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.

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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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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.

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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 City of Nelson's bi-weekly garbage and recycling collection week runs from Apr. 22 to Apr. 26.

To ensure your Blue Bin Recycling is picked up, please note:

• Blue Bins must not weigh more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
• Only permitted recycling items are allowed. To find out what you can recycle, click here to see the city’s Recycling Guide.
• Empty and rinse all containers. Soiled containers are not accepted. Remove any caps and place them loosely in your bin. Squash or crush items like plastic bottles, cartons, jugs, and aluminum cans to make more room in your recycle bin.
• Flatten cardboard. Remove plastic wrap; staples and tape are okay. Save space in your bin by bundling cardboard - approximately 24” wide (61 cm) x 36” tall (91 cm), securing it with string, and placing it beside your bin.
• Do not bag items. Place items loosely in your recycling bin - plastic bags, including blue bags, are not accepted in your recycling.
  

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The B.C. government is distributing $2.8 million to Kootenay-based organizations to support local economies. 

B.C. officials said the funding will go to 10 projects led by local governments, First Nations and non-profit groups. 

“Rural communities throughout B.C. have told us which projects are the most important for growing and diversifying their local economies and we’re helping them get those projects off the ground,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. 

“Community leaders work tirelessly to build vibrant, inviting communities, and we are proud to support them.” 

The funding comes from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), which is part of a $33 million investment into the province’s rural communities. 

Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative, a local co-op that manages public forests and runs a small sawmill will be receiving as much as $250,000 of the provincial grant.  

BC officials stated that the funds will help the co-op upgrade its mill and replace equipment to improve efficiency and adapt to smaller diameter logs, creating three new jobs in the process.  

"The Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative is most appreciative of funding support provided by the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund,” stated Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative president Bill MacPherson. 

“Their financial assistance enables us to complete an ongoing revitalization of our milling division, Harrop Procter Forest Products, resulting in improved efficiencies, enhanced waste utilization capacity and, most importantly, continued and increased local employment." 

You can see the rest of the local projects set to receive funding here. 

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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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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.

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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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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.

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This coming Monday, BC Transit and its local government partners are happy to announce free transit in the West Kootenays in recognition of Earth Day on April 22, 2024.

Earth Day highlights the importance of sustainability and encourages people to make choices that reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and help protect our environment.

Taking public transit is one way to make a difference.

BC Transit is committed to making a positive impact on our environment with it's Low Carbon Fleet Program underway to support provincial targets for GHG emissions and aligns with CleanBC.

The current province-wide fleet has more than 280 Compressed Natural Gas buses and
funding is now in place for the future addition of 141 electric buses.

More information on BC Transit’s future zero-emission fleet and sustainability initiatives is available here.

BC Transit would like to thank the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, Regional District of Central Kootenay, and City of Nelson for their support of free transit on Earth Day.

We encourage our customers to use the Transit App, Google Transit or any other app of their choice for real-time bus tracking and planning your next transit journey.

For more information visit bctransit.com.

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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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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. ” 

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