Working with local companies and investing in local people is a common theme in the Skills Centre’s 2024 Community Impact Report. From the Trail and area companies working on the Skills Centre’s major renovation of its new building, to new training programs that partner with local businesses and serve area residents, to a focus on poverty […]

By Anna Dulisse As a logger and third-generation caretaker for his acreage near Castlegar, Quintin Sperling has carried on the legacy of working hard, by spending his life in the forests both on and off his family’s land. “I’m a certified faller and in B.C. I’ve done practically everything related to timber harvesting, logging, road […]

Saturday, June 1, 2024, the general minimum wage increased from $16.75 to $17.40 an hour. The BC Government said that the 3.9% increase also applies to minimum-wage rates for resident caretakers, live-in home-support workers and live-in camp leaders. The increase will help approximately 240,000 workers who currently earn less than $17.40 per hour. On Dec. […]

Grassland-reliant species in the Rocky Mountain Trench now have more protected habitat thanks to a new conservation area near Cranbrook. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is announcing its acquisition of 270 hectares in the Skookumchuck Prairie, which lies within the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa Nation and the Secwépemc (Shuswap Band). The Skookumchuck Prairie […]

The Province is supporting the development of a new mass-timber production facility that will create 90 sustainable, local forestry jobs in Castlegar and continue to grow to position B.C. at the forefront of this emerging wood-manufacturing and housing-construction sector. “We’re taking action to increase the available supply of housing that’s needed throughout B.C. by partnering […]

With seven matches to be played in Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup 26 tournament, the Province, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have updated their estimates of the costs, revenues and economic benefits for the world’s largest single sporting event. “Marquee sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 26 have the power […]

Suzan Hewat is joining the Board of Directors of Columbia Basin Trust, becoming part of the 12-member Board which helps ensure that the organization continues to support the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. “I’d like to welcome Suzan, who, with fellow new members Angus, Karen and Christine, will be part of a Board […]

Interfor today announced plans to reduce its lumber production by approximately 175 million board feet between May and September of 2024, representing just under 10% of its normal operating stance. The temporary curtailments will impact all of Interfor’s operating regions, including the US South, through a combination of reduced operating hours, prolonged holiday breaks, reconfigured […]

The Nelson & District Credit Union had another strong year financially said CEO Tom Murray following the financial institutions 73rd Annual General Meeting held virtually on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The past year’s high points were strong comprehensive income and growth in members’ equity, while also distributing $160,000 to community organizations within its service area […]

BC Hydro has launched a call for power to ensure that people and businesses will have the clean, affordable electricity needed to power B.C.’s growing economy and create jobs throughout the province. “British Columbians are on the front lines of the fight against climate change and seeing the devastating impact it is having on our […]