Newsroom - Kootenay Rockies

BC Coroners Service warns of high-water dangers

2013-05-17T22:05:00Z

VICTORIA - On the eve of the Victoria Day long weekend, the BC Coroners Service is warning residents to take extreme care near streams and rivers which are currently running much faster and higher than normal.

People can significantly underestimate the force that can be unleashed by a fast-running river, said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, and do not realize how different it is from the quiet stream where they regularly swim, raft or paddle.

Three such deaths already have occurred this spring: two young men swept away in Golden Ears Provincial Park, and a young woman who fell into Swift Current Creek near Valemount.

If a river is running quickly, about 15 1/4 centimetres (or six inches) of water can sweep a person downstream, and a little over six-tenths of a metre (or two feet) of water can carry away most vehicles.

Although the bank of a fast-running creek may look stable, such banks are often eroded by the water and can collapse with the added weight of persons standing on them. Moving water or standing pools of water also can contain dangerous debris, so no one should try to walk or drive through them.

The warning comes as the BC Coroners Service releases its newest report into Accidental Drowning Deaths, covering the five-year period from 2008 through 2012. The report looks at a total of 397 deaths over the five-year period. Of those, 58.7 per cent occurred in the summer months of May through August.

The statistics make clear the danger of mixing alcohol or drugs with water-related activities. Of all deaths recorded, impairment by alcohol or drugs was a factor in 40.2 per cent of the cases.

The full report can be found on the BC Coroners Service website at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/coroners/publications/docs/stats-water-related-fatalities.pdf

Media Contact:

Barbara McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

Smoke from planned fires may be visible near Revelstoke

2013-05-17T20:00:00Z

REVELSTOKE - Smoke and flames from the planned burning of waste wood may be visible near Revelstoke from May 20 to June 3.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to burn slash piles accumulated last spring during a fuel management project.

The burning will be compliant with air-quality venting regulations and will proceed only if weather conditions are favourable for the quick dissipation of smoke. Wind speed, direction, venting and burning conditions will all be considered prior to ignition to minimize the amount of smoke created.

Smoke and flames may be visible from locations near the Mount Macpherson nordic ski area along Highway 23. Trained wildfire crews and equipment will be on site and the fires will be monitored at all times.

The goal of this fuel management project is to reduce forest fuels (e.g., waste wood, brush, accumulations of needles) in interface areas to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

This area also was chosen to give Columbia Shuswap Regional District residents an opportunity to view a typical FireSmart forest and learn how to make modifications to their own properties to minimize wildfire threats.

Quick Facts:

The burn scars will be cleaned up and any remaining wood material will be scattered to reduce their visual impact.

The fuel management project last spring removed danger trees, thinned stands, cleared away fuel on the forest floor, removed tree limbs up to two metres from the ground ("ladder" fuels) and removed unhealthy or suppressed trees.

A factsheet about wildfire prevention, including information about Community Wildfire Protection Plans, is available online at: http://ow.ly/jWvPn

More information about fuel management and the FireSmart program can be found at: http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on your cellphone.

Media Contact:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014

Statement on Hon. Steven Point resignation

2013-05-17T17:00:00Z

VICTORIA - Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond released the following statement today following the resignation of the Honourable Steven Point as chair of the advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women:

"I have accepted the resignation of the Honourable Steven Point from his position as chair of the advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women. His last day will be May 30, 2013.

"I appreciate the decisions of the four families of missing women who have chosen to pursue civil suits related to the Pickton case, but I am disappointed that the no doubt unintended consequences of these claims have led Mr. Point to conclude that he must step aside.

"When matters proceed to court, the litigation process takes precedence over all other related processes. The plaintiffs have put Mr. Point on notice that, in his role as chair of the advisory committee, his comments and remarks may well become evidence in the course of the litigation. This would have placed an impossible burden on Mr. Point to avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or be used in or influence the course of litigation.

"As well, this pursuit of litigation will impact the government's current process in responding to the recommendations from the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI), and we now have to analyze how we will continue to move forward while the court case is underway.

"That said, I can tell you that our government remains committed to creating a legacy of safety and security for vulnerable women. We have always known that necessary changes won't be easy and they wouldn't happen overnight.

"I want to thank Mr. Point for the work he has done to date as a champion for implementation of the MWCI recommendations, and I know the foundation he has built in the past five months will serve us well as we move forward within the constraints of our ability due to these active civil suits.

"As Attorney General and due to the legal sensitivities of this situation, I am unable to make any further comment at this time."

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

See backgrounder attached for the text of the Hon. Steven Point's resignation letter.

BACKGROUNDER

Text of the letter from the Honourable Steven Point to Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond

It is with regret that I find it necessary to advise you that litigation has been commenced by certain family members of the victims of Pickton, and I have been served with documents that have put me on notice regarding this litigation.

As a consequence of this development I have concluded that it is impossible to continue in my role as special advisor to government in relation to the recommendations by Commissioner Oppal in his report on Murdered and Missing Women.

I have consulted with the Ministry of Justice who have agreed that in light of the current litigation process it is not possible to proceed further and therefore we have jointly reached the conclusion that I must resign and I have done so, effective May 30, 2013.

I sincerely regret the events that have necessitated my reaching this decision however once litigation has been chosen, I cannot see a path that allows me to fulfil the role that I was asked to undertake.

Sincerely,

Steven Point

Enforcement officers on patrol over May long weekend

2013-05-15T18:00:00Z

VICTORIA - British Columbia's natural resource officers, park rangers and conservation officers will be busy over the Victoria Day long weekend helping residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday.

Provincial officials step up their patrols in May every year, especially on holiday long weekends.

Natural resource officers, conservation officers and the RCMP will be patrolling Crown land, waterways and recreation sites to ensure public safety and protect the environment. Natural resource officers also enforce the forest recreation regulation.

Park rangers will be patrolling BC Parks and enforcing the park, conservancy and recreation area regulation to enhance public safety and protect sensitive ecosystems.

Conservation officers will be checking permits to protect public safety and enforcing environment, fish and wildlife regulations. They also will be patrolling recreation sites.

Most provincial parks and recreation sites are open for the May long weekend. Up-to-date information is available on the BC Parks website and the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website.

BC Parks: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Here is some important information to bear in mind over the long weekend:

Camping

Many campgrounds have specified rules and guidelines. Visitors are asked to comply with the posted rules.

Gates in provincial parks and some recreation sites are closed at 11 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Only registered campers are allowed in campsites after 11 p.m.

Excessive noise is not permitted. Please remember that sound can travel far in the open air, especially music and loud talking.

Liquor consumption is prohibited in parks, with the exception of your own campsite.

Barbecues must be used on the ground unless barbecue attachments are provided on picnic tables.

To avoid problems with bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Use the garbage containers that are provided and maintain a clean campsite. Never feed or approach bears.

Designated swimming areas within marker buoys are intended to protect swimmers. All watercraft and waterskiers must stay outside the markers. Lifeguards are not on duty in BC Parks or recreation sites.

Visitors can use trails to travel safely through the most interesting and beautiful parts of BC Parks or recreation sites, without damaging sensitive and unique plant and wildlife habitat. Please stay on the trails.

Campfire safety

Always check the Wildfire Management Branch website - www.bcwildfire.ca - before heading into the backcountry to find out if any open burning prohibitions are in effect.

If campfires are allowed in your area, bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.

Make sure the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave it unattended for any period of time. Ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished in an ashtray and are not tossed away carelessly.

Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter (roughly 11/2 feet by 11/2 feet).

You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.

You may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if your negligence results in a wildfire.

Members of the public can report wildfires or unattended campfires by calling *5555 on a cellphone or by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

Off-road vehicles

Respect the environment when riding off-road vehicles. Use trails designated for motorized use.

Most provincial parks are closed to off-road vehicle use unless posted as open.

Operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are reminded that these vehicles must be insured while being driven on forest service roads.

Keep vehicles out of sensitive sites that are easily damaged, such as wetlands, grasslands, alpine areas and subalpine environments.

Failure to comply with regulations could result in a fine of $575 or (in more serious cases involving damage) up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

Fishing

Make sure you have a valid angling licence (April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014) and are aware of angling regulations for the waters in your area, including gear and bait restrictions.

If you are operating a small vessel, ensure that you have your operator's licence with you and be aware of safety regulations for operating small vessels.

For more information, please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times within provincial parks and in some recreation sites. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings.

The B.C. Wildlife Federation offers a reward up to $2,000 for information leading to the conviction of anyone who breaks wildlife laws, vandalizes private property or contravenes other property laws.

Report suspicious activities and environmental damage to the Conservation Officer Service's toll-free, 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1 877 952-RAPP (7277), or call *7277 from your cellphone.

More information:

BC Parks: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Discover Camping: www.discovercamping.ca

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Wildfire Management Branch: http://bcwildfire.ca/

Fire restrictions and bans: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Hunting and fishing regulations: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/

Media Contacts:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Aly Couch
Provincial Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3052

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

Celebrate the long weekend in a BC Park

2013-05-13T18:49:00Z

VICTORIA - The Victoria Day long weekend is a busy one for Discover Camping, the Province's camping reservation system, but many BC Parks still offer first-come, first-served campsites for visitors without reservations.

Reservations in BC Parks are up 10 per cent this year to date, at 36,038 reservations compared to 32, 729 reservations in 2012. The most popular parks are Haynes Point, Bear Creek, Cultus Lake, Rathtrevor Beach and Okanagan Lake South.

To check availability in BC Parks, the public is encouraged to visit the Discover Camping website at: www.discovercamping.ca

Those searching for long-weekend availability can do so by selecting the desired dates under quick dates in step two and then clicking on the "in a list" icon under find sites.

Many parks have seen upgrades directed at attracting young families, offering new recreation opportunities, improving accessibility and increasing attendance.

If you're on Vancouver Island be sure to check out Rathtrevor Provincial Park's newly reconstructed campground and improved day use areas, including new picnic shelters and tables.

The toilet and shower buildings at Cultus Lake Provincial Park have recently been enhanced to reflect green technology and improve accessibility. New picnic tables have also been installed.

Visitors to the Kettle River Recreation Area can now enjoy 28 new campsites, picnic tables and a new toilet and shower building, as well as more trails linking existing campground loops.

In the Kootenays, visitors can enjoy new picnic tables, signage and other improvements to the trail system at Kikomun Creek Provincial Park. The new Ponderosa campground also provides 37 campsites, two cabins and a shower building.

Those visiting the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park can now enjoy a new deck and change houses around the hot spring pool. This has improved accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

To find out what's new in a park near you, visit: www.BCParks.ca

There are over 5,000 reservable sites in 95 provincial parks throughout British Columbia. Up to three reservations can be made online in one easy transaction through Discover Camping. Individual sites are available up to three months in advance, while group sites are available up to 12 months in advance.

Discover Camping is also accessible by mobile devices at: https://secure.camis.com/BCMobile This is an alternative way to book a campsite from any mobile device or computer.

Reservations can also be made through the call centre at 1 800 689-9025 for a surcharge of $5 (plus tax).

Don't forget to pick up a free BC Parks Passport at any visitor centre in B.C. and most provincial parks. The idea is to collect six stamps at provincial parks to earn a collectible pin and six stickers from a BC Visitor Centre to earn an environmentally-friendly water bottle. Passports also include advice on trip-planning and Visitor Centre coupons.

Media contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

Flood risk heightens, safety urged

2013-05-09T23:00:00Z

VICTORIA - With the onset of warmer temperatures, increased snow melt in parts of B.C.'s southern interior have amplified waterway risks. Water levels and flow rates are becoming higher and swifter, with river levels expected to continue to increase through the remainder of the week, reaching the highest levels late on Friday or into Saturday. People are urged to take special precaution in low lying areas and along river and creek banks.

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued Streamflow Advisory for the Okanagan, Similkameen, Boundary and Kootenay regions, as well as the Thompson Region.

Residents, recreationalists and visitors to these regions are urged to use extreme caution on or near all waterways. Flood waters can be fast-rising and fast-moving, carry large debris and make shorelines unstable. People are asked to stay away from the water's edge where increased flood risks have been identified and to provide special care for the safety of children and pets along rivers and creeks that can prove unpredictably dangerous.

People should take the following precautions:

Avoid small creeks and rivers as their channels tend to be narrow and can fill up quickly.

Keep children and pets away from stream banks; eroded banks cause unstable ground.

Watch for changing conditions, particularly in low-lying areas or near waterways.

Check perimeter drains around your property and ensure they are clear of debris.

Emergency Management BC works year-round with local governments to prepare for emergencies. To report severe flooding in your area, contact your local authority. Listings can be found in the blue pages of the phone book.

For more information on how you and your family can get prepared, or to monitor emergency alerts and advisories in the province, visit: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca

For additional information about streamflows, please refer to the B.C. River Forecast Centre's webpage at: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

B.C. crews head to Alberta to assist with prescribed burns

2013-05-09T22:45:00Z

KAMLOOPS - The Wildfire Management Branch is sending 13 personnel to Alberta to assist Parks Canada in carrying out prescribed burns.

Four, three-person initial attack crews and one agency representative are departing today for Waterton and Banff, Alberta.

The request for assistance was made through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which co-ordinates the mutual sharing of firefighting resources between B.C. and other jurisdictions.

Considering the current and forecasted provincial fire situation, sufficient personnel and resources remain in B.C. to respond appropriately to any within-province fire activities. Crews can be deployed for up to 19 days but can be recalled at any time.

Costs associated with deployment will be covered by the receiving jurisdictions under the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, which allows for the movement of firefighting resources throughout Canada.

Quick Facts:

Initial attack crew: These wildland firefighters are usually assigned to newer and smaller fires.

Agency representative: Acts as the link between the deployed crews and the Wildfire Management Branch.

Prescribed fire can be used to safely reintroduce fire into the landscape to restore natural ecosystems, enhance habitat and reduce fuel loads. Wildfire Management Branch staff are often called upon to supply equipment and resources for these planned burns.

Learn More:

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions in B.C., visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contact:

Kevin Skrepnek
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
250 312-3075 (office)

BC Coroners Service confirms identity of deceased teens

2013-05-06T23:00:00Z

KELOWNA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of two teens whose bodies were recovered from Nicola Lake on May 6, 2013.

They are Brendan Daniel Wilson and Austin Kurtis Kingsborough, both 17, and both from Langley.

The two were reported to police as missing on April 21 when they failed to return to Langley as planned after a weekend trip to a family cabin on Nicola Lake. The next day their canoe was found, half-submerged in the lake, and some personal belongings were also found. An official search was carried on for four days at that time, but the boys were not found.

On May 5, a private team from Idaho arrived in the area, equipped with sophisticated sonar equipment. On the morning of May 6, with the use of this equipment, the team was able to locate the site for the recovery operation, and the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team then completed the recoveries.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

Leave newborn wildlife in the wild

2013-04-26T17:00:00Z

VICTORIA - When it comes to newborn wild animals, mother always knows best, and so with fawning and calving season underway, provincial biologists are reminding people that newborn deer, elk or moose should not be touched or moved when encountered.

People who find these newborns alone often mistakenly believe they have been abandoned, but usually they have only been left there temporarily by their mother, who will return. Intervening in these situations by "rescuing" the fawn or calf is rarely necessary and will usually do more harm than good.

It is normal for mother deer, elk and other ungulates to leave their young alone for long periods, returning a few times a day to nurse and relying on the newborn's lack of scent to protect them from predators. Returning mothers that find humans or pets nearby may leave or can become aggressive to defend their offspring from the perceived threat. The mother will return if the young is left alone.

Although these newborns may appear abandoned, it is rarely the case, and if they are removed they will be orphaned. While professional wildlife rehabilitation facilities in some areas of B.C. can successfully rear these newborns, there is no maternal care and their chances of survival are far less than if they had been raised by their true mother.

This is true not just for deer; many mammals leave their young alone for long periods of time, only to return to feed them at regular intervals. So, if you encounter a young deer or calf in the wild at this time of the year, appreciate the experience, but don't approach or intervene.

Quick Facts:

If you find a fawn or calf that you think may be orphaned, here's what you should do:

If it is lying quietly, leave it alone and leave the area. Your presence will discourage the mother from returning.

Keep all children and especially dogs away from the area.

If you think the fawn or calf is not being cared for by its mother, return the next day to check. If it is in the exact same spot, it may be injured or orphaned. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible, but do not touch or move the animal.

Do not touch or feed the animal.

Learn More:

To find a wildlife rehabilitator near you, visit the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of British Columbia at: http://www.wrnbc.org/contact/find-a-local-rehabilitator/

Media Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Prescribed burning to resume in Morrissey Creek area

2013-04-23T22:45:00Z

GRAND FORKS - The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has scheduled the second phase of a prescribed burn in the Morrissey Creek area for Wednesday, April 24. The exact timing of the burn will depend on weather and site conditions.

The 10-hectare burn will be conducted about five kilometres east of Grand Forks. Smoke and flames may be visible from Grand Forks and along Highway 3.

This controlled burn will help re-establish appropriate ecological conditions, maintain winter range forage for wildlife and reduce forest fuel loads.

The burn will proceed only if weather and fire behaviour conditions will allow for quick smoke dissipation and low to moderate fire intensity. If conditions are not suitable, the burn will not take place.

Trained wildfire personnel will carefully monitor the fire at all times. Fire control and suppression actions will be taken to meet the project's goals and objectives. The goal is to mimic a naturally occurring ground fire and reduce the level of dead and combustible material in grassland and open forest areas.

Removal of these forest fuels helps reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. Fire can also discourage insect infestations and help fire-adapted plant species reproduce, such as grasses that thrive in newly cleared areas or trees whose seeds are only released when exposed to heat.

A factsheet follows.

Media Contact:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014

FACTSHEET

Prescribed burning used as ecosystem management tool

Fire is a normal, natural process in many of British Columbia's ecosystems. Many species of plants, birds, insects and other animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.

Fire helps control insects and the spread of disease in forests. It also contributes to forest succession, as younger trees replace older trees. Having trees of various ages in a forest helps creates biodiversity.

Prescribed burning is one of the tools used by forest professionals to achieve land management objectives. For example, fire can be used to enhance habitat and improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose. A controlled burn can also reduce fuel loads (combustible material such as underbrush and dead wood) and reduce the risk of wildfire in interface areas (where urban development borders on rural areas).

The size and intensity of prescribed burns are carefully planned and controlled to meet management objectives for fire-maintained ecosystems. Prescribed burns are only ignited when weather conditions are favourable and when the fire will not create excessive smoke. Important factors that are used to determine the date of a burn include the venting index, temperature, humidity and wind conditions.

The venting index is a measure of how quickly smoke will disperse under specific conditions. Prescribed fires may only be ignited on days when the forecast for the venting index is "good" or better.

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.

A prescribed burn is ignited and continuously monitored by trained firefighting crews to ensure that the fire does not get out of control. The fire crew supervisor (the "burn boss") is responsible for ensuring that the initial burn conditions are favourable and that the fire is extinguished once the prescribed burn is completed.

Media Contact:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014

Coroners Service identifies deceased skier

2013-04-23T19:19:00Z

KELOWNA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following a skiing incident near Rogers Pass on April 22, 2013.

He was Joshua Matthew Bernot, aged 30, of Kelowna.

Mr. Bernot was on the second day of a two-day back-country ski excursion with a friend. While skiing in an area of Glacier National Park known as Young's Peak about 12:30 p.m., he was witnessed to fall about 16 meters down a cliff. The friend and other nearby skiers summoned help as quickly as possible, but despite a rapid response from national parks staff and first responders, Mr. Bernot was deceased at the scene.

The Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Bernot has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

Whistler's Official Community Plan approved

2013-04-16T00:33:00Z

VICTORIA - Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett says after three years of work on the part of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, he is approving its Official Community Plan.

The community has worked hard to ensure that the Official Community Plan is consistent with the Whistler 2020 sustainability plan, reflects its community values, and ensures local growth is managed effectively and responsibly.

Since 1993, when the existing Official Community Plan was comprehensively reviewed, Whistler has changed significantly as its population has doubled from 5,000 to over 10,000. In 2009, Whistler approached the Province to advise that it would be reviewing its plan after the Olympics.

A comprehensive update to the plan was started in April 2010 to ensure Whistler's future success as a world-class resort. The review included community events, open houses, working group sessions, advisory committee meetings, and youth participation that engaged 1,500 participants. Through this process, strong support was expressed for growth management to protect the many features that make Whistler a desirable destination resort.

The Resort Municipality also engaged both the Squamish First Nations and Lil'Wat First Nations. The Province is prepared to engage both the municipality and local First Nations in future discussions on land use and economic development opportunities.

The minister's approval is the last step in the process before Whistler's Council can adopt the bylaw which confirms the Official Community Plan. The bylaw can be amended periodically as changing circumstances and new opportunities are considered. In the absence of any major provincial concern, the ministry tries to approve bylaws as soon as possible so as not to hold up the community process and to ensure certainty for the local government.

Media Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (Cell)

Premier Christy Clark's statement on Yom Ha'atzmaut

2013-04-16T00:30:00Z

VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement today celebrating the 65th anniversary of Israel's independence, Yom Ha'atzmaut:

"On behalf British Columbia, I want to congratulate and join Israelis everywhere in celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

"Since its creation in 1948, Israel has faced many threats and overcome many challenges, yet its commitment to its people and the democracy in which they live has never wavered.

"Israel has emerged a strong and prosperous economy whose technology and innovation have helped change the world for the better.

"British Columbia is keen to continue to build its social and economic relations with Israel, based on shared values. My government will continue to show its long-lasting friendship with Israel through further collaboration in clean technology, health sciences and academia.

"Best wishes to Israel on Yom Ha'atzmaut, and British Columbia looks forward to the next 65 years."

Media Contact:

Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat Media Line
250 356-5963

Order issued to improve water quality in Elk Valley

2013-04-15T23:15:00Z

VICTORIA - Environment Minister Terry Lake issued a ministerial order today to Teck Coal Limited, requiring the company to submit a plan to address the high levels of selenium and other contaminants in the Elk Valley watershed as a result of decades of coal mining activity.

This order covers the Elk Valley watershed, including Fording River and Lake Koocanusa, and establishes a process for Teck to take immediate steps to stabilize and reverse water quality concentrations for selenium, cadmium, nitrate and sulphate.

The order will result in a plan to identify long-term concentration targets including:

Current contaminant concentrations.

Current and emerging economically achievable treatment technologies.

Sustained balance of environmental, economic and social costs and benefits.

Current and emerging science regarding the fate and effects of contaminants.

The order defines specific environmental objectives and outcomes such as protection of aquatic ecosystems, protection of human health and protection of groundwater. Teck will develop the plan in collaboration with stakeholders, First Nations and various levels of government.

Under Section 89 of the Environmental Management Act, Teck is responsible for preparing and submitting terms of reference for approval to the Minister of Environment within 90 days. Teck must then complete the plan and submit it for the minister's approval within 12 months of the terms of reference being approved.

A technical advisory committee to guide development of the plan is also established by the order. Representatives will be invited to participate from each of the following:

Teck

Provincial government (representatives from each of the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and the Environmental Assessment Office)

Government of Canada (represented by Environment Canada)

United States Government

Government of the State of Montana

The Ktunaxa Nation Council

An independent third-party qualified professional scientist

A draft ministerial order was submitted for a 14-day consultation on March 28 to those with coal mining tenures in the region (Teck, Coal Valley Resources Inc, Crowsnest Pass Coal Mining Ltd., NWP Coal Canada Ltd, and Centermount Coal Ltd) as well as to the Ktunaxa Nation Council. All input and feedback received was taken into account when issuing this final order.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"This order very clearly articulates my expectations regarding environmental management in the Elk Valley. The Province takes the issue of selenium and other contaminants in our water very seriously and, by way of this order, government is taking action to invoke immediate change in the region's water quality trends so we can ensure the environment, wildlife, and the health of British Columbians is protected."

Learn More:

BC Newsroom - Ministry of Environment:http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/environment-1

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

Times of India Film Awards generates economic benefits for B.C.

2013-04-15T22:30:00Z

The Province of British Columbia is providing the following preliminary estimates of immediate economic benefit to B.C. as a result of the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA).

The following preliminary breakdown of production impacts has been provided by The Times Group:

6000 - direct and indirect employees hired in British Columbia to stage TOIFA events

24 - number of local corporations contracted to provide services to the Times of India Group in British Columbia (including security, ground transportation, media relations, catering, technical support, logistics, printing)

3000 - hotel room nights booked by the Times Group in Vancouver for TOIFA

The following preliminary value estimates of travel media coverage of B.C. in India between November through March were provided by the Canadian Tourism Commission:

$4.5 million in The Economic Times travel section

$1.6 million in non-Times Group newspapers

$725,500 from articles or mentions in various magazines

TOTAL: $6.8 million of travel media coverage of B.C. in Indian print publications

The Canadian Tourism Commission estimates that B.C. earned approximately $446,000 of media value in the Economic Times for two multi-page inserts prepared by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training promoting investment and trade with British Columbia and which ran in December and March.

The Times Group estimates that at least twelve print news stories mentioning B.C. or Vancouver ran in Times Group newspapers across India during and immediately following TOIFA (this early estimate does not include news stories which ran in media outlets not owned by the Times Group and also does not include radio or television broadcasts from Times Group or any other media outlets).

A front page picture caption in The Times of India, the world's most-read English-language newspaper.

A feature article in The Economic Times, the world's second most-read financial daily behind the Wall Street Journal.

Upcoming activities will generate further exposure:

TV broadcast of TOIFA and rebroadcasts (total estimated viewership is 400 million)

One remaining insert in the Economic Times promoting trade with British Columbia in June (Canadian Tourism Commission estimated value: $223,000)

Continuing collaboration with travel agents in India to promote British Columbia as a tourist destination.

One more TOIFA activity is planned. It is a television travelogue focused on British Columbia attractions with a Bollywood celebrity. Filming will take place in B.C. in May and will air in India at a later date.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799