Water and sewer rates, fibre-optics, zoning rules, parking, and council’s priorities for the coming year—Nelson City Council December 2, 2013
The following is a summary of the proceedings of the regular meeting of Nelson City Council held on December 2, 2013. Water and Sewer Rates The city’s annual increase to water and sewer rates will be lower than originally forecast. Water rates will be increased by 4% rather than the originally planned 5% for 2014 to 2016, and...
COMMENT: Larson on life as an MLA; Christmas wishes
I am often asked the question, "How do you like Victoria?" Well, Victoria is a beautiful city and I enjoy my time there, but MLAs have a range of responsibilities that also bring us to different regions of the province. As a member of two parliamentary committees, I attend meetings with MLAs from both parties. In addition to...
It's your highway, now public can have a say as provincewide consultation begins
Starting Friday, the public can have its say on highway safety and speed limits in British Columbia, as the public consultation component of the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review gets underway. Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said from Nov. 29, 2013 to Jan. 24, 2014, the Government of B.C. is ...
City of Trail offering free broadband connection to downtown businesses
The City of Trail is offering free fibre connection to downtown Trail businesses until March 31, 2014. The connection, approximately a $1,500 value, will allow businesses to connect to the new high-speed fibre optic network slated to become available in early 2014. Service plans and fees will need to be determined and negotiated...
COMMENT: Parliamentary Secretary explains recommendation that alcohol be available in B.C. grocery stores
Consistent with support voiced by three-quarters of respondents during the just-concluded Liquor Policy Review, Parliamentary Secretary John Yap has endorsed liquor sales in grocery stores. Yap announced today that his final report recommends government move forward on developing and implementing a retail model that meets...
'Throttle Decisions' Revs Up Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers
In the high-octane world of mountain snowmobiling, it takes a lot to get the attention of riders. Images of gravity-defying climbs, steep descents and massive jumps are common, as snowmobiles get increasingly powerful and nimble. These machines allow anyone, no matter their experience, to access complex alpine terrain. High...
COMMENT: Retirement Security
Retirement security is one of the most pressing economic issues facing Canadian families today. As many as 5.8 million Canadians - nearly a third of our work force - are facing a steep decline in their standard of living upon retirement. For many young Canadians, the situation is even more dire. Without real action now to ...
Ferraro Foods speaks to Facebook furor over Sensible BC video
A video posted on You Tube depicting grocery-store owner Danny Ferraro directing customers away from a Sensible BC petition (to decriminilize marijuana) has created a furor on social media, with many people committing to boycott the popular Trail store (Ferraros also have a grocery in Rossland). A Trail Champion reporter was...
Books down a bit, digital up a lot: Nelson library creates a new identity
In urban design and community-building circles, there is the concept of the third place--a social environment that is separate from our usual surroundings of home and work. A third place is welcoming, comfortable, and accessible to everyone, a place to put aside our concerns and enjoy company and conversation. Libraries are...
First casualties of the BC Government Core Review
The ministries in the BC Government — The Pacific Carbon Trust (Trust) andThe Provincial Capital Commission — Core Review Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister announced Tuesday. Bennett, responsible for Core Review, provided a progress update announcing the first decisions of the Core Review process to...
