Regional News

City snuffs out variance permit for non-medical cannabis store

by Timothy Schafer on Tuesday July 30 2019

Grand Forks city council narrowly voted against approving the development variance permit application recently to reduce — from 100 metres to 36 m. — the setback distance from a building or structure in the Community Use Zone at 7500 Donaldson Drive for Weeds Glass and Gifts. — Photo courtesy City of Grand Forks

The city slammed the door on another non-medical cannabis retail licence application for Grand Forks, denying a development variance deemed for Donaldson Drive in the old Greyhound Bus depot.

City council narrowly voted against approving the development variance permit application recently to reduce — from 100 metres to 36 m. — the setback distance from a building or structure in the Community Use Zone at 7500 Donaldson Drive for Weeds Glass and Gifts.

ICBC kicks off recruitment for Techpilot project for less experienced drivers

by Contributor on Tuesday July 30 2019

Participants will use a small smart tag that communicates with an app installed on their smartphone. For each trip, the app records driving behaviours like speeding, braking patterns and level of distracted driving and provides an overall score. — Submitted photo

ICBC is taking the next step into telematics research with a one-year pilot project—this time recruiting as many as 7,000 drivers to see if technology can improve their driving and make B.C. roads safer.

Drivers can sign-up today to join the pilot which starts in November. If you have less than four years driving experience, either in the novice stage of the Graduated Licensing Program or with your full licence, you're eligible to join.

BC Transit moving toward electric buses

by Nelson Daily Staff on Tuesday July 30 2019

BC Transit has set a goal to have a fully electric provincial fleet 2040. — BC Transit photo

Coming soon, well maybe in a few years for West Kootenay Transit riders, to a BC Transit bus stop near you — a fully electric provincial fleet.

In a media release, BC Transit announced its pathway to a fully electric provincial fleet.

BC Transit said the low carbon fleet program aligns with the Province of BC’s CleanBC plan, supports provincial targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and supports local government climate action goals. Moving to a fully electric bus fleet will provide customers with a cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable transportation journey.

No injuries after SAR teams called out to report of kayaker in distress on Kootenay Lake

by Nelson Daily Staff on Monday July 29 2019

Nelson SAR searched Kootenay Lake Sunday morning after it was reported that a kayaker had possibly drowned. — Nelson SAR photo

Swiftwater Rescue technicians from Nelson and South Columbia Search and Rescue received some first-hand training after a man on a kayak was reported in distress late Saturday evening.

The call came into Nelson SAR 7:42 p.m. Saturday of a person in a boat experiencing trouble with their boat taking on water while crossing Kootenay Lake.

“We were called out by number of messages that a small vessel in water was struggling and the person floundering person had possibly drowned,” said Lindsay Eastwood, Manager for Nelson SAR.

Water activist escapes wrath of courts

by Nelson Daily Staff on Friday July 26 2019

There was plenty of support for Water activist Jessica Ogden this week outside the Nelson Courthouse. — The Nelson Daily photos

Water activist Jessica Ogden escaped the wrath of the court system Thursday in Nelson when Madam Justice Jennifer Duncan tossed out a contempt of court charge on a technicality.

Odgen appeared in court after being arrested June 21 by RCMP for disobeying a court order at a logging operation near Balfour.

However, after the arrest and before Thursday’s court hearing, Cooper Creek Cedar failed file the appropriate documentation in the courts, thus forcing Madam Justice Duncan to toss out the case on a technicality.

BC Wildfire Service to prohibit Category 2 open burns Southeast Fire Centre

by Nelson Daily Staff on Friday July 26 2019

BC Wildfire Service said it is implementing this prohibition to help prevent wildfires sparked by Category 2 open burns and to protect public safety.

In a media release Friday, the BC Wildfire Service said effective at noon Pacific time on Monday, July 29, 2019, Category 2 open burning will be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction, including the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District and the Selkirk Natural Resource District.

In the release the BC Wildfire Service said it is implementing this prohibition to help prevent wildfires sparked by Category 2 open burns and to protect public safety. It will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified.

Fortis offers update on regional outages after electrical storm

by Contributor on Wednesday July 24 2019

FortisBC experienced storm-related damage to its electricity system overnight and this morning and we’re working to restore service to about 1,500 FortisBC customers in the Christina Lake and communities between Nelson, Crawford Bay and Kaslo.

Our crews are committed to restoring power quickly and safely 24 hours a day in all weather. Five crews worked throughout the night to assess damage, remove trees and repair lines. Five additional crews, including one brought in from the South Okanagan, continue to work in the area today.

Port Alberni teens now considered suspects in Northern BC double homicide

by Nelson Daily Staff on Tuesday July 23 2019

Given these latest developments, Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky are no longer considered missing but are now suspects in the double homicide in Northern BC. — RCMP photo

RCMP have issued a warning to the public Tuesday to be on the lookout for two teens from Port Alberni believed to be involved in the double homicide of Chynna Noelle Deese, 24, and Lucas Robertson Fowler, 23 and a suspicious death in northern B.C.

"Given these latest developments, Kam and Bryer are no longer consider missing," the RCMP media release said.

"RCMP are considering Kam McLeod (19) and Bryer Schmegelsky (18) as suspects in the Dease Lake suspicious death investigation and the double homicide of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese."  

Air Ambulance Helicopter attends motorcycle crash in Crescent Valley

by Nelson Daily Staff on Monday July 22 2019

The Air Ambulance Helicopter landed at Crescent Valley Fire Department to retrieve the injured man. — Submitted photo

The operator of a motorcycle was medevacked to hospital Monday afternoon following highway accident on Highway 6 in Crescent Valley.

The accident happened shortly after noon when the operator collided with a truck on Highway 6 near the Crescent Valley Fire Department.

Crescent Valley and Tarry’s Fire Departments responded to the accident which slowed traffic to single lane while first responders dealt with the victims’ injuries.

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