New support for manufacturing businesses in the Kootenays will create jobs, promote the development of made-in-B.C. products, and strengthen local economies and communities. “Local manufacturers are looking to grow their business and bring sustainable jobs to their communities for the long term,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “By partnering with home-grown […]

The BC RCMP criminal investigation into the devastating and fatal fire that impacted the Village of Lytton and neighbouring Indigenous communities on June 30, 2021 has reached a conclusion at this time. The complex investigation focused on various aspects including determining the cause and origin of the fire, assessing whether there was possible criminality, and […]

Last week I had the honour to cut the ribbon at the opening of The Confluence Castlegar. It is so exciting that this Passive House certified, Mass Timber building, which will operate with 85% reduced emissions is now open for events, office space, and welcoming visitors from around the world!! Thank you to Tammy Verigin-Burk who made […]

The provincial government’s Columbia River Treaty team will host a public virtual information session about the recent agreement-in-principle (AIP) reached between Canada and the United States to modernize the Columbia River Treaty. The virtual information session will be held on Sept. 17, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. (Pacific time) and 7-8:30 p.m. (Mountain time). Members of […]

Wayne Tamelin, Scott Podovelnikoff, Wendy Podovelnikoff, Scott Minor and PGA Pro Scott Merriam will now have the opportunity to win a Canadian National Championship. The team from Castlegar travelled to Cranbrook to win the British Columbia East RBC PGA Scramble Regional Final last week hosted at St. Eugene Golf Resort. The group finished ahead of 19 […]

With the campfire ban being lifted in the Southeast Fire Centre, the province is asking residents to be very careful when out and about this weekend. People are urged to continue to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this Labour Day long weekend. Although some areas have benefited […]

On Aug. 25, 2024, at approximately 1 p.m., the Castlegar RCMP were advised that a mountain biker had sustained serious injuries after fall while riding trails in the Merry Creek recreational area. The caller advised they were riding the mountain bike trails when they came upon a female rider requesting assistance in contacting emergency services […]

On Aug. 16 at 11:16 p.m., a frontline Trail and Greater RCMP officer received a report about a group of rambunctious youth playing ‘Ding Dong Ditch’ in the 1800 block of Columbia Gardens Road in Fruitvale, According to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. He said a witness believed that approximately 15 youths were believed to be […]

The devastating wildfire season still gripping much of the West Kootenay underlines the need for the Province to make concerted efforts to preserve existing old-growth forests, according to a local environmental organization. Speaking for the Valhalla Wilderness Society — based in New Denver — director Craig Pettittt said there is no question the current wildfire […]

A dedicated group of elders in British Columbia is issuing a heartfelt call to action for National Seniors Day on October 1. The Suzuki Elders and SPEC Elders (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation), in collaboration with the national organization Seniors for Climate and seniors across Canada, are mobilizing for Seniors Climate Action Day to address the […]