More than 2,000 British Columbians lost to toxic, unregulated drugs for third consecutive year
At least 2,039 lives have been lost to unregulated drugs in the first 10 months of 2023, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. October was the 37th consecutive month in which at least 150 deaths are suspected to have been caused by the toxic-drug supply were reported to the BC Coroners […]
Building fees to increase in regional district to help reduce taxation
The regional district is looking to take a bigger bite out of the construction industry in the rural areas. An amendment to the Building Bylaw in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) as it relates to new construction is expected to take the pressure off of resident’s taxation and move more of the costs […]
Confronting Barriers to Peace in the Middle East
To provide understanding and deeper insight into the disastrous conflict currently raging in the Middle East, Selkirk College’s Mir Centre for Peace is presenting a lecture series event that features a pair of experts who will explore the challenges and pathways to peace. Authors of the recently released book, The Wall Between: What Jews and […]
Pilot killed as plane crashes in Columbia Valley
On Nov. 24, 2023, at roughly 4 p.m., the Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a small plane crashing north of Brisco on the Bugaboo side of the valley, according to RCMP Sgt. Ed deJong. He said a hunter had observed the plane apparently have engine trouble then go down in the wooded area. […]
'Giving Tuesday' to see donations to BC SPCA matched by sponsors as need for services continues
The BC SPCA has taken 37 small breed dogs, including two moms with seven puppies, two Bernedoodles, plus five cats into their care after they were found living in a home filled with feces, urine and garbage in a community off the coast of Vancouver Island. The animals were transported by boat to Nanaimo and […]
Coming down: Old Schoolhouse in South Slocan to be demolished
The old schoolhouse in South Slocan is slated for demolition after the contract was awarded recently to take the building down. The Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors approved the demolition project — awarded to Hydraclean Disaster Restoration Services Ltd. for $119,250 — on Nov. 16 “as determined by the project team through […]
CBT: Residents getting set to direct the latest round of grants program
Columbia Basin residents are being asked to get ready for the ReDi program now as it prepares to kick into gear early in the new year. Grant applications will be accepted for Columbia Basin Trust Resident Directed grants (ReDi) on Jan. 3 — through the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) — in support of […]
Bridging Community Connections in Nelson: Human Rights and Harm Reduction
The will be a virtual regional learning event regarding the toxic drug crisis in the Kootenays on Tuesday, December 5th. The Bridging Community Connections in Nelson: Human Rights and Harm Reduction event is being held from 1-2:30 p.m. During the December 5th virtual event, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition will release a new report with […]
NPD asks for more officers to offset large overtime payout
The city’s police force is looking for an increase of two more constables, the same amount the service pays out for overtime because it is understaffed. Nelson Police Department (NPD) chief constable Donovan Fisher made the annual pre-budget ask for city’s police force, which amounted to two first class constables to add to the current […]
U-Pass system to be investigated for implementation for region’s students
The region’s transit providers might not be passing on the U-Pass system. Partners in the West Kootenay Transit System — which includes Nelson, Castlegar and the regional district — are considering implementing the U-Pass system, which gives post-secondary students unlimited access to transit for a heavily discounted rate. U-Pass BC — a program pass that […]
