Regional News

BCHL announces decision to become independent league

by Contributor on Monday May 01 2023

The BCHL said Monday that the 18 franchises will operate outside Hockey Canada’s system as of June 1, 2023.

In a media release on its website Monday, the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) has announced a new path, continuing its mission to build a world class college-track junior league for players seeking NCAA and U Sports Scholarships and to establish a tier of hockey that to date has not been seen in Canada.

To grow and create more opportunities for players and more excitement for fans, the BCHL’s Board of Governors has voted to not renew the league’s agreement with Hockey Canada, meaning its 18 franchises will operate outside Hockey Canada’s system as of June 1, 2023.

Trust supports 12 projects that increase ability to respond to wildfires

by CBT on Sunday April 30 2023

The Village of Canal Flats is increasing its ability to respond to wildfires with support from the Trust.

From buying portable water tanks and equipment trailers, to providing specialized training and gear to their wildfire-fighting crews, 12 small communities and First Nations are taking action to reduce the threat of wildfires. These projects are being done with support from Columbia Basin Trust.

“Communities are thinking ahead when it comes to adapting and preparing for a changing climate,” said Natasha Barisoff, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust.

UPDATE: Drug trafficking charges approved after arrest of two Castlegar residents

by Castlegar Source on Friday April 28 2023

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Castlegar RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, with assistance from other Detachment officers, arrested two men for allegedly being responsible for the trafficking of suspected drugs, according to Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Monty Taylor.

He said the arrests came after officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle the two accused occupied while in the 600 block of Christina Place in Castlegar.

Public display on Climate Actions prompts further public engagement

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Friday April 28 2023

The RDCK board supported a request to delay adoption of the Climate Actions plan to the Aug. 17 board meeting.

Public engagement on regional district climate actions will continue after nearly 100 people showed up at the April 20 regional district board meeting to raise concerns over a lack of engagement.

As a result of the public display, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) board of directors supported a request to delay adoption of the RDCK Climate Actions plan to the Aug. 17 board meeting to allow for continued public engagement.

Beaver Dam Analogues regulate stream flow and temperature, enhancing fish-rearing habitat

by Contributor on Thursday April 27 2023

BCWF team building a co-existing device known as a pond leveler to maintain an appropriate water level in the pond while allowing beavers to continue living at the site. Completed as part of the Methow Beaver Project workshop in Tonasket, Washington. — Submitted photos

By Jesse Zeman, BCWF Executive Director 

Beaver dams are a marvel of nature, creating natural wetlands that are home to myriad species in addition to the furry families that build them. Dams create riparian zones, saturate soils, and store water for slow release, helping to regulate flow and temperature in fish-bearing streams. 

Avalanche Canada issues Special Public Warning for Western Canada

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday April 27 2023

The map shows the Special Public Avalanche Warning (SPAW) for recreational backcountry users across the mountainous regions of western Canada. — Avalanche Canada photo

In a media release Thursday, Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, Kananaskis Country, and the province of British Columbia, is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning (SPAW) for recreational backcountry users across the mountainous regions of western Canada.

"A dramatic increase in temperatures is expected to destabilize the snowpack, resulting in dangerous, destructive avalanches,"  Avalanche Canada said.

"This special warning is in effect immediately and will apply through the end of Monday, May 1."

Ecosystem restoration burns planned for Slocan Valley

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Tuesday April 25 2023

The BC Wildfire Service said that the exact timing of the burns will depend on weather and site conditions but could begin as early as Thursday April 27, 2023.

The BC Wildfire Service is continuing to support the Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative (SIFCo) in conducting two prescribed burns in the Slocan Valley.

The BC Wildfire Service said in a media release that the exact timing of the burns will depend on weather and site conditions but could begin as early as Thursday April 27, 2023.

One burn, phase two of an ecosystem restoration project is around three kilometres southeast of the town of Winlaw and will cover up to 150 hectares.

The other prescribed burn covering up to 162 hectares is in the Trozzo Creek area.

Future science leaders return to West Kootenay Science and Technology Fair after three year hiatus

by Contributor on Tuesday April 25 2023

Dozens of students in Grades four to 12 participated, competing for over $5,000 in prizes and awards. — Submitted photos

The future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is bright in the Kootenays.

Youth from around the Kootenay region gathered at the West Kootenay Science and Technology Fair on April 15th to show off their science projects and celebrate the first physical fair in the region since 2019.

Dozens of students in Grades four to 12 participated, competing for over $5,000 in prizes and awards. Project topics included black holes, hybrid batteries, soil erosion and how safe it is to eat snow.

Unshushable: a community drag storytime event set for May 6

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Sunday April 23 2023

The community organized a rally in support of the original postponed storytime at the library on March 11 — Submitted photo.

Drag Storytime is back on the schedule in Nelson after enduring a one-month postponement predicated by threats and online intimidation.

Hosted by a coalition of Nelson non-profits, “Unshushable” — a family friendly, child-centered celebration of inclusion, diversity, self-expression and literacy — will take place on Saturday, May 6 (10:30 a.m.) at the Nelson United Church. 

RCMP report fatal accident west of Christina Lake

by Boundary Sentinel on Saturday April 22 2023

Police said that officers found the lone occupant deceased at the accident scene.

Grand Forks RCMP is reporting that one person has died following a single vehicle accident early Friday morning.

RCMP said that  just past 12:30 a.m., on Friday, April 21st, 2023, police received a report of a single vehicle accident on Highway 3 near Highway 395, just west of Christina Lake, BC.

RCMP said at the accident scene officers found the lone occupant deceased.

"The investigation, being assisted by a traffic analyst from the BC Highway Patrol is still ongoing," RCMP media release said.

"Details of the deceased are not being released at this time."

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