BCNU supports call for long term mental health strategy
In a media release, the BC Nurses' Union said it supports the Union of BC Municipalities in calling for the provincial government to create a comprehensive mental health strategy. BCNU President Gayle Duteil said in the release that there is an urgent need for better services. “The mental health care system in BC is in crisis,"...
Province announces funding for urban deer cost-share program
Responding to a series of recommendations made by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the Province has committed to striking a Provincial Urban Deer Advisory Committee as well as the provision of up to $100,000 for future urban deer management operations. The recommendations from the UBCM flowed from an initial meeting...
The long story of Partnerships BC
There are those who execute contracts and those who award them. In B.C., when it comes to provincially-funded infrastructure projects, valued at more than $50 million, there's a gatekeeper: Partnerships BC. Tough to keep track of all the comings and goings at the Crown corporation. In 2007, there were 26 senior employees at...
As many as 7 candidates in upcoming election; Rhino Party a possibility
The slate of contenders for South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP seems to be increasing rapidly as the filing deadline (Sept. 28) approaches. Although the Elections Canada website only shows three hopefuls so far, at least three more have expressed their desire to run in our riding (current MP Alex Atamanenko will be retiring at...
More fines for unsecured garbage may evolve from Bear Smart initiative
WildSafeBC is giving Castlegar the opportunity to be designated a ‘Bear Smart’ community during one of our worst bear seasons in years – and encouraging the city penalize residents who won’t get on board. “The bear situation in Castlegar right now is crazy, I've never received so many phone calls and emails,” WildSafe coordinator...
Peace, security and climate change on the agenda for all candidates forum
Federal election candidates will have an opportunity to focus on issues of peace, security and climate change in a pair of all-candidates forums slated for September 16 and 17. The three important and often intertwined topics are of increasing importance to Canadians in the 21st Century. Co-hosted by Selkirk College’s Mir...
Provincial budget consultation slated for Castlegar
Locals will get a chance to weigh in on the 2016 provincial budget at a public meeting slated for Sept. 16 at the Fireside Inn, according to a press released issued last week. “The consultation period will formally open by Sept. 15 in conjunction with the release of the Budget 2016 Consultation Paper prepared by the Ministry...
New ED to start at Trail Chamber of Commerce
The Trail and District Chamber of Commerce HR Committee and Board of Directors is pleased to announce today that it has hired Audry Lochrie to fill the position of Executive Director. Lochrie is an experienced management executive specializing in business organizations and economic development. She has a strong entrepreneurial...
LETTER: Residents write to Fortis protesting smart meters
Re: Meter replacement West Kootenays To whom it may concern: We were contacted this week by one of your operatives to discuss your intention to access our property to remove the current analogue meter and impose your new “smart” meter on our household. We understand that in this corporate society, the rights of citizens are...
LeadNow targets local ridings in Kootenay-Columbia and South Okanagan West Kootenay
Kootenay-Columbia and South Okanagan West Kootenay have become key focus ridings for the voting advocacy group LeadNow. According to the website, LeadNow is an independent advocacy organization that runs campaigns on the major issues of our time, engages people in participatory decision-making, and organizes in communities ...