A proposal for a 210th Northern Gateway Condition
The early response by First Nations and environmental organizations to the federal government’s “subject to” approval of the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project did not come as a surprise. What does surprise me is the absence of critical commentary about the project’s economic merits which are championed by governments and...
High-tech warnings to help prevent wildlife collisions
The government of B.C. will be testing new high-tech wildlife detection systems on Highway 3 between Fort Steele and the Alberta border to better warn motorists about the potential for wildlife collisions. On this section of Highway 3, large wildlife represents a significant hazard to drivers. Many workers commute on Highway 3 between the communities […]
B.C. preserves local governments' tax revenues from medical marijuana growers
The Government of British Columbia is excluding federally-licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes. The decision will ensure local governments do not lose potential property tax revenues from the Health Canada...
B.C.’s Agrifoods reputation grows stronger in China
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and the B.C. delegation have returned home after completing a successful trade mission to China. The tour included several deals that could increase B.C.’s agrifood exports by about $100 million within a few years. The trade mission featured a strong B.C. presence led by Letnick and representatives...
Naramata becomes B.C.’s newest Bear Smart community
Located in the heart of wine country, Naramata is prime territory for bears to roam. Naramata has been honoured for their exceptional collaborative approach to reducing human-bear conflicts as the sixth community in the province to achieve Bear Smart status. The Bear Smart Community program encourages local governments,...
COMMENT: Lack of dropped antlers and deer bones a bad sign in Boundary
I have been following hounds the last five weeks and in the process have walked a significant distance in the deer winter range and only on one occasion did I find the bones of a deer. Bones and dropped antlers for centuries have been a strong indicator of a healthy deer herd. Remember for decades the Boundary had the largest...
Fire ban coming into effect
Effective at noon PDT on July 2, 2014, open fires will be prohibited within the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. This prohibition will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified. Specifically, prohibited activities include: the burning of any ...
COMMENT: Pensions are not only a seniors’ problem – Part 2
In part one I wrote about the unjust decision to increase the eligibility age for Old Age Security (OAS) to 67 and a variety of options to save for retirement. There are also all sorts of self-help manuals and financial advisors who can give you a good advice on how to plan for your financial needs when you retire. (So far ...
OCP says no City water for snowmaking! Coming soon: Draft OCP amendment.
Present: Mayor Greg Granstrom, and Councillors Tim Thatcher, Kathy Moore, Jill Spearn; Jody Blomme attended by telephone until 8:30, from an occasionally noisy location (we all heard birds singing, and something much like dishes clattering, or cars crashing). Public Input Period Christine Anderson of the Red Mountain Racers...
'Throw the book at me' says James after guilty verdict
The Sinixt spokesperson who was accused of breaching an injunction prohibiting anyone from blocking a logging operation on Perry Ridge was found guilty of criminal contempt in BC Supreme Court Tuesday. Marilyn James was given a 14 day conditional sentence to be served at home for standing in the way of Galena Contracting’s James Hascarl […]
