New service model sought for paused recreation service in Area E
Call it a work in progress. For the Recreation Commission No. 10 service in the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) Area E, the funding has been paused as of Jan. 1. The service is no longer responsible for providing recreation grant funds to local groups running recreational programs. Instead, a new community society is […]
Splashy fun: Annual Swim-a-thon -- March 7th, 2024
The Greater Trail Area Hospice Society will be having a swim-a-thon to raise awareness of all the services available to our community. Brenda Hooper, Hospice Board Chair notes, “Like most non-profit organizations much of our financial support is provided through donations; without our community support we couldn’t make a positive difference in this community.” […]
Solutions for Village of Silverton challenges making progress: Mayor
Progress is being made on a series of challenges that plague one of the smallest municipalities in Canada. The Village of Silverton, the second smallest municipality in Canada, had employed the services of a provincial government municipal advisor — for 12 weeks — in order to address several issues during a “difficult time” it had […]
Low snowpack expected to further impact water sources as drought conditions continue
The West Kootenay’s snowpack is falling below record-low levels as the warm, dry winter weather continues, prompting a call for a watershed management system. According to the B.C. River Forecast Centre’s snow survey (Feb. 1), the West Kootenay snowpack remains very low — averaging 33 per cent below normal throughout the region — but the […]
Funding boost for firefighter training in the Kootenays
New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says that people in the Kootenays will benefit from a significant investment to enhance live fire training for local firefighters. Funding will go towards establishing regional training hubs for local fire crews to enhance their skills and strengthen public safety, while reducing the time and costs involved in travelling to […]
Selkirk College Invites Community to Inform Future Strategy
Selkirk College is renewing its strategic plan, and asking for public input on how it can best meet regional labour market demands and educational aspirations. Since the mid-1960s, Selkirk College has been an essential economic and cultural driver that contributes more than $450 million annually to the West Kootenay and Boundary regions. It provides a […]
Non-profit organizations get climate-smart
Twenty-nine non-profit organizations in the Columbia Basin are undertaking projects to reduce their energy use, create fewer greenhouse gases and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The projects are being realized with support from Columbia Basin Trust. “Non-profit organizations hold important roles when it comes to well-being in the region, from serving vulnerable people […]
Kootenay Boundary plagued by low childhood immunization rates: Interior Health
Low childhood immunization rates continue to plague the Kootenay Boundary despite outbreaks in the region and major outbreaks in some parts of the world. Current immunization rates for Kootenay Boundary seven-year-old children sit at 54.8 per cent — Interior Health (IH) target is 70 per cent — while for two-year-old children it is 66.6 per […]
B.C. boosts wildfire-fighting fleet, equipment
The Province is taking action to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by upgrading and expanding B.C.’s firefighting aviation and ground fleet, as well as equipment for ground crews. “As we head into the spring and summer months, we are reminded of last year’s devastating wildfires and the impact they had on people and communities […]
Slocan council votes unanimously to sue Big Oil
On Monday evening, Slocan Council voted 5-0 to work with other local governments towards a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies for a share of the costs of climate change, and to pledge $1 per resident for that purpose once other local governments come on board. The Village of Slocan is the first […]