Regional News

Wildfire season could fizzle in August as precipitation uncertainty continues

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Friday August 12 2022

With previous years’ summer resulting in prolific wildfires and smoke, this year an air of uncertainty has settled in on the West Kootenay wildfire season landscape — Creative Commons.

There is reason for optimism in regards to fire season as it relates to the West Kootenay region this August, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

With previous years’ summer slam events in August hitting the canvas with a one-two combination of drought and heat, resulting in a knockout punch of prolific wildfires and smoke, this year an air of uncertainty — with a cooler, wetter spring delaying the fire season — has settled in on the West Kootenay wildfire season landscape.

Development trumps parking, traffic concerns in bid to increase housing choices

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Thursday August 11 2022

When considering variances for a vacant parcel of land located in the Gyro neighbourhood at 41 Douglas Road city council was divided on what could and should be allowed to happen in the name of development — City of Nelson agenda.

 

In a quest for more housing and more housing choices a few bylaw and traffic feathers have to be ruffled as the building lots become increasingly difficult to accommodate projects.

When considering variances for a vacant parcel of land located in the Gyro neighbourhood at 41 Douglas Road — designated multi-unit in the Official Community Plan — city council was divided on what could and should be allowed to happen in the name of development.

Cube finds site for new home as city’s next climbing facility gets ready to be built

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Wednesday August 10 2022

City council approved 820 Tenth St. as the location for Cube 2.0 climbing facility proposed for after KCA submitted a request in March for a building site.

There is no free lunch … unless you happen to be a non-profit organization in Nelson.

For the Kootenay Climbing Association (KCA), the city will be handing them a parcel of land at the Tenth Street campus for free for the next 10 years while the club builds a new facility and continues to grow its membership.

Three time Canadian Champ highlights Nelson Figure Skating Summer Camp

by The Nelson Daily Sports on Monday August 08 2022

Kaetlyn Osmond, three time national medalist, World and Olympic Champion, is scheduled to assist in leading group lessons during the summer camp, August 15- September 2. — Submitted photo

Now that the ice is back ready for play at the Nelson and District Community Complex, the Nelson Figure Skating Club is ready to kick off the upcoming season with a three-week summer camp, beginning August 15th.

The Nelson Club is pleased to announce that the camp will feature some very talented guest instructors — including National Level skater and experienced coach, Heather Heide and Kaetlyn Osmond, three time national medalist, World and Olympic Champion.

Unemployment numbers in Kootenay region drop compared to rest of B.C.

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Monday August 08 2022

Statistics Canada is reporting a 3.9 per cent unemployment rate for the region, compared to a 4.7 per cent unemployment rate for the province as a whole — Creative Commons.

The Kootenay region is well ahead of the rest of the province when it comes to unemployment and job recovery, according to recent statistics.

Statistics Canada is reporting a 3.9 per cent unemployment rate for the region, compared to a 4.7 per cent unemployment rate for the province as a whole (behind Manitoba 3.5 per cent, Saskatchewan four per cent and Quebec 4.1 per cent).

The Kootenay region is not the lowest unemployment rate in the province, with the Vancouver Island and Coast region holding the honour at 3.7 per cent.

UPDATED: Public information session scheduled for Kaslo regarding Briggs Creek Wildfire

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday August 04 2022

The Briggs Creek Wildfire (red square), which started Monday, is located west of the Village of Kaslo. — BC Wildfire Service screenshot

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) invite Southfork and Kaslo area residents to attend a public information session being held in Kaslo on Friday August, 5, 2022 at 5 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch.

The RDCK said this public information session is strictly for those in Southfork, Kaslo and the surrounding area impacted by the Briggs Creek wildfire.

Spokane Braves withdraw from upcoming KIJHL season

by Contributor on Thursday August 04 2022

The Lilac City franchise said the team would not be able to commit to operating by an August 1st deadline that had previously been set to determine their status.

The Spokane Braves have made the decision to withdraw from the upcoming Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season after the team said it would not be able to commit to operating by an August 1st deadline that had previously been set to determine their status.

“The Braves have been working hard over the last number of months in preparation to rejoin the KIJHL this fall and celebrate their 50th season,” says Commissioner Jeff Dubois.

Cash could come for Nelson Library if approval process lands in favour

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Thursday August 04 2022

Support for the bylaw — that would allow Area E to help fund the Nelson Public Library to the tune of $106,138 in 2023 — will be will gauged by means of alternative approval process.

Over $100,000 of new money could be flowing into the Nelson Public Library in the next two months.

The voting residents of Regional District of Central Kootenay Area E will have their say over drawing the entirety of electoral Area E into the Nelson Public Library service, delivering access that sustains both sides.

RDCK staff have been instructed to obtain approval of electors within Area E to establish the Electoral Area E Library Financial Contribution Service Bylaw.

Christina Lake native brings back Silver from Commonwealth Games

by Boundary Sentinel on Wednesday August 03 2022

James Dergousoff celebrates with teammates Kylie Masse and Maggie Mac Neil after winning the silver medal in the 4 x 100 meter mixed medley relay at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. — Submitted photo

Former staff member and Christina Lake native James Dergousoff is coming home from the Commonwealth Games with a silver medal.

Dergousoff, 25, swam the breast stroke leg for the Canadian entry in the 4 x 100 meter mixed medley relay that finished in second place.

The team of Dergousoff, Kylie Masse, Maggie Mac Neil and Ruslan Gaziev finished with a collective time of 3:43.98 to earn Canada the silver medal.

IH begins under five COVID vaccine clinics

by Interior Health Authority on Wednesday August 03 2022

All people over the age of six months can now receive protection against the COVID-19 virus. — Screenshot photo

Interior Health (IH) clinics are now scheduled for children between the ages of six months and four years old with a COVID-19 vaccine specifically formulated for this age group.

All people over the age of six months can now receive protection against the COVID-19 virus.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 is still the best way to reduce the risk of getting really sick and needing to be hospitalized due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Carol Fenton, medical health officer with IH.

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