Regional News

Interfor is announcing a $35-million improvement project in its Castlegar facility, according to vice-president of western operations Andrew Horahan.

In an interview Friday, Horahan said the project will have immense value for the community.

“We’re excited to be starting a project in Castlegar, rebuilding and replacing our planer mill,” he said. “It will improve grade, improve value, and improve productivity.”

Another West Kootenay Mayor is coming under fire for travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rossland Mayor Kathy Moore recently travelled south of the 49^th parallel get vaccinated, while at the same time spending time with family.

Despite having dual citizenship, and announcing ahead of time that she was traveling into the United States, Moore was ripped for being hypocritical on social media.

“I do regret the concern this has caused in the community and any issues for council,” Moore said in a statement.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) lifted evacuation orders for three homes in the Fife Road area on the east side of Christina Lake this afternoon.

Residents have been out of their homes since the early morning hours of April 25 when debris blocking a creek at higher elevation gave way sending a torrent of water, mud and debris toward the three homes.

Residents can now return home to begin cleanup work and assess damage.

A pair of search warrants executed by police concurrently at two locations in the city resulted in arrests and the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, cash and vehicles, according to Castlegar NCOIC Monty Taylor.

"April 22, members of the Castlegar RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), with support from frontline general duty officers executed a pair of search warrants in connection to an active investigation into drug trafficking. Those warrants were executed simultaneously on two Castlegar area homes.