Regional News

Gatherings up to 10 people in same group now allowed in BC

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday March 11 2021

The BCCDC Geographic Distribution of COVID-19 by Local Health Area of Case Residence image shows Trail and Nelson each reporting one COVID-19 case during the period between February 28 and March 6. Creston had three cases while Cranbrook reported seven new COVID-19 cases. Grand Forks, Castlegar, Arrow and Kootenay Lake had zero reports. — BCCDC image

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer is easing Public Health Order in regards to gatherings, amending the order to allow for outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people in the same group.

During Thursday media release, Dr. Henry said now that the days are getting warmer, and longer, it’s time to ease restrictions a little.

"Where we can do things more safely is outside,” Dr. Henry said.

Cyclist-activated warning sign to increase safety on B.O.B. says MOTI

by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday March 11 2021

The new cyclist-activated warning sign was installed March 4 on Nelson Big Orange Bridge that will warn motorists of cyclists who are crossing this bridge and increase safety.

Cyclists travelling across the B.O.B (Big Orange Bridge) for a ride on the North Shore should breathe a sigh of relief after the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recently installed a cyclist-activated warning sign to increase safety.

The project is part of the BC Government’s StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan that provided $16.7 million towards more than 45 projects that focus on active transportation safety and access improvements on provincial rights of way.  

Community rallies to support West Kootenay family

by Nelson Daily Staff on Tuesday March 09 2021

Donations continue to be received through a GoFundMe campaign to support the family of Joe Leblanc.

Donations for a GoFundMe page continue to pour in for a West Kootenay man killed in a snowmobile accident last week near Kaslo.

Kaslo RCMP said that local Search and Rescue were called to an avalanche accident on the afternoon of Thursday, March 4 in the Antoine Basin area.

Cricket anyone?

by Nelson Daily Sports on Monday March 08 2021

Nelson native Landon Veregin, after spending 15 years overseas, is eager to start up the Nelson Cricket Club in the Heritage City. — Submitted photos

Cricket anyone?

Seems like an unrealistic request, but if Landon Veregin gets his way the game of cricket may join the likes of soccer, tennis and slopitch as summer activities enjoyed in Nelson.

“Nelson is an active city . . .. The people here love the outdoors and finding unique ways to enjoy our amazing nature,” said Veregin, who is spearheading the drive to include the sport in the makeup of summer activities played in Nelson.

Manslaughter charges approved in death of Abbotsford Police Officer

by Nelson Daily Staff on Sunday March 07 2021

Castlegar resident Alex Willness, 26, has been arrested by police and remains in custody pending a court appearance on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

Nelson Police said in a media release Sunday that the man involved in a street incident that cost the life of an Abbotsford Police Officer in July 2020 in the Nelson downtown has now been charged with Manslaughter.

Nelson Police said Sunday that 26-year-old Castlegar resident Alex Willness has been arrested by police and remains in custody pending a court appearance on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

Cold in the Koots fundraiser nets more than $10,000 for BC Special Olympics

by Nelson Daily Staff on Sunday March 07 2021

Three Chiefs, from left, Nelson Police Department Paul Burkart, Nelson Fire Rescue Len MacCharles and Deb Morris of BC Ambulance Services, quickly race for the towels after a cool plunge into Kootenay Lake Saturday morning to raise money for BC Special Olympics.

Local Chiefs from the various first responder units in Nelson went over and above the call of duty Saturday morning at Lakeside Park to raise more than $10,000 for BC Special Olympics as part of the BC FreezinforaReason Campaign.

Led by retiring Nelson Police Chief Paul Burkart, the cast, including Nelson Fire Chief Len MacCharles, Chief Deb Morris of BC Ambulance Services and Regional District of Central Kootenay Regional Fire Chief Nora Hannon, raised $10,300 during the Cold in the Koots fundraiser.

Greening Up: Are Fossil Fuels Doomed?

by Michael Jessen on Sunday March 07 2021

The evidence is mounting in the courtroom of public judgment; a verdict could be delivered soon.

“Just, (screw) the whole fossil fuel industry. They need to be nationalized as we transition completely from fossil fuels to preserve what is left of a livable planet.” – Peter Kalmus

The evidence is mounting in the courtroom of public judgment; a verdict could be delivered soon.

Fossil fuels stand accused of death, destruction, deception, denial, and dishonesty.

ERT deployed to deal with distraught woman in Kaslo

by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday March 04 2021

Police said ERT deployed tactics caused the woman to safely exit the home before being apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital for treatment.

RCMP said Emergency Response Team (ERT) was deployed in Kaslo Monday to deal with a distraught woman.

RCMP said the incident began Sunday, February 28, 2021 when officers were informed of using written communication alluding to potential future harm to individuals, such as lethal action and the taking of hostages.

Police said the author of the communication is known to have medical issues that are of concern for their wellbeing.

Police attended the residence, however, were unable to locate the individual.

Interior Health adds youth substance use treatment beds in Kelowna

by Interior Health Authority on Wednesday March 03 2021

The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society in Kelowna has been awarded a contract for 10 substance use treatment beds for youth. — Submitted

In a media release Wednesday, Interior Health announced the awarding of a contract for 10 substance use treatment beds for youth to The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society in Kelowna.

“So that young people and their families get the mental health and substance use care they need, our government is bringing new youth addictions beds to the Okanagan, the first of many we’re establishing across the province this year,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

New CBT projects support biodiversity, improve basin ecosystems

by CBT on Monday March 01 2021

A partnership that includes the Okanagan Nation Alliance is enhancing habitats for at-risk species and improve threatened ecosystems with support from Columbia Basin Trust. — Submitted

Columbia Basin Trust is providing $1.35 million to three new, large-scale projects that will improve ecosystems in the Elk Valley and Lower Columbia sub-regions, benefitting locally significant species including northern rubber boas, bull trout and Rocky Mountain elk among others, and their habitats.

The Ecosystem Enhancement Program is a five-year initiative that aims to maintain and improve ecological health and native biodiversity in the region through large-scale, on-the-ground projects with significant and measurable impacts.

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