New 'winter ready' rules for drivers on BC highways begin October 1
It's a reminder that winter is really just around the corner as the BC Ministry sends out information about the provincial winter tire rules come into effect as of Saturday, October 1. The rules mean drivers are required to equip their vehicles with winter tires if they plan to travel on certain highways in the North, Southern...
Province offers project assistance funding for arts
Project assistance funding is now available for British Columbia’s museums, visual artists, media artists, and community and professional arts organizations through the BC Arts Council. Four project assistance programs are currently accepting applications: Museums and Visual Arts Organizations – assistance supports projects...
Illicit drug deaths in the province remain high
The number of illicit drug deaths continued to drop slightly in August but the number of deaths from illicit drug use remains significantly increased from previous years, the latest statistics from the BC Coroners Service show. In the first eight months of 2016 (Jan. 1 through Aug. 31), the total number of deaths from illicit...
Not one for the record books — August 2016 Global Temperatures Set 16th Straight Monthly Record
Anyone remaining on the fence when it comes to the issue of global warming should check out the state of the climate report issued Tuesday by the NOAA. The NOAA report said the global mean temperatures set new record high the month of August. The NOAA report went on to say through the summer months of June through August,...
Charges laid in connection with the fatal motor vehicle crash involving Const. Sarah Beckett
Charges have now been laid against 28-year-old Kenneth Jacob Fenton in regards to the motor-vehicle-related death of West Shore RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett on April 5. The arrest was a result of a criminal investigation led by the RCMP Island District GIS with assistance from the Saanich Police Department who conducted the...
Revelstoke RCMP seeking public assistance to identify deceased male
Revelstoke RCMP is seeking public assistance in establishing the identity of a deceased adult male, whose body was discovered by sight-seers on Friday August 26, in a forested area along Highway 1. RCMP Cpl. Thomas Blakney said in a media release on (Friday) August 26, shortly after 4 p.m., police received a report from a...
Car crashes up? Not so fast
It's here somewhere. Licence, car registration fees to drop 35 per cent in 2016. No, that's Quebec. Average passenger vehicle owner would pay an additional $17 a year in premiums. Nope, that's Manitoba. Auto Fund rate stabilization reserve hits $377 million – highest ever, $65 million profit in 2015. No, that's Saskatchewan....
Legislation in effect to regulate e-cigarettes
Laws around the sale, promotion and use of e-cigarettes are now in effect. The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act is designed to protect youth from the unknown effects of e-cigarette vapour and from becoming addicted to nicotine, which is why it treats e-cigarette use exactly the same as tobacco, with the same bans and...
BC Coroners Service reminds boaters to wear PFDs
As the fina long weekend of the summer approaches, the BC Coroners Service is urging residents and visitors to stay safe when boating. The need for all persons in small vessels to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) is highlighted by two cases reported to the BC Coroners Service this week. Both persons were...
UPDATED: Tentative deal reached in postal labour dispute
A tentative deal has been reach between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers averting job action by the union. "We can't give details of the agreements at this time, but we're pleased that our members don't have to resort to taking job action," Mike Palecek, national president of CUPW said in a statement. The...
