
Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Kootenays
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of British Columbia, warning that conditions are favourable for storms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Environment Canada says the storms may significantly reduce visibility and create difficult driving condition...
8h ago

Castlegar RCMP searching for missing man
Castlegar RCMP are requesting the public's help in finding Ryan David Johnson, who was reported missing on July 22, 2025. Johnson, 37, is described as a Caucasian male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing around 170 pounds. He has brown hair, green eyes, and a slender build. RCMP say they are concerned for his health and...
12h ago

B.C. government looks to improve Elk Valley water quality with updated plan
The B.C. government has now updated its plan to improve water quality in the Elk Valley - nearly 30 years after researchers found harmful changes in the region's watershed. In 2014, the province developed the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan to mitigate the impacts of mining on water quality. With its first update since ...
Jul 31, 2025

8 die from toxic drug poisoning in East Kootenay so far in 2025: BCCS
New data released by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) shows a steady number of East Kootenay drug deaths in the first half of 2025 compared to last year. Eight people have died from unregulated drug poisoning between January and June this year, down by one from the same time in 2024. One of those deaths was located in F...
Jul 31, 2025

Wind phones installed in Elk Valley parks to support grief and healing
Residents of the Elk Valley have a new way to connect with lost loved ones, with the installation of three wind phones in local parks. The Elk Valley and Area Hospice Society, alongside the District of Elkford, officially opened the first of the three phones with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 28 at Boivin Peace Par...
Jul 31, 2025

Section of trail linking Kimberley, Cranbrook set to close next Wednesday
The Cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley are working together to keep users safe on a section of their shared 28-kilometre trail. Starting Wednesday (Aug. 6), the Northstar Rails to Trails will be closed for key slope safety work on a roughly 250-metre stretch next to Wycliffe Store Road, just past the St. Mary's River B...
Jul 31, 2025

Q2 property crime reports more than double from Q1: Cranbrook RCMP
Cranbrook police have had a busier quarter compared to their first three months of this year, and property crime made up a significant bulk of their criminal files. Between April and June, the local RCMP opened a total of 2,781 reports - up 519 from Q1. While most involved non-criminal matters, such as wellness checks ...
Jul 30, 2025

RDEK to ramp up patrols on Windermere Beach after vandalism, after-hours parties
Visitors to Windermere Beach will have to enjoy their vices in moderation after the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) hired additional security this August long weekend. More patrols will be deployed from Friday through Monday, while regular security will continue for the remainder of the summer. The Columbia ...
Jul 30, 2025

RCMP seek suspect connected to two vehicle thefts in Cranbrook
RCMP in Cranbrook are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect believed to be connected to two separate vehicle thefts earlier this week. According to the RCMP, the first incident took place on Monday, July 28, at approximately 3:25 p.m., when a white 2011 Ford F-350 with B.C. license plate LX1632 was stolen ...
Jul 30, 2025

Cranbrook Fire responds to over 1000 calls in first half of 2025, mostly medical
The Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services has been handling a steady number of calls this year. Fire Services reported 568 calls for service in the second quarter of 2025, up by eight per cent from 525 between January and March. "Call volumes in the community have remained stable for three straight quarters, whi...
Jul 30, 2025