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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Be prepared to pay more for parking at the West Kootenay Regional Airport as Castlegar City Council votes to increase fees.

Airport Manager, Maciej Habrych, says the airport hasn't reviewed their fees since 2007, specifically post COVID, and with growing operational costs and inflation, changes must be made.

“The airport, as a whole, is a very high fixed cost to operate,” said Maciej Habrych.

“We understand the fees increasing is not welcome news, but the way we're looking at this is with the anticipated increase in demand, there's a significant increase in operational costs, so we are positioning the airport to remain financially viable from any taxation at the city level, to ensure that we provide the best service for the region that utilises the airport.”

Daily rates will increase from $8 to $10, weekly rates will increase from $50 to $55, and monthly rates will increase from $195 to $200, while hourly rates will remain the same, which Haybrych says matches industry standard for comparable airports.

On top of parking fees, there will also be an increase to landing and terminal access fees for carriers.

“Those fees are based off weights of aircraft, and commercial aircraft operating in and out of the airport.”

“Those are increasing over a five -year cycle for business planning purposes for airlines to project ahead.”

Council will make the final adoption of the new fee bylaw in next months council meeting.

Free Cancellation Shuttle continues

On a good note, Habrych says Air Canada will continue their flight cancellation shuttle bus service for another year, following the success of the pilot-program.

“Air Canada has extended the bus service for another year ending at the end of April 2025, with intent to carry that on now, starting immediately all the way through next winter season.” said Haybrych.

“We encourage all passengers who are looking ahead for their travel patterns, that they know that this is an option going forward specifically in the winter operations.”

And there is more good news to come, watch this space.

“I can share we are working on providing the region with an update on the airport projects and the exciting initiatives we have going on.” said Habrych.

“We're just working through those details now, but you can expect an update in the near term with exciting news at the airport.”

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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 Wildfire Service has announced a 5-month ban on Category 3 fires in some parts of BC’s Interior, which includes the Kamloops, Penticton, Lillooet, Vernon, and Merritt fire zones.

Category 3 open fires will be prohibited from May 3 to Oct. 11, prohibiting people from burning three or more fires on a property at one time, and any fire burning with a burning pile of more than 2 meters in height or 3 meters in width.

As drought conditions persist across most of the province, officials fear the 2024 wildfire season could be as bad, or worse, than last year's record-setter.

The BC Wildfire Service said in a media release that anyone found to be violating the open burning prohibition could face a $1,150 fine and up to $100,000 with possible jail time for those found guilty.

The fire ban does not include Category 1 campfires, or Category 2 open fires, for now.

The Kootenay region is not included in this fire ban. More information on burning restrictions can be found here.

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Birkley Valks has won the by-election for the Electoral Area 2 school trustee position on Kootenay-Columbia's School District 20 school board.

Electoral Area 2, which represents the City of Castlegar and RDCK Electoral Area J, has two trustee seats on the school board; Catherine Zaitsoff fills the other position.

Only residents of Area 2 were able to vote in the by-election.

Valks won by a large margin with 807 votes, followed by Emily Duggan with 307, Jennifer Burton with 139, and Lindsay Kenny with 31.

Valks, a father of three, has a son with autism. He said he was inspired to run in the by-election to try to make a difference for his child and other students with disabilities.

“My middle child has autism, and my wife and I have been talking for quite some time now about what that's going to look like for him in the school system. I wanted to be able to help and make a difference for him and all the other kids like him and so many others out there that need that extra support.”

He said that his main priority during his term focuses on promoting mental health and inclusivity to ensure that every child gets the best education, no matter what they’re going through.

“Education is something that I believe in. It saved me when I was younger, and I understand how valuable that is. I want to make sure that mental health is number one because if you don't have that stability and you don't feel safe and you don't feel well-rested and loved and appreciated, you're not going to take in as much information as you can.”

Additionally, Valks wants to further support the SOGI123 program in the district.

The program, as he explained, provides information to teachers on how to guide their classrooms with compassion and kindness, promoting the understanding that not every family or person looks the same or has the same experiences.

“It's not like a course that's being taught like sex, math, or social studies. It's extremely valuable, and while there are some folks out there that are saying it's only for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, it's actually not. It's meant to create a safe space for everybody,” he said.

“If and when my children show up in school and they say, ‘oh, my daddy's trans,’ the teacher will have the information to have that conversation. I wish it had been around when I went to school, and my life may have looked a little bit different in terms of my identity.”

Valks also plans to use his new position to re-focus the SD20 school board meetings to ensure students and their education are the main focus.

“I think the biggest problem right now is we're dealing with parents that are trying to interfere with the education of all kids and instead are focused on trying to nail things down, and that does make me worry. I'm hoping that one extra voice like myself on the board will help give it some more strength and battle against people like that.”

Valks is excited to have received so much support during the by-election, and promises to use his platform to ensure that all children are cared for and respected.

“Thank you to everybody who voted for me and who believed in me. I will give you my absolute best day in and day out to provide exactly what I stated in my platform and to make sure that all children of every situation are cared for and respected and valued.”

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Nelson’s Civic Theatre Society, Nelson Curling Club, and Rossland Historical Museum and Archive Association are set to receive a portion of this year’s $5.2 million in Community Gaming Grants.

Funded through the province, the Community Gaming Grant Program provides funds annually to non-profit organizations throughout BC, stated a media release from the BC government.

For the West Kootenays, $250,000 has been allocated to help the Rossland Historical Museum and Archive Association pay for renovations and accessibility improvements at the museum.

The Nelson Civic Theatre Society is set to receive $225,841 to support theatre renovations and equipment upgrades, and the Nelson Curling Club will receive $94,588 to help upgrade the ice plant at the facility.

Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said in the release that the Community Gaming Grant Program ensures local organizations can continue to support their communities.

"Not-for-profit organizations provide valuable services that help make life better for British Columbians. The Community Gaming Grants support organizations to acquire essential equipment and undertake renovations - whether it's replacing a worn-out soccer field or refinishing a youth centre - so that they can continue to better support strong and vibrant communities in BC."

Fifteen capital projects throughout BC's Interior were awarded money through the program this year, a full list can be found here.

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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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The International Kootenay Lake Board of Control, after consultation with FortisBC, has determined that the spring rise on Kootenay Lake occurred on Apr. 16.

A press release from the International Kootenay Lake Board of Control stated that they will now be monitoring the lake’s water levels until its measuring point in Nelson drops back down to 1,743 feet in elevation, marking the end of the freshet period.

At the time of the declaration, the lake’s water level measured at Queens Bay was at 1,739.29 feet, with the lake’s inflow measured at 22,800 cubic feet per second. These levels are predicted to keep rising over the next month.

The release stated that this year's declaration happened earlier than in the past seven years, and two weeks sooner than last year, thanks to the region's consistent warm temperatures at higher elevations throughout the winter months, with more warm weather anticipated in the coming weeks.

Snow in the area has been melting, and increased water flow has been observed in the Kootenay River. The International Kootenay Lake Board of Control will provide an update in the coming months once the region's freshet peak has been recorded.

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Two Castlegar residents have been charged with drug trafficking after a 2023 Castlegar RCMP investigation.

On May 18, 2023, the Castlegar RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit, with support from frontline general duty officers, executed a pair of search warrants in connection with an active investigation into drug trafficking.

The warrants were executed on two Castlegar area homes to further the investigation into the trafficking of a controlled substance (See media release - https://bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2087&languageId=1&contentId=79673

During the search, RCMP seized suspected cocaine, along with items consistent with the trafficking of illicit drugs. Additionally, Canadian currency and a 2013 Audi Q5 were seized as potential offence-related property.

Castlegar RCMP had completed their investigation and forwarded the matter to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for a full charge assessment. In addition to recommending criminal charges, the Civil Forfeiture Office of British Columbia was engaged to assess any offence-related property.

Since the May 18, 2023 search of both residences, two suspects associated with the second residence are now deceased.

Castlegar residents, 64-year-old Humberto Cancela and 58-year-old Silvina Cancela, have each been formally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

“Our officers are committed to enforcing and preventing the sale of illegal drugs in our community,” says Sgt. Monty Taylor, Castlegar’s Detachment Commander. “This type of illegal activity will not be tolerated, and our Detachment continues to arrest and hold those who commit drug crimes accountable”.

Their next scheduled court appearance is May 1st, 2024 in the Castlegar court.

The public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police.

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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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The Out of the Cold shelter and outreach services located at 1660 Columbia Ave will close on Apr. 30.

BC Housing has discontinued its funding of temporary winter shelters, and the City of Castlegar is urging them to reconsider.

The temporary shelter, which just moved to its new location on Columbia Ave in 2023, provides refuge for people with nowhere to go during winter cold snaps and offers programs that supply harm reduction equipment, meals, clothing, tents, and other necessities.

The city said in a media release it’s “extremely disappointed and concerned” with BC Housing's decision to cut funding for temporary shelter. The city say's its written a letter to Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon to reconsider and allow the space to remain operational until a permanent shelter and outreach services are in place.

Shelter manager Deb McIntosh said that the decision is short-sighted, considering the ongoing housing and toxic drug crisis.

“I'm extremely disappointed in the short-sightedness of BC Housing shutting down winter shelters when they know that there's a housing crisis, they know that there's an opioid crisis. It shouldn't be a big shocker that people are upset.”

McIntosh fears that closure will have a ripple of negative effects on the city, including an increase in crime, adding that the province should have had plenty of time to plan and put forward money in its budget to accommodate such programs.

“They've had plenty of time to plan and budget for this. People are going to be on the street, all the hard work that we have done here to turn this place around and to get rid of the stigma of our unhoused population will be back in full force, and unfortunately, we also have people out there that are a little bit on the vigilante side that want to do some harm as well.”

Two people who utilize the shelter's outreach services have died in the last two weeks due to toxic drugs, according to McIntosh, who says ensuring more supports are available to those with mental health and addiction should be a top priority.

“The bell should be going off after eight years of the opioid crisis. I don't know what they're thinking but they better get something out of their bottoms because this isn't working and until it affects maybe some real high-up dignitary type people, they won't listen because that's usually what it takes. It's a personal experience to change your mind on what it is like out there.”

She wants the province to do whatever is necessary to continue funding these programs and shelters, including leaning on the federal government if lack of funds is the issue.

McIntosh urges community members to join her and the city in advocating for the temporary shelter and for a permanent solution in the community.

“Please send letters, make phone calls to BC Housing and ask them to support winter shelters throughout the year until permanent shelters can be built because these are our moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and our family and they are worth something.”

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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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On Saturday, April 13, 2024 the Castlegar RCMP responded to a report that a vehicle travelling on Columbia Avenue had unexpectedly left the roadway knocking off a fire hydrant in the 1000 block area.

Witnesses reported following behind the vehicle when it suddenly drove off the roadway striking the fire hydrant.

Castlegar RCMP and emergency services attended to the location observing water spouting from the hydrant location, a vehicle on it’s side, and damage to a fence and business signage.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was able to exit the vehicle through the sunroof and they were transported to hospital for minor injuries.

Castlegar RCMP are continuing to investigate the matter and at this time believe the driver of the vehicle had experienced a medical emergency prior to the collision.

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The post Single vehicle collision results in damaged fire hydrant in Castlegar appeared first on My Kootenay Now.