British Columbians encouraged to prepare for climate-related hazards
As warmer weather approaches, British Columbians are encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of climate-related hazards, such as floods and wildfires, which are becoming increasingly common. Flooding may occur in the spring and early summer when the snowpack melts and water levels rise. According to the River Forecast...
COLUMN: Who pays the hidden, exhorbitant costs of fossil fuels
Support for oil and gas projects is often justified on economic grounds: they fuel the economy and create jobs. But do those arguments hold up? Even leaving aside the enormous costs of climate-related disasters such as flooding, drought and increasing water scarcity, and pollution-related health impacts and premature deaths,...
It’s never too early to prepare for Freshet says RDKB
With changing weather on the horizon, and recent surge in rain, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) says it’s a good idea to start preparing early for the Freshet Season ahead. “Weather patterns have changed, and we will likely see rivers start to approach normal levels this weekend,” says Mark Stephens, RDKB’s...
Bringing Canadian water priorities to the UN Water Conference
Living Lakes Canada, the award-winning water stewardship NGO based in the Canadian Columbia Basin, will be represented at the first United Nations conference on water in 45 years. The UN 2023 Water Conference is taking place in New York and kicks off on World Water Day on March 22. “It’s a significant opportunity to be granted...
Report: Daily routines and electricity use patterns changed by COVID-19
A new BC Hydro report finds a change in daily routines that started at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have permanently shifted how many British Columbians use electricity at home. The report titled “Powering the permanent new normal: How COVID-19 changed British Columbians’ daily habits and electricity use” finds...
RDKB receives $1.7 million boost from Government’s Growing Communities Fund
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has received a $1,774,000 boost from the provincial government to address the needs of its growing communities. The one-time grant, which the RDKB will receive at the end of March 2023, was allocated using a funding formula based on population size and per capita population ...
At least 211 British Columbians killed by toxic drugs in January
Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service shows that the toxic, unregulated drug supply claimed the lives of at least 211 British Columbians in January, with the total number of deaths surpassing 200 for the eighth time in the past 16 months. “Once again, our agency is reporting on preventable losses of life...
BC SPCA offers 50% off all adoptions
February is the month for love, and what better expression of love than the unconditional devotion and affection of a four-legged friend? The BC SPCA is offering 50 per cent off all adoption fees from Feb.10 through 26 at its locations throughout the province. The adoption promotion is presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “We...
Province touts use of Electronic logging devices to make roads safer
Starting this summer, provincially regulated commercial vehicle operators will be required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track drivers’ time behind the wheel, reducing the likelihood of driving while tired. ELDs automatically record driving time, helping to ensure commercial drivers do not drive longer each day...
Power couples: British Columbians quarrel over home energy use
New BC Hydro research shows many couples in B.C. are engaged in power struggles over home energy use – from room temperature and lights left on to running the dishwasher half full. The survey, conducted on behalf of BC Hydro, finds over a quarter (26 per cent) of British Columbians who are in a relationship said they regularly...
