Regional News

Illicit drug toxicity death rate rises in city, across the province

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Tuesday December 14 2021

Nelson owns the notoriety of having the second highest illicit drug toxicity death rate in the health service delivery region so far in 2021, according to figures recently released by the BC Coroners Service — Creative Commons.

The illicit drug toxicity death rate in Nelson has risen over the last three years, mirroring a record rise in deaths across the province, according to the BC Coroners Service.

Data rates per 100,000 person-years has risen from 7.3 in 2019 to 27.2 so far in 2021 in Nelson, with five recorded deaths this year in the city alone.

In B.C. at least 201 people died in October — and 1,782 people in the first 10 months of 2021 — due to an “increasingly toxic and volatile illicit drug supply,” noted Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s chief coroner.

Down to two: feedback sought on recreational facility options for Playmor Junction

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Monday December 13 2021

The deadline for feedback on a regional district recreational facility at the Playmor Junction is Friday, Dec. 17, with the two options proposed based on the results of a public engagement process in the fall of 2020 — RDCK screenshot.

People have until the end of the week to offer feedback on two ‘high-level conceptual options’ for a regional district recreational facility at the Playmor Junction.

The deadline for feedback is Friday, Dec. 17 for the “reimagination” of Campbell Field, with the two options based on the results of a public engagement process in the fall of 2020.

Panels highlighting the differences and features of the two options were created and — along with background information and “inspirational” photos — are being presented online and in select locations (see “to view” below).

RCMP continue investigation after pedestrian killed on Highway 3A near Tarrys

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Monday December 13 2021

BC Highway Patrol Nelson determined that a woman in her 40s was crossing Highway 3A after disembarking from a transit bus at a designated stop near Tarrys when she was struck by a Honda Accord traveling south.

A woman has died after being struck by a car Friday afternoon on Highway 3A at Tarrys Road east of Castlegar RCMP said in a media release Monday.

RCMP said front-line officers, as well as BC Highway Patrol and Emergency Services, responded to a fatal pedestrian collision on Highway 3A at Tarrys Road at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021.

“Upon arrival it was determined that a woman in her forties (40s) was crossing Highway 3A after disembarking from a transit bus at a designated stop when she was struck by a Honda Accord traveling south,” the RCMP media release said.

Updated: Government Road cannabis processing project shifts gears during construction phase

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Monday December 13 2021

A few months into construction the four-storey building at 45 Government Road is moving from its original intended use as a processing facility for cannabis to a commercial, light industrial for-lease property, according to a press release from the Nelson Cannabis Collective — TND file photo.

Changing financial times and a drop in the price of cannabis have caused a major Nelson development to change course.

A few months into construction the four-storey building at 45 Government Road is moving from its original intended use as a processing facility for cannabis to a commercial, light industrial for-lease property, according to a press release from the Nelson Cannabis Collective (NCC).

Occupants displaced by overnight house fire in Nelson

by The Nelson Daily Staff on Sunday December 12 2021

Nelson Fire and Rescue Services crews clean up equipment after extinguishing a house fire in the 600 Block of Mill Street in Nelson. — Photo courtesy Nelson Fire and Rescue Services

One person taken to hospital following a fire Saturday night in the 600 Block of Mill Street Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said in a media release Sunday.

Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said the person was treated for burns and smoke inhalation at Kootenay Lake Hospital before being release later that night.

Nelson Fire and Rescue Services responded to a report of a house fire in on Mill Street at 10:22 p.m.

The extent of the fire forced the call out of an additional 16 members after both on-duty firefighters arrived on scene.

Kootenay Lake Fishing Report

by Contributor on Friday December 10 2021

The lake temperature has dropped to the mid 40’s and it seems like we are now in ‘winter fishing’ mode, but there are days when fishing is fantastic. — Photo courtesy Reel Adventures Sportfishing

Winter fishing is in full swing.  Boats are heated, and fish are biting!

Here’s the latest report:

The last couple weeks has felt more like a wet spring than early winter.  Lots of rain has caused the rivers to flow and the lake to rise.  The high flows have added a lot of debris to the lake, but we’re still managing to navigate.

The lake temperature has dropped to the mid 40’s and it seems like we are now in ‘winter fishing’ mode.

What does that mean? 

Vaccination condition results in temporary service disruption at West Kootenay Transit

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Friday December 10 2021

Alterations in the circumstances of employment at West Kootenay Transit created a labour shortage that has affected service levels in the Nakusp Paratransit Zone (Nakusp – Edgewood) and may also influence the Kootenay Transit Zone, which includes Playmor, Balfour, Nelson and Salmo — TND file photo

A requirement to be fully vaccinated has impacted transit delivery in the region.

Alterations in the circumstances of employment — requiring full vaccinations for employees — at West Kootenay Transit has created a labour shortage that has affected service levels in the Nakusp Paratransit Zone (Nakusp – Edgewood) and may also influence the Kootenay Transit Zone, which includes Playmor, Balfour, Nelson and Salmo.

UPDATED: Environment Canada issues Snowfall Warning for Boundary, West Kootenay, Arrow/ Slocan Lakes

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday December 09 2021

Drivers should be prepared for challenging driving conditions on the road and watch for snowplows on highways.

Environment Canada has updated its original Special Weather Statement Saturday morning to a Snowfall Warning, which is expecting snowfall amounts in the rage of 15 to 20 cm.

Environment Canada said the Snowfall Warning is expected for regions including Boundary, Kootenay Lake, West Kootenay and Arrow Lake - Slocan Lake.

Areas of Fauquier, Burton, Shelter Bay and New Denver, Balfour, Ainsworth, Kaslo, Meadow Creek and Nelson may also see high accumulations of snow.

Final four released for ‘Welcome to Nelson’ sign competition

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Wednesday December 08 2021

The competition to re-design the ‘Welcome to Nelson’ signs at three ends of the city has been whittled down to four designs, with voting on the ideas now open — City of Nelson.

Four options for the ‘Welcome to Nelson’ sign re-design have been released for voting in the next phase of the sign design competition.

A competition was staged beginning in August to re-design the ‘Welcome to Nelson’ signs at three ends of the city, after the beloved and “quirky” existing signs were deemed to be at the end of their lifespan.

Nelson Hydro rate rise will electrify New Year for urban, rural customers

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Wednesday December 08 2021

Nelson Hydro is moving forward with a 2.5 per cent general rate increase to its residential urban and rural rates, with an effective date of implementation of Jan. 1 — Nelson Hydro photo.

The New Year will hopefully bring glad tidings and an end to the pandemic, but it will also bring an increase in Nelson Hydro rates.

City council did not deliberate at all Tuesday night in its regular business meeting when it stamped its approval on a 2.5 per cent general rate increase to the city-owned utility’s residential urban rates.

Nelson Hydro has also applied to the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) for a similar increase to rural rates, with an effective date of implementation of Jan. 1.

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