The unemployment rate in the West Kootenay-Boundary still high as the figure for rose to 8.6 per cent in July. Although that number is down from nine per cent in July of 2010, there are 1,200 less people that have jobs in 2011, according to Statistics Canada. Canada’s unemployment rate dipped to 7.2 per cent […]

The decision to keep or nix B.C.’s controversial harmonized sales tax leaves the public’s hands after 4:30 p.m. PT Friday afternoon. That’s when Elections BC starts carefully verifying ballots are from registered voters and tallying up the results. Ballots can be dropped off at any of Elections BC’s five collection centres in the Lower Mainland, […]

Keep building that bunker, the global economy is teetering on the brink of another recession as markets took a nosedive Thursday, the Financial Post reports. A 3.40 per cent drop in the Toronto Stock Exchange was coupled with a $5.30 drop in West Texas Intermediate crude oil to $86.63 U.S. a barrel, while the loonie […]

The Cascade Power Project at Christina Lake could still be built by 2016 after the Ministry of Environment extended their environmental assessment permit despite opposition from the Regional District of the Kootenay Boundary (RDKB).    “The extension was because we have been unable to get an electricity purchase agreement with B.C. Hydro in their last […]

 The Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce has come up with a plan to help local businesses get in on the windfall that is the BC Seniors’ Games, according to executive director Pam McLeod. “We’re fortunate in Castlegar, in that all of the 3,200 athletes competing in the Games have to go through an accreditation […]

The federal government has renewed the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program, an initiative that helps Canadians save on home improvements and energy costs while protecting the environment. “With this program, Canadians can make their homes more energy-efficient and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada,” said Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Joe Oliver. […]

A message from BC Hydro’s Greg Reimer: The BC Information and Privacy Commissioner has announced a review of the security and privacy of customer data collection through the smart meter program. As we take the responsibility of protecting the privacy and security of personal information very seriously, we’ve made it a top priority of the […]

All of the secrets of the Columbia Basin Trust have been cracked open for public viewing — financial investments, spending and program and initiative activities — as the 2010/11 Annual Report and 2011 Report to Residents are now published. The Annual Report reflects CBT’s performance for the 2010/11 year, ending March 31, and details its […]

One of the biggest construction projects the region has ever known is now open for public viewing. A new public viewing area opened last week across from the Waneta Expansion Project construction site. The viewing area is located directly across Highway 22A and provides a safe place to observe construction and view interpretive signage about […]

 Today’s the big day – after years of anticipation, Chances Gaming Centre will finally be opening its doors in Castlegar. Grand opening celebrations begin with an invitation-only reception, from noon to 4 p.m., with over 200 guests ranging from the local MP and MLA, as well as mayors-and-councils from all tri-city communities, to contractors and […]