Fall is officially underway in the Prince George area and the Central Interior.
Meteorologist Matt Loney said the seasonal forecast, which came out at the start of September is showing above normal temperatures, but near normal precipitation for central BC.
“We get bi-weekly updates in the forecast office since then that kind of give you five-week snapshots in one-week increments,” he explained.
“This week and next week is showing above normal for central parts of the province with near normal temperatures.”
Getting into mid and late-October, Loney said the picture he’s seeing is around normal temperatures and possibly above normal precipitation.
For the short-term, Loney said there’s a bit of uncertainty this week.
“There’s a fairly significant jet stream that’s pointed at the west coast with quite a bit of moisture, in fact some areas of the coast are experiencing what we call an atmospheric river,” he said.
“Some of that moisture is going to leak into the Interior, as we’re seeing today in the form of rain showers.”
Loney said some of the details on what’s going to happen this week are hard to pinpoint, because models have a “variable take on what’s going to shake out.”
“I would say mostly on the timing of each of the weather system that comes through,” he said.
“We’re seeing some models having some challenges picking up the timing, so we’ve got a warm front coming through today (Monday), an associated cold front that’s going to come through, it looks like, sometime tomorrow.”
Loney said the only “reliable” day this week looks like Wednesday, which will be followed by more weather systems.
“Depending on the model, the timing of the rain or rain showers that pass through is not very well resolved yet by the computer models, which is a little bit unusual, given that it’s somewhat close at hand,” he explained.
An ordinary day at home quickly turned extraordinary for Nelson local Mari-Jo Mason upon discovering she matched 4/4 Extra numbers from the August 20, 2025 BC/49 draw, netting her a $500,000 prize.
She was at home and discovered she won big after checking her ticket on BCLC’s Lotto! App.
“I didn’t know what to say,” Mason recalled of the moment she realized she won. “I was really surprised!”
Mason was most excited to share the news of her win with her mom and is looking forward to her trip to the United Kingdom, thanks to her win.
On how it feels to win?
“It’s exciting. I’m so happy!”
The winning ticket was purchased at Stuart’s News on Lakeside Drive in Nelson.
So far in 2025, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $36 million in winnings from the Extra and more than $11 million from BC/49.
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Nanaimo RCMP are warning of a scam that targets wedding officiants.
Police heard of the scam from a woman who has been licensed to perform wedding ceremonies for many years. She informed RCMP that she received an email from someone by the name of Linda Joe asking her to officiate a wedding.
After rejecting the offer, the scammer continued to email her and a letter with a cheque for $2925 showed up.
According to police, the scammer said the money was for the officiant to pay for a photographer and was instructed to return any remaining funds.
“The complainant wasn’t buying it and could see that it had all the earmarks of a scam. She therefore stopped all communication, blocked the email and then reported the incident to the Nanaimo RCMP,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
An investigation found the name and address on the cheque were fake and the bank listed was located in Florida.
Let it be known that National Forest Week is hereby underway in Campbell River.
The City issued an official proclamation over the weekend that National Forest Week shall be observed in the community until September 27.
The proclamation, signed by mayor Kermit Dahl, adds this one-week campaign will be recognized by other communities and individuals across the country under the theme “Roots to Resilience”.
It adds Campbell River’s residents rely on its surrounding forests for livelihood, health and recreation.
Find the official proclamation on the City’s Facebook page.
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams across Canada and the United States are taking flight over the Comox Valley this week.
19 Wing Comox is hosting the National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2025) across the Comox Valley this week to test interoperability and share best practices between SAR teams.
The training exercise will also bring in participants from Brazil, Chile, and Spain who also fly CC-295 for SAR missions in their home countries.
Over the week, residents will notice an increase in noise and air traffic activity over Mid-Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Crews will be conducting low-altitude flights, parachute operations, hoist exercises and maritime SAR scenarios.
Monday’s training will feature SAR crews launching red pen flares at Goose Spit Park at three different times; starting at 10:30 a.m., then noon, and again at 3:30 p.m.
The last training scenario will happen Friday, September 26 at Air Force Beach and public access in the area will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The campground will remain open during the exercise, but campers are being asked to avoid the area, with signage and personnel to be in place to ensure public safety.
It’s a busy week for Prince George City Council who have nine meetings with eight ministries at the UBCM Convention in Victoria.
Brian Skakun is one of many representing the city and says he would like to see some progress on a very important topic.
“One thing that has really been pushed by Prince George is hydrogen corridor development. We know that we need some sort of hydrogen processing as we are working with the province and other local governments to try and get something happening with that regard.”
Skakun says topics like bail reform, conservation officers as well as compensation from the province regarding municipal fire services providing pre-hospital emergency care.
“What we want to do is make sure the province can help out in some fashion because our fire department is at all the medical calls. They are actually attending more medical calls now that we actually attend to fire and other emergencies.”
“We have the premiers ear he knows we are coming with an ask along with the other ministers but this is an opportunity to come up once a year to get council and the administration in the same room with the different ministers as we are also meeting with Adrian Dix and Terry Yung.”
Mayor and Council meet with Premier David Eby on Thursday.
Another forward has been added to the mix by the Prince George Spruce Kings.
19-ear-old Jackson Froysland agreed to join the BCHL club today (Monday).
Froysland, is from Byron Center, Michigan and played last season with the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL.
In 50 games, Jackson scored 24 goals and added 17 assists for 41 points. He also had 3 goals and 10 assists in 15 playoff games.
Prior to playing in the CCHL, Froysland won the Michigan Mr. Hockey Award in 2024 after leading Byron Center High to the Tier 2 State Championship, scoring 29 goals and adding 36 assists in 24 games, before scoring eight times and adding five helpers in five playoff games.
The Rocky Mountain District’s wildfire risk reduction team will be conducting mitigation work in the Cranbrook community forest over the coming months.
Crews will be removing surface fuels and widening the spacing between trees.
Debris will be piled in piles no larger than 2 metres tall and 3 metres wide and burnt when conditions allow.
It will cover 20.5 hectares to the east of the College of the Rockies in and around the Mistletoe Lane recreation trail.
Work will start up this month and run until March 2026.
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Trail residents now have access to expanded primary care with the opening of a new community health centre.
The Lower Columbia Community Health Centre, at 106–1101 Dewdney Ave., soft-opened on July 21 and is expected to connect more than 7,200 patients in the area with a family nurse or practitioner once fully operational.
The B.C. government said the facility will also have about 17.9 full-time equivalent clinical staff, plus relief staff, one full-time executive director and a 0.2 full-time medical director.
Currently, there are about 10 full-time equivalent staff working at the site, including:
3.6 full-time equivalent family physicians
1.75 full-time equivalent nurse practitioners
2.5 full-time equivalent social workers
0.9 full-time equivalent community health worker
one full-time executive director
0.2 full-time medical director
The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. On Saturdays it is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s operated by the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Society, a non-profit group that provides holistic and accessible health care in the Kootenay region.
The province provided just over $2 million to launch the centre, most of that will be used for tenant improvements.
Ongoing funding for operations is set at $1.63 million per year
The project was made possible through the collaboration of the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice, Interior Health and the Ministry of Health.
The building is part of the Kootenay Boundary Primary Care Network, which brings together health-care providers throughout the region to improve access to team-based, comprehensive and culturally safe primary care.
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The sister of a missing South Cariboo woman issued a plea for new information that could assist the North District Major Crime Unit (NDMCU) who is now leading the investigation.
The last known sighting of 51-year-old Jennifer Provencal was in Forest Grove, near 100 Mile House on February 5 2025.
She was reported missing April 21, 2025.
Her disappearance is suspicious and RCMP believe it may be the result of foul play.
“With the circumstances of her going missing, I’m sad to say that I don’t think Jennifer is alive,” her sister Johanne Provencal said in a release.
Police believe there are people with critical information in the case that have not yet spoken with investigators.
“Our investigators continue to explore all avenues in our search for Jennifer.” NDMCU Corporal David Bandurak stated in a release, “While her disappearance is suspicious, we have not given up hope in locating her and finding answers for her loved ones. “If you have any information that could help, even if it seems minor, please contact police.”
Her sister Johanne Provencal is also making a plea for anyone with information to come forward.
“If there’s anything that you think of that can be of help in finding out where she is, or where her remains are, please reach out.”
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Jennifer Provencal is asked to contact 100 Mile House RCMP 250-395-2456 and quote file 2025-1254.
Police, Search and Rescue and conservation officers in Alberta are still searching for a five-year-old boy who disappeared near a campground on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Police said Darius Macdougall was reported missing around 11:30 a.m. and was last seen walking with family near the Island lake Campground.
The campground is around the BC/Alberta border between Sparwood and Crowsnest Lake.
He is described as being four-feet tall with short brown hair and he was last seen wearing a blue/grey hoodie and sweat pants.
(Supplied by RCMP)
Police said he has a medical issue which may prevent him from responding to others.
Search and Rescue teams from both Alberta and B.C. have responded and are asking people to avoid the area so thermal imaging drones and search dogs can canvas the area without distraction.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP at 403-562-2866.
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A quick trip to Cowtown netted a loss and a tie for the UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer team.
On Saturday, a pair of two goal performances by Owen Antoniuk and Kimia Kassanda paced the high-flying Calgary Dinos (7-2) to a 4-2 victory over the T-Wolves (3-4-1) at McMahon Stadium.
Kassanda got the hosts off to a fast start, rippling the onion bag ninety seconds into the match.
Antoniuk notched his eighth of the season past UNBC goalkeeper Logan Pierce for an early 2-0 stranglehold.
First-year sniper Jamie Wildash-Chan found the back of the net for the Timberwolves collecting a Wyatt Lyon feed in the 17th minute making no mistake against Dinos goalkeeper Hany Shafie.
Prior to halftime, Antoniuk collected his second of the match in the 42-minute.
Kassanda made it 4-1 Dinos in the 64th minute to extend the advantage to three goals.
Charlie Stewart scored on a penalty kick in the 90th minute to make the score a little closer for UNBC.
A Sunday matinee against the Mount Royal Cougars (4-1-4) proved to be exciting earning a 3-3 draw in a game that drew six yellow cards in total.
UNBC got off to a much better start on the road thanks to an own goal by the Cougars in the 15th minute.
Mark Talisuna doubled the lead for the Timberwolves in the 30th minute unassisted beating goalkeeper Sjard Strauss.
Skyler Rogers cut the deficit in half two minutes later for the Cougars.
The quick-strike offense continued minutes later as Pip van der Ende notched a goal of the candidate to put the Timberwolves up 3-1.
Before the end of the half, Jonathan Walter replied for Mount Royal to make it a one-goal game again.
The Cougars evened the score for good in the 89th minute as Chana Chanda collected his sixth of the campaign past T-Wolves goalkeeper Logan Pierce.
UNBC sits 3-4-2 tied for fourth with Trinity Western for the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
The T-Wolves welcome Fraser Valley (4-1-2) to Masich Place Stadium Friday at 11am and Saturday at noon.
Photo credit Harsh Banga/UNBC Timberwolves.
In women’s soccer, UNBC dropped a 5-0 decision at the hands of the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack in Kamloops.
TRU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half courtesy of goals from Alexis Virgo and Mackenzie Lalonde.
The Wolfpack upped the ante offensively in the final 45 minutes as Esi Lufo rippled the onion bag twice on T-Wolves goalkeeper Johanna Rathke.
Makenna Ford added a single.
It was another firing line for Rathke in defeat making 12 saves on 17 shots in defeat.
UNBC drops to 0-8 and will travel to Victoria to play the Vikes (2-2-2) Friday and Saturday at 5pm.
It was a mixed bag of results for the Cariboo Cougars in their season-opening double header against the Thompson Blazers in Kamloops.
On Saturday, the U18 Cougars outlasted the Blazers by a 4-2 score. Riley Lettington, Connor Feeney, Jaxon Larmand and Kadric Mujcin lit the lamp in the victory.
Ivan Anderson collected the win in goal.
Thompson pushed back with a vengeance yesterday (Sunday) with a 7-2 victory at Sandman Centre.
Chris Feeley and Linden Delleman set the pace offensively for the Blazers notching two first period goals.
Roman O’Reagan made it 3-0 for the hosts at 5:40 of the second period. Kadric Mujcin replied for Cariboo to trim the deficit to two.
Dellemen lit the lamp for the second time while Thompson also received a pair of goals from Colton Sitter. Keegan Sanders ended the second period onslaught with the Blazers fourth power-play goal of the game.
Dylan Stanley added a single in the third for Cariboo who drops to 1-1.
The U18 AAA Cougars host the Valley West Giants (1-1) Saturday (6:30pm) and Sunday (11:45am) from Kin 1.
It was a perfect weekend for the U15 Cariboo Cougars going 4-0 at the BC Elite Hockey League regular season showcase in Langley.
Cariboo collected a pair of shutout victories against the Greater Vancouver Canadians Friday (5-0) and Sunday (3-0).
Goaltenders Linden Green and Jayden Avery each pitched a shutout against GVC while Ryland Lemp feasted offensively with four goals in two games – including a pair shorthanded on Sunday.
The Cougars conquered a Saturday double-header with 6-3 and 5-2 victories over the Valley West Giants and Vancouver Northwest Hawks.
Against the Giants, Lemp continued his offensive hot streak with his fifth of the showcase while Evan Bragg, Madden Wheldon, Tristen Schmidt, Hendrick Hesselgrave and Cooper Armstrong also found the back of the net.
Green picked up the win in net.
In their showdown against the Hawks, Lemp picked up his sixth of the showcase while Hesselgrave and Armstrong found the net for the second consecutive game.
Taylor McKay and Warner Callender added singles.
The U15 AAA Cougars welcome the Thompson Blazers (2-1-0-1) Saturday (3:45pm) and Sunday (9:00am) from Kin 1.
After a bye-week, the U17 Cariboo program (2-0) travels to the Lower Mainland for a pair of games against the Greater Vancouver Canadians (1-3).
Residents in South Quesnel are being advised that Gook Road near the Dragon Creek Dam will be closed for the next few days.
The road and provincial dam will undergo scheduled and routine maintenance in accordance with the provincial dam safety regulations.
Access to Quesnel Hydraulic Road from Gook Road will be unavailable all day on each day from September 23 to September 25.
The City of Quesnel says residents in the area will have to detour by going to the Highway 97 and Gook Road intersection.
The City is also taking this opportunity to look into replacing the dam’s gate structure in the coming year. The current gate structure has been in service for nearly 60 years.
Students and staff at Nanaimo-Ladysmith public school will honour the anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope this week with a marathon-style run from Ladysmith to Lantzville.
Students will take part in the three-day marathon starting on Sept. 23 at Ladysmith Secondary School.
Each school in the district will have a team of five to eight runners who together will cover more than 90 km.
“Celebrating the legacy of a true Canadian hero, Terry Fox, while fostering community spirit and raising awareness for cancer research is a privilege and a joy,” said Jacquie Poulin, assistant superintendent with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. Poulin organized a 2005 run and is again organizing this year’s run. “The support and enthusiasm from our schools and community partners has been truly overwhelming. We’re looking forward to an inspiring and impactful three days.”
Each school participating in the event is raising money for the Terry Fox Foundation.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary paid out over $1.3 million more in salary and expenses in 2024 compared to the year before, an increase of 11.2 per cent. At the same time, elected officials earned two per cent less.
According to the RDKB’s annual statement of financial information, approved at last week’s board meeting, total payroll costs last year were $13.3 million, compared to $11.9 million a year earlier.
Sixty-eight staff made at least $75,000 as a base salary, which was exactly the same as the year before. Thirty-two people made at least $100,000, which was down from 33 the previous year. The number making at least $200,000 grew from one to four, plus two more made $200,000 when salary and expenses were combined.
Many top earners were members of Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue. Those at the very top of the list, ranked by base salary, were as follows:
Name
Title
Salary
Expenses
Total
Ryan Smyth
Firefighter (captain)
$234,420
$332
$234,752
Mark Andison
Chief administrator
$224,254
$13,851
$238,108
Clayton Alderson
Firefighter (15th year)
$214,100
$1,803
$215,904
Jason Milne
Firefighter (captain)
$200,359
$4,258
$204,616
Kyle Boutin
Firefighter (10th year)
$199,985
$2,668
$202,653
James Chandler
Deputy chief administrator
$198,327
$10,397
$208,724
Smyth, Andison, Alderson, and Chandler was also among the highest paid in 2023.
Among the elected officials, the combined stipends of about $470,419 and expenses of $105,838 came to a total of $576,257. That was actually down from the previous year, when the board was collectively paid $478,118 and claimed $109,658 in expenses for a total of $587,776 — a decrease of $11,519, or about two per cent.
Rural directors are paid more than municipal directors, recognizing that the latter also receive stipends for serving on their respective councils. The chair and vice-chair receive additional remuneration. Alternate directors are only paid for attending meetings in the absence of the regular director.
Director-by-director totals are as follows. Andy Morel took over as board chair in November 2024 from Linda Worley, and Terry Martin took over as vice-chair at the same time from Ali Grieve. Bill Wenman was appointed director for Fruitvale after Steve Morissette resigned, following his election as MLA for Kootenay-Monashee in October.
The trio of Cariboo Teams came out punchy in the opening weekend of the KIJHL season, and ended it dead even.
The first weekend showed both highs and lows in scoring for the Mustangs, River Rush and Wranglers. But a common theme has begun to occur. Teams facing the Cariboo teams are going to leave the ice battered and bruised.
Friday:
The Quesnel River Rush came out swinging against the Merritt Centennials to open the 2025/2026 season.
Lhtako Dene Nation Chief Clifford LeBrun (center left) and Elder Bryant Paul (center right) dropping ceremonil puck at the Quesnel River Rush home opener. [Photo Credit: KCP Photography]
While Merritt opened the scoring early on a power play off an Isaiah Bagri tripping penalty. The Rush answered back with a run of three goals. Gage Parrell scored the first Rush goal, followed by two goals, including the go-ahead, from Ian George.
It was a physical game on each side of the benches; both teams accumulated 25 penalty minutes, which boiled over to a fight between the Rush’s Rhyle Weaselhead and the Centennials’ Brando Purinton in the third period. Weaselhead and Purinton got majors and were ejected.
Merritt scored early in the third period, but a pair of goals from Isaiah Bagri for the Rush played the game’s final notes.
Starting their season on the road Friday night, the 100 Mile House Wranglers fell 4-2 against the Osoyoos Coyotes.
A scrappy game with both teams accumulating more than 30 penalty minutes, and the Wranglers’ Dawson Harden and the Coyotes’ Logan Messer getting majors and ejections in the second period.
Trace Reid and Austin Watts scored the Wranglers’ pair of goals.
Saturday:
100 Mile got some redemption the next day with a 3-2 overtime win in Kelowna against the Chiefs.
The Wranglers served 48 penalty minutes, made up mainly from misconducts.
Landen Janez and Dawson Harden scored during regualtion. Harden scored the game winner in overtime.
It was Williams Lake’s turn to face the Merritt Centennials on Saturday, and the Centennials took out all of their angst from losing to Quesnel on the Mustangs.
The Centennials tamed the Mustangs with a 5-3 win. While the Mustangs’ J.P Desabrais opened the scoring in the first, Merritt scored three in a row, before the Mustangs answered back in the second period with Logan Haulk’s goal.
Merritt opened the third period with a power play goal. Then Haulk got his second goal of the season, putting the Mustangs 1 behind. The Centennials ended the game with an empty net goal.
Sunday:
The Mustangs put on a scoring frenzy against the River Rush on Sunday to wrap up the weekend.
Despite Quesnel outshooting the Mustangs 33-25 throughout the contest. The Mustangs kept up consistent scoring runs to keep them ahead.
Alberto Kellgren and Declan Pocock for the Mustangs opened the scoring. Then Toren Fron put the River Rush on the board. J.P Desabrais then scored his second goal of the season to end the first period.
Quesnel River Rush #17, Rhett Schwab lines up to face off against Williams Lake Mustangs #19 JP Desabrais. [Photo credit KCP Photography]
The Mustangs kept up with scoring run with two unanswered goals in the second. Ian George for Quesnel scored his third goal of the season at the halfway mark of the period. Then the period ended with the Cariboo rivals trading blows along the boards.
The third period played out much like the latter half of the second period. Highly physical that slowed the game down, however more shots and chances. Logan Haulk scored his third of the season to give the Mustangs their final tally on the night. Isaiah Bagri also picked up his third goal of the season on a short-handed drive.
The Cariboo teams are sitting 1-1 at the end of week 1. The Kamloops Storm are in first in the Doug Birks Division at 2-0.
Next Week:
All three Cariboo teams are playing on the road in Week 2 of the KIJHL.
The Mustangs are heading to Beaver Valley to face the Nitehawks on Friday, September 26, and then to Nelson facing the Leafs on Saturday, September 27.
Quesnel heads to Spokane to face the Eagles on Friday, then to go against the Grand Forks Bruins on Saturday.
100 Mile House only has one game next week. It is their turn to face the Merritt Centennials on Tuesday, September 30.
Sports by Hartley Monday, September 22nd, 2025 (As of 12:05 a.m.)
WHL:
Prince George Cougars 7 Portland Winterhawks 2 (Saturday)
The Cougars took control early for the second consecutive night by scoring three goals in each of the first two periods in front of 3,764 fans at CN Centre.
It is the return of @PGCougars Catscan podcast. Coach/GM Mark Lamb discusses his thoughts on how new NCAA rules will impact the #WHL & potential trades he may make. In the 44 minute interview, he also talks about his changing roster, returning leaders & strength in the PG net. https://t.co/mmNQ1UkTnV
Chilliwack Chiefs 6 Prince George Spruce Kings 2 (Friday)
The Chiefs erased a 2-1 deficit by scoring twice in the 2nd and three more in the 3rd before nearly 2,000 fans on opening night in Chilliwack.
The (0-1) Spruce Kings have their home opener Friday night at 7:00 against the Surrey Eagles followed by a home game Saturday night at 6:00 against the Okotoks Oilers.
Mount Royal Cougars 3 UNBC Timberwolves 3 (Tie-Sunday in Calgary) Calgary Dinos 4 UNBC Timberwolves 2 (Saturday in Calgary)
The (3-4-2) UNBC men host the (4-1-2) Fraser Valley Cascades Friday morning at 11:00 and Saturday at noon.
(Women)
TRU Wolfpack 5 UNBC Timberwolves 0 (Saturday in Kamloops)
The (0-8) UNBC women play their next games against the (2-2-2) Vikes in Victoria Friday and Saturday night at 5:00.
The Okanagan Sun improved to 9-0 with a massive 94-0 victory Saturday night over the Langley Rams in the B.C. Football Conference (BCFC).
The (4-3-1) Prince George Kodiaks, with two regular season games left, host the (0-8) Kamloops Broncos Saturday night (September 27th) at 6:00 before closing on the road in Chilliwack against the (3-4-1) Valley Huskers on October 4th.
Prince George is in 3rd place in the 7-team league and with a win over Kamloops can clinch its first-ever playoff spot.
(The top four teams advance to the playoffs).
The BCFC standings: Okanagan 9-0 (clinched first place), Westshore 6-3, P.G. 4-3-1, Vancouver Island 3-4-1, Valley 3-4-1, Langley 2-5-1 and Kamloops 0-8.
The Kodiaks schedule and results can be found here.
The Blue Jays have officially clinched a playoff spot.
Toronto will host Boston in a 3 game series starting Tuesday (4:07 PM PT) before entertaining Tampa Bay in a 3-game series beginning Friday to wrap up the regular season.
The (90-66) Blue Jays have the best record in the American League and they lead the A.L. East by two games over the (88-68) New York Yankees.
The Yankees host the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and will also host the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros
The (86-69) Mariners lead the A.L. West by two games over the Astros.
Seattle will host the lowly Colorado Rockies Tuesday to Thursday before closing at home with a 3-game series against the LA Dodgers starting Friday.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is warning resident smoke may be visible in Central Landfill area, after a wood waste pile at the Central Subregion landfill started smoldering and generating smoke today, Sunday, Sept. 21.
“Contractors on site immediately worked to spread out the pile and are ensuring there are no remaining hot spots. While the situation is under control, they will continue to monitor.” said Loree Duczek.
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Prince George City Council has decided to wait for more information before making a decision on hosting watch parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At Wednesday’s meeting, City Council discussed a notice of motion put forward by Councillors Ron Polillo and Cori Ramsay, directing staff to work with a few local organizations to plan and execute outdoor watch parties to be held at Canada Games Plaza.
“This is about generating, we hope, some economic activity in the downtown core, and in particular that area around Canada Games Plaza,” Polillo said.
“We think will be a boost to businesses in that area as well too, and activating the Canada Game Plaza, which is a strategic priority for this Council.”
Polillo recognized hosting the parties would cost some money, but there’s potential for partnerships and sponsorships.
He added Council wasn’t making a decision then, but was asking staff to come up with some rough costs on what the event could look like.
Councillor Cori Ramsay noted there will be workshops on applying to host watch parties at the Union of BC Municipalities convention, taking place in Victoria this week.
“I know there’s going to be some staff time required for this, but it looks like UBCM is doing a lot of that work in advance to try and make it as easy as possible,” she said.
She added an application would have to go to FIFA in Q4 2025.
Councillor Brian Skakun said this event could be used to score political points ahead of next year’s municipal elections.
“Council would be able to take credit for this a couple of months before the election,” Skakun said.
“I don’t think we should be doing anything, especially next year, whoever’s running, putting on an event where your name is going to be tagged to that event. That’s just the way it goes.”
Skakun said there’s plenty of work ahead of Council on other issues, including public safety.
Councillor Kyle Sampson disagreed, saying Councillors shouldn’t be changing how they do things based on elections.
“I think that it would be inappropriate for any Council to change how they make decisions based on an election, if it’s good for the community, it’s good for the community,” he said.
However, Sampson added this is something that could be done through the private sector instead.
“I’m not sure if I think the City’s involvement should be to this degree, but if a proposal was to come forward from outside of us, to be hosting this type of event, and the City could maybe be a supporter, I would be more in favour of that,” Sampson said.
Ramsay put forward an amendment to have staff return a report on the information sessions from the UBCM convention.
“What I’m really curious about, is if the City can apply and then sub-lease those rights to non-profits so they’re not having to do all of the work,” she said.
Mayor Simon Yu said he was weary of hosting the party, saying this could set a precedent.
“It’s not because of political, it’s because today’s FIFA, next year’s Olympics, next Winter Olympics, it becomes perhaps too often,” he said.
Council ultimately voted in favor of Ramsay’s motion that called for a report from the information sessions.
No injuries were reported after North Cowichan Fire responded to a house fire on Alexander Street.
Deputy Fire Chief Chris Jancowski says the blaze happened around 2 a.m. and even though they know where it started, an investigation is still underway.
“It appears to have started outside of the house but that’ll be confirmed today,” says Jancowski, stating “the home was occupied, but there were no injuries to the occupants or the fire crew.”
He says thanks to the responding crews the fire was extinguished quickly.
The Prince George RCMP hosted a Block Watch Part at Shas Ti Kelly Road yesterday (Saturday).
This was one of four Block Watch Parties to be put on by the RCMP, each of them encompassed different parts of the city.
“We’re trying to re-engage with our Block Watch programs that we’ve had in the community for many years,” said Sgt. Craig Douglass.
“What we’ve done this year, in an effort to re-engage, is host four large Block Watch parties where we’re dividing essentially the City up into four and inviting the Block Watch programs in those areas to come out to meet us, and to engage with us so we can move forward and build with them.”
Douglass said about 2,000 homes were invited to the parties across the community.
“We are relatively small compared to, there’s 24,000 residences in Prince George, and we can’t be everywhere at once,” he said.
“It’s important that we engage the eyes of the community to help us identify problem areas and problem people, and as crimes happen and and report them, we are never too busy to take a call.”
Douglass said the goal moving forward is to move away from doing the bigger parties, and have smaller block watch parties.
New decorative bollards on Nanaimo’s commercial Street feature artwork from a late Snuneymuxw master carver. Joel Good’s piece feature Steelikim or Sea Serpent designs in the traditional Coast Salish style.
“Joel Good carried forward the teachings of our ancestors through his powerful art. We are thankful for his tremendous gift and the strength it provides. This lasting tribute to the land and its people enriches our community. We are grateful that more of Joel’s work can be experienced by all who visit our sacred territory,” said Michael Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nation chief.
The city says the additions to Commercial Street honour Snuneymuxw and the land. They were a result of the city’s urban design roster program.
The supernatural Steelikim is believed to offer power and protection and can be seen coiling the length of each bollard.
“The inclusion of his design in a permanent public setting is a lasting tribute to Joel’s artistic legacy and a gift to the people of Nanaimo,” the city says in a news release. “Although this was the last unreleased project that Joel worked on with the City of Nanaimo before he passed away, his family have taken the care to complete this project with the City of Nanaimo and are dedicated to carrying on his legacy that will live on through his art.”
The House of Friendship is having their 50th birthday, and they’re celebrating with speakers and live music.
The celebration will be held at the BC Forest Discovery Centre tomorrow (Sept. 22), and according to a media release, there will be three guest speakers on site and live music.
The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and will have Tzinquaw host the event and will have a variety of programs for the Indigenous community.
Heiiye’yu Lelum has been serving the community since 1975.
A main engine issue on board the Langdale to Horseshoe Bay ferry route has cancelled morning sailings, and BC Ferries says if the incident is unresolved more passengers could be stranded.
According to BC Ferries, they’re continuing to investigate what happened to the vessel’s main engine rotor.
All morning sailings have been canceled, and if repairs to the vessel don’t hold then additional crossings into Horseshoe Bay could be cancelled.
“We continue to investigate the issue with the main engine’s rotor,” reads a news release from BC Ferries. “But should the repair be unsuccessful, other sailings on this route are at risk of cancellation.”
Only two sailing trips are currently at risk of being canceled, including the 12:10 p.m, and the 1:15 p.m. out of Langdale.
BC Ferries says they’ve helped set up temporary service to help those affected by the delays.
“A water taxi has been sourced to provide service until further notice,” reads the news release.
BC Ferries says a notice will be provided if your reservations need to be cancelled, and alternate arrangements will be made.
The Cranbrook Public Library is hosting a postcard writing event on Tuesday, September 23rd, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the library. This informal event is a call to action for everyone who lives in Cranbrook and Area C to advocate for increased funding for the library.
The Library will provide postcards and pens for participants, so they can write to the provincial government, the City and the RDEK about why the Library matters. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the funding challenges facing the Library and the impact of this years’ service cuts.
“Without more support from our local and provincial governments, the Library will be forced to make more cuts to services in 2026,” said Ursula Brigl, Chief Librarian.
“This campaign is a critical opportunity for people to make their voices heard and help us secure the funding needed to maintain the vital services the Library provides to our community.”
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The Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE) is hosting the fourth annual Outdoor Summit October 2-3, 2025 at the Kimberley Alpine Resort’s Conference Centre.
The Summit is Canada’s only conference dedicated to the outdoor gear industry and the manufacturing and product design behind it all. Thought leaders and speakers from around North America will be giving presentations throughout the event.
Anyone who is interested in outdoor recreational equipment from skis and bikes to tents and tech-wear are invited to attend. Likewise, product designers, economic development practitioners, government professionals, academics, and investors will all find it valuable to visit the Summit. Themes to be explored include sustainability and the circular economy, academic and industry collaboration, and supply chain security among others.
“We are proud to be the leading rural economic incubator for the outdoor recreation industry in Canada,” says KORE Chair Matt Mosteller. “The annual Summit has become a must-attend event for anyone involved in the outdoor gear sector and the fact it happens in Kimberley, one of the greatest hubs of outdoor culture in the country, makes it that much better.”
This year’s roster of speakers includes engineers, designers, influencers, and CEOs of multi-million-dollar outdoor companies. There will also be active networking events involving mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and rock climbing and a fire-side social evening featuring live music.
Trail’s 531 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets have started their training year. This is a significant year as it marks the 75th anniversary of the squadron and the 50th year of females in the cadet program.
During the parade several cadets were promoted to new ranks. Promoted to Leading Air Cadet were Jeremy McCabe and Aston Palsson. Promoted to Corporal were Devin Allen, Dominic Baptiste, Dawson Hill, Luke Karn, Parker Kemball, Kylan Moreau, Matthew Morris, Ranto Rarivo, Jade Refrow, Agnes Upderwood and Liam Wong. Promoted to Flight Corporal were Tyler Denny, Molly Milne, Aidin Perepelkin-Redding and Piper Wehowsky.
Over the coming year, the cadets will be flying in both powered and glider aircraft, learning map and compass, attended several outdoor exercises and many other exciting activities.
On July 30, 1975, following the passing of Bill C-16, the National Defence Act was amended to allow “persons” instead of just “boys” to join. Today, girls are a significant and integral part of the program, representing a large portion of the total cadet population and contributing to the program’s success in leadership and national competitions
531 Squadron meets every Wednesday evening in the Kemball (Trail) Armoury at 1990 7th Ave, starting at 6:15 p.m.
Adults who would like to volunteer with the squadron are also welcome.
The cadet program is open to all Canadian youth from the ages of 12 to 18 regardless of income, race, religion, culture or other socio-economic factors. The program embraces Canada’s multiculturalism and offers young Canadian’s opportunities to interact with youth from other cultures.
The squadron was formed on March 2, 1951.
Over the training year cadets can travel, go flying in powered and unpowered aircraft and do outdoor activities.
Aston Palsson promoted to Leading Air Cadet by Major Kevin DeBiasio. (Photo submitted)Promoted to Flight Corporal Cadets promoted to Flight Corporal – Tyler Denny, Molly Milne, Aidin Perepelkin-Redding, Piper Wehowsky and Major Kevin DeBiasio. (Photo submitted)A glider prepares to take off at the Trail airport in the spring of 2025. (Photo submitted)
The preliminaries are done, exhibition season is long gone and the Prince George Cougars are still winning hockey games.
For the second night in a row, a re-tooled Cougars roster took no prisoners against the Portland Winterhawks coasting to a physical 7-2 victory in front of 3,764 fans at CN Centre Saturday night.
Similar to Friday’s 6-1 thumping, PG’s tenacious forecheck created havoc on an inexperienced Winterhawks blueline.
Carson Carels opened the scoring at 10:58 of the first period finishing off a broken play that started inside the Portland blueline.
Second-year forward Kayden Lemire drove the goal and was denied but some quick thinking by Brock Souch found the 17-year-old blueliner who made no mistake on Ondrej Stebetak.
Nathan Free evened the score for the Winterhawks as his one-time blast beat Cougars goalie Alexander Levshyn.
The lethal combination of Lemire and Souch would roar once again as Lemire finished off a feed from the former Okotoks Oiler to re-claim the lead at 2-1.
Through two games Lemire has four points – he had six in 66 games in 2024-25.
Less than two minutes later, Jett Lajoie continued his hot start to the season as a spin shot from inside the Winterhawks zone by Kooper Gizowski ticked the skate of Lajoie’s giving PG a 3-1 edge after 20 minutes of play.
Lee Shurgot began the middle frame as the first ended, with a tap-in goal off a three-way play that began with the yeoman’s work of Gizowski and Lajoie.
Jett Lajoie celebrates one of his four goals against the Portland Winterhawks. Photo credit James Doyle/PG Cougars.
Lajoie added his second of the game off a long pass that connected from a Cougars blueliner.
The 18-year-old from Winnipeg squeaked the puck past the struggling Stebetak.
The bad blood between these two long-time playoff rivals reached another boiling point in the second as Lemire took a hit away from the play and returned while Patrick Sopiarz was on the wrong end of an undetected slough foot and left the game.
After that the Cougars, upped the physicality as Arsenii Anisimov and Ryan Miller dropped the gloves in front of the benches much to the delight of the home crowd.
Dmitri Yakutsenak tallied his 1st WHL goal on the power-play by parking himself in the slot and making no mistake on a Shurgot pass.
Prior to intermission, Levshyn brought the crowd to its feet after stopping Free on a breakaway. The puck bounced along the mask and shoulder before doing a half flip and back elbow poke to get the puck out of the danger area.
Jordan Duguay scored in the third to make the score a tad more respectable for the reeling visitors.
Souch finished the offensive explosion with a nice wrist shot goal on the man advantage.
Portland outshot the Cougars 32-27 but went 1-for-4 on the power-play while PG was 2-for-6.
The Cougars (2-0) were able to score 12 goals even with key pieces like Josh Ravensbergen, Terik Parascak, Corbin Vaughan and Aiden Foster away at NHL training camps.
Portland was also without a few important cogs, which included the likes of Alex Weiermaier, Carter Southeran, Max Psienicka and Tyson Yaremko.
In an odd schedule quirk, the Cougars find themselves off for the next 12 days before heading to Spokane for a two-game set against the Chiefs October 3rd and 4th.
Cole Waldie will have all the action on 94.3 The Goat.
A fire in the West Fraser Centre on Saturday afternoon almost caused the Quesnel Kangaroos’ season opener to be canceled. But the show will go on.
The call of a fire came to the Quesnel Fire Department at approximately 1:00 pm, interrupting and cancelling a Quesnel Minor Hockey afternoon skate and training session.
“There was a fire in the lower floor men’s washroom, which was partially extinguished by the sprinkler system, and a good Samaritan was able to extinguish the remaining fire with some fire extinguishers,” says Fire Chief Ron Richert.
“We are still investigating the cause of the fire, and we are working with the RCMP.”
Captain Christian Lemire and Fire Chief Ron Richert test for heat and fire hazards in the men’s foyer washroom in WFC. [Photo by Karen Powell, QFD Photographer]
The fire caused water damage to the washroom, and the Hockey Office, located on the other side of the wall, was flooded. No one was injured in the fire, and all parents and kids were evacuated quickly.
Concord Restoration was called and was able to get to West Fraser Centre promptly. The arena’s Building Manager and Maintenance Manager gave the go-ahead that the lobby and suppressed areas will be cleaned up in time.
With the caveat that there will only be one washroom available for Men going to the Roos game.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. will be hosting free workshops in Prince George next week.
Three workshops will be aimed at offering caregivers practical tools and emotional support while caring for a person with dementia.
Each workshop covers different topics, which are the family caregiver workshop, transitions along the dementia journey, and transition to long-term care and adjusting to a new environment.
Support and Education Coordinator Tara Hildebrand said the workshop will help allow caregivers be frank in their discussions.
“We also need to be able to have caregivers have a space to be able to have those real raw and honest conversations.”
“We need them to learn about their person’s disease and be able to talk about what their experiences are, without talking about their person right in front of them.”
Hildebrand said PG will be moving forward with more programs, with a new Northern Regional Coordinator for Community Services.
The three workshops will be at the Canfor Leisure Pool from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.
More information and how to sign up can be found here.
From humble beginnings at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College to becoming a stuntman and Jackass icon to stand-up comedy, Steve-O continues to push the boundaries with his ever-evolving Crash and Burn Western Canada Tour.
Steve-O performs Oct. 6 in Nanaimo at the Port Theatre.
Not only is Steve-O a television and big screen legend, he’s also a best-selling author, produces content for his YouTube channel and is a podcast host.
“The show I’m performing has really come together in spectacular fashion. So, it’s a treat to get on stage,” he says.
Canada has always been good to Steve-O, and he loves it. “I value my Canadian passport so much. I always have.”
Steve-O’s live show is a very unique format. “My show is multimedia, which means the act I perform is illustrated, punctuated by videos that play intermittently throughout the show.”
“It’s a format I stumbled on that just works fantastically well, as far as being able to bring all my different lanes into one event,” he adds.
He learned a few things from his previous tour, The Bucket List, as he filmed all new material with no insurance and, “no regard for laws.”
“I absolutely pushed the boundaries way further than I ever could for Jackass and all the material was fresh and new.”
“The footage that played throughout the show was completely unseen. And there was no way to see it other than on the tour. And it was absolutely awesome.”
But it felt like he had a major uphill battle to try to compete with the last tour. “I’ve been consistently working on it. I’ll continue to work on it. It improves all the time. I’m thrilled with my Crash and Burn show.”
“It’s naughty as hell. If you can imagine an extra explicit, Jackass movie colliding with a stand-up comedy show. That’s really what it is. And the only issue I have is I have no clue how I’m going to follow this and do it again. That’s been kind of the story of my career. Every project has been so daunting to compete with everything. I always try to raise the bar and find fresh, new and original stuff. But my wheels never stop turning, so I kind of can imagine where it all goes next.”
Steve-O and friends, including Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera, helped create reality-based video stunts for a mass audience’s consumption.
Today, with social media and online video streaming dominating our lives, would Steve-O rise above all the noise if he had been born 20 years later and grown up in the digital era?
“At the time, when I broke into the entertainment industry, the video camera was not even a household item. When I first started making videos, there was no Internet,” he explains. “When I first got noticed, there was no such thing as videos playing on the Internet. To get people to see my videos, I literally had to connect two VCRs together, hit play on one and record on the other. That was my method of editing and duplicating videotapes.”
“Once I edited them and duplicated them, I literally walked to the post office to physically mail videotapes to anybody who I thought might watch them. At the time, there was nobody doing that. There was a lot less competition for people’s attention.”
Steve-O is profoundly grateful to have been able to do that and get himself noticed without having to compete with so much more noise. “Now, with everybody having a video camera in their pocket, as well as the ability to edit it and upload it, there’s so much noise to compete with.”
There’s so much more content to try to rise above and stick out in, he notes. “I think it would be considerably more challenging for me if I was born 20 years later. I also genuinely believe I’m such a persistent bastard I would have persevered and been tireless. That was the story of my whole beginning. I’ve always been this tireless, persistent attention whore. I believe I never would have given up until I found my way.”
If there’s a theme of the new show, it’s Steve-O doing battle with father time. “I think the activity I’ve been maintaining, the level of intensity I’ve been operating at, I think would make Tom Cruise very proud. I think this show, if Tom Cruise was a member of Jackass, I think what he would be doing would look a lot like this show. Really high-level physical stunts with a very naughty Jackass twist on it,” he jokes.
Limited tickets are still available for the upcoming show. For more information or to purchase tickets check out porttheatre.com or steveo.com.
Vancouver Island’s annual pediatric cancer fighting cycling event, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, has begun.
Over 14 days, a team of 18 emergency service personnel will ride from Port Alice all the way Victoria, with a goal of raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
According to the Canadian Cancer society, donations made through Cops for Cancer are used to fund life-saving pediatric cancer research and support programs like Camp Goodtimes.
“[The ride] is about 1,200 kilometres,” says Colleen Holbrook, rider and member of the RCMP. “We are going to be engaging in different communities and meeting with kids and businesses.”
Donations can be made online on the Canadian Cancer Society, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock 2025 website.
Emergency service crews that took part in this year’s Cops for Cancer Tour de North wrapped up their seven day ride on Thursday in Prince Rupert.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), the annual event raised $245,545.26, which will go towards childhood cancer research and programs like Camp Goodtimes.
“Every year, an estimated 1,000 children in Canada are diagnosed with cancer.”
“Thanks to our riders, we’re able to invest in life-saving research and provide crucial support programs like Camp Goodtimes.” said Cops for Cancer Director, Matthew Campbell.
During their journey, riders made stops at events across Northern BC to engage local communities, businesses and schools en route, raising funds.
In the last five years, CCS invested $13 million in childhood cancer research, contributing to improved outcomes as the 5-year survival rate for childhood cancer is now 84%, compared to 71% in the 1980s.
More information and where to donate can be found on the Cops for Cancer website here.
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) is inviting community members to participate in a series of hands-on events this fall at the Harrop Wetland and to join the upcoming Kootenay Lake Summit. These events offer a chance to learn, connect, and contribute to the long-term ecological health of Kootenay Lake and its wetlands.
This year’s fall programming includes:
September 27 – Field Day: Volunteers will help fence treatment areas where invasive species have been removed this season. This work protects newly restored sites and supports ongoing wetland recovery.
October 18 – Fall Planting Day: Participants will be planting native wetland species within treatment areas to help re-establish a healthy ecosystem. Community members who have been propagating native wetland plants at home are encouraged to bring their plants to contribute.
October 25 – Fall Kootenay Lake Summit (Harrop): This year’s summit returns to Harrop, bringing together residents, stewardship groups, and experts from across the watershed. The event will feature presentations, discussion, and a (tentative) guided tour of the Harrop Wetland to showcase this season’s restoration work. Participants will also be invited to help shape the next five-year workplan for FoKLSS.
FoKLSS Summer Stewardship Program Coordinator, Raine Freeman, shares what makes these events special:
“What has always inspired me about attending stewardship events is how quickly having a shared goal deepens my connection with the people attending, and also with the place that I’m working. I enjoy arriving as strangers, and leaving with new friends. When I contribute to the ecological health of an area it also feels like I’ve befriended the land where I’m working. Now, every time I’m nearby I’ll want to check on how it’s doing. I look forward to building more relationships with the different, but connected, waterways that are a unifying thread through the Kootenays.”
The Kootenay Lake Summit is an annual celebration of the lake and its communities. Over the past 12 years, themes have ranged from the history of Kootenay Lake to the impacts of climate change and land use. Each year, 100–120 participants gather to enjoy a delicious meal, local music, and presentations from Ktunaxa leaders, local experts, and stewardship groups. Hosted at a different location around the watershed each year, the Summit is a cornerstone event for collaboration and learning.
Find more information about the Harrop Wetland events:Facebook page
As of yesterday (Friday) there are currently 22 active wildfires within the Cariboo Fire Centre.
Fire Information Officer Jessica Mack said three of those are within the Quesnel Fire Zone, one is out of control, one being held and one is under control.
“We have ten active fires within the Chilcotin Fire Zone. Five of them are classified as out of control, two under control, and three that are being held and we do have two Incident Management Teams that are supporting the suppression efforts within that Fire Zone.”
Mack said they have five active fires that are within the 100 Mile Zone, four of which that are under control, and one out of control.
“And in the Central Cariboo Fire Zone we have four active fires. Two that are being held, one that is under control, and on that is out of control which is the Sueby Bay fire.”
Mack reminds the public that they still do have a Category 1 campfire prohibition throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre and the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title area until September 30.
The Symphony of the Kootenays proudly opens its 50th Anniversary Season with a cinematic celebration of sound and storytelling. Magic & Mystery: Movie Magic from the Witching Hour and Beyond will take place on October 4 at the Key City Theatre in Cranbrook, promising an unforgettable evening of music that conjures worlds, stirs memories, and awakens the imagination.
Audiences will be transported through some of the most iconic film scores ever composed, including selections from Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, Wednesday, Fantasia, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Psycho.
From sweeping fantasy to spine-tingling suspense, the program is designed to enchant listeners of all ages.
Adding a personal and celebratory touch to the evening, the Symphony will premiere a new work by Robin Clegg, longtime member and chair of the percussion section. His original composition marks a milestone moment in the orchestra’s history and reflects the creativity and dedication that have shaped the ensemble over five decades.
In honor of this landmark season, guests will be invited to join a champagne toast following intermission, celebrating the beginning of a four-concert series that commemorates fifty years of musical excellence in the Kootenays.
Prior to the performance, the Symphony will host its Annual General Meeting at 2:15 PM in the Key City Theatre Green Room.
Community members are encouraged to attend, and memberships are available for $10, granting voting privileges and a voice in the future of the organization.
Tickets for Magic & Mystery are available now through the Key City Theatre box office. For more information, visit www.sotk.ca.
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The Sunshine Coast Regional District has adopted a new strategy to guide water management over the next decade.
The SCRD Water Strategy 2025-2035 outlines a roadmap for building sustainable, resilient water systems.
“This strategy goes beyond planning and sets out the objectives that will guide the development of our water systems on the Sunshine Coast,” says SCRD board chair, Alton Toth. “It’s a roadmap for predictable service delivery for the next ten years.”
A news release from the SCRD notes the strategy responds to pressures such as climate change and increased demand.
Four priorities form the foundation of the plan. The first is a target to increase water supply to provide at least 750 litres of water per household per day during the summer months. The plan says it will be achieved by diversifying water sources and optimizing infrastructure.
Investment in infrastructure is the second priority, including specific upgrades to improve firefighting capabilities in some areas.
The third priority is efficiency – reducing outdoor use of drinking water and metering usage to inform operational efficiency. The SCRD says it will also explore opportunities to use non-potable water for making ice at arenas and irrigation of sports fields.
The final priority is protecting water sources.
“The SCRD looks to continue collaborating with regional partners and community members on monitoring programs for local watersheds and aquifers that provide drinking water to the region,” the SCRD says. “Community education and advocacy with all levels of government to protect these vital ecosystems will be prioritized.
The Prince George Cougars opened their season with a 6-1 win over the Portland Winterhawks in front of 4,252 fans at the CN Centre.
“I really liked our first period, I thought we came out really strong,” said Cougars Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb on the post-game show on 94.3 the Goat.
“In the second period we started turning some pucks over, I thought we were kind of playing the score a bit, then in the third period we locked it down pretty good.”
The Cougars came out flying in the first, scoring three times and holding the Winterhawks to just six shots in the period.
After a second period that saw little action, the Cougars closed out the game with three more goals in the third.
The Cougars were missing Terik Parascak, Aiden Foster, Corbin Vaughan and Josh Ravensbergen who are all still at NHL camps, giving a lot of the new faces around the team an opportunity to shine.
“There’s a lot of good things that happened tonight, there was a lot of nerves at the start, especially for our goalie, he was very nervous, and he played great,” Lamb said.
“Everybody has to play their first game at some point, and I thought the guys that it was their first game, they did a really good job.”
Alexander Levshyn, an import goalie from Ukraine, looked good in his first start between the pipes for the Cats, making 19 saves on 20 shots.
The lone goal to get by Levshyn came off a perfect shot from the stick of Portland veteran Ryan Miller in the first period.
Souch also made a highlight reel assist in the opening stanza, dancing around the Portland defenders to set up Kayden Lemire for the Cougars’ second on the night.
You might have spotted a large metal structure constructed recently on the Fort Shepherd flats south of Trail. Turns out it’s for new safety signage being put up along the Columbia River by FortisBC.
Holly Harrison with the company said the structure will support one of six signs, intended to alert the public to potential hazards and restricted zones near the Waneta dam.
“These signs are designed to alert the public to potential hazards and restricted zones near dam sites where water conditions can change rapidly and without warning,” she said in an email.
“This initiative is part of our broader public safety efforts to reduce risks around the dams we operate. Activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing near spillways or restricted zones can be dangerous due to sudden water releases and strong currents. For boater safety in particular, it’s essential that signage is clearly visible from the river.”
Dianna Stenberg, executive director of The Land Conservancy of B.C., which manages the Fort Shepherd conservancy, said in an email that installing the new signs has been “carefully planned to respect the sensitive environment” of the area.
She said they chose a location that had already been heavily disturbed by historic placer mining, and avoided sensitive areas, including native plant communities and an otter nesting site and slide.
“Exclusion zones were set up to protect native plants, and contractors followed strict environmental safeguards, including chance-find procedures for any archaeological materials and measures to prevent the spread of invasive species,” Stenberg said.
She added that The Land Conservancy will complete a final walk-through inspection and the area will be monitored for three years to catch and control any invasive weeds.
“This collaborative approach reflects our shared commitment to protecting the natural and cultural values of Fort Shepherd while supporting the safety and well-being of the Trail community,” she said.
It’s becoming an all too familiar feeling for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Another trip to the Fraser Valley turned out to be a bust as the Chilliwack Chiefs tallied five unanswered goals enroute to a 6-2 victory Friday night to begin the BCHL regular season.
The Spruce Kings found themselves ahead after the first 20 minutes taking a 2-1 lead after some quick strike offense from Marcus Lougheed and Michael Denney lighting the lamp three seconds apart.
Darik Olson provided the turning point of the game for the host Chiefs scoring shorthanded 8:13 into the second period.
Six minutes later, Ryan Small put Chilliwack ahead for good capitalizing on a scoring play from Olson and Nico Grabas beating PG netminder Colin Reay.
The offensive tsunami reached another gear in the third period as Jack Plandowski, Ty Campbell and Milan Mrsic delivered the knockout blows 1:19 apart.
Friday’s lid lifter proved once again both teams have no love lost between one another.
Spruce Kings captain Isaac Holt and Chilliwack forward Dustin Renas received fighting majors and game misconducts with 3:47 remaining.
Grabas (Chilliwack) and Carter Hesselgrave (PG) were given misconducts in the same sequence.
Olivier Beaulieu opened the scoring for Chilliwack at 4:49 of the first period.
The Chiefs outshot PG 29-24 while going 1-for-2 on the power-play. The Spruce Kings failed to score in their two opportunities.
Reay made 23 saves in defeat. Ben Laurette picked up the win in goal for Chilliwack stopping 21 PG pucks.
Since winning 3-2 over the Chiefs on September 21st, 2024, Prince George has lost eight consecutive games at the Chilliwack Coliseum including all four trips during its hard-fought first round playoff exit in the spring.
PG (0-1) is off until next Friday (September 26th) when they play the Surrey Eagles (0-1) in their home opener at 7pm from the Kopar Memorial Arena.
Surrey was whitewashed in its lid lifter tonight (Friday) against the Cowichan Valley Capitals dropping an 8-0 decision.
Bob Adams, a Métis elder and longtime Nelson public works director and city councillor, has died at 82.
Adams, his wife Lynn, and their two children came to Nelson from Estevan, Sask., in 1978, when he accepted a position with the city.
Under his watch, the city upgraded the sewage treatment plant and Civic Centre. The biggest emergency he recalled occurred in the mid-1980s, when the Five Mile water line broke in the middle of winter and Anderson Creek filled up with gravel. The city then drew exclusively from Selous Creek, which had enough water to last three weeks.
“Had that happened in the summer,” he told the Nelson Daily News, “we would have been in deep do-do.”
Adams retired in 2004, after 26 years of service, but his absence from municipal circles was short-lived. In 2005, he ran successfully for city council, polling the second-highest number of votes.
Adams was re-elected in 2008, 2011, and 2014, but lost his seat in 2018, soon after the death of his wife Lynn. Afterward, he moved back to Saskatchewan to be closer to family.
Adams was active in a number of groups in Nelson including the Izu-Shi Friendship Society, the Kinsmen, and the Kootenay Region Métis Association. Each year, Adams presided as the Métis flag was raised at city hall on Louis Riel Day.
At his urging in 2018, city council kept the phrase “aboriginal persons” in the acknowledgement that began each council meeting rather than changing it to “Indigenous persons.”
In 2012, Adams was among the local recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service. It was presented in honour of his service to the city and the Métis Nation of BC.
Adams also served as a justice of the peace in BC and Saskatchewan.
According to his obituary, Adams died this month in North Battleford. A celebration of his life is planned Oct. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hume Hotel.
As city councillor, Bob Adams is flanked by fellow councillor Valerie Warmington and city IT manager Allison Sutherland at the inauguration of the new parking pay kiosk at the corner of Hall and Baker in 2017. (Photo submitted)Bob Adams (far right) is seen at his final city council meeting in 2018. Also pictured from left are then-councillors Anna Purcell, Deb Kozak, Michael Dailly, Janice Morrison, and Robin Cherbo. (Greg Nesteroff/Vista Radio)
An annual fundraising event to support Comox Valley seniors is taking some big steps this weekend.
The Glacier View Lodge Society is welcoming walkers to support its 2025 Walk for Glacier View, individual walkers or teams will take a scenic 2 kilometre walk around the lodge while taking in a bake sale, live music and other entertainment.
Funds raised through the event will be used to support wellness programs for seniors, such as music therapy, while building momentum for future seniors’ housing initiatives.
The society says it’s already reached 85 per cent of its fundraising goal, and they are hoping this weekend’s event will help them step past the finish line.
“Together, we can make a real difference for the seniors who built our community, while planning ahead for affordable housing that ensures their future,” says Glacier View Lodge board chair James Taylor.
Check in goes at 12:30 at Glacier View Lodge in Courtenay Sunday, September 21, the walk gets moving at 1:00 pm.
Click here for more information on how to register.
– Article contains information and image supplied by Glacier View Lodge
A search and rescue team enlisted the services of new technology to locate and assist a missing man in Nanaimo. Vancouver-based North Shore Rescue assisted Nanaimo Search and Rescue with a helicopter equipped with a LifeSeeker phone locating unit on Friday, Sept. 19.
“A helicopter rescue team flew to the area and, after aerial searching, was able to pinpoint the subject’s cell phone using the LifeSeeker. The team was able to land nearby, locate it (and the subject, who was very happy to see rescuers), provide aid and extract him from the field for further assessment and treatment,” North Shore Rescue said in a social media post. “This was a significant milestone. It marks our first real operational deployment – and our first success – for our LifeSeeker unit. It is the first of its kind LifeSeeker find for a volunteer SAR team in BC, and perhaps in Canada.”
Nanaimo RCMP issued a news release asking for help to locate the missing man, who left home on his new e-bike the previous day.
North Shore Rescue says it would not have the technology that helped find the man if not for the help of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise and other community donors.
The LifeSeeker unit can be deployed on helicopters or ground vehicles and is essentially a portable cell tower that allows search and rescue crews to locate cell phones over large areas as long as the device is turned on and searching for signal.
“Because it is its own portable tower, it specifically works in areas where there are no telecommunication cell towers, and thus in areas where cell phones otherwise lack a signal,” North Shore Rescue says.
The team works with police to use the technology to get a specific cell phone identifier when searching for a missing person. LifeSeeker is operated under official authorization from Spectrum Management Operations Branch, Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada, and under the Radiocommunication Act.
A student housing project at Courtenay’s North Island College has officially opened its doors.
Members of the K’omoks First Nation, local politicians, college staff and students were able to mark the completion of the project with a ceremony and tours of the new student housing at an event on campus Friday, this included blessings for the new buildings from K’omoks First Nation leaders.
The new addition to the Courtenay campus is officially dubbed tul’al’txw, which translates to “House of Learning” in traditional pentl’ach language.
The 217 bed project also addresses gaps for culturally appropriate and accessible student housing in the region while easing the burden on the local home rental market, it consists of three buildings including one specifically for family housing to accommodate students with dependents.
The student housing buildings have been named gukwa’las and tl’emstan which translate to “place to live, home, house, community” in kwak’wala pentl’ach languages. The family housing building’s name comes from traditional ʔayʔaǰuθəm_ language, it’s name is ʔayʔaǰuθəm_ which translates to “place to live, home, house, community – place for all relations.”
The $77-million project includes a $75-million investment from the BC Government, while the college contributed $2-million.
North Island College CEO Lisa Domae is particularly happy to see this project reach completion.
“With the opening of the new housing, tul’al’txw, North Island College marks not only our 50th anniversary but sets us on course for the years ahead,” Domae says. “More than simply housing, this place will become central for the people who live here to develop as students and as people, and it helps NIC meet our goal of building healthy and thriving communities, one student at a time.”
We’ll have more information and reactions regarding this new student housing project soon.
While we are heading into the fall season, the wildfire season is expected to continue.
With warmer and drier conditions forecasted for much of the province, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is seeing receptive fuels well through October, continuing the current wildfire season until we get prolonged measurable rainfall.
Fire Information Officer Emily Baker said they’re keeping an eye on the weather for this weekend.
“We’re expecting another cold front to happen Saturday which will bring gusty winds, and these winds are expected to persist into Sunday and Monday, with the strongest winds in the Peace region.”
An active fire crews are actively firefighting is the Tetsi Lake wildfire (G41658), having direct support from ground crews and aviation.
As of today (Friday), the Prince George Fire Centre has 38 active wildfires, with three out-of-control, 29 are under control, and six are being held.
Baker noted that their weather forecasters expect fair to good overnight recoveries in the Prince George Fire Centre, which is when humidity starts to increase while temperatures decrease.
Creston New Horizon Senior Society is pushing back against the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s plan to study moving its office into Rotacrest Hall.
New Horizon Senior Society has used the top floor of the hall for drop-in services for more than 45 years. The group says the building is accessible and suited to the needs of older residents.
Last week the RDCK announced it would spend $13,000 to design the hall to accommodate its Creston office. The facility is owned by the district and is more than twice the size of its current location.
Some residents suggested the former Creston fire hall or ambulance station as alternatives for the office, but those are owned by the town, not the district.
The RDCK said it recognizes the concerns of the hall’s users but believes their needs could be met at other district-owned facilities nearby.
Vice-president Jesse Davis disagrees.
“There are requirements for seniors. We’ve got people who are 80, 90 years old. The hall is easy for seniors to manage and deal with, it’s senior friendly, single level, no stairs and this has been our home for 45 years,” he said.
“It’s going to be hard to find an alternative that meets those requirements of a good place for seniors to be able to congregate on a regular basis.”
The society says more than 900 seniors use the hall each month for activities such as dances, card tournaments, pool and table tennis.
Community Complex suggestion
RDCK chief administrative officer Stuart Horn said in an email the majority of hall users could be accommodated at the Creston and District Community Complex.
But Davis countered that the large rooms there are unsuitable.
“For seniors with poor hearing, going into huge empty halls just sets your hearing off,” he said.
Davis said the organization only learned about the proposal on Sept. 16, when the RDCK issued a press release. Horn said the district had engaged with the group earlier.
“We only heard about it on Tuesday, and we were, of course, saddened, shocked, dismayed, and depressed because it was a complete surprise,” Davis said.
Preliminary planning
Horn emphasized the plan is preliminary, saying staff are still in the early stages.
“We have been in contact with the New Horizon Senior Society and will continue to be in contact as/if this project progresses. The decision has not been made to move to the Rotacrest Hall. At this time staff is doing work to develop a design which will give us a better idea of timelines and cost.”
Davis, however, argued the allocation of design funds suggests otherwise.
“They had already been through a selection process and an analysis, looking at options and selecting the options. Now they’re doing a design, which means they kind of made up their minds already,” he said.
Horn responded that the needs of the hall’s users remain a priority for the district.
“Our goal with this media release was to begin these conversations with plenty of time and at the early stages, so if the decision is made to proceed, we have had time to prepare the transition plan.”
Davis said the society will present its concerns to the Creston Valley Services Committee on Oct. 2.
The group has also launched a petition that has already gathered nearly 200 signatures.
In addition, the society sent a letter to Creston Mayor Arnold DeBoon, who also sits on the RDCK board, asking the town to act on its behalf to preserve the hall for its intended community purpose.
The group is calling for the office conversion plan to be paused until more community consultation takes place, for the RDCK to release its study and cost analysis, and for a commitment to keep Rotacrest Hall for community use.
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A truck catching on fire created a wildland fire in 100 Mile House.
Fire Chief Dave Bissat says ten members of the Fire Rescue arrived on the scene behind the outrider arena on Wrangler Way at approximately 1:50 this afternoon, September 19.
Fire trucks and a police cruiser at the scene of the truck fire on Wrangler Way. [Photo credit, My Cariboo Now Staff]
“Upon arrival, we noticed that the vehicle was fully engulfed, and it spread into a bit of the wildland, creating a small grass fire nearby,” Bissat said.
“We contained the fire fairly quickly.”
Bissat says the truck caught fire as the occupant of the vehicle was believed to have been working on the motor when something sparked up and caught him on fire. Then completely enveloped the truck.
The truck’s occupant was able to be put out, and Bissat says the occupant was not injured.
100 Mile House Fire Rescue was on the scene for about an hour.
British Columbians are invited to have their say on a plan for crown land in the Northern Vancouver Island area.
You’re now able to share feedback on the proposed Gwa’ni Land Use Plan, that looks to support a co-ordinated approach to caring for the land.
According to a news release from the B.C. government, the Gwa’ni land use plan covers more than 166,000 hectares of crown land around the Nimpkish River, south of Port McNeill.
The plan, developed in partnership with ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation, aims to protect biodiversity, to support ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation culture and to provide clarity for the forestry industry.
“The Gwa’ni Land Use Plan will support the local economy by providing planning and operational clarity,” reads the news release. “The plan aims to create stability for the forestry sector in the area and enable an increase in the average harvest levels of the past seven years in the Nimpkish River watershed within ‘Na̲mg̲is territory, as well as support work underway on the Tree Farm Licence 37 Forest Landscape Plan.”
The proposed plan will maintain public access for hunting, recreation and other activities.
Whitewater Ski Resort is asking the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to back its bid to pave a six-kilometre stretch of the Whitewater Access Road.
The resort is looking at funding options for the project, but most avenues require applications to come from a regional district or municipality.
The 10-kilometre road is operated by the provincial Ministry of Transportation and maintained by Yellowhead Road & Bridge. Four kilometres are already paved, while the upper six remain gravel.
Whitewater general manager Mike Rubenstein submitted a letter to the RDCK with an update on the project, which he said could bring broad economic and community benefits.
He said the state of the road affects employees, visitors and the wider community, noting tens of thousands of dollars are spent each year on maintenance, yet conditions often become unmanageable from March to June.
“The negative impact of the conditions of the road affects not only our over 300 employees and thousands of guests per day, but the community of Nelson and the RDCK area as a whole,” said Rubenstein.
He said the project has received letters of support from local governments and organizations, including the RDCK. B.C. Transit has also indicated it would consider running a bus service to the resort if the road is paved.
The Ministry of Transportation has estimated the total project cost at $8 million, with Whitewater expected to cover $2 million – a contribution Rubenstein said would be significant to manage.
As a result, the resort is exploring several funding avenues.
Rubenstein believes the project could be eligible for three programs: the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, the Community Works Fund (Gas Tax) and the Strategic Priorities Fund through the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
The deadline to apply for the REDI grant program is at the end of October. The RDCK board received Rubenstein’s letter on Sept. 18.
While no motion was required at this stage, CAO Stuart Horn said said there is still time to bring one forward if the project qualifies for the REDI grant.
“If they do find out that they qualify, there is enough time to put a motion forward to support that application in October,” he said.
“But they wanted to get this in front of you so you saw what they were working on.”
Directors were told they can write letters of support individually if they please, and that a formal request could come forward if eligibility is confirmed in the coming weeks.
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About a million dollars is still needed to secure 100 acres of waterfront property known as Prideaux Haven in Desolation Sound so it can become a park.
“This is one of those places people assume must already be protected,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “But it’s not. Desolation Sound is loved by British Columbians and attracts people from all over the world, so it’s important that we take this chance to add this private land to it.”
The property includes almost a kilometre of shoreline and border Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park and the East Redonda Island Ecological Reserve.
A news release from BC Parks Foundation says every dollar donated until Sept. 29 will be matched and go directly toward the purchase and permanent protection of the property. It notes Wilson 5 Foundation has committed to matching funds.
Jim Phillips leads BC Marine Parks Forever Society, a group of boaters who have a sizeable contribution and are enthusiastic about the purchase.
“Desolation Sound is a mecca, and gets packed in the summer,” says Phillips, who points out that marine parks are loved by British Columbians and contribute to B.C.’s economy. “It’s just such a world-class place, reflecting B.C.’s natural beauty. We need to jump on these chances, just like the people before us who have created the parks we all now enjoy.”
The news release notes protecting the property will strengthen a network of conservation lands, safeguard old-growth nesting habitat for the threatened marbled murrelet and preserve eelgrass meadows that shelter young fish and store blue carbon.
“Prideaux Haven, in the Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin and Klahoose, is a sanctuary for paddlers and boaters alike,” says Karina Younk, Chair of BC Marine Trails. “Its protection ensures future generations can experience the wonder of these waters, while safeguarding vital ecosystems. It’s a win-win.”
BC Parks Foundation says the Tla’amin Nation supports the campaign and once the purchase is made the land will be permanently owned by BC Parks Foundation.
If the funding goal is exceeded, additional funds will support long-term stewardship.
“Protecting places like this one in Prideaux Haven goes to the heart of who we are as British Columbians,” says Day. “We come together in these awesome spaces to enjoy time with each other on the water, paddling and boating and witnessing beauty. By acting now, you ensure that this important part of our coastal heritage will be here for people and for nature forever.”
The Suey Bay wildfire on Horsefly Lake is estimated to be 2,331 hectares in size.
Fire Information Officer Jessica Mack said they did see an increase in fire activity on that fire due to the incoming cold front and the increased sustained winds.
“Right now we have heavy equipment and grounds that are going to be on site with the support of aviation services,” Mack said, “their main objective is to prevent the fire from crossing the Eastern side Hen Ingram Road. Heavy equipment will be focusing their efforts on establishing control lines along that Western flank in areas where it is accessible and safe for them to work to prevent any Westward growth.”
Mack said they’ll have ground crews that will be working to help secure those control lines as they are established and establishing water delivery systems.
“We also have danger tree assessments in falling working to secure areas for crews to work just to ensure that the areas are safe for them with the growth we’ve experienced.”
The Ulkatcho First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District have rescinded the Evacuation Alert in the Holtry Creek Fire Area.
The Alert was issued on September 16 and included portions of the Dusty Lake Fire Zone, approximately 310 km west of Williams Lake. The alert covered 65 parcels and 26,826 hectares.
The CRD’s Emergency Operations Centre reports that, as of now, there are no active alerts or orders along Highway 20. However, motorists should still exercise caution as fire suppression efforts and clearing by the BC Wildfire Service are still being done in the area.
North Cowichan Council is ordering the owners of three derelict buildings on York Road to clean up the sites or demolish the buildings.
In a news release the municipality says the remediation orders cover the site of the former Good Neighbours Thrift Shop and two houses on York Road that have been declared nuisance properties with unsafe and hazardous conditions.
An order to have the houses demolished was issued on August 20, but council was asked to reconsider the order due to extenuating circumstances.
At its meeting on Wednesday (Sept 17) North Cowichan Council upheld the order.
Both houses have been boarded up, and on Sunday evening one of the houses was damaged by a fire.
The property owner has 60 days to apply for a demolition permit, and the structures must be demolished within 90 days after the permit is issued.
The Good Neighbours Thrift Store was destroyed by fire in February of 2024 and municipal staff have held meetings about the condition of the remaining structure with the property owner.
The remediation order requires the owner to have an engineering report done on the structural integrity of the front-facing wall, and then clean up and remediate that portion of the building within 90 days.
Mayor Rob Douglas says the buildings are more than eyesores – they’re a safety hazard and a blight on the neighbourhood.
“Demolishing the abandoned houses and cleaning up the former thrift store site are key steps toward making the area safer and more welcoming for everyone.”
Douglas says North Cowichan is sending a clear message that the municipality is taking action to support nearby residents and businesses.
The city of Cranbrook has received a provincial grant worth $13.5 million that will fully fund a new childcare facility.
City staff said the facility will have 123 new childcare spaces and will be located adjacent to the Western Financial Place.
It will be where the outdoor exercise equipment
and gazebo currently are.
“Cranbrook has a very large unfilled need for all day childcare and more before and after school care,” said
Mayor Wayne Price.
“We are grateful for the support from the Government of BC and the Government of Canada to help Council and staff move this important initiative forward and to provide meaningful assistance to families in Cranbrook.”
ChildCare BC was offering grants that would fully cover the cost of a new facility as long as city land was donated for the project.
Council originally chose a portion of land on Gyro Park, but that was met with significant public backlash.
The city initiated a public survey last year to gather the
public’s preference for an alternate childcare location.
It found that 76 per cent of respondents were okay with the location at the Western Financial Place.
“We are thankful for the public’s input and feedback provided in recent surveys to help Council identify this
critical childcare need in our community and preferences on location,” said Price.
“That information equipped Council to make the best decisions to address the City’s childcare need, while also keeping in mind the interests of other user groups and the residents of Cranbrook.”
Construction expected to begin in the spring of 2026 and open in 2028.
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The 2025 Cops for Cancer Tour De North has wrapped up for another year.
The ride, which was 861 kilometres in distance, raises funds for paediatric cancer research, wrapped up in Prince Rupert yesterday (Thursday).
One of the riders, is local resident Ron Gallo who told Vista Radio they are almost at their fundraising goal of $250,000.
“We are looking at raising or surpassing a quarter of a million dollars and we have until the end of November to do that for the 2025 Tour de North time period and so we are so close. It is $245,000 and a few hundred dollars after that.”
Gallo added the money raised also helps send kids to Camp Goodtimes, which is near Langley.
“It’s not just research, its not just fundraising, it’s not just treatment but it’s also about making sure the children and their families get to enjoy something so many of us have taken advantage of or have taken advantage of and that is the simple fact of being a kid and enjoying life in a camp setting.”
He stated people can still donate by going to tourdenorth.ca which will allow you to donate to a specific rider or team.
Comox Valley residents looking to get rid of extra yard waste will have the opportunity to do so for free again this fall.
The yard debris drop-off program is returning for the months of October and November this year, to allow residents to dispose of extra yard waste which may not fit in curbside containers.
Lt. Brent Craven of Comox Fire Rescue said the program can help create wildfire-resilient places.
“By removing dry leaves, twigs, and branches from your yard and gutters, you can help protect your home and community from wildfire damage.”
The facility will be open daily weather depending from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1200 Knight Road in Comox.
Leaves, grass clippings, branches up to 3 inches in diameter and plants will be accepted either loose or in a paper yard waste bag.
Food waste, plastic bags, rocks, concrete, root balls, stumps, and invasive species will not be accepted.
A well-known offender in Prince George is spending some more time behind bars.
According to the B.C. Prosecution Service, Pride Dawson Moore was ordered to serve three years and nine months in prison.
On September 11th, the judge sentenced Moore to six years in jail for various firearm and drug offences but was given credit for 27 months of time served since his latest in March of 2024.
The court imposed a lifetime firearms ban and a forfeiture order in relation to items seized by the police during the investigation.
The incident wrapped up in the College Heights area after a snow removal contractor working in the area reported a white pick-up was stuck in the snow near the intersection of Domano Boulevard and Malaspina Avenue, and that one occupant had fired shots.
Following a two-hour chase, Moore was arrested and taken into custody.
Nelson Leads head coach Barry Wolff is eager for the puck to drop tonight as the KIJHL season officially begins, with Nelson hosting the Kimberley Dynamiters.
Following a string of injuries, Wolff said the team is back to full strength for the season opener and eager to see what the league and the season will bring.
“It’s a great development league. It’s always been competitive, and it is always fun to coach in this league, and I’m looking forward to this season,” said Wolff.
With some new and familiar faces lining the bench this year, Wolff says building the team on and off the ice is crucial.
“We’ve got guys who want to stick up for each other and play for each other, and that’s a big part of any kind of success.”
Looking at tonight’s game, he said the team is up for the challenge.
“There’s no question, Kimberly’s been good for years, consistently. Stuart’s done a great job there, and they’re going to be skilled and fast,” said Wolff.
“Usually they have some guys that can score goals, so for the most part, we’ve got to worry about ourselves and our systems and get better that way, but we also got to key on their top guys and try and slow them down through the neutral zone and making sure we capitalize on our chances.”
Nelson’s pre-season power play and penalty kill stats have been impressive so far, and something they will want to continue.
“50 per cent on the power play and 100 per cent on the penalty kill, so those are two things that can win or lose your game. So, to see that come together that early was definitely something good for us.”
Puck drops at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, Sept. 19.
“Hopefully we can get a huge crowd and get behind the boys and come to Friday night hockey.”
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A significant seizure of drugs, cash, and a replica firearm occurred following a check of a stolen E-bike.
The incident happened on September 9 near 1 Port Drive in downtown Nanaimo, when Bike Unit officers located an adult man and woman on the SVI railway tracks.
The officers noticed the man pushing a very expensive looking E-bike and checked the serial number to see the $9,000 bicycle had been stolen.
The 39-year-old man was arrested for possessing stolen property and a check of his items after led to the discovery of;
A replica firearm
Nearly $9,000 in Canadian currency
137 G of suspected methamphetamine
40 G of suspected cocaine
4 G of suspected fentanyl
29 oxycodone tablets
14 hydromorphone tablets
70 supeudol tablets
The suspect was released after the arrest to allow the investigating officers sufficient time to catalogue the items seized and prepare a detailed report for the Crown Counsel.
R/Cst. Gary O’Brien said the woman in the incident is not facing any charges.
“This is just another example of the fine work carried out daily by our front-line officers, which showcases their continued commitment to keep our community safe by removing drugs, weapons, and recovering stolen property.”
A prescribed burn is expected to begin in the Swanson Road area, located within the community of Christina Lake, as early as Sunday, Sept. 21, covering up to 15.5 hectares.
The BC Wildfire Service is supporting the Selkirk Resource District Wildfire Risk Reduction program in conducting the burn and warn smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Christina Lake and the surrounding area, and to motorists travelling along Highway 3.
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The Quesnel Kangaroos are going to be your hosts of the annual Barn Dance each summer for a while longer.
The dust has settled on the Quesnel Rodeo that took place during the Billy Barker Days festival in July, during which the boys of the Quesnel Kangaroos produced the annual Barn Dance for the third year in a row.
Now, in September, when accepting their portion of the final tallies from Ray Jasper, President of the Quesnel Rodeo Club, the Roos and Rodeo announced they will be extending their partnership for another three years.
“This one is big, probably one of the biggest fundraisers we have done in Quesnel,” says Kangaroos Captain Alessio Tomassetti. “It goes a long way for our fundraising; our hockey team runs off quite a bit of money. But it’s been awesome for the community. We love to put on, and we always try to put on community events for Quesnel for our fundraisers.”
During the Barn Dance, Roos players, their families, and volunteers help out in all sorts of ways during the event. Tomassetti says one of the most important goals for the team is to keep as much fundraising locally sourced.
“We’re all local hockey players from Quesnel, and it’s a history with the team that has been going on for so long in the community. That’s what makes a great partnership, too, working together as a team to bring the community together.
Last season, the Kangaroos made it all the way to the finals in the Central Interior Hockey League, where they fell in two games to the Terrace River Kings. Tomassetti is confident that the team, despite the tough competition, can make it back to the finals.
“We are looking strong this year. A lot of local guys in the lineup, a lot of young guys mixed in with the veterans. We have players who played in the WHL and BCHL, and made it all the way up. We’re really excited to get the season going and playing in front of our fans.”
The Quesnel Kangaroos’ season opener is on Saturday, September 20, in Quesnel at the West Fraser Centre. The Roos will be facing Cariboo rivals, the Williams Lake Stampeders. Puck drop is at 7 pm.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
The deal with Locals 748 and 2264 is retroactive to March 1, 2024 and runs until Feb. 28, 2027. It includes general wage increases of 6.2 per cent in 2024, 3.9 per cent in 2025, and 3.4 per cent in 2026.
“It was important for the RDCK to reach this new agreement to ensure the organization remains a fair and supportive employer while helping workers keep pace with the rising cost of living,” said Connie Saari-Heckley, RDCK senior manager of human resources.
The agreement includes some of the RDCK’s recreation facility workers in Castlegar, Creston and Nelson and gate attendants at landfills and transfer stations, but it wasn’t immediately known how many members the two locals represent.
It is the return of @PGCougars Catscan podcast. Coach/GM Mark Lamb discusses his thoughts on how new NCAA rules will impact the #WHL & potential trades he may make. In the 44 minute interview, he also talks about his changing roster, returning leaders & strength in the PG net. https://t.co/mmNQ1UkTnV
The Prince George Spruce Kings start their BCHL regular season on the road.
The Spruce kings open in Chilliwack tonight (Friday) at 7:00 against the Chiefs.
Their home opener is a week away on Friday, September 26th against the Surrey Eagles.
Introducing the 2025-2026 Spruce Kings Leadership Team
C: #6 Isaac Holt
A: #19 Marcus Lougheed
A: #23 Mason Loewen
A: #25 Carter Hesselgrave#TrueBlueSince72pic.twitter.com/UrifwyXcut
The Blue Jays visit the (76-77) Kansas City Royals in a 3-game series this weekend starting tonight (Friday 4:40 PT).
With just 9 games remaining, the (89-64) Blue Jays have the best record in the American League and lead the A.L. East by 3 games over the (86-67) New York Yankees.
The (4-3-1) Prince George Kodiaks, with two regular season games left in the BC Football Conference, host the (0-7) Kamloops Broncos on Saturday, September 27th before closing on the road in Chilliwack against the Valley Huskers on October 4th.
Prince George is in 3rd place in the 7-team league with the top four to advance to the playoffs.
The BCFC standings: Okanagan 8-0 (clinched first place), Westshore 6-2, P.G. 4-3-1, Vancouver Island 2-4-1, Valley 2-4-1, Langley 2-4-1 and Kamloops 0-7.
The Kodiaks schedule and results can be found here.
Time is running out to share your voice on one of Cranbrook’s most important issues: community safety.
The City’s 2026 Budget Citizen Survey closes on Friday, Sept. 19, and residents are urged to complete it before the deadline.
The survey is a critical tool that helps Council decide how to allocate resources and set priorities for the year ahead. With last year’s results showing homelessness, crime, and safety as top community concerns, this year’s survey zeroes in on safety to help guide local policing and future budget decisions.
The public opinion survey is open online to all residents, with paper copies available at City Hall. A statistically valid survey was also mailed to a random selection of households.
Both sets of results will be presented to Mayor and Council ahead of the 2026 budget discussions this fall.
Mayor, Council, and City Administration remain committed to finding efficiencies and reducing costs wherever possible, while continuing to provide the quality services residents, businesses, and visitors expect.
The topic of a new shelter for the Little Prince came back to the Prince George City Council table at last night’s (Wednesday) meeting.
According to a staff report, Council approved a capital project to replace the Little Prince Train Shelter in January 2020, but was deferred due to impacts of the pandemic.
The report states the current storage space leaks and is undersized, making storage and maintenance a challenge.
In 2011, Exploration Place took on operation of the train through a service agreement with the City and the Fort George Railway Society. The service agreement has been renewed annually since.
According to the staff report, Exploration Place has indicated they will only commit to a long-term agreement if the City will commit to a new structure that will allow for improved conditions for required maintenance and dry storage.
It also states City Administration does not want to commit the costs of construction unless there is a long-term agreement in place to operate the train.
Council was presented with three options, putting the new structure into the 2026 Capital Plan as a funded project, putting into the Capital Plan as an unfunded project, or to not include it in the 2026 Capital Plan at all.
Councillor Cori Ramsay put the second option of putting it into the Capital Plan as an unfunded project on the floor.
“I think reasonably, there’s potentially the opportunity to apply for grants to fund this,” she said.
“I don’t want to fully move away from dropping it totally off the Capital Plan, I think reasonably, it would be more prudent of Council to look for some grant opportunities before funding it.”
Councillor Garth Frizzell said this has been a conversation for five years.
“We’ve talked about naming rights, we’ve talked about getting CN, we’ve talked about grants from other organizations, we should continue to pursue,” he said.
“If we have to go with [option] two, that’s fine because Council can also move this to funded, but I think what this leaves us with is kicking this down the road a little bit into January when we absolutely have to make a choice.”
Councillor Brian Skakun said the project needs to be put into the Capital Plan as funded.
“We can’t keep going, because the costs are going to go up and up,” he said.
Based on designs approved by Council in 2020, the structure is estimated to require a capital investment in the range of $1.25 million.
Director of Civic Operations Blake McIntosh said that price is based on inflation and a number of other unknowns.
“We’ve been working with the schematic that was approved by Council in 2020,” he explained.
“Perhaps we could go back and look at a functional building that is not in the same dollar figure that would work for Exploration Place, providing the safe work conditions and the necessary regulatory work requirements to house the train.”
He added it’s a function of time, and trying to pursue that option in time for 2026 budget discussions would be difficult.
“There may be some alternatives to come back with a lower price option, and that work could be done, whether it’s for the 2026 Capital Plan, or if it can’t be done then Council can make the decision to move forward in 2026 or wait for 2027,” said Councillor Tim Bennett.
“I would be perfectly okay if the answer come budget is “we have not had time to look at an alternative, and therefore this is the option that’s in front of you,” but I also want to give the staff the ability, if we have time, to come back with a lower cost alternative, that is more palatable to me.”
Council ultimately voted to approve the facility as an unfunded project in the 2026 Capital Plan, meaning it will be weighed against other projects in the plan before Council makes a decision.
Additionally, Council directed Administration to explore alternative options, as well as referring the issue to the City’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to engage in advocacy with the federal government, in particular, the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Elk Valley Resources (EVR) and the Fernie Rod and Gun Club have announced a $250,000 contribution to support the Wigwam Flats Ecosystem Enhancement Project.
The Wigwam Flats Ecosystem Enhancement Project (WFEEP) is designed to restore and enhance 250 hectares of grassland and open forest ecosystems within the Wigwam Flats/Mount Broadwood area, located south of Fernie.
“EVR is proud to support the work the Fernie Rod and Gun Club is doing to restore important wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity in the region,” said Mike Carrucan, CEO, EVR. “EVR is committed to creating lasting benefits in the Elk Valley which includes supporting important environmental stewardship work such as this collaborative project.”
The goal of this project is to improve the critical habitat for species including bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer and moose. Through numerous activities, including planting native seed mixes to support wildlife foraging and reducing tree density to improve sightlines, the project aims to improve the biodiversity and function of this well-known vital habitat. These efforts will be monitored regularly to evaluate the progress.
“We’re grateful for EVR’s longstanding support and commitment to important projects that enhance habitat in the Elk Valley,” said Kevin Marasco, President, Fernie Rod and Gun Club. “Wigwam Flats is a valued place for wildlife, community members and First Nations Peoples, and by restoring and enhancing open forest and grasslands it will improve this special place for future generations.”
The WFEEP is a five-year project that will continue FRGC’s long standing restoration efforts on Wigwam Flats. The project is a continuation of FRGC’s 125-year commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation in the region.
“We commend the Fernie Rod and Gun Club for taking the lead on this important restoration work, and we applaud Elk Valley Resources’ strong support for conservation in the region,” said Richard Klafki, Program Director with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “Working together on large-scale land management projects—like the WFEEP—is one of the most effective ways we can build a thriving, resilient future for people, wildlife and nature as a whole.”
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Ahead of the opening of B.C. Housing’s new Step Beyond shelter on 16th Avenue North, local partners took early action to support both people experiencing homelessness and the surrounding neighbourhood.
These measures, first reported on Aug. 15, 2025, will continue as operations at the shelter get underway.
Drawing from the experience of other communities where shelters have opened, local partners are acting early and consistently to ensure the success of Step Beyond for residents and the wider community.
The Step Beyond working group includes B.C. Housing, Cranbrook Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C., other local service providers, Indigenous partners, Interior Health, police, firefighters and the City of Cranbrook. The group is focusing on identifying and responding to issues quickly, strengthening partnerships and supporting the safety and well-being of the community.
The group first met in mid-July and continues to meet regularly now that the shelter is operational. By working together through a coordinated approach, the partners aim to ensure that safety and support remain top priorities.
“Change usually brings new challenges, but by bringing key partners together ahead of time, we’re able to enhance our capacity for joint problem-solving and shared accountability,” said Marcel Germer, social development co-ordinator. “We want to make sure this transition is smooth for everyone.”
Landowners and residents in the Regional District of Central Kootenay are being asked to help tackle invasive Scotch broom – and get paid for their efforts.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) has expanded its BroomBasher program to include the Crowdsorsa app, giving residents and visitors new ways to take action against invasive Scotch broom while earning money.
Laurie Frankcom, CKISS engagement coordinator, described Scotch broom as one of British Columbia’s most aggressive invasive plants.
“It doesn’t have any predators to keep it under control, so it becomes extremely aggressive. As a result, it can out-compete native vegetation, degrade wildlife habitat and it creates a lot of fuel for wildfires, so having it around is just not a safe thing,” she said.
Through the Crowdsorsa app, the public can earn cash for removing the plant along Johnstone Road. Participants cut broom plants at ground level and upload photo proof of their work.
Payments are sent directly through the app.
While removing the plant is critical to environmental health, the Crowdsorsa app will also pay for reported sightings across Electoral Areas A, D, E, F and H.
To submit a sighting, residents must take a short video of the plant and upload it to the app.
Frankcom said identifying infestations is a critical step in controlling Scotch broom.
“In order to create a really good management plan and go and tackle the plant, we need to actually know where it is. So that’s why we are turning to the public and asking for them to download the app and get some more reports our way,” she said.
Landowners are also eligible for direct financial assistance to remove Scotch broom from their property.
They can either register their property in the app by emailing CKISS and remove the plant themselves for payment, or they can recruit someone they know to carry out the removal and receive compensation.
Emails can be sent to [email protected] with contact details and a property address to set up a Private Land Mission.
The program runs until Oct. 31, or until funds run out. The Crowdsorsa app is available on both Google Play or the Apple App Store.
The City of Prince George will participate in a provincial project studying e-kick scooters.
The opportunity to join pilot project was presented to City Council at last night’s (Wednesday) meeting.
“This project will research, test and evaluate the safety and efficiency of e-kick scooters, with the goals of reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging greater use of alternative and sustainable transportation modes,” said Manager of Transportation and Technical Services Dave Bradshaw.
“Data collected with determine how e-kick scooters are addressed under the Motor Vehicle Act, as well as provide ridership and incident data.”
This is the second pilot project, and will conclude in April 2028. The first pilot project concluded in April, 2024.
Bradshaw noted e-kick scooters are currently only permitted in participating communities, and are prohibited under the current Motor Vehicle Act.
Councillor Tim Bennett said we’re already seeing an increase in scooters in town.
“I think by participating as part of the pilot, it will allows us to ensure that there’s more education, there’s more conversation, and we can ensure the safety of our residents,”
“I think we’re seeing more and more feedback from our community about the importance of looking and improving, this probably still somewhat classifies as active transportation, but maybe not in the same way as biking or walking or kick scootering.”
Councillor Ron Polillo said the reality is is that these scooters are on the streets now.
“We have to deal with that reality, and anything we can do to make it more safe,” he said.
He added there’s potential for service agreements, saying there could be rentals for these scooters.
Council voted to join the pilot project, as well as prepare amendments to the Highways Bylaw to add the definition of e-scooter to accommodate the project.
Unifor and Transdev have agreed to the provincial mediator’s upcoming recommendations, ending the months long Cowichan Valley bus strike – the longest transit strike in BC History.
The unionized Transdev employes went on strike February 8th, 2025, seeking wage parity with other BC transit employees.
The recommendations made by mediator Vince Ready are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The strike involved 44 transit operators, cleaners and mechanics represented by Unifor Local 114 and eight HandyDart operators in Unifor Local 333.
On September 16, Unifor members voted 92 per cent to follow Ready’s recommendations.
Union members are being recalled immediately to begin the return-to-work plan.
Unifor says buses have been idle for months and will need to be made safe and road-ready, and BC Transit will determine when service resumes.
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle stays the cycle of transit strikes has to stop
“We have to continue to work with the BC government and BC Transit to address issues that lead to these disputes.”
The strike idled all BC Transit buses in the region, including express service to Victoria.
The number 70 NCX Nanaimo-to-Cowichan Express was not affected.
At the start of job action, BC Transit said handyDART service deemed essential, such as appointments related to renal dialysis, cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis, would continue to operate.
Song inspiration: Rick Hansen and his Man in Motion Tour, and St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) song is celebrating its 40th anniversary in September.
Even after so long, and hearing the song almost every day while he wheeled across the world, Rick Hansen, the Man in Motion himself, says he still feels honoured when people come up to him about how the song has inspired them. The song has become a rally cry for generations.
“When I hear the song today, almost every day, and when people come up to me and tell me how the song has inspired them, I just sit back and think ‘oh my gosh’ as I hear how the song has made people come together,” says Hansen.
“We all have our challenges, and we all have our hopes and dreams that we want to bring to something, and feel whole. I just feel super honoured that somehow our story and our journey became a catalyst and inspiration to so many people. It’s meaningful, if not more meaningful today than it was back in the eighties.”
Rick Hansen (centre), with David Foster (left) and John Parr (right), in Toronto, Ontario, in 1985. [Photo provided by the Rick Hansen Foundation.]
Hansen recalls how the song and lyrics to St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) came about unexpectedly during the early stages of the Man in Motion world tour. While Hansen and his high school “buddy” Don Alder were still struggling to get sponsors and support to even leave for the tour, Alder came up with the idea of reaching out to David Foster, originally from Victoria, BC, to write a song, and sent Foster Hansen’s promotional video.
“We were wheeling down the west coast into L.A., and met David [Foster], and he took us to his recording studio,” Hansen tells. “They really struggled with the lyrics, and it wasn’t until David said to John Parr, ‘Maybe we should look at Rick’s tape, this is really inspirational.’ After John and I watched it, 20 minutes later, the lyrics poured onto the page.”
Hansen wouldn’t hear the final produced song until months later, while he was wheeling through Texas in the United States, when it was playing on a radio station.
“Then the dream of getting more support and helping get the word out came true from that one moment.”
St. Elmo’s Fire stayed with Hansen and his crew throughout their entire journey. Through more than 17 countries in six months, whether it was Paris, France, Moscow, Russia, or even in Portugal, the song was a rally cry that uplifted his crew when they were feeling exhausted. He says the song was there to greet them in every new country, transcending any cultural and language barriers. Hansen remembers one moment in particular:
Rick Hansen wheeling the Great Wall of China in 1986. [Photo provided by the Rick Hansen Foundation.]
“When I arrived in China, my host, who was driving the car from the Beijing airport, didn’t speak a word of English. But when he heard my name, he went ‘Oh, Rick Hansen! The Man in Motion!?’ and played the song in his car, and at his place with a big smile on his face. That song really transcended barriers, it played for us in every community that we visited and culture we experienced. I also became close friends with that Man from Beijing through my tour there, and still to this day.”
In the present day, Hansen says there have been “major steps” in spinal cord research that have led to innovative solutions in spinal cord injuries, as well as “getting to a place where people living with disabilities are starting to be more accepted.”
He says even after his tour finished, “whispering the idea” that a cure to a spinal cord injury was possible was nearly “thrown out” by doctors. Now, the Rick Hansen Foundation and “many many others” have been able to connect across the world through new age technology and communications, finding new advancements in spinal cord research together.
According to Hansen, the Foundation and its partners are in a “golden era” of new discoveries and clinical trials using biotechnological solutions.
He says discoveries in laboratories from across the world through studying neuro inhibitors, stimulators, and STEM cell research, even A.I technology are showing that the spinal cord can regrow, be protected in new natural ways, and even lost nerve tissues and damaged areas can be replaced, regrown, or even bypassed to stimulate new healing.
“I was in a clinical trial environment recently where I watched a quadriplegic who had been paralyzed for 15 years, hadn’t been able to move any part of his body, get a neurostimulator put on. He was able to extend his legs for the first time right in front of him, in front of me,” he said.
“All I can think about is, ‘Oh my god, this is amazing.’ Just think of what could happen if the best minds pour more money into this research and don’t close any doors. There is hope out there, there’s incredible progress in today’s science and society for removing barriers for people with disabilities.”
Hansen on the Great Wall of China, in 1986. [Photo provided the Rick Hansen Foundation]
With the medical advancements and growing awareness of accessibility in the last 40 years, Hansen is pleased with the progress that is being made. However, he says there is still so much work that needs to be done for the many generations of the next 40 years.
He says having the song, St. Elmo’s Fire, remains an honour to have out in the world for so many, including himself still, to be inspired by.
“It’s become a rally cry for people who are facing challenges to bring their best and find a purpose and way to become whole as humans in spite of the pain, the challenge, and the suffering that they may be facing. That’s what it means, you and everyone, have that potential to find our inspiration.”
An Overdose Advisory has been issued by Northern Health for Prince George.
The health authority said there’s been an increase in overdose events, with people reporting heavy and prolonged sedation and requiring more naloxone to reverse.
Overdoses are occurring when the substance is smoked and/or injected.
Some safety tips provided include:
Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone.
Don’t use alone, use with someone you trust.
If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website.
Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
Avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol.
Test a small amount first, start low and go slow.
Use in an OPS if possible (see Prince George locations listed below).
Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.
Local overdose prevention sites include:
Prince George Needle Exchange
Address: 277 George St
Phone: 250-645-3810
Monday to Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (OPS until 6:30 p.m.) Nursing services by appointment: Monday to Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., with open clinic hours from 1:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Mobile harm reduction supplies (The wellness or outreach truck)
Monday to Sunday, 7 pm to 11 pm
Two Doors Down
Address: 1126 3rd Ave
Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sample drop off available during OPS hours)
Drug checking available Tuesday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Prior to their first voyage into the 2025-26 BCHL season, the Prince George Spruce Kings took care of an important housekeeping item.
Naming their leadership group.
In addition to Isaac Holt was named the captain of the Spruce Kings on September 2nd, Quesnel’s Carter Hesselgrave, Charlie Lake’s Mason Loewen and Collingwood, Ontario’s Marcus Lougheed were named assistant captain by the junior hockey club today (Thursday).
In 107 BCHL games, Hesselgrave has seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points.
Loewen begins his second season. In 43 games last year, the 19-year-old scored seven times and added 10 assists for 17 points.
Lougheed, a new member of the Spruce Kings, has 184 games of experience in the OJHL with the Collingwood Blues, winning two OJHL Championships and a Centennial Cup in 2024.
The Spruce Kings kick off the regular season tomorrow (Friday) night in Chilliwack in a rematch of the seven-game opening round series in last years Rogers BCHL Playoffs.
The home opener is Friday September 26th against the Surrey Eagles at 7:00 PM.
The BC Wildfire Service has cancelled an order restricting public access to the area around the Cultus wildfire, 16 kilometers east of Ymir.
In a news release, the service said the fire is estimated at 773 hectares and is burning in a remote area.
They said fire activity has decreased, so there’s no longer any need to restrict public access to the area. The restriction was issued Sept. 5 and lifted at noon today.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District has released a report on the economic contribution of arts and culture to the region.
The CVRD’s Arts & Culture Division first annual Arts Impact Report is a directive by Creative Cowichan, the 2024 Arts and Culture master plan.
The report shows cultural initiatives had a significant affect on the local economy and community offerings in 2024.
In a news release, CVRD Arts & Culture Division manager Patrick LeBlanc says the arts offer more than just economic benefit by creating opportunities for connection, increasing wellbeing, and enhancing the beauty of our communities.
“This report helps communicate the impact of the region’s cultural sector. Understanding the significance of the arts and culture scene is crucial to ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
Highlights from the report show that in 2022, the arts and culture sectors provided 78-million dollars of the region’s GDP.
Arts and culture grants to 10 organizations resulted in 4.8-million dollars in economic spinoffs to the Cowichan Valley.
Other highlights:
– 5 regional arts councils showcased over 1,500 local artists in their galleries and provided over 70 music events and 18 festivals.
– The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre generated $524,000 in ticket sales for 22 local organizations and saw over 45,000 patrons through their doors.
– Four recreation centres offered 1,200+ individual arts and cultural classes and events through their programming.
– 2% of all of B.C.’s visual artists live in the CVRD.
Prince George City Council received the results of a review of parking in the downtown and hospital zones at last night’s (Wednesday) meeting.
The 133-page report came with a number of recommendations (recommendations start on page 91) for Council, broken down into three categories:
Administrative: Recommendations to be studied by Administration or Staff to determine feasibility and implementation using existing resources if appropriate.
Planning guidance: Recommendations relating to a future scenario, possibly too far into the future to warrant a specific action currently.
Council direction: Recommendations of a nature that direction would support next steps in the short-term.
“For years, we’ve been hearing from downtown business owners, Downtown PG, people who just like to go downtown and visit businesses, that the parking model that we use right now is broken,” said Councillor Kyle Sampson, who originally brought forward the notice of motion calling for the review in May 2024.
“My understanding is that the primary issue is definitely not having three hours for free, it’s the fact that if you stop downtown for 30 minutes at 9:00 a.m., and try to go back at 2:00 p.m., you’re now infraction of that three hours for free.”
Sampson said he thinks this has discouraged people from going downtown, later in the day if they’ve been in the area earlier in the day.
“From what I’m hearing, a free window of parking is a non-negotiable,” he said.
“People who come downtown and business owners expect people to be able to come to their businesses and not be burdened.”
Sampson added this isn’t about a revenue generator, it’s about making a model that’s practicable for people, saying revenues generated from parking should be used for initiatives for downtown safety.
Sampson put forward a motion with three parts directing staff to:
Maintain a three-hour free parking window in the downtown and hospital zones, with the added flexibility to allow users to pay for pay for additional time
Dedicate all revenue from on-street paid parking downtown to go towards downtown safety and cleanliness initiatives
Develop and deliver a communications campaign to ensure the public clearly understands how the parking model works.
For Sampson’s three-part motion, maintaining a three-hour parking window and developing the communications campaign passed, while the revenue piece was referred to staff for more information.
Council was also presented with seven recommendations from staff at last night’s meeting, including:
Receive the report for information,
Direct staff to move forward with recommendations 4a and 14a in the report regarding physical pay stations,
Direct staff to harmonize the number of hours of free parking in the downtown and hospital zones at two or three hours, (This was taken care of with Sampson’s motion)
Direct staff to review and update the Parking Bylaw,
Direct staff to explore a visitor parking pass program,
Direct staff to include the 2nd Avenue two-way traffic, conversion project in the 2026 Capital Plan
Refer to staff items that are administrative in nature,
The City of Parksville is working to decide how the community’s money should be used over the next five years.
“Development of the financial plan is a complex process which includes input from city departments, committee of the whole meetings which provide background briefings for council, community group presentations and an opportunity for public input and comment,” the city says in a news release.
The financial plan is guided by council’s strategic plan and it sets out how priority programs and initiatives will be funded.
This month and next, city staff are reviewing departments business cases and budgets. In November, committee of the whole meetings will be held to review operating revenue and expenditures in the general, water and sewer funds, capital and special project expenditures, as well as community group funding requests.
The committee meetings will be open to the public.
A draft financial plan will be presented at a council meeting in December, and it is expected to be approved in January. Property tax and utility rates will be set in April 2026.
“Community participation is an important part of developing budget priorities. Public input into the process ensures the city’s financial plan reflects the community’s current wants and needs and assists council with balancing the ongoing service needs of a growing community while delivering on strategic priorities and projects,” the city says.
Residents can ask questions at financial plan meetings on Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 24. Comments and questions can also be emailed to [email protected] and will become part of the public record.
To make sure gas systems continue to operate safely and reliably, FortisBC will be conducting low flying aerial inspections of transmission lines in the Campbell River area.
According to FortisBC, helicopter contractors Talon Helicopters and LaSen Inc. will be performing these aerial gas line inspections across the province.
Inspections will take place between September 23 and October 23, during daylight hours, per special authorization given by Transport Canada.
FortisBC says flight time over a single area will be minimal and that this work is important for maintaining community safety and reliable energy for homes and businesses.
The annual Culture Days return to Quesnel and the surrounding areas this weekend.
From September 19 until October 12, people of the Cariboo can view and experience the talent of local artists from across the Cariboo, and speak with the artists themselves.
“Quesnel has been participating in Culture Days for about nine years now,” says Cathy Heinzelman of the Quesnel Arts Council. “It’s wonderful because it’s an opportunity for emerging artists to perform and bring their artwork into the community.”
Many events will highlight Quesnel’s local wildlife, community, as well as Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Opening Culture Days is the Art Trail, which starts on Saturday, September 20, and runs throughout the entirety of Culture Days. The Art Trail is a self-guided tour that pairs local artists with businesses, allowing people to explore the community and discover art.
“This is our fifth or sixth year for the Art Trail,” Heinzelman says. “It’s an event we hopefully will always continue because lots of artists from the region are represented.”
Another event this year is the Writers’ Day on October 4, at the Library on Kinchant Street. Local writers will be able to present their works, and the Arts Council will be announcing the winners of the Quesnel Writing Contest that has been running throughout the summer.
More information regarding all the events, including the Art Trail self-guide brochure, can be found by following the QR codes on the posters placed across the town, or by visiting Quesnel’s Culture Days website.
The Prince George Cougars are about to lift the curtain on the 2025-26 WHL Season.
It all kicks off with the home opener slated for tomorrow (Friday) night against the Portland Winterhawks at 7pm from CN Centre.
Cougars Director of Business, Taylor Dakers is expecting another healthy crowd to kick off the campaign.
“I don’t think we are going to see sellouts but I think we will have nice attendance. The last few years we have an exciting team going into the season and everyone is kind of increased what we have seen on opening night.”
The Cougars are going to have to fill the offensive void left by dynamic forward Riley Heidt, Koehn Ziemmer and Borya Valis. Last year’s trade deadline acquisition Ben Riche elected to go the NCAA route a year earlier than expected.
Key returning pieces are defenceman Bauer Dumanski, Carson Carrels, Corbin Vaughan and Arseni Anisimov while up front Aiden Foster, Jett Lajoie, Terik Parascak and Lee Shurgot are expected to drive the bus offensively.
He added opening weekend is good opportunity for young players to prove they can handle a bigger role.
“It’s a big chance for them to show well and a chance for our roster guys, second and third year players to step up and show the improvements that they have made.”
“Opening weekend is always new faces and you have guys away at NHL camps as well. You get to see some players that may not be here in November but could be full time guys next year so its a little sneak peek.”
Some of the new faces will get the opportunity to see include forwards Riley Ashe and Russian import Dimitry Yakutsenak, American Jack Finnegan and recent trade acquisition Brock Souch along with Kooper Gizwoski who was claimed off waivers over the summer.
Second-year forwards Patrick Sopiarz and Kayden Lemire are also expected to take a step.
Townes Kozicky, Ethan Hamilton and Cole Hajt will also battle for ice time in their rookie seasons.
PG is led in goal by San Jose Sharks top prospect Josh Ravensbergen who is back for his third season between the pipes. Backing him up will be 19-year-old import Alexander Levshyn who played Junior A in Ontario last season. Brady Holtvogt is also on the roster.
On the blue line, Phoenix Cahill, Eli Johnson, Leith Hunter, Dermot Johnston and Aleksey Chichkin round out the roster.
The Winterhawks will also play the Cougars Saturday at 6pm.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is concerned a program to recycle old mattresses won’t start this year as expected.
In a memo to the board, environmental services manager Janine Dougall said in BC producers are held accountable for the full lifecycle of their products. Through non-profit agencies like Recycle BC, they operate curbside and drop-off recycling services.
Since 2012, local governments have been calling for mattresses to be added to such programs. A provincial government plan developed a few years ago suggested mattresses would be included starting in 2025 and several industry groups supported the move. However, in July, the RDKB learned mattresses have been excluded from further regulation.
Dougall said the rationale was that “the present economic conditions do not allow for new fees on mattresses,” as the fees estimated at $40 to $45 per unit were a “perceived hardship” on consumers.
“RDKB staff are deeply concerned about this logic,” Dougall wrote, citing a 2016 Metro Vancouver study that suggested recycling mattresses would create new jobs, save on energy and landfill costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently the RDKB accepts mattresses in its landfills, but they pose “significant, unique and costly challenges for local governments in disposal or recycling,” Dougall said. “They are extremely expensive to landfill, taking up large amounts of airspace and tend to bounce out of the garbage making compaction difficult.
“Traditional spring mattresses can pop out of garbage and become entangled in drive
shafts of large equipment. Mattresses are bulky and heavy making them hard to move
and pack onsite. Mattresses also must be handled with care as there is potential for them
to contain bed bugs and bodily fluids.”
Requiring mattress manufacturers to take care of disposal would shift the “financial and logistical burden” of disposal from local governments to producers, she said, which would reduce illegal dumping and extend the life of local landfills.
Manufacturers would be expected to increase the cost of their products to cover collection and recycling, so only someone buying a new mattress would pay for recycling it.
The board agreed unanimously to write a letter to the environment minister, asking her to reconsider the decision to exclude mattresses.
A pair of significant construction projects are taking shape in the Comox Valley.
The City of Courtenay says the contractor in charge of the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge project is set up in Simms Park and have begun excavations for foundations.
This project is being supported by more than $5-million in grant funding via the Active Transportation Fund, Growing Communities Fund and Canada Community Building Fund.
Click here for more information from the City of Courtenay about the project.
Also, the Comox Valley Regional District and BC Transit are partnering on a new transit exchange in downtown Comox at Port Augusta Street and Comox Avenue and plans call for construction to begin next week.
This will prompt a temporary relocation for existing bus stops in the area.
BC Transit says the new exchange will improve transit access, customer comfort and safety, construction is pegged for completion this winter.
Click here for more information about this project from BC Transit.
– Article includes image from the City of Courtenay, files from the City of Courtenay and BC Transit
Ethan DeHoog’s Cardboard Boxes and Other Ways To Travel is hitting the stage in Smithers tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.
The show is being presented by the Bulkley Valley Concert Association as one of its two satellite shows this season.
“Last year, I did [the show] at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Somebody from the association saw it and asked if I was interested in bringing it back home,” said DeHoog.
He said the show’s title was inspired by a time when he was away from Smithers but could travel back to the community through packages and letters.
“I’m really grateful to be coming home and performing the show because in part, it wouldn’t exist without the people in Smithers,” DeHoog added.
With the show being rooted in his time away from Smithers, DeHoog often goes back to then while performing which he calls both beautiful and difficult.
Joining him on stage is his puppet Hugo who he made with help from his family after doing some puppetry at Studio 58 in Vancouver.
“I fell in love with the puppetry so I made Hugo part of the show and he’s now a staple of some of my work,” DeHoog said.
Tickets can be purchased at Mountain Eagle Books or through the concert association’s website.
DeHoog will be performing at the Old Church in Smithers tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
A small earthquake shook struck west of Shawnigan Lake at 5 am this morning.
Earthquakes Canada reports the magnitude of the quake was 3, it was 16 kilometres deep, and the location was 16 kilometres southwest of Duncan.
By mid-morning, nearly 50 residents in an area stretching from Victoria to Ladysmith reported to the Earthquakes Canada website that the quake was lightly felt at their location.
Prince George City Council and City Staff will be in Victoria next week, attending the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention.
The annual convention allows the opportunity for local governments from around the province to come together and take a united position on provincial and federal policies.
City representatives will be advocating on five issues affecting Prince George and the region:
Adequate funding, offices, and staffing of the BC Conservation Service
Construction of a regional secure psychiatric facility in the Prince George area
Increased core provincial funding for public libraries
Declaration of human trafficking, gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence as an epidemic in B.C. and for an updated provincial Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
Finalizing agreements between municipalities and BC Ambulance Service including a funding component to compensate local governments providing emergency medical services for related costs
Resolutions, if endorsed by a majority of the membership at the convention, are then conveyed to other orders of government or organizations for consideration.
“We look forward to meeting face-to-face with different levels of government to ensure the City of Prince George is heard and the issues facing our community are considered,” said Mayor Simon Yu.
“We know that many communities across the province are facing similar issues, in fact three of the five resolutions the City is bringing forward have been endorsed by the North Central Local Government Association. Prince George is happy to champion these challenges for the benefit of our city and the entire region.”
The convention will also provide an opportunity for City representatives to meet with provincial ministers, including with Premier David Eby.
Dialogue between Canada Post and the Union of Postal Workers will re-start talks once again.
In a statement today (Thursday), Canada Post informed the union it will be responding with new global offers designed to move negotiations forward.
Both parties are slated to return to the table next week.
Canada Post has decided to present new global offers with the hope that the parties can find common ground on important issues like weekend delivery.
With a planned return to the table, the postal company has asked the union to amend its strike action and deliver the unaddressed flyers (Neighbourhood Mail).
The Cariboo Regional District has purchased three new electric ice surfacing machines for arenas in 100 Mile House, Quesnel, and Williams Lake.
The CRD works with the Cities of Williams Lake, Quesnel, and District of 100 Mile House to govern those recreation facilities making sure they have the proper equipment in place.
“We (CRD) knew that there were some Zamboni’s that were coming up for replacement and we just recently done some projects to install some solar panels at a couple of those arenas,” Darron Campbell, CRD Manager of Community Services said, “We wanted to keep the commitment to going electric moving forward so we looked at purchasing electric ice resurfacers.”
Campbell noted that they didn’t go with the Zamboni brand, we ended up going with an Engo machine for all three rinks.
“The purchase was actually coordinated by the staff at the South Cariboo Rec Centre in 100 Mile House that had some knowledge of the machines from other facilities that they were connected to. We did our homework and research and I think we got the right machines for these facilities,” Campbell said, “It fits really nice with having electric machines combined with the solar panels. It helps with using that power directly and improves the air quality so we were really proud of being part of that project.”
These Engo machines are the very latest in technology and definitely more efficient.
“They are more complicated to run, there’s quite a training program that staff at the rinks will have to go through,” Campbell noted, “Because they are electric machines they’ll need all the proper charging stations installed but at this time we just felt it was the right sorta transition to make to go with electric.”
The Cariboo Regional District purchased these machines with their Community Works Fund which is part of the Building Canada Program that the CRD receives an allocation through the Union of BC Municipalities each year.
“For the purchase of all three it worked out to be about $160,000 per unit and by buying them for all three facilities at the same time we did get a discount price on that of about fifteen percent so we did save a fair bit by making this purchase collectively,” Campbell said.
He added that the CRD had been looking at this purchase for a few years, waiting for the right time to do it.
“Really it was around the technology of the equipment that finally came around to the point where they are reasonably cost effective, they’re very reliable, very efficient, and you can find parts for them better than you use to be able to. The time for these electric machines has definitely arrived.”
Property owners in Courtenay will soon be able to request a change in size for their curbside organics and recycling carts.
The City of Courtenay’s annual collection cart exchange program begins on October 1, allowing households to choose from 120L or 360L organics carts, and 120L, 240L, or 360L recycling carts.
Manager of Public Works Chris Thompson said the program is intended for residents who need new sizes to better address their needs.
“We’ve had automated collection for nearly two years, and overall, we’ve seen that the majority of Courtenay residents have done a great job with the new system and managing their solid waste.”
Cart exchange requests will be open until October 17, those who wish to change their carts will be contacted by Emterra Environmental within three weeks to accommodate the request.
Properties which have already received an exchange will be subject to a $65 administrative fee.
Those who live in multi-residential, strata, or manufactured home parks residents with curbside collection who want to change carts should contact their property manager.
Garbage carts are not included in the program as all carts are 120L.
RCMP are looking to return two pieces of equipment which belong to the City of Powell River.
Two red suitcase sized Honda generators have City of Powell River stickers on them and were chained to streetlights to run an intersections light during a power outage on September 14.
One of the generators was stolen from the intersection of Marine and Alberni Street, while the other was stolen from Wharf Street.
They were reported missing just before 7:00 p.m.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact Powell River RCMP.
Interior Health is advising 100 Mile House and area residents of a temporary service interruption at 100 Mile District General Hospital emergency Department.
IH said emergency services will be unavailable today (September 18) from 7 am to 8 pm and that patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time.
All other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile District General Hospital.
Interior Health said people in the community who need life-threatening emergency care should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.
With puck drop on the 2025-26 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season this Friday, we take a look at the Grand Forks Border Bruins.
The Border Bruins had their best season in the organization’s history. It started with them winning another Neil Murdoch division regular season championship last season with a record of 33-6-4-1, then the Kootenay Conference championship, and culminated with their first ever KIJHL Teck Cup championship.
Coming into this season, head coach-general manager Dave Hnatiuk likes how the group has been able to start adapting into the systems and the process. The pace has increased daily, and the systems and structure they’re teaching has started to be implemented.
“It’s just been a good start here of getting the ball rolling and getting the process going,” said Hnatiuk.
Being defending champions, the message for players is that getting to the championship is their goal every year.
“The belief is high in the room and obviously there’s a really great core of veterans that were part of this team last year, and even the season prior,” said Hnatiuk, starting his fifth season with the Border Bruins. “I think there is a lot of pride inside that room, there is obviously a lot of hunger to repeat and the message is the process.”
Acquisitions: D-Brenan Kearney (via trade from Osoyoos Coyotes – 21-1-1-2), G-Tyler Picha (via trade from Spokane Braves – 36 GP | 4.29 GAA | .897 SP).
Rookies: F- Colby Gulliver – Lethbridge Hurricanes U18AAA (38-7-11-18), Nate Smith – Olds Grizzlies U18AA (34-25-39-64), Devon Boyle – Sherwood Park Kings U18AAA (37-12-20-32), Austin Tellefson – Edmonton Jr. Oilers U18AAA (38-10-9-19), D- Garrett Janzen – Lethbridge Hurricanes U18AAA (36-2-12-14), Jake O’Keefe – CNHA U18 AA Black (22-3-11-14), D- Nate Rizzetto – CBHA U18 AA Rangers (31-5-13-18), G- Nic Grunerud – Battlefords U18 AAA Stars (26 GP 10-14-0 | 3.47 GAA | .908 SP.).
Hnatiuk feels their roster may be a bit better than last year.
“We’re young, we have a lot of first-year guys. We’re really deep up front, skilled, and happy with how that is looking. Our D-core is young, but we’re seeing improvement daily. Guys are getting used to the pace of the next level.”
In goal, Picha will play with rookies Shane Ford and Grunderud. With the Braves last season, Picha faced 1,395 shots in 2,000 minutes of action.
“I’m hoping that his first year in our league gave him a lot of experience,” said Hnatiuk. “He saw a lot of minutes and rubber, putting up some pretty impressive numbers.”
In terms of how they will play, Hnatiuk describes himself as a coach that “lets guys play within their skill set”, but they will lay out the structure, groundwork and let them play their game within that.
“For sure we want to be the same identity as last year – be a tough team to play against, meaning physical, walking that line. I don’t want to say intimidating, but kind of that Big Bad Bruins hockey that we talked about. We want to be offensive, defensive, and strong on special teams.”
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With puck drop on the 2025-26 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season this Friday, Sept. 19, we take a quick look at the Castlegar Rebels.
The Rebels finished fourth in the Neil Murdoch division with a record of 15-21-4-4. They were swept in the first round by the Grand Forks Border Bruins.
Alex Evin, who took over as head coach last February, heads into his first full season as coach. He has a group that is showing they have a high work ethic.
“I definitely like our forward group,” said Evin, who as an associate coach with the Prince George Spruce Kings helped them win a BCHL championship in 2019, then earn silver in the Centennial Cup. “We still have some decisions to make about who will start the year with us. I think we’re gonna have a lot more depth than we thought, which is a really good thing.”
Since camp, Evin has been focused on building a foundation through compete levels and habits they want to see on a daily basis.
Acquisitions: F – Cooper Barclay (signed from Lake Cowichan Kraken – VIJHL – 39-15-9-24), Eli Florko (via trade from the Spokane Braves – 33-1-4-5), Adam Valach (via trade from the Quesnel River Rush).
Rookies: F – Deegan Kyle – West Kootenay Crusaders U18 AA – (16-11-9-20), Julian Knelsen – West Kootenay Crusaders U18 AA (played four games as an AP for Rebels last season), D- Ethan Hogman – Parkland Athletic Club Saints U18 AA (31-9-16-25), Rhett Steel – Swift Current Broncos U18 AA ), Hunter Edwards (signed from Carrot River Outback – Prairie Junior Hockey League – 5-8-0-3 | 4.78 goals against average | .891 save percentage).
Team Outlook: Evin is going to change how they play. It starts with focusing on foundation then the fundamentals that will help them be successful.
“There will be a lot of different things happening this year,” added Evin. “I think we have a forward group that can make plays. We hope to be one of the teams that plays fast and a good team game, that’s our goal.”
Veninsky, a second-year goalie, is a hard-worker who was challenged to come back ready to earn a spot.
“It’s still early, but we’ve really liked what we’ve seen from him,” said Evin, a former goalie. “He was very steady at camp, showed good leadership and had a very good first preseason game.”
Veninsky will share the crease with Hunter Edwards, who played Junior B in Saskatchewan and was named the Carrot River Outback Thunder Goalie of the Year.
“I think he has a ton of potential to be a very good goalie in this league and maybe beyond,” said Evin. “That will be our tandem to start the year and then we will see how things go.”
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People in Nelson and across the West Kootenay region are invited to have a sneak peek at the new Nelson Fairview Gardens on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Hosted by Interior Health, the open house offers community members a first look at Nelson Fairview Gardens, the new long-term care building, before it officially opens to residents later in September. As well, Kootenay Kids Society will offer tours though the new childcare space, Fairview Early Learning Centre.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help direct visitors. Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time during the event. Free parking is available, and signage will guide guests to the main entrance of Nelson Fairview Gardens.
The Nelson Community Health Campus was thoughtfully designed with input from health-care professionals, partners, and community stakeholders to create a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects the needs of the region.
This open house offers a behind-the-scenes look at how bringing local health services together under one roof will enhance care, connection, and collaboration.
When: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
Where: Nelson Fairview Gardens main lobby, 902 Eleventh Street, Nelson, B.C
Grand Forks city council won’t rename the grandstand at James Donaldson Park after Larry Seminoff, but will put up a plaque in his memory.
Seminoff founded the Grand Forks International baseball tournament and was its longtime co-ordinator. He died last year.
Last month, the city received a request from Seminoff’s brother to rename the grandstand in his honour. Before deciding, council asked the society that runs the GFI for their thoughts.
In a letter, president Morgan Strohmann said the society values Seminoff’s legacy and agrees “permanent recognition of his contributions is both fitting and deserved,” since without his vision, the tournament wouldn’t exist today.
However, while they felt naming the grandstand has merit, they said it is an uncommon practice in baseball, and that recognition would be better achieved through “visible signage, monuments, or plaques that share the story of an individual’s contributions.”
They suggested whatever council decided would “only carry true meaning” if it came with a permanent marker.
The city doesn’t get many requests like this and doesn’t have a naming policy, city manager Duncan Redfearn said. The broadcast booth at the park is already named in Seminoff’s honour.
Council decided on a plaque to cost up to $500. City staff will figure out how to pay for it and work with the society on finding the best location to put it.
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He’s one of the most accomplished musicians to come out of Trail. He toured with the Buddy Rich Orchestra and appeared at some of the continent’s leading jazz festivals.
He belonged to the Edmonton Symphony and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and taught at UBC and Capilano College. He’s performed on Juno Award-winning recordings and he’s been inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
But you probably know him best from his TV commercials for Book Warehouse in the 1980s and ’90s.
Sharman King returned to Trail this week to take part in the J.L. Crowe class of 1965’s 60-year reunion. During a stop at Summit FM on Wednesday, he said his chief memory of his school years is how impressive the staff were, especially those who didn’t have official status and were teaching with letters of permission.
King, 78, chalks it up to Cominco’s influence: “They realized that to attract administrative and engineering talent, the school system had to be good. So it always was.”
King’s early childhood was spent on Daniel Street in West Trail. He later moved Sunningdale and then to 2nd Avenue in East Trail.
He was expecting a science career until he heard a recording of Frank Sinatra arranged by Nelson Riddle and was intrigued by an unfamiliar instrument. It turned out to be a bass trombone. At the time, King was playing euphonium in the school band, but he swapped it for a trombone, and by year’s end, he had decided to go to music school.
“It worked great. It’s been 55 years in the profession of music and I’ve loved every minute of it. And the launching pad is Trail and J. Lloyd Crowe.”
The school launched other musical careers, he notes, including that of composer Ben McPeek. “What you learn in school in music applies to everything,” King said. “We were taught by people in Trail who had great passion for everything they were teaching.”
It wasn’t only the high school teachers who passed along valuable lessons. King played in Al Tognotti’s Underwear Band, a musical booster club for the Trail Smoke Eaters. He learned about citizenship and promotion.
Tognotti also ran a downtown fruit stand and King watched how Tognotti interacted with the community and how highly valued he was. Years later, when King started the Book Warehouse chain in the Lower Mainland, he began advertising on radio and TV, something bookstores had rarely done before. He appeared in the commercials himself, playing the tuba and trombone.
“It sticks with people to this day. They say, ‘Oh, you’re the tuba guy.’ I got that from Al, to advertise something in a way that sticks with people. Everything I learned about business, I learned from Allan Tognotti. Just an amazing role model.”
After King and his sister Beth moved to Vancouver, his parents followed. He no longer has any family connections to Trail, but he returns from time to time.
Prince George City Council will be taking a letter from the owners of CrossRoads with them when they meet with Premier David Eby.
At tonight’s (Wednesday) meeting, City Council voted on sharing the letter with Eby and other relevant Provincial Ministers when it comes to public safety.
At that meeting, Councillor Brian Skakun suggested having the letter to present to Premier Eby during their meetings at the Union of BC Municipalities convention, scheduled for next week.
Councillor Kyle Sampson said this should just be part of the meeting with Eby, not the cornerstone.
“I think it’s stronger when it strengthens the work that we are and have been doing, rather than maybe charts its own path a little bit,” he said.
“It’s still the same tool to be used, I just am worried about the wording being this is going to be the topic with the Premier when I think this can supplement to conversation with the Premier.”
He also asked it be referred to the City’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs for advocacy.
Skakun also asked about requesting funding for private security downtown, something the Public Safety Committee has been working on as well.
“Since we’ve led on the HEART and HEARTH project, we’ve been with the province on a number of initiatives, if we could also put in there, that we would like, or we request to get $400,000 base funding for the first year, and see how it goes,” he said.
“I think the province needs to step up, we don’t have time to wait for a number of things to take place before that happens.”
Skakun originally put forward the $400,000 but the motion was amended to remove any mention of a dollar value.
The full letter from CrossRoads Co-Owners Daryl Leiski and Cindy Zurowski reads:
Dear Mayor Yu and Council
On September 5th, 2025, our lives changed with a single criminal act. An unhoused individual with a significant criminal record committed arson. That one act destroyed our business, displaced 50 employees, and disrupted the lives of hundreds more – families, partners, community members, and neighbours. Their lives, and our lives, are forever changed. This incident shines a light on the crisis that downtown Prince George is facing. We are under siege.
CrossRoads was not just a business. It was a historic building, a major investment in the heart of the city, built on our belief that downtown Prince George could thrive. We built it downtown because we believed in this city. For eight plus years, we gave people a reason to come downtown – to gather, to celebrate, to feel proud of our community.
We are proud to have been part of downtown Prince George. CrossRoads touched the lives of countless residents and visitors. It was a place to meet, to connect, to mark life’s moments. It became a cornerstone of our downtown – a symbol of what this city could be when people invested in community.
And it was lost in a reckless, deliberate act of arson.
We cannot continue to put our employees, our families, our community and our businesses at risk. We need action – real, urgent, decisive, action. Give us back our streets. Give us back our sense of safety. Without it, businesses like ours cannot survive, let alone rebuild.
We respectfully request your full attention and resources to make the downtown safe and vibrant again. We will try to rebuild CrossRoads. We cannot do it alone.
Members of the Windermere Fire Department are on the scene of a structure fire in the Timber Ridge area this evening.
“When we arrived on scene, the home was fully involved,” sayid Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Thomas Dobbin. “All the firefighters did an excellent job getting the fire knocked down so it didn’t spread into nearby trees or other structures.”
In total, 15 members from the Windermere Fire Department responded to the call with four pieces of apparatus. The Invermere Fire Department also responded to support the suppression efforts with six members and one apparatus, along with BC Ambulance and RCMP.
While all occupants were able to get out of the home, one person was taken to hospital with burns for further assessment and treatment.
Fire crews will remain on scene this evening until the fire is fully cooled down and mopped up.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time and is under investigation.
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The two teams complete a 4-game series today (Thursday 10:10 AM PT) in Tampa.
With just 10 games remaining, the (89-63) Blue Jays have the best record in the American League and lead the A.L. East by 4 games over the New York Yankees and by 6 over the Boston Red Sox.
It has been 5 1/2 months since the Prince George Cougars played a meaningful game.
The Cougars WHL regular season begins on home ice as they entertain the Portland Winterhawks in a doubleheader at CN Centre, Friday night at 7:00 and Saturday night at 6:00.
It is the return of @PGCougars Catscan podcast. Coach/GM Mark Lamb discusses his thoughts on how new NCAA rules will impact the #WHL & potential trades he may make. In the 44 minute interview, he also talks about his changing roster, returning leaders & strength in the PG net. https://t.co/mmNQ1UkTnV
The (4-3-1) Kodiaks, with two regular season games left in the BC Football Conference, host the (0-7) Kamloops Broncos on Saturday, September 27th before closing on the road in Chilliwack against the Valley Huskers on October 4th.
Prince George is in 3rd place in the 7-team league with the top four to advance to the playoffs.
The BCFC standings: Okanagan 8-0 (clinched first place), Westshore 6-2, P.G. 4-3-1, Vancouver Island 2-4-1, Valley 2-4-1, Langley 2-4-1 and Kamloops 0-7.
The Kodiaks schedule and results can be found here.
Williams Lake RCMP says a motor vehicle incident was the cause of a small wildfire north of the Lake City.
The incident occurred between two vehicles on Highway 97 and was reported to the RCMP at approximately 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 17.
The collision was located between Lynes Creek Road and Blue Lake Road, approximately 18 km north of Williams Lake, near Soda Creek, and south of McLeese Lake.
“We are pleased to say that everyone walked away from that incident without any significant injuries,” says Sergeant Brad McKinnon.
“However, as a result of the collision, it did spark a fire in the area. The BC Wildfire Service is currently undergoing and working on fire suppression efforts to extinguish the fire.”
McKinnon adds that the cause of the collision is still under investigation.
According to McKinnon and DriveBC, northbound traffic along Highway 97 has reopened with alternating traffic. Southbound traffic is currently still at a standstill.
The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is currently ‘Being Held’, and reached 0.4 hectares in size.
A week of cycling in Nanaimo will help get the community out and about while cutting emissions. GoByBike Week will be Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 and will give residents a chance to win prizes while cycling to work, school or just for fun.
“GoByBike Week is more than a celebration of cycling, it’s a movement toward a healthier, greener and more connected Nanaimo. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just enjoying the ride, every pedal stroke counts,” says Madeleine Koch, active transportation project specialist with the City of Nanaimo. “We’re proud to support this province-wide initiative and grateful to the volunteers, sponsors and community members who make it possible. Let’s keep the momentum going.”
There will be stations throughout the week hosted by local sponsors. The city encourages residents to plan their routes to make stops and enter to win prizes.
There are multiple events planned for the weeklong cycling campaign, and it will kick off with a launch event on Sept. 27 from 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Maffeo Sutton Park. It will feature fireworks and food and drinks.
Celebration stations will be located at the following locations throughout the week:
Sept. 28, 9 to 11 a.m. – NRGH (Dufferin entrance)
Sept. 29, 7 to 9.30 a.m. – Metral Drive & Mostar
Celebration stations are paused on Sept. 30 in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Oct. 1, 9 to 11 a.m. – E&N trail, Giggleswick
Oct. 2, 4 to 6 p.m. – Museum Way (across from the Port Theatre)
Oct. 3, 3 to 6 p.m. Wrap-up event, Maffeo Sutton Park
You’ll find more information and a link register for Go By Bike Week the week on the City of Nanaimo’s website.
The Columbia Valley RCMP will be showing no mercy this weekend for people participating in unsanctioned burn out events.
The annual Columbia Valley Classic Car Show and Shine is this weekend with over 1,000 cars expected.
RCMP said unsanctioned burn out events have been happening over the last number of years and are not endorsed by the Village of Radium or the organizers.
The burn out event attracts bystanders along Hwy 93/95, but there are no protective barrier between vehicles and the crowd.
The RCMP will be out in full force and will be issuing violation tickets and seven day impoundments.
Cpl. Jeff Witzke said they are letting people know early, because they are expecting some unhappy spectators.
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Edgewater residents are being asked to conserve as much water as possible until repairs are made.
RDEK officials said there was unexpected damage to the siphon line that connects Lake Baptiste to the reservoir towers that store water for the Edgewater water system.
The water is safe to drink, but residents are asked to put off running dishwashers, laundry, baths and showers until the repairs are complete.
There is also no outdoor water use until further notice.
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The District of Sparwood is updating its traffic parking and highways bylaw with changes coming soon.
The updated bylaw is focusing on cost recovery of infrastructure damage due to materials on roads, amending lane parking to match street parking restrictions and reviewing other parking regulations.
The original bylaw was introduced in 1987 and has seen some amendments since then.
In the winter months, there is a parking prohibition on all streets within the district, but under the new bylaw some streets would be exempt.
That includes Centennial Street, Centennial Plaza and a portion of Douglas Fir Road and Sparwood Drive.
More information on the changes can be found here.
The draft bylaw will be coming back to council in the near future for three readings and adoptions.
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The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is exploring a new location for its office in Creston.
Regional board members have approved $13,000 for a design concept and cost estimate to renovate the upper floor of Rotacrest Hall at 230 19th Ave. N., near the Creston Community Complex.
The RDCK said in a news release that its current Creston office no longer meets the needs of staff and the public. The space has accessibility challenges, limited customer service capacity and insufficient parking.
It also lacks an adequate number of workstations, private offices, meeting rooms, storage, a functioning lunchroom, staff-only washrooms and RDCK branding, which the district said impacts the delivery of service.
Additionally, the RDCK’s hybrid work model has meant some Nelson-based positions have been relocated to Creston due to available amenities and lower housing costs.
While the intent of a new space is not to allow for additional hiring or expanded government services, the RDCK said it is a significant factor in recruiting and retaining key positions.
The RDCK did not say whether other sites were considered, though Rotacrest Hall is already owned by the district, has more than twice the square footage of the current office location and meets the RDCK’s space requirements.
The proposed office would also improve public access and service by adding parking, meeting space and a modern lobby.
The design work is the first step in the process. Once the concept is complete, the board will decide whether to proceed with developing the hall into an office.
Staff will consult user groups and other interested parties as part of the board’s decision-making process.
“As our community grows, so too do the demands on our services,” said Stuart Horn, RDCK chief administrative officer.
“We have outgrown our current office space, which is no longer meeting the needs of the public or our staff. Relocating to a modern, accessible facility will allow us to better serve residents, provide a welcoming environment and ensure our team has the space and amenities they need to deliver exceptional service.”
The Rotacrest Hall is currently used for meeting room rentals and banquets. Groups that use the upper floor will be directly affected, particularly the New Horizon Senior Society.
The RDCK said it believes the needs of those groups can be accommodated in other nearby spaces and that it will work with them to identify options and enable a smooth transition if the hall is developed as office space.
The main floor, which Valley Community Services uses for its Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors, will remain unchanged.
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The Town of Creston has enough residential capacity to build more than four times the housing it needs over the next 20 years, according to a recent staff analysis.
Natasha Ewashen, municipal services coordinator and planner, delivered a report to council on Sept. 16 in response to new provincial housing legislation, which requires municipalities to prove they can accommodate future housing demand through existing zoning.
Under the Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act – also known as Bill 44 – municipalities are required to align their zoning capacity with projections determined in their most recent housing needs report.
The town’s most recent housing needs assessment was conducted in 2024. It revealed the town’s housing supply must increase by 1,437 units over the next 20 years.
However, Ewashen told councillors the town’s existing zoning bylaw already allows for 6,091 units – meaning no further density changes are required at this time.
She said this is largely because the town adopted a zoning amendment in June 2024 that permits small‑scale multi‑unit residential housing.
“This significantly increased allowable density. So following those provincially mandated increases to allowable densities, essentially staff identified the total number of R1 lots and determined the net number of developable units.”
Ewashen’s report also recommended changes to Creston’s Official Community Plan (OCP) to ensure it aligns with Bill 44.
The proposed changes would add policies for affordable rental housing, senior and special‑needs housing, homes accessible by transit and measures to address homelessness.
“We also are putting forward to remove the prescribed per‑unit hectare densities from the OCP,” she said.
“OCPs are really high‑level documents and the zoning bylaw is the regulatory document for implementing those densities. By removing them from the OCP, we increase flexibility within our zoning bylaw to consider increased densities where appropriate.”
A public hearing will be held in coming months as required by provincial law, though Ewashen recommended no additional consultation since the changes are mostly meant to satisfy provincial requirements.
A draft OCP amendment bylaw will come forward at a future council meeting.
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The City of Kimberley is planning to remove the rainbow crosswalk at the Wallinger Avenue and Spokane Street cross-section, but install a separate symbol in support of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
City staff said the crosswalk is deteriorating due to traffic and the recent construction nearby.
In 2021 it cost $15,800 to install the crosswalk, but a 2025 quote for reinstallation was $30,000.
While some of the damage is from general traffic, the city said there has definitely been deliberate defacing of the crosswalk.
Councillor Jason McBain said they should look at an alternative show of support that can’t be easily tampered with.
“If we want to be honest with ourselves some of the degradation was from people doing really stupid things like burn outs and other things that I consider ignorant and discriminatory,” he said.
“What I would like to see is something that lessens the likelihood of somebody defacing, like a flag or other symbolism. I think a flag or series of flags that people can’t access would make the most sense.”
The city is open to placing flags near planter hangers on wooden welcome signs at the entrances to the platzl.
Some other ideas included a rainbow painted stairway from Wallinger Avenue to Selkirk High School, or a painted bench near the platzl, but these could be easily damaged.
Council will be deciding on the location and symbol at a future meeting.
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Both the weather and salmon cooperated for this year’s Horsefly River Salmon Festival, making it one of the busiest in and out of the water.
“We’re estimating about 700 people came this year,” says Helen Englund, Treasurer of the Horsefly River Roundtable. “We had local people from Horsefly, Williams Lake, Likely, Anahim, and Nazko. Some provincially from Abbotsford, Vernon, Chilliwack, Kitimat, and Vancouver. We also had international visitors from Washington, Germany, and Switzerland.”
Salmon swimming in the Horsefly River. [Photo credit KCP Photography]
An estimated 50,000 salmon were seen swimming up the Horsefly River. Englund says the Department of Fisheries and Oceans(DFO) said that this year was a non-dominant year for salmon, and there is a chance more salmon can come up next year.
At this year’s festival, there was an assortment of activities to choose from and local musicians, artisans, stewardship partners, such as Baker Creek, the Rivershed Society, Fraser Watershed, Scout Island, and the Cariboo Conservation Society. There was even a local herbalist with creams and medicines they were able to make by foraging the local plantlife.
The Horsefly River Roundtable worked with the Rivershed Society and Scout Island to bring back education activities for kids from the Williams Lake and Horsefly schools on the Friday before the Festival. Englund says these lessons had been on an eight-year hiatus due to lower funds and volunteers.
“It was great to bring it back this year. We had about 60 kids from the schools broken up into two groups with different activities to learn about the salmon,” says Englund. “We hope to repeat this every year. Education and information have been the real purpose of the Salmon Festival, as well as people coming out to relax for the weekend.”
A boy painting a fish for his Gyotaku Painting. [Photo credit KCP Photography]
A returning highlight each year is the Gyotaku painting. A Japanese art form where a kid, or adult, takes a real salmon and paints its scales. Then the painter wraps the painted salmon in a thin type of cloth that, when unwrapped, has an imprint of the salmon.
“That’s everybody’s highlight. That’s an activity we do each year, and I don’t see us ever not doing it.”
The salmon wasn’t just enjoyed by the humans coming to visit Horsefly River. Englund says the day after the festival, Horsefly locals spotted a grizzly bear and grizzly cubs playing and fishing in the river, enjoying the abundance of salmon as well.
The Nadina Off-Road Society’s Houston Mud Drags were held on Saturday and Sunday at the Air Strip.
The annual event saw hundreds of people attend, including over 40 trucks from Lillooet to Terrace.
Volunteer Corrina Bodnar says since starting in 2013, several events have been added to the mud drags including the obstacle course.
“It starts off in front of the crowd over all sorts of obstacles and then takes off into the bush,” she said.
“It’s a timed race and you can have all sorts of vehicles.”
The event also helped raise funds and awareness for ALS for the last couple of years as one of it’s volunteers had passed away from the disease.
On Saturday, rain fell in the Houston area which Bodnar said helped increase the amount of mud that flew over the weekend.
“Consistently, we’ve had so many amazing volunteers put in a lot of personal, truck, and equipment time to develop and maintain this site along with the District of Houston,” she said.
The society is looking at hosting the mud drags earlier in the summer next year to help attract more trucks as Prince George also hosts mud races in September.
The CN Centre will be packed with hockey action, with the HockeyFest Street Hockey Tournament this weekend.
This is the first time the event has been in Prince George, which is being hosted by Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, and is in effort to raise money for medical equipment.
CEO Aimee Cassie said so far, they’ve raised $65,000.
“It will be going towards MRI guided breast biopsies at UHNBC, which will be a new service and one we’re really excited about supporting.”
“We had, thanks to our donors, supported phase one, which was MRI scans for breast cancer, and this is phase two of that project.”
Cassie noted this is a larger fundraising campaign they’re currently embarking on, with a goal of raising $250,000.
Set up for the event will begin Friday morning, which will also have food trucks, bouncy castles, and a beer garden.
Cassie said this will also help kick-off the PG Cougars’ hope opener, and will be a tailgate style event.
So far, the event has 50 teams signed up, with the tournament beginning Friday, and continuing through Sunday, and is free for the public to attend.
More information about HockeyFest can be found here.
The Alberta Government and Municipality of Jasper are saying thanks to the Village of Valemount’s efforts during last year’s wildfire.
Over 302-thousand dollars was provided as compensation related to providing services to evacuees who fled the Jasper blaze.
As many as 16,000 evacuees arrived as a result.
Local businesses who submitted receipts for expenses were also reimbursed.
Highway 16 from British Columbia through Jasper National Park along with Highway 93 south to the Icefields were immediately closed to all commercial and tourist traffic due to the wildfires.
On August 9, 2024, Highway 16 opened to reduced traffic and only fully opened another ten days later.
Highway 93 opened to traffic two weeks later, but routes were still impacted from both fear of further closures and lack of communication for their reopening.
Valemount engaged Kamloops-based Strategies North to help development a recovery strategy and plan to help recoup costs and a loss of revenue for local businesses.
A Comox Valley family is honouring the memory of their son with a fundraiser at Queneesh Elementary.
Brayden Robbins was a fan of aviation and hoped to become a pilot.
Though his life was tragically cut short in November, 2024, his mother Nikki Robbins says Brayden’s spirit lives on through friends and family.
Robbins says The “Raffle for Brayden” offers a prize of two round-trip tickets to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination with proceeds being used to address gaps in local pediatric care.
She adds fundraising efforts to honour Brayden’s legacy will continue.
The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Centre in Williams Lake has begun welcoming back evacuees returning home to the Chilcotin.
ESS Director Dave Dickson said the Orders were rescinded yesterday (Tuesday) by the Ulkatcho First Nation and Cariboo Regional District allowing all the evacuees from the West Chilcotin in the affected area to return home. Some came back yesterday (September 16) and we have the reception centre open today at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.”
Dickson said the people returning home are stopping by for refreshments and we have gas cards for those who have vehicles for going back out.
“The centre opened at 9 this morning and we’ve had at least a dozen people come in. We have 2 buses coming in, a Greyhound size coming from Prince George to stop for a refreshment break. We’ll have some cultural activities, Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) do some drumming and prayers for the journey as well as a bus coming from Kamloops later this afternoon.”
Dickson noted that Emergency Support Services is a volunteer organization and we have an amazing group of ESS volunteers in our community, WLFN, and some ladies from McLeese Lake.
“It’s all about working together,” Dickson said, “And because it could be an issue in one community, the other community can step up and help out. We meet on a regular basis to collaborate, discuss and do a debrief on this. We’re here to help people in their time of need. It’s a government run program so we basically look after food, clothing, and lodging. Every situation is based on it’s own issues with guidelines and we do our best to look after the people.”
He added the Emergency Support Services volunteers have learned a lot from the wildfire of 2017.
“We have a much more effective system, it’s computerized now, if people have a BC Service Card and register in advance they can come to us and the money is deposited right into their bank account within a short time. Every time we have an Evacuation, we learn, we want to be the best and be respectful of everyone who comes to us for help.”
Dikson said they had in excess of 200 people go through their registration system not counting those who may have diverted ESS staying with people they know in the Lake City or other communities.
Isaac Fecteau is the new captain of the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The 20-year-old defenseman led by example during the 2024-25 season.
In addition to being a vocal and positive influence in the dressing room, Fecteau was a warrior on the ice as one of the team leaders in shots blocked and a furious force in the defensive zone. The native of Trois-Rivières, Quebec had two goals and 13 assists last season.
Fecteau’s frequent defense partner last season is one of the assistant captains.
Drew Anastasio made an immediate impact last season as a 19-year-old rookie and finished the regular season with eight goals and 10 assists. The product of West Simsbury, Connecticut is headed to Quinnipiac next season.
Another member of the leadership group had a breakout season in 2024-25.
Winger Christian Kim doubled his offensive output with 21 goals and 37 assists. His impressive season earned the California kid a scholarship to the Air Force.
Kim’s linemate, Zach Coutu will also wear an “A.”
Coutu, who hails from Edmonton, joined the Smokies midway through last season from Canmore of the AJHL, putting up four goals and 24 assists in 23 games. He landed a scholarship to the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
Dylan Lariviere rounds out the leadership group.
The six-foot-six all-purpose winger from Welland, Ontario, had 12 goals and 20 assists last season, while being a tenacious forechecker, prime penalty killer and a force in front of the opposition net. Dylan’s NCAA destination next season is R.P.I.
Coutu and Lariviere will alternate wearing the “A” between home and away games.
Gregrory Greene was relaxing at home when he learned that he matched six out of seven numbers plus the bonus on his Lotto Max ticket, scoring him a $81,695.70 prize from the September 2, 2025 draw.
“I thought, ‘this can’t be real!’” recalled Greene.
The Creston resident plans to take his wife on “a long-awaited vacation” and mentioned a cruise as one idea.
On how it feels to win?
“Surreal!”
The winning ticket was purchased at Pealow’s Your Independent Grocer on Cook Street in Creston.
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Nanaimo City Council will consider asking city planners to include the island rail corridor in future transit planning.
CEO of Island Corridor Foundation Thomas Bevin presented to council at a meeting on September 16 to discuss the state of the corridor and opportunities.
“It is important as this island starts to become more dense, more urban, more bottlenecks on the Malahat or getting to Port Alberni can be very challenging too,” says Bevin. “What are we to the future is our question.”
The Island Corridor Foundation is a non-profit organization which was formed to own and manage the rail corridor. It is advocating for passenger rail on the island, as well as a trail along the railway.
According to the foundation’s website, about 80 per cent of Vancouver Island’s population lives withing five kilometers of the railway, with the exception of the north island and Saanich Peninsula.
“In my personal opinion, the island corridor is just such an extremely important transportation spine on the island, with so much potential,” said Nanaimo city councilor Ian Thorpe.
The rail runs through fourteen Indigenous communities, and Bevin says it’s important for each nation to be a partner for any efforts to make use of the corridor. “The nations need to walk first,” Bevin claims. “We are directed by the nations and absolutely, where reversionary rights apply.”
Bevin is encouraging the city to consider the rail corridor when creating plans for urban areas, such as Woodgrove and the country club area.
Councilor Hilary Eastmure spurred a notice of motion which will be a topic of discussion at their next meeting, and city staff could be directed to create policies and plans which provide clear connection to the corridor.
A zoning bylaw amendment to allow a new home-based health clinic to open in Lake Cowichan has been approved.
The amendment received the first three readings last week and was adopted at Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
Lake Cowichan Mayor Tim McGonigle says in order to approve a clinic as a home-based business they needed to amend the allowable uses within the R-3 Zone, where the facility is to be located.
He says the next steps will be a building inspection for the new addition to the residence, issuing an occupancy permit, and then approval of a business licence application.
McGonigle says adding health services to the list of businesses will improve healthcare in the community.
He says the proposed clinic, to be operated by a Nurse-practitioner, will help reduce the pressure on Island Health’s Kaatza Health Care Centre in Lake Cowichan.
Meantime, the existing medical clinic remains vacant following the departure of Lake Cowichan’s family physicians earlier this year.
McGonigle says they will meet with senior health ministry staff at the Union of BC Municipality convention next week in Victoria to discuss long term solutions for healthcare in the community.
A large quantity of suspected illicit drugs won’t make their way to Campbell River streets after RCMP executed a pair of search warrants earlier this month.
Campbell River RCMP say they successfully and simultaneously executed two search warrants at properties in the 800 block of Homewood Road and the 800 block of Greenwood Road on September 5.
The searches were stemmed from a lengthy drug trafficking investigation, with the police seizing the following items:
128 grams of fentanyl
140 grams of cocaine
19 grams of crack cocaine
47 grams of methamphetamine
250 suspected prescription hydromorphone pills
Over $16,000 in cash
A loaded, prohibited handgun
Campbell River RCMP Insp. Jeff Preston says they’re continuing to target drug traffickers who prey on the vulnerable for their own profit.
“Campbell River is experiencing one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the province and we’re doing everything we can to remove these toxic drugs from our street.”
A 19-year-old man from Surrey and a 65-year-old man from Campbell River were arrested and later released to appear in court pending approval of the charges.
The Comox Valley Food Bank is working to support local children now that the school year is in full swing.
Communications manager Chris Arruda says the local food bank has launched a fundraiser raffle to help with raising funds to continue its mission of providing nutritious food to families in the area, with a focus on supporting children through the school year.
Comox Valley Food Bank communications manager Chris Arruda comments:
The Trail Smoke Eaters have traded Evan Sundar to the Vernon Vipers for Erik Pastro.
Pastro, a forward, has played 107 games with Vernon over the past three seasons and put up 23 goals and 41 assists for 64 points. He added another two goals and four assists in ten games during the 2023-24 playoffs. The Vernon native previously played for the Okanagan Rockets.
Sundar played 46 games for Trail last season and recorded 11 goals and 24 assists in 35 games. He added a goal and an assist in six playoff games. Sundar previously played several seasons for Spruce Grove in the AJHL and BCHL.
The Prince George RCMP is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday (Tuesday) on the 1900-block of Spruce Street.
It is the northern capital’s first murder of 2025 according to the detachment.
Photo credit: Zachary Barrowcliff, MyPGNow.com
“The initial call to Frontline Police officers was received around 3:30 a.m. Investigators attended a residence on Spruce Street to find one person deceased and a second person suffering from gun shot wounds. Multiple people in the residence were detained during the investigation and were subsequently released without charge,” stated Corporal Jennifer Cooper.
Police believe this to be a targeted event with no increased risk to the general public.
One individual has been arrested in connection with this event. However, as charges have not yet been approved, police are not currently releasing any further information.
Investigators are requesting that anyone with further information regarding this file that have not already spoken to police, to please contact the detachment’s non-emergency line at 250-561-3300.
The Prince George RCMP is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday (Tuesday) on the 1900-block of Spruce Street.
“The initial call to Frontline Police officers was received around 3:30 a.m. Investigators attended a residence on Spruce Street to find one person deceased and a second person suffering from gun shot wounds. Multiple people in the residence were detained during the investigation and were subsequently released without charge,” stated Corporal Jennifer Cooper.
Police believe this to be a targeted event with no increased risk to the general public. One individual has been arrested in connection with this event. However, as charges have not yet been approved, police are not currently releasing any further information.
Investigators are requesting that anyone with further information regarding this file that have not already spoken to police, to please contact the detachment’s non-emergency line at 250-561-3300.
The Northern Angel Summit unveiled its shortlist of finalists who move on to pitch at the finale on September 25th, for a chance to win a $100,000 investment.
The founders and six startups who have made the cut are the following.
DesignTIME Solutions Inc., which makes project management software called Stackd,
Open Waters Solar, a Prince George-based manufacturer of solar panels designed for marine applications,
skiKrumb GPS Trackers, a manufacturer of GPS trackers built for skiers and snowboarders,
Squiggly Greens, a Fort St. John-based farm focused on fresh vegetables, microgreens and cut lettuce,
Tree Track Intelligence Inc., a Port Coquitlam-based agricultural technology company that uses customized drones for reforestation,
Trueleaf, a Vernon-based manufacturer of natural health products for pets.
The final is set from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre.
The summit is a 10-week investment readiness program, bringing BC companies together with angel investors from across the North.
The 34th annual Take Back the Night March in Prince George is right around the corner.
It is set for Friday with the event starting from Canada Games Plaza before marching to the Courthouse before wrapping up with an Open Mic night at the Omineca Arts Centre.
Organizer, Tanvi Guhagarkar told MyPGNow.com the event is “to promote living a life free of violence for women.
“What we are seeing right now is an increase in crime against women, trans people as well as people who still live alone or are in bad relationships.”
The event will begin with a series of speakers at 6:30pm.
Take Back the Night is open to and welcomes all allies; however, the march itself is exclusively for persons who identify as women and for children.
The first Take Back the Night on record occurred at The International Tribunal on Crimes against Women in 1976 in Brussels, Belgium.
After the Tribunal, Reclaim the Night arose in Rome in 1976 where 16,000 rapes were recorded. West Germany and England soon followed suit.
Canadian women held their first Take Back the Night event in 1978 in Vancouver organized by the “Fly-By-Night Collective”.
Vancouver Rape Relief held Take Back the Night marches from 1980-1985. Shortly thereafter, in 1992, the first march in Prince George was organized.
A community event promoting mental health awareness in Prince George is right around the corner.
The Dallas Werbecky Memorial Mood Walk is taking place on Saturday from 2-5 pm at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and is being hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Organizer, Kaleena Werbecky told MyPGNow.com the topic of mental health hits close to home after losing her brother in January.
“The idea of the walk came from all of the love I can no longer express to him and it flowed out to a purpose in helping those in the community like him. Unlike physical illnesses, people with mental illness often suffer alone. I want those who are suffering to know that there community is behind them and that resources are available.”
“It’s especially hard for men in our community to open up so I hope when people attend that they aren’t the only ones suffering.”
She added any donations in support of the Suicide Prevention fund will be matched by TC Energy.
“The walk is open and free for all but we are also accepting donations for the Suicide Prevention Fund with the Crisis Centre and CMHA. Any donations made to the fund will be matched,” added Werbecky.
A collision in Qualicum Beach Saturday evening turned fatal for a motorcycle passenger and left the driver with serious injuries.
The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. on September 13 when a Harley Davidson motorcycle with custom skull-and-smoke paint collided with a white Chevrolet S-10 pickup on Island Highway West near Mistaken Road.
The rider, a 44-year-old Cowichan Bay man, was taken to hospital in serious condition while his passenger, a 37-year-old Port Alberni woman, was killed.
The driver of the pickup wasn’t hurt and is a 54-year-old Qualicum Beach man.
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with B.C. Highway Patrol said nothing has been ruled out in the investigation so far.
“The minutes and hours leading up to this collision could provide important evidence,” said McLaughlin. “If you saw the motorcycle rider of pickup driver’s behaviour, please talk to police.
Anyone with dashcam footage of the collision or witnessed any events leading up to the crash is asked to contact B.C. Highway Patrol – Parksville.
A report of a suspicious bottle found in Sechelt on the weekend is now being investigated by the Sunshine Coast RCMP.
Police were called to the 5600 block of Hightide in Sechelt on September 14 for what appeared to be a Molotov-type object.
Police located the bottle when they arrived at the scene and believe it was filled with a petroleum-based liquid.
Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or saw someone discarding an item matching the description is asked to contact the Sunshine Coast RCMP.
Sunshine Coast RCMP are reminding people if they come across a suspicious item or something they are unsure about; it is safest to leave it and contact the police right away.
The City of Castlegar paid its employees over $6.7 million in wages and expenses in 2024, an increase of $693,745, or 11.5 per cent, over 2023.
According to the city’s annual statement of financial information, 46 employees made at least $75,000 in 2024, compared to 33 the previous year, while 18 made at least $100,000, up from 17 in 2023.
The total payroll was $6,574,729 plus $165,684 in expenses for a grand total of $6,740,413. In 2023, wages came to $5,889,999 and expenses to $156,669 for a total of $6,046,668.
There was one severance agreement between the city and an employee last year. The employee received six months’ compensation, but the amount was not revealed, nor was the employee named.
The top earners among staff were as follows:
Name
Position
Salary
Expenses
Chris Barlow
Chief administrator
$194,398
$17,876
Chris Hallam
Municipal services manager
$185,788
$7,924
Sam Lattanzio
Fire chief
$157,304
$691
Duane Monsen
Deputy fire chief
$152,666
$1,469
David Bristow
Information technology manager
$141,992
$6,181
Barlow, Hallam, and Monsen were also among the top five earners the previous year, while Lattanzio was sixth.
The elected officials made a little over $185,000 combined in stipend and expenses, compared to about $181,000 in 2023.
Name
Position
Salary
Expenses
Maria McFaddin
Mayor
$41,856
$8,652
Darcy Bell
Councillor
$18,528
$375
Brian Bogle
Councillor
$18,528
$7,576
Sandy Bojechko
Councillor
$18,528
$1,535
Shirley Falstead
Councillor
$18,528
$6,664
Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff
Councillor
$18,528
$1,012
Cherryl MacLeod
Councillor
$18,528
$6,392
Total
$153,024
$32,206
The statement of financial information is supposed to be filed by June 30, by Castlegar’s was delayed because the year-end financial statements weren’t ready, due to staffing vacancies. City manager Chris Barlow said they explained this to the provincial government.
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Grace Dove and Joe Syme are the runners-up of the Amazing Race Canada.
The sibling duo from Prince George finished second, closely behind Jesse and Jonathan, two friends who are currently residents of Vancouver.
The final leg of the race took place in Collingwood, Ontario.
The sibling duo was the last to get a taxi from the airport in Toronto, and were the third to arrive for the flight to Collingwood.
When they arrived, teams raced to an abandoned grain terminal, where one team member had to use UV light to find a combination of hidden shapes and numbers in the darks, allowing them to move on to the second part of the Amazing Race Canada’s first ever Double Roadblock.
Dove went into the terminal, and was the second one to come out.
Syme’s task was to climb the grain silo and hoist three bags of grain with the matching numbers from the other part of the task.
The second task was to deliver cupcakes and balloons via a water trike.
The third task of the finale was was bobbing for apples in a local orchard, collecting eight with numbers on them adding up to 100.
After that, racers headed to the beach, where they had to jet surf out to a buoy and back, but needed to do so in under 24 seconds.
The final challenge of the race was a memory challenge, in which the racers had to put up signs outlining the journey the racers took.
The finish line was at the scenic Osler Bluff Ski Club, overlooking the town.
In this season, the teams travelled more than 19,000 km, and visited 24 cities, including Prince George in episode five.
City council voted Monday night to sell the historic West Kootenay Power substation, saying it has fallen into disrepair. The prominent brick building on Highway 3 will be listed for $229,000.
City manager Dean Trumbley said in an interview it wasn’t a happy decision, nor was it made easily, but council feels it may be the building’s only hope. He said current and past councils have tried to partner with non-profit groups to restore the building, but it has proved too great a challenge.
The city also owns other key heritage buildings including city hall (originally a courthouse), the fire hall, and the McArthur Centre. Trumbley said with an increased demand on other infrastructure, council decided they don’t have the resources or ability to do anything with the substation, leaving them with two options: let the building continue to deteriorate or let it pass into private hands.
“So it was determined by mayor and council that the best option to potentially save the building and restore it would be to sell it publicly,” Trumbley said. “Hopefully somebody that purchases it will appreciate the history of the building and be able to restore it for commercial or residential purposes. It’s just the only way we can see to save the building.”
Trumbley said they think the building is still in good enough shape that a developer could do something with it, but they fear if it is left much longer, it could be lost. He said the building, which has not been publicly accessible, is “pretty much gutted.” Still, he feels it is a “beautiful building,” worthy of restoration.
The substation, which is one of the first heritage buildings viewed when entering Greenwood from the south, was built in 1905-06 and stopped being used for its original purpose sometime in the mid-1970s. West Kootenay Power donated it to Greenwood in 1997 as a gift for the city’s centennial.
In a 2004 Grand Forks Gazette story, former mayor Arno Hennig explained that the city obtained grants to turn the building into a place where people could learn about the history of power generation. As part of that project, eight solar panels and a windmill were installed on the roof, but the energy they collected was not used. He was dismayed that the project had stalled.
The substation is the lone survivor of a style of building that also existed in Grand Forks and Phoenix. It has an assessed value of $153,900.
The West Kootenay Power substation in Greenwood, as seen in 2000. (Greg Nesteroff/Vista Radio)
With just 11 games remaining, the (89-62) Blue Jays have the best record in the American League and lead the A.L. East by 5 games over the New York Yankees and by 7 over the Boston Red Sox.
Toronto continues a 7-game road trip tonight (Wednesday 4:05) in Tampa Bay against the (73-78) Rays.
The Prince George Cougars open their regular season with a home doubleheader against the Portland Winterhawks Friday night at 7:00 and Saturday night at 6:00.
It is the return of @PGCougars Catscan podcast. Coach/GM Mark Lamb discusses his thoughts on how new NCAA rules will impact the #WHL & potential trades he may make. In the 44 minute interview, he also talks about his changing roster, returning leaders & strength in the PG net. https://t.co/mmNQ1UkTnV
The Prince George Kodiaks have just two regular season games remaining in the BC Football Conference.
The (4-3-1) Kodiaks host the (0-7) Kamloops Broncos on Saturday, September 27th before closing on the road in Chilliwack against the Valley Huskers on October 4th.
Prince George is in 3rd place in the 7-team league with the top four to advance to the playoffs.
The BCFC standings: Okanagan 8-0 (clinched first place), Westshore 6-2, P.G. 4-3-1, Vancouver Island 2-4-1, Valley 2-4-1, Langley 2-4-1 and Kamloops 0-7.
The Kodiaks schedule and results can be found here.
The 2025 Williams Lake Stampede was one of the most economically successful years to date for its Association, but the Stampede Board is calling for help.
The Stampede Association’s Board Director, Court Smith, presented the findings at Tuesday, September 16’s Williams Lake City Council Meeting, which data was compiled using the Canadian Sports Alliance Software.
During the Stampede, over 350 competitors took to the Grounds. There were 60 vendors, 212 sponsors, and a payout of $215,000 across the weekend.
“The analysis indicated that the direct economic impact to just the city of Williams Lake is in excess of $5 million,” says Smith. “17,500 people from all over the country, even the United States, were in attendance for the Stampede, just from ticket sales, we’re not including the VIP sales in that number. This shows that we are on the national map as far as rodeos go.”
However, Smith also came to the council meeting to advocate for a “strong partnership” between the Stampede Association and the City of Williams Lake, to create a more long-term solution for the Stampede to be a sustainable event.
According to Smith, the 2025 Stampede was primarily organized by the 17-member Board of Directors of the Stampede Association and 212 volunteers, making the Stampede Association run the Lake City’s biggest economic event “without a whole heck of a lot of support”. Smith says that many volunteers and directors have been experiencing burnout while organizing the Stampede in recent years.
“ Since 2020, there’s been a decline in the number of volunteers. A low estimate of hours a volunteer contributes would be 40 to 45 hours a week, often on work weeks. It takes a huge commitment, and that’s becoming more and more of a challenge.”
Another challenge that Smith voiced to City Council, was the increased financial stress to organize the Stampede. Smith shows that the insurance costs alone have increased from $25,000 to $45,000. The City of Williams Lake approves the Stampede Association at $25,000 grant each year, which Smith is “no longer cuts it.”
Smith mentioned that the City of Cloverdale in the Lower Mainland, has it’s own rodeo, that the City of Cloverdale assists and gives money towards. While not as big as the Williams Lake Stampede, the City of Cloverdale gives its rodeo committee $300,000 a year to produce the rodeo, as well as some staffing during the event.
The final challenge Smith voiced, was the management of the Stampede Grounds facilities.
“The Diamond of the Lake City” as Smith called it, currently only has one paid employee that helps manage all of the Grounds’ facilities. The rest of the duties that the employee cannot handle, often falls onto the 17 board directors.
As the Williams Stampede is coming up on its centennial milestone, Smith approached City Council asking for a collaboration effort between the Stampede Association and the City, to make running the Stampede easier, and include a stronger path forward be put into the City’s OCP.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor was all for the idea, saying he “understands the challenges” well, having spent time working as a volunteer with the Stampede Association, one year. Rathor also said that “working together with every organization, is the unwritten mission of this council.”
Councillor Joan Flaspohler, also spoke, saying with the Stampede garnering national interest there is a strong need to make a partnership between the Association and the City.
Councillor Scott Nelson also spoke on the importance of establishing a partnership to keep the Stampede as one of the Lake City’s cultural keys.
“ It is an important economic attraction to our community. I’m getting the message that we need to sit down together and work together for a long-term strategy to ensure that this is sustainable.”
Nelson put a motion forward for Council and City Staff to create, what ended up becoming, a 10-point “action plan” to help the Stampede Association, which included:
long-term sustainability
Long term partnership opportunities
Five year plan opportunities
Tie in the hundred stamped as a community catalyst
An action plan to continue to enhance and grow the stampede
To maintain the importance of the stampede is a cultural key, and tourist attraction
The MP for Courtenay-Alberni is expressing his gratitude to all who helped with battling wildfires in his riding through the summer.
During Monday’s first sitting of the fall Parliament session in Ottawa, Gord Johns took time to thank career and volunteer firefighters who responded to the Wesley Ridge and Mount Underwood wildfires.
He also gave a shout out to First Nations, local governments, neighbours, church groups, service clubs and businesses who were able to support those displaced by wildfire activity.
“We have 50 unemployed people because of a crime essentially,” Crossroads Owner Daryl Leiski, flanked by a dozen Crossroads employees, told the Committee.
“We opened eight years ago, the City’s changed a bit since then, it was good up until Covid, got a little worse after that.”
Leiski said there’s been multiple instances where they’ve asked for help from Bylaw Services for needles, human excrement, broken windows, or fires in the back alley.
“I do want to rebuild, but I will not rebuild in this climate, at all. I cannot put people at risk, my people at risk, my money at risk, I just can’t,” he said.
“We’ll have an empty lot down there unless things change dramatically.”
Leiski also noted losing the downtown location also puts his College Heights location at risk, as the downtown location was where Crossroads brewed their beer.
He would later say he’s considering looking at opening in another location for beer production.
He added Breweries from around the province have stepped forward to help them
“Border to border, every brewery has said how can we help, we’ll make your beer, how can we expedite is so we can have some beer production,” Leiski said.
“We can brew off-site, some contract brewing, we’re just trying to figure out how the insurance will work, whether our people can brew in their brewery for WorkSafe purposes.”
He said they have a goal of having beer back by mid-October.
Leiski added that as both a physician and business owner, he has two different perspectives on the issue.
“My business side is very angry with these people,” he said.
“My Doctor side, we need services, we need advocacy for mental health, we need advocacy for addictions, we need solutions for these people. It’s a multi-faceted problem and I understand all of that, but if we can make it safe downtown by keeping businesses safe and the people safe, I think that takes precedent over allowing some of these people to roam.”
Councillor Brian Skakun noted Council will have a meeting with Premier David Eby next week.
He recommended having a letter to pass along to the Premier.
“I really think that they have to really hear what we’re saying,” Skakun said.
“We go in there year after year and we ask for a lot of things, we rarely get any additional police resources and that, but I think this time around with all our meetings, we can get some commitments, and what you had to say today, we can most definitely pass that on, whether it’s in writing or verbal.”
Mayor Simon Yu expressed concern for the 50 employees affected, asking if Crossroads could keep the nucleus together.
Leiski noted he has insurance to ensure employees are guaranteed to receive their wages for three months, but some employees have already started to move on to other positions, particularly servers.
Yu added that overall, statistics are improving, but a tragic event like the Crossroads fire can change perspectives.
The Committee voted to refer a letter from Crossroads to City Council at tomorrow’s meeting, so it could be included in their meeting with Premier Eby next week.
Evacuation Alerts and Orders across the Cariboo Fire Centre have been lifted this afternoon, September 16. However, one new Evacuation Alert has been issued.
The Evacuation Orders for the Beef Trail Creek Fire Area and Area 2, Charlotte Lake Fire Area, and Dusty Lake Fire Area have been lifted by the Ulkatcho First Nation and Cariboo Regional District.
The Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for the Holtry Creek Area. A portion of the Dusty Lake Fire Area, covering the east side northeast of Nimpo Lake, approximately 313 km west of Williams Lake, is included in the Holtry Creek Evacuation Alert.
The Alert covers 65 parcels, for approximately 26,826 hectares.
The Holtry Creek Evacuation Alert (top left), and Evacuation Alerts in the Cariboo Fire Centre. [Image from Cariboo Maps Acgris.com]
The Beef Trail Creek wildfire is located approximately 350 km west , and the Dusty Lake wildfire is located approximately 300km west of Williams Lake.
The Beef Trail Creek Area Order was issued on September 2, and Area 2’s was issued on September 5. The Order covered a combined total of 459 parcels, covering approximately 140,425 hectares.
Charlotte Lake – Dusty Lake’s Evacuation Orders were issued on September 5. The Alert covered a combined total of 505 parcels, covering approximately 107,962 hectares.
Smokey Lake’s Evacuation Alert, which was first issued on September 14, was lifted on September 16.
A pair of female hockey players from Williams Lake have already secured their destinations for the 2026-27 campaign.
Earlier this month, Reese Overton put pen to paper with the Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey program.
Last season with the Northern Capitals U18 AAA program she tallied 15 points in 30 games.
Her teammate, Neen Suapa committed to the Edmonton-based NAIT Ooks program today (Tuesday).
Suapa, who is entering her fourth season with the Capitals tallied 12 points in 30 games in 2024-25.
The Capitals begin their regular season with a four game showcase in Surrey from September 26th to 28th against the Vancouver Island Seals (twice), the Fraser Valley Rush and Greater Vancouver Comets.
The Kootenays should again see a warmer-than-typical fall.
Environment Canada meteorologist Matt Loney said the forecast for September shows a probability of higher-than-normal temperatures for most of southern B.C.
“There was also the suggestion of a slightly higher likelihood for above-normal precipitation for southern portions of B.C., which include the Kootenays. But overall, it looks like a warmer and drier trend for the fall season,” he said.
Loney could not comment on what current weather systems are signalling for the winter months, noting that Environment Canada’s winter forecasts are not usually issued until December.
However, long-range predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggest southern B.C. will see mild conditions and above-normal precipitation levels in the winter months.
It also predicts below-normal snowfall through much of the season, with the snowiest periods forecast for late November and early to mid-December.
Late November, early December and early February are expected to be the coldest periods.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac long-range outlooks are created using a blend of solar science, climatology and meteorology.
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 250-352-1902 or email Vista Radio.
Vancouver Island communities are starting to announce their plans to recognize the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The District of Port Hardy is inviting residents to call for action and join the Every Child Matters March in the community on September 30.
The march will be followed by an event and lunch at Carrot Park, or at Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre if the weather is not cooperating.
The event aims to raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action, and to convey how the District is working towards fulfilling them.
Marshaling begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Thunderbird Parking Lot, and the march get started at 11:00 a.m.
See more information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in Port Hardy here.
– Article includes image and files supplied by District of Port Hardy’s website
The BC Wildfire Service is lifting its ban on campfires in some areas of the Coastal Fire Centre.
Restrictions on Category 1 fires, any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, for the Campbell River, North Island Central Coast and the Sunshine Coast Resource Districts as of noon on Wednesday, September 17.
This means the campfire ban will be removed in Port Hardy, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Powell River and Sechelt, but restrictions will remain active in Nanaimo, Duncan and southern Vancouver Island until further notice.
Larger Category 2 and 3 fires also remain prohibited through the Coastal Fire Centre.
You’re advised to check with BC Wildfire Service if you’re unsure if campfire bans are in effect in your area.
Failure to comply with BC Wildfire Service restrictions on open burning could land you a hefty fine, and even jail time.
The Columbia Valley RCMP and Conservation Officers are warning motorists to stay vigilant behind the wheel with several reported animal and vehicle collisions on our roads.
“Conservation Services along with the RCMP would like to remind drivers to be mindful of wildlife on the roads, especially this time of year when we see more Elk than usual along the highways,” said Cpl. Jeff Witzke.
Wildlife and vehicles are a dangerous combination. Even small animals can damage a vehicle, while larger ones pose a serious safety risk.
What to do after a wildlife collision or spotting roadkill
Report human injuries, vehicle damage, or an animal carcass that presents a highway safety issue
Nanaimo RCMP are asking for help finding a missing woman who has not been heard from since September 1.
Police say 25-year-old Pamela Little has significant medical issues and there is concern for her safety.
She was reported missing on September 10 and investigators are not sure if she is currently in Nanaimo.
“Police are following up on the possibility she may have traveled to either Chemainus or North Cowichan,” a news release from RCMP says.
The picture provided is recent and police ask anyone who has information that could help find Little to contact the non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
BC Wildfire Service is taking advantage of the drop in temperature with two prescribed burns planned for the East Kootenay.
Culturally informed ecosystem restoration burn planned for Dry Gulch Provincial Park area
The BC Wildfire Service is supporting BC Parks and the Shuswap Band in conducting an ecosystem restoration prescribed burn in the Dry Gulch Provincial Park area. This burn is located approximately 4.5 kilometers south of the Village of Radium Hot Springs and will cover up to 9 hectares.
The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Wednesday, September 17.
Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from the Village of Radium Hot Springs and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Highway 93/95.
Prescribed burn planned for the Canadian Rockies International Airport
The City of Cranbrook with the support of the BC Wildfire Service will conduct a prescribed burn beside the Canadian Rockies International Airport. This burn is located approximately 11 kilometres north of the City of Cranbrook and will cover up to 45 hectares.
This burn could begin as early as Thursday, September 18, and may take place in the evening hours to limit potential impact to airport operations.
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B.C. Ferries says summer 2025 has rewritten the record books in terms of volume of travelers.
Between May 15 and August 31, B.C. Ferries welcomed 4.7 million passengers and 2.1 million vehicles across routes between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Vice-President of Customer Experience Melanie Lucia said this summer showed them what’s possible when preparation meets dedication.
“From our crews on board the vessels to our teams at the terminals and offices behind the scenes, every part of our organization pulled together to deliver safe, reliable service for millions of travelers.”
To prepare for the busy summer season, B.C. Ferries completed more vessel refits and maintenance projects than normal, hired 600 seasonal and operational staff and offered more saver fares to encourage off-peak travel.
B.C. Ferries says 572 mechanical issues were experienced over the summer season, 29 of which came from the more than 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster, which is why fleet renewal isn’t optional.
Four new hybrid-electric Island Class vessels are on track for a 2026 delivery, and four new major vessels are expected to replace aging ships like the Queen of New Westminster in 2029.
Across all routes in the summer, B.C. Ferries carried 9.4 million passengers and 3.7 million vehicles on their routes, representing 2.2 and 2.0 per cent increases from 2024.
A flag raising and proclamation was held outside City Hall yesterday (Monday).
This was to raise awareness for World Mitochondrial Awareness Week, which is centred around a disease that affects roughly 1 in 4,000 people.
Christine Taylor, Mom of Zoey who has the disease said its something not widely known, taking them over nine years to get a diagnosis.
“It affects all of your organs, and it can affect you in a different way like, if I have mitochondrial disease and you have mitochondrial disease, our symptoms can present very differently at different times in our lives.”
“It’s very hard to diagnose, and you need a genetic test to be able to get an accurate diagnoses.”
Taylor added they’ve had a great support team through BC Children’s Hospital, as well as a local pediatrician.
As Zoey progresses out of children’s care, systems and will be set up, as well as working with social workers, and joining programs.
Prince George has the only MitoCanada flag in the country.
More information can be found on MitoCanada’s website here.
36 public health related calls were responded to by the Smithers RCMP between September 4th and 10th.
According to police, the number of calls related to public health has been climbing over the past several months, reflecting the need for proactive check-ins.
Mounties added most calls remain reactive with a small portion involving outreach to locate individuals who need support.
Of the calls through the week, there were:
– three seeking detox services through Northern Health,
– one requiring help with a supportive housing application,
– one needing help connecting to the Community Integration Specialist,
– and delivering a hot meal to a senior living alone.
“These efforts are part of our prevention work through the C-STEP initiative, where we are working to bridge access to services for community members,” said Acting Corporal Melissa Murray.
On September 3rd, the RCMP announced they had received funding through the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program to create additional overtime shifts.
Nanaimo RCMP took to the skies as part of a coordinated effort to crack down on stunting dirt bikes on public roads last weekend.
RCMP used a helicopter as part of their crackdown on road safety, they say four dirt bikes and three vehicles were impounded during the campaign which ran from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 14.
“Air 8 [RCMP helicopter] was instrumental to the success of the initiative by providing real time data on vehicle location,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. “In one incident, an unidentified youth operating an uninsured motorcycle failed to stop for police and sped off at a high rate of speed.”
He said police did not chase the youth because of risk to the public, instead officers relied on the helicopter to provide updates and locations. They found the 16-year-old rider at a traffic light and took him into custody. The youth was fined and released.
“Over the past several months, numerous complaints were received from the public over the blatant disregard for the rules of the road by a small group of individuals,” says RCMP. “From street racing to stunting to riding on sidewalks, these people were not only putting themselves at risk but the motoring public also. The public let us know they were not happy and we heard them loud and clear.”
Police say several weeks of planning went into the campaign and more than ten officers from various sections were involved.
Police say several charges were laid, including driving without a license, driving without insurance, using an electronic device, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.
Several vehicles were also taken off the road because of defects and three were impounded for speeding.
“Over all the officers were pleased with results. They also commented that throughout the day, many passing motorists honked, provided a thumbs up and shouted words of praise and encouragement for their actions,” O’Brien said.
RCMP targeted specific areas, including Jack Point, Extension, University Heights and the Nanaimo Parkway.
By contributing to this permanently invested endowment fund, donors have a very special opportunity to support the Elk Valley & Area Hospice Society in perpetuity; the interest from this endowment will provide a grant, every year, forever, to support the Hospice Society’s operations and programming.
“The Elk Valley & Area Hospice Society is so pleased to establish this new endowment fund; this is another positive step towards building our financial sustainability. The annual, unrestricted grant from this endowment will help us to continue to provide compassionate end-of-life and bereavement services in our communities.” said Hospice Coordinator, Jade Elford.
The Elk Valley & Area Hospice Society was started by a group of local women in about 2002. Now a CRA-registered charity, the Elk Valley & Area Hospice has grown to a group of approximately 30 dedicated volunteers who provide end-of-life and bereavement companionship, community education on death, dying, and grieving, and community outreach via the Elk Valley Hospital kiosk and community events.
“The Elk Valley & Area Hospice Society and their team of trained volunteers provide such an important service in Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, and the surrounding area. CFKR is honoured to support this vital service through this new endowment fund.” said Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director.
Each year, the Elk Valley & Area Hospice Society provides compassionate support to approximately 15 to 20 families who are navigating end-of-life and bereavement.
Through its dedicated team of trained volunteers, the Hospice Society offers companionship and emotional support during one of life’s most challenging times. The Hospice Society also provides training in end-of-life and bereavement, which helps community members gain the skills and confidence needed to support loved ones who are dying or grieving. The Hospice Society hopes to normalize conversations around death, dying, and grief, and to foster a compassionate community that is well-equipped to support one another through these profound life transitions.
Interfor is closing its Grand Forks sawmill for three weeks, according to the mayor, as part of company-wide production curtailments
Everett Baker told city council this week that the planer will continue to run with two shifts for four weeks to catch up with inventory, and then it too will be curtailed for a week.
Log hauling is expected to be curtailed for two weeks as well, he said. Baker called it a “huge concern” and said he expects to discuss the matter with the forests minister in the next week.
Baker said is not just mill workers who are affected, but contractors who provide hauling and other services, which he said represented $1 million per week in spending.
On Sept. 4, the company announced plans to reduce production by about 145 million board feet between now and December, representing 12 per cent of its normal output.
“The temporary curtailments will be through a combination of reduced operating hours, prolonged holiday breaks, reconfigured shifting schedules and extended maintenance shut-downs,” the company said in a news release.
It added that the curtailments would affect all of Interfor’s operations, although no specifics were given on the Grand Forks mill.
“The curtailments are in response to persistently weak market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty,” the company said.
We have left messages with the company seeking further comment.
“We’ve had wonderful communities along the way that have supported us so well with great meals, wonderful places to stay, and lots of community support,” said Media Liaison Corporal Jennifer Cooper.
Officer Samuelle Simard from the Smithers RCMP is taking part in the ride and said arriving in the community was awesome.
“It’s a lot of kilometres but I’ve been training all summer for this,” she said.
Also in the tour was Officer Derrick McBratney from the Burns Lake RCMP.
“I think the whole team’s been ready for the ride which is great and makes things easy,” he said.
Sunday night, the tour stopped in Burns Lake and had the chance to watch some baseball before departing yesterday morning.
During the game, the Burns Lake Fire Department beat the RCMP 17-12.
“I was kind of expecting it to be honest but that’s alright. We’re all on the same team when it comes to first responding,” said McBratney.
The tour was started to help raise funds for childhood cancer research as well as Camp Goodtimes.
“It is a place where children living with cancer and their families can go and have that summer camp experience but still be taken care of if they’re going through cancer treatment,” said Cooper.
She added this is her fourth year as media liaison but the first time she’s been able to be apart of the ride.
“Seeing the effort and energy the riders bring to this event is humbing and I’m grateful to be on the fringes of that and support them along the way,” Cooper said.
Riders stopped at several schools in Smithers today (Tuesday) before departing for Hazelton where the team will spend the night.
Following that, they will stop in Terrace tomorrow (Wednesday) evening and arrive in Prince Rupert on Thursday.
BC Transit invites rider feedback on their rider’s guide.
It provides really important information including transit schedules and route maps, fare products and payment options, accessibility features and safety guidelines, contact details, and general rider tips.
BC Transit Spokesperson Jamie Weiss said they want to make sure that the Rider’s Guide continues to meet the needs of the riders that use it in the Cariboo and across the Province.
“The feedback collected will help us better understand how riders access transit information, how they use the Guide, and what improvements we can make. There are a handful of ways people can participate and take the survey. They complete the survey online at engage.bctransit.com, email us at [email protected] and identify how often they use the Rider’s Guide, what information they reference in the Guide, and how frequently they ride the bus.”
Photo P Matthews staff
Weiss added that people can can call 250-995-3838 and leave a response to the recorded prompts.
“The survey should take 5 minutes to complete and it’s open now until October 15. We really appreciate the input of everybody that takes part. At BC Transit we want to make sure that our customers are heard and surveys like this is one way we do that.”
Weiss noted that feedback from their customers is really strong and it’s growing.
“People are passionate about improving transit in their communities and we really love getting their feedback. When they go online that’s our voice of the rider’s panel. If people go there and fill out this particular survey they can also sign up for future surveys and give us their input on the transit system where they live.”
Some of the survey questions include: how often do you ride the bus, how do you use the Rider’s Guide and do you use it for route and scheduling information or transit tips.
‘This engagement is part of a broader review of the printed Rider’s Guide,” Weiss said, “We’ll take this feedback, fold it into everything else we’re doing, all the data we use to determine the future Rider’s Guide and where we go with them from here and how we continue to make them better for our customers. We want to make that we’re doing this right and if we are making changes to the current Rider’s Guide, we want to make sure that we’re doing it carefully and with respect to the riders that use the bus.”
The Prince George RCMP confirmed the threats made to Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School yesterday evening (Monday) involved a firearm.
According to police, information was received by investigators at around 6:10 p.m., where the threats were made on an online forum, and were not made directly at the school.
Investigators determined the source behind the threats, and located a young individual in Prince George.
Officers spoke with the young person and his family and learned the threats were not in earnest, but rather an imitation of what the young person had seen in other online environments.
“Our investigators are confident there is no threat to public or student safety.” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper.
“We encourage all parents to be reviewing their children’s internet browser histories, game content and messaging apps regularly, to make sure you know what they are getting into.”
Mounties say the investigation has been concluded.
Updated Story (10:03 AM):
Classes are resuming today (Tuesday) at Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School after the PG RCMP investigated a shooting threat that was circulating online.
School District 57 Superintendent, Jameel Aziz told MyPGNow.com police were made aware of the situation just after 5:30 pm yesterday (Monday).
“They were able to confirm with me just after 7pm they had found who the perpetrator was and that there was no actual threat to the building and the individual didn’t have the ability to carry out the threat.”
“I had let them know I had to make a decision mid-evening on whether or not I had to open the school if the threat was still existing. At that time, if we had not figured out who the perpetrator was and if they were able to carry out such an act, then we would have had to air on the side of caution.”
Aziz added the majority of students and staff are back at class and stated there was a police presence at the school to ensure the safety of the building.
MyPGNow.com is awaiting a response from the RCMP.
Original Story (9:32 AM):
The Prince George RCMP says there is no danger to staff, students and the community of Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School after a threat circulated online.
School District 57 Superintendent Jameel Aziz told MyPGNow.com police were made aware of the situation just after 5:30pm yesterday (Monday).
According to a Facebook post, a message was found on a website called Reddit where someone was randomly messaged about a shooting threat at the school.
The investigation wrapped up just after 7pm with the perpetrator being found according to Aziz.
We have reached out to the RCMP for comment and are awaiting a response.
The Rotary Club of Campbell River is getting ready for a big cleaning job, and they’re asking for your help.
The club is hosting its Community Fall Cleanup this week, and they’re asking that any volunteers who are able to help to come and lend a hand.
Nunn’s Creek Park will be the first area of focus, then cleanup crews will split up and cover other areas of Campbell River.
You’re asked to get in touch with the Rotary Club if you’re able to volunteer or if there is an area of the city that should get some attention from volunteer cleaners.
The fall cleanup is happening from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., supplies like garbage pinchers and bags will be provided.
– Article includes image from Rotary Club of Campbell River’s Facebook page
Both the Beef Trail Creek and Dusty Lake wildfires in the Chilcotin were quite stable over the weekend.
Fire Information Officer for the Dean Complex, Karlee Desrosiers, said they did see quite a bit of growth on the Dusty Lake fire on Thursday (September 11) but since then we’ve seen minimal growth across the entire complex.
“That can be attributed to lower wind, cooler temperatures and higher humidity than we were expecting. So overall things are looking really good.”
Desrosiers said Highway 20 is now open and that they do have crews working along the Highway doing some mop up and patrol, extinguishing any remaining hot spots, and falling danger trees.
“We are in mop up and patrol stage on that incident. Crews continue to also mop up and patrol along the Beef Trail FSR, but the fire itself is exhibiting quite minimal fire behaviour and temperatures were very cool below zero yesterday (Monday) morning.”
The Dusty Lake wildfire also saw minimal growth since last Thursday and crews are focused on keeping these fires from growing further to the South and to the North.
“We’re focused along the South on building an equipment guard around the entire Southern edge of the fire and supporting with helicopters bucketing and crews backing that up,” Desrosiers said, then on the North flank as well they’re establishing a containment guard and looking at some potential ignition operations later in the week to secure the entire West flank of both the Dusty Lake wildfire and the fire further to the North C51738.”
The Nelson Police Department credits a drop in several key crime categories to proactive efforts by officers and the public.
Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, 2025, the department recorded 92 files involving drugs or alcohol, 151 thefts and 19 break‑and‑enters. That’s down from 406 drug‑ or alcohol‑related files, 283 thefts and 53 break‑and‑enters during the same period in 2024.
Const. Mat Harris said the decline reflects stronger community proactivity and improved morale within the detachment.
“We at NPD have been trying to make the public aware of all the crime that’s affecting Nelson and to take precautions, and they really have,” said Harris.
“Things such as locking car doors, balconies, locking up bicycles – these proactive measures have really decreased crime in the city.”
He added that morale has improved significantly.
“We were pretty slim there for a while and a little overworked, but we’ve gotten some new members and we all share the same culture and goals – to keep the city of Nelson safe.”
Increased staffing has also allowed police to increase regular patrols and check-ins at crime hotspots within the community.
Staffing
The department faced significant staffing shortages in early 2025, but Inspector Jason Jewkes said the situation has since resolved.
The force now has 21 members and expects to be fully staffed at 25 by mid‑2026.
“We’ve had two come back from injuries, one graduate is now a full‑fledged member, and we’ve hired four more,” said Jewkes.
“We’re in a much better position than we were over the past year.”
Focused enforcement
The 77.3 per cent drop in drug‑ and alcohol‑related files and the 46.6 per cent drop in thefts is largely attributed to an increased police presence, though Jewkes noted the department did recruit new members with experience in these areas.
“We’ve brought in some experienced officers who’ve dealt with these issues and mentored our current members,” he said.
“I also think our police presence has increase dramatically as well, we’re out there, doing patrols and we’re visible.”
However, both Harris and Jewkes once again praised residents for their efforts reporting suspicious activity.
“I really do credit the community for being such active participants,” said Harris.
“We can’t be everywhere, but with all the eyes and ears watching out for crime, we’ve been able to stop offences before they happen or catch offenders in the act.”
Jewkes said growing trust between police and residents has also played a big role in reducing crime.
“Since being here in January, I’ve seen the relationship between the community and the police department grow – and I think that’s where the major effect is on the crime stats dropping.”
Scams on the rise
The department has also stepped up communication around scams in recent months, which both officers say are becoming more common and more sophisticated.
“Scammers are getting more complex and savvy,” said Harris.
“We want to ensure that the community is aware of some of these methods just so that they can protect themselves accordingly. So we continue to let the community know of any types of new scams, we’ve got brochures at the front desk and continue to share updates.”
While the department does actively investigate every scam reported locally, Jewkes said these investigations are often difficult because the perpetrators usually operate outside Canada.
“Funds are quickly transferred out of the country and are usually untraceable,” he said.
“The amount of work involved is significant. It involves production orders, warrants, judicial authorizations and they’re not always localized in Canada. Some jurisdictions cooperate, some don’t.”
Despite the challenges, he urged residents to continue reporting suspected scams and to spread awareness by word of mouth.
“We definitely urge the community to continue to report if they’re affected and also just to use word of mouth. If they’re affected, tell your friends, tell your family, and let them know to be aware of this.”
Additionally, anyone who believes they’ve been targeted is urged to contact the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre.
As crime trends continue to move in a positive direction, Jewkes said maintaining strong ties with the public remains a priority.
“We really thank the community for being our eyes and ears. I think that’s a really important facet of how we can police and keep this place safe.”
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The brother and sister duo of Grace Dove and Joe Syme of Prince George are among the final four teams who will compete in the final episode of the Amazing Race Canada.
The finale of the 11th season takes place this evening (Tuesday) where the challenge occurs in Collingwood, Ontario.
Dove, who is an actress by trade, told Vista Radio the Prince George episode was a unique experience even though they didn’t place the highest.
“One of the challenges, we were at the swimming pool and of course, I had spent many days there after school and with my friends on the weekends and so one of our challenges was to do an aerobics class. I have zero dance background and that showed in the episode so I struggled,” laughed Dove.
“It’s funny because I didn’t feel the strongest and it was a tough episode for me but we made sure to have a comeback after that.”
“You don’t know where you are going until the morning of and then all of a sudden you are travelling all the way up to the Arctic or you are travelling across the country and it is day after day and the pressure really builds.”
The actress admitted the cross-country journey that has spanned five provinces and one territory takes its toll more than people realize.
“I thought I knew what I was getting into but you really don’t when you are on it. It is harder than you could ever imagine – lots of fun but I think that I didn’t quite know what I was getting into until we were in it.”
“That is the part you don’t see on TV is that there is no time to stop and rest.”
During the local episode, the Prince George Hospice Society hosted a watch party in support of Dove and Syme, a move that generated quite a bit of buzz in the community that occurred on August 12th.
Dove and Syme couldn’t be more thankful for all the support shown by friends, family and viewers who have followed them every step of the way.
“From Prince George, from our friends and family in Canim Lake and how many messages I am getting and how many people are sending me screen shots and that they are watching. It’s so cool because I had no idea how many people would tune in and watch us.”
“I am so glad that I had this opportunity to spend the time with my brother. I moved from Prince George after high school and have lived in Vancouver for 15 years. Joe is still in Prince George so the amount of time that we really get to spend together is a few days here and there over the holidays. But, it’s been nothing like this so to really spend time and connect without our cell phones or the outdoor world in this game, competing in this was so special that we had this time to re-connect.”
The sibling duo won two out of the ten legs.
The grand prize includes a $250,000 cash payout, a trip around the world, and two 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS vehicles.
Dove plans on using her share of the prize money to finish her pilot’s license while her brother – who is a diamond driller will “buy a haunted amusement park.”
The City of Nanaimo will recognize residents who were awarded outstanding achievements in sports or arts and culture last year.
Specifically, the City wants to highlight individuals or groups who received international, national, western Canadian or provincial first place honours.
“There is a great sense of pride for each of Nanaimo’s winning performances by Nanaimo’s athletes, teams and performing artists. Their hard work and accomplishments bring recognition to our community as they compete at provincial, national and international stages,” says mayor Leonard Krog. “Council is honoured to acknowledge and celebrate their outstanding achievements, and we look forward to honouring them at our November 17 council meeting.”
To be eligible, potential recipients must be residents of Nanaimo and must have placed first or received highest standing in their field of endeavour. Additionally, the achievements cannot be something that was paid for.
The deadline for applications is September 22. Recipients will get a certificate of congratulations and a medallion at the November 17th city council meeting.
Castlegar city council has given its blessing to creating a disc golf course through the woods at Kinnaird Park, but it remains to be seen whether it will have nine holes or 18.
Several members of the Kootenay Rockies Disc Golf Society appeared before council Monday to present the results of a public meeting they held last month.
Patrick Audette explained that of the 50 people who attended, 35 to 40 were disc golf players in favour of the idea. However, a number of concerns were identified: preservation of huckleberry habitat, the presence of potentially hazardous trees, safety of kids at a nearby daycare who use the forest, and broader forest conservation.
Audette said they feel using the forest for disc golf would have a “pretty low impact,” but not everyone agrees. He admitted creating fairways could possibly result in the loss of some huckleberry bushes, which was “quite upsetting to some people” for whom Kinnaird Park is a favourite berry-picking area.
Another person was concerned about dead trees in the forest, suggesting that the city doesn’t have to worry about them right now because there isn’t much traffic in the woods, but if the public is encouraged to come through, something may have to be done about those trees.
Audette also spoke to the husband of the woman who owns Silly Monkeys Childcare, who suggested a nine-hole course would leave room for those already using the space.
In response to the concerns, Audette said they are looking at adjusting the course’s design, including a nine-hole option, although shorter courses are usually more well-trod because most people play two rounds. They would like to review hazard trees, maximize space for the daycare, and ensure a minimal ecological footprint. Audette said clean-up of debris and dangerous or closely-spaced trees could also reduce the forest fire risk.
Councillors were impressed the society sought feedback, took it to heart, and amended their plans accordingly.
“It’s incredible that you took it on to do the public input,” said councillor Cherryl MacLeod. “It says a lot about the character of the group. That fact you are considering going down to nine because that’s what people suggested is amazing on your part.”
Audette said it “pains” him to go from 18 holes to nine, because a nine-hole course doesn’t have the same appeal to players. “But that’s okay. We can add another nine holes two or three years from now if it goes well, if the other user groups feel ‘hey, this isn’t so bad.’”
He said another reason they may start with nine is that they don’t have enough money to build 18 yet. The association has secured grants from the Columbia Basin Trust and Regional District of Central Kootenay and has applications before the local Rotary clubs. They also plan to do their own fundraising.
“You’ve almost talked yourself from 18 holes into nine holes,” said councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff. “There is a path to grow to 18. But it has a lot to do with Castlegar doing something with danger trees. Thanks for listening to people in the community.”
Mayor Maria McFaddin argued the society should go for 18 holes because it would be a greater tourism draw, citing the example of a disc golf course in Clearwater that draws an “insane” number of people to its tournament.
McFaddin added that disc golfers are “quite respectful” of other users, plus the park has a lot of space and other amenities besides the trails through the woods. Furthermore, she said the course can be moved if needed, and she trusts the society can make good on its promises.
Ultimately, council passed a unanimous motion to support working with the disc golf society on a course with up to 18 holes. A couple of councillors requested mapping to show exactly where the course might go.
With 150 games completed and just 12 left, the (88-62) Blue Jays have the best record in the American League and lead the A.L. East by 5 games over the New York Yankees and by 6 over the Boston Red Sox.
Toronto continues a 7-game road trip tonight (Tuesday 4:35) in Tampa Bay against the (73-77) Rays.
The Prince George Cougars open their regular season with a home doubleheader against the Portland Winterhawks Friday night at 7:00 and Saturday night at 6:00.
The Prince George Kodiaks have just two regular season games remaining in the BC Football Conference.
The (4-3-1) Kodiaks host the (0-7) Kamloops Broncos on Saturday, September 27th before closing on the road in Chilliwack against the Valley Huskers on October 4th.
Prince George is in 3rd place in the 7-team league with the top four to advance to the playoffs.
The BCFC standings: Okanagan 8-0 (clinched first place), Westshore 6-2, P.G. 4-3-1, Vancouver Island 2-4-1, Valley 2-4-1, Langley 2-4-1 and Kamloops 0-7.
The Kodiaks schedule and results can be found here.
The Silver Basin fire in Bugaboo Provincial Park has been classified as being held as of this afternoon, Sept. 15, with the evacuation alert rescinded but the area restriction still remains in effect.
“The BC Wildfire Service has now classified the fire as Being Held and have recommended that it is safe to rescind the Evacuation Alert,” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre
Information Officer, Loree Duczek.
In addition, Bugaboo Provincial Park remains closed to public access at this time. The latest updates on the status of the Provincial Park can be found on www.bcparks.ca.
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Tourism Prince George has launched a new way to help those with mobility challenges plan a getaway to the Northern Capital.
In partnership with Spinal Cord Injury BC and with support from Pacific Economic Development Canada, Tourism PG launched a new, 3D Accessibility Virtual Tour Map on its website.
“It’s just based off conversations and working side-by-side with them of kind of recognizing that accessibility information is often incomplete or inconsistent,” explained Tourism Prince George Interim-CEO Carmen Herman.
“People with mobility challenges need more than just a rating system before they’re travelling, so this way they get to actually interact and see whether a space works for them.”
The interactive map highlights a number of locations around Prince George, such as hotels, trails, parks, attractions and transportation hubs.
Herman added she hopes the work on this will continue.
“A lot of our partners do focus on accessibility and it is a priority,” she explained.
“We do recognize that for some of our partners, they just need a little extra time due to capacity and funding. It is live on our website and we’re open to those conversations of, we want to see this list grow.”
The Williams Lake Fire Department released their number of calls for service for the month of August.
Deputy Fire Chief Brendan Foote says they responded to a total of 43 compared to 38 in August of last year.
Foote says the top 3 major types of calls were 9 for fires, 16 false alarms, and 15 smoke/fire complaints.
At the end of August in 2024 the Williams Lake Fire Department received 362 calls for service compared to 326 they’ve had so far this year at this time.
Foote noted that they are currently on pace for having slightly less calls for service this year , however August was busier this year compared to last year so we’ll have to see how the rest of the year plays out.
The province says it is expecting to reopen the main road to Bamfield by the end of October.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is working with Mosaic Forest Management to repair a 1.5 km section damaged in the Mount Underwood wildfire this summer.
According to the ministry, unstable slopes, unsafe trees and debris flow risks make the terrain unpredictable.
“A geotechnical assessment has been completed to identify hazard risks. Based on these findings, the ministry is developing an operating guideline,” reads a news release from the ministry. “[It] will establish rain and wind thresholds for increased patrols and potential pre-emptive closures.”
A weather station and closure gates will be installed in the coming weeks. Public access remains restricted and there are barriers at the closure points at kilometre seven on the north end and kilometre 10 on the south.
“Drivers must continue using the Youbou detour. The ministry reminds drivers this is an industrial road with variable surface conditions. Exercise caution, adjust speeds and avoid travel at night if unfamiliar with the route,” the ministry says, adding the road will be subject to temporary closures during heavy rain and fog when it reopens.
The Strathcona Regional District is getting set to celebrate recent upgrades to Hagel Park.
On Friday, September 19, the SRD will hold a grand opening ceremony at Hagel Park for the new public washroom.
A statement from the SRD says Hagel Park is the most popular park in Area D, and the new public washroom was identified as a need for the amenity through public consultation.
The event starts at 3:00 p.m. Friday, there will be light snacks and refreshments.
Click here for more information from the SRD regarding Friday’s event.
– Article includes link and photo supplied by Strathcona Regional District
BC Wildfire crews continue to action several wildfires in the Chilcotin.
The Smokey Creek wildfire North of Tatla Lake is now listed as being held and is estimated to be 7,913 hectares in size.
Puntzi Creek Complex Fire Information Officer, Paula Walbauer, said they have 64 firefighters, 29 structure protection staff and 15 pieces of equipment working on this fire.
“We have contingency line all around the preimetre of the wildfire and we’re really happy with the success we’ve been able to have on that fire. I know the Cariboo Regional District has downgraded the Order to an Alert in that area.”
The Nuntsi Creek wildfire, 1.3 kilometres North of Elkin Creek, South of Highway 20, is estimated to be 2,385 hectares.
Walbauer said they are maintaining current structure defence on priority values in the Scum Lake area and any structures within the Nuntsi Park and are working in coordination with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation on tactics.
“We had aerial night operations on this wildfire last night (Sunday) and depending on need of course if we feel the need we will definitely deploy those again tonight (Monday),” Walbauer said.
And the Red Brush fire North of Highway 20 near Tsi Del Del, is 4,276 hectares and currently 55 firefighters and 6 structure protection with 17 pieces of heavy equipment are working this fire.
“In coordination with Tsi Del Del First Nation we’re identifying heavy equipment control lines where applicable and safe to do so and we’re extending our contingency guard around Luck Mountain from North to South with an anchor off Puntzi Road,” Walbauer said.
The City of Duncan has launched a survey to gain a better understanding of residents’ satisfaction levels, needs, concerns, and priorities.
A random sample of homes in the community have been sent invitation letters to complete the questionnaire.
The City says feedback will support city council in making strategic decisions on long term planning, priority setting, budgeting and issues management.
This survey makes the rounds in Duncan every two years, click here to complete public version of the poll.
New funding for the City of Campbell River in partnership with We Wai Kai and We Wai Kum First Nations are helping to deliver FireSmart activities and education for residents.
In 2023, the City was approved for funding from the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ (UBCM’s) FireSmart Community Funding and Supports grant program to boost their wildfire preparedness efforts and mitigating wildfire risks.
The city received a total of over $158,000 which has been paid in installments, with the final installment of over $58,000 having been received this year.
Mayor Kermit Dahl said the funds have helped with enhancing FireSmart initiatives to support the community’s safety and wellbeing in a fiscally responsible way.
“With hot and dry conditions increasing the wildfire risk, wildfire preparedness is top-of-mind for many Campbell Riverites right now.”
The funding from the UBCM was used to deliver a robust program on public safety, engagement and inter-agency collaboration, which included working with local First Nations in culturally respectful and collaborative way.
The UBCM funding injection also helped with hosting nine community events, making three neighbourhoods become FireSmart recognized, and delivering special training and protection equipment to the Campbell River Fire Department.
Director of Community Safety Jeff Ford said this program helped strengthen the community’s wildfire resilience through information, training, and purchasing equipment.
“This has been a collaborative effort, and we appreciate the dedication and support of everyone who contributes to Campbell River FireSmart efforts in the community.”
To make properties wildfire resilient, residents are encouraged to keep gutters and roofs clear of debris, trim branches which overhang from homes, and keep flammable materials at least 10 metres away from structures.
Details of a proposed mixed-use development in West Grand Forks are starting to emerge.
City council heard today from an architectural firm on behalf of the company that is hoping to develop a strip of land along a section of the Trans Canada Trail parallel to Donaldson Drive.
The project was first proposed nearly five years ago by Southfield Real Estate, owned by brothers Wayne and Gene Koch.
At that time it had already been dubbed Railway Park, because the 15-acre strip was purchased from the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The presentation from Meiklejohn Architectural Design didn’t get into specifics about the precise number of buildings or units proposed. Instead it provided an overview of how the architects are trying to make the project meet the city’s official community plan.
They said the project is proposing both multi-family residential buildings and apartments/condos over commercial storefronts. While the building heights will vary, the tallest are expected to be three storeys.
Also included are a series of parks and a shared-use path that would tie together existing and new neighbourhoods. The development’s “central node” would be around the junction of McCallum View Drive and Columbia Drive.
The project has two phases. The first would include land from the south end of the site up to 18th Street and work along Columbia Drive.
Before the project can proceed, the land will need to be rezoned from light industrial to residential.
The only question council asked of the architects was whether they expected any difficulties servicing the site. They replied that they do not.
The architects are seeking public feedback at the Station Pub today from 3 to 7 p.m.
A robbery suspect didn’t make it far before getting caught by the Prince George RCMP.
In the early hours of this morning (Monday), the RCMP were advised a convenience store on the corner of Fifth and Ospika Boulevard had been robbed by a single suspect.
“Frontline police officers flooded the area and located the suspect several blocks away,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
“Police were provided with screenshots of the available video surveillance from the store within minutes of the offence occurring, which greatly increased their ability to locate and arrest the suspect.”
Police say the suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Prince George resident, Haley Elizabeth Lindstrom, and the following charges have been approved in the matter:
Robbery
Uttering threats
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Lindstrom was held in custody until she could attend court.
Mounties will not be providing further updates on the file, as it is now before the courts.
Powell River councillors are being asked again to weigh in on a long-term hydro export proposal.
Powell River Energy wants to export 700,000 megawatt hours of power per year to the United States for 30 years.
The amount would power over 66,000 U.S. homes, based on the average consumption of 10,500 kilowatt hours for the average U.S. household. (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration).
The power would come from the two dams at the former Catalyst paper mill site.
Terms of the application to the Canada Energy Regulator have not been made public because it’s a business deal.
The company notes it’s been already exporting through a third party all the power from the two dams since the Catalyst mill closed in 2021.
The current application would allow Powell River Energy to export directly.
In a report to council for Thursday, CAO Sundance Topham says the city opposed a similar application three years ago and it was withdrawn.
“Locking in export capacity for such an extended period could impact and influence future development and industry,” Topham said.
Council will decide Thursday (Sept. 18) whether to take a stand on the application.
Interested parties in the application to the Canada Energy Regulator have until Sept. 25 to submit feedback.
Will Peters was the top fundraiser for this year’s Terry Fox Run.
His prize? A 17 kilometre run.
Peters put out a challenge, saying he would run a kilometre for every $100 he raised for the Terry Fox Run, which took place at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park yesterday. (Sunday)
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“In my mind, it’s going to be like, five kilometres, which is very doable, set the goal at ten kilometres, which would be a bit of a stretch, a bit of a challenge, but would be possible,” Peters said prior to his run.
He said he knew it was possible to get up to the number he did, but he didn’t expect it.
“I had said there was no cap on it, but if it was like $100,000 that came in or something ridiculous like that, I would have just basically lived in the park for 24 hours and kept doing loops until the day was done and then called it good, sort of Relay for Life style,” he said.
Peters said he’s been doing some running after work, and has run five kilometres a few times, plus one seven kilometre run last week.
Peters took off with the rest of the runners at the start of the run at 10:00 yesterday morning, and finished a little shy of two hours later.
“Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” he said after the run.
“I only stopped to walk for like two minutes for the whole thing, I’m pretty proud of how that went, I am gassed, I’m not going to be able to do anything tomorrow.”
Will Peters stops to hydrate during his 17 km Terry Fox Run. (D. Bain, My PG Now staff)
He said he may do the same thing for the next Terry Fox Run.
“In theory, if I keep at it, I can only get better, right?” he said.
“I mean, a half-marathon’s only five kilometres away, it’s not a crazy goal.”
Peters said he’s had family members die from cancer in the last five years, and his father had it as well before he was born.
“It’s close to everybody’s hearts, and I’m happy to come out and run and support a good cause as well,”
“I’m happy to have raised a good chunk of money, and I’m thankful to everybody that donated to cancer research, or donate money to trying to kill me, either way, it’s going to a great cause.”
Lead Organizer for the Prince George Terry Fox Run Sylvia Masich said the rough estimate for the total raised is now more than $25,000, and around 500 people attended.
The Town of Comox is seeking feedback from its residents on two important documents.
Residents are being invited to have their say on the town’s Official Community Plan (OCP) as it enters its final stages, and draft Development Permit Area (DPA) guidelines.
The OCP document is an anchor that outlines the municipality’s long-term vision for the community and directs future development.
The process commenced in Fall 2024 and the 2025 update is aimed to better align with the community’s vision for the next 20 years, with a focus on addressing housing needs.
In July, town council gave directions on the main OCP document with the land use map and OCP available on the town’s project website for review throughout September.
At their September 10 Strategic Planning Council Meeting, council supported the draft DPA guidelines in principle, and are also available for review until September 26, with revisions to be made prior to council’s consideration of the OCP Bylaw readings next month.
The DPAs are a component of the OCP, helping ensure growth and development in the community which respects its character, protects sensitive natural areas, and considers long-term sustainability.
Comox Mayor Nicole Minions said DPAs are one of the key tools they use to shape the future of Comox.
“By updating our guidelines, we can ensure that development enhances our community while protecting the natural assets that make Comox such a special place to live.”
The DPAs are available for review on Comox’s website, and feedback can be provided by emailing [email protected] by September 26 at 4:30 p.m.
The City of Kimberley has approved a new snow and ice control policy to improve winter maintenance.
City staff said the policy and plan helps better establish a standard of care and limits the city’s liability.
Some of the changes include adding new subdivisions into plowing areas, updating one-way and split plowing locations and changing the winter shift working days.
Roads manager Ryan Reynolds said they are reviewing recommendations from the accessibility advisory committee and will be implementing ideas where they fit.
“We are looking at ways on how to collect that into our plan and policy to see what’s feasible and what’s not,” he said.
“Some items naturally made it in and some we’re seeing how we can navigate getting them in.”
The policy is reviewed annually, but can also be amended at any time if needed.
Artemis Gold Inc. is planning an upgrade for the current Blackwater Mine processing plant.
“The Phase 1A plans announced today will deliver a 33 per cent increase in plant capacity, at an industry leading capital intensity of less than $55 per annual tonne of throughput. The project will be funded out of operating cash flows, and the payback period is expected to be less than six months,” said Artemis Gold CEO Dale Andres.
“We expect Phase 1A to de-risk and enhance future free cash flows that are aimed at funding a larger Phase 2 expansion.”
The Company estimates Phase 1A will be completed at a capital cost of $100-$110 million.
Major mechanical equipment for this phase has been ordered, including a vertical mill to provide additional primary grinding capacity.
Construction work has also commenced with excavation of foundations in the plant area, while the concrete batch plant for the scope of work is being commissioned on-site.
The Company is continuing to progress the design and engineering for an optimized and accelerated Phase 2 expansion, including alternative methods for mine waste haulage.
The Blackwater Mine, roughly 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George, achieved its first gold and silver pour in January this year, and commercial production in May.
An increase in e-bike riders, and related complaints, has the Nelson Police Department reminding users they must follow the same rules as vehicles when on the road.
Police said in a press release they have noticed more e-bikes on city streets along with reports of speeding, lack of rider control and underage operators.
As a result, the department reminds riders that, like motor vehicle drivers, they are required to stop at stop signs, yield to pedestrians, obey traffic signals and stay on the right side of the road.
Violations can lead to fines or an impoundment.
Police also issued the following guidelines for safe e-bike use:
always wear a helmet
use lights and reflectors when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions
signal turns and ride predictably to avoid collisions
respect pedestrians and other road users
riders under 16 cannot tow or carry passengers on a light e-bike
Minimum ages to operate e-bikes:
standard e-bikes (500 watts): 16 years old
light e-bikes (250 watts): 14 years old
Parents are asked to ensure their children understand and follow road rules when riding e-bikes.
The department added that it is the legal responsibility of parents and guardians not to knowingly allow underage children to operate e-bikes.
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