Increased home efficiency rebates help families save
In partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the Province of BC is extending and improving its LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program, where homeowners can receive more than $7,000 in rebates for energy saving improvements and equipment. The program is extended for an additional two years and rebates for improvements like...
Waneta expansion project effects to be monitored
The effects of the massive Waneta Expansion Project on the communities of the greater Trail area are now being scrutinized by a socio-economic monitor, named to the project this week.The partners in the Waneta Expansion project — Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation, and Columbia Basin Trust — announced the hiring of Cathy...
Nelsonites catch break and get taxes lowered by RDCK
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson DailyA municipal finance twist that could have had many regional district taxpayers paying more this year instead will see a drop or no change in their taxation levels for 2011. The Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors delivered a bit of good news on Thursday as they nailed...
New provincial employment centres to be created
The Province is creating new employment centres which will make it easier to help people find work and provide stability for their families. The new Employment Program of BC was developed after consultation with stakeholders across B.C. over the past three years. The proposed employment centres integrate all of the services...
Power rates for Nelson Hydro customers set to increase Friday
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson DailyAlthough BC Hydro’s rate increase for 2011 may be frozen and under review by the Province, Nelson Hydro’s energy rate increase takes effect Friday. Inflation, wage and material costs going up combine with increased wholesale power purchase costs to account for much of the needed 9.6 per...
Two controversial development projects still on Province's books
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson DailyTwo projects that have caused hue and cry from some sectors of Nelson are still on the Provincial books as “proposed,” according to a major provincial projects report released recently. New Future Building Group’s Kutenai Landing and the Glacier/Howser energy project pursued by Purcell Green...
Nelsonites expected to pay more in regional district taxes this year
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson DailyAnother potential tax increase is preparing to hit Nelsonites as the regional district now begins to finalize the numbers on its 2011-2012 fiscal budget. With 10 new services joining the roster of 140 for the Regional District of Central Kootenay this year — including Nelson Search and...
B.C. government to hold earlier HST vote under Referendum Act
British Columbians will have an earlier vote on the HST than previously scheduled and it will be conducted under the authority of the Referendum Act. The Referendum Act ensures a simple majority vote will determine the outcome of the referendum. Further details on the referendum will be finalized by an order-in-council, but...
BC Hydro rate increases not as high as expected: Coleman
The planned BC Hydro rate increases over the next few years won't be as high as expected, according to the province’s Energy Minister. When the increases were first announced earlier this year, BC Hydro had said rates could soar by 10 per cent in each of the next three years. The company has embarked on a $6-billion plan to...
Cell phone tower slated for southern Slocan Valley
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson DailyThere is a plan in the works to place a Telus cell phone tower in the southern part of the Slocan Valley, the communications giant confirmed this week. Shawn Hall of Telus Communications Ltd. in Vancouver said the West Kootenay is on the “radar screen” and they are working to acquire several...
