The West Kootenay’s snowpack is still well below record-low levels but it is inching upward, according to the latest B.C. River Forecast Centre’s snow survey. As of March 1 the West Kootenay snowpack is 28 per cent below normal throughout the region — having risen five per cent over the last month (67 per cent) […]

The province is adding protected land to two West Kootenay parks. Around 30 hectares will be added to Valhalla Park (six ha.) and the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park (24 ha.) as new legislative amendments to the Protected Areas of B.C. (PABC) Act were recently passed. Located near Slocan, Valhalla Provincial Park is 49,893 ha. in […]

Starting on Monday, March 18, BC Hydro will be undertaking work to recover and relocate two of the floating guide wall pontoons that sunk in January of 2020 due to adverse weather. As a result of low reservoir levels, these sunken pontoons have become a hazard. The removal of these pontoons will allow the public […]

These two boys  are from a large rescue we’ve undertaken of over 60 cats and kittens born outside. They were living in a pile of logs. They are about seven months old.   They are shy and don’t “show” well to strangers, so they won’t come running to greet potential adopters, but they are coming along […]

Lakes are integral to communities, providing essential resources and serving as recreational and cultural hubs. We live along their shores, explore their fresh waters and admire the diverse wildlife. Yet, increasing climate and other impacts highlight the need to monitor and protect these vital ecosystems.  This summer, Living Lakes Canada invites you to dive into […]

Last week Premier David Eby issued a heartfelt apology for historic wrongs against the Sons of Freedom children, including the effects on the descendants and community. The Government of British Columbia has committed to a $10 million recognition package and also recognizes the immediate need for these resources, especially for the elderly. In the coming months the […]

Last week Canada took another major step forward truly universal healthcare with the tabling of the NDP’s Pharmacare Act.  When fully implemented this legislation will allow all Canadians to use their health card to obtain their prescription drugs, just as they use it to see a doctor or use hospital facilities.  And it will save Canada as […]

New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says more young people will have better access to vital health care services, including primary care, counselling, early intervention, prevention, and addictions supports closer to home with a new Foundry centre on the way to the West Kootenays. The exact location will be determined through a community and youth engagement […]

Wildsight’s EcoStewards program is the inaugural recipient of Wildlife Habitat Canada’s Diane Griffin Award. EcoStewards encourages students to learn about local ecosystems and undertake projects in their wild backyards. Wildsight educators guide students on an immersive learning journey through multiple in-class sessions, culminating in a community action project. We were humbled and grateful that this […]

Courtesy KIJHL Castlegar Rebels alum Travis Green (1985-86) has been named the New Jersey Devils Interim Head Coach for the rest of the 2023-34 NHL season.  The Devils made the announcement on March 4. “Travis has key experience running benches at the junior, AHL and NHL levels and knows that there are no shortcuts to […]