Unprecedented turn-out in Kootenay advanced federal voting
Friday and Monday represented the two busiest advanced voting days in Canadian history, according to Elections Canada – and the Kootenays did their part. The Kootenay-Columbia riding saw 14,899 voters take advantage of early voting, compared to just 7,237 in 2011. Our own riding of South Okanagan-West Kootenay is a new one,...
The many forms of panhandling: Hot issue from the street gets a police and social service perspective
As city council prepares to go public and gain a broader spectrum of input into its draft panhandling legislation, police and one of the city’s major social services weighed in on the issue of panhandling in Nelson. Panhandling is certainly a regular call for police and bylaw officers, said Nelson Police Department deputy...
Columbia Power Corporation Boosts Selkirk College Capital Plan
With a focus on strengthening a skilled regional workforce, Columbia Power Corporation has invested in Selkirk College’s major capital improvement project that will enhance educational opportunities for students. Earlier this week, Columbia Power President & CEO Frank Wszelaki presented a $30,000 contribution towards a ...
Accident up Bombi sends one hospital
Emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle roll-over up the Bombi Monday morning, according to Deputy Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio. He said the call came in at roughly 11 a.m., about an accident about nine kilometres out of Castlegar heading up the Bombi pass. He said only one person was in the vehicle (the driver), who was ...
Alert neighbours keep Saturday morning fire from spreading
A shed fire early Saturday morning was prevented from causing significant damage by alert neighbours, who called 911 right away and sprayed the blaze with garden hoses until fire crews arrived (the homeowners were not there at the time). "We got the call just after 7 a.m., saying there was a fire and explosion in the 1400...
Accident destroys hospital entranceway
The Castlegar Health Centre is open for business, despite being boarded up after an accident yesterday. Police were called to assist fire crews at roughly 1:54 p.m. yesterday, after a car crashed into the entry to the facility. Castlegar RCMP Const. Paul Laughman said a woman was backing her car out of a parking spot when her...
Trail moms exemplify value of Foster Family Month in B.C.
"I love you and I don't know where I'd be without you." Jodi recently heard these words from one of her teenaged foster children. The quiet sentiment offered positive validation of the love and care Jodi and her family have provided to vulnerable youth in the Trail area for the past decade. Prior to becoming a foster parent,...
Ministry confirms Kokanee spawning numbers down; Kootenay Lake fishery faces huge challenges ahead
The number of Kokanee salmon spawners in Kootenay Lake is drastically lower than prior years. As to the reason why, there are several theories. Normally at this time of year, the number of fish spawning in the channel is around 670,000. As of last week, that number is sitting somewhere near 5,600 in the channel with 3,000...
UPDATED: Water quality advisory for Castlegar lifted
The water distribution system has been completely flushed, chlorine residual levels have normalized. With direction from the Interior Health Authority the City of Castlegar is rescinding the October 8, 2015 Water Quality Advisory. Previous coverage: Due to a chlorination system malfunction, chlorine residual levels have dropped...
Interview with director shooting movie in Castlegar
Excitement continues to build over a movie being filmed right here in Castlegar, after two days of auditions have allowed local residents their own shot at an appearance on the big screen. The film, Hollow in the Land, is slated to feature Glee star Dianna Agron, and was written and will be directed by Castlegar’s own Scooter...