New Ministry of Wildlife, Land and Resource Management is cannibalizing fish, wildlife and habitat funds, regional operations are in crisis Government cuts travel funding for fish and wildlife staff Field staff asked to turn in their government cell phones to cut costs Regional office decimated by frustrated staff quitting or on leave Provincial government fish and wildlife programs are in […]

APPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF BC VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE The Municipal Insurance Association of BC will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, during the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver. Council appointed Councillor Brian Bogle as the City’s voting delegate, with Councillor Falstead as the alternate. This […]

Last week I had the honour to cut the ribbon at the opening of The Confluence Castlegar. It is so exciting that this Passive House certified, Mass Timber building, which will operate with 85% reduced emissions is now open for events, office space, and welcoming visitors from around the world!! Thank you to Tammy Verigin-Burk who made […]

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon dropped a bombshell Wednesday, moving to suspend his party’s campaign in the upcoming fall election. The deal will see United Leader Falcon suspend his campaign with rumours that MLAs Ian Paton, Peter Milobar and Tom Shypitka, of Cranbrook, will run for the Conservatives, as well as Vancouver-Langara candidate Jaime Stein. […]

The provincial government’s Columbia River Treaty team will host a public virtual information session about the recent agreement-in-principle (AIP) reached between Canada and the United States to modernize the Columbia River Treaty. The virtual information session will be held on Sept. 17, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. (Pacific time) and 7-8:30 p.m. (Mountain time). Members of […]

As British Columbia prepares for its provincial election this October, the BC Chamber of Commerce is shedding light on the economic and policy concerns that matter most to voters. A recent poll provides a comprehensive look into the electorate’s sentiments on various issues, including business climate, natural resource management, public services and voting intentions – […]

The tree fruit industry is an iconic part of the economy in the southern Interior of BC, particularly in the Okanagan Valley.  Bowls of sweet black cherries, juicy fresh peaches and bright red apples have always brought visitors and a good way of life to the region.  But it has never been easy for the […]

By Jesse Zeman  How many more Jaspers, how many more Lyttons, before we wake up? I am living with my family in a rental home provided by my insurance company after a fire swept through West Kelowna, destroying my home and property. It will take years to recover, and the damage may never be completely […]

By Katrine Conroy Minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty On July 11, 2024, Canada and the U.S. reached a milestone in the process of modernizing the Columbia River Treaty – an agreement-in-principle (AIP) that sets the stage for an improved treaty that supports people and ecosystems on both sides of the border. Over the past […]

This week, many people in Kootenay West and beyond are feeling the impacts of wildfires. While you may not be directly impacted by wildfires this season, you likely have a friend or loved one who will be. These fires can start quickly and change fast. Though we can’t always predict emergencies, it’s important to know […]