Cold climate and chill bills: power rates rise as temperature drops
As the temperature continues to drop in the West Kootenay region the electrical rates are rising from one of the area’s largest energy providers. FortisBC will be tacking a 6.74 per cent general rate increase — as approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission — as of Jan. 1 on to all customer bills, a rate […]
Hot cash: regional volunteer fire departments receive boost from the Province
The region is expected to heat up with almost $700,000 in grants from the Province for several volunteer fire departments. Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) the volunteer fire departments — as well as Nelson’s composite professional department — will receive the money to enhance their capabilities by funding new training and equipment. “These […]
Real estate listings, sales drop across Kootenay-Boundary region
The real estate market in the Kootenay-Boundary region continued to drop at the end of 2023, according to the Association of Interior Realtors. In the Kootenay and Boundary region, unit sales saw a 13.6 per cent decrease (November 2023) compared to sales activity in November 2022 with 171 sales recorded, down from 203 units sold […]
Kootenay unemployment rate climbs to one of highest in Canada
The Kootenay region’s economy is heading into unenviable territory. Only three other economic regions in the country — outside of the Maritimes and the territories — had a higher unemployment rate than the Kootenay region in December, 2023, which now sports a 7.1 per cent rate (December, 2023, Statistics Canada). One year ago the region […]
Region braces for slower economy in 2024 and faces similar challenges: chamber executive director
The other shoe is expected to drop this year for the provincial economy as slower economic growth is predicted but the West Kootenay region could still find its glass slipper. Like many jurisdictions in Canada, B.C. is experiencing the impacts of a slowing global economy and high interest rates, with the real gross domestic product […]
EDITORIAL: SOS about crime?
A media release arrived in my inbox, to publicize the message of a coalition of communities and businesses urging government to take more effective action to reduce crime. The coalition calls itself “Save Our Streets” — SOS. Their message is a call “for all levels of government to coordinate their efforts and put an end […]
Subsidies offered to offset lifeguard shortage across RDCK
The regional district is floating an idea out to try and encourage more people to join the ranks of lifeguards and fitness instructors. In the wake of an ongoing and growing lifeguard shortage across the region, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is offering a subsidized training opportunity, with courses to support the continued […]
Column: Resolutions for a better 2024?
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Anyone resolve to help overthrow consumer capitalism? If we come together and resolve to do better for each other and the planet, we could find a better path. It would be easier if the gas, oil and coal industries and their supporters would resolve to clean up their […]
Grant Application Process for CBT ReDi Grants opens Jan. 3
Effective Jan. 3, 2024, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will accept grant applications for the Columbia Basin Trust Resident Directed Grants (ReDi). The program supports local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities. ReDi Grants are intended to be flexible and incorporate community-based funding decisions. Program funds are distributed annually to the […]
Housing assessments in region stabilize, with Rossland/Slocan seeing greatest increase
In the next few days, owners of nearly 500,000 properties throughout the Southern Interior can expect to receive their 2024 assessment notices, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2023. In Castlegar and Nelson, typical assessments went down by one per cent, whereas in Trail and Grand Forks, they went up by one percent. […]
