UPDATE:

2:28 pm 04-28-2024: Cranbrook RCMP says they have located Louise safe and sound. They thank the public for their assistance.

Cranbrook RCMP is currently asking the public to help locate a missing pregnant woman.

Louise Perkins was last seen April 24th, 2024 in Cranbrook near the Travelodge.

Louise is described as:

• 28 years
• 5’3 tall
• 8 months pregnant
• Blonde hair
• Blue eyes

Police are concerned for the well being of Louise.

Anyone who sees her is asked to contact the Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471.

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Kootenay Lake Ferry is back in action as of 1:10pm Saturday April afternoon.

The local service was put a halt after damage to the ramp at the Balfour Dock, earlier this morning.

It remains unconfirmed how the ramp became damaged.

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The Kootenay Lake Ferry has ceased running in both directions from 8am this morning, Saturday April 27, due to damage to the ramp at Balfour dock.

It is unconfirmed the reason behind the damage, however services has been suspended until further notice.

Captain of the Osprey confirms the Balfour ferry is currently not running, however, they hope to be operational soon.

Please seek an alternate route if needed.

Please see Drive BC to keep up to date with the current details.

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The City of Castlegar is initiating a public engagement process to renew Brandson Neighborhood Park, located at 2412 6th Avenue, with the goal of creating an accessible and inclusive park for all to enjoy.

Brandson Neighborhood Park is adjacent to a mixed-use residential development currently under construction.

In a media release, the city said it wants to hear ideas from the community on what it wants to see incorporated into the park. The ideas and input will help the project team understand what the community wants and help build a new vision for the future of the park.

The city's engagement is focused on hearing ideas from the broader community for this park space and how the stories and history of this park can be celebrated.

When the development was approved, the City said it was committed to dedicating the space as Park Land under community bylaws and to ensuring the community's input was considered as the city develops future plans for the space.

It also promised to reach out to local historians and community members to encapsulate the history of the space and commemorate its story on-site.

“We’ve planned ‘picnic in the park’ events where people can see Brandson Park as it is and dream about ideas for its future,” said Project Manager, Anne Simonen.

“We will be engaging the community in all stages of this project including prioritizing park possibilities, building the vision for its future, developing conceptual options, and identifying the preferred final design.”

The city is hosting a variety of public engagement initiatives to gather ideas on the project, including a picnic in Brandon Park with food and beverages provided on May 7 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It has also launched a survey, which can be found online or picked up at Castlegar City Hall.

Additionally, the City has opened an online forum for community members to help the city build a timeline of the history of the park, which can be found here.

The City expects engagement and project planning will be complete by the fall, and construction at the park will occur in the spring of 2025.

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Public illicit drug use will soon be banned in the province, and police will be given more power to enforce the ban.

This ban includes within hospitals, on transit, and at parks and beaches.

“Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” said Premier David Eby.

“We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.”

The province and federal government are collaborating to make changes to “the legality of possessing drugs in B.C.,” which will allow police to enforce against public drug use.

Officers will have the option to make someone using drugs in public leave the space, take the drugs, or arrest the person if necessary.

“Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs and we see the issues with public use and disorder on our streets,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“As we continue to go after the gangs and organized criminals who are making and trafficking toxic drugs, we’re taking action now to make it illegal to use drugs in public spaces, and to expand access to treatment to help people who need it most.”

The province was clear that this change is not the recriminalization of drug possession in a private residence, legal shelter, or overdose prevention site.

People who are addicted will also have expanded access to treatment, the province said they will be:

• increasing the availability and accessibility of opioid-agonist treatment (OAT), a
  medication-assisted treatment for people who have an opioid-use disorder, by
  implementing a provincewide virtual system;
• integrating addictions services with health care, housing and related services; and
• working with experts to develop methods to track prescribed alternatives with the aim of
  identifying and preventing diversion.

“People across the country are dying from poisoned drugs and B.C. is no exception,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Addiction is a health-care issue, not a criminal one, and we’re going to keep doing everything we can to save lives and connect people to treatment.”

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Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison says there is nothing positive to say about the 2024 federal budget.

"There is nothing good about an unbalanced budget," he said.

"How can the NDP-Liberals consistently spend more money, driving up interest rates?"

He said this year's budget is full of the same promises the Liberals have been saying for years.

"Look at the last nine years now," Morrison said.

"Every year it's the same thing about how we're going to make life more affordable, but if you just get out of the house and go shopping, you'll realize that life is not more affordable."

The budget talks about taxing the rich to increase taxation fairness for all people in Canada. Morrison said the rich may be paying more now, but everyone else is still hurting.

"Nine years later and who's paying? It's lower-income seniors, and people with disabilities, that's whose paying. The people who go to the grocery store know who's paying and it's them."

The theme of this year's budget was fairness for every generation, but Morrison believes it's just empty words.

"I think we need generational fairness for sure, but I think that starts with seniors. That's a generation we've forgotten about," he added.

"It's easy to say we have a theme that we're going to make life affordable for everyone, but that was the last eight years. They can theme all they want, but it's action with results. Give me a result that we've been successful in actually making something more affordable for the average Canadian and I don't think you are going to see any."

The complete 2024 federal budget can be found below.

MORE: Budget 2024 Fairness for Every Generation (Government of Canada)

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The BC Government says social media giants Meta, Snap, TikTok and X have agreed to work collaboratively with the province of the development of Bill 12, its public harms legislation, and will be part of BC’s Online Safety Action Table. 

The province says it will place Bill 12 on hold while discussions take place on how to create safe, empowering experiences online

 In a news release, the province says it’s an opportunity to bring experts, parents, technology companies and government together to find new ways of helping young people stay safe online and  be better protected from online harms. 

The province also says Meta has also committed to working with BC’s emergency management organization to help amplify official information for people in emergency situations like wildfires. 

The official opposition says the NDP’s decision to retract Bill 12 only comes after significant public backlash. 

BC United says the business community and concerned citizens across the province forced the NDP to acknowledge the flaws in the legislation. 

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The 2024 Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) convention concluded on Sunday, giving local government officials a chance to network and learn from each other.

The event was held in Radium Hot Springs, with representation from all parts of the Kootenays.

Cranbrook Council member Lynnette Wray said it was a great learning opportunity.

“I think when you sign up for public office, it includes a commitment to be a life-long learner,” said Wray.

“There’s always new information we can pick up and new skills that can help make us stronger representatives on behalf of our residents.”

The AKBLG is a collaborative body made up of municipal governments and the Regional Districts of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), Central Kootenay (RDCK), East Kootenay (RDEK) and the Town of Golden and the Village of Valemount.

“It’s a great mix of municipalities and regional government folks,” said Wray.

“It’s a learning opportunity, but it’s also an exercise and example of grassroots democracy.”

The convention also gives local governments an opportunity to create, discuss and vote on resolutions to bring forward to the Union of BC Municipalities.

Wray attended the conference alongside Mayor Wayne Price, council members Wesly Graham, Ron Popoff and Wayne Stetski and CAO Mark Fercho.

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A new round of climate action funding encourages local governments to attempt larger projects.

The province announced earlier this week that they will provide nearly $72 million through the Local Government Climate Action Program, a program aiming to help local communities lower emissions, turn to clean-energy sources and prepare for a changing climate.

This funding comes as part of Budget 2024.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change strategy George Heyman says many sources of emissions are local in nature.

“By providing the next three years of Local Government Climate Action Program funding upfront this year, we can build a more sustainable and climate-friendly future for British Columbians,” said Heyman.

For this funding, the province is giving the money away in a lump sum instead of disbursing it annually, with hopes it will give local governments more confidence in making these projects.

They add the projects need to be aligned with CleanBC and/or climate adaptation objectives.

To learn more about the program, click here.

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Interior Health has issued a drug advisory for the West Kootenay.

Drug checking has detected high amounts of fluorofentanyl and benzodiazepines that have been associated with higher overdose risk, amnesia, and heavy sedation.

Antione Marcheterre, Drug Checking lead for Interior Health says these drugs are more unpredictable, withe less known about them in the community.

"It also makes it once Naloxone in the case of an overdose, the person might not wake up instantly, but stay in a state of sedation."

The drugs are being sold in different shapes and colours, a warning to the public

"If you are planning to use drugs, for whatever reason, the only way to know what is in your drug is by using a drug checking service."

The alert in affect until April 25.

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The BC Ball Hockey Association has been suspended, after an alleged sex offender was identified on its board of directors.

“The presence of an alleged convicted criminal and alleged sex offender within BCBHA’s directorship is unacceptable and incompatible with the safety and values CBHA strives to ensure within the sports community,” says a letter sent to the BC association last week by the president of the national Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA).

That’s not the only issue identified in the letter, which cites the BC group’s non-compliance with the BC Societies Act, financial irregularities, and a host of ethical failures.

“The alleged lack of clarity in financial transactions, the alleged absence of receipts for fees paid by leagues, and their exclusion from BCBHA votes and AGMs signify a potential failure in financial transparency and equitable treatment within the BCBHA,” reads the letter, signed by national association president Tim McKenzie.

The letter points out that many officials, parents and stakeholders raised concerns with the BC association, only to be ignored.

“The failure to respond to these emails and letters indicates a significant disregard for community engagement and a lack of accountability,” says the letter.

The Canadian Ball Hockey Association has now taken over management of BC adult and minor ball hockey associations and leagues, to make sure spring and summer seasons aren’t impacted.

The national association is now investigating the allegations, with the aim of rebuilding and reforming the BC organization.

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Fully self-driving cars are now banned in BC, but there weren’t any for sale yet, anyway.

Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act took effect this month, banning all vehicles with self-driving capabilities at level three or above. That would affect cars that can drive themselves without human input, and there are currently only a few for sale world-wide.

In the US, the only two vehicles available with the feature are models of the Mercedes S-class, and they are only allowed on the roads in California and Nevada.

The self-driving features in newer Tesla EVs are considered level two, which offer assistance while changing lanes and automatic braking, but still require a human driver at the wheel. Vehicles with those features are still allowed in BC.

The rating system was designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and has five levels, with level one featuring minimal driver assist and level five featuring a full autopilot.

The province could relax the rules in the future once technology improves.

“Highly automated self-driving vehicles remain a new and emerging transportation technology,” says the Ministry of Transportation. “Further testing and policy development are necessary before Level 3 or higher automated vehicles are considered safe and can begin to be allowed for public use on B.C. roads.”

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Chase Stefanek, forward with the BC Hockey Leauge's Trail Smoke Eaters, has been named the 166th overall North American Skater for the 2024 NHL Draft.

The 17-year-old from California was third in scoring for the Smokies this past season, working alongside his older brother Spencer, putting up 35 points in 52 games played.

Stefanek was projected as early as a fifth-round pick in January's upcoming draft.

If selected, he will become the first Smoke Eater to enter the draft since Kent Johnson went fifth overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Regardless of his future in the major leagues, Stefanek has signed a contract with Harvard University for the 2025-26 season.

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Ankors and the East Kootenay Network of People Who Use Drugs (EKNPUD) feel that B.C.’s drug poisoning epidemic has worsened in the years since it began.

Sunday, April 14 marked the anniversary of the B.C. Government declaring a public health emergency in response to toxic drug-related deaths.

EKNPUD honoured the occasion with an event in Cranbrook’s Rotary Park aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing crisis.

“We probably had over 100 people come out to the event. A lot of the people were folks who have been impacted by the drug war,” said Jessica Lamb, EKNPUD project coordinator.

“They’re parents who have lost children, children who have lost parents and service providers.”

Lamb feels the situation has deteriorated despite government efforts.

“We’re eight years into the unregulated drug poisoning emergency and I feel like things are just getting worse,” said Lamb.

“It is really frustrating being an advocate for people who use drugs to see what’s going on provincially around drug policy. We’re losing about eight people per day across the province.”

According to the BC Coroners Service, about 64 people in Cranbrook died from toxic drugs between 2016 and 2023.

The Coroners Service said over 14,000 British Columbians have lost their lives to drug poisoning since 2016.

“We need a safe supply, both medical and non-medical, but the government keeps on saying they don’t think that’s going to work,” said Lamb.

“As the government is making votes more important than the lives of people who use drugs, we have parents who are burying their kids and kids who are growing up without parents.”

Despite that, local outreach groups like Ankors and EKNPUD are still working around the clock to help out.

“We provide a sense of community and well-being for them because it’s been proven that folks are less likely to experience a fatal drug poisoning when they feel connected to community, well-being and a sense of belonging,” said Lamb.

“We work really hard to amplify the voices of people on substances and people living outside, so they at least have a say when it comes to policy and program development that directly impacts their lives.”

In recent years, Cranbrook’s municipal government has been taking steps to address drug and homelessness issues in the community. This is done through the city’s social development coordinator and regular task force meetings.

Lamb feels this has made a positive change.

“I think we’re finally at a point where the City of Cranbrook, service providers and the Ktunaxa Nation are all coming together to find solutions for what is going on,” said Lamb.

“I think that collaborative work is having a huge impact in our community.”

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British Columbia achieved a major landmark yesterday (Monday), with the planting of the ten-billionth tree since provincial reforestation efforts began in 1930.

The pace has picked up in recent years, with two-billion of those new seedlings planted since 2017.

Forests Minister Bruce Ralston calls the program one of the province’s most important mega-projects, and will ensure the forests are with us for generations to come.

“Ten billion seedlings planted is a remarkable achievement in making sure our forests are with us for generations to come,” Ralston said.

“It’s easy to get lost in the number, but there’s a very human story here, too. Planting 10 billion trees means 10 billion carefully wielded shovels by 20 billion hands across almost 100 years. This is an accomplishment we can all be proud of, and it’s an honour to play a small part in that number by planting this tree today.”

Last year, 305 million seedlings were planted in B.C. forests. One of these seedlings was the 10-billionth planted since work began almost a century ago.

Forest tenure holders have been legally required to undertake reforestation efforts since 1987.

“The planting of 10 billion trees in our province is one of B.C.’s most important mega projects,” said John Betts, executive director, Western Forestry Contractors’ Association.

“Besides the hard work involved, it’s an act of optimism where the full benefits won’t be realized until well into the future. It’s a fine legacy for all the thousands of nursery workers, planters and foresters involved over the years.”

In 2024, 235 million of the 290 million seedlings expected to be planted will be done through forestry companies, with an additional five million planted by First Nations.

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The province says they’re ready to create an atmosphere of respect and safety for everyone as they begin Prevention of Violence Against Women week. 

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, one woman or girl is killed every 48 hours in Canada and the cost to deal with the aftermath of spousal abuse is over $7 billion.  

Parliamentary secretary for gender equity Kelli Paddon says violence against women takes many forms and has become far more prevalent than anyone can imagine. 

“It can be verbal, such as jokes, rumors, threats or slander,” she says.

“It also occurs online and can involve sharing of intimate images without someone’s consent.” 

Patton says it is because of the rising violence the government decided to end it. 

“Safe and Supported brings all of government together in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and community organizations to prevent and help end violence against women and gender-diverse people,” she says.

“This work includes preventing violence through education and awareness, while also increasing safety and support for survivors.” 

For more about gender-based violence and how to support victims visit the province’s website.

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Extended aquatic centre hours are coming to the Castlegar, Creston and Nelson Community Complexes from next week.

The expanded hours will be implemented at the Castlegar and District Community Complex on Apr. 14 and Apr. 21 at the Creston and Nelson Community Complexes.

“We are happy to announce, that we can now begin to offer increased hours of operation at our three main facilities.” said RDCK regional manager of operations and asset management, Craig Stanley.  

At the beginning of last year, the RDCK rolled out subsidized lifeguard, swim and fitness instructor and personal training courses, which Stanley said has significantly increased staffing at the community complexes.  

“With the increase in qualified staff, we are now able to offer increased hours of operation at our three main recreation facilities, with the potential of continued increases to come." 

The increased hours of operations for each facility are as follows: 

Castlegar and District Community Complex 

Nelson and District Community Complex

Creston and District Community Complex

*Notes increased hours

Anybody interested in pursuing their lifeguard, swim instructor, fitness instructor or personal trainer certification can visit rdck.ca/GetTraining for information on training opportunities. 

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March’s residential real estate market activity cooled in the Kootenay-Boundary during spring break and Easter vacations, according to a report by the Association of Interior Realtors.

The report showed that a total of 214 residential units were sold in March, exceeding February’s 140 units sold and representing a moderate decrease of 1.4 percent compared to the same month last year.

“Despite a relatively strong start in March, sales activity tapered off about midway through as spring break and Easter plans likely had buyers and sellers preoccupied,” said President of the Association, Kaytee Sharun.

“It isn’t surprising given that March is typically a staggered month when it comes to market activity. Although seemingly lukewarm in terms of real estate transactions, it is a more normalized spring market, moving at a more normal pace.”

There were 448 new listings recorded in the region in March, marking a 31.8 percent increase compared to last year and a slight increase from February’s 340 listings. The overall active listings in the Kootenay-Boundary saw a 19.8 percent increase compared to March 2023, with 1,220 listings overall.

“Sales activity in the Kootenay-Boundary region was pretty on point compared to last year’s units sold. The Kootenays remain one of the more resilient and steady real estate markets within the Interior, likely due to its desirable lifestyle and varying offerings that the area provides.”

The benchmark price, representing the average value compared to the average median price of a typical dwelling, saw an increase of 4 percent and 15.4 percent respectively in the single-family and condominium categories compared to March of last year.

The benchmark price of townhomes saw a decrease of 7 percent, coming in at $448,900.

Despite the association's report indicating modest regional improvements, homes nationwide are forecasted to be roughly 10 percent pricier by year-end compared to last year.

That’s according to Royal LePage, which released its updated forecast today (Friday), predicting Canadian home prices to rise by nine percent in the fourth quarter of this year.

The “severe shortage” of housing across the country and more demand from sidelined homebuyers who could enter the market if the Bank of Canada lowers its key interest rate are cited as two of the major reasons why.

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Starting this week British Columbians will have access to a free COVID-19 booster. 

The province said in a release that boosters will be available at pharmacies, community health centers and regional health authority clinics for everyone 6 months and older. 

Masks are no longer mandatory in Island Health facilities, but people are encouraged to wear masks as needed in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers will continue to wear masks and other protective equipment. 

They add that even though respiratory illness season has passed SARS CoV-2 will still circulate at lower levels in the community.  

The province also recommends that adults 65 and older and long-term care residents consider getting an additional dose of the XBB. 1.5 COVID-19 vaccine. 

You can register for an appointment on the B.C. Government website.

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Elementary school students in grades 4 and 5 will learn safer cycling skills after taking part in the province’s Everyone Rides program, which is expanding to the West Kootenays.

The Everyone Rides program encourages kids throughout the province to try active transportation options in safe and organized environments, stated a press release from the BC Government.

Students participate in two sessions to build cycling skills and confidence. In the first lesson, students are provided with a foundation in biking skills and helmet safety.

The second lesson focuses on practical, hands-on activities like stopping, hand signals, and road sign awareness.

Bikes and helmets are provided, and there are adaptive options for children with disabilities.

The program was created by HUB Cycling, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to cycling.

"Riding a bike is a childhood pastime, and learning to ride safely will give kids the opportunity to become lifelong cyclists and open the door to healthier and cleaner choices," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

"Building the foundational skills to ride a bike safely steers our community towards a future less reliant on cars."

The program was first launched in 2019, and so far, has seen more than 33,000 children participating province-wide.

The province added that the program gives students the opportunity to develop skills that can be used on the many new active transportation infrastructure projects in communities throughout the province.

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