In April 2026, 119 people in British Columbia lost their lives to suspected unregulated-drug toxicity according to preliminary data reported by the BC Coroners Service, equating to about four deaths per day. In 2026, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 have accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and […]

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is sharing an update on the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project, which has now moved into the Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) stage. Issued on May 28, 2026, the RFPQ invites qualified design-build firms to submit information about their experience and capacity to deliver the project […]

Textures of Canada, the latest Grand National exhibition, brings together a diverse and compelling collection of textile works that explore identity, culture, and connection across the country. Featuring a record number of submissions from Canadian artists, the exhibition highlights the depth and variety of contemporary textile practice, from traditional techniques to innovative approaches. The selected […]

Prepare for an evening of thrills, laughs, and jaw-dropping spectacle as The Monsters of Schlock and Neil E. Dee bring Canada’s greatest sideshow collaboration to the Charles Bailey Theatre in Trail on Saturday, June 27. Combining world-record-setting talent with outrageous comedy and dangerous stunts, this unique live performance promises an unforgettable experience for fans of […]

Castlegar RCMP are investigating an assault that occurred on 6 Avenue on June 1, 2026, at approximately 4:07 p.m., according to Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Monty Taylor. Taylor said police received a report that a young woman was outside a residence loading items into a vehicle when she was approached by a group of youths. He said […]

The Trail Smoke Eaters are excited to announce the signing of 2007-born forward Roberts Polis for the 2026/27 BCHL season. The Riga, Latvia product joins the Smoke Eaters after spending the past several seasons developing within the Rīgas HS program and representing Latvia internationally at the U18 level. Polis posted strong offensive numbers during the […]

I rose in the House this week to recognize B.C. Museums Week, from May 17 to 23 this week. B.C.’s arts, culture and creative sector is a vital part of our province. It employs more than 122,000 people and contributes approximately $10.5 billion to our economy. Workers and volunteers in this sector preserve and share […]

As of Monday, June 1, 2026, the province’s general minimum wage will rise to $18.25 an hour. Types of wages affected The increase of just over 2.1% raises the general minimum wage from $17.85 to $18.25 per hour. The same percentage increase applies to the minimum rates for resident caretakers, live-in home-support workers, live-in camp […]

As roadside work ramps up across B.C., a provincewide campaign launches today with an important message for Kootenay drivers: stay alert behind the wheel. Driver distraction and inattention, as well as unsafe speed, put roadside workers at serious risk of being struck by vehicles, says Trace Acres, spokesperson for the annual Work Zone Safety campaign […]

This is a short trip down memory lane with a retired traffic cop: me. Having recently completed a round trip from Vancouver Island to the West Kootenays and back, I had plenty of time to think along the way. There were ghosts along Highway 3 from the Manning Park works yard to Rock Creek, one […]