Castlegar faces "assessment-freeze hangover" and probable tax hike
Some Castlegar residents are shaking their heads at B.C. Assessment notices that indicate residential properties increased in value by an average 4.79 per cent last year, despite the global economic downturn. Deputy Assessor Dennis Hickson says this is because the province froze assessment levels in 2008. Assessments of value as of July 1, 2009 would […]
Credit concerns to be analyzed by survey
The Kootenay Boundary Credit Clinic is launching its first ever consumer credit and debt survey. The credit clinic is a new initiative of Castlegar & District Community Services Society aimed at providing education about debt, credit and financial management. The project includes free workshops throughout the region and an information and referral line. The goal […]
Castlegar property assessments crest $2-billion mark
More than 8,000 property owners in the Castlegar area can expect to receive their 2010 assessment notice in the next few days. Assessments are the estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1, 2009. This common valuation date ensures that all properties are assessed fairly and there is an equitable base for property […]
RCMP: Cougar sightings in Robson
Castlegar police are reporting a relatively quiet holiday season, according to RCMP Sgt. Laurel Mathew. “I think the heavy snowfall must have been a deterrent (to impaired drivers). We were pleasantly surprised not to see a lot of drinking and driving New Year’s Eve,” she said. “Drunken disturbances were really the only issue.” What may […]
Avalanche victim update
The Trail RCMP detachment has confirmed that the body of an Alberta man killed in Monday's avalanche has been recovered from the Mnt. Mackie area in the West Kootenay region near Rossland. "The recovery was first hampered by poor weather, preventing a proper risk assessment of the surrounding area," said RCMP Cpl. Dave...
Public discusses fate of Castlegar schools
More than 300 people were on hand last night to hear School District 20 (SD 20) representatives discuss school closure options that have arisen due to declining enrollment and subsequent funding cuts. Provincial education funding is calculated on a per-student basis, and enrollment in the region over the past five years decreased by 789 students […]
Alberta man dies in avalanche near Rossland
An Alberta man in his 30s died in an avalanche near Rossland yesterday. RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said four men, two from B.C. and one from Alberta, all in their 30s, snomobiled into the area around Mnt. Mackie. “They snomobiled in to go downhill skiing,” he said. “At around 3:30 p.m., an avalanche struck. “Three […]
Winter weather brings up air quality concerns
Wintertime in Grand Forks can mean anything from great skiing, to slippery roads but one of the greatest challenges on any winter day in the valley is the air quality. Winter brings a variety of weather patterns, but it is well-known to see inversions set in over the valley. Inversions sandwich warmer air up high […]
'09 Year in Review: Message from the Mayor
Ed. Note: The following is Lawrence Chernoff's annual mayor's report to council, delivered at council's regular meeting Dec. 21: Our current city council has completed its first year of its term of office, and I would like to acknowledge and thank all members of council for their cooperation. Our community has been well-served...
A look back at 2009, from your perspective and mine
I was out and about in Castlegar, chatting with locals, being snoopy, asking questions and generally not minding my own business … you know, the usual … when I asked a fellow what he’s most excited about for 2010. “It’s not 2009,” he said. I take his point. Let’s face it, ’09 was not an […]
