Tree treatment helps rare woodpeckers keep their home
A 2007 wildfire in a portion of the Pend D’Oreille Valley was good news for a family of Lewis’ woodpeckers, a species which prefers dead or well-decayed trees for nesting. But while the fire created valuable breeding habitat for the woodpeckers, the high risk of trees falling was a serious threat to transmission lines. The […]
West sub-region recycling depots new collection system
Residents of the West sub-region of the regional district — electoral areas H, I, J, K, the City of Castlegar, the villages of Nakusp, New Denver, Silverton and Slocan — are now utilizing new recycling bins at local recycling depots. The recycling program will remain the same but the type of collection bins have changed. […]
B.C. warned ocean will rise by one metre by 2100
The next 90 years will undoubtedly bring many changes, including a one metre rise in the sea level on the B.C. coast. A new report — Climate Change Adaption Guidelines for Sea Dikes and Coastal Flood Hazard Land Use — from the B.C. government is warning builders and developers to plan for the rise in […]
'Where is your god now?': London policemen on trial accused of beating Muslim
Four officers from London’s Metropolitan Police went on trial today accused of repeatedly beating a Muslim arrested on suspicion of helping “terrorist organisations operating abroad.” The men deny assaulting Babar Ahmad, 36, in his home, in a police van and in a police station. The assault charges stem from the December 2003 arrest in the city’s south-west. Less […]
Alliance blasts province over wolf 'management' plan
An alliance of 23 animal rights and environmental groups in BC and across Canada is furious at the BC Liberal government’s decision not to consult them regarding a new “wolf management plan” it is developing. According to a press release from the Canadian Wolf Coalition, speaking on behalf of the alliance, “The groups are greatly […]
High-risk driving habits on police radar this month in West Kootenay
High risk driving will be the target of a month-long police campaign in the West Kootenay region and across the province starting this weekend. In conjunction with ICBC, the campaign will target high-risk driving behaviours including speeding, failing to yield, following too closely, ignoring a traffic control device and improper passing. Intended to raise awareness […]
Financial ties bind medical societies to drug and device makers
By Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber SAN FRANCISCO — From the time they arrived to the moment they laid their heads on hotel pillows, the thousands of cardiologists attending this week’s Heart Rhythm Society conference have been bombarded with pitches for drugs and medical devices. St. Jude Medical adorns every hotel key card. Medtronic ads […]
Putting power in the hands of the people
A new amendment to the Clean Energy Act could allow families to finance energy efficiency improvements to their homes through a utility company loan. Bill No.7, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011 was introduced in the legislature Thursday by Attorney General Barry Penner. If passed it will amend: Clean Energy Act An amendment allows B.C. […]
Consultation begins on control of class sizes
After losing their battle in B.C. Supreme Court two weeks ago the B.C. government announced it will work with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation rather than continue a battle over control of class size and special needs support in public schools. The Province has appointed Paul Straszak, president and CEO, Public Sector Employers’ Council, to lead […]
Environment Canada predicts warm, dry summer for Kootenay region
A heat treat is in store for those who have suffered through one of the toughest winters — and a grim spring — in West Kootenay history. Environment Canada is predicting that this summer will be very warm and very dry, much more than normal. In its preliminary summer forecast, the national weather service said […]
