CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca
This past week, households on Cortes Island received a flyer in their mailbox encouraging homeowners to organize and sign up for a free Neighbourhood Wildfire Threat Assessment from a certified FireSmart professional this spring.
Continue reading Neighbourhood wildfire threat assessment program a hit on Cortes Island
The libraries in our area are preparing for a strike. Shortly after BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents the librarians, issued a 72-hour strike notice last Wednesday, the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) made a new offer to its librarians. This was rejected and the union responded with a counteroffer.
Their collective agreement with the VIRL expired 15 months ago.
BCGEU President Stephanie Smith said, “Unless the employer comes back with a serious offer, pickets will be up at VIRL branches starting Wednesday, March 9.”
Continue reading Library strike could start WednesdayA recent study suggests that incorrect reporting may be responsible for Southern Quadra Island, Tahsis, Gold River and Sayward not qualifying for funding under the Connected Coast High Speed internet program. Their service provider reported their internet speed already met the national standard. Consequently, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) had to arrange for loans of up to $12.5 million.
BC’s Ministry of Citizens’ Services, the Union of BC Municipalities and the Northern Development Initiative Trust hired TANEx Engineering to study reports that the amount of broad service available in rural communities is less than what servers like TELUS, Mascon Cable Services (a TELUS company) and Bell are reporting on the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. According to the ‘Summary of Findings,’ released by the Ministry, ‘there was medium to high evidence of possible discrepancies in 106’ of the 940 localities studied.
Continue reading Erroneous internet speed reporting may cost the SRD $12.5 million, study suggestsHow our local government works
The Strathcona Regional District Board is writing Premier Horgan, to protest the government’s new ‘reactive,’ and ‘emotionally driven’ forestry policies.
This letter appears to have largely been composed by Campbell River Director Charlie Cornfield, with some additions by SRD Chair Brad Unger.
If the authors had stuck to the idea that local government should be involved in the process, or taken a less confrontational approach, their letter would have received more support.
Instead, the decision to send it carried by a 7 to 6 vote.
Continue reading SRD protests BC’s ‘reactive’ and ‘emotionally driven’ forestry policiesFisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is working with local groups to harvest salmon eggs throughout the Greater Campbell River area.
Continue reading Harvesting salmon eggs on Cortes and the Greater Campbell River area
