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Whooping cough cases rise throughout the Interior

Simone Joseph — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:13:24 +0000

Whooping cough cases have soared across the Interior and are expected to increase during the summer months.

The clinical term for whooping cough is Pertussis.

“It’s a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that is spread through person-to-person coughing or sneezing, ” said Dr. Muhammad Mukkaram, Medical Health Officer, Interior Health.

People start with cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, fever, and a cough.

After a week or two, it persists into coughing fits.

“It becomes really challenging to control in a community setting because in an enclosed space, it spreads faster. That other challenge is that it is not recognized early in the stage of the disease, ” adds Dr Mukkaram.

Infants under one year old are at the greatest risk of severe illness.

Interior Health says that in 2025, most babies who became sick required hospitalization.

Most cases occur in children and youth who are not fully immunized.

“Ideally, vaccine is the most effective way to prevent severe illness,” said Dr Mukkaram.

Dr. Mukkaram understands that some people may be resistant to vaccines, but he urges them to get tested if they have any symptoms and present to a health care facility.

Pertussis vaccines are free in British Columbia and are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.

For expectant mothers, immunization during pregnancy is especially important because it helps protect newborn babies before they are old enough to receive their own vaccines.

What are the symptoms?

Often begins like a common cold with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, mild fever and a mild cough.
After one to two weeks, the cough can become severe and last for several weeks.
Some people develop coughing fits that make it hard to breathe and may cause post-cough vomiting.
The well-known “whooping” sound does not always happen, especially in babies, teens, adults and people who have been vaccinated.

Anyone with a cough that is getting worse or lasting more than a week should contact a health-care provider.

Pertussis spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the droplets land on multi-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops.

It spreads easily where people spend time together or in close contact, such as in homes, schools, and camps

People can spread pertussis before they know they are sick.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can get pertussis, but the highest risk is for:

Babies under one year old
People who are not fully immunized
Pregnant people in their third trimester
People living or working with vulnerable individuals

Protection from vaccination or past infection can decrease over time, so older children and adults can still become infected.

What should you do if you have symptoms?

If you think you may have pertussis:

Contact a health-care provider for advice and testing, or call 8-1-1
Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital
Stay home and avoid close contact with others, especially babies and pregnant people
Cover coughs
Wash hands often

People with pertussis can spread the infection for several weeks if untreated. Antibiotics can reduce how long someone is contagious.

For more information about whooping cough, click here.

Active listings are up in the East Kootenay real estate market

Simone Joseph — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:03:43 +0000

More East Kootenay property owners were selling their properties last month than in May 2025, with a 2.4% increase in active listings.

According to The Association of Interior Realtors, in the Kootenay and Boundary region in May, there were 611 new listings, marking a 2.3% increase compared to May 2025 and up from April’s 552 new listings.

There were 267 sales recorded last month in the Kootenay and Boundary region, marking a 13.6% decrease compared to May 2025 and down from April’s 283 units sold.

The overall active listings in the Kootenay region are up 2.4% compared to May 2025.

“The Kootenay and Boundary market continued to demonstrate stability, with activity levels closely mirroring those seen a year ago. The gradual increase in listings is a welcome sign, particularly in a region where inventory has often struggled to keep pace with demand,” said Ryan Mayne, President, Association of Interior Realtors.

The benchmark price in the Kootenay Region was increased by 4.4% in the single-family housing category.

This was compared to May 2025 with a $615,700 benchmark price.

The townhouse category saw a 0.2% increase in benchmark pricing, at $496,700.

In the condominium housing category, the benchmark price increased by 1.7% in a year-over-year comparison, coming in at $331,900.

Throughout the Interior, the Association region recorded 1,456 residential sales in May, which was up from 1,319 in April, with a year-over-year decrease of 1.4%.

New residential listings were down by 13.3% compared to May 2025.

There were 3,102 new listings recorded in May, which was down from April’s 3,134 new listings.

“While new listing activity remains below last year’s levels, overall real estate activity across the Interior continues at a healthy and sustainable pace. The decline in new listings could, in part, reflect buyers’ continued demand for greater choice,” said Mayne.

The total number of active listings in inventory decreased by 6.8% compared to May 2025.

The only percentage increase in active listings across the Association region was recorded in the Kootenay and Boundary region.

New report says hiking and climbing injuries are high in East Kootenay

Simone Joseph — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:00:34 +0000

June is a popular time in British Columbia to go hiking and climbing, but a new report from the BC Coroners Service says East Kootenay is a top spot to get injured.

The BC Coroners Service is investigating several fatalities related to outdoor activities between March 1 and May 31, 2026, including hiking/climbing, drownings and motorcyclist-involved accidents.

According to the 2016-2025 report, climbing and hiking deaths are most common during May and September, with a peak in July.

The Interior had the most deaths from climbing and hiking in 2025, with seven people losing their lives.

East Kootenay had the second-highest number of injuries from climbing and hiking in 2025, with four, behind North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi at six.

Kimberley made the list for the townships with the most hiking and climbing deaths in BC.

Kimberley recorded four deaths between 2016 and 2025.

The BC Coroners Office urges people throughout the province to put safety first when planning warm-weather activities.

Tips for the summer:

· Research ahead of time and let other people know about plans and return times.

· Avoid going off-trail and getting too close to steep edges.

· Don’t hike/climb where it may be too difficult or long.

· Dress and equip yourself appropriately for the elements.

· Always pack enough food and water.

More information about safety practices during the summer can be found here.

To read the full report, click here.

Grand opening for Centre 64 outdoor music stage in Kimberley

Simone Joseph — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:00:14 +0000

The grand opening of the City of Kimberley’s brand-new outdoor live music stage, ‘Centre 64’ is today (June 5).

This community celebration marks a significant investment in the local arts scene, providing a permanent home for performances in the heart of the city.

It begins at 3 p.m. with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries.

Following the ceremony, the Selkirk High School Jazz Choir will take the stage for a special performance, with the afternoon portion of the event running until 5 p.m. and is open to all ages.

The evening celebrations begin at 7 p.m. with a performance by Kimberley’s own Leather Apron Revival.

Known for their soulful, blues-rock sound, the band is ready for the inaugural concert at the new venue.

The evening session will be a licensed event, allowing guests to enjoy local refreshments.

“We are thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on this beautiful new space,” says Mayor Don McCormick.

“This stage is more than just a structure; it’s a gathering place for our residents and a platform for the incredible musicians who call Kimberley and the Kootenays home.”

Admission to both the afternoon ceremony and the evening concert is free of charge.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music comfortably.

Festivities Schedule:

Location: Centre 64 Kimberley, BC

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Ribbon Cutting, Dignitary Remarks, and Selkirk High School Jazz Choir.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Live Performance by Leather Apron Revival (Licensed Event).

Find more info here.

B.C. government invests over $180K in Kootenay wood waste project

Alyssa Conti — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:30:17 +0000

The province is doubling down on its commitment to forest industries by announcing a new investment in the Kootenays.

Wildsight is receiving roughly $182,000 for its Fire for Healthy Soils project in Creston – a pilot that aims to cut down emissions by turning wood waste into carbon-rich charcoal.

“People in rural communities are finding innovative ways to create new opportunities for their families and neighbours while caring for the environment,” said Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon.

“By turning wood waste into valuable new products, this project is creating jobs, supporting local businesses and helping build a stronger future for the community.”

The project will turn wildfire fuels and wood waste into biochar instead of burning them in piles, then use the biochar as a soil supplement to boost crop yields, water retention, and soil quality.

“Projects like Fire for Healthy Soils are helping our communities find innovative ways to reduce emissions, make better use of wood waste and support our local economy,” said Kootenay Central MLA Brittny Anderson. “This work is strengthening our forestry and agricultural sectors and supporting job growth and long-term rural resilience.”

Wildsight will also be providing training opportunities for the project through its Youth Climate Corps program, a now provincewide initiative that started in the East and West Kootenay.

Funding is being provided through B.C.’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), which has supported 525 projects across the province since 2022.

Work underway to build new 12-unit seniors’ rental housing in Cranbrook

Alyssa Conti — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:54 +0000

Shovels will soon be in the ground to give local seniors some much-needed housing above their heads.

Site preparation work is on track to begin this June for Rotary Creekside Village, one of the Rotary Club of Cranbrook’s biggest community projects to date.

The 12-home, one-bedroom, below-market-rate rental housing complex will address a pressing housing need in Cranbrook, where housing costs outpace many seniors’ retirement income, according to the Club.

“This is a significant moment for Cranbrook,” says David Kaiser, project director for the Cranbrook Rotary.

“Rotary Creekside Village represents our club’s deep commitment to serving our community — and to ensuring that our seniors can age with dignity, comfort, and security right here in the city they love.”

Interior of the planned Rotary Creekside Village. (Image Credit: Rotary Club of Cranbrook / Supplied)

It’s not the Cranbrook Rotary’s first rodeo, with the Rotary Scott Villa being built in 1967 along Joseph Creek for the same reasons.

“It’s independence, it’s my home, it’s a community. It’s very affordable living; I wouldn’t be able to manage if I didn’t have the affordable living at the Rotary Scott Villa,” said Roxy, a resident.

The Club has secured roughly $300,000 in grants for site services and construction work at Creekside and has dedicated nearly $260,000 in club funds. Columbia Basin Trust is also putting in $700,000 to support the project.

Residents and businesses are invited to chip in with donations and help fund the Village.

Construction is expected to start in mid-July, and the Rotary is looking to start moving eligible seniors in next year, by the end of July 2027.

Applications are set to open on February 26, 2027.

City of Fernie seeks feedback on Community Bin Service amid access concerns

Simone Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:30:09 +0000

The City of Fernie is seeking public feedback about how we use the Community Bins.

The City’s initial plan was to provide community bins in addition to the curbside waste collection program, for residents to dispose of garbage if they miss their collection day or don’t have access to safe storage.

These dumpsters can be found at:

Max Turyk Community Centre, 44 Mt. Washburn Street
Fernie Aquatic Centre, 250 Pine Avenue
City Hall, 501 3rd Avenue

They are identified by a “keep wildlife wild” sticker, and if the bin is full, residents are encouraged to access another bin or dispose of waste at the Fernie Transfer Station.

Over the years, there has been a misuse of them, including the unintended dumping of large household furniture, electronics, recycling, animal carcasses, and building materials.

This has led to limited access for intended users, Fernie residents.

The issues facing the City are:

Business and non-residents using the bins limit access for intended users. With limited capacity, users are now illegally dumping garbage beside the bins instead of visiting other bins or the Fernie Transfer Station.
The bins are regularly overflowing with garbage, causing wildlife attractants. Animals may become food conditioned and return to the area, putting themselves and people at risk.
Dumping garbage beside the bins is visually unpleasant.
The City’s Parks, Facilities, and Recreation team is called out to clean up the community bins when they are misused, taking them away from caring for our favourite community parks, trails, and facilities.

The City says it cannot continue with the current Community Bins Service and is asking for feedback from Fernie Residents to help inform the future of the service.

You can fill in the survey on the City of Fernie’s website.

The survey closes June 22, 2026.

To read more about the Community Bin Service, click here.

Phase 2 of building permit software launching in Fernie on June 24

Simone Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The City of Fernie has announced the release of Phase 2 of the Cloudpermit software to streamline the building and development permit process.

Building on the rollout of the Building Permit Module in June 2025, the City is introducing the Planning Module.

It’s an online permit tracking system that allows builders, developers, businesses, and residents to submit planning applications and track the progress in one convenient digital platform.

It expands online services to include planning and development applications such as variance requests and subdivision applications, real-time status tracking, and improved communication with staff.

Benefits:

Apply for permits at any time of day, from any location with an internet connection. Save your work and finish it later.
Check the status of your permit online and receive email updates on the progress.
Communicate with the review team through a central location.
Schedule building permit inspections through an online booking system

It launches on June 24, and to learn more about Cloudpermit, click here.

Fernie’s Splash Park is closed

Simone Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:07:53 +0000

There is a little sun out in Fernie, but the Splash Park is currently closed.

The City of Fernie’s facilities team are working hard to get it reopened.

Updates will be shared by the City as they become available.

‘It tracks much higher than usual:’ surge in drownings concerns advocacy group

Alyssa Conti — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:05:01 +0000

NANAIMO — It has been a deadly spring with far more drownings than usual across B.C.

As of Wednesday, June 3, Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon data showed 17 drownings had occurred in the province this year.

“It tracks much higher than usual,” a concerned Lenea Grace, society executive director, told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The prior three-year trend to early June in B.C. saw an average of eight drownings, with the 17 reported in 2021 skewed by COVID-19 health regulations, Grace noted.

“This shows us that we really need to make sure that the public has safety at top of mind this summer because it’s only going to get hotter and more enticing to enjoy and recreate on the water.”

Historically, 77 per cent of drowning victims in the province are men, Grace said, noting the vast majority of this year’s fatalities have been males.

A combination of boating, paddleboarding, swimming, as well as snowmobiling incidents earlier in the year drove up this year’s fatalities, with “no set pattern” among the incidents, Grace said.

A total of 276 people died from accidental drownings between 2014 and 2024, with nearly seven per cent of them occurring in the Columbia River (7), Kootenay River (6) and Kootenay Lake (6).

Aerial and water-based resources were deployed in response to a pair of people who drowned in Nanaimo’s Departure Bay area during separate May 20 incidents. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

According to BC Coroners Service data, an annual average of 66 accidental drowning deaths occurred in the province during that time, with rivers and lakes/ponds being the highest-risk areas.

Most drownings are entirely preventable, Grace said, pointing to the importance of all boaters and paddleboarders wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device.

“Please make sure if folks are boating or paddleboarding that they’re making a trip plan, letting others know where they’re going; assessing variable risks like weather, currents, deep water drop-offs, all of those things.”

Swimmers misjudging their capabilities is also a historic issue, Grace said, while another especially vulnerable population is children.

Stigmas around men refusing to wear life jackets and engaging in higher-risk behaviours such as mixing alcohol/substances with recreating on the water are key driving factors in preventable drownings, Grace said.

She emphasized that safety needs to be a priority for people enjoying themselves in and around the water.

“It’s a free activity in many instances that everybody can enjoy; we just want to make sure that people are doing so responsibly.”

By Ian Holmes, NanaimoNewsNOW