The Kootenay Lake Ferry has ceased running in both directions from 8am this morning, Saturday April 27, due to damage to the ramp at Balfour dock.

It is unconfirmed the reason behind the damage, however services has been suspended until further notice.

Captain of the Osprey confirms the Balfour ferry is currently not running, however, they hope to be operational soon.

Please seek an alternate route if needed.

Please see Drive BC to keep up to date with the current details.

The post Kootenay Lake Ferry out of service Saturday morning, April 27 appeared first on My Creston Now.

Creston turns 100 this year and the town has many events lined up to help the community celebrate.

The events kicked off with the 100 Years of Ice Sports Exhibit in March and will really pick up in May with the upcoming Blossom Festival.

Creston town councillor Denise Dumas says there will be many events the community can take part in.

"The Centennial Advanced Advisory Committee has been working hard for the last two years to plan and put on these events," explained Dumas.

"On the actual day of incorporation, which was May 14, 1934, when Creston was incorporated as a village, we have our council meeting that Tuesday. So, we will have a special council meeting with many surprises. And, of course, the public is welcome to attend."

That evening, there will be a drone show at the Creston and District Community Centre to celebrate the Centennial.

Dumas says May will be an activity-filled month.

"The volunteers of the Blossom Festival Committee are bringing back the Midway Carnival this year. Then, for the opening ceremony, we have a production called the 100 Years of Music which will feature the last 100 years of music with our local musicians."

A few of the musicians include the Creston Community Band, the Blossom Valley Singers, and more.

Additionally, during the Blossom Festival Weekend from May 17 to the 20, the Creston Valley Youth Network has partnered with the Creston Valley Museum to host a scavenger hunt on Saturday afternoon.

There will be a parade that morning, a concert with BCDC that evening, and tons of fun to be had at the Midway Carnival throughout the weekend.

From May 10 to the 12, birders will flock to the valley for the annual Creston Valley Bird Festival.

The Footlighters Theatre Society has written a play called 1925: IncorporationOff the Rail and will present it from June 20 to the 23.

"Now I do believe that they are still in need of actors," said Dumas.

"So anybody out there who wants to be a part of the community play, please contact Jason Smith."

Dumas adds there will also be art popping up throughout the valley.

"Crestoramics has stepped up and is helping us with the Community Art Project. We have gotten wooden birds cut out for a silhouette and we will be getting those birds up and painted."

Dumas says they have had a lot of help from their sponsors.

"We received a grant from the Canadian Heritage Grant and the Creston Community Foundations has provided money to support the Community Art Project Crestoramics is doing. FortisBC is supporting the drone show."

"We really appreciate those organizations that have stepped up to help us."

Dumas adds they're excited to see the community come together to celebrate the Centennial.

"We're looking forward to seeing many from the community
and having fun and celebrating this historical event this year."

A full list of events that will be continuously updated throughout the year can be found on the town's website.

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mycrestonnow.com.

The post Creston celebrates 100 years appeared first on My Creston Now.

On April 17, Yaqan Nukiy Nasukin Jason Louie met with FortisBC CEO and president Roger Dall'Antonia to discuss their ongoing relationship.

During the meeting, Louie spoke of his people's connection to the reserve and the challenges they have overcome through their time there.

He said the Yaqan Nukiy were initially given almost inhabitable land but through their hard work and indomitable will, it has become a beautiful land full of rich farming opportunities.

However, he said they are still facing difficulties with housing and the shoddy construction of homes in their community.

He spoke of a single mother, who had to choose each month whether to buy food for her family or pay the heating bill.

He added his own experiences growing up in a home with improper heating, saying that he dreamt of one day sleeping on a real bed in a warm home.

He commended Dall'Antonia and FortisBC, speaking of their continued efforts to build human relationships and work towards truth and reconciliation.

He added other communities and groups could follow their example.

"It's a really simple concept. They bring the human element to their organization and work with us," explained Louie,

"I think, most importantly, working with us as equals. And it's not that hard to fall suit. Fortis can lead by example with the other individuals and corporations out there in our territory."

He says the direct meeting with the FortisBC execs and the continued effort of the community to provide proper housing goes a long way towards righting past wrongs.

"It says a lot. It's not the first time that I've met with various reps from Fortis through the years, but this is the first time the top man came all the way from Vancouver. It means a lot and shows a lot of sincerity about moving forward with our working relationship."

During the meeting, Dall'Antonia asked Louie how they could help in furthering the Lower Kootenay Band and their fight against the housing crisis.

Louie said they're always accepting support and are interested in possibly researching the viability of green energy solutions in their community.

"The world we are in is so much different from our ancestors where climate change did not exist."

"Here we are in 2024, where science doesn't lie. Climate change is very real. So we have to adapt to today and explore green energy. It seems to fall into the values and principles of Ktunaxa culture. So that's part of the mindset I had with exploring those possibilities."

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyCrestonNow News Alerts.

The post Lower Kootenay Band Nasukin meets FortisBC CEO to discuss building relationships and homes appeared first on My Creston Now.

Creston residents have a chance to help clean up the valley with the annual Dash for Trash events.

Teams of volunteers will head out to designated areas of the Creston Valley to fill bags with litter and bring them back to the Columbia Brewery.

Paul Punia, Environmental and Health Safety Manager at Labatt Columbia Brewery, says they're excited for this year's event.

"It's an annual event that we put together in order to get the community together to clean up trash. It hadn't been done for a few years due to COVID, but we started up again last year and now continuing again this year."

Volunteers will meet at the brewery on May 11 at 9 am. Teams will be set up and assigned areas to clean up.

The full bags will then be brought back to the brewery, where Tip-It Waste Solutions has donated a dumpster.

"Environmental stewardship is a big initiative within Labatt and our global company in general," said Punia.

"We have lots of ambitious targets when it comes to things like water usage, recycling rate. So involving the community along with that initiative is a big push for us, and we like to do it at the community level here and get everybody involved."

Last year's event saw a huge turnout of volunteers, something Punia is hoping to replicate this year.

"We'd love to have the same type of turnout for sure. We'll be ready for the numbers if we can get them."

A barbecue will be held for the volunteers after the cleanup as thanks.

Those interested can sign up at the Chamber of Commerce website, with the deadline for registration set for May 4.

Be the first to know! Don't miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyCrestonNow News Alerts.

The post Dash for Trash event set to clean up Creston Valley appeared first on My Creston Now.

Creston residents have a unique opportunity to recycle special items during the upcoming Creston Recycling Pickup at the Creston Community Complex.

On April 27th, from 10 am to 2 pm, residents can bring in small appliances, light bulbs, power tools, electronics, and other items that normally would not be accepted for recycling.

"There are all items that are not accepted at landfills," explained Lisa Armstrong, Operations and Logistics Supervisor with Product Care Recycling.

"They are part of the EPR programs which are handled by producers. Basically, producers that create these items are responsible for making sure that they are responsibly recycled."

Those with items to recycle will be able to bring them in and there will be staff on hand to go through items and help place them into the proper places as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Armstrong adds those interested can find more information on their Facebook page or their website.

"It will also show items that are available for recycling in each of the programs."

Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing news@mycrestonnow.com.

The post Creston Recycling Pickup allows locals to dispose of special items appeared first on My Creston Now.

The Town of Creston has said no to a permanent homeless shelter on Canyon Street.

During a town council meeting, it was decided not to go ahead with the homeless shelter at 1130 Canyon Street.

Mayor Arnold DeBoon says it was not the best spot for the shelter.

"Well, we made it clear that we had realized and decided that the building was not the best spot for a potential homeless shelter. So we discussed that at the meeting and let people know that." said Mayor DeBoon.

He says there were several factors in their decision, including the location, the impact on the town, difficulty in keeping the public bathrooms in that area open, and more.

Mayor DeBoon adds the cost of renovating the building would probably have been prohibitively high.

"We weren't that thrilled with the location. The reason that was even up for decision was that, if we proceed with a homeless shelter and they wanted a contribution from the town, a potential contribution would have been a building."

Despite no decisions coming to light prior to the meeting, significant backlash on social media circled throughout the community.

"Facebook is a place where people are welcome to express their opinion and I understand that that's important," said DeBoon.

"But a lot of it is based on conjecture. Without having that information, when people post their opinions, other people see that as either fact or high potential being true. And not all of it is."

He adds the best way to get the proper information is to attend meetings.

"The best place to get information is by attending meetings and we allow the public to ask questions and we do our best to answer them."

Mayor DeBoon says, despite rejecting this potential site, the town is still working on getting a permanent shelter.

"I think our community has generally agreed with is that there is a need for either a shelter or services for the homeless that they currently don't have. And so that keeps the conversation going and over time there will be decisions made."

Luckily, he says the lack of any fatally cold weather gives the town the time to make the best decision for the community.

Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-428-3160 or email Vista Radio.

The post Creston continues search for permanent homeless shelter location appeared first on My Creston Now.

The Creston Valley Thunder Cats have a new bench boss after hiring Geordie Wudrick as head coach and general manager.

Wudrick is joining the team after a successful season as an assistant coach with the Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

This comes after previous coach Brad Tobin's contract wasn't renewed for the upcoming season.

Wudrick had a lengthy career in the Western Hockey League as well as a stint in Europe and was even a third-round pick by the LA Kings.

“I feel very honoured and it’s a great opportunity for myself,” said Wudrick in a release.

“I think Creston is a great town. Their vision for the future excites me and is something I want to be a part of. I’m really thankful for everyone in Creston’s organization giving me this opportunity to lead their team. I’m really looking forward to being a part of that community.”

He will begin his coaching duties immediately and work on building next year's roster.

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyCrestonNow News Alerts.

The post Thunder Cats welcome new head coach and GM appeared first on My Creston Now.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League will welcome the River Rush into the fold, as the Leagues approved the relocation of the North Okanagan Knights to Quesnel.

The team, now known as the River Rush, is the second relocation approved by the league in the past two weeks with the Summerland Steam recently becoming the Williams Lake Mustangs.

The River Rush will be operated by Quesnel local Tracy Mero and will play out of the 1,300-seat West Fraser Centre.

The team has secured former KIJHL coach Dale Hladun as head coach and general manager.

KIJHL officials are glad to have another team in the Cariboo region joining the Wranglers as well as the new Mustangs.

“The KIJHL is thrilled to be involved in the return of Junior A hockey to Quesnel,” says KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois.

“We’ve been so excited to see the passion and enthusiasm that has been building throughout this process and we can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere when the team hits the ice this fall.”

The Knights first joined the league in 2009 and had the most success in the 2012/13 season when they made it to the finals but lost to the Castlegar Rebels.

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyCrestonNow News Alerts.

The post Another KIJHL team on the move appeared first on My Creston Now.

Two Creston Valley Thunder Cats players have taken out this years' Kootenay International Junior Hockey League's top defenceman and top scorer titles for the season.

The League has announces its overall award winners in seven categories, with Luke Chakrabarti named the top scorer in the regular season, tallying 30 goals and 45 assists for a total of 75 points in 44 games.

While he has a knack for scoring goals, Thunder Cats associate coach Gianni Mangone said his playmaking is what really stands out.

“He can score. Everyone knows that,” he said.

“I think what they didn’t really realize is that they had to worry about his linemates a lot as well. Luke was always off the rush trying to find a guy coming in late, was always thinking about making the pass to teammates for an open shot.”

Some of his highlights this season included a five-point performance against the Nelson Leafs and a seven-point night against the Spokane Braves.

Luke is joined by his younger brother, Max Chakrabarti, on the podium, who has been named the top defenceman in the KIJHL.

Max led all defencemen with 55 points in 40 games while averaging over 23 minutes a game.

Mangone said he's the type of player that makes coaching easy.

“What really made him stand out was his breakout passing, his zone exits and joining the rush,” added Mangone.

“His skill with the puck and vision was very high level. It was pretty easy to coach, sometimes you just gotta let him loose. When you have a stallion, you let him run, and at other times you would have to reel him in.”

Season highlights for Max included a seven-point night against Spokane and a second selection to Team KIJHL for the B.C. Hockey Conference Prospects Game.

Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-428-3160 or email Vista Radio.

The post Thunder Cat brothers bring in KIJHL awards appeared first on My Creston Now.

Creston will be receiving funds from the provincial government to create a stormwater management master plan to better protect the town during major climate events.

The Town of Creston will be receiving $150,000 of the $39 million available to 50 governments through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

"This new approach takes a strong emphasis on nature-based solutions, which I'm excited about," explained Nelson-Creston MLA Birttny Anderson.

"It incorporates things like bioswales, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands as central components of their master plan. By targeting areas previously identified as vulnerable to stormwater accumulation, they're going to be integrating green infrastructure that will serve a dual role."

Anderson adds it will help stormwater be managed more effectively and allow for habitats to be created for local flora and fauna.

"Instead of having all of the water just immediately flow into pipes and into the ground, when we're able to use nature-based solutions it will mean that there's a habitat for things like birds and insects. And, this habitat helps with stormwater and mitigates flooding."

Anderson says the Town of Creston determined that they needed to upgrade the master plan.

"We know now that we don't just want pipes in the ground to be dealing with our stormwater. Having nature-based solutions helps to protect us when we have extreme weather events. And this can also help to mitigate some of the flooding. This is really to update it to keep our community safer, and it's part of our overall BC flood strategy."

The provincial government is launching a new comprehensive flood strategy that is meant to prepare BC for potential extreme weather events.

Another Kootenay community, the Village of Warfield, will be receiving $150,000 for the Trail Creek Floodplain Mapping.

The post Creston’s nature-based stormwater plan aims to protect and flourish appeared first on My Creston Now.