I’m writing this in response to a widely-publicized column by MP Richard Cannings earlier this week about issues in his riding. He says, “This week one issue dominated the conversation—housing, housing, housing.” But there’s no mention of it in reference to Castlegar. “I met with the new mayor of Castlegar as well, and his ...

Air Canada’s announcement today that it will be cancelling flights from Cranbrook to Calgary may not be the bad news it seems at first blush. For starters, councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff pointed out that Air Canada’s decision was based on economic feasibility, but it appears West Jet will continue providing the...

There has been much discussion in the community over the recently proposed 2019-2023 municipal budget and what I believe to be its overly ambitious 37-per-cent increase on residential taxation. My opposition to it has been well documented in the news pages and on social media over the last few weeks. Every year, during budget...

The Kootenay Gallery of Art exhibition season opens with two exhibitions. Both exhibitions feature installation art that allows the viewer to be immersed in the art as well as featuring art on the walls. “Fata Morgana” is a major solo exhibition for Nelson artist Hildur Jonasson. It is her artistic response to a residency in...

Wandering around the snowy hills is wonderful – exploring is fun.  Even following well-trodden trails through the forest is refreshing – and it has proven health benefits!  It’s wonderful to see so many people going out in the local hills. But if people go out there unprepared (and they do!) and their simple little hike or ...

Stellar goaltending and timely goals combined to help lift the Selkirk College Saints to a pair of weekend victories over the Vancouver Island University Mariners. In a playoff-like atmosphere at the Castlegar & District Recreation Centre, the Saints skated away with a 6-5 victory on Friday night and 4-2 win on Saturday...

On February 5, a longer version of the following letter went to Castlegar Council, signed by 15 area residents. We are hoping that Council will deliberate on this before finalizing the budget in April. Please redouble efforts to make Castlegar’s public spaces cosmetic-pesticide free, by increasing the maintenance of our lawns...

A new report by BC Hydro finds when it comes to heating the home, British Columbian couples are at odds – with four in 10 admitting to arguing over the temperature. The report titled Thermostat wars: How the battle over household temperature is turning up the heat on relationships found that while arguments about the temperature...

I spent a week in late January travelling across the South Okanagan-West Kootenay, listening to mayors, regional officials, economic development officers and other concerned citizens.  It gave me an opportunity to find out what the top priorities are for communities as we start this New Year. This week one issue dominated the...

Columbia Basin Trust is announcing changes to its Board of Directors. Rick Jensen has been reappointed to the role of Chair while Jocelyn Carver, who joined the Board in 2018, has been appointed Vice-Chair. “I am so pleased to be able to continue in the role of Chair and to work with Jocelyn in her new role in what promises...