Kootenay Lake School District 8 (SD8) will not be changing its teaching certificate requirements for newly hired teachers on call (TTOCs), unlike Rocky Mountain School District 6 (SD6).

SD6 announced this week that it will be dropping the teaching certificate requirements for newly hired TTOCs to help address a TTOC shortage in the school district.

“The school district is facing difficulty in recruiting and retaining teachers who would be willing to teach on call at a level that would fill all of the absences we have in our organization,” said Steve Wyer, acting superintendent for SD6.

“When we don’t have a teacher available on call who can fill an absence, we have to pull services and supports from other areas. That impacts the district’s overall operations in a negative way.”

According to SD6 officials, the substitute teacher shortage is felt most heavily in the Windermere school zone.

Wyer said it was a difficult but necessary decision.

“It’s at the point where we want to take this unfortunate step because we always want certified teachers in front of students, but I think in the end, this is a step that will allow for better continuity for students,” explained Wyer.

SD6 is not the only school district in the province to enact this policy.

Prince George’s School District 57 recently reported that nearly 1 in 5 of its teachers are not certified.

However, when Vista Radio reached out to Kootenay Lake School District 8, officials said SD8 is not experiencing the same issues.

“No TTOCs are being hired without teaching certificates in SD8. All teachers here are required to hold a valid teaching certificate,” said SD8 in an email.

While TTOCs may not require a teaching certificate, applicants will still need some qualifications.

“At this point, you would need a bachelor’s degree that would qualify in a teaching area,” said Wyer.

Applicants will also need to pass a criminal record check and get a letter of permission from the Teacher Regulation Branch.

SD6 began advertising for non-certified TTOC positions on Tuesday.

The post SD6 to hire non-certified teachers for substitute positions, SD8 not following suit appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The post City of Nelson receives positive feedback on Organic Waste Diversion Pilot appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The month of May marks the start of Invasive Species Action Month across the province, and the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS)  is urging locals to familiarize themselves with invasive plants and animals causing significant local problems.

CKISS is hosting two events in the West Kootenay's in May to promote awareness on invasive species in Central Kootenay's and to encourage practices to prevent their spread.

Laurie Frankcom, Education Program Coordinator with CKISS, said the Central Kootenay has several invasive species present, such as spotted knapweed, common tansy, scotch broom, and knotweed.

There are also aquatic invasive species present such as the American Bullfrog and Asian Clam, all of which can cause significant environmental, economic, and social harm, according to Frankcom.

“There is definitely environmental, economic, and social harm that these invasive species can cause. They are a big threat to biodiversity. It costs millions of dollars to manage annually, and it can definitely impact some of the recreation funds that we are so lucky to have here in the Kootenay area.”

Frankcom said CKISS does its best to keep invasive species out of the local ecosystems, but that it’s important for communities to be aware of the different types and risks they pose to mitigate the threat.

On May 24, CKISS is hosting one of two Communities Pulling Together events at Hunter Siding Wetland in the Slocan Valley. A second event will be held in Nelson on May 30 on Johnstone Road.

During the events, volunteers will help the CKISS identify and remove invasive plants in Hunter Siding Wetland and along Pulpit Rock trail.

Frankcom said that the two events will not only help the organization manage invasive species but also provide community members with more local knowledge on what species are present in their communities and best practices to prevent their spread.

“People can adopt some really simple best practices to prevent their spread. There's always room to grow awareness, and in ensuring that that awareness turns into actions because prevention is the best tool in our toolbox. We just want to make sure that people know how simple actions can really make a big difference.”

Frankcom advises community members to refer to the CKISS website for guides for gardeners, boaters, anglers and paddlers to learn more about local invasisve species and practices to prevent their spread.

Registration is now open for the Slocan Valley CPT event on May 24 and the Pulpit Rock CPT event on May 30 in Nelson.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mykootenaynow.com.

The post CKISS to host two events in May to bring awareness on local invasive species appeared first on My Nelson Now.

City of Nelson says it's too early to determine the effects of this year's snowpack levels on local water reservoirs.

April’s snowpack levels in the West Kootenay were measured at 72 per cent of normal levels. Across the province, the average snowpack hit a 50-year record low of 63 percent.

The levels have prompted some municpalities to impose water conservation regulations ahead of drought season,including Cranbrook, which is currently in stage 2 of water restrictions.

However the City of Nelson said it will depend on this years freshet to detrmine what water conservation efforts will be needed in the city.

During an Apr. 22 Nelson City Council meeting, Chris Johnson, Manager of Community Planning, said the city currently has an abundance of water right now, and that its not in the position yet where it must start monitoring its water behaviors.

“For us, it's a very confusing time for people, because of course there's a lot of discussion around drought. Because Snowpack is our reservoir, we aren't drawing down a reservoir by active use now or looking into building up our reservoir by curtailing use now. We have an abundant amount of water right now.”

Johnson says once it gets to be later into the freshet season, the city will be tracking how the creeks and streams flowing in snowpack to the local reservoirs, then the city will be able to determine what types of behavioral changes need to be implemented throughout the city.

That said, CAO Kevin Cormack said it’s important for residents to note that the city has year-round watering bylaws in place that prohibit regular lawn watering, even prior to drought season.

“Odd watering is our regular watering. Now, that's not water restrictions. That is the normal way you must water in Nelson at any time. You're not supposed to water every day as the norm. You don't need to water every day. Even though we're not under water restrictions.”

The city’s watering bylaws allow lawn watering and sprinkler irrigation systems between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. and then again between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Even-numbered addresses are only permitted to water on even-numbered days of the month, and odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post No early water restrictions coming to Nelson, yet appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The post The bears are back in Nelson, and so is Wildsafe BC appeared first on My Nelson Now.

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.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post The first major ban on open fires in BC comes into effect May 3rd appeared first on My Nelson Now.

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.

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.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Three West Kootenay organizations secure BC Community Gaming Grants appeared first on My Nelson Now.

Hourly parking in Nelson is now 75 cents more expensive, and significantly more expensive if you violate parking bylaws.

In January, Nelson city councillors approved increases to parking meter fees and fines, which came into effect on Apr. 15.

Hourly parking rates are now $2.00 per hour, up from $1.25, and the fines for failing to obey parking signage and maximum parking time zones have doubled.

Category one fines for expired meters are now $40, up from $25, with the early payment option (within 14 days) increased from $10 to $20.

Category two fines, for those who exceed a two-hour maximum parking zone, have jumped from $35 to $55, with the early payment option raised from $15 to $25.

Category three fines for vehicles parked at white or yellow curbs now face $80 fines, up from $50, with early payment jumping from $20 to $35.

During January's council meeting, CAO Kevin Cormack explained that over 40 per cent of the nearly 60 percent increase to hourly rates is just to cover the cost of inflation, with the remaining 20 per cent in revenue helping the city expand and upgrade its transportation and infrastructure systems.

In addition to the rate increases, the city will also install new parking meters that will allow motorists the option of paying either cash or card, although the city has not revealed when the new systems will be installed.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Parking meter rate and fine increases now in effect appeared first on My Nelson Now.

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.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post 2024 spring rise declared for Kootenay Lake appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The Nelson Police Department, in collaboration with the Salmo RCMP, has successfully apprehended Aza Tobias Hanbury.

A media release from NPD stated that Hanbury was located on Apr. 19 in the 200 Block of Baker Street in Nelson after a community member recognized him from a photo issued by police in a previous press release.

Hanbury was arrested without incident for charges related to property crimes, dangerous driving, and fleeing police. However, he's now facing additional charges after police found him to be in possession of several weapons at the time of his arrest, including a loaded firearm.

“This person is a prolific offender who has shown a willingness to do whatever was necessary to evade arrest in the past. This was potentially a very dangerous situation, and compliments the officers for taking him into custody without incident,” stated Nelson Police Chief Constable Donovan Fisher.

A grey, 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel truck that Hanbury was believed to be in possession of has not been located, and police are still seeking the public's help in finding it.

Hanbury has been charged with the following offences from both detachments:

Nelson Police Department:

• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
• Unsafe Handling / Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm with Ammunition without being the Holder of a License
• Possession of a Firearm without being the Holder of a License
• Operate a Conveyance (Motor Vehicle) in a Manner Dangerous to the Public
• Mischief
• Breach of Conditions of an Undertaking

Salmo RCMP:

• Operate a Conveyance (Motor Vehicle) in a Manner Dangerous to the Public
• Mischief
• Breach of Conditions of an Undertaking

Police add that other ongoing investigations may result in additional charges against Hanbury in the future.

Hanbury is in police custody awaiting a bail hearing. Police and Crown counsel will be requesting that he remains detained.

"We are incredibly grateful for the public's assistance in locating Aza Hanbury. Their willingness to report sightings and provide information directly contributed to his arrest,” said NPD Inspector Kris Rice.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Wanted offender Aza Tobias Hanbury arrested in Nelson appeared first on My Nelson Now.

Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson says the 2024-25 federal budget’s $8.5 billion investment in housing is a step in the right direction, but emphasizes the urgency for housing initiatives now.  

On Tuesday the federal government tabled its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which proposes $52.9 billion in additional spending over five years.  

One of the biggest items to come from the budget is its commitment to housing, with a plan to unlock nearly 3.9 million homes by 2031 through its previously announced Canada Housing Plan.  

Under the housing plan, is the Canada Builds Plan, which promises $1.1 billion over 10 years to convert underused federal buildings and land into homes.  

The strategy is nearly a carbon copy of Premier David Eby’s $2 billion promise for similar initiatives on provincial land through his BC Builds plan, revealed in February.  

Anderson says this shows her government is on the right track in its response to the housing crisis. 

“Our Premier has been celebrated across North America for his really ambitious plan on addressing the housing crisis,. It's great that British Columbians are going to benefit from this, but it's also wonderful to know that people from across Canada are also going to benefit from the leadership that our Premier has shown.”  

The federal strategy hopes to see 250,000 new homes built by 2031, however, MLA Brittny Anderson said the province aims to fill in the gaps until these projects come to fruition. 

“Its good to see the federal government step up but we need to see the rollout quickly and make sure that we get that money so we can create housing for people," she said.

"One of the key parts of Premier David Eby's housing plan is to look for municipally owned and provincially owned land for housing. I'm glad to see that we'll be able to access federal land for housing as well.” 

The liberal budget also includes a $1.3 billion top up to the federal Reaching Homes Program, the primary funder of Nelsons Coordinated Access Hub that was recently closed due to a drop in the programs funding.  

Anderson hopes that this top up of the fund will roll out to communities soon, but assures the residents that she’s working locally to find other solutions.  

“I'm hopeful that we can have some of that federal funding as soon as possible to support our community now. It was super challenging with the closure of the HUB. There's a lot of work being done on the ground here locally, and I'm working provincially to try to make sure that we have the supports in place for people.”  

Overall, Anderson says her government welcomes the tabled 2024-25 budget, adding that the province will work closely with the feds to ensure British Columbians in rural and remote communities can benefit from it in the same way urban communities will.

“We're always hopeful that the federal government is going to support us more. We'll be working with our federal partners to make sure that British Columbia is really able to benefit from this federal budget. ” 

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post “I’m glad the federal government is stepping up”: MLA Brittny Anderson on federal budget appeared first on My Nelson Now.

Seventy-six percent of residents in Fairview have now been equipped with a FoodCycler through the City of Nelson’s Organic Food Waste Diversion pilot, which aims to ease household waste management and reduce the amount of organics in the local waste stream.

Fairview was chosen as the pilot neighbourhood for the three-year program, which officially launched in October.

The city received federal funding to expand the program in June 2023.

A media release from the City stated that since October, 709 of the 928 eligible homes have received the appliance, with the remaining 219 FoodCyclers now up for grabs for residents in all neighbourhoods.

A third-party waste management consultant has been brought on to gather data and evaluate the program's success.

While data collection is a joint effort between City staff and the consultant, the consultant will independently analyze the data, with the results helping to develop the program's next steps.

Nelson City Council will determine the success and future of the program this summer after reviewing the data gathered by the consultant.

"As stewards of our environment and community, the diversion results will be a key factor in our decision-making process," says Mayor Janice Morrison.

"This comprehensive evaluation of the FoodCycler program will provide valuable insights to determine the next steps toward implementing a city-wide program."

Emily Mask, Climate Programs Coordinator, said that residents who’ve been involved in the pilot so far have provided positive feedback.

"Our residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with the program. Upon receiving their units, participants often express appreciation for the service. Even those less inclined toward climate action recognize the benefits of the FoodCycler in simplifying waste management at home and protecting wildlife. We are excited to see the upcoming evaluation results."

The remaining units will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone who is interested can sign up on the City of Nelson's website.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post City of Nelson hits milestone in pre-treated organics pilot program appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The post Construction on Victoria Street Transit exchange begins this week appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The northbound lane on the 400 block of Ward Street will be closed for approximately five days while the City of Nelson works to upgrade its stormwater system.

Crews and equipment are scheduled to begin arriving today (Monday) and will be on-site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On-street parking on the 400 block of Ward Street will be suspended while the work is underway, with periodic full closures of Ward scheduled for April 18 and 19.

The post Work underway to upgrade Nelson’s stormwater system appeared first on My Nelson Now.

Get ready to give cyclists more room on the road, as the provincial government is updating its Motor Vehicle Act to better protect vulnerable road users.

Vulnerable road users, according to the BC government's website, is anyone on a cycle, motorcycle, an animal or animal-driven vehicle, an electric kick scooter, and an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Under the new regulations, which come into effect Jun. 5, drivers will be required to take extra precautions when interacting with vulnerable road users and ensure they’re maintaining a minimum distance when passing.

Motorists who pass a vulnerable road user on a road with a speed limit above 50 km/h will be required to maintain a 1.5-meter distance when passing, and a one-meter distance when passing on roads with speed limits less than 50 km/h.

Failure to comply with the new passing requirements could result in a $368 fine and 3 driver penalty points. Motorists who don't proceed with caution when interacting with vulnerable road users face a $109 fine.

The province said the new regulations aim to keep people safer on BC roads; however, Vice President of the West Kootenay Cycling Coalition, Solita Work, said that they don’t go far enough.

“I totally believe that it's a step in the right direction. But I think our Motor Vehicle Act favors motor vehicle drivers, even though there are lots of other users out there and many of them are very vulnerable. So, it doesn't really solve all the problems. The best would be separated safe infrastructure for these other users.”

Work would like to see the province introduce more safe cycling and awareness campaigns to better promote clarity on road and cycling safety, in addition to investments in separate roadways and infrastructure for vulnerable road users.

“Even with a safe passing law it still can't replace separated safe infrastructure. There also needs to be more of an awareness campaign. They did a fairly successful campaign about drinking and driving. Maybe it needs to be something like that that’s quite widespread regarding safer rules of the road too.” said Solita.

In addition to the new passing laws, the BC Government also announced it’s introducing a new, lower speed class of e-bikes for residents aged 14 and older with age-appropriate safety precautions, less speed, and motors that only operate while pedaling.

Additionally, the province has also effectively banned fully autonomous vehicles across the province, which came into effect April 5.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Province sets new minimum distances for motorists passing cyclists on BC roads appeared first on My Nelson Now.

Restaurant owners with patios in downtown Nelson are required to phase out gas-powered patio heaters before the 2025 patio season.

During April’s city council meeting, Nelson City Councilors approved several changes to the bylaw that regulates sidewalk patios, which was originally developed in 2020 in response to COVID-19 mandates.

The amendments included increasing the annual fees per parking stall, changes to the minimum separation requirements between patios and buildings, and a requirement that all sidewalk patio operators phase out gas-powered patio heaters.

The changes mean downtown restaurant owners will see the annual fee per parking stall increased from $300 to $480, accounting for the city’s recent 60 per cent increase in the hourly parking meter fees.

Sidewalk patios on Baker Street will see the separation requirement between patios and neighboring buildings increased from 2 meters to 2.3 meters. For other streets, it will be increased from 1.6 meters to 2. These requirements will only apply to new patios or current ones looking to expand or redesign the space.

In regards to gas fueled patio heaters, Councillor Rik Logtenberg pushed for the amendment to require patio operators to phase them out completely by next year, a topic he has felt strongly about since the initial bylaw was developed in 2020.

“So in 2020 when this came up, I remember feeling strongly that these [gas-powered patio heaters] were not to be permitted. I would strongly suggest amending this to have one year of grace at maximum, but I'd like to see these gone by next year for sure if not sooner.”

Council agreed with Logtenberg’s suggestion, adding that the greenhouse gas emissions generated through the use of gas-power heaters don’t align with the city’s direction regarding climate change.

A unanimous vote approved all the changes, with the requirement that gas-powered heaters be phased out before the 2025 patio season.

Sidewalk patio season begins on May 1.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Nelson to phase out gas-powered patio heaters for downtown patios appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)  is searching for volunteers throughout the Kootenays to help drive local cancer patients to and from their treatment appointments through its Wheels of Hope Program.

The program is new to the Kootenay region and is being introduced in the East, West, and Central Kootenay areas.

Volunteers are urgently needed in both urban and rural communities. Those who sign up drive local cancer patients to and from their cancer treatment appointments, usually located in Nelson, Trail, or Cranbrook.

Mark Kahan, the recruitment coordinator with Wheels of Hope said they’re hoping to recruit at least 15 volunteers in the region who are available during the day Monday to Friday, adding that transportation is a significant barrier local cancer patients are facing when trying to access life-saving medical treatment.

“Some people may have to go for up to six weeks at a time, Monday to Friday for daily radiation, and we’ve found that if someone can't find a ride, they don't go. It breaks my heart to hear that the only reason someone wouldn't go to their life-saving treatment is because they can't find a ride. So that's where the Wheels of Hope program comes in.”

CCS will run criminal record and background checks on each volunteer who signs up, as well as a driving record check. Those who choose to volunteer with their own vehicle will receive mileage reimbursement at 45 cents per litre or a tax receipt for those who wish to donate the cost of their mileage to the program.

Volunteers have the option of using their own vehicle or utilizing the Wheels of Hope fleet vehicle located in Castlegar. Personal vehicles need to be safe, and 100 per cent smoke and scent-free.

Kahan emphasized that volunteers from smaller rural communities throughout the Kootenays are an asset, adding that the role of a volunteer expands beyond transportation and includes providing emotional support to those community members navigating their cancer diagnosis.

“We need volunteers from all over the little communities in the Kootenays. Our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs a ride to their treatment gets one, but we're only able to do that with the kindness and support of volunteer drivers,” stated Kahan.

“We get a lot of feedback from our volunteers who say they get more out of the service than the people they're transporting because they just love meeting people. It's really such a great experience for not just the client, but it's also just a great experience for the volunteer driver as well.”

Interested individuals can sign up online at www.volunteercancer.ca to submit an application, or call 1-888-939-3333 for more information.

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.

The post Canadian Cancer Society launches Wheels of Hope in the Kootenays; searching for volunteers appeared first on My Nelson Now.

The BC Government has added $20 million dollars to it's Student and Family Affordability fund,  which helps support families struggling to afford school expensis for their children.

$375,000 of the $20 million top-up will support students and families throughout three local school districts in the Kootenays.

Over the last two years, the province has provided more than $60 million to the fund, which helps pay for school things like field trips, school supplies, extracurricular activity fees and other essential items.

Kootenay Lake’s School District 8 and Arrow Lakes School District 10 will each receive $100,000, with Kootenay-Columbia’s School District 20 receiving $175,000.

Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson said that the funding aims to provide relief to families struggling financially and to ensure equal opportunities are available to all students.

"No child should miss out on special activities, trips, or memorable school moments due to financial constraints. This funding marks an important step in supporting children and fostering inclusivity within our schools."

Anderson added that all three school districts have received the funding before, which she says has significantly helped many local families.

“It's really about equity for our students. With global inflation, things are really challenging for families, and I'm hearing it all the time. It's really important that our government is stepping up and taking action to support families and students and make sure that they're able to participate in all the activities that students can enjoy.”

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Province tops up Student and Family Affordability Fund in three Kootenay school districts appeared first on My Nelson Now.

A sewage leak south of Nelson reportedly saw millions of liters of sewage released into the Kootenay River over a four day period.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the leak was identified at the bottom of the river on Mar. 27.

A report on the ministry’s website stated that the potential impact on wildlife in the river is presumed to be minimal because the rate of the river flow was much greater than that of the sewage leak.

In an update issued on Mar. 30, the ministry said that local health authorities were notified and determined that the leak’s potential impact on humans was minimal, as all private and public water extraction points were a significant distance from the leak itself.

It added that the sewage was macerated, meaning limited solids were leaked into the river.

By Apr. 2, The City of Nelson deployed a dive team out of Vancouver to repair the leak, which was deemed successful on Apr. 3rd.

A media release from the city stated that the leak resulted from a displacement of a rubber gasket from a prior repair, resulting in an opening not much bigger than the size of a loonie.

Because the flow of the leak was significantly lower than that of the river, the city and a provincial coordination team determined it unnecessary to issue an immediate public advisory.

"I want to acknowledge our staff's swiftness and commitment to maintaining our vital infrastructure. Our team's ongoing rapid response in situations like these helps ensure our community remains safe," said Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison.

"We approach these matters with the seriousness they deserve. Remarkably, in this scenario, the solution was found in dilution. I am profoundly grateful for the patience and understanding of our community as we navigate these challenges together."

The city said the gasket naturally repositioned itself back into place and stopped the leak before the dive team arrived on-site to successfully reinforce it to ensure its future stability.

The incident wasn’t a pipeline failure, and the dive team is conducting a comprehensive inspection of the entire pipeline to assess its overall condition.

The ministry added that it is working internally to review and assess the downstream impacts to determine whether additional sampling needs to be considered, and will be reviewing the city’s liquid waste management plan, which is currently being updated to account for the city’s aging wastewater infrastructure.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Major sewage leak in Kootenay River poses minimal risk to human health appeared first on My Nelson Now.

Local RCMP detachments in the Kootenays are warning community members of a rise in text, phone, and email scams after receiving multiple reports of residents being scammed out of significant amounts of money.

On Mar. 20, a Trail woman was scammed out of $1,900 by someone claiming to be her son who needed money.

The Trail RCMP detachment reported that the woman was contacted by text and transferred the funds via e-transfer.

When the individual asked her to transfer more funds after the first transaction, she became suspicious and contacted her son and realized she had been scammed.

Unfortunately for the victim, e-transfers cannot be recovered, but the incident has prompted the detachment to warn residents of the scams and how to avoid them.

“Anyone can fall for a phone, text, and email scam as they are simple to execute yet often have sophisticated criminal networks running them. Please make sure you know the person you are communicating with, and double-check with the person you are sending money to if you are not sure about the legitimacy of the request,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich in a press release.

Trail isn’t the only community dealing with an influx of scammers. During Castlegar’s City Council Meeting, councillors brought attention to the issue, stating that many community members in Castlegar have also fallen victim to such scams.

Councillor Shirley Falstead said that a friend of hers was recently scammed out of nearly $10,000, adding that more awareness around the issue is needed.

Sergeant Monty Taylor with the Castlegar RCMP detachment agreed that awareness and communication are key in reducing the number of victims and urges anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim to a scam to talk about it and not feel embarrassed.

“When I started my career 20-some years ago, I thought these [scams] eventually would fall off the wayside, with people becoming more familiar with them. But they're just evolving and becoming more elaborate and believable as technology and trends continue,” he said.

“We encourage families and friends to talk about the scams. Knowledge is power. It's a difficult topic, talking about an individual's financial situation and finances, but get that information out there.”

If you think you’ve been scammed or want information on how to protect yourself, you can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and report it using their online reporting tool.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mynelsonnow.com.

The post Text scams on the rise in the Kootenays appeared first on My Nelson Now.