Kootenay-wide tele-town hall on the HST hits Thursday
Nelson, Castlegar and the Kootenay region will be part of the province-wide call for suggestions on how the HST can be improved when a “tele-town hall” takes place this Thursday. Running for one hour starting at 6:30 p.m., Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom will engage the West […]
Interim rate increase on hydro approved by BCUC
Forget hope that the BC Hydro rate increase would be overturned, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) recently approved an interim rate increase of eight per cent, effective May 1. For the average residential BC Hydro customer, this would amount to a bill increase of about $6 per month, albeit until the final decision comes […]
Candidates commit to reverse forum on social issues
Social issues will be in the spotlight on Friday, April 29 at the Anglican Church when the Social Planning Action Network Society (SPAN) provides the public a unique opportunity to engage federal candidates. The “reverse forum” will give the public the chance to speak while candidates listen on key topics such as mental health, poverty, […]
Residential taxes in Castlegar to decrease despite rate hike
Castlegar homeowners may be happy to hear that, although tax rates have increased, the average homeowner will actually be paying less this year, according to a report received by council at its regular meeting last Monday. Director of financial services Andre Buss told council that, although tax rates have increased for residential rate payers, […]
SD20 Board of Education draft difficult budget
How do you cut $1.2 million out of a School District’s annual budget while having as little effect on the students’ learning experience as possible? The board of SD20 grappled with that question Monday evening as they continued their budgeting process. In mid-March the school board received its funding notice from the provincial government. […]
Selkirk College announces recipients of Board awards
By Carrie Voysey Honorary diploma awards were handed out by Selkirk College Tuesday and one will be going to the city’s top politician and another to one of its favourite sons. Mayor John Dooley received an Honorary Diploma in Liberal Arts and Sciences in recognition of his consistent support for and collaboration with Selkirk College. […]
Gnarlie’s girls leave the Brutal Babes in their angel dust
With a sold out arena of 800-plus costumed, red and raucous fans the country’s largest roller derby league kicked off the season in style. Before the loud and supportive crowd rocking the Rossland Arena the Gnarlie’s girls put their hard work to the test and bested Salmo’s Babes of Brutality to kick off the season with a...
Local mutt's prepare to strut
All you canine cowboys and cowgirls, rustle up your stray doggies, prized pets and four legged furry family members: it’s time to give them a last makeover and help them study up on their best tricks. Yes, we all know Rossland is a dog-town and the Kootenays a puppy paradise, but the big question still lingers: just whose ...
City faces new property remediation issue
With City-ordered work on the City Centre Motel not even complete, Castlegar officials are having to undertake remedial action on a second, unrelated property. Council voted, at its regular meeting Monday night, to proceed with remedial action in regard to 3626 14th Ave. “It’s several acres in the Emerald Green subdivision, right next to Grandview […]
Corporate tax cuts not delivering on job creation—study
After a decade of corporate tax cuts, the benefits to Canada’s largest corporations are clear but the job creation payoff for Canadians hasn’t materialized, says a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The study, by CCPA Research Associate David Macdonald, tracked 198 of the 245 companies on the S&P/TSX composite […]