CHDR (Cranbrook, BC)

The District of Sparwood sprinkling regulations are in effect now through September 30 to promote water conservation. Even-numbered addresses can water on even calendar days, and odd-numbered addresses can water on odd calendar days.

RCMP say they are expanding the search for missing child Lanakai Morrison, who may be headed toward the Kootenays. According to police, on July 7, six-year-old Lanakai was allegedly taken by his mom, 35-year-old Krista Morrison, from Valhalla Centre near Beaverlodge, Alberta. Lanakai is believed to be with his biological mother, her partner Daniel Ludwig, and another child, four-year-old Karl Morrison. They are highly mobile and could be in Northern BC, Yukon or Alberta.

The British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC), the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), and BC Hockey have announced a new B.C. Junior Development Agreement aimed at supporting player growth and creating clearer advancement opportunities. BCHC and PJHL clubs will work together to provide junior hockey athletes with opportunities for affiliation and advancement as they navigate the U20 Development and Junior A levels with maximum exposure, flexibility and choice.

The Regional District of East Kootenay is encouraging residents and visitors to become familiar with FireSmart preparation for wildfire season. What are some FireSmart steps you can take right now? Move Combustibles Storing combustibles at least 10 m away from your house can make a big difference. Firewood and propane tanks are clear risks, but other common household items, such as patio furniture, toys, and paddleboards, can easily ignite during a wildfire.

Cranbrook City Council are updating the City’s unsightly premises bylaws to include graffiti. The update means graffiti is defined as writing or images scratched, painted, or drawn on walls, fences, signs, buildings, or other structures, while approved public art murals are not included. It would also make it clear that graffiti visible from a road or public place cannot be placed or left on private property.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow watch for severe thunderstorms in the East Kootenay, including Cranbrook, Kimberley and the Elk Valley. Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. There is also a chance of a funnel cloud this evening. Driving conditions may be difficult. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible.

Sparwood Council awarded Speers Construction Incorporated the Bulk Water Station Project contract for $308, 288 (plus applicable taxes). The project will establish a controlled and metered bulk water station to improve operational efficiency, safety, and accessibility for residents, commercial users, and District staff. The new project will simplify fee administration and cost recovery.

Cranbrook City Council have approved exploring funding options to start a Restorative Justice (RJ) program in Cranbrook. During the council meeting this week, city staff were directed to explore grant funding opportunities to start an RJ program operated through Police Services at the Cranbrook RCMP detachment. RJ is an approach to addressing conflict and harm and focuses on healing and repairing relationships between affected parties.

Kimberley council has received the latest update on key projects around the city. Chief administrative officer Jim Hendricks presented a second-quarter administration update on Monday, July 13, detailing the status of major capital projects, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, the Archibald Bridge rehabilitation and more. “There’s a bunch of projects that are in the design phase that we’re gonna be moving forward with,” said Hendricks.

An Invermere-area resident has recently been recognized for her long-time work in caring for the Columbia Valley. Baiba Morrow has received this year’s Ellen Zimmerman Award from Wildsight, which honours women who have made “outstanding contributions” to conservation and education in the Upper Columbia Basin. “There could be no better recipient than Baiba,” Wildsight Executive Director Robyn Duncan told award attendees.