Okanagan wildfire update: Quilpituk Creek grows to 742 hectares as Bradley evacuation orders shift
The Quilpituk Creek wildfire had been remapped at approximately 742 hectares by Tuesday morning, a substantial increase from the 550-hectare estimate published by Central Okanagan Emergency Operations at noon Monday.
Simon Ferguson leaves West Kelowna Warriors for Vancouver Giants
The West Kelowna Warriors are searching for a new head coach after Simon Ferguson left the BCHL club to join the Vancouver Giants’ coaching staff.
The Boundary Sentinel is back
We are back. We’ve moved from a dot com to a dot ca, but otherwise, it’s business as usual.
The site has returned at boundarysentinel.ca with new coverage of the Boundary, West Kootenay and Okanagan, alongside an ongoing effort to restore the publication’s archive.
New five-day museum pass connects three Boundary Country heritage sites
A new regional museum pass is giving residents and visitors a way to explore three different parts of Boundary Country’s history with one purchase.
Sinlahekin wildfire near Osoyoos grows to 73,794 acres
The Sinlahekin wildfire burning in northern Washington state has grown to 73,794 acres and remains completely uncontained after another period of rapid expansion.
RDKB to hold public hearing on data warehouse restrictions in Electoral Area A
Residents will have an opportunity this month to comment on a proposed zoning amendment that would formally prohibit data warehouses throughout Electoral Area A unless a proponent first obtains a zoning change.
Caesars Landing ordered evacuated as wildfire alert expands along Westside Road
Residents of Caesars Landing were ordered to evacuate early Monday as increased wildfire activity prompted new emergency measures along Westside Road.
West Kelowna arena converted into temporary lodging for wildfire evacuees
Royal LePage Place Arena in West Kelowna has been converted into a group lodging facility for people displaced by wildfires affecting communities across the region.
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