Smoke hangs over Grand Forks as regional wildfires force evacuations
Grand Forks is not under an evacuation alert or order. No active emergency notice for the city or the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary appears on EmergencyInfoBC’s current wildfire list at the publication cutoff.
Ottawa invests $1.95 billion in new hybrid locomotives for VIA Rail
The federal government is investing $1.95 billion to replace VIA Rail’s aging long-distance, regional and remote locomotive fleet, with final assembly of most of the new locomotives expected to take place in Canada.
Ottawa announces $10.9 million for nearly 400 EV chargers and education projects
The federal government is providing $10.9 million for 22 electric vehicle charging and education projects across Canada, including new infrastructure in British Columbia.
Canada imposes temporary 25% surtax on some imported wood cabinets and vanities
The federal government has imposed a temporary 25 per cent surtax on certain imported solid and engineered wood cabinets and vanities while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal investigates whether rising imports are harming Canadian manufacturers.
Area restriction issued near Poplar Creek wildfire
An area restriction is now in effect around the Poplar Creek wildfire, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Meadow Creek.
The BC Wildfire Service estimates the fire, identified as N71253, at 53 hectares.
School District 51 appoints Allen Davidson as new superintendent
School District 51 has appointed Allen Davidson as its next superintendent of schools.
Davidson will begin the role on Aug. 1, succeeding Anna Lautard, who is retiring in July after more than 30 years with the Boundary school district.
Christina Lake earns Bat Friendly Community certification
Christina Lake has been recognized as a Bat Friendly Community following two years of habitat work, public education and wildlife monitoring led by the Christina Lake Stewardship Society.
Area restriction issued around Jumbo Creek wildfire
An area restriction is now in effect around the 145-hectare Jumbo Creek wildfire, approximately 38 kilometres west of Invermere.
The BC Wildfire Service said the restriction was imposed immediately to protect the public and crews responding to the fire, identified as N21071.
Vernon receives $3 million for Kalamalka Lake Road improvements
The City of Vernon will receive $3 million in federal infrastructure funding for transportation and safety improvements along Kalamalka Lake Road.
The project is expected to improve connections between East Hill, the Okanagan Rail Trail and businesses at the Shops at Polson. Planned work includes changes to the road layout, upgraded crossings and improvements to the area’s multi-use path network.
28 affordable rental homes open for Indigenous residents in Penticton
Twenty-eight affordable rental homes are opening in downtown Penticton, with priority given to Indigenous families, individuals, seniors and Elders with low to moderate incomes.
Reclaimed water connection expands irrigation supply for North Okanagan farms
A temporary connection between two North Okanagan water systems will provide reclaimed water to agricultural properties facing continued drought conditions.
The City of Vernon and Regional District of North Okanagan have connected Vernon’s reclaimed water system to the regional district’s non-potable irrigation network serving the Bella Vista and West Swan Lake area.
Rotary-led Okanagan campaign raises more than $580,000 for invasive mussel research
Researchers are developing a portable detection system that could help inspectors identify contaminated watercraft before invasive mussels reach B.C. lakes
Kootenay Lake Hospital begins $4.25-million CT scanner upgrade
Construction is underway at Kootenay Lake Hospital to prepare its medical imaging department for a new CT scanner expected to begin operating in December.
RDKB updates rural housing plans as region faces need for 6,300 homes
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is updating housing policies in its rural community plans as it prepares for an estimated 6,300 additional homes needed across its electoral areas over the next 20 years.
Advance voter registration closes Aug. 18 for Greenwood election
Advance voter registration for Greenwood’s 2026 general local election will close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Voters will elect one mayor and four councillors in the upcoming municipal election.
Province announces completion of Grand Forks flood-mitigation program
The provincial government announced July 17 that the Grand Forks Flood Mitigation Program, developed following the destructive 2018 flood, has been completed.
Grand Forks seeks feedback on proposed business licence bylaw
People who consider themselves affected by a proposed update to Grand Forks’ business licence bylaw have until Aug. 5 to submit written feedback to the city.
Grand Forks extends medical clinic support agreement through May 2027
Grand Forks city council has approved a six-month extension of an agreement covering fixed operating costs at the Grand Forks Medical Clinic as the community continues its efforts to recruit and retain primary care providers.
RDKB to celebrate opening of new yurt at Beaver Valley Family Park
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary will celebrate the opening of a new yurt at Beaver Valley Family Park and Campground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house on June 18.
Christina Lake students get hands-on lesson in local government
Grade 4 and 5 students from Christina Lake Elementary School visited the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s Trail headquarters for a hands-on look at local government during Local Government Awareness Week.