BC announces expanded graduate scholarship funding to support students
image by Javier Trueba, via UnsplashIncreased scholarship funding will support graduate students during their studies and prepare them for in-demand careers. The Province is investing approximately $15 million in graduate scholarships over three years, adding $2,500 to each new graduate scholarship award. This funding will accelerate talent development and innovation, along with recruiting and retaining […]
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 […]
Environment Canada issues Special Weather Statement for BC Interior, including West Kootenay, Boundary
Environment Canada is urging the general public to be aware of their surroundings thanks to a low pressure system that is expected to bring strong, gusty winds shifting from southwest to northwest along with a risk of dry lightning and continued heat to the southern interior. The Special Weather Statement by Environment Canada...
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...
