The Office of the Ombudsperson has released an updated edition of its Open Meetings: Best Practices for Local Governments guide, designed to support municipalities, regional districts, and other local governments in meeting their legal obligations to hold meetings that are open, accessible, and transparent. Originally published in 2012, the guide has been comprehensively updated to reflect legal, […]

Libraries across British Columbia are working to ensure everyone can access information, ideas and services. Building on this commitment, 13 public libraries in the Columbia Basin are receiving more than $990,000 from Columbia Basin Trust to complete projects that reduce barriers for people with diverse abilities. “Whether a Basin resident wants to borrow a novel, […]

The 2026 property assessments, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2025, have been announced for property owners of nearly 450,000 properties throughout the Southern Interior. The updated property values are now available at bcassessment.ca in addition to 2026 Property Assessment Notices being mailed to each property owner. “For 2026, most homeowners can expect […]

The VISAC Gallery is pleased to invite residents and visitors to join them in kicking off a stunning exhibit, reflecting the mountain heart of the Kootenays, “Within the White Sphere”. This show features the photography of Rossland’s Taylor Clark and will be on display at the VISAC January 12 to February 12. A community reception to launch the […]

By Rackeb Tesfaye and Nicolas Fillion of Simon Fraser University As Canadian federal election candidates prepared for their final debate in April 2025, youth across the country were preparing for collaborative conversations around timely and potentially divisive issues for the National Ethics Bowl at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. Ethics Bowl Canada […]

B.C. expertise helps lead future of wildland firefighting in Canada In 2025, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) worked tirelessly with people and communities to fight wildfires and build community resilience throughout the province. “We’re coming off our second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “From technology to equipment and training, […]

Serious drivers treat driving as a skill that can be measured, reviewed, and improved. Everyone is at risk for developing bad driving habits over time and if we let them become our default setting we might not make changes until it is too late. Just because you are a better than average driver, it doesn’t […]

E-Comm releases its annual top ten list reminding the public to keep 9-1-1 lines free for emergencies only When a store refuses to return your air fryer, an airline fines your oversized carry-on, or your dishwasher breaks, 9-1-1 is not the appropriate number to call. E-Comm is reminding British Columbians that 9-1-1 is for emergencies, […]

The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Council is proposing a tax increase of just under 7% for owners of residential property after shifting the percentage of tax owed by properties like ski areas and golf courses from residents to industry. The early-December council meeting saw Council ask to increase the Class 8 Recreation mill rate from […]

Wildsight filed a petition in the BC Supreme Court on November 28, 2025,  seeking a judicial review of the provincial government’s decision not to require an environmental assessment for the proposed Zincton Resort in the central Selkirk Mountains, east of New Denver.  Rossland readers will already be aware of the application for judicial review of […]