” said Dyas. 

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said the legislation is long overdue, particularly the increase reverse onus provisions, but it won’t be a “silver bullet.” 

“These laws won’t be worth the paper they’re written on if we don’t have resources in place with police and Crown, to make sure they’re actually applied,” said West.

The president of the B.C. Crown Counsel Association, Adam Dalrymple said a panel last month at the Union of B.C. Municipalities that prosecutors in the province are overwhelmed as their numbers haven’t kept pace with population growth. He called for more prosecutors and resources are needed to keep up with the high amount of evidence coming from police.

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B.C. looks to be bucking a national trend as it pertains to retaining nurses.

According to a new report from the Montreal Economic Institute says for every 100 registered nurses under the age of 35, the national average of 40 left the profession – that figure is considerably lower in our province at 27.

BC Nurses Union President, Adrienne Gear told Vista Radio while the report paints a good picture, keeping up with the nurse to patient ratios is a big key going forward.

“I’d like to think that we have created some optimism in regards to the policy agreement we have with the Ministry of Health to implement nurse to patient ratios. I think that has generated some excitement and optimism for nurses and nurses from other jurisdictions are making decisions on where they want to practice.”

“There has also been some really good initiatives that we have been able to advocate for. There is the provincial rural and remote incentive for nurses that are working in and other health care workers that are working in smaller communities in B.C.”

In September, the provincial government touched on its success in acquiring medical professionals from south of the border.

All told, 140 health care workers accepted jobs, 80 of which were nurses followed by 16 nurse practitioners and 38 doctors.

Gear added the issue of work-life balance remains in play as some nurses are leaving for private outfits, while getting paid similar or better money.

“We also know that we lose members to private agency nursing. Part of it is the money but the secondary reason why nurses leave is that they do not have control over their work-life balance.”

In addition, the Nurses Union began negotiations for a new contract with the province earlier this week.

The union is once again asking for improved working conditions as part of any new deal.

“We need to have an agreement that is the most competitive in the country. If we are going to continue to recruit and retain nurses that has been a factor. In our last run of collective bargaining it saw us being the highest paid nurses in the country. Other places have now passed us because newer contracts have been negotiated.”

“We also have to address the other conditions of work like violence in the work place. 50% of my members who recently participated in a survey says they experience violence on the job at least once a month. “

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BC Hydro has announced the removal of a dry-dock sized powerline crossing which was once ranked among the longest of its kind in the world.

The operation is believed to be the first of its kind for a marine crossing of this scale in North America and marks a milestone in electrical infrastructure decommissioning.

The removal of the 138-kilovolt line, installed in the late 1960s to serve about 10,000 customers around Powell River, took place over a week-long operation.

A crew of 60 used a controlled detonation device to sever three steel conductors, each carrying roughly 70,000 pounds of tension.

The three-kilometre-long line remained the longest of its kind in BC Hydro’s system and, at the time of its installation, held a global record for marine crossings.

Each conductor was severed individually, allowing for safe recovery using barges equipped with cable reels.

“This operation is believed to be the second-longest over-water power-line crossing removed by explosive charge globally,” the release reads. “Verification is currently underway.”

Environmental specialists worked with marine biologists to minimise ecological impact, and work was paused several times to allow humpback whales safe passage beneath the crossing.

“Extensive consultation with First Nations, local governments and stakeholders — including BC Ferries, marinas and commercial marine operators — helped shape safety and environmental plans,” the release says.

The work signals the start of a phased upgrade of the electrical system crossing Jervis Inlet and the neighbouring Agamemnon Channel.

The next stage involves removing the channel crossing in spring 2026, with a full upgrade to a 230-kilovolt line across Jervis Inlet by 2027 which will improve reliability and capacity for Powell River and surrounding communities.

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The Comox Valley Regional District is asking for public feedback on the future of Spike Road Park. 

A survey open until Dec. 4 invites residents to share which park features and values matter most to them.

The three- to five-minute questionnaire is available online. 

“Your feedback is valuable in understanding what the community might want to see at Spike Road Park,” said Electoral Area C Director Edwin Grieve. “Although there may be some restrictions to consider for the park, such as ecologically sensitive wetlands, I look forward to learning what the community sees as the immediate and long-term direction for this vast and beautiful property.” 

CVRD parks staff will be available to speak with residents and interest groups at the following times and locations: 

• Nov. 6: 1 to 2 p.m., Merville Fire Hall, 7348 North Island Highway 

• Nov. 13: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Merville Fire Hall 

• Nov. 23: 10 a.m. to noon, Spike Road Park gate entrance 

Spike Road Park, located in the Merville area, was established through three land acquisitions — a 74-acre parcel purchased in 2022, and two parcels totalling 116 acres in 2024 — for a combined 190 acres.

The park was created to protect a large ecologically sensitive wetland that supports the western toad and to extend the One Spot Trail through a 1,400-metre unopened road dedication. 

The park sits within the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

The regional district says it remains committed to reconciliation and relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples and recognizes K’ómoks First Nation’s rights and title as a Treaty Nation. 

The CVRD is asking the public not to enter the park while staff develop a management plan and to stay on the One Spot Trail when travelling through the area. 

More information can be found here.. 

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More of Comox Avenue will reopen next week as crews work to ease traffic during the long-running Comox Valley Sewer Conveyance Project. 

A new roundabout at Comox Avenue and Glacier View Drive will partially open by the end of Friday, Oct. 31.

Eastbound access into the town will remain closed, while westbound traffic is expected to flow through. 

A temporary traffic light will be installed at the roundabout to manage traffic volumes, help maintain flow for westbound vehicles and direct local traffic eastbound.

Delays should be expected for east-bound travel, and the section is not intended for heavy commercial trucking. 

Comox Avenue and Comox Road have been operating under one-way traffic conditions since March, with vehicles directed west toward Glacier View Drive.  

The official detour route via Ryan Road will remain in place until construction of the Rodello Street roundabout is complete and remains the fastest route from Courtenay to Comox. 

While traffic is limited, two-way bike and pedestrian access will be maintained through the construction zone on Comox Avenue, continuing into the Town of Comox.  

The partial opening aims to accommodate local commuters on Comox Hill and ease pressure on Ryan Road traffic. 

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The City of Cranbrook is advising residents of water main repair work that will close 9^th Avenue South between Baker St. & 1^st Ave South on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Work is expected to take most of the day.

“Please avoid the area while the work is completed.” said the City.

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B.C. Hydro crews were busy in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District as a wind storm swept through the region yesterday. (Thursday)

According to the utility company, crews restored about eight outage locations in Burns Lake that affected 225 customers.

Eleven locations saw crews doing repairs which caused outages for 1,700 customers.

Crews in Smithers were at 19 locations that day repairing outages that had about 1,500 customers without power.

The Hazeltons, one location needed repair affecting 44 customers.

“If you come across a down power line, please stay back about 10 metres, 33 feet, or the length of a school bus, and call 9-1-1,” said Spokesperson Dave Mosure.

He added crews today are working to address the remaining small outages the wind storm caused and are expected to be complete by the end of the day.

“With crews, everybody works a normal 8-hour day but in situations like this, our crews can go 16-hours before they are required to take an 8-hour break for safety reasons so they take that time off and are right back at it.”

Mosure said this being the first major wind storm this year was expected to identify weak trees from the dry summer.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the day across most of central B.C. with winds reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour .

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The Quesnel community is striking up support for Big Brothers & Big Sisters’ annual charity event gets rolling today, Oct. 24.

Joanie Newman says 25 teams have registered for this year’s Bowl for Kids Sake, taking place at Rev Bowling Lanes on Reid Street in Quesnel.

“Our goal is to bring in $100 per person,” Newman says. “It’s one of our biggest fundraisers, second only to our golf one. Which has only been bigger in the last few years.”

According to Newman, all the money raised will stay in the Quesnel community and be used for the mentoring programs Big Brothers & Big Sisters offer.

The event will be split into three sessions, with door prizes awarded for each session.

“The first session is a Halloween-themed one, donated by Big Brothers & Big Sisters,” Newman says. The second session is going to be a $50 gift card to Mama C’s Gifts & Giggles. The third prize will be a Yearly Pass to Barkerville Historic Town.”

There will also be a $10 squares with tickets to BC Lions regular home game tickets. The grand prize to whomever collects the most monies will get two tickets to Vancouver on Pacific Coastal Airlines, and two Vancouver Canadians baseball tickets.

The Bowl for Kids Sake’s first session starts at 3:30 pm. The second at 5:30 pm, and the third and final session starts at 7:30 pm.

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The Prince George Cougars have cleared up their log jam on the back end.

General Manager and Head Coach Mark Lamb traded 20-year-old defenceman Aleksey Chichkin to the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for a conditional 2027 5th Round Pick in the WHL Prospects Draft.

Chichkin, appeared in 37 games with the Cougars, registering five points, 24 penalty minutes.

“Chich (Chichkin) has been a really good player for us,” said Lamb. “He’s filled an important role since joining our team and had a great summer. He came into camp in great shape.
This is just part of the business — we have some younger players who need ice time. I’m happy we were able to find a good opportunity for him in Red Deer to continue his career.”

The Cougars are back on the ice tonight (Friday) and Saturday when they host the Seattle Thunderbirds.

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Shadow Mountain residents can expect to pay more in taxes in three years from now as it moves from provincial tax rates to municipal rates.

The city’s northern boundary expanded to include Shadow Mountain in 2007.

When that happened, a 20-year window was provided for affected properties to continue to pay lower provincial property tax rates instead of municipal rates.

That window closes in 2028 and 20 properties will have to then pay municipal rates.

There isn’t an exact number on how much more those properties will be paying since it’s based on property value and the city’s tax levy.

However, city staff said affected properties should expect their taxes to roughly double three years from now.

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Sparwood council will be taking a look at the district’s remuneration bylaw which guides the annual pay for mayor and council.

In 2026, the mayor would receive an annual compensation of $48,460, while councillors receive an annual compensation of $21,538.

Mayor David Wilks said the pay is not consistent compared to other government positions.

“We never pay ourselves enough and are always worried about what the public is going to say,” he said.

“An MP today as we speak without any added duties and who is just a backbencher makes 209,000.”

He said it’s easy for them to give themselves raises since they don’t have to face the public as much as the municipal government.

“They don’t have to face the electorate like we do. We are the face of all three levels of government. Each one of us here over our tenure has probably answered questions more on the topic of provincial or federal laws than we have municipal,” he added.

“Most people have no clue how local government works.”

As a former MP, Wilks says mayor and council does a lot more work for less pay.

“I’m not ashamed to say mayor and council needs an increase to their remuneration and I think it has to reflect what we do.,” he said.

“I would say that the average councillor and average mayor across this province does way more work than any MLA or MP and I speak on that from past experience. Do you go to a lot of events and do a lot of handshaking and kissing babies? Damn right you do, but tell me how many pieces of legislation have you actually passed in a year, it’s not many. We have to do it on a daily basis.”

He suggests an increase to $65,000 for mayor and $31,000 for councillors would be a good place to start discussions.

They may also look at other benefits that aren’t currently in place like a municipal pension plan or RRSP matching.

Nothing has been set in stone and council will be discussing it further next month as budget discussions get underway.

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The City of Fernie has launched an online survey to get resident’s feedback early for this year’s budget deliberations.

Staff will be presenting council a set of proposed guidelines in November prior to developing the annual budget.

They are looking for the public’s input on top priorities to help shape the 2026 budget.

The online survey can be found here and runs until Nov. 3.

In the new year, there will be a series of budget meetings as well as other public engagement opportunities.

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Halloween is fast approaching which means more pumpkins will be out, making it an easy snack for bears.

The Northern Bear Awareness Society encourages residents to put a ratchet strap on garbage bins, put away bird feeders, and pick any fruit until winter to help prevent bears from going to your property.

Board of Directors President Nicole Botten said that when it comes to the popular Halloween decoration, people don’t often think of them as an attractant.

“Especially if it’s a carved pumpkin, like a jack o’ lantern, they’re even more fragrant for a bear that has a strong sense of smell.”

“Even a whole pumpkin that’s not carved, if bears are prowling around your neighbourhood, you should definitely bring those in at night.”

Botten added while she hopes people are properly storing and keeping away attractants, there has been an improvement over the years of people doing so.

More information about the Northern Bear Awareness Society can be found on its website here.

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It was a memorable first-year for UNBC Timberwolves defender Jamie Wildash-Chan.

The Wellington, New Zealand product was named to the 2025 Canada West Men’s Soccer All-Rookie team today (Friday).

Wildash-Chan exploded onto the scene with back-to-back game-winning goals during UNBC’s home-opening weekend against TRU.

From there, the talented right wing back added three more goals and an assist over the course of 15 games and 15 starts.

His six points matched Isaac Tate for the team lead.

Wildash-Chan’s 1321 minutes played ranked him second on the team – one minute shy of Mark Talisuna for the overall lead.

“Jamie is fully deserving of this recognition,” shared UNBC Men’s Soccer head coach Steve Simonson. “He’s clearly one of the top rookies in the league and we are proud of how he represents UNBC and the Northern B.C. communities.”

Wildash-Chan becomes the third member of the UNBC Men’s Soccer program to achieve Canada West All-Rookie status joining Hagon Kim (2022) and Reid Adams (2019).

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BC Ferries has cancelled sailings between Tsawwassen and Duke Point today because of high winds. 

The following sailings were cancelled for October 24: 

• 10:15 a.m. departing Tsawwassen 

• 10:15 a.m. departing Duke Point 

• 12:45 p.m. departing Tsawwassen 

• 12:45 p.m. departing Duke Point 

“If you have a booking on one of these cancelled sailings, you will hear from our customer service centre to let you know if we can fit you on an alternate sailing later today, or if your booking must be cancelled,” BC Ferries said in a notice on its website. “In the case of a cancellation, we will refund your fees and/or fares.” 

The company said additional sailings could be cancelled if weather conditions do not improve. 

Environment Canada has issued a gale warning for the Salish Sea, which includes the ferry route. Winds are expected to ease around midnight and pick up again Saturday morning. 

More information on routes, cancellations and conditions is available at BC Ferries’ website. Nanaimo (Departure Bay) – Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) Status | BC Ferries 

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More service impacts are on the menu from CUPE 1699.

This morning (Friday), the union notified the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George services will once again be withdrawn at the George Street Office as well as well as the following landfills and transfer stations for the day.

This includes:

• Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill
• Shelley Regional Transfer Station
• Cummings Road Regional Transfer Station
• Mackenzie Select Waste Landfill and Regional Transfer Station
• Vanway Regional Transfer Station and Valemount Regional Transfer Station

The union will also not collect fees at some Regional District sites for the day including small loads for household garbage at the Valemount Regional Transfer Station as well as drop-in activities at the Robson Valley and Canoe Valley Recreation Centres.

Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill is included in the BC Labour Relations Board essential services designation.

The Regional District is pursuing legal advice on CUPE 1699’s withdrawal of service and will provide an update as soon as possible.

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A popular program at CNC has been dissolved.

On Thursday, the board on the recommendation of the Executive and Vice-President Academic voted to cancel the Kinesiology program.

A long-time faculty member confirmed the news to MyPGNow and stated the program consisted of 70% international students with the remainder being domestic.

The faculty member noted intake for September (no new students) was suspended by the college, a decision that made earlier this year.

CNC is currently dealing with a reported eight-million-dollar deficit.

In February, the board approved the cancellations of multiple programs including Associate Arts – Modern Classics, English Language, and Community and School Support.

A $92.6 million balanced budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, was green lit in April.

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A home in Grand Forks was destroyed by fire on Wednesday afternoon.

Fire Chief Rich Piché said the house on Covert Street was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived.

“The house was fully involved end to end on the rear side,” Piché said.

He confirmed all occupants were out of the home, allowing firefighters to move quickly.

“We ended up with a total of 29 firefighters. We had three engines and four tenders,” Piché said. “My directive as commander was to protect the exposures and make it a defensive attack. It was a completely open roof, and this fire was moving fast. I didn’t think we were going to get a knockdown from a house-saving perspective, so we focused on saving the exposures — a workshop and their RV. We essentially surrounded and drowned it. We used 50,000 gallons of water shuttled back and forth from the nearest hydrant, about 1.2 kilometres away.”

The house was a total loss, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Piché reminded residents to give emergency crews space to work safely.

“When people come out to take pictures or drive by to look, they can get in our way. Our tenders were trying to shuttle water back and forth, and it’s quite dangerous. We’re trying to move as quickly as possible,” he said. “During an emergency, please stay away if you’re not required.”

The family continues to receive support from the Grand Forks community during this difficult time.

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Friends of Bouchie Milburn Society invite everyone to a special event planned for tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.

“We are very excited to recognize all the community members that made the completion of the new cenotaph happen.” Cindy Rodgerson said, “We put a call out in the Spring and it was amazing who came and helped. We had Eh Team Concrete and we told them what we wanted and they said ok. We had the cement donated by Quesnel Sand and Gravel and now it’s standing there beautiful and we’re so excited about it. As our appreciation on Saturday we’re going to recognize them as the community owes a great deal to them for making this happen.”

The 2 decade project to enhance the cenotaph was so community members could observe Remembrance Day without going into town.

“During the pandemic in 2020 there was a small Remembrance Day observance, I think there was maybe a dozen ore more people there, but it was just a cenotaph with nothing on it. In March of 2024 Friends of Bouchie Milburn reformed and we managed to get a beautiful plaque put up and that Remembrance day we had I think 70 people from the community show up and it was amazing. We just want the community to know that this cenotaph is there for them, that it belongs to all of us.”

The cenotaph is set up in Six Mile Park outside of the Elementary School.

“The PAC is very excited to have this opportunity to literally walk the students across the street and have a ceremony or join us depending if Remembrance Day is on a weekend or not. The community is ecstatic that it’s finally complete. Our next goals are to beautify the Park, we have fundraising to do for that, and we also have what’s called a Century Family project that we’re doing that we’ll be putting up for century families from 1925 to 2025.”

This special recognition event for the completion of the cenotaph will start Saturday afternoon at 2 at Six Mile Park

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Cranbrook’s Rotary Club joins clubs around the globe in raising awareness for World Polio Day this October 24.

World Polio Day is an awareness initiative that recognizes worldwide efforts to eradicate the disease. For former Cranbrook Rotary Club president Heidi Romich, it is important for the club to take the lead in ending polio globally.

“Rotary started this in the mid-80s and has partnered with the World Health Organization and UNICEF in vaccinating approximately 3 billion children worldwide, and we’re 99.9 per cent there,” said Romich.

“Until we can eradicate it completely from every single country, we still risk it spreading back around the world.”

“Polio is not curable, but it is preventable. That means Rotary just needs to stay vigilant and continue the work, without giving up,” Romich added.

Romich has joined vaccination missions on the ground with Rotary International, witnessing the results firsthand.

“I’ve had the good fortune to travel and live abroad, and to see the devastating effects. I went to India in 2019 and participated in vaccination drops — it was completely life-changing. Seeing the work being done, and children crawling and unable to reach their full potential, was heartbreaking. Any small contribution I can make is huge.”

Cranbrook’s Karen Penner is proud to call herself a polio survivor. She shares her experience after contracting the disease in 1949.

“I was very young when I had polio. I was diagnosed with bulbar polio, which affects all of your limbs and left me completely paralyzed,” Penner said.

“When you’re parents see your child, lifeless and paralyzed, you put your heart and soul into trying to save that child. That’s exactly what my mom and dad, along with a support team, did — working around the clock.”

“Gratefulness is one thing. Thanksgiving is one thing. Love is one thing. But I’m blessed,” she added.

Both Romich and Penner agree that the progress seen today wouldn’t be possible without community support. Romich said that donations to local Rotary Clubs are a meaningful way to mark World Polio Day.

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A referendum to decide whether Castlegar and area residents are willing to pay for a second ice surface and a walking track is likely a year away, city council has heard.

Last week the Regional District of Central Kootenay gave the go-ahead to borrow up to $15 million for the project, pending approval from voters in the city and electoral Area J, which includes Ootischenia, Robson, and other rural communities. The money would be repaid over 25 years.

Unlike two previous referenda, residents of electoral Area I, which includes Brilliant, Shoreacres, Tarrys, and Thrums, would not contribute toward the cost of building the new facilities. But if they are approved, residents would be on the hook for ongoing operations and maintenance.

“These are just the first steps in trying to move this project forward and get it to referendum for the public to decide,” city councillor Brian Bogle, who sits on the recreation commission, told his colleagues.

Councillor Cherryl MacLeod asked Bogle for a best guess on a timeline

“Possibly it would be in the spring or early fall [of 2026],” he replied. “Different things need to happen, but I would hope we have something by then.”

Councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff, who is also on the rec commission, said the fall of 2026 “is most reasonable.”

“You have to go for tender, you have to decide what your project is,” she said. “All kinds of things have to happen, and that’s going to take about a year.”

If the vote was held in the fall of 2026 it could potentially coincide with the next round of local government elections, thereby costing less than a standalone vote.

The same architectural firm that worked on the failed 2018 referendum to add a new ice sheet in Castlegar has been retained for the latest version of the project.

The RDCK has applied for up to $7 million from the Strategic Priorities Fund, administered by the Union of BC Municipalities.

For the foreseeable future, Castlegar will have a single sheet of ice, following the closure and demolition of the Pioneer Arena to make way for medical offices and a housing project, announced two years ago this week.

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A $1 million lawsuit brought by a local businessman against five current and former members of Rossland city council has been settled out of court.

Warren Hamm said in an email that an agreement was reached following mediation in Vancouver on Sept. 22. However, details of the negotiations are covered by a non-disclosure agreement.

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved fairly and expeditiously,” Hamm said. “This outcome affirms the importance of transparent and lawful decision-making in public service, and we look forward to continuing our contributions to Rossland’s growth and development.”

The case, which had been scheduled to go to trial in March 2026, was officially dismissed on Oct. 15 by consent. Each party is required to pay its own costs.

Hamm is the principal of three companies that started the action in 2023 against current mayor Andy Morel, former mayor Kathy Moore, current councillor Stewart Spooner, and former councillors Dirk Lewis and Terry Miller.

All five objected to granting permits to Hamm to log properties he owns. Hamm subsequently sued the City of Rossland and a judge found council acted in bad faith by denying the permits and immediately adopting a beefed-up tree management bylaw.

Hamm then filed another suit naming the five council members, alleging they intended to hurt him financially and breached their duty to act fairly.

However, the five insisted they did nothing wrong. In their joint statement of defence, they said they acted in good faith, “guided by the interests of the community as reflected in the official community plan,” when they voted against granting the permits.

Morel confirmed the case has been resolved but said he wasn’t able to provide any other comment.

The City of Rossland was not named as a defendant in the latest suit, and it has never been clear if the city was picking up part or all of the legal tab. The city’s indemnification bylaw doesn’t explicitly state whether the municipality assumes legal costs for people who no longer hold public office, or in cases where the city is not a co-defendant.

However, the statement of defence was filed by Victoria law firm Stewart McDannold Stuart, which routinely provides legal services to local governments.

Neither Morel nor city manager Bryan Teasdale replied this week when asked how much the city spent on legal fees. Teasdale said the city had no comment on the case.

Vista Radio has filed a freedom of information request to learn what amount, if any, the city paid.

The full statement of claim is here: Hammerhead Equities et al V Individual Councillors. The full statement of defence here: Response to Civil Claim Rossland. The consent order ending the suit is here: Consent Order.

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Sports by Hartley Friday, October 24th, 2025  (As of 12:05 a.m.)

PG Cougars Cat Scan podcast:

CAT SCAN: @Hartley_Miller chats with @PGCougars Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb on this week’s episode: https://t.co/HuNWaKPn6Y

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) October 21, 2025

BCHL: 

The (5-4) Prince George Spruce Kings visit the (1-8) Chilliwack Chiefs tonight (Friday) and the (0-10) Surrey Eagles on Saturday.

The Spruce Kings next home game is set for Saturday, November 1st against (4-3-2-1) Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

P.G. is 3rd out of 5 in the BCHL Coast East Division.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

NHL: (12 Thursday games with 5 Canadian teams in action)

Nashville  2  Vancouver  1

The game summary is here.

The (4-4) Canucks host the (6-3) Montreal Canadiens Saturday at 4 PM.

Edmonton  6  Montreal  5

Seattle  3  Winnipeg  0

Ottawa  2  Philadelphia  1

There are 4 NHL games tonight (Friday): Calgary at Winnipeg, Toronto at Buffalo, San Jose at New Jersey and Washington at Columbus.

The NHL schedule and results are here.

The Vancouver Canucks schedule and results are here.

The NHL standings are here.

NFL: (Week 8)

LA Chargers  37  Minnesota  10

The 8th week of the NFL season kicks off tonight (Thursday 5:15 PT) with the (3-3) Minnesota Vikings at the (4-3) LA Chargers.

The NFL schedule and results can be found here.

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BC Hydro crews are investigating a power outage in Campbell River which has left 2,764 customers in the dark Thursday evening.

The utility corporation says the incident is impacting customers north of Island Highway, crews are expected to arrive on scene by 6:40 p.m., power has been off in the area since 5:18 p.m.

It remains unclear as to what triggered the power outage, or when power will be restored in the area.

Check BC Hydro’s outage map for further updates.

– Article includes information from BC Hydro

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A new virtual emergency care pilot is set to be rolled out at the Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp.

The Interior Health (IH) initiative aims to aims to keep rural emergency rooms open overnight and ease pressures on local health care workers.

The program will combine on-site nursing staff with virtual physician support to help ensure more consistent ER access and reduce service interruptions by easing pressure on health-care professionals.

Nakusp is one of four communities chosen for the pilot, along with Clearwater, Lillooet and Princeton.

All four hospitals have low overnight patient volumes and have faced staffing shortages that led to several temporary ER closures.

“Nakusp fit what we were looking for to pilot this in,” said Karen Cooper, executive director of clinical operations for the Thompson Cariboo Rural Portfolio.

“It had lower overnight volumes, but because of its remote location it’s still very important that we have overnight emergency access for people who live nearby.”

Cooper said the initiative builds on the existing Virtual Emergency Room Model (VERA) already used in Nakusp on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“This pilot would allow us to use our own physicians to provide overnight emergency coverage at their home site and then at the other three emergency departments listed in the pilot,” Cooper said.

She said the model would have one physician on virtual duty across all four pilot sites, while local nurses triage and assess patients in person.

“On any given night, one of those sites is going to have an in-person provider, and the other three are going to have that in-person provider provide remote care to their site,” she said.

If a case is deemed serious, a local doctor would be on standby to come in and provide in-person care, avoiding the need to transfer patients to another facility.

Mayor Tom Zeleznik welcomed the initiative, calling it a small but positive step toward improving health-care access.

“We are about two hours away from Nelson, two hours from Trail and three hours from Kelowna, and when you have a patient who needs care, every second counts,” Zeleznik said.

“With this, now there will be a doctor on standby minutes away to come in and help with a serious injury without paramedics taking the patient to another hospital far away,” he said.

He added that Interior Health statistics show only about 1.5 per cent of overnight ER visits are serious enough to require immediate physician attention.

While Zeleznik supports the pilot, he noted it is not a complete solution to the challenges facing rural hospitals.

“It’s a small positive move, but it’s only part of the solution. In our community we have four full-time doctors and we should have six,” he said.

“The team here at the hospital is incredible and they’ve done everything possible to make sure there are no closures, but at times they’ve experienced burnout and just couldn’t help it.”

There is no word yet on when the pilot will officially launch, though Interior Health hopes to have it in place in early 2026.

Cooper said the initiative will be studied carefully to ensure patients are cared for and have their voices heard.

Zeleznik emphasized the need to monitor the program and make improvements based on feedback.

“Once this rolls out, I’d like to know the study of it – the feedback from patients, nurses, doctors – what we can learn from it is the biggest key. And the biggest one, how can we make this even better?” he said.

“Any initiative and collaboration with Interior Health to find solutions is very, very key. Working together and communicating is the secret, and health is number one. Every second counts.”

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

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The B.C. General Employees Union (BCGEU) said Thursday progress is steady as mediation talks between the union and the province continued for a sixth day. 

The union said mediation began on Oct. 18, with renowned long-time labour mediator Vince Ready and his colleague Amanda Rogers leading the talks.

BCGEU members have been on strike or taking other job action like overtime bans since Sept. 2, calling for better wages, improved access to telework and a reduction in non-unionized managers, among other issues. 

“There are still key issues where the parties remain apart, but the mediators are working hard to help bridge those gaps,” said the union in a statement. 

The union said any tentative agreement reached it will be shared with members for review and a vote before it’s finalized. 

The BCGEU said earlier this week all remaining members at B.C. Wildfire Service and the Ministry of Forests have joined the strike, bringing the total number of members taking job action to about 25,000.

Workers are striking at the majority of provincial ministries, the Premier’s Office and other organizations like BC Pension Corporation. 

The strike has also led to the closures of all BC Liquor and BC Cannabis stores, and Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses. Last week, a group of B.C. alcohol and restaurant industry organizations released a joint statement saying the strike is causing “serious economic damage” to the province’s liquor and cannabis distribution system.

The group includes the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) , BC Craft Brewers Guild, Restaurants Canada and others. They said the strike is impacting the industry’s busiest season, and emergency measures and distribution flexibility are needed to get liquor and cannabis products flowing again. 

“Even when things return to normal, there are significant delays in starting distribution operations back up and running to meet the immediate demands of industry,” said Bo Chen, interim Executive Director for ABLE BC, in a statement. 

B.C. Green party leader Emily Lowan, who has been vocal in her support for the BCGEU, said Thursday said she’s concerned the strike has dragged on this long.

“We’re two months in, and the government is still stone-walling and shortchanging workers,” said Lowan. “We’re seeing this ripple effect, obviously, across the entire economy, and taxpayers are growing frustrated.”

About 1600 government licensed professionals represented by the Professional Employees Association (PEA) are also on strike, after launching job action at the same time as the BCGEU. They include engineers, foresters, geoscientists, psychologists, and other specialized experts working for the province. The PEA said last week the strike is the longest in the union’s 51-year history.

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BC Hydro crews have been assigned to deal with a power outage in Courtenay which is impacting 1,683 of its customers.

The impacted area is west of Fairmont Road, north of Lannan Road and east of Huband Road according to the utility corporation.

The cause of the power outage is under investigation.

The incident was initially reported shortly after 4 p.m.

Follow BC Hydro’s outage map for more details.

– Article includes information from BC Hydro

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The National Police Federation is pleased to see the Liberal government table a new crime bill aimed at restricting access to bail and tougher sentences.

The bill would impose a reverse onus on bail for certain offences and would also allow for consecutive sentences for violent and repeat offenders.

President Brian Sauve was also pleased to see that Ottawa listened to its request of hiring 1,000 more RCMP personnel.

“That was something that we had asked for last year in August during our federal budget submission under the Trudeau government and we were happy to see a party picked it up in their campaign and now they happen to be the governing party and is on the platform they are running on.”

Raising the RCMP cadet recruitment allowance to $1,000 per week  was also a major plus.

“It has been $525 a week for 18 years. Again, I am happy to see that something we had asked for the last three years and I know the RCMP asked for it in the last year or so and the government seems to be a competitive employer in this landscape.”

“Hopefully, the police association and police chiefs will have the opportunity to have input, making it an even stronger legislation down the road when it does get passed, if it gets passed,” added Sauve.

The legislation proposes changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which would allow police to publish identifying information about a person under the age of 18 when there is an imminent danger to public safety.

In Budget 2025, which is set to tabled November 4th, the government will invest $1.8 billion over four years to increase federal policing capacity to combat crime – including online fraud, money laundering, online child sexual exploitation, and organised criminal networks.

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BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad said he wouldn’t be stepping down as the party’s leader yesterday (Wednesday), despite calls from now former caucus members and the Party’s management committee.

“What British Columbians should be concerned about is that the problem we have when we don’t have an effective opposition that is completely focused on holding the government to account,” said Former MLA and Political Analyst Shirley Bond.

“When you think about the headlines, virtually everyday it’s about what’s the next situation in the caucus room for the BC Conservative Party, what British Columbians want our government and our opposition to be focused on are things like public safety and affordability and looking at how we grow the economy and work our way through some of those huge challenges that we face.”

Bond said her concern is that when parties are focused on trying to keep the party working together, they don’t have the focus needed to concentrate on important issues.

She added Rustad has to be given credit for leading the Conservatives to a tight finish in the 2024 Provincial Election.

“He brought that party basically to a status that had not been seen before in British Columbia, that’s a significant accomplishment,” she said.

“But he also brought together a group of people with very diverse opinions, many of them with little or no legislative experience, and that isn’t the be all and end all, those of us who have served started out with no experience as well, but it is the ability to manage a caucus that is full of diverse views, finding ways to come to some sort of consensus so that at least you can work together in a constructive way.”

Around a month ago, Rustad survived a leadership vote in which more than 70 per cent of the party’s members approved Rustad staying on as leader.

“While you can quote numbers over 70 per cent, you need to look at how many people actually participated in that process,” she said.

“It certainly is a challenge when you look at the team that you’ve built around you from the board and executive perspective are saying we need you to step away, and you continue to stand up and say I am going to hang on.”

Bond said there’s also a gap that is growing as to who is currently the stronger leader.

“The Conservatives were actually getting quite close to the NDP, we see that gap widening, and when it comes to looking at Eby’s numbers versus Rustad’s number, that gap is widening,” she said.

“The Conservative Party of BC has to look at how are they going to continue to operate and have a chance in an election that’s still several years away, but those are the bigger picture issues, how do they actually make themselves effective as an opposition, and how do they set a goal for themselves of winning the next election.”

Bond added the continued discourse gives the government a “runway to continue to do what they’re doing.”

“Increased debt, we’re looking at other issues around property rights, you name it, there are significant issues with public safety,” she said.

“While the BC Conservatives are focusing on their internal issues, it’s very hard for them to mount the kind of objective role of the opposition, holding the government to account when they’re busy just trying to keep the number of people in the room. From my perspective it’s British Columbians who are going to pay a price here, because we do need both government and opposition and opposition has a very specific job to do, that is to call out the government, to find alternative solutions and present them to British Columbians, and at the moment, the BC Conservatives are struggling to get past the latest headline every day.”

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A fundraiser is being held in Houston tomorrow (Friday) to help a local youth attend a bobsledding training camp.

Adam Franz attended RBC’s Calgary Training Camp earlier this year which led to him being contacted by Bobsled Canada to attend its prospect camp.

“I instantly fell in love with the sport, atmosphere, and community of athletes and coaches,” he said.

This is part of a new approach by the sport organization as it was usually older athletes that were recruited who in their usual sport were past prime.

Franz was recruited as a pilot which he said had an influence on wanting to join the sport.

“Most people who are in the sled at the back and one person’s at the front seeing it all,” he said.

“Getting the chance to see it all and pilot down the hill was a plus to me because I’ve always been kind of an adrenaline junkie.”

Franz added training has been a daily occurrence and has also done sled training in Calgary.

He said not having a bobsled track in northern B.C. does make some training difficult with the only facility in the province being in Whistler.

“That’s the thing with bobsled is its never really a centralized sport so we have very few on-ice training days because all the athletes on the program are spread out across Canada,” said Franz.

“With every ice time we get when we go to these camps is spent to the fullest perfecting the other attributes of loading into the sled, piloting down the hill, basically everything you would do with the sport.”

Franz added an aspect he is looking forward to with Whistler is experiencing the speed of the track as it is the fastest in the world.

The fundraiser BBQ will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bulkley Valley Credit Union.

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The University of Northern British Columbia is openings doors to its PG campus for this year’s Discovery Day.

Prospective students and community members are invited to take part in the event, to see and learn what the university has to offer.

Future Students Office Manager Angela Gallant talked about what visitors can expect.

“Your Discovery Day experience begins in our teaching and learning atrium. There you’ll find the beginning of our five faculty tours.”

“Then we have our Student Street. We’ll have all of our student clubs, lots of our programs, and all of our different student services.”

Gallant added the on-campus pub will has some specials for the day, and will have tours of the Enhanced Forest Lab and Bioenergy Plant.

Discovery Day will take place tomorrow (Friday) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with no pre-registration needed.

More information about Discovery Day can be found on UNBC’s website here.

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Gambling on this year’s World Series is expected to reach Stanley Cup level activity according to the BC Lottery Corporation.

That’s all because of the Toronto Blue Jays who find themselves on the biggest stage against the heavily-favoured and defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers (1.47).

Spokesperson, Matt Lee told Vista Radio 80% of all wagers in the province in the previous rounds against the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners were on the Blue Jays.

“This is one of those rare and unique moments for B.C. and I think seeing the last series against Seattle there might have been a question as to who was B.C.’s baseball team and the Toronto Blue Jays certainly answered that and the bettors answered that with how much was wagered on the Jays.”

Currently, a $10 wager on the Blue Jays (2.75) to win the World Series will net you $27.50.

The most popular wagering outcome for the Dodgers to close out the series is five game while star slugger and pitcher Shohei (Show-hey) Ohtani (Oh-tawn-ee) is the betting favourite to win World Series MVP.

“Right after that, you’ve got the Dodgers winning in six or seven but the closest one for the Blue Jays to win the World Series would be for them to take it the distance in seven games,” added Lee.

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A tree falling on power lines cut power to some residents in the Sales Road West area, in Quesnel.

Bart Schneider, of the Quesnel Fire Department, says the department got a call to the scene at around 1:00 pm on October 23.

“When I arrived on scene, we’ve got a tree leaning against the primary lines on Sales Road West. Two out of the three primary line cutouts have gone. It appears there might still be power to one of the primary lines.”

Schneider said most of Sales Road West, and parts of Red Bluff Road, were either without power or may experience power shortages in the meantime.

BC Hydro arrived at the scene on Sales Road West shortly after 2:30 pm to assess damages and potential power outages.

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The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board received strong public response during the second phase of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for its Rod Brind’Amour Arena redevelopment at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, the board’s Oct. 22 meeting agenda shows.

The AAP sought elector approval for Bylaw No. 607, authorizing borrowing of up to $57.1 million to fund Phase 2 of the REC-REATE project. The borrowing will be repaid over a 25-year term.

Under the AAP rules, the borrowing is approved if fewer than 10 per cent of eligible electors submit opposition forms. There are 33,012 eligible electors in Campbell River and Area D.

The two-month process, running July 25 to Sept. 22, drew 1,813 electors (5.5 per cent) who opposed the bylaw.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit the response forms,” said SRD chair Mark Baker. “The feedback we received shows how deeply people care about Strathcona Gardens and its future. We’ve heard a mix of opinions, and we’ll be taking the time needed to carefully review our options before moving forward.”

The board noted that participation in this phase of the REC-REATE project was significantly higher than in Phase 1.

The directors have opted to take additional time to review the feedback to ensure the project provides long-term value for the community.

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The City of Cranbrook now owns the Knight’s Hall property and plans to begin demolition and cleanup work in the near future.

The city has issued a number of remediation orders over the years to clean up the site.

Two year’s ago the building on the property caught fire and had to be taken down.

A remediation order was issued but the owner didn’t follow through, so the city had the demolition handled.

The owner also failed to follow a remediation order for the cleanup that followed the demolition.

Property taxes weren’t paid for three years so the property went up for tax sale in September of 2024.

There were no bids on the property and the city was deemed the purchaser. However, the owner had a year after the tax sale to pay all the outstanding taxes to regain the property.

That put a halt on cleaning up the site, because if the city paid for the cleanup work, the owner could then elect to redeem the then higher value property.

The deadline was Oct. 7, 2025 and the city is now the legal owner of the lot.

Work to cleanup the site will begin soon.

“Now that the derelict Knights Hall property has transferred to City ownership in October, we can take action to clean up the site. Given the high visibility and the ongoing concerns from the community on this property, there is a strong public expectation that cleanup work start as soon as possible,” said Mayor Wayne Price.

“Once this site is cleaned up this fall, along with the cleanup of the former Kootenay Springs building earlier this year, Cranbrook will enjoy a major visual improvement in 2025 thanks to the cleanup of both of these two large eyesores properties that have been unsightly for way too long.”

Council approved up to $1.29 million for remaining demolition and full site cleanup.

The costs would be recovered through selling the property once its cleaned up.

The city expects to get between $1.27 million and $1.43 million for the property.

They expect work to be completed before winter.

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Drivers should expect delays on Highway 19A as crews replace three culverts between the Oyster River rest area and York Road starting Oct. 28.

Traffic will be reduced to single alternating lanes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 28 to Oct. 31, as work proceeds.

Motorists are reminded to obey cones and traffic-control personnel, follow the reduced speed limit and to watch for roadside workers.

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The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) has announced Owen Bambrick of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats as its Rookie of the Week, for the period ending Oct.19.

The Thunder Cats defenceman was an offensive threat, collecting a goal and six points – assisting on the winning goal. He helped the Thunder Cats defeat the Rockets 7-4 on the weekend.

“Owen’s got a special talent for the offensive side. I think that was on full display there last weekend,” said Thunder Cats head coach-general manager Geordie Wudrick.

“It’s a great performance for him, especially at his age (17). He keeps getting better every day as we practice more and more, and especially as he gets more experienced in games. His ability to open up plays, just with his vision and passing skills, is really nice to watch.”

Wudrick added that Bambrick has a lot of deception on the back end for a defenceman, and that helps their power play. It provides freedom for their shooters to get open and for Bambrick to create space and passing lanes.

Bambrick is third on the Thunder Cats with a goal and 10 points in nine games, which leads all KIJHL rookie defencemen.

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The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is seeking voter approval to borrow up to $13.18 million for the Langdale Wellfield Construction Project.  

The project is part of the SCRD’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and aims to increase the region’s water supply.  

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) will determine approval for the 20-year loan. The estimated annual cost to affected property owners would be $97.28 via the Regional Water Service parcel tax.  

Residents opposed to the borrowing must submit a completed response form by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Mail-in submissions are not accepted due to Canada Post labour disruptions.  

Instead, forms may be delivered in person or emailed to [email protected]. 

SCRD staff will be available at their Field Road office Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays) to assist with AAP questions. 

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The City of Cranbrook is applying for the joint East Kootenay Emergency Support Services fall intake grant.

The grant is offered through the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund and covers expenses related to emergency preparedness.

It offers up to $30,000 per community, with the money being managed through the RDEK.

If successful, the money will go towards various training initiatives, the purchase of a portable air conditioner and other supplies.

The city was successful earlier this year in receiving the grant money from the spring intake.

That grant went towards additional stockpiles of cots, blankets, pillows, and hygiene items, as well as a 20-foot sea can for additional storage space.

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A Virtual Emergency Care pilot project has been proposed in four communities that includes the Dr Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater.

Interior Health (IH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is engaging with partners to better support overnight emergency care through a mix of virtual and on-site staffing.

In a release, IH stated the community hospital sites (Clearwater, Nakusp, Lillooet, and Princeton) are similar in size with low overnight patient volumes which would allow physicians to share responsibilities, ultimately helping maintain access to care, promote physician wellness and improve staff retention.

“Virtual care is not new in Emergency Departments across the Nation,” Karen Cooper, Executive Director for Clinical Operations said, “It’s one of the innovative solutions that helps to keep many small rural Emergencies alive. This will be the first time in Interior Health that we have used a Virtual Emergency model that uses our own physicians. We have in the past have supported some of our small rural emergency departments using a service through the rural coordinator centre of BC called VERRa (Virtual Emergency Room Rural assistance).”

Cooper said they are taking a team approach by bringing four of our hospitals together to work in that team approach where one site every night supports not only their own site, but the other 3 sites to be able to provide that continuous, reliable, service for the public.

She noted Interior Health is hoping to be able to go live with this new service model in January 2026.

We asked how the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater was chosen as one of the communities to be included in this project.

“We looked at data from right across Interior Health and we recognized these four sites have very similar profiles. That is they are open 24-hours a day because they are remote and it’s often one to two hours to the next site. They also have the overnight volumes that make a model like this feasible. Each of these sites have volumes that are ranging in the two to three patients overnight and we know from looking at virtual models cross Canada that the optimal rates of physicians supporting a site virtually is to be able to do one to two visits an hour. When you combine the four sites with eight to ten visits overnight they really fit the mold well as potential places to start with a model like this.”

When asked why the 100 Mile District General Hospital wasn’t included as one of the chosen communities for this project, Cooper said at some point they may consider a site like 100 Mile House for a model like this.

“What makes 100 Mile House different is that it is a busier Emergency Department and it’s overnight volumes definitely exceed what we’ve seen where virtual emergency department support can work. Our model will be able to start in these smaller sites with low volume. Does it mean that we can eventually go to more medium sized sites like 100 Mile and maybe a single model? This is what we’re hoping to learn. While it’s not part of this proposed pilot that doesn’t mean at some point it couldn’t be a solution that supports that site,” Cooper said.

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The traffic lights at the Victoria Avenue and 2nd Street intersection will be back to normal starting on Monday, Oct 27.

The intersection was made into a temporary four-way stop in August after structural issues with one of the lights were caused by construction.

The electrical contractor installed the new traffic light, camera and wiring.

A traffic light programmer will be on-site later this week to program and commission the new cameras.

It’s expected to be fully operational starting on Monday.

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The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is hosting a three-day wildfire workshop on its PG campus.

It includes a field excursion to the Ancient Forest, presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities for those attending.

Researcher Dr. Diogo Spinola said talks about what the workshop aims to achieve.

“I think exposing what kind of research and activities has been conducted here in Canada overall, and making those connections.”

“I think this is one of the more important parts, and of course not only about the networking itself, but the science.”

The workshop is in its second year,  already seeing growth in its length and attendance, which Dr. Spinola said highlights its importance.

“The idea was to gather people with different levels of expertise in the topic, and putting UNBC in the spotlight for wildfires.”

“Everyone working at UNBC has some level of concern about wildfires, and this has been part of the research of many.”

Dr. Spinola noted they’re looking to continue the workshop, though it may be every two years instead of annually.

The wildfire workshop began yesterday (Wednesday), and will continue until tomorrow, with the final day having a Resilience or Reassembly live stream from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for anyone to watch.

More information about the wildfire workshop can be found here.

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A new multi-use path is now open for walkers and cyclists in the Comox Valley, linking Butchers Road to Sand Pines Drive. 

The Comox Valley Regional District announced on Wednesday that the Lazo Greenway Multi‑Use Path has been completed in partnership with the Town of Comox, the Government of Canada and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. 

Electoral Area B Director Richard Hardy said the path marks a milestone for the region’s vision of an integrated active transportation network.

“It gives people of all ages a safer and healthier choice for getting around, while emphasizing our commitment to environmental stewardship and community connectivity.” 

The path spans approximately 2.5 kilometres and runs alongside Lazo Road, offering asphalt and gravel surfaces to balance accessibility and minimal environmental impact.

New pedestrian crossings have been installed at Forester Avenue and Sand Pines Drive, along with amenities including benches, waste bins and a drinking fountain. 

Comox mayor Nicole Minions said the municipality is proud of the project’s completion and looks forward to community use.

“This is a project that benefits our residents today, while leaving a positive impact for generations to come.” 

Officials say the route improves connectivity, mobility, recreation, and tourism while reducing vehicle traffic and emissions in the area. 

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Bruce the Moose has been healed.

Quesnel’s beloved moose, who stands stoically out front of the Prestige Riverside Lodge, had one of his antlers stolen and broken off during this year’s Billy Barker Days Festival. It was found a week later by Prestige Riverside Lodge employees.

Yesterday, on October 22, Bruce was made whole by the Prestige Lodge and by Bruce’s carver, Ryan Cook.

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It’s another hit to an already reeling lumber industry.

Sinclar Forest Products is reducing its production output at its Apollo Forest Products (Fort Saint James), Nechako Lumber (Vanderhoof) and Lakeland Mills (Prince George) facilities starting on Monday.

The company stated the production curtailments are equivalent to the closure of one full mill.

Sinclar says the decision was made due to unsustainable provincial policy as well as the uncertainty surrounding fibre supply and economic challenges related to additional duties on softwood lumber by the U.S, government.

“The decision to curtail operations deeply affects our employees, their families, and the communities we serve,” said Greg Stewart, president.

“The challenges facing the forest industry in British Columbia are significant and compounding. We must take action to sustain our operations.”

Stewart stressed the urgency for collective action from the provincial government, federal government, First Nation titleholders, industry partners, and fellow forestry companies to address the systemic issues threatening the sector.

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Nanaimo RCMP are warning residents after reports of two people impersonating Red Cross canvassers earlier this month.

Police said the incidents were reported on Oct. 8 in the Uplands Drive area. Two men in their early 20s were seen going door to door asking for donations, but callers told police they did not believe the men were with the organization.

Officers patrolled the area but did not find the suspects.

“These types of scams pop up from time to time in every community. Even with only two reports and none recently, we felt it was prudent to let the public know and to be aware,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police said legitimate Red Cross canvassers wear identifiable clothing, carry an ID tag and tablet, and do not request cash or one-time donations – only monthly contributions.

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Around 3,000 BC Hydro customers in Prince George are without power this morning (Thursday) as strong winds are pounding much of the area.

According to BC Hydro, crews are investigating a large outage in the College Heights area, affecting 2,975 customers.

A crew has been assigned to investigate.

Other, smaller outages have been reported on BC Hydro’s outage page, affecting fewer customers in the community.

Many other communities in the Central Interior are dealing with outages as well, including the Fort Saint James area, where around 2,500 customers are without power.

A wind warning is blanketing much of Central B.C. today, as a frontal system is bringing winds with peak gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour.

According to Environment Canada, these winds are expected to weaken this evening.

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Sawmill workers in Chemainus remain idle after Western Forest Products announced a curtailment at its Chemainus sawmill effective June 18.  

 The municipality says Mayor Rob Douglas met with a United Steelworkers representative and a senior advisor to the Minister of Forests to discuss how to get workers back on the job. Douglas said discussions centred on issues including market conditions, fibre supply challenges, and high U.S. tariffs. 

 “These workers, many with decades of industry experience, have concerns including delays with timber-harvesting permits and export of raw logs,” Douglas said. 

The mayor said the shutdown is not only hitting the local economy but also families directly. He added the municipality will continue talks with senior levels of government to advocate for affected workers.  

“While we remain hopeful for reopening this year, we’re prepared to collaborate with the province to support affected workers through a Community Transition Table, if needed,” he said. 

The curtailment follows a media release from Western Forest Products that cited weaker lumber demand, higher U.S. soft-wood lumber duties, and a lack of log supply as key factors.  

On Oct. 7, 2024, the company said it would reduce production by approximately 30 million board feet.

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Smithers RCMP executed a search warrant on Tuesday at an Astlais Place residence leading to a 45-year-old man being arrested.

Police said additional officers were present due to a concern regarding firearms.

Mounties add more information will be released in the future.

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The Municipality of North Cowichan is preparing to withdraw from the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) economic-development service and will develop a transition strategy. 

At its Oct. 15 meeting, council agreed to issue a notice of intent for withdrawal after reviewing the regional district’s service evaluation. The CVRD review assessed the value of economic-development services provided to member municipalities. 

According to council, the CVRD presented a review of the economic development to the municipality, which includes an assessment of the service’s value to the municipality. 

A staff report indicates North Cowichan currently puts a significant amount of money into the CVRD’s plan, and now it is time to implement their own. 

“North Cowichan funds 34 per cent ($232,235 in 2025) of the cost of the regional service,” the report says. 

The municipality’s Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP) outlines several strategic priorities for the community, which the report says will amplify impacts in infrastructure development, workforce training, tourism promotion, and the advancement of a circular economy.  

“It’s aligned with the Official Community Plan,” the report says. “The strategy emphasizes achieving economic growth, while respecting ecological boundaries, addressing social equity and creating resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.” 

North Cowichan implemented their own plan in May. 

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The District of Houston is applying for a $30,000 grant for new equipment.

This was discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting with funds to come from the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

Included in the list are new helmets, visors, helmet lights, and fire hoses.

The fire department would also contribute the remaining $90.77 to get the equipment and any other additional fees.

Council voted to move ahead with the grant application.

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David Travis, the man found guilty of deliberately starting three fires in Nelson in July 2024, has been sentenced to two years in jail and three years of probation.

Travis was sentenced in a Nelson courtroom on Oct. 20.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of arson in February 2025. According to the B.C. Court Services Online database, he will serve jail time for all three counts concurrently.

Once released, Travis will serve a three-year probation term with several conditions, including abstaining from drugs and alcohol and a prohibition on possessing weapons.

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The City of Prince George announced its Aquatic Centre will be closing for two years, starting January 1, 2026, until early 2028 for upgrades.

During the closure, the Canfor Leisure Pool will be open with extended hours and increased programming.

Swim clubs, swimming lessons, and aquatics programs will continue at the Canfor Leisure Pool, however, public swimming won’t be available from Monday to Friday between 4 and 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. January to June hours of operation.

Service levels will be similar, and aquatics staff will monitor operations and adjust wherever possible to best serve residents.

The pre-construction phase has started, which includes exterior and interior building exploration, and will have multiple phases once closed, which include:

• Phase 1(a) and 1(b): Energy efficiency improvements and extending the service life of the building with new insulation and exterior updates with a budget of $3.15 million.
• Phase 2: Structural repairs and upgrades, including steel/columns and dive tank sparger system, with a budget of $7.9 million.
• Phase 3: Replacement of health and safety items, including tiles and plumbing fixtures, budgeted at $4.5 million.
• Phase 4: Major replacements and interior improvements, including light fixtures and accessibility enhancements, with a budget of $6.6 million.

In April 2024, Council approved funding for several improvements and upgrades to the Aquatic Centre.

The total project cost is $37 million.

More detailed information can be found on the City of Prince George’s website here.

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Prince George City Councillor Brian Skakun didn’t pull any punches over his frustration on what he deems are serious issues within Development Services.

In a Facebook post, Skakun referenced a Freedom of Information Request from Councillor Trudy Klassen, which revealed major red flags including some developers being overcharged on permits.

Furthermore, Skakun told MyPGNow.com the city currently does not have a plumbing inspector and administration was unable to provide how many employees the department was short as well the amount of contractors hired from outside of PG.

“We can’t get enough people to work in development services and we are actually contracting out to firms from local businesses and also from outside the City of Prince George and it’s a real concern. We need to keep every job and every dollar we can here.”

“The developers wouldn’t necessarily know that they are being overcharged because if you build a certain sized building you are charged so much for square foot or metre and if you have a bunch of developments you might not know you are being charged by a hundred bucks or so.”

Skakun said he has received several responses from contractors and businesses related to the issue.

“After my post this week, I think I had four conversations with different developers about some of their concerns and I am also meeting a major player in the community to talk about their concerns.”

As for what needs to be done, Skakun stated the department’s short falls including the lack of a plumbing inspector needs to be put into the spotlight.

“We need to do an external audit or we need to do something to find out what has come of our short comings and fix things because we need every tax dollar and development we can get.”

Skakun added council receives reports on the number and value of permits issued but the elephant in the room is the amount of business lost due to delays an inefficiencies.

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Crews are onsite at the Fernie city hall to remove several hazardous trees.

Work will take place from Oct. 23-24.

The contactor will have barricades around the active work site.

Visitors are asked to use caution and follow all posted signage.

If you see a hazardous tree, requests for service can be submitted here.

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The Comox Valley Regional District is ramping up efforts to ensure residents’ essential infrastructure, including drinking water, wastewater systems and community facilities, remains reliable long into the future. 

Board chair Will Cole-Hamilton said the regional district will use asset management to make smarter decisions about when to repair, replace or upgrade infrastructure. 

“Just like your car or home needs regular maintenance, our community’s infrastructure requires care, planning and investment,” he said. 

The regional district is adopting a data-driven, risk-based approach to reduce service disruptions, improve financial planning, extract more value for tax dollars, boost eligibility for grants, and build resilience against climate-related threats. 

A new asset management policy and strategy lay out a structured plan of 14 initiatives designed to improve data quality and secure long-term financial sustainability. 

Rather than reacting to failures, the regional district says asset management lets it make informed choices about the services people depend on. 

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It’s time to batten down the hatches!

Environment Canada has issued a Wind Warning for Williams Lake, Quesnel, 100 Mile House, and Cariboo-Chilcotin near Talayoko Lake.

Meteorologist Brian Proctor said the reason for the Warning is due to a very vigorous frontal system that’s going to push across the Cariboo through the late afternoon into the early evening.

“Winds in the area have picked up. Currently (as of 9 am) winds at the airport in Williams Lake are gusting at 56 kilometres per hour and we’re seeing those gusts in most of the region as well at this time. So watch for those winds to increase throughout the day and they’ll hold through of the evening before they start to dissipate.”

Proctor said he expects gusts in the Williams Lake area to reach up to the 80 to 90 kilometre range.

“Areas like Williams Lake tend to be a bit more exposed will see the brunt of those winds compared to areas like Quesnel. But in general terms a very breezy afternoon, early evening, across much of the Cariboo.”

He noted that these particular frontal systems usually lose a lot of their energy by the time they reach the Interior.

“The fact that this one is pushing right across the Cariboo is a bit more rare but it’s not A-typical. This is the time of year that we see them develop on the BC Coast then moving across the Province.”

Environment Canada’s Wind Warning stated high winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches, and motorists in high profile vehicles may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways due to strong cross winds.

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Want to know what it takes to be a first responder?

The Prince George RCMP is hosting an Adventures with First Responders event on Sunday in partnership with SD 57, PG Fire and Rescue along with BC Emergency Health Services and Yellowhead Rotary Club.

The initiative is aimed at introducing grade 11 and 12 students to some of the dynamics of being a First Responder.

“We held our first ‘Adventures with First Responders’ event on May 3 and it was a great success,” stated Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

“Students that may already have been thinking about becoming a first responder get a chance to speak with active fire fighters, police officers and paramedics and to experience a bit of each organization’s workload – it’s truly a unique opportunity.”

Students rotate through three stations throughout the day, learning about the exciting aspects of the First Responder careers.

Examples of what the students will experience are: donning fire rescue gear and using high-pressure hoses; learning how to stop a traumatic bleed and administer an airway; and arrest and handcuff procedures.

It takes place on Sunday from John McInnis School at 3400 Westwood Drive from 10-11:30am.

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A wind warning has been issued for much of our region according to Environment Canada.

Wind gusts of 90 km/hr could cause damage and possible power outages as a result.

The warning is expected to last into the evening and is in place for the following communities:

– Prince George – Cariboo – Chilcotin (Near Tatlayoko lake) – Stuart-Nechako – 100 Mile House – Lakes District

A vigorous frontal system is set to move down across central BC.

High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches. Utility outages may occur.

Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds.

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If you think it’s safe under the sea, think again. This Halloween, the Nelson and District Youth Centre is turning its annual haunted house into a deep-sea nightmare — and it’s all for a good cause.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, visitors can brave a maze of eerie shipwrecks, ghostly sea creatures and spine-tingling surprises at the NDYC’s “Under the Sea” haunted house. The event raises funds for youth programming in the Nelson community.

Two ways to experience the fear

No-Scare Maze
12 to 4 p.m. — Perfect for families and younger kids, this version of the haunted maze skips the jump scares while keeping the spooky atmosphere.

Full-Scare Experience
6 to 9 p.m. — When darkness falls, the monsters emerge. Expect frights around every corner — actors will be in costume and in character, but there’s no physical contact.

Admission is by donation, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to NDYC’s youth programs.

More than just monsters

• A silent auction will run throughout the event, featuring prizes and experiences donated by local businesses.

• The concession stand will be open with treats available for purchase.

The skatepark will be closed for the day, as its lights will be turned off to enhance the haunted house atmosphere.

Event Details
Location: Nelson and District Youth Centre
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
Times: No-Scare: 12–4 p.m. | Full Scare: 6–9 p.m.
Admission: By donation
Proceeds: Support NDYC youth programs

Ready to face your fears? Step into the shadows of the deep and discover what lurks beneath. The NDYC will be waiting…

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.

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A B.C. Supreme Court judge has thrown out key evidence in a Castlegar drug trafficking case, ruling that police violated the accused’s Charter rights when a search warrant was executed in 2021.

Justice Lindsay Lyster ruled that the RCMP officer who obtained the warrant for Andrew Lee Cancela’s home in April 2021 misled the judge who issued it by exaggerating evidence and failing to disclose critical facts.

Lyster delivered her oral ruling in Nelson on Sept. 22, but it wasn’t published on the B.C. Supreme Court website until Wednesday.

According to the decision, Const. Andrew Bachmann of the Castlegar RCMP detachment was granted a warrant to search Cancela’s home on April 21, 2021.

The search uncovered 222 grams of cocaine and more than $78,000 in cash. Cancela was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. A woman was also arrested.

Cancela’s lawyers argued the evidence should be excluded, claiming it violated his Section 8 Charter rights, which protect against unreasonable search and seizure.

While Cancela still faces charges that carry potential life sentences, Lyster found that admitting improperly obtained evidence would cause greater harm to the justice system than allowing the case to collapse.

“Admitting the unconstitutionally obtained evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute,” Lyster wrote in her ruling. “The greater societal interest is to ensure the long-term repute of the administration of justice.”

Lyster said Const. Bachmann overstated the strength of the case to the issuing judge by exaggerating the results of police surveillance and by failing to disclose that certain claims made by confidential informants could not be verified.

That included a claim that Cancela was the “biggest cocaine dealer in Castlegar,” and that the woman arrested at the home worked for him.

Lyster said Bachmann was honest under cross-examination that he had been unable to corroborate those statements, but that information was not disclosed in the warrant application.

She said the omission was misleading, even if unintentional.

“Had this court not granted leave to the applicant to cross-examine Cst. Bachmann, no one would ever have known that those assertions could not be corroborated,” Lyster wrote.

“While I do not find that Cst. Bachmann intended to deceive the authorizing justice, I find that this non-disclosure of material facts was misleading in effect.”

Lyster also found that surveillance evidence was presented in a misleading way.

While Bachmann claimed that daily drug trafficking activity had been observed at the residence, surveillance occurred on only 13 days over more than a month, and Cancela was seen only twice.

“There were days where no behaviour consistent with drug trafficking was observed,” Lyster said.

“Cst. Bachmann’s statement of belief exaggerated the strength of the evidence that Mr. Cancela was involved in drug trafficking, and significantly exaggerated the strength of the evidence that he was doing so on a daily basis.”

Lyster acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but said protecting Charter rights and maintaining trust in the justice system must take precedence.

“These were not the only bases upon which I held that the warrant could not have been issued, and thus that Mr. Cancela’s s. 8 rights were infringed,” she said.

“The court must balance and weigh the various and competing interests. Having done so in the case at bar, I have concluded that admitting the unconstitutionally obtained evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.”

Lyster said she expects the exclusion to effectively end the case against Cancela, as the drugs and cash seized from his home formed the majority of the Crown’s evidence.

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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While they have already been rolled out in other parts of the country and province, body cameras are still a few months away from being deployed in the West Kootenay.

Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Monty Taylor told city council this week that originally they expected to have the cams in place next month, but that has been pushed back to March.

“They’re trying to work out a few kinks as they go along,” he said. “One of the issues is the transcription piece and some of the delays they’re experiencing. We don’t want to rush it too far and bog down the system.”

Trail RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said in an email that his detachment is in the same boat.

“The amount of video and processing is apparently time consuming and no additional resources or officers have been identified to assist with the workload,” he said.

“The rollout was slowed down until new policy and procedures could be established to lessen the amount of administrative time for the police and Crown counsel.”

Wicentowich said he is “100 per cent behind body cameras,” but he expects officers will increasingly be behind desks managing paperwork associated with them.

He noted that staffing for the Greater Trail detachment has not increased since 2004, when the Trail, Rossland, and Fruitvale detachments amalgamated.

Sgt. Vince LeBlanc of the BC Highway Patrol said in an email that he hasn’t received any official word on when cameras will be available in Nelson.

According to the RCMP’s website, police started using bodycams in November 2024 and expected it would take a year to 18 months for them to be in place in all detachments. As of June, over 63 per cent of the cameras the RCMP purchased were said to be in use.

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Playing only 20 minutes of good hockey will get you beat most nights.

Especially when you’re playing the defending WHL champions at home.

The Medicine Hat Tigers used the old-fashioned rope-a-dope, to come away with a 6-3 road victory over the Prince George Cougars in front of 3,229 fans at CN Centre on Wednesday night.

Willie Desjardins’ band of Tigers withstood the Cougars best punches in the first period coming out even at 1-1 after the first period despite getting outshot 17-5.

Terik Parascak put PG on the board at 16:17 of the first period as the top power-play unit whipped the puck around and found a way to solve Tigers netminder Jordan Switzer.

Twenty-nine seconds later, Medicine Hat took advantage of one of many defensive blunders by the Cougars.

Noah Davidson accepted a stretch pass from Kyle Heger and made no mistake slipping the puck under the arm of Cougars import netminder Alexander Levshyn.

Whatever momentum the Cougars built up in the opening 20 minutes quickly evaporated as the middle period saw the Tigers clog up the neutral zone limiting the hosts to only seven shots.

Heger put the Tigers up for good at 6:18 of the second period as a savvy face-off win by Shaeffer Gordon-Carrol where the blueliner’s lethal wrist shot was too much for Levshyn’s glove hand to handle.

In the third, Levshyn did his best to keep the Cats close with several point-blank saves, but the attention to detail on defense was thrown right out the window.

Yaroslav Bryzgalov picked the pocket of Carson Carels, easily found his way into the Cougars slot and wired a wrister past Levshyn to make it a 3-1 Medicine Hat.

A equally as casual of an effort on the blueline resulted in another Tigers marker 20 seconds later as Kade Stengrim took a McCann feed, cleanly beating the Ukranian-born goaltender providing what was supposed to be the proverbial backbreaker.

Hanging on by a thread, the Cougars were gifted a late 5-on-3 man-advantage thanks to a Misha Volotovskii hooking minor and a Heger slash.

Kooper Gizowski buried a shot through the wickets of Switzer trimming the deficit to 4-2.

With over four minutes remaining, Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb put all his cards on the table and pulled Levshyn in favour of the extra-attacker.

The aggressive move paid early dividends as Jett Lajoie drove hard to the net and floated a shot over the shoulder of Switzer making it a one-goal game.

But, the theme of the night was defensive errors for PG and another one crept up at the wrong time as a Prince George turnover at its own blue line allowed Liam Ruck to flick the puck into an open cage.

To Lamb’s credit, he didn’t give up on the game despite the sub-par performance, pulling Levshyn a second time, hoping for lightning in a bottle.

It didn’t come.

Carter Cunningham picked up Medicine Hat’s second empty net goal in 43 seconds to ice the victory.

PG outshot the Tigers 36-27 but the story of the game was Switzer who was named the game’s first start turning aside 33 shots.

The lone bright spot in the loss was the Cougars going 2-for-6 on the power-play.

Medicine Hat, who is in the middle of a seven-game road swing improves to 8-4-0-0.

They travel to Kamloops for date with JP Hurlburt and the high-flying Blazers on Friday.

PG drops to 7-3-0-0 and continues its home stretch with a pair of outings against the Seattle Thunderbirds (4-6-0-0) Friday (7pm) and Saturday (6pm) from CN Centre.

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Sports by Hartley Thursday, October 23rd, 2025  (As of 12:05 a.m.)

PG Cougars Cat Scan podcast:

CAT SCAN: @Hartley_Miller chats with @PGCougars Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb on this week’s episode: https://t.co/HuNWaKPn6Y

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) October 21, 2025

BCHL: 

The (5-4) Prince George Spruce Kings are on the road this week as they visit the (1-8) Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday and the (0-10) Surrey Eagles on Saturday.

The Spruce Kings next home game is set for Saturday, November 1st against (4-3-2-1) Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

P.G. is 3rd out of 5 in the BCHL Coast East Division.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

NHL: (3 Wednesday games)

Montreal  2  Calgary  1  (OT)

Buffalo  4  Detroit  2

New Jersey  4  Minnesota  1

The (4-3) Vancouver Canucks wrap up a 5-game road trip tonight (5:00 PT) in Nashville against the (2-3-2) Predators.

It is one of 12 Thursday games in the NHL (with 5 Canadian teams in action).

The NHL schedule and results are here.

The Vancouver Canucks schedule and results are here.

The NHL standings are here.

NFL: 

The 8th week of the NFL season kicks off tonight (Thursday 5:15 PT) with the (3-3) Minnesota Vikings at the (4-3) LA Chargers.

The NFL schedule and results can be found here.

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The B.C. Conservative Party’s management committee says the party is in turmoil and is calling on John Rustad to immediately step down as leader.

The request is made in a letter dated Oct. 21 and signed by the party’s president Aisha Estey and six other members of the management committee.

The management committee is made up of executives who oversee the day-to-day operations of the party.

In the letter, they say the party has seen “an unprecedented level of turmoil” since the provincial election last October.

“The resulting state of chaos — driven by a series of decisions and actions taken under your leadership — has destabilized the party’s internal cohesion and diminished its public credibility,” said the letter.

It cites declining poll numbers, memberships and fundraising, along with a shrinking caucus, inconsistent policy and low morale.

The letter asks Rustad to step aside so a leadership contest can take place ahead of the next provincial election.

Many of those who signed the letter were part of the “Team Rustad” slate during the party’s last annual general meeting, including Estey.

Rustad said Wednesday he has no plans to resign. He said he wouldn’t comment further on the letter, calling it an “internal matter,” and added he plans to meet with the committee.

He said the claims in the letter about lagging polls, low morale and other internal issues are “false.”

Several B.C. Conservative MLAs at the legislature on Wednesday either declined to comment or affirmed their support for Rustad.

Abbotsford West MLA Korky Neufeld said he has confidence in Rustad and the caucus still has “100 per cent” faith in him as leader.

The management committee doesn’t have the power to oust Rustad as leader. The party’s constitution states a leader can only be removed if they resign, in the case of death or incapacitation, or failing a leadership review.

Rustad survived a leadership review in September with the support of over 70 per cent of members who voted in ridings across the province. The party said 1,268 members took part in the vote, out of about 9,000 across B.C. who were eligible.

Just hours after securing a victory in that review, Rustad booted Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko from the part. She is one of five MLAs who have left the party this year.

The latest calls for Rustad’s resignation come just days after Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee said she’s leaving the party, and sharply criticized Rustad’s leadership.

Boultbee, who is now sitting as an Independent, has also called for Rustad to resign.

She told Vista News Wednesday she is feeling optimistic that the move from the management committee could encourage Rustad to step down.

“I take no joy in saying that, but it is for the good of the party,” said Boultbee.

“If there was a [snap] election right now, I think it would it would be a wipe-out for us and that would be just devastating,” she said.

Boultbee called Rustad’s refusal to resign “shameless” and “confusing.”

She said she would like to return to the party under a different leader.

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The B.C. Conservative Party’s management committee says the party is in turmoil and is calling on John Rustad to immediately step down as leader.

The request is made in a letter dated Oct. 21 and signed by the party’s president Aisha Estey and six other members of the management committee.

The management committee is made up of executives who oversee the day-to-day operations of the party.

In the letter, they say the party has seen “an unprecedented level of turmoil” since the provincial election last October.

“The resulting state of chaos — driven by a series of decisions and actions taken under your leadership — has destabilized the party’s internal cohesion and diminished its public credibility,” said the letter.

It cites declining poll numbers, memberships and fundraising, along with a shrinking caucus, inconsistent policy and low morale.

The letter asks Rustad to step aside so a leadership contest can take place ahead of the next provincial election.

Many of those who signed the letter were part of the “Team Rustad” slate during the party’s last annual general meeting, including Estey.

Rustad said Wednesday he has no plans to resign. He said he wouldn’t comment further on the letter, calling it an “internal matter,” and added he plans to meet with the committee.

He said the claims in the letter about lagging polls, low morale and other internal issues are “false.”

Several B.C. Conservative MLAs at the legislature on Wednesday either declined to comment or affirmed their support for Rustad.

Abbotsford West MLA Korky Neufeld said he has confidence in Rustad and the caucus still has “100 per cent” faith in him as leader.

The management committee doesn’t have the power to oust Rustad as leader. The party’s constitution states a leader can only be removed if they resign, in the case of death or incapacitation, or failing a leadership review.

Rustad survived a leadership review in September with the support of over 70 per cent of members who voted in ridings across the province. The party said 1,268 members took part in the vote, out of about 9,000 across B.C. who were eligible.

Just hours after securing a victory in that review, Rustad booted Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko from the part. She is one of five MLAs who have left the party this year.

The latest calls for Rustad’s resignation come just days after Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee said she’s leaving the party, and sharply criticized Rustad’s leadership.

Boultbee, who is now sitting as an Independent, has also called for Rustad to resign.

She told Vista News Wednesday she is feeling optimistic that the move from the management committee could encourage Rustad to step down.

“I take no joy in saying that, but it is for the good of the party,” said Boultbee.

“If there was a [snap] election right now, I think it would it would be a wipe-out for us and that would be just devastating,” she said.

Boultbee called Rustad’s refusal to resign “shameless” and “confusing.”

She said she would like to return to the party under a different leader.

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Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

The national forecaster said strong winds are expected to persist overnight through midday Thursday, Oct. 23.

A statement said gusts between 90 and 110 km/h are forecast through Haida Gwaii on Wednesday as the frontal system moves toward north Vancouver Island and the central coast early Thursday.

Officials warned high winds may cause power outages and downed tree branches.

The warnings follow an advisory issued earlier Wednesday by the B.C. River Forecast Centre, urging south coast residents to prepare emergency plans, clear storm drains and have emergency kits ready.

Residents advised to prepare for storms in coastal areas  : My Coast Now

Click here to view information regarding the ongoing wind warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

– Article includes information from Environment and Climate Change Canada

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Prince George City Council took the next steps in participating in the province’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project.

At this week’s meeting, City Council gave the firs three readings to amend the City’s Highways Bylaw to acknowledge the province’s new regulation of “e-scooter” under the Motor Vehicle Act.

The purpose of the project is to research, test, and evaluate the safety and efficiency of e-scooters, with the goals of reducing carbon emissions and encouraging greater use of alternative and sustainable transportation modes.

Data collected under this program will help determine how e-kick scooters are addressed under the Motor Vehicle Act.

The current program is running until April 2028.

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Barkerville’s attendance was up this year, thanks to a successful spring shoulder and main season.

“We had a really good season this year. We had just over 34,000 visitors, and our spring shoulder season, which we brought back this year, saw 1,215 visitors,” says Stewart Cawood, Manager, Public Programming and Media at the Historic Town. Adding that this year saw an 11,000 increase from last year’s seasonal total of 23,157 visitors.

“It was especially welcome after the season that we had in 2024, with the forest fires so nearby and us having to shut down for 12 days. This year we had an uninterrupted season, which was fantastic.”

Cawood said Barkerville saw visitors from 43 different nations through its main season, as well as people from across the province and all over Canada.

The Theatre Royale also had a season of growth. Setting a new season record, according to Cawood, since the theatre program reopened in 2022.

“We normally see about 6,000 to 7,000 people each year, but this year, we went over 8,000. Reaching 8,471 visitors at the Theatre. That was really great, especially because the ticket sales as well as admissions and donations, contribute to paying for things like the historical interpreters, as well as our support staff. So that was really great to see.”

The Indigenous Peoples Celebration and Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival days in August were also well attended. Reaching just over 800 people on both days.

Cawood says part of this year’s success was adding an extra week to Barkerville’s main season. Now, the Historic Town is looking to add an extra week during its 2026 spring shoulder season starting on May 15, and its main season starting on May 30 until September 30.

“We always stay open for Labour Day and bit of a week after. We saw a lot of benefits this year staying open for an extended amount of time, so we’re going to stick with that.”

Cawood said the partnership with Osisko Development was instrumental in funding the Theatre Royale and Barkerville’s main season.

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The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market wants to hear from you as staff prepare for its next season in 2026.

A pair of surveys are making the rounds, one for the Wednesday market in Cumberland and another for the Sunday market in Comox.

Responses to the questionnaires will help market staff learn what worked in 2025 and what didn’t.

The surveys take roughly three minutes to complete.

Click here to share your thoughts on Cumberland’s Wednesday market, or here to provide feedback on the Sunday markets in Comox.

– Article includes files supplied by Comox Valley Farmers’ Market

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The Independent Investigation Office of B.C. (IIO) is investigating a Prince George man’s death at a home in the area of Village Avenue and Lillooet Street.

According to the IIO, at about 4:15 a.m. on August 24th, 2025, police responded to a noise complaint, but on arrival, the man believed to be the source of the complaint was observed holding an object or weapon.

Officers closed the door to the room and called for more assistance.

After re-entering the room at about 5:30 a.m., the man was in medical distress, but was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The IIO was notified of the incident on September 22nd.

It’s investigating if there had been an injury that meets the threshold of serious harm, and if there is a connection between the serious harm/death and police action or inaction.

If both conditions are met, the investigation will continue, and once concluded, the chief civilian director will determine if there’s grounds to believe that an offence may have occurred.

The full release can be found on the Independent Investigation Office of B.C.’s website here.

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A wind warning has been issued by Environment Canada for most of central B.C.

The weather agency said this is because winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour are expected tomorrow. (Thursday)

Other areas under the same alert are Prince George, the Cariboo, Lakes District, Chilcotin, Stuart-Nechako, and 100 Mile House.

Environment Canada added this is due to a vigorous frontal system moving down central BC with the windiest times being in the afternoon.

Power outages and fallen tree branches are possible with motorists cautioned of hazardous driving conditions on highways.

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

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A wind warning has been issued for the Lakes District by Environment Canada.

The weather agency said this is because winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour are expected tomorrow. (Thursday)

Other areas under the same alert are Prince George, the Cariboo, Chilcotin, Stuart-Nechako, and 100 Mile House.

Environment Canada added this is due to a vigorous frontal system moving down central BC with the windiest times being in the afternoon.

Power outages and fallen tree branches are possible with motorists cautioned of hazardous driving conditions on highways.

A full forecast can be found on Environment Canada’s website.

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A trio of projects in the Prince George-Vanderhoof area received a leg up through the Northern Healthy Communities Fund.

According to the province, this includes the construction of a two-bay fire hall to strengthen emergency response on the Saik’uz First Nation.

In Prince George, a new long-term care home supporting culturally appropriate care for seniors and expanding a food bank’s capacity to improve food security and distribution to remote centres was given the green light.

This year, three intakes under the fund are supporting 18 projects led by local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations across northern B.C.

Through investments of up to $500,000 per project, it supports initiatives that help communities remain healthy, resilient and ready to meet the challenges that come with large-scale economic development, such as new demands on housing, health care and other essential services.

“When families and individuals have access to better services close to home, it means more opportunities and more time together,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

“As northern communities have grown, we’ve invested in people by helping them stay connected, cared for and safe in their communities.”

Since its inception four years ago, the northern health communities fund has supported approximately 130 projects with a total of $25 million.

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Prince George’s Standing Committee on Public Safety held their October meeting at City Hall yesterday. (Tuesday)

The meeting started with an update from Councillor Kyle Sampson, who does not sit on the Public Safety committee, but sits on the Intergovernmental Affairs committee, outlining how City Council advocates to the other levels of government.

Sampson noted the City’s strategy is to go down more frequently to Victoria to meet with Ministers while having City staff staying in frequent contact with the Ministries, which he said puts them in front of government more often.

“It’s always trying to find that right balance of tone on are we holding government accountable, and are we being productive with our asks?,” Sampson explained.

“Do we go in there and beat them with a stick, or do we very clear on our issues, but look for collaboration?”

Sampson noted they’ve had successes with being more collaborative.

“Housing is one of our areas that the province has held us up on what we can do, close the encampment, for example,” he explained.

“We needed more housing, rather than saying, “rah rah rah, you’re not good, build more housing,” we said, “you’re not doing a good enough job, we need more housing, what does it take from us to get you to do your job.””

Sampson said this led to a collaboration that led to the housing being built.

Councillor Brian Skakun, chairing the meeting in the absence of Mayor Simon Yu, also noted they met with 11 or 12 meetings with Ministers at UBCM, and the letter from CrossRoads owner Daryl Leiski was presented to Premier David Eby at one of those meetings.

Skakun also mentioned last week’s Safe Streets Rally that took place at the CN Centre.

“From my perspective after having attended that rally [last week], most people that attended that rally would think City Council’s not doing nothing,” he said.

Skakun added most of the work being done is happening behind the scenes that most wouldn’t see.

“If we’re going to get pounded for not doing anything, then I think we have the responsibility to say something,” he said.

Skakun also suggested to organizations like the Chamber of Commerce or Downtown PG could join the City at the UBCM convention as a non-voting delegate.

“I think our relationship has been a bit strained, and there’s a lot of frustration, but we need your support, especially when we go to Victoria, we’re going to go to Victoria next year, we’re going to go to Ottawa, to help convince, these senior levels of government we can’t do it alone,” he said, adding he understands the frustration.

Before moving onto the agenda, Downtown Prince George and Nancy O’s Owner Eoin Foley asked for the opportunity to speak.

“Granted the City has put some significant effort into some wins, especially on the housing front and the encampment, kudos to you on that,” Foley said.

“The reality is, the overall picture, we’re still failing, all the approaches that we’re making, as a community, not just City Council, ourselves, MLAs, MPs, everything, when you add it all up, it’s still failing, it’s still failing the community.”

Foley said buildings are burning down and fires are happening every night.

“You guys know this because you ran a pilot program, over ten nights you found 58 fires, you know this, it’s on a report that you created,” he said,

Two weeks ago, Foley found piles of ash at both the front and back doors of Nancy O’s, prompting him to call on Council to call a state of local emergency.

“The approach that we’re having overall is failing miserably,” he said.

Foley recognized a lot of this is out of City Council’s hands, but he said there are other things that could be done.

“How we’ve been approaching the province, that has more control over the systemic changes that we need, and the federal government, they are not listening, they are not treating this with the urgency that it deserves, this committee doesn’t treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he said.

“I’ve been sitting here for a year and a half, I’ve been sitting in these meetings for 12 years in my role with Downtown Prince George, 12 years, longer than just about everyone here, and I’ve seen a lot of time and effort put into these things.”

At this point, Skakun gave Foley another minute to speak before they needed to move onto other items.

“We’re still losing, that’s the bottom line, we’re still losing as a community, we need to change our approaches and how we get results,” Foley said.

“Ministers in Victoria, they have files, if they’re publicly humiliated, they don’t like that, it makes them look really bad. They’ll be replaced if they’re deemed to be not effective, if more municipalities are speaking up together, and Prince George can lead the charge on that, if we’re speaking up together, and showing Victoria that they are failing their citizens regularly, that means a difference, and that’s the only way we’re going to move the needle on these big systemic changes in the court system, in the medical system.”

Skakun ended Foley’s speaking time there, saying he disagreed with comments about them being “ineffective” or “not caring”.

“I care, everybody that’s in this room cares,” Skakun said.

Foley tried to respond, but Skakun intervened.

“You’ve had your turn to speak, we went to your rally, and the Chamber’s rally and did not speak, and we weren’t going to speak, I appreciate your feedback, we’ve got to carry on.”

The Committee then started with agenda items for the meeting.

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Northern Health announced today (Wednesday) the Lakes District Hospital Emergency Department in Burns Lake will be closed until 8:00 tomorrow morning.

The interruption started at 4:00 p.m. due to staffing challenges according to the health authority.

Anyone with life threatening emergencies are asked to call 9-1-1 to be transported to the nearest appropriate facility.

Those with non-urgent care needs should contact their primary care provider or the Northern Health Virtual Clinic.

Residents can call 8-1-1 if they are unsure which type of care is required.

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The Prince George RCMP are seeking the public’s help in locating 32-year-old Julianna Emily Johnnie Rutherford.

Police say Rutherford is wanted on one endorsed for failing to comply with a release order.

Julianna Emily Johnnie Rutherford is described as:

• Indigenous female
• 5’3” (160 cm)
• 188 lb (85 kg)
• Black hair
• Brown eyes

Mounties add she is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information about Rutherford’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.

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Coastal areas of B.C. could be in for a series of storms starting this week.  

Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts show potentially significant wind and rainfall for the north coast, central coast, south coast/Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island starting on Oct. 23.  

The province is asking residents to be prepared by ensuring storm drains are clear, having plans in case of power outages and having a household emergency plan.  

“The B.C. River Forecast Centre (RFC) continues to closely monitor forecasts and will issue high streamflow advisories, flood watches or flood warnings as conditions warrant,” reads a news release from the province.  

The province says residents should be aware of how local governments will respond during an emergency and should have an emergency kit for their household. 

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A delegation to Nanaimo city council this week asked the city to follow the lead of Tofino by banning single-use plastic water bottles smaller than one litre. 

No motion was tabled at city council’s Oct. 20 meeting after the presentation by Jackie Bolen, who explained that Tofino’s bylaw will take effect on Earth Day 2026 and said a similar rule would be feasible in Nanaimo. 

“Why not make Nanaimo the second place in Canada for this to happen? I know Nanaimo and Tofino are both quite small places but just imagine what if it starts with Tofino, a very small place, Nanaimo a medium-sized city – maybe Victoria, maybe Vancouver, maybe Toronto. Maybe it spread across Canada and that actually makes a big, big difference,” Bolen said. 

Bolen said she was inspired by the efforts of Surfrider Pacific Rim, which has carried out beach clean-ups and advocated for the legislation, though she is not part of the group. 

“We are in a time of climate emergency. I am not sure anyone in this room would disagree with that and reducing plastic waste is important in all forms,” she told council. “The second reason is production and disposal of plastic such as those smaller water bottles, releases greenhouse gases. Recycling is one part of the solution but it still uses resources and obviously not every single plastic water bottle gets recycled.” 

Coun. Paul Manly pointed to a 2011 council decision declaring access to water a human right, banning plastic bottle sales at city facilities and ensuring water-filling stations for reusable bottles. 

“Nanaimo has already taken the first step to have accessible water in all locations so I think that’s a step, one small step but I think we can go a lot further with it,” Bolen said. 

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Barlow Creek and Quesnel residents may have noticed a new speed limit when first turning onto Highway 26, Barkerville Highway.

“Recently, there’s been a reduction of the speed limit on the Barkerville Highway from the junction of Highway 97 to just past Barlow Creek Elementary School from 80 kilometers an hour down to 70,” said John Massier, the Cariboo Regional District Director for Electoral Area C.

The speed limit was changed by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, implemented the change was implemented last week. The ministry also implemented enhanced signage in the area that read “Barlow Creek Elementary School Ahead” and “50 km/h when Children on Highway” on both sides of the road in both directions.

“I’ve been lobbying for years to get the ministry to recognize the fact that the elementary school on the Barkerville highway is not safe for the speed zone to be 80 kilometers an hour past that point,” Massier said. “I’ve been trying to get them to put in a regular school speed zone for the section right by the school, and haven’t had much luck. However, this is a step they’ve. taken, and I think reducing the speed from 80 to 70 will make it safer for the students. I’d still like to see them take the next step and put the school zone in front of the school, like every other elementary school in the province is entitled to.”

The ministry said in email correspondance that it “considers a range of factors when setting speed limits. These include roadway geometry, pedestrian type and activity, crash history, land-use context, traffic volume, observed speeds, and many more.”

Recently improvements safety conditions along Highway 26 in the past including: shoulder widening, enhanced signage, clearing and trimming brush and trees to improve visibility.

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The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) secured over $3.5 million in federal research funding, along with a new Canada Research Chair position.

School of Nursing Professor Dr. Shannon Freeman was named Canada Research Chair in Technology Adoption for Aging in the North, and was appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair.

According to UNBC, It’s awarded to exceptional emerging researchers, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead their field. The award provides $600,000 in funding over five years.

Freeman, who is also the founding Academic Director of Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North, will be able to expand collaborations and scale up its impact, while connecting local initiatives to national and global networks.

“The goal of my research is to make aging a more positive and supported experience,” said Dr. Freeman.

“By integrating new technologies and breaking down barriers, we’re improving the resources available to older adults and those who care for them.”

UNBC also received $2.9 million from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund to cover indirect costs of research at UNBC and $64,000 from the Research Security program.

More information can be found here.

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Comox Valley RCMP have released new information and photos as the search for a missing woman nears one week. 

Forty-year-old Ashley Bosma was reported missing on Oct. 16, and police say searches so far have turned up no sign of her. 

Investigators said Bosma was last seen camping near Comox Lake in Cumberland on Oct. 14. They believe it’s possible she entered nearby trails, was picked up, or walked to another location she knew. 

Two newly released photos show Bosma with dyed hair as it appeared when she was last seen, while another image comes from surveillance footage taken Oct. 10. 

RCMP said they are keeping all possibilities open as they work to find her safely. 

Bosma is described as five-foot-four and about 115 pounds, with blue eyes. She was last seen wearing pink leggings and a grey sweater. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP. 

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CUPE 1699 says unionized workers at the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George are withdrawing your services from the main office at 155 George Street.

In addition, no fees will not be collected at the Valemount Regional Transfer Station as well as drop-in activities at the Robson Valley and Canoe Valley Recreation Centre.

The George Street building is open for the day.

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Prince George in Prince George? Mayor Simon Yu is hoping to make it happen.

At this week’s meeting, City Council was presented with a correspondence letter from the Mayor that would be given to Lieutenant Governor of B.C Wendy Cocchia, who will have an audience with His Majesty King Charles III during an upcoming visit to Buckingham Palace.

The letter extends a formal invitation from the City to King Charles III to consider appointing his grandson, Prince George, as the future Colonel-in-Chief of the Rocky Mountain Rangers.

“Naturally, this appointment would not take effect until His Royal Highness attains military age, or at such time as may be deemed appropriate by the palace,” the Mayor wrote.

“The City of Prince George feels a deep kinship with the Canadian Royal Family — and particularly with His Royal Highness Prince George, whose name we are proud to share. It would be a profound honour if this invitation were kindly accepted, and we extend our sincere gratitude for Your Majesty’s thoughtful consideration of this request.”

The package would also include a Mr. PG plush toy wearing a Rocky Mountain Rangers cap.

While the Mayor was absent from this week’s meeting, City Council expressed support, voting unanimously in favour of giving the letter to Lieutenant Governor Cocchia to give to the King.

The full letter, along with a report from the Mayor can be found here.

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The College of the Rockies will host an open house to showcase its programs and mark its 50th anniversary.

The event is open to community members, prospective students and their families, who will have a chance to explore examples of state-of-the-art technology being used in classrooms.

Images highlighting the past five decades of the institution and its growth will also be on display.

“We’re proud to celebrate 50 years of inspiring learning and supporting our communities,” said President and CEO Michael Crowe.

“The Open House is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the incredible programs and meet some of the people that make College of the Rockies such a special place to start or complete your education.”

There will be prizes for those in attendance, including a $1,000 tuition award.

The open house is free to attend, though pre-registration is encouraged.

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Those looking to join the 2026 Youth Ambassador Program have until Nov. 17 to apply, with the program open to Grade 10 and 11 girls.

“I would say the program is a life-changing experience,” said Youth Ambassador Kara Kakuno.

“It has helped me connect with the community in so many different ways and find like minded girls like myself. It’s really got me closer to the town.”

She said the program teaches you a lot of important life skills.

“There are many training and skill sessions, where you are taught incredible life skills, whether that’s doing your hair, changing a tire, finances and public speaking,” she added.

“There are a lot of volunteer experiences an opportunities to give back to the community.”

There will be a few information session for interested candidates to learn more, with one to take place in person on Nov. 5. at 7 p.m., but the location has not been determined.

Meanwhile, an online ZOOM meeting will take place on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

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The Cranbrook RCMP has received $327,150  from the provincial community safety and targeted enforcement grant program.

Staff Sergeant Barry Graham said the money will go towards community safety initiatives.

“The funding aims to reduce street crime and improve community safety and well being,” he said.

“The funding will be used to continue patrols with City of Cranbrook bylaw staff.”

The money will also be used for training bylaw staff, community engagement coordinator and other members.

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The District of Sparwood is a step away from adopting amendments to its official community plan to include the 2024 interim housing needs report.

The report found Sparwood needs 237 units within 5 years and 747 units within 20 years.

Staff have reviewed current zoning and undeveloped lands and have determined that currently zoned lands include the potential for more than the required 747 units.

The district has to apply the findings to their OCP by the end of the year to meet provincial requirements.

The district’s current OCP was adopted in 2015 and largely based off the 2011 census. The updated document will be using more recent data.

A public hearing is set for Nov. 18 and it will be up for adoption at a future council meeting.

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A naturalist working for a whale-watching operation believes she identified a humpback whale that was struck by a Hullo Ferries vessel. 

A social media post by the Pacific Whale Watch Association shows a photo of a whale calf with a deep gash near its dorsal fin. 

The association said the collision occurred on Oct. 17 near Vancouver, and the injured whale was seen on Oct. 20 by a Wild Whales Vancouver vessel within a few miles of the incident site.  

According to the association, the calf, known as “Skipper”, was photographed on Oct. 16 and did not have the injury then. 

“We know the injury occurred in the last few days. Given the location and timing, it’s quite possible Skipper was the whale struck by the Hullo passenger ferry,” the post said. “We’ve seen humpbacks recover from worse injuries than this, but Skipper needs time to rest and recover. If you are a boater in the area, please be extra vigilant, and stay even farther away than 200 metres from this pair should you encounter them.” 

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Securing a trio of well-known Canadian rock legends is music to the ears of Vanderhoof residents.

Today (Wednesday), the District announced Tom Cochrane, Trooper and the Headpins will be performing during the community’s 100th anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 5th at Riverside Park (2026).

Founded in 1926, Vanderhoof has gone from a railway settlement community to what is now considered the geographical centre of B.C.

Centennial Highlights Include:

• Live entertainment featuring local talent and national headliners

• Historical exhibits, cowboy poetry, and storytelling capturing Vanderhoof’s journey

• Family-friendly activities including games, artisan markets, and food vendors

• Music, food, and dancing to cap off each day in true Vanderhoof style

• Free concert July 5 featuring Tom Cochrane, Trooper and The Headpins

“Having these iconic artists join us for Vanderhoof’s Centennial is a fantastic way to cap off the weekend.”,” said Kevin Moutray, Mayor of Vanderhoof. ‘

“It’s going to be a celebration that brings generations together and showcases the heart of our community.”

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Teck’s focus on more profitable ventures appears to have paid off at the Trail Operation.

The local operation’s concentration on producing more silver, germanium and indium with reductions in refined lead and refined zinc helped increase its gross profit in the third quarter from $6 million in 2024 to $53 million this year.

The Trail Operation also turned an $81-million loss for the first nine months of last year into a $175-million dollar profit this year.

Company-wide, Teck turned a $281-million dollar profit in the third quarter compared to a $784-million dollar loss last year.

Teck is in the midst of closing a merger with British-based Anglo American.

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No sooner had Nick Ahlefeld been appointed Castlegar’s permanent fire chief than his skills were put to the test. Trial by fire? Putting his feet to the fire? Out of the frying pan, into the fire? You choose the cliché.

Saturday morning, firefighters were called to a house fire in the 600 block of 11th Street. Ahlefeld said 21 members responded, with the first crews arriving within eight minutes of the call. They arrived to find the home full engulfed in flames, but everyone got out safe.

“So we went to a defensive attack right off the start,” he told city council this week. “Unfortunately, it [destroyed] one home, but happy to say that we protected three other structures.”

Later that evening, a travel trailer burned in the 900 block of 6th Street. However, Ahlfeld said the fire snuffed itself out. Those two incidents helped bring the number of calls the department has received this year to 828, compared to 708 at the same time last year, representing an increase of 17 per cent.

Ahlefeld became the department’s deputy chief in April 2017. He was a volunteer with the department for a decade prior to that. In April of this year he became acting chief after Sam Lattanzio retired.

On Monday, city manager Chris Barlow told council that the city posted the job, and Ahlefeld was chosen: “I’m happy to say that acting fire chief Ahlefeld is no longer acting. He is now our full-time fire chief. So congratulations.”

Barlow also noted a fire services review was recently completed with some recommendations for the department.

“I’m very happy and proud to say that Mr. Ahlefeld has done an amazing job of starting to implement a number of those recommendations and has run the hall very well in the last number of months.”

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A Simon Fraser University criminology professor says police may have good reason to be tight-lipped about a fatal fight in Rossland this month, but it’s worth asking questions.

Bryan Kinney, an associate professor at the School of Criminology and director at the Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies, says he suspects police know a lot more about the incident than they are revealing, but they’re waiting to see who comes forward in response to a call for witnesses.

RCMP have said very little about the incident, which occurred at Nevada Street and Dunn Crescent about 4:40 p.m. on Oct. 9. One person later died in hospital.

Among other things police would not reveal: the gender, age, and hometown of the person who died, whether they have identified the other person involved, whether the two people knew each other, and why they waited a week to notify the public.

Nor would police say why they won’t provide more details, except that the file is the subject of an “active investigation.”

Kinney said given the few things known about the incident, there are several possible scenarios, including a traffic accident that escalated into violence. But withholding certain details may serve investigative purposes.

“Most of the time, police are trying to keep cards close when they are pursuing lines of inquiry, and it’s legitimate to not spoil the inflow of new evidence,” he said.

He expected that as a next step, police may ask for dash cams or doorbell cam footage, although the fact they have not already done so suggests they might already have access to such footage.

“It is it is unusual to not have any information, but I wouldn’t think that it was purposeful, not letting the public know,” he said. “It would be for a strategic reason based on the investigation.”

Kinney said police have always been “extremely selective” with the details they share. While appeals to the public can result in useful information and potential leads, sometimes the tips can become overwhelming and are not especially valuable.

He added it’s possible that privacy considerations are also at play in limiting what police can disclose. For example, if the next-of-kin of the person who died have not yet been notified, police would rather that they did not find out through the media.

By now, though, Kinney said he would have expected police to offer some indication of whether the fight was the result of a random act and reassurances if they don’t think there is any danger to the public.

“This could just be a truly horrific event that got way out of hand,” he said. “And maybe this is why they haven’t released information about who and what’s involved.”

Kinney also said wanting to know what happened is “natural and positive.”

“It’s good for public to want to know information. And it’s good for people, especially in the media, to try and keep people in these positions of investigative power aware that questions are going to be asked.”

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Cranbrook RCMP are asking for the public’s help to locate a man wanted on several outstanding warrants, including for driving while prohibited and failing to appear in court.

Mounties said 36-year-old Colton Davis is facing the following charges:

• Failing to appear

• Obstructing a peace officer

• Breaching an undertaking — two counts

• Driving while prohibited — six counts

• Driving an uninsured vehicle

Davis is described as a Caucasian man, six feet tall (183 centimetres), weighing 146 pounds (66 kilograms), with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Cranbrook RCMP at their non-emergency line or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

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Acting Officer in Charge of the Williams Lake RCMP says the new Disclosure Unit has increased the detachment’s community engagement and involvement by reducing the administrative burdens.

In a delegation to the Williams Lake City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 21, Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon gave an update on the over-year file numbers, and new news coming to the Williams Lake detachment.

Williams Lake RCMP introduced the Disclosure Unit after receiving $100,000 in additional funding from the City’s general reserves back in April from a Special Council Meeting. McKinnon says the new unit has given police more opportunities to focus on crime prevention strategies.

“The Disclosure Unit, by today’s estimates, has reduced administrative burdens of our police officers by 30 per cent,” said Staff Sgt. McKinnon. “This unit is allowing our police officers to be engaged and more actively involved in this community.”

Staff Sgt. McKinnon also highlighted that the Disclosure Unit has allowed for what he called a “cascading effect” on police being more active and effective with the use of the Crisis Response Nurse. A designated psychiatric nurse from Interior Health who works with the RCMP to help those in distress.

McKinnon said having the freedom of time has also allowed the detachment to take services in schools. McKinnon says police have been able to intervene and deter issues with children and students, as well as spending more time on preventative programs with the help of the Cariboo Chilcotin School District.

“I am very proud of where we have gone with this. We have changed our focus and structure of our support staff so police officers have more time to focus on proactive activities and focus on areas most impacted by crime.”

With the increased proactive enforcement, McKinnon said the Williams Lake RCMP have seen an increase in active and closed files over the last year.

“As of today, we have hit a total of 8,900 files that we’ve actively investigated since January 1, 2025,” McKinnon said, saying it was a 600-file increase from the same time as last year. Which McKinnon says is largely due to having more resources available for the detachment from the Disclosure Unit.

“We have seen more than 200 active police patrols in the downtown core alone. That’s not including the more active patrols we have in the surrounding areas.”

McKinnon says having more active patrols in the area has resulted in 30 impaired drivers being removed from public roadways by Criminal Code investigations and immediate roadside prohibitions. Including more types of Motor Vehicle Act violations and Liquor Act violations.

According to McKinnon, 19 arrests have been made by police on individuals wanted on arrest warrants, as well as 16 breach files of people on court or police imposed protective conditions.

“We have also generated eight significant drug trafficking files, which are all being processed and forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service.”

Staff Sgt. McKinnon had more good news for Williams Lake. The detachment is set to get four new officers soon.

A new member of the detachment’s GIS Unit (General Investigations Section) with around 10 years of service from Richmond, and a background of serious and major crime investigations, has already been welcomed in Williams Lake. McKinnon says that two new officers from the Lower Mainland with a combined 15 years of experience, and finally, a new recruit straight out of their graduation from depot in Regina, Saskatchewan, will be coming to the Lake City shortly.

After McKinnon’s presentation, the City Councillors and Acting Mayor, Scott Nelson, each took a moment to speak.

“When I hear about the increased boots on the ground and presence in the community, I am appreciative of it all,” said Councillor Joan Flaspohler. “We’re in such an important time to have that; everyone’s experienced it right now with all the crises we have going on. I think it’s a real win-win to hear you are feeling successful right now in what you’re doing.”

Councillor Sheila Boehm and the rest of the councillors echoed Councillor Flaspholer’s sentiments.

“I’m certainly glad to hear that you’ll pretty much have a full contingent soon,” said Boehm. “We know that it’s not the RCMP, we know that they’re doing their jobs. It is a fact that prolific offenders are being re-released. We are probably the most known for putting through resolutions asking for a reform to the court system.”

Councillor Michael Moses was very pleased to hear that the new structure of the Disclosure Unit has been working well.

“My favourite takeaway from what [Staff Sgt. McKinnon] shared today is the success of the crisis unit; and [RCMP] being able to connect people with services, is the kind of success that we need to compound on top of each other.”

Moses hopes that a continued structure in this way will start to see more people not require the same crisis assistance in the future, and heal.

“It’s been a real pleasure to have increased RCMP members coming to our schools and talking with kids,” said Councillor Angie Delainey. “I’m very happy to hear the Disclosure Unit is working, and that we’re getting more RCMP members.”

Finally, Acting Mayor Scott Nelson spoke, saying that the increased police presence, especially in the downtown core, has not gone unnoticed by the public.

“We’ve certainly noticed a more open collective workforce with the RCMP in the downtown. People are noticing a change that is prioritizing public safety.”

Staff Sgt. McKinnon appreciated the council’s words and is pleased and proud of the work the detachment has been able to do, as well as the progress made in crisis response over the last fiscal year. Although he says there is much more work and progress to be done and made to make the City feel safe.

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Sports by Hartley Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025  (As of 12:05 a.m.)

PG Cougars Cat Scan podcast:

CAT SCAN: @Hartley_Miller chats with @PGCougars Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb on this week’s episode: https://t.co/HuNWaKPn6Y

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) October 21, 2025

BCHL: 

The (5-4) Prince George Spruce Kings visit the (1-8) Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday and the
(0-10) Surrey Eagles on Saturday.

The Spruce Kings next home game goes Saturday, November 1st against (4-3-2-1) Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

P.G. is 3rd out of 5 in the BCHL Coast East Division.

The Spruce Kings regular season schedule is here.

The BCHL standings are here.

NHL: (10 Tuesday games with 4 Canadian teams in action)

Pittsburgh  5  Vancouver  1

The game summary is here.

The (4-3) Canucks, riding a 3-game win streak, wrap up a 5-game road trip Thursday night (5:00 PT) in Nashville.

Edmonton  3  Ottawa  2  (OT)

New Jersey  5  Toronto  2

There are 3 Wednesday games in the NHL; Montreal at Calgary (5:30 PT), Detroit at Buffalo and Minnesota at New Jersey.

The NHL schedule and results are here.

The Vancouver Canucks schedule and results are here.

The NHL standings are here.

NFL: (Start of Week 8)

The 8th week of the NFL season starts Thursday night (5:15 PT) with Minnesota at the LA Chargers.

The NFL schedule and results can be found here.

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Only one resident named in the court order allowing the City to close Moccasin Flats remains in the encampment.

That comes from the City’s Director of Administrative Services Eric Depenau at this afternoon’s (Tuesday) Standing Committee on Public Safety meeting.

In August, the City announced its application to close the encampment was successful, with the Court authorizing the immediate closure to all but 20 people.

Depeneau added others are occupying the site, but there’s only one remaining occupant as defined in the court order.

“Everyone else has been able to find appropriate housing and has moved on, and so that’s, I hesitate to say a success, because a great deal of human tragedy and suffering has befallen folks to find themselves in this circumstance, so there’s more work to be done,” he said.

According to a notice posted outside of the encampment, the area will be cleared starting on Friday, October 24th at 9:00 am.

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The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) said it’s “deeply disturbed and angered” by what it calls alarmist comments by B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad about Aboriginal title rights.

In an Aug.7 ruling, the B.C. Supreme Court found the Cowichan Nation holds Aboriginal title to more than seven square kilometres of land at their former village site in Richmond, as well as the right to fish the south arm of the Fraser River.

The court declared that most of Canada’s and Richmond’s fee simple titles in the area are invalid, but allowed the parties 18 months to negotiate a resolution.

Rustad has repeatedly said that Indigenous title rights can’t coexist with fee simple private property rights.

He has called on Ottawa to submit a reference question to the Supreme Court of Canada, which would allow the top court to issue non-binding advice on the case.

In a letter to Premier David Eby on Oct. 19, Rustad also called for a pause on all negotiations between the province and First Nations until the Supreme Court of Canada has provided clarity.

“The ruling has created immediate and serious uncertainty about the security of private property ownership in British Columbia,” said Rustad in the letter. “Continuing now risks compounding the harm and further deepening public division,” he said.

Rustad reiterated his concerns on Monday, saying the ruling threatens potential investment in B.C.

The FNCL said it’s “appalled” at Rustad’s rhetoric around Aboriginal title and private property rights.

The council said it is also concerned about a letter that some Richmond residents received from the city, suggesting that their property’s title could be affected by the Court’s decision. The letter said there will be an information session for residents on Oct. 28 around the implications of the court decision.

“Aboriginal title and fee simple private ownership can and do co-exist,” said the FNCL in a statement on Monday. “Reconciliation through recognition of this legal and political fact is not a threat to the stability and prosperity of British Columbia; it is the foundation on which it is built. Good faith negotiation based on recognition of First Nations’ basic human rights is the only path forward.”

Eby said on Monday the anxiety felt by private property owners around the Cowichan title decision is “totally reasonable.”

He said the province doesn’t support submitting a reference question to Canada’s Supreme Court, saying the appeals court can best consider the context surrounding the case.

“We don’t want a decision made in a abstract, we want a decision made on the facts,” said Eby.

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said following the ruling in August that the province plans to appeal the Cowichan title decision. On Tuesday, she said her team is still working on the appeal.

The province argued in the case that having private title to land means the suspension and disposition of Crown and Aboriginal title.

“These are very complicated legal issues and our path has always been to try to find a path for reconciliation and respecting rights and title of all people,” said Sharma.

David Rosenburg, who served as senior legal counsel to the Cowichan Nation, outlined the case at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria last month.

“This case was never about challenging fee simple with respect to privately owned land. The case was brought against the Crown for the return of public lands that were wrongfully taken from the Cowichan,” said Rosenburg.

B.C. Green MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, Rob Botterell, who has previously represented First Nations governments in private law, said all sides “should take a deep breath and stay calm.”

“I’m concerned about the political posturing that is occurring here, because it’s creating a sense of fear, when we should be dealing with a sense of respect,” said Botterell on Tuesday.

He noted the case pertains to a particular area of Richmond, and said the province should continue its work with First Nations across the province to resolve questions of Aboriginal rights and title.

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The Town of Creston has approved a plan to lower residential speed limits to 30 km/h in an effort to improve safety on neighbourhood streets.

Manager of engineering Colin Farynowski presented a report on speed limit reduction initiatives at the Oct. 14 council meeting, outlining options for implementation and associated costs.

The report was prompted by residents’ concerns about speeding and safety around parks, schools and residential areas.

To better understand those concerns, the town gathered vehicle speed data between 2020 and 2025 from 64 locations using radar speed boards.

These locations were primarily on local and collector roads with posted limits of 50 km/h, selected mainly in response to public complaints.

The data showed that the average vehicle speed in Creston is about 28.06 km/h, with overall speed limit compliance at 87.13 per cent and an 85th percentile around 41 km/h.

“I’m not saying there aren’t any areas that have concerns with speed, but for the most part, community-wide, speed is fairly reasonable within the community,” said Farynowski.

“We typically go to areas with the boards that people already feel there is a speeding issue, and we’re seeing that the speeding isn’t as bad as people think it is, but we’re also targeting those areas.”

The town’s multimodal transportation plan also recommended reducing speed limits to 30 km/h in several key areas, which Farynowski said were identified through community feedback.

“That map was kind of generated based on community feedback that we had through the open houses that identified corridors that the community felt were candidates for a reduced speed limit,” said Farynowski.

Under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act, the default municipal speed limit is 50 km/h. Farynowski said the Union of B.C. Municipalities has asked the province to amend the act to allow blanket speed limit changes within municipalities.

“UBCM has asked for that to be changed to 30 kilometres an hour or 40, because without that legislation, every road that’s not 50 kilometres an hour has to be signed both directions each block to be able to enforce,” he said.

The “unless otherwise posted” clause in the act means 30 km/h signs would need to be installed on each block and in both directions – an expensive prospect for the town.

Farynowski estimated the cost of implementing 30 km/h zones block by block on local streets at $330,000 for about 550 signs. However, he said signs alone are not a solution.

“You can’t just slap up signs and expect people to follow signs. You have to traffic-calming on those streets – not all of them, but some of them – for drivers to feel uncomfortable travelling at anything above the closing speed limit.”

But, traffic-calming measures would cost an additional $250,000 to $400,000.

“That is what we would have to do unless the legislation changes. Now, I’m pretty optimistic that the legislation will change at some point; I just don’t know when,” added Farynowski.

As a result, he recommended council adopt a phased approach focusing on a 55-block area identified in the town’s transportation plan.

This approach would cost about $71,000 for signage, with traffic calming implemented as needed.

“The benefits of the phased approach is, you know, it improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Farynowski.

“It’s cost-effective compared to the whole blanket approach, and it aligns with council’s strategic plans regarding connectivity, safety and environmental stewardship.”

Council voted in favour of this approach. Implimentation will be carried out over the next 5-10 years, beginning at the locations identified in the towns transportation plan

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Kootenay‑Central MLA Brittny Anderson is calling the closure of Selkirk College’s Victoria Street campus a blow not only to the local arts scene but to the broader community. 

The college announced the closure last week. The campus is home to the Kootenay Studio Arts, offering textile arts, ceramics and blacksmithing programs. 

Anderson said she was told about the closure a few weeks before the community learned of it and that she has been in close contact with the college ever since.