City invites IHA spokesperson to public meeting to discuss ER closure
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. “Normally, a public […]
Police shut down teen party/provide extra security for teen dance
Police are focussing efforts to curb underage drinking in Castlegar, after a party last weekend saw two teens arrested for public drunkenness, and a dance at the Element in December saw five teen arrests. Castlegar RCMP Cpl. Deb Postnikoff said a house party in the 900 block of Lynnwood Cr. In the Oglow subdivision last...
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. Meanwhile,...
IHA offers Castlegarians an apology
An open letter to the community of Castlegar; Interior Health would like to apologize to the residents of Castlegar and area for not properly informing you of the temporary closure of the emergency department last Saturday. Interior Health has contingency plans in place when facing a service interruption like this, which includes notifying community officials, […]
First responders learn about Castlegar emergency ward closure on Facebook
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 […]
Don’t frack with our water, say majority of Canadians in new poll
The controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as fracking, is facing mounting opposition across the country. A new Environics Research poll commissioned by the Council of Canadians has found that 62% of Canadians support “a moratorium on all fracking for natural gas until all the federal environmental ...
New meat inspection program planned for B.C. by 2014
The Province has completed a comprehensive review of options for provincially operated meat inspection services at Class A and B licensed abattoirs. This ensures that B.C. continues to provide the most effective, safe meat inspection system possible when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) steps back from this role. ...
2012 budget to include property tax increases for all but major industry
The City of Castlegar unveiled its $19-million 2012 budget to less-than thunderous applause Wednesday, as only seven people (not including city staff and council) showed up for the public meeting. The turnout was disappointing, but not surprising, according to city councillor and finance committee chair Russ Hearne. “It’s similar to the turn out we’ve had […]
Dix, Mungall join students on National Day of Action
New Democrat leader Adrian Dix and the party advanced education critic Michelle Mungall joined students at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna Wednesday to call on the B.C. Liberal government to reinstate needs-based student grants. The gathering was part of the February 1 National Day of Action for post ...
Atamanenko 'angered' over Conservatives plan to make changes to the Old Age Security pension
New Democrat MP for Southern Interior of B.C., Alex Atamanenko is “angered” by the recent announcement that the Conservatives are looking at making changes to the Old Age Security pension. The government claims that the present system is becoming unsustainable because of the aging demographics of Canadians. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s surprise plan included a […]
