By Jim Hilton Forest Ink I was encouraged about the news last week that the Ulkatcho First Nation was proceeding with the construction of one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. Not only will this project reduce the diesel use by millions of litres it may be the catalyst to introducing other forms of bio energy that could compliment the solar system. I have been experimenting with solar power for 10 plus years starting with six solar panels to supply power at my recreation property. While I still heat with wood and use propane for most of my cooking, I have an...… By Jim Hilton Forest Ink I was encouraged about the news last week that the Ulkatcho First Nation was proceeding with the construction of one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. Not only will this project reduce the diesel use by millions of litres it may be the catalyst to introducing other forms of bio energy that could compliment the solar system. I have been experimenting with solar power for 10 plus years starting with six solar panels to supply power at my recreation property. While I still heat with wood and use propane for most of my cooking, I have an...WW…

Wells Gray Search and Rescue hosted 62 Southern Interior Rope Exercise (SIRE) participants from 24 separate SAR teams across B.C. on April 27 and 28. The Saturday and Sunday training event took place near the Raft Rim Campground. Teams from around the province tested their skills with equipment provided by ClimbOn, TNT and Coast Ropes. Gateway Grill catered for the event and the group thanked the community for being mindful of their training area during the weekend event. There were six facilitators, 13 team leaders and 20 level two technicians as well as 30 plus level one...… Wells Gray Search and Rescue hosted 62 Southern Interior Rope Exercise (SIRE) participants from 24 separate SAR teams across B.C. on April 27 and 28. The Saturday and Sunday training event took place near the Raft Rim Campground. Teams from around the province tested their skills with equipment provided by ClimbOn, TNT and Coast Ropes. Gateway Grill catered for the event and the group thanked the community for being mindful of their training area during the weekend event. There were six facilitators, 13 team leaders and 20 level two technicians as well as 30 plus level one...WW…

Powell River’s name currently reflect a man whose main goal was to assimilate Indigenous people It was first in May 2021 that the idea for Powell River to change its name was brought forward to city officials in the coastal B.C. community. What followed, however, were bureaucratic delays and heightened tension among residents, leaving some wondering if their recommendations toward reconciliation becoming more than just words would ever actually become reality. For Harmony Johnson, changing the name of the community she is from – which currently reflects a man whose main goal was to...…Powell River’s name currently reflect a man whose main goal was to assimilate Indigenous people It was first in May 2021 that the idea for Powell River to change its name was brought forward to city officials in the coastal B.C. community. What followed, however, were bureaucratic delays and heightened tension among residents, leaving some wondering if their recommendations toward reconciliation becoming more than just words would ever actually become reality. For Harmony Johnson, changing the name of the community she is from – which currently reflects a man whose main goal was to...WW…

Spring is the start of gardening season in Canada. Whether you are planning to plant a garden this year or spend the day at an immaculately groomed public garden, this is the time to watch as the plants grow. Or, for those who choose to participate, World Naked Gardening Day is held on the first Saturday of May each year. How much do you know about gardens and gardening? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions. Good luck. READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about democracy? READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about Canada’s growing population? READ ALSO: QUIZ: A...… Spring is the start of gardening season in Canada. Whether you are planning to plant a garden this year or spend the day at an immaculately groomed public garden, this is the time to watch as the plants grow. Or, for those who choose to participate, World Naked Gardening Day is held on the first Saturday of May each year. How much do you know about gardens and gardening? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions. Good luck. READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about democracy? READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about Canada’s growing population? READ ALSO: QUIZ: A...WW…

Crews have brought a wildfire west of Hanceville under control. Discovered Friday, May 3, the suspected human-caused fire is located 1.1km northwest of Zenzaco Creek, near the community of Tletinqox (Anaham) is an estimated to be 133 hecatres. There is still a full response underway by the BC Wildfire Service to fully suppress the fire. which is projected, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter. There are currently no evacuation orders or alerts or area restrictions due to this fire. The fire danger rating at nearby...… Crews have brought a wildfire west of Hanceville under control. Discovered Friday, May 3, the suspected human-caused fire is located 1.1km northwest of Zenzaco Creek, near the community of Tletinqox (Anaham) is an estimated to be 133 hecatres. There is still a full response underway by the BC Wildfire Service to fully suppress the fire. which is projected, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter. There are currently no evacuation orders or alerts or area restrictions due to this fire. The fire danger rating at nearby...WW…