Naval Security Team concludes training in the Southern Interior
The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Naval Security Team (NST) recently completed training in the Kootenays, conducting Defender Boat Navigation and Tactical Training from July 25 to August 13. NST also conducted community outreach and recruitment for the Naval Experience Program. “The purpose of the exercises was to train and...
Province urges public to prepare for extreme fire conditions
The Province is preparing for extreme fire behaviour due to potential dry lightning and strong winds. People are urged to be prepared for evacuations and follow all regional fire prohibitions. During the past week, B.C. has seen record-breaking heat accompanied by dry air masses, especially in the south of the province. The...
CBT management plan, Columbia River Treaty open books for input
The Columbia Basin Management Plan and the Columbia River Treaty are both being re-written and drafted into new documents, and both are up for public input. The renewal of the Columbia Basin Trust’s Basin Management Plan began earlier this year, and on Wednesday the CBT released the draft plan and opened the lines of communication […]
Nelson, RDCK lead nation in worst air quality as wildfire smoke chokes the skies
The mantle of worst air quality in the nation has settled on the regional district and Nelson, according to an international air quality technology company. The Swiss-based IQAir (https://www.iqair.com/ca/canada) has positioned the Regional District of Central Kootenay (320) and Nelson (284) — beating last year’s...
Analysis: Canada’s wettest province faces historic drought – and a precarious new future
By Arno Kopecky (This article first appeared in The Narwhal; republished with permission) From grasshopper infestations to water restrictions, B.C.’s drought is affecting all corners of the province in ways surprising and predictable. Is the government doing enough to lead? Near the end of July, I found myself discussing...
BC Wildfire Service responds to fire near Pass Creek
The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a fire in the Slocan Valley reported Tuesday afternoon. The BC Wildfire Service said fire, approximately 15 kilometers north of Castlegar near Pass Creek, is currently estimated to be 10 hectares in size. The BC Wildfire Service said ground crews, including initial attack firefighters...
Column: Life-filled, life-giving soil
As you walk outside, watching birds take flight or a squirrel run up a tree, take a moment to consider the activity beneath your feet. A new study shows more than half the world’s life is in soil — including 90 per cent of fungi, 85 per cent of plants and more than 50 per cent of bacteria. Just a teaspoon of healthy soil can...
Growing as Leaders -- while having a great time
Laughter, lively activities and moments of individual thought. At the 2023 Basin Youth Network Leadership Summit, these happened in abundance. The goal: to help youth absorb valuable life skills, plus express how they see the future of this region. Ninety youth from around the Basin attended the event, which took place in...
Columbia River Treaty talks move forward after constructive Seattle session
On Aug. 10 and 11, 2023, Canada and the United States held the 18th round of negotiations toward a modernized Columbia River Treaty. The U.S. delegation hosted the meeting in Seattle, welcoming the Canadian negotiating team, which included representatives of the governments of Canada and B.C., and the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and...
Police Beat — Human remains discovered, a B&E, drunk driving, and Trail Pride Market
POLICE BEAT: Human remains discovered in Trail On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officers received a report from a resident who had discovered human remains near Highway 3B and Lins Road, in Trail, BC. The resident was looking for her lost dog when she stumbled upon the...
