Poll

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People's right to (mass) gather avoids RDCK governance

A draft bylaw limiting and governing mass gatherings in the regional district was struck down by the regional district board of directors late last week. The Mass Gatherings Bylaw never saw the light of day, even after a few complaints from some Area D residents put the draft bylaw on the Regional District of Central […]

Hospital taxes set to increase for this year to pay for "future" projects

Like baby birds straining in the nest to get more worms than their siblings, another tax requisition besets beleaguered Nelson taxpayers, the West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District board announced recently. Property owners in the city will be paying around $24 more — on a house assessed at $300,000 — on their “hospital” tax bill […]

For the love of water at the eighth annual Winlaw Water Festival

By Phil Larstone Water, water everywhere and plenty of drops to drink. It’s a mantra well known in the West Kootenays, but it isn’t one that is shared throughout the rest of the world. But if you enjoy the pure, refreshing water that happily flows from mountain to ocean, throughout our lives and into our […]

Kootenay-wide tele-town hall on the HST hits Thursday

Nelson, Castlegar and the Kootenay region will be part of the province-wide call for suggestions on how the HST can be improved when a “tele-town hall” takes place this Thursday. Running for one hour starting at 6:30 p.m., Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom will engage the West […]

Interim rate increase on hydro approved by BCUC

Forget hope that the BC Hydro rate increase would be overturned, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) recently approved an interim rate increase of eight per cent, effective May 1. For the average residential BC Hydro customer, this would amount to a bill increase of about $6 per month, albeit until the final decision comes […]

Candidates commit to reverse forum on social issues

Social issues will be in the spotlight on Friday, April 29 at the Anglican Church when the Social Planning Action Network Society (SPAN) provides the public a unique opportunity to engage federal candidates. The “reverse forum” will give the public the chance to speak while candidates listen on key topics such as mental health, poverty, […]

Residential taxes in Castlegar to decrease despite rate hike

Castlegar homeowners may be happy to hear that, although tax rates have increased, the average homeowner will actually be paying less this year, according to a report received by council at its regular meeting last Monday.   Director of financial services Andre Buss told council that, although tax rates have increased for residential rate payers, […]

SD20 Board of Education draft difficult budget

 How do you cut $1.2 million out of a School District’s annual budget while having as little effect on the students’ learning experience as possible? The board of SD20 grappled with that question Monday evening as they continued their budgeting process.   In mid-March the school board received its funding notice from the provincial government. […]

Castlegar man sought by police; public assistance requested

Police are aking members of the public to contact RCMP with any information tehy may have about the whereabouts of a Castlegar man who is now 'on the lamb'. Forty-year-old Castlegar man Glen Boule is wanted by police after failing to attend his court appearance this week, when he was slated to face charges of production of ...

Selkirk College announces recipients of Board awards

By Carrie Voysey Honorary diploma awards were handed out by Selkirk College Tuesday and one will be going to the city’s top politician and another to one of its favourite sons. Mayor John Dooley received an Honorary Diploma in Liberal Arts and Sciences in recognition of his consistent support for and collaboration with Selkirk College. […]