e-KNOW (East Kootenay News Online Weekly)
3812 42nd Ave V1C 5G9 Cranbrook, BC, Canada

This week’s top stories Kicking Horse Highway 1 closures have begun Latest restrictions will have devastating impacts: chamber Teck handed largest-ever Fisheries Act fine City secures four-year deal with unionized employees... Prescribed burn planned for YXC area - https://mailchi.mp//teck-handed-largest-ever-fisheries-act See more

The Steamboat Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan was today adopted by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors. https://www.e-know.ca//steamboat-jubilee-mountain-ocp-ado/

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

On June 1, B.C. liquor servers will get a pay boost as the lower liquor server minimum wage is replaced with the general minimum wage of $15.20 an hour. https://www.e-know.ca//higher-wages-coming-for-b-c-s-lowe/

Reminder from Fernie Fire Rescue: The City of Fernie allows approved backyard fire pits - permits are required and must be renewed each year. To obtain a permi...t, please go to: https://www.fernie.ca//emergen/fernie-fire-department.html to fill out an application and attach a sketch with distances to property lines and buildings and drop off the information at City Hall. Please note that applications must be complete to be considered.

In light of new PHO orders restricting in-person dining, our Parks staff prioritized picnic table delivery to the Platzl. Grab some take-out and set up breakfas...t, lunch or dinner at any of the tables placed throughout the Platzl. Let’s get out there and support all of our local businesses in anyway you can! #kimberleybc #agoodplacetobe

The City of Cranbrook continues to seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) into what the future might hold for the Mount Baker RV Campground. The EOI process is open now and ideas are being accepted until April 15. City of Cranbrook

That's a lot of carts!

The B.C. government is providing $15 million for B.C.-based amateur leagues and teams competing at the provincial, national or international level to ensure athletes will continue to have access to these opportunities after the pandemic. https://www.e-know.ca//province-provides-relief-funding-f/

LIVE from Kimberley, an old-time, blues singer-songwriter style performance.... Heather Gemmell Music is LIVE from Trail for The #BuyBasin Festival.

British Columbians can now nominate early care and learning professionals who have gone above and beyond to keep kids safe and learning despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.e-know.ca//nominations-open-for-child-care-aw/

The Pathways Medical Care Directory is an online resource in which British Columbians across the province can easily find information about booking in-person and virtual care visits with their family doctor or nurse practitioner. https://www.e-know.ca//new-online-directory-helps-patient/

Letter writer says opposition to homeless shelter rezoning bylaw request can only be described as discriminatory and stigmatizing of low-income households and those experiencing homelessness. https://www.e-know.ca//opposition-to-rezoning-discriminat/

Cranbrook RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating a wanted male. https://www.e-know.ca//rcmp-seek-help-in-finding-wanted-m/

This week’s tops stories Columbia Valley Officer earns spot on Alexa’s Team City doubles investment on old Tembec property Triangle Women embark on legacy project City sewer rates climbing eight per cent... Skinku Treasures opens new location in Tamarack Centre - https://mailchi.mp//skinku-treasures-opens-new-location-in See more

B.C.’s COVID-19 updates for Jan. 8 reports 617 new cases and 18 COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 988 in British Columbia https://www.e-know.ca//e/b-c-s-covid-19-updates-for-jan-8/

Delegations a-plenty and approval of a $232,627.10 Wille Sidewalk Tractor and attachments for snow removal highlight this edition of Sparwood Council Facts

A national news report outlining how hundreds of federal inmates will receive COVID-19 vaccines this week has prompted a rebuke from Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison. https://www.e-know.ca//mp-unhappy-with-inmates-getting-va/

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA sworn in

10 years ago this week, a contingent of Ktunaxa citizens and leadership traveled from amakis Ktunaxa to Victoria to hand-deliver the Qat'muk Declaration to th...e legislature. So much has happened over the past 10 years and as we pause to reflect on where we stand today, we can celebrate that Qat'muk will be protected forever, but there is still much work that needs to be done. You can read the Qat'muk Declaration on our website at https://www.ktunaxa.org/wp-content/uploads/Declaration.pdf

RDEK reminds residents the provincial Alert Ready system, which was tested today, doesn’t include all local emergencies https://www.e-know.ca//provincial-alert-system-doesnt-inc/

This morning from the top of Sunflower Hill.

The District of Elkford has hired Commissionaires B.C. to bring a new, full-time bylaw officer to respond to concerns, complaints and offences in Elkford and to help educate the public on bylaw-related matters. https://www.e-know.ca//elkford-introduces-bylaw-enforceme/

The B.C. government today announced it is fine-tuning compliance and enforcement provisions for orders on face coverings, gatherings and events, and food and liquor serving premises. https://www.e-know.ca//changes-aimed-to-simplify-clarify-/

The sale of the former Tembec industrial lands on Theatre Road in Cranbrook is now official, with Peak Renewables the new owners. The sale of the property was completed earlier this week for $6 million. City of Cranbrook

January is International Association of Firefighters Firefighter Cancer awareness month. Cancer is the leading Line of duty(LODD) cause of death for Firefight...ers. Sadly in Cranbrook our retiree life expectancy average is 71 years old with cancer being the cause in 90% of cases. Here in Cranbrook, we are taking steps through better education, awareness and best practices to create a necessary change in culture that will hopefully counteract this unfortunate trend.

Salvador Ready Mix has generously donated over $60,000 towards the construction of KEYSA’s indoor sports facility. https://www.e-know.ca//local-business-donates-large-to-in/

The long-awaited regular season debut of the BC Hockey League’s newest franchise, the Cranbrook Bucks, is being pushed deeper into the winter. https://www.e-know.ca//bchl-pushes-season-start-to-februa/

Hunting in the Kootenays this fall? The BC Wildlife Federation wants you to be aware that there are mandatory submissions for Chronic Wasting Disease in highest-risk areas. https://www.e-know.ca//bcwf-pushes-ongoing-awareness-of-c/

Friday Highways Report for the East Kootenay https://www.e-know.ca//friday-highways-report-for-the-eas/

City of Cranbrook Public Works crews are responding to a water main break near the area of Kootenay Street North and 12th Street North, southeast of Tamarack Centre. https://www.e-know.ca//cra/city-tackling-water-main-break/

Dr. Bonnie Henry has extended her order against gatherings and events extended to Feb. 5 https://www.e-know.ca//orders-on-gatherings-and-events-ex/

A man allegedly responsible for a double homicide in Creston on Wednesday evening has been found dead in Salmo. https://www.e-know.ca//suspect-in-double-homicide-located/

The City of Cranbrook would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding as they battled a tough winter storm through the latter half of December. https://www.e-know.ca//appreciative-city-reminds-resident/

Today is a momentous $50,000 day for BC SPCA East Kootenay BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch

Salmo RCMP have located a man deceased and are working now to determine whether it is linked to an on-going double homicide investigation that began in Creston last night.

The mayors of Fernie and Sparwood are defending city and district public works staff over criticisms of snow removal following the Dec. 22 snow storm. City of Fernie

RIP to the finest of gentlemen.

There are less than two weeks left for interested non-profit organizations to apply for the 2021/2022 Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs. Columbia Basin Trust

The RCMP's Southeast District Major Crime Unit is investigating the fatal stabbing of a man and a woman outside of Creston, as police in the BC Southern Interior search for a man now being considered a homicide suspect.

This week’s top stories Columbia Valley RCMP Report Iconic Cranbrook ducks killed in senseless act Cats now need to be licensed in Elkford Kimberley resident retiring after $1 million lotto win... CFKR launches annual grant application process - https://mailchi.mp//kimberley-resident-retiring-after-1-mi See more

B.C.’s COVID-19 update for Jan. 6 reports 625 new cases and eight more deaths today

Cranbrook RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying an unknown woman who allegedly made fraudulent purchases at a local store.

The provincial government is doubling CleanBC Better Homes retrofit rebates for select home-heating and energy-efficiency upgrades.

The B.C. Ministry of Health (MOH) today announced it intends to catch up on surgeries postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

National standards are needed for long-term care and home care in Canada in light of COVID-19 spotlight

The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies has launched its annual granting process for its community funds in Elkford, Sparwood, and Fernie, as well as its endowment funds for Cranbrook and area. Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies

B.C.'s COVID-19 update for Jan. 5 reports 428 new cases and eight more deaths in the past 24 hours

Cranbrook's Bowen Byram, with the C on his chest, will be leading Canada into the gold medal game of the World Junior Hockey Championship in about one hour's time. The game is live on TSN.

City crews will be removing snow from City streets throughout the week. Tomorrow they will have a 5:00 a.m. start removing snow from Church Ave to Burdett Street. Flaggers will be in place to guide traffic. Please drive with caution and respect all crew and signage. Thanks!

The Province of British Columbia has extended the provincial state of emergency to support its COVID-19 pandemic response.

City of Cranbrook council invites public participation regarding the 2021-2025 Five Year Financial Plan before it is adopted. City of Cranbrook

While Jeremy Irons has loved his career in public service, the Kimberley resident is ready to ride off into the retirement sunset after winning the $1 million Lotto 6/49 Guaranteed Prize for the draw on December 26, 2020.

City of Cranbrook council Monday night approved delaying a public hearing for a proposed rezoning of a property on 2nd St. N. for a possible homeless shelter. City of Cranbrook

The Ministry of Finance announced today the 2021 Home Owner Grant threshold is set at $1.625 million, saying it ensures the same percentage of British Columbia homeowners continue to be eligible.

Find out what is new and happening at the Cranbrook Public Library. Cranbrook Public Library

Find out what is new and happening at Kimberley City Hall City of Kimberley

Cranbrook RCMP is currently investigating after several ducks were run over near Joseph Creek in the parking lot of the Tamarack Centre last night.

B.C.’s COVID-19 updates for Jan. 4 reports 45 new COVID-19 related deaths since Dec. 31, along with 2,211 new cases

Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 62 calls for service last week. The following is a summary of some of the files to which officers responded.

Dr. Joel Stimson, who looks after residents at Rocky Mountain Village, received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 31, Elk Valley Physicians reported.

Cranbrook Community Theatre is ringing in 2021 with three opportunities for theatre lovers. Cranbrook Community Theatre

The majority of Kootenay Columbia homeowners can expect a moderate increase in their 2021 assessments compared to last year, says BC Assessment

Avalanche Canada is reporting considerable avalanche danger ratings for the alpine, treeline and below treeline for the Purcell Mountains. Avalanche Canada

Cranbrook Community Theatre has issued an audition notice for an upcoming performance. Cranbrook Community Theatre

Book reviewer Derryll White this week notes author Jessica Goodman places loyalty and a sense of social truth front and centre in her work.

SAILING TO BYZANTIUM By Invermere author Maureen Thorpe was a great choice for my covid-addled attention span

Though it is beautiful, the B.C. backcountry is remote and can be unpredictable. Why you should know about tree wells.

Kimberley Alpine Resort reports its main passenger lift, the Northstar Quad Chair, is currently being repaired and will be offline for about a week. Kimberley Alpine Resort

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd.’s meteorological service is predicting variable precipitation in the region over the next 48 hours Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting LP

A look back at the year 2020 in the East Kootenay

Columnist Brian J Horejsi notes there lurks a monster, largely out of sight, behind the COVID-19 news now distracting and preoccupying the media and we, the people.

Transition: reaction vs investigation

Kimberley RCMP wish to pass on our condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. Andrew Harnett. Tragically Sgt Harnett of the Calgary Police Service was struck and killed during a road check on New Years Eve.

Columnist Stephanie Stevens recommends take forward from this past year all you have missed. Take forward the knowledge that we made it, a little bruised, a little tattered, a little extra steel in our spines, but we made it.

Astrologer Michael O'Connor's Horoscope for the Year 2021 Sunstar Astrology

British Columbia Premier John Horgan's New Year's statement

B.C.’s COVID-19 update for Dec. 31 reports 683 new cases and eight new COVID-19 related deaths, for a total of 901 in British Columbia

As we close out 2020, we want to thank all first responders, health professionals and service people for being on the frontlines helping to fight the greatest p...ublic health challenge of our lifetime. These are trying times, but there is light at the end of this tunnel. Here’s looking forward to brighter days in 2021! Be safe!

Don't miss the next Senior's Center Without Walls Travelogue discussion. Join us and share your best travels and experiences. January 07, 2021. To register phone 778-517-5448 or email [email protected]

Take a photographic tour of autumn in the East Kootenay

The race for the top baby name in British Columbia in 2020 has come to a close, and Olivia once again has taken the lead for the most popular name for babies born this year.

The Fernie and District Arts Council and The Arts Station have released a video retrospective of 2020. The Fernie Arts Station

Goaltender Noah Decottignies has played a big factor in the Columbia Valley Rockies starting their season 3-0. Columbia Valley Rockies

In a bid to reduce socializing on New Year's Eve, B.C.'s PHO has ordered the selling and serving of alcohol must cease between 8 p.m. (Pacific time) on Dec. 31, 2020, and 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021.

The Lake Windermere Whiteway is still NOT OPEN! Lake Lillian and Jr Johnson trails have been groomed for skiing and walking but still no skating! We need a few ...cooler days before we can get out there with the heavy machinery. Follow our page or Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club for daily updates! See more

Mike Farnworth, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General writes: In an otherwise bad-news year, I’d like to share something positive: no matter how you get around, 2019 was, by many measures, the safest time to be on B.C.’s roads in years.