CHDR (Cranbrook, BC)

First Nations and local governments across B.C. will receive more than $1.3 million for 29 projects to improve evacuation-route and public-notification planning, helping communities better prepare for emergencies, including in Cranbrook and Creston. “This funding helps communities build clearer evacuation-route plans and stronger public-notification plans.

At a special Council meeting on Tuesday, (September 8), Cranbrook City Council approved a three-year temporary use permit for BC Housing to develop 50 proposed temporary supportive homes at 1525 Industrial Road 2. The project is intended to provide urgently needed housing while permanent supportive housing is built next to Cranbrook’s shelter, a process expected to take about three years.

Fill up and give back with Co-op Fuel Up & Fuel Good Day, returning September 15, raising funds for local non-profits including the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society. As part of Fuel Good Day on September 15, 10 cents from every litre of fuel sold at all Armstrong Regional Co-op gas bars will be donated to local non-profits and charities. This includes all grades of gasoline and diesel fuel. New this year, there are additional ways to support local organizations through Fuel Good Day.

Cranbrook will move back to Stage 1 water restrictions on September 14. Residents may water between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., but not during both periods. Even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Watering is not allowed on Wednesdays.

An emergency power outage is scheduled for all BC Hydro customers in Sparwood from tonight (September 9) at 11:59 p.m. until 3 a.m. tomorrow (September 10). For the latest updates on BC Hydro power outages, click here.

Today (Sept. 9), 5th Ave and Moyie Street in Kimberley will be closed, with permanent barriers being installed to block access. The City says that by reducing traffic through the area, it will be a safer space for people walking, cycling, and visiting Triangle Park. After the new barriers are installed, please watch for signage, follow detour routes, and allow yourself a few extra minutes to get where you’re going.

A motorcyclist has died after a single motorcycle collision on Highway 3 east of Castlegar on Sept. 5 while trying to avoid wildlife. Shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 5, first responders attended the scene and located a motorcycle with significant damage, along with the lone rider, a 62-year-old man, who had succumbed to his injuries. RCMP says early indications suggest the motorcyclist was travelling along the highway when he encountered wildlife that had entered the roadway.

For the past two years, the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society has been looking for suitable land in the East Kootenay to build a 10-bed hospice house. The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society (CKHS) provides end-of-life support for patients, families and friends, as well as bereavement services. The organization currently has 72 volunteers trained in end-of-life companioning and bereavement support.

The Mt McLean entrance to James White Park and a portion of Mt View Park Road in Fernie will be closed to all traffic today (Sept. 9) while the City’s contractors complete electrical repairs at the James White Park Wells buildings. To access James White Park during this time, please use Mt Minton Street.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is reminding residents that bear season is underway and urging them to stay alert. As fall progresses, bears may move to lower elevations where greenery and other food sources are still available. This often leads them near rural properties or into communities. With drought and wildfire impacts making natural food harder to find this year, it is especially important to remove anything that may attract bears.