New incapacity legislation coming this September
Legislation giving adults more options when making their own plans in the event of incapacity comes into force Sept. 1. Incapacity (or personal) planning provisions are part of the Adult Guardianship and Planning Statutes Amendment Act, 2007. The act will be phased in, with other changes such as those related to adult abuse...
BC Hydro enhances program for small-scale power projects
By Simi Heer BC Hydro's Standing Offer Program has received a facelift. Changes to the program will help to increase the mix of B.C.'s supply of clean, renewable energy. First introduced in 2008, the program encourages the development of small, clean energy projects and offers small energy producers a simple process to sell...
Helping small business save money and energy
Small businesses across B.C. will be able to access free energy-efficiency advice, equipment and incentives with the new LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program. The $15-million, three-year LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program will help meet the needs of sectors such accommodations, retail, agriculture, offices and more than...
Aquatic invasive plants a risk to Slocan, Kootenay lakes
There is a species of aquatic invasive plant that may be putting Slocan Lake and Kootenay Lake’s ecosystem at risk.The plant in question is didymo (didymosphenia geminate), also known as ‘rock snot,’ an invasive freshwater algae that has recently been discovered in the area. Once established, didymo can form a thick, brown,...
New provincial project aimed to innovate fruit industry
A greener business and better market access are just two of the benefits B.C. fruit growers will have through the $5-million Tree Fruit Market and Infrastructure Innovation Initiative, announced today by B.C. Agriculture.The B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association is now accepting proposals from all tree fruit associations, companies...
BC Hydro selects Corix, Capgemini for smart meters launch
Two companies have been signed to launch the province’s Smart Metering Program across B.C. later this year — with a regional office announced for Cranbrook.B.C.-based Corix Utilities will install the 1.8 million meters to homes and businesses across the province. International company Capgemini will provide project implementation...
High mineral exploration marks industry's revival
The revival of mining in British Columbia was underlined Monday with the release of exploration spending figures for 2010 that were more than double the amount for 2009.Speaking at Mineral Roundup 2011, Minister of State for Mining Randy Hawes revealed $322-million was spent on mineral exploration last year. This represents...
Status update on the working roundtable on forests
The Provincial government is reporting that over 100 actions have been completed or are underway in response to the March 2009 Working Roundtable on Forestry. Examples of progress in response to roundtable recommendations include: • Twenty-seven local governments have adopted Wood First resolutions, bylaws or policies requiring...
Fish, habitat benefit from new minimum flow from Revelstoke Dam
BC Hydro is now maintaining water releases from Revelstoke Dam at or above 142 cubic metres per second, the first time a minimum flow has been maintained at the dam. Although the level was recommended by the 2007 Columbia River Water Use Plan, four years of data collection on the mid-Columbia river productivity are now being...
BC Parks camping reservations open early for 100th
Camping fans can now start their warm weather vacation planning in the cold of winter with more reservable sites to choose from and a new, earlier opening date for the BC Parks Discover Camping reservation service. The virtual doors are now open to book reservations – available for the first time online – for all group campsites...
