Regional News

Op/Ed: Columbia Basin Trust Draft Strategic Plan 2020-2022

by Contributor on Thursday August 27 2020

Writer Greg Utzig encourages readers to go to www.ourtrust.org and complete the short survey, keeping the climate crisis as our short- and long-term priority.

By Greg Utzig, M.Sc., Nelson, BC

Like many people in the Columbia Basin, I recently received an invitation to comment on the Columbia Basin Trust’s Draft Strategic Plan 2020-2022. As a long-time resident and a scientist who’s worked on climate change-related projects in the Basin, some funded by CBT, I was stunned by what I read. And by what I didn’t read.

Province, School Districts release detailed plans support safe return to classroom

by Province of British Columbia on Thursday August 27 2020

Rob Fleming, Minister of Education said with these plans parents can feel confident about sending their children back to school. — Submitted photo

The Ministry of Education outlined its back to school plans for K-12 families are now posted for all 60 school districts, allowing parents and families can prepare to support their children for a safe return to the classroom.

Deadline nears for Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society fundraising drive

by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday August 27 2020

Tom Atkins of Nelson and District Credit Union (far left) presents members of the Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society with a cheque for $10,000 to assist with the purchase of 49 hectares above Cottonwood Lake. — Submitted photo

The hours and minutes are winding down for the Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society’s goal of raising $180,000 by August 31, 2020 to be put toward purchasing 49 hectares of land slated to be logged lands directly above Cottonwood Lake, located south of Nelson.

The $180,000 was a figure goal set to begin negotiations with landowner the land purchase.

However, there is still have work to do as the CLPS remains approximately $80,000 short.

Province moves to Phase 3 of the Return to Sport Guidelines

by Contributor on Wednesday August 26 2020

Under the new Return to Sport guidelines, sports groups will be able to engage in additional training opportunities; modified games and matches; and league play and competitions within sport cohorts. — The Nelson Daily photo

Athletes throughout British Columbia will be able to engage in more organized sport activities and some competitive play as the Province moves to Phase 3 of the Return to Sport Guidelines.

“I know athletes and their families have been missing the joy of competition these past few months,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

BC Wildfire crews continue to battle Talbot Creek Fire

by Nelson Daily Staff on Wednesday August 26 2020

The Talbot Creek fire, seen from Highway 6, currently has 73 firefighters on the ground battling the blaze supported by eight helicopters and 20 pieces of heavy equipment. — The Nelson Daily photo

The BC Wildfire Service said on its website that crews continue to battle the Talbot Creek located near Winlaw in the Slocan Valley.

The fire, which started by lightning on Monday, August 17, is now estimated at 265 hectares.

“Crews made good progress (Monday)in preparation for the expected wind event that began Monday afternoon, the fire exhibited no significant growth overnight,” BC  Wildfire said.

Area restriction in effect for Little Slocan area due to Talbot Creek wildfire

by Nelson Daily Staff on Monday August 24 2020

The BC Wildfire detailed map shows the affected area within the Little Slocan. — BC Wildfire Service

In the interest of public and responder safety, the BC Wildfire Service said an area restriction is now in effect within the Little Slocan area due to the Talbot Creek (N51250) wildfire.

The Talbot Creek wildfire, located In the Slocan Valley, approximately 3.5 km northwest of Highway 6 and about 30 km north of Nelson, is now estimated to be 188 hectares.

In a media release, the BC Wildfire Service said personnel were preparing for an anticipated wind event Monday.

Nelson Baseball benefits from Blue Jays Field of Dreams Grant

by Nelson Daily Sports on Monday August 24 2020

Nelson Baseball will receive $117,000 to assist in the ongoing upgrades to Queen Elizabeth Park.

After Nelson Baseball finishes its renovation of Queen Elizabeth Park in Nelson, the Blue Jays just might want to ditch Buffalo as its minor league affiliate.

The Toronto Blue Jays “Jays Care Foundation” made Queen Elizabeth Park renovations happen a little easier after the Major League franchise announced Nelson was one of 12 recipients of the $1.1 million Field of Dreams Grants.

Interior Health closely monitoring Talbot Creek fire

by Nelson Daily Staff on Sunday August 23 2020

As the crews fight the Talbot Creek fire, Interior Health is proactively reaching out to the private Passmore Lodge senior’s residence to ensure they have safe evacuation plans in place if necessary. — The Nelson Daily photo

In a media release Sunday, Interior Health said it is closely monitoring the Talbot Creek wildfire near Castlegar in the Slocan Valley. 

Interior Health said, as the wildfire develops, it is ensuring any potentially impacted home health clients are prepared in the event of evacuation.

"We are also proactively reaching out to the private Passmore Lodge senior’s residence to ensure they have safe evacuation plans in place if necessary," the Interior Health release said.

RDCK issues Evacuation Alert for Lebahdo, Little Slocan, Passmore and Vallican

by Regional District of Central Kootenay on Saturday August 22 2020

 The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) based on recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service has issued an Evacuation Alert for 305 homes in the communities of Lebahdo, Little Slocan, Passmore and Vallican. All residents must be prepared to leave their homes at a moment’s notice in response to the Talbot Creek Wildfire – N51250. It is located in the Slocan Valley approximately 3.5 km north east of Highway 6 and approximately 30 km north of Castlegar.

BC Wildfire crews continue to face challenges in battling local fires

by Nelson Daily Staff on Friday August 21 2020

The Solomon Mountain fire near Beaverdell is now under control. — BC Wildfire Service

BC Wildfire crews continue to battle a fires in the West Kootenay as the region braces for more inclement weather as the day progresses.

The BC  Wildfire Service interactive map shows five fires out of control — four in the Slocan Valley and the other the Woodbury Creek fire near the Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

The Woodbury Creek fire, located in the mountains between Ainsworth and Kaslo above Highway 31, is currently listed at 480 hectares.

Pages

more