First responders learn about Castlegar emergency ward closure on Facebook
by Kyra Hoggan on Monday, February 6, 2012 - 2:15pm

Tonight’s city council meeting will almost certainly see disgruntled residents and representatives, after Castlegar’s emergency ward was closed without notice Saturday.

People - even first responders - seeking medical care were met, at the hospital doors, with a sign that read, “Emerg dept closed for today (Sat Feb 4) Please head to Trail or Nelson Emerg Dept” (sic).

Castlegar fire chief Gerry Rempel, whose firefighters serve also as medical first responders in the community, said he was not notified of the closure.

"I found out about it on Facebook," he said.

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Recent News

Council tables resolution requiring criminal record check for election candidates

by Kyra Hoggan on 09 Feb 2012
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Council tables resolution requiring criminal record check for election candidates

A resolution demanding criminal records checks of people running for public office do not make it out of council chambers at Monday’s regular council meeting.

The resolution, which mayor Lawrence Chernoff brought forward to send to the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments, or AKBLG (to go, if successful, to the union of BC Municipalities and thence to the provincial government,) was sent back to committee for alternative wording.

The resolution would not prevent a candidate with a criminal record from running for office, but would require the public disclosure of any criminal record.

Al Hitzroth resigns as Celgar boss

by Kyra Hoggan on 09 Feb 2012
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Hitzroth pictured with with Cherie Hanvold, managing director of finance & administration.

After a five-and-a-half-year tenure at the helm of the city’s largest commercial venture, Al Hitzroth will be bidding Zellstoff Celgar adieu.

Hitzroth, Celgar’s 55-year-old managing director, Operations & Technical, told The Source today that his final day will be February 24, as he relinquishes Celgar’s top spot to current director of strategic initiatives Kevin Anderson. Hitzroth will then be heading to New Brunswick to take on a new and exciting challenge within the pulp industry.

City invites IHA spokesperson to public meeting to discuss ER closure

by Kyra Hoggan on 09 Feb 2012
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Councillor Deb McIntosh

The City of Castlegar is asking Interior Health Authority (IHA) spokesperson Diane Gagnon to attend the public portion of city council’s next meeting, to discuss the unscheduled closure of Castlegar’s emergency ward last Saturday.

This, after city officials received a letter of apology for the poor communication before, and during, the closure.

Regional News

Trail Gymnastics gets a new floor, courtesy of Columbia Power

by Contributor on 08 Feb 2012
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Audrey Repin of Columbia Power is pictured with Ed Pongracz, Chair of the Trail Gymnastics Society along with students (from lef

Columbia Power provided $1000 to the Trail Gymnastics Club to help the club restore their flooring with foam and carpet purchased from the Canadian Gymnastics Western Championship event last year.

The club is an active organization with an enrollment of nearly 250 students ranking 12th out of 87 clubs in the province. The Trail Gymnastics Club also has a long history in the community and will celebrate its 50th year this March.

 

Provincial & National

Approval of Jasper development ignores public outcry

by Contributor on 09 Feb 2012
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Approval of Jasper development ignores public outcry

Banff, Alberta– Over the objections of almost 200,000 citizens, the federal government has approved the proposed “Brewster Glacier Discovery Walk” in Jasper National Park. Conservation organizations fear that the beauty and integrity of Jasper National Park are being surrendered to commercial interests, opening the door for more for-profit businesses to capitalize on the splendour of Canada’s most loved and protected landscapes.

COMMENT: Open government isn't about selling access at BC Liberal “power lunches”

by IntegrityBC on 08 Feb 2012
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Margaret MacDiarmid

IntegrityBC chastised the BC Liberals today for leaving the impression that they're selling access to Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Labour Citizens' Services and Open Government, through her presence at a $50 a plate Liberal fundraising lunch tomorrow in Surrey.

International

PERU: Following the great water march

by Global Voices on 08 Feb 2012
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PERU: Following the great water march

It has been 7 days since the Great Water March set off, on February 1, 2012, from the heights of Celendín, Cajamarca, Peru, where the lakes threatened by the Conga [es] mining project are located. The march has unfolded practically without incidents, and is currently halfway to Lima, its final destination.