Rossland's unique and effective Energy Diet has earned the city an Honourable Mention for a Climate and Energy Action Award, whose sponsors include province of British Columbia, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), Fortis BC, and BC Hydro. Patricia Dehnel, an energy planner from the Community Energy Association,...

Israel has launched a series of aristrikes against military targets inside the Gaza Strip, killing a senior Hamas leader. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched the offensive named ‘Operation Pillar of Defense’ in response to over 100 rockets fired into Israel from Gaza over the past few days. “The IDF has begun a widespread campaign […]

The Trail Outdoor Market has met with such success, it is now continuing indoors. A joint initiative between the City of Trail, the Downtown Opportunities and Action Planning and the Chamber of Commerce, the Trail Market had its debut on June 15 on the esplanade near Jubilee Park. A committee, including city councillor Eleanor Gattafoni […]

Coun. Kathy Wallace took a moment at the Oct. 22 regular council meeting in Rossland to reflect on "definite problems" that exist in rural health care, problems she identified as "another symptom in our province of small, rural areas not fitting the grid pattern of larger urban areas." Wallace is Rossland's appointed director...

Columbia Basin Trust is making $150,000 available for projects that benefit Basin youth through two granting programs. “We confirmed in our 2011-2015 Youth Initiatives Strategic Plan that we wanted to continue to support a range of opportunities that allow youth to engage with their communities and one another,” said Sabrina Curtis, CBT Director, Sector Initiatives. […]

Castlegar is being hailed as a regional leader in climate change adaptation, particularly during a two-day workshop Thursday and today at the Complex, an event which has drawn civic leaders from across the West Kootenay. “Castlegar has really shown tremendous leadership in this area; both staff and elected officials,” said Kate Mahoney, coordinator of Columbia […]

A review of documents related to projects undertaken in the arena in 2010 and 2011 raises many serious questions and suggests that Mayor Granstrom and Council have not provided adequate oversight for the actions of staff. In December 2009, the City issued a proposal call for the upgrade of the arena roof.  Council did not...

How can the public give their input into the budget, as Coun. Fisher suggested, while avoiding the potential for "chaos" that Coun. Spearn feared? I have a suggestion for council: swing a deal with ThoughtStream for a software license for the city, and hire one of their facilitators.   Right now, the idea of "engaging" the ...

In Maine and Maryland, voters have approved ballot measures yesterday to allow marriage between same-sex partners. Votes for a similar measure in Washingtonare still being counted. Reports from Minnesota suggest a ballot measure that would amend the constitution to ban gay marriage has been rejected by voters. In Maryland, voters supported the law passed earlier this year by Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley 52% to 48%. Josh Levin […]

There is a class of people and corporations in this country whose illicit financial practices have an enormous negative impact on the country and its citizens. Yet the law and order regime of Stephen Harper barely plays lip service to the issue of tax evasion through tax havens. While Harper cuts billions from government...