The Valley Voice
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Looks like the West Kootenay's going to have a white Christmas after all. Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch for the West Kootenay ahead of a storm that will hit the area Monday. It says a deepening Pacific low will make its way across Washington state Dec. 21. ... "Abundant moisture associated with the system combined with cold air to the north of its trajectory will produce heavy snowfall across the southern interior of British Columbia," forecasters say. Snow will begin Monday morning and intensify Monday evening. It will taper off by Tuesday morning. Snowfall amounts will range from 25 to 35 cm. The watch notice includes the West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, Paulson summit on Highway 3, into the north and south Okanagan valley. The watch turns into a snowfall warning in the Boundary area, and storm warning in the Okanagan. "Avoid travel if possible," the notice continues. "Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight." https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?bc30

Local highways are snow covered and slippery, so if you have to go out, plan for a slower trip than usual. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Paulson Pass. It says the West Kootenay in general could receive 10-15 centimetres by tomorrow. The strong Pacific frontal moving through southern British Columbia is expected to taper off to periods of light snow by this evening.... "Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," advises Environment Canada. "Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow."

The Arrow Lakes School District #10 is going to be headhunting for a new superintendent. Terry Taylor announced to the board on Tuesday, Dec. 8 she was retiring from the district after 38 years. "It has been the most incredible learning journey and privilege to work alongside such inspiring students, teacher and support staff colleagues, district leadership teams, the Board of Education, parents and community members in the most amazing little school district ever!" she said. Taylor has served as teacher, counsellor, principal, superintendent and secretary-treasurer of the district in her decades of service. Her last day of work will be July 31, 2021.

Join us for our next financial literacy workshop: DEBT SMARTS! This free and informative workshop will help answer some of the questions you have about debt! Email to join.

FREE FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP! Debt Smarts - Dec 15 at 6:00 pm on Zoom Tips to manage your debt, know when to get a consolidation loan and the difference between consumer proposal and bankruptcy. Email [email protected] to register. (The Valley Voice missed this ad in our last issue)

With up to 40 cm expected on the passes, Environment Canada says we should consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

CORRECTION In the article in our December 3 issue called ‘Slocan Valley entrepreneurs offer online shopping options,’ we reported on the Handmade Heart Virtual Holiday Market. When you shop online at the market, there will be delivery to central locations in the Slocan Valley not to your door, as stated in the article. The Handmade Heart Virtual Holiday Market is the brainchild of Morgen Bardati. Apologies for misspelling Morgen’s name in the article. Here are links to the Slocan Valley Artisans Facebook page and to the event page: https://www.facebook.com/SlocanValleyArtisans https://www.facebook.com/events/813759629190543?active_tab=aboutCORRE

Delays to the Slocan fibre-optic project push back completion date; help for a couple whose property was hit by a landslide; saving Kaslo's laundromat; and a letter's page for the ages! All this and more in the Nov. 5 Valley Voice. http://www.valleyvoice.ca/_PDF_2016/ValleyVoice201105web.pdf

Debate begins Thursday, 5 p.m.

Wow, we got so excited by the provincial election we forgot to post last week's paper to the web. Still, better late than never: IN THE OCT. 22nd EDITION OF THE VALLEY VOICE: a film crew seeks the sunken train in Slocan Lake; reports from council meetings across the region; economic plans for Kaslo; and the election hits the letters page.

The boy who was reported missing on December 3, 2020 by Slocan RCMP has been located. "RCMP is pleased to confirm that the 12-year-old boy reported missing was located last night safe and sound," a press release issued Friday, Dec. 4 says. "Slocan Lake RCMP would like to thank those that assisted with the investigation." Finn Lydon was last seen yesterday at approximately 11:30 a.m., when he departed his Winlaw home.... Police believed Finn either remained in the Slocan Valley region or he had travelled toward Rossland.

Here's the video from the All-Candidate's meeting last night, October 15, sponsored by the Valley Voice. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, the recording failed for the first few minutes of the event. Thanks to all who participated!

BC ELECTION 2020 RESULTS Local ridings stick with government as province returns majority to NDP British Columbians woke up Sunday morning to an unconfirmed, but expected majority government for the governing New Democratic Party. Even with tens of thousands of mail-in ballots still uncounted, Premier John Horgan’s NDP were forecast to be returned to power with a comfortable 55-seat majority the biggest ever for the party.... The BC Liberals had their worst showing since a drubbing nearly 30 years ago in 1991 -- picking up just 29 seats. The Greens won three seats, same as last election. The two ridings in our region remained faithful to the New Democrats. In Kootenay West, Katrine Conroy again won a comfortable victory, and as of Sunday morning had 57% of the vote nearly the same result as her 2017 win. In Nelson-Creston, despite facing a strong challenge from the Green Party candidate, Brittny Anderson was projected to be the winner. While BC voters turned out in droves to vote early or by mail-in ballot, those won’t be counted for at least 13 days, because of provincial election rules. However, the results in neither of our local ridings is expected to change as a result. Here are the detailed results in both ridings, as of 2:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25: Kootenay West Katrine Conroy (NDP) 5,718 (57.54%) Andrew Duncan (Green) 1,862 (18.74%) Corbin Kelley (BC Libs) 1,162 (11.69%) Glen Byle (Cons) 937 (9.43%) Ed Varney 135 (1.25%) Fletcher Quince 124 (1.25%) Nelson-Creston Brittny Anderson (NDP) 5,377 (39.86%) Nicole Charlwood (Green) 4,443 (32.94%) Tanya Finley (BC Libs) 3,335 (24.72) Terry Tiessen (Libertarian) 335 (2.48%) Due to the large volume of mail-in ballots to be considered, Elections BC warns that the final vote count, expected to start Nov. 6, could take several days.

The City of Castlegar is calling on citizens to respect public health protocols as COVID is confirmed in the community.

Hey all, Sure, 2020 has sucked. But we want to take a small look back in our next paper at *good* things that happened in 2020. So tell us a positive experience you, a friend, or neighbour had in 2020. Did someone you know win an award? Overcome illness or adversity? Gain recognition for doing something good? Start a business, rescue someone, get married, do something to make the world a better place? Just because the pandemic ruined everything this year, doesn't mean it ruined *everything this year. If you have a story to tell, big or small, that might put a smile on people's faces, please message us here or send an email to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

The body of a Nakusp man who went missing in August 2019 has been found. RCMP say the remains of Christopher Sanford were found along the west shore of the Upper Arrow Lakes near Needles last Saturday. Police say a couple walking along the shoreline near the Needles North Road made the discovery and contacted police. Nakusp RCMP and the BC Coroners Service attended to examine the scene and recover the remains.... Investigators have since positively identified the remains as 35-year-old Christopher Sanford, who had been reported as a missing person to the Nakusp RCMP on August 5, 2019. Sanford’s GMC S-15 pickup truck had been located abandoned, in nearby Fauquier, shortly after his disappearance. His disappearance prompted an extensive search of the area surrounding the abandoned pickup truck was conducted. The ground search was supported by local search and rescue personnel and a RCMP canine team. Boats were utilized to search nearby waterways and an RCMP aircraft was brought in to scour the area from the skies above, but no sign of the man was found. "Sanford’s family has since been notified of the latest developments in this investigation," said S/Sgt. Scott Aschenbrenner, Unit Commander of the Southeast District Major Crime Unit. "At this time the focus of the RCMP investigation will be to determine whether or not criminality was involved in Mr. Sanford’s death." The BC Coroners Service is conducting an independent and concurrent parallel fact-finding investigation. Neither the RCMP nor the BC Coroners Service has more information to release. IMAGE: Christopher Sanford's body was found along the shore near Needles, B.C.

The Village of Kaslo has lifted its boil water advisory, implemented earlier this week after rains increased turbidity in the village's water supply.

This week's Valley Voice (03-12-20) includes an article about shopping local while you shop online. Here's a list of the participating Valley and Arrow Lakes area artisans and businesses taking part in the Handmade Heart virtual Christmas market. If you are a Slocan Valley (Area H), Arrow Lakes ( and Area K) or Kaslo (and Area D) artist or craftsperson, please feel free to include your business link information below.

Thanks to Kootenay Business magazine for the wonderful piece on our paper!

How to take part in tonight's All-Candidate's Debate, sponsored by the Valley Voice... TONIGHT! ALL CANDIDATES MEETING FOR KOOTENAY WEST via Zoom, Thurs. Oct. 15, 7-9 pm. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85958444883 Passcode: 395621... ALL WELCOME! Questions for the candidates were solicited in advance, so we have a full slate of excellent questions prepared. There will be no time for questions from attendees; this is an opportunity for people to meet the candidates and hear from them on important issues. IF YOU ARE HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, please email [email protected] or text 250-551-6190. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Valley Voice Newspaper and the Slocan Valley Chamber of Commerce. IF YOU WANT TO JOIN BY PHONE: iPhone one-tap : Canada: +16473744685,,85958444883#,,,,,,0#,,395621# or +16475580588,,85958444883#,,,,,,0#,,395621# Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): Canada: 1-778-907-2071 or 1-647-374-4685 or 1-647-558-0588 or 1-204-272-7920 or 1-438-809-7799 or 1-587-328-1099 Webinar ID: 859 5844 4883 Passcode: 395621 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcdT7AgkXs

The Regional District of Central Kootenay is refreshing its WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for the community of Burton. The Advisory issued January 12, 2017 remains in effect, the RDCK said Oct. 14. "This reminder is being issued due to low levels of Coliform bacteria were detected in recent samples," it added. "While health risks are considered low, the RDCK recommends that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone seeking additional protection drink bo...iled water or a safe alternative until further notice." For these at-risk populations, water intended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Customers could also choose to use bottled or distilled water, the RDCK release says. Owners of all public facilities must post a WATER QUALITY ADVISORY at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public (alternatively, public fountains and taps may be turned off). As opportunities arise, they must also advise their clientele verbally of the WATER QUALITY ADVISORY. The RDCK will be taking measures to reduce risk; water quality will be monitored and the public will be notified when the RDCK is able to lift the WATER QUALITY ADVISORY.

The West Kootenay will continue to have a voice at the provincial cabinet table. NDP MLA Katrine Conroy has been picked by Premier John Horgan to a new position -- Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Conroy, who has represented the West Kootenay riding since 2005, was Minister of Children and Families in the last NDP government. Valley Voice is reaching out to ask Conroy about her new assignment. The region does lose one cabinet post... though. Rookie Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson was not selected for a ministry by Horgan. The previous MLA for the riding, Michelle Mungall, was both Energy and Mines, and Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness minister in the previous government. The NDP won a historic majority in the October 24 election, and Conroy won her riding with an almost 60% share of the vote. See more

Last day to submit! DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR THE KOOTENAY WEST CANDIDATES? The Valley Voice and the Slocan Valley Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring a Virtual All Candidates Meeting (via Zoom) on Thursday, October 15, 7-9 pm. We are compiling a list of questions for the candidates, and want your input! Please email your question(s) to [email protected] by Wednesday, October 14 at 5 pm. The link to the Virtual All Candidates Meeting will be on the Valley Voice Facebook page (facebook.com/TheValleyVoiceNewspaper) on the day of the meeting, October 15, at 5 pm. THANK YOU!

The Village of Kaslo says residents should boil their water before drinking or using it. The village issued a Boil Water Advisory today (Oct. 13) due to high turbidity registering at the water treatment plant. Residents are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for more than one minute, or find a safe alternative source. This applies for drinking water, brushing teeth, making baby formula, food, beverages and ice and washing fruits and vegetables. Turbidity affects the performance of the chlorine disinfection process because bacteria, viruses and microorganisms can attach themselves to suspended particles in the turbid water. These particles can interfere with disinfection by shielding the microorganisms from the chlorine.

The Valley Voice Nov. 19 edition is now available: initial planning begins for Slocan's Old Mill site redevelopment; the mayor of Silverton resigns; and why high-speed internet may take a whole lot longer to get to your home, even after the Slocan fibre-optic project is complete. All available by clicking on the link!

If your travels are taking you over Highway 3 mountain passes today, take care... snowfall expected.

With more than 23 COVID-19 cases now reported in Salmo, Interior Health officials are advising everyone in in all communities to remain vigilant in following coronavirus precautions. "The majority of these cases are linked to several social events that occurred in Salmo," says a release by Interior Health. "At this time, there is no evidence of widespread transmission in any communities and an outbreak has not been declared." The first case was reported about two weeks ago.... The majority of new cases are primarily among contacts of the original cases identified earlier this month. This highlights the importance, especially at this time, of limiting your social activities and following COVID-19 protocols when indoors (distancing and masking when unable to effectively distance). All identified active cases continue to self-isolate and public health continues to follow-up directly with all close contacts to offer guidance and support. The risk of exposure from this cluster in communities outside the broader Salmo area is considered low. IH continues to monitor this cluster for additional cases. No exposures have been identified in a local school setting and students can continue to go to school. If there is a case, the schools will be alerted and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the safety of our school population. IH will report school cases on our public website (https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/school-exposures/). Information from across BC continues to demonstrate that we are not seeing significant transmission of COVID-19 in the school settings. The Salmo businesses involved in the gatherings have elected to temporarily close. Environmental public health has been in the community to review safety plans at a number of locations and provide guidance and support as required. This cluster illustrates that COVID-19 is in smaller rural communities as well as larger urban centres. IH reminds citizens to: -- Keep to your household bubbles and avoid social gatherings. -- Stay home when you are sick and get tested if you have any symptoms consistent with COVID (see below). -- Practise physical distancing and use a mask if you cannot. -- Wash your hands often.

06:59 Attention Galena Bay- Shelter Bay Passengers : Due to a police incident all sailings are canceled until further notice . Next update will be at 08:00 a...m. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patientence.

Up to 15 cm of snow could fall Sunday night on mountain pass summits.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR THE KOOTENAY WEST CANDIDATES IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION? The Valley Voice and the Slocan Valley Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring a Virtual All Candidates Meeting (via Zoom) on Thursday, October 15, 7-9 pm. We are compiling a list of questions for the candidates, and want your input! Please email your question(s) to [email protected] by Wednesday, October 14 at 5 pm. The link to the Virtual All Candidates Meeting will be on our Facebook page on the day of the meeting, October 15, at 5 pm. THANK YOU!

The Valley Voice for October 8, 2020 has been released! Find out how tourism operators are working to keep skiers safe this winter season; meet your candidates for the upcoming provincial election; and more school board coverage than a teacher can shake a ruler at! Check out the latest edition below... http://www.valleyvoice.ca/_PDF_2016/ValleyVoice201008web.pdf

Restrictions have been lifted by the BC Wildfire Service, but if you live in a town check with your municipal government -- and be safe! http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca//wildf/DisplayArticle.asp

BC WILDFIRE SERVICE PLANS PRESCRIBED BURN NEAR NAKUSP CASTLEGAR With the support of the Nakusp and Area Community Forest, the BC Wildfire Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn covering up to 10 hectares within the forest to help reduce wildfire threats and prepare the area for replanting. The burn site is about 15 kilometres south of Nakusp. Smoke may be visible from Nakusp and to motorists travelling along Highway 6.... The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could be as early as Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for a low-intensity to moderate-intensity fire. All prescribed burns take into account smoke impacts. Actions to minimize negative effects are a requirement and included in the burn plan. Trained BC Wildfire Service personnel will monitor this fire at all times. Key goals of this prescribed burn include: reduce accumulations of dead wood and other combustible material delay the growth of competing vegetation decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires in the area Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of prescribed burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. Learn more about prescribed burning online: http://ow.ly/20Su50Ax89j

PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED FOR GLACIER CREEK AREA NORTH OF KASLO CASTLEGAR BC Wildfire Service and BC Timber Sales staff plan to conduct a 15-hectare prescribed burn in a cutblock in the Glacier Creek area to help reduce wildfire threats and prepare the area for replanting. The burn site is about 10 kilometres north of Cooper Creek and 55 kilometres north of Kaslo, off the Lavina Forest Service Road. Smoke may be visible from Howser, Marblehead, Meadow Creek, Cooper Creek and ...surrounding communities. Smoke may also be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 31. The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for a low-intensity to moderate-intensity fire. All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. This helps minimize the amount of smoke generated. Trained BC Wildfire Service personnel will monitor this fire at all times. Key goals of this prescribed burn include: reduce accumulations of dead wood and other combustible material delay the growth of competing vegetation decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires in the area prepare the site for planting

The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Talbott Creek wildfire north of Castlegar. Although it is exhibiting minimal fire behaviour, a drone scan co...mpleted on Sept. 28 showed a small number of hot spots. Ground crews were deployed to extinguish the hot spots along the fire’s perimeter. The BC Wildfire Service installed a high-altitude remote camera on the east flank of this fire to provide hourly updates on its behaviour. Small pockets of previously unburned fuels have been igniting within the fire’s perimeter. As a result, smoke may continue to be seen by people in surrounding communities in the coming weeks. This is a common occurrence with large wildfires. BC Wildfire Service personnel continue to monitor the fire and respond as required.

UPDATED: SIX NOW RUNNING IN WEST KOOTENAY RIDING There’s going to be quite the race in the West Kootenay riding this provincial election. The BC Liberals, Conservatives and Greens and two independents all announced, just hours before nominations closed on Friday, that they would run against NDP incumbent Katrine Conroy. Fletcher Quince, who redeveloped an historic bank building in Rossland, and Ed Varney of Winlaw submitted papers Friday to join the already-crowded field:... The Greens said Andrew Duncan will represent their party. He’s a BC Parks seasonal worker and is part of the ski patrol in winter. The Rossland resident has his masters in environmental communication and education. He's also a volunteer manager of the Rossland Search and Rescue group. The Liberals have chosen Corbin Kelley. The 19-year-old political science student at Kamloops’ Thompson-Rivers University does not live in the riding. A member of the Young BC Liberals, he sits on the party's Vernon-Monashee riding association and the city's Advisory Planning Committee. He may be young but has a lot of political experience already, job shadowing former cabinet ministers, MLAs and MPs. Glen Byle will carry the BC Conservative party's banner in this election. He's a medical equipment repair technician from Trail, and ran as an independent in the 2013 election. The challengers face an uphill battle to unseat Conroy. The four-time MLA won her last two elections with about a 60% plurality, and her party is currently dominating province-wide in the polls. The West Kootenay Riding extends from Rossland to Castlegar, as well as the Arrow Lakes and Slocan valleys. Election day is October 24. See more

Residents of the South Slocan will soon be getting a postcard in the mail asking them to comment on what should happen with a long-underused sports field at Playmor Junction.

Swimmers rejoice! Pools will re-open in the RDCK in about two weeks.

SD #10 GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO DAYCARE After months of discussion, study and debate, it took trustees of School District #10 (Arrow Lakes) just a little over half an hour to approve the construction of new, $3 million daycare at Nakusp Elementary. The board gave the go-ahead at a special regular meeting of the trustees Monday night, with all but one trustee voting for the proposal.... Christine Dixon has been a vociferous critic of the project at the last two meetings of the board. Her position didn't change at the special meeting. Supporting the 'yes' side was Danyea Simon, who voted against the project in August, and new board trustee Steve Gascon, who was just elected about two weeks ago. With a 4-1 vote in favour, the project was approved. The board also made a second decision, passing a unanimous motion to ensure that operation of the Nakusp Child Care Centre will not impact K-12 operating funds. With this decision, the board will accept about $3 million from the province, and $150,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust, to build a 96-seat daycare for both pre-school and before-and-after care for school-aged children. The project will see two aging portables demolished on the site, and a new addition built to house the children in a semi-separate facility.

For travellers heading north from Nakusp...

UPDATED: LIBERTARIAN THROWS HAT INTO RING FOR NELSON-CRESTON RIDING The race for a seat in the legislature representing Nelson-Creston got a little more crowded on Friday when a fourth candidate threw his hat into the ring. Terry Tiessen of the Libertarian party hopes to take the place of Michelle Mungall, who chose not to run in the Oct. 24 election.... Tapped to take Mungall's place as the candidate for the NDP is Brittny Anderson, a Nelson city councillor. The co-owner of Nelson's Finley's Bar and Grill, Tanya Finley (who's also president of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce) will run for the BC Liberals. And Nicole Charlwood, who ran the Green's 2017 campaign, will represent the party on the ballot. All the candidates are from Nelson.

The rain this week has pretty well put paid to the Talbott Creek fire on Perry Ridge in the southern Slocan Valley. "The status of this fire has been changed to Being Held and will become a Modified Response fire," says a news release from the BC Wildfire Service. "The fire will be monitored, and should it be required crews will be assigned to respond." The fire is even losing its status as a "Fires of Note", meaning daily updates from BCWS are coming to an end.... However, it doesn't mean the fire is completely out. "While the fire is receiving rain, it is not enough to fully extinguish the fire, but shorter daylight hours, good overnight recoveries and forecasted conditions has reduced fire behaviour,' says the Service. "Once this weather event has passed and conditions improve residents will continue to see smoke from within the perimeter of the fire." Meanwhile, clean-up work continues. In the fire's West Division, sprinkler lines are being demobilized. Patrols continue along the perimeter. In the East Division, on the southeast flank, crews have established a hose-lay and are mopping up along the cliff edge above Draw Creek. Crews are working to establish a consistent water source. Demobilization of structure protection is complete. Helicopters will support crews when and as necessary. IMAGE: Smoke will still be seen from inside the perimeter of the fire for some time yet, BCWS says.

Rain the last two days has sure helped on the Talbott Creek fire, but officials say it's not over yet. "This amount of rain will reduce fire behaviour but will not extinguish the fire," a release says of the 18mm that fell Wednesday. "Crews will continue to solidify the perimeter and look for any hotspots. Crews may be repositioned or reassigned if roads or slopes have been impacted by the rain." Once this weather event has passed and conditions improve residents will continu...e to see smoke from within the perimeter of the fire, BCWS cautions. The status of this fire is now 'Being Held'. In the West Division of the fire map, crews will start to take down sprinkler lines along the southwest flank. Hoselay and sprinkler system continue to be maintained on the northwest flank. Firefighters are also engaging in direct attack in this area and having wrapped around the north flank will work to solidify this line. In the East Division, ground crews have extinguished a spot fire to the northeast and have tied it into the perimeter. On the southeast flank, crews have been tasked with establishing a hoselay and mopping up along the cliff edge above Draw Creek. Crews will work all accessible ground. Demobilization of structure protection should be completed Thursday by crews and structural protection specialists, the Service says. Helicopters will support crews when and as necessary. IMAGE: Smoke from the Talbott Creek fire obscured the view of Frog Peak on Tuesday.

Effective at noon Pacific Time on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, the Category 2 open burning prohibition will be rescinded throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s juris...diction, due to decreased wildfire risk. Residents are reminded to take appropriate precautions and exercise caution with any outdoor burning. For more information about open burning regulations in the Southeast Fire Centre, please visit: http://ow.ly/t4zY30rbCKu Category 3 open fires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation, remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre until the public is otherwise notified. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: http://ow.ly/znny309kJv5

With rain expected at long last, BC Wildfire crews continue to work on the Talbott Creek fire on Perry Ridge in the Slocan Valley. Helicopter bucketing operations continue to work on hot spots on the east flank where the terrain is inaccessible. The choppers will also start supporting ground crews on the northwest side. There's been minimal growth to the 1,300-hectare fire in the last few days. BCWS has divided the fire into two divisions. In the West Division, hoselay and s...prinkler system are being in maintained on the northeast flank. Firefighters are also engaging in direct attack in this area and are now wrapping around the north flank. In the East Division crews are directly attacking on the north flank and working a spot to the northeast and tying it into the perimeter. Five initial attack crews continue to patrol for hot spots on the southwest edge of the fire and demobilize gear and equipment on the south flank. Demobilization of structure protection continues for the last 46 homes that were last under the rescinded evacuation alert. Right now five helicopters, nine pieces of heavy equipment and 114 firefighters are working on the fire. IMAGE: The east side of Perry Ridge on Tuesday. See more

The evacuation alerts for the Talbott Crk. Fire have been lifted.

UPDATE ON TALBOTT CREEK FIRE: Clear skies on Sunday and Monday are allowing helicopter bucketing operations to continue, tackling hot spots on the east flank where the terrain is inaccessible. They'll also start supporting ground crews on the northwest side. Any growth on the now-1300-hectare fire continues to be on the northeast flank. Crews are seeking hot-spots on the southwest edge of the fire and from McFayden Creek moving eastward. The hose lay and sprinklers in the Ted...esco Road area on the north flank of the fire are being maintained. Firefighters are suppressing the fire in this area using water and hand tools. Structure protection units have been installed along Slocan River Road and are being maintained. The BC Wildfire Service says it's expecting slightly milder and drier conditions today, with similar or slightly greater southerly or southerly winds in the afternoon than on Sunday. A slow-moving Pacific system is pushing inland and should bring an increase of winds and thickening clouds ahead of expected rain on Wednesday. IMAGE: Working the hot spots on the Talbott Creek fire. File photo from August. See more

EVACUATION ALERT AREA REDUCED AGAIN FOR TALBOTT CREEK FIRE ZONE The Regional District of Central Kootenay is downsizing the evacuation alert area for the Talbott Creek fire once again. The RDCK’s Emergency Operations Centre is removing the evacuation alert for all properties south and west of 4162 Slocan River Road. The Evacuation Alert remains in place for 46 properties north of 4162 Slocan River Road to Drake Street.... A map of the affected areas can be found on the RDCK’s EOC website. The Emergency Operations Centre originally issued the Evacuation Alert on Saturday, August 22 for 305 homes from Passmore to Vallican to the Lebahdo flats, south of Winlaw. This week it’s been steadily reducing the size of the affected area, as cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and efforts of the BC Wildfire Service have clipped the spread of the fire. With the original Evacuation Alert having been issued nearly a month ago, this has been a stressful time for residents in the area, said Nora Hannon, RDCK Regional Fire Chief. We are thankful for the great work done by the BC Wildfire Service and are encouraged by the short-term forecast which is expected to bring cooler temperatures and possible rain. The BCWS continues to have structure protection units deployed along Slocan River Road, north of Natlamp Road. As a result, only local traffic is allowed on Slocan River Road. Meanwhile, helicopter operations continued Friday when visibility allowed. Bucketing remains focused on the east flank in the McFayden and Draw Creek drainages. About 90 firefighters, nine helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment are still engaged in fighting the fire. Minimal fire growth was observed overnight, the BCWS says. The majority of growth continues to be on the north flank, with some progression in the east. Crews are seeking hot-spots on the southwest edge of the fire and from McFayden Creek moving eastward. The hose lay and sprinklers in the Tedesco Road area on the north flank of the fire are being maintained. Equipment continues working to construct a fuel-free line to further support the hose-lay. Firefighters are suppressing the fire in this area using water and hand tools. IMAGE: A tree candles on the north front of the Talbott Creek fire. File photo from earlier this month.

DAYCARE FUNDING APPROVED FOR SD#10, BUT FUTURE UNCLEAR Trustees with School District #10 (Arrow Lakes) will decide next week on whether to go ahead with plans to build a daycare at Nakusp Elementary School. The provincial government announced Friday, Sept. 18, that the 96-space Nakusp daycare will be funded under the New Spaces Fund. It’s one of 35 communities to be approved under the program. We are excited to hear the news about funding approval from MCFD New Spaces and C...BT for this much-needed childcare facility in Nakusp, said SD #10 Superintendent Terry Taylor. The needs assessment completed by an experienced external consultant identifies a strong need for infant and toddler childcare, for 3-5-year-olds, and also before-and-after-school care. But just because the funding is available, doesn’t mean the project is going ahead. In August, board trustees backed off pre-approving the project, which includes tearing down two aging portables and building an addition onto Nakusp Elementary. The estimated $3.15 million for the daycare comes from the provincial program and the Columbia Basin Trust. Taylor said the board will decide at its September 22 meeting whether to accept the funding and proceed with the plan. The board and district staff will review all the information and answer any outstanding questions trustees may have both on Tuesday evening and in committee, and then hold a public special regular meeting where a decision will be made, says Taylor. The meeting will be a big one for Steve Gascon, who won a by-election for the vacant trustee position on the board just two weeks ago. During its August meeting, two trustees raised several concerns about the project, including the impact of tearing down portables to make room for an addition to the school, the uncertainty about the future because of the pandemic, and how a less-than-full daycare would possibly impact the district’s financial resources. Their concerns were enough to prompt the board to postpone pre-approving the project, until they knew they were getting the money. It’s not the only decision the board has to make around the issue. At the August meeting trustees also voted to defer a decision to discuss whether the board should become a licenced child care provider, or contract out the service to a third-party operator. Visit the Valley Voice’s Facebook page for updates to this story. See more

SMOKE EASES, AERIAL FIREFIGHTING RESUMES ON TALBOTT CREEK FIRE The thrum of helicopter blades has returned to the southern Slocan Valley as BC Wildfire Service helicopters were able to fly for periods on Wednesday and Thursday when visibility improved. Bucketing is focused on the east flank of the fire, specifically in the McFayden and Draw Creek drainages. There was minimal growth to the 1,140-hectare fire, with the smoke bringing cooler temperatures and higher humidity to ...the region. The majority of fire growth continues to be on the north flank, with some progression in the east. A map is available here. Ongoing infrared scans continue to identify hot spots. Crews are working on the south flank to cool these spots. The hose-lay beginning at Natlamp Road moving northeast has been completed. Work continues on the hose-lay and sprinkler installation in the Tedesco Road area on the north flank of the fire. Equipment is working to construct a fuel-free line to further support the hose-lay. Firefighters are suppressing the fire in this area using water and hand tools. Structure protection units have been installed along Slocan River Road and are being maintained. IMAGE: Firefighting efforts have resumed on the flanks of the fire. This photo taken before operations had to be suspended due to wildfire smoke from the U.S.

Changes to the Arrow Lakes ferry schedule...

UPDATE ON MISSING CANOEIST IN DUNCAN LAKE The ongoing search for missing Lardeau resident, 58-year-old Thomas Schreiber, continued on September 19, both on land and in the water. Members of the Underwater Recovery Team, along with Kaslo RCMP boat crew searched Duncan Lake with negative results. Despite extensive efforts, the search has now been suspended. A photo of Thomas Schreiber has been obtained and Kaslo RCMP continues to urge the public to remain watchful for him.... Description of Thomas Schreiber: Caucasian male; 58 years; 6 ft 2 in (188 cm); 196 lbs (89 kg); brown hair; hazel eyes; Thomas was last seen wearing a pair of dark grey shorts, and a light grey t-shirt. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Thomas Schreiber or his disappearance is urged to contact their local police, the Kaslo RCMP at 250-353-2225 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. POLICE SEARCH FOR MISSING CANOEIST ON DUNCAN LAKE Kaslo RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing Lardeau resident, who failed to return following a planned canoe trip on Duncan Lake. Thomas Schrieber was last seen by family on September 15 around lunchtime, and Kaslo RCMP was notified the morning of September 16, after he failed to return as planned. An investigation into Schrieber’s disappearance was immediately launched and led to the discovery of his white GMC Sierra pickup truck parked at the Howser boat launch, with no canoe. Howser is located about 50 km north of Kaslo. RCMP called for the assistance of Kaslo Search and Rescue, which initiated a search both on the water and from the air. Search and rescue personnel located an unoccupied canoe, believed to belong to the man in the water on the northeast side of the lake. Police, who are very concerned for Thomas’ health and well-being, continue to search the surrounding area. Schrieber is described as a 58-year-old Caucasian male, 6’ 2 , 196 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a pair of dark grey shorts, and a light grey t-shirt.

Michelle Mungall, New Democrat MLA for Nelson-Creston, has issued the following statement regarding B.C.’s next provincial election. I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election in B.C.’s next provincial election. It has been an honour to serve the wonderful people in Nelson-Creston as their MLA and most recently as a cabinet minister under the leadership of Premier John Horgan.... As my husband Zak and I have been thinking about our family’s future and where we want it to be, we want it to be in the Kootenays and we want to be together. Our two year-old son Zavier loves his friends, the mountains, days on the beach at Kootenay Lake, playing in the snow in our backyard. We want him to grow up in our wonderful Kootenay community, and neither Zavier nor I want me to miss out on it for a large part of the year. The past twelve years have allowed me to get to know the Kootenays more deeply than any other opportunity possibly could, and it has allowed me to work with British Columbians all over the province for positive change. It has been my honour to work with the Ktunaxa Nation in the spirit of reconciliation to preserve Qat’Muk, to keep Jumbo wild, and see it through. We reduced child poverty by fighting policies that clawed back important funds for parents receiving disability and income assistance. We worked to make a world leading climate action plan, Clean BC, and implement it. We saved grizzly bears from being hunted for trophies. And we’ve worked to build an economic stimulus for a recovery in this global pandemic. As MLA and cabinet minister, I have been proud to work with Premier Horgan and people in the Kootenays to make our communities stronger. Together we were able to bring home a health campus at Mount St. Francis in Nelson, new ferries and upgraded terminals for Kootenay Lake, over 300 units of affordable social housing throughout the Kootenays, greater high-speed internet access, electric vehicle charging stations, 108 more childcare spaces and reduced the costs for families, protected old growth forests, built supports for the cannabis sector in transition, and the list goes on. By working together, we are building a better BC, and none of this could have been done without the communities I’ve been lucky enough to serve. A huge thank you needs to go to my constituency assistants since 2009, my ministry office staff since 2017, and it has been an inspiration to work with the civil servants in both the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Ministry for Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness. I have loved working with my colleagues in the New Democrat BC government caucus and cabinet with John Horgan as our Premier. I am going to miss them very much. And most importantly, thank you to my fabulous husband, Zak, family and friends for everything.

Big news for bookworms in the Village of Kaslo and Area D: the community is going to get a new, $3-million library built downtown. The Kaslo and District Public Library marks their 100th anniversary with the announcement of a partnership with the Village of Kaslo to see a new downtown library constructed in the next three years, said a news release issued Wednesday. The new library building the first for the library since it was formed in 1920 will be on the corner of 5...th Avenue and Front Street. Until now, the Library has been in Kaslo’s historic City Hall. However, that space is just a third of the size needed to properly serve the community, officials say. The library Board identified a need for a new facility in our strategic plan, having outgrown the current location, said Anne Heard, KDPL Board Chair. We value our partnership with the Village in realizing our aspirations for a state-of-the art library in a prominent downtown Kaslo location. The purchase was made possible with a Land Acquisition Grant from Columbia Basin Trust covering a portion of the $300,000 purchase price. The balance will be covered through Library fundraising and other grant contributions, a release states. We are so pleased to support the Village of Kaslo to advance their vision for a vibrant downtown core by building a new library, said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia Basin Trust President and CEO. Libraries are an important focal point for communities and have such a positive impact on the quality of life for residents. The new library will offer countless opportunities for community members and we’re so excited to see the building begin. The new library will be a cornerstone of Kaslo’s heritage downtown and a focal point of community activities and life-long learning, the release says. Under provincial library legislation, public library associations cannot own land or buildings, so a partnership with the Village to hold the assets was necessary to move the project forward. The Library will occupy the future building through a long-term lease and be responsible for all operating and maintenance costs. The Library will apply to the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure program in October to seek the $3 million it will need in construction costs. We are excited to be part of this significant project and look forward to seeing the new library come to fruition in the coming months and years, said Kaslo’s Mayor, Suzan Hewat, and a big thank-you to CBT for helping us secure the property. The library also serves Regional District of Central Kootenay Area D residents, covering a vast service area of 5,786 square km. IMAGE: the vacant lot at the corner of 5th and Front in Kaslo will house a new cornerstone of the community -- a public library. Courtesy Village of Kaslo See more

Smoky skies continue to affect firefighting operations on the Talbott Creek fire on Perry Ridge in the Slocan Valley. Due to persistent smoky conditions, helicopters remain unable to fly until visibility improves. A drone scan completed Tuesday has provided and updated, mapped perimeter, and indicates the fire is more than 1,140 hectares in size. The majority of fire growth continues to be on the north flank, with some progression in the east. ... Crews continue working in areas that are accessible by ground, cooling hot spots on south and west flanks of the fire. Hose-lays are being installed from Natlamp Road moving northeast and also on the north flank of the fire in the Tadesco Road area. This hose-lay includes sprinklers to support existing machine guard. Structure protection units have been installed along Slocan River Road and are being maintained. There's no relief in sight to the smoke. The Service says increased smoke is expected to move into the region Wednesday afternoon or evening, continuing into Thursday. There is a chance of isolated showers or thundershowers Thursday night, temperatures highs in the low 20s. Friday is forecast to be a mix of sun, cloud and smoke with similar or slightly warmer temperatures than Thursday. IMAGE: A helicopter working on the Talbott Creek fire drops a load of water on a hot spot last week, before being grounded by smoke from the California fires.

UPDATED: RCMP In Nakusp say they have located Mr. Hawkins. ORIGINAL STORY: Nakusp RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing Nelson resident, Rodney Hawkins, whose vehicle was discovered abandoned in the line up to the Upper Arrow Lake Ferry at the Galena Bay ferry terminal in Galena Bay. On September 15, 2020 at 9:40 p.m., Nakusp RCMP were contacted by Galena Bay ferry terminal staff. They reported that a white 2018 GMC Sierra pickup truck had been aba...ndoned in the ferry terminal line up. Police are appealing to any other ferry users who may have noticed this vehicle or its occupant to come forward with their information. The GMC quad-cab pickup truck, which had a black Yakima bike pad over the rear tailgate, was the fourth vehicle in the lineup, in the left hand lane and investigators believe that the vehicle entered the ferry lineup at approximately 6 p.m. RCMP is now searching for the vehicle’s registered owner, Rodney Hawkins, who is considered a missing person at this time. There is nothing to indicate foul play at this time, however police and Rodney’s family are very concerned for his health and well-being.

The Evacuation Alert remains in place for 113 properties between Vallican and north to Drake Street along Slocan River Road.

The evacuation alert area for the Talbott Creek fire has been reduced by half. About 176 homes are still affected however. Heavy smoke continues to cover the entire region and has prevented helicopters from flying over the last 48 hours. As a result, there continues to be fire activity on the north and east areas of the fire which warrants the Evacuation Alert remaining in place for those residents. Read more from the RDCK at the link below.

School District #10 (Arrow Lakes) has a full complement of trustees on its board again. Steve Gascon was voted onto the board in a by-election held on Saturday. Gascon handily won the election with 120 votes, far outpacing the next nearest competitor, Aiden McLaren-Caux, who had 81 votes. The other candidates' results were: Carlee Hughes, 70 votes; Judy Struck, 17 votes. A total of 290 ballots were cast for the new trustee, who will represent the Central Zone. Gascon will be sworn in during a public Special Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 22.

The smoke blanketing the region from U.S. forest fires has forced BC Wildfire officials to put a halt to the air campaign against the Talbott Creek fire in the Slocan Valley. "Heavy smoke is expected to remain in the area for several days and could continue to limit suppression options," the service said Sunday. "However, the smoke may also reduce the temperature and increase humidity in the area, which could lead to reduced fire activity." On Saturday afternoon, the thick la...Continue reading

In the September 10 edition of the Valley Voice: COVID in Kaslo, honouring Nakusp's Citizens of the Year, and life under a forest fire. All this and letters, letters, letters! Click on the link below to see the online edition.

While it's been controlled on several fronts, the Talbott Creek fire on Perry Ridge in the Slocan showed on Thursday it wasn't knocked out completely. The fire, now listed at 650 hectares, put on a spectacular display of candling and smoke in the evening. "Aggressive fire activity has been observed in the afternoon and evening today, September 10," said the BC Wildfire Service in a release on Thursday. "Airtankers were on site late this afternoon creating a retardant line at ...the head of the fire to slow fire spread. Fire fighters will be on site monitoring the fire over night." Crews and heavy equipment continue work on the contingency line on the south flank. Crews are also continuing mop-up activities and seeking hot spots to cool on the west, south and southeast edges. Patrols in these areas are being done to ensure the fire does not spread beyond its existing boundaries. While cool nights are helping limit the fire's growth, hot, dry and sunny conditions over the next few days won't help firefighting efforts. Warmer temperatures (mid-to-high 20s) are expected for the next few days. There is the potential for moderate winds Thursday and Friday afternoon. IMAGE: A river of smoke snakes down the McFayden Creek ravine, as trees flare up (on right) on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10.

BC Wildfire crews have been successful along many fronts of the Talbott Creek fire, establishing guards and control lines, but the section of fire on the east side of McFayden Creek "remains our most challenging area and the focus of significant suppression effort", the service says. Structure protection resources remain on site as a precautionary measure as helicopter bucket ships pounded the area on Wednesday. About 147 firefighters, nine helicopters and ten pieces of heav...y equipment continue to work all areas of the now 610-hectare fire on Perry Ridge in the Slocan Valley. Crews are patrolling the fire and seeking hot spots to cool on the south, east and west edges. Patrols in these areas are being done to ensure the fire does not spread beyond its existing boundaries, a BCWS release said. A drone scan has been requested to assist crews in identifying hot spots using infrared scanning. A contingency line, which was constructed by both ground crews and heavy equipment, on the south flank was expected to be completed Wednesday (September 9). A fuel-free contingency line is being constructed along the ridgeline to the east of the fire. An additional contingency line is being constructed on the north flank moving east. Helicopters continue to support crews in cooling hot spots and reducing fire spread. Additionally, they are bucketing in areas inaccessible ground crews or heavy equipment.

Attention Arrow Park Passengers : In order to support the logging contractors and the fire prevention teams , we will be commencing sailing at 03: 00 AM from S...eptember 9-11, 2020. We may continue an early sailing service schedule if required. Please be aware of an unusually high volume of logging trucks using the ferry at this time. Keep space and stay safe !

Crews continue to work on and improve fuel free guards along the west, south and east flanks of the Talbott Creek fire in the Slocan Valley near Vallican. BC Wildfire Service says to support the fuel free guard to the east, crews are preparing to do small hand ignitions to burn out pockets of fuel, if necessary. This strategy of burning small pockets of fuel is used to consume unwanted fuels between the guard and the fire perimeter in order to reduce fire behaviour and slow t...he spread. Heavy equipment, eight helicopters and more than 150 firefighters continue to work on the construction of contingency lines along the southeast side above the community of Vallican. These lines are being constructed by reopening pre-existing roads and was scheduled to be completed Tuesday. Structure protection resources have been moved into the area as a precautionary measure. IMAGE: Amelie Sauquet and Amira K. Davidson watch from the Passmore Bridge as a BCWS firefighting helicopter loads up with a bucket of water on Sunday.

More than 1,500 people remain without power for a third day along the shores of Kootenay Lake, after a powerful windstorm swept through the area Monday morning. FortisBC estimates the power will be restored by approximately 1 p.m. today (Wednesday). The outage runs from north of Kaslo to Queen's Bay on the west shore of the lake, and down past Boswell on the east shore. The storm knocked out service to tens of thousands of residents of the southern Interior.