Regional News

Public invited to Girls on Ice Science presentation

by Wildsight on Friday August 26 2022

Girls on Ice Science participants will share their findings from scientific experiments at a public event Thursday, September 1st at Kokanee Creek Nature Centre. — Submitted photo

Ten young women returning from a science-wilderness expedition will share what they've learned at a public event Thursday, September 1st.

The group began in Kokanee Creek Park August 22.

After some time spent team-building and preparing, they donned heavy packs and sturdy hiking boots to head into the alpine for a week of exploring glaciers, conducting research and learning from experts in the field. 

Power of the people — RDCK agrees to hand over vote to residents on issues

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Friday August 26 2022

The RDCK board has put the question of a funding stream to the Local Conservation Fund service for electoral area H — to be given final approval through a referendum that will run simultaneously with the local government elections occurring in October.

The will of the people will be sought in several ways this fall as the regional district attempts to solidify consent and assent of its voters on certain issues.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors approved assent voting — which means referendum — in conjunction with the local government election in October to determine whether Electoral Area H will join the RDCK’s Local Conservation Fund Service.

Through a partnership with Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP), local conservation fund services have been set up in electoral areas A, D and E.

Kootenay Lake Ferry terminal upgrades benefits travellers for years to come

by Province of British Columbia on Thursday August 25 2022

Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson said the improved terminals are now safer and more accessible for tourists and locals using the Kootenay Lake Ferry. — BC Government photo

Kootenay Lake ferry users are now enjoying improved amenities, more parking and better access at the Province’s Balfour and Kootenay Bay terminals.

“Our government recognizes the importance of investing in local infrastructure that connects communities to one another, and to opportunity,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Communities, and Infrastructure.

BC Wildfire Service keeps up aerial assault on Rover Creek blaze

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Wednesday August 24 2022

Two CL-215T air tankers were again filling up with water on Kootenay Lake to continue attacking the Rover Creek wildfire Wednesday evening. — The Nelson Daily photo

BC Wildfire Service continued its aerial assault Wednesday on the Rover Creek (formerly known as 49 Creek) fire, adding more planes to the fight said Southeast Fire Centre Information office.

Five 802-F Fire Bosses water skimmers were joined by Air Tankers from Kamloops to assist the two CL-215T air tankers on loan from Alberta to battle the now 30-hectare blaze.

Kootenay PRIDE thrilled to return with in-person events

by Contributor on Wednesday August 24 2022

Pride weekend has been slowed the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Submitted photo

Kootenay PRIDE is thrilled to be coming back to the streets, flag poles, museums, parks and plazas in a big way for the first fully in-person events since the shut down in 2020.

The dedicated and busy team of volunteers has been working for months to create a bevy of fun, inclusive, educational, and entertaining events and happenings during the week leading up to the Pride weekend.

There are events of all kinds, to find out more details about any of these head to the Kootenay PRIDE facebook page.

Air Tanker aircraft used to fight new wildfire southwest of Nelson

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Tuesday August 23 2022

The two CL-215T air tankers on loan from the Province of Alberta could be seen flying low over Lakeside Park Tuesday evening. — The Nelson Daily photos

BC Wildfire Service used an aerial assault to tackle a lightning-caused fire that started Tuesday afternoon in the mountains west of Nelson.

The 49 Creek wildfire, located approximately 11 kilometres southwest of Nelson and nine kilometres east of Playmor Junction at the intersection of Highway 3A/6, started at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Smoke could be seen from the Taghum area and west along Highway 3A.

BC Wildfire Service sent a helicopter with a bucket to first attack the fire, estimated Tuesday evening at 3.60-4 hectares.

Crowds flock to Toadfest at Summit Lake Provincial Park

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Tuesday August 23 2022

Toady arrives from out of the underpass during the ribbon cutting of the second concrete tunnel under Highway 6 installed by the Ministry of Transportation in May. — Submitted photos

Highway 6 near Summit Lake outside Nakusp saw traffic on the road slowed last week as Toadfest 2022 returned to Summit Lake Provincial Park, near Nakusp.

Toadfest returned following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Toadfest happens each summer, when the toadlets emerge from Summit Lake and migrate to higher ground across Highway 6.

Time permitting: new provincial act requires city to belly up to permitting bar

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Tuesday August 23 2022

The City of Nelson is moving ahead with the drafting of a new policy to govern its own engineers and geoscientists as an organization engaged in engineering and geoscience.

A re-writing of a provincial act has forced the city to seek permitting of its own.

The City of Nelson is moving ahead with the drafting of a new policy to govern its own engineers and geoscientists — that require a permit to practice — as an organization engaged in engineering and geoscience.

Along with the permit the city needs a professional practice management plan, in addition to the policy, said Nelson Hydro general manager Scott Spencer in his presentation to city council on the matter.

Tightening up: city passes several new restrictions on parking in downtown

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Monday August 22 2022

Council passed amendments to the Off-Street parking and Landscape Bylaw, as well as the Traffic Bylaw, to “increase the economic viability and livability of Nelson’s downtown” — Creative Commons.

Recreational vehicles will have a tough time parking close to downtown Nelson after city council passed amendments to its Downtown Parking Strategy recently.

Council passed amendments to the Off-Street parking and Landscape Bylaw, as well as the Traffic Bylaw, to “increase the economic viability and livability of Nelson’s downtown.”

The amendments involved doubling the amount of bicycle parking, reducing the cash-in-lieu fee for developers and creating small-car only parking spots.

Crunch time: Community tasked with fundraising $475,000 in six weeks for piece of parkland

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Monday August 22 2022

The RDCK and the community are tasked with having to raise $475,000 in six weeks in order to purchase the 134 acres in Krestova (Electoral Area H) — RDCK graphic.

The intent to sell a popular piece of private land to the regional district comes at a steep price and in a compressed time frame.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and the community are tasked with having to raise $475,000 in six weeks in order to purchase the 134 acres in Krestova (Electoral Area H).

It was recently announced that the RDCK had entered into an agreement to purchase the two parcels of land — as regional parkland for use by regional residents and visitors — for a price of $870,000.

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