Nelson
Photo: Creative Commons
Sometimes no news is good news, especially when it relates to bear activity.
When the puck dropped on the 2024 bear season last spring in Nelson and regional district electoral areas E and F, it quickly settled in to be a very quiet summer and early fall, said the region’s WildSafeBC coordinator, Lisa Thomson.
Thanks to an abundant wild berry season, many bears remained higher up the mountains enjoying natural food sources, she said. Now that winter has taken up residence in Nelson and area, bears haven’t entirely tucked in, Thomson explained.
“It appears as though some bears remained out of town, and possibly went to winter dens early. However, we are currently experiencing some bears accessing human generated waste within Nelson city limits,” she said. “Bears will not go to winter den if food sources are still available, despite having snow on the ground.”
As per Conservation Officer Status (COS statistics), there were 189 reports involving black bears in Nelson and RDCK areas E and F. Overall, there were 296 RAPP reports for human-wildlife conflict throughout the season, which ends Dec. 6.
Last season, a delay in the full weight of winter brought on a suspension in hibernation for the region’s bear population, prompting the extension of the WildSafeBC Nelson program until Dec. 22. The bears had been accessing garbage in various areas.
Just over one year ago three grizzly bears were spotted several times inside the borders of Rosemont, three blocks from the elementary school, as well as in Fairview. In early October an adult female grizzly bear and her two yearling cubs were removed from the urban confines of Nelson (Fairview).
Thomson said the 2024 season demonstrated that the majority of residents and local businesses were improving on “bear smart” waste management practices.
“However, Nelson has an increasing and revolving population,” she explained. “This requires continuing educational programs to ensure people are aware of their responsibility to local Wildlife Act bylaws, and to minimize complacency during lower conflict times.”
Bear necessities of life
The season of 2024 wasn’t without incident. Thomson said there were seven black bears lethally removed earlier in the season for human-wildlife conflict.
“Often, we see higher conflict around mating/dispersal season (May-June) that involves yearlings dispersed from the sow, that are navigating life on their own,” she pointed out. “Additionally, residents have been complacent with waste management over the winter months, and are delayed in remembering bear smart practices. Along with increasing number of visitors to the area unawares of being in bear country.”
On the plus side of the ledger, there are now bear resistant garbage cans in all parks within city limits, Thomson said, with the older open garbage bins having been removed.
And due to a generous grant given to Kootenay Lake Tourism, bear resistant garbage cans have been installed in popular areas throughout the region, as well as some School District No. 8 schools that had bears accessing open-top garbage containers.
Samantha Holomay - Dec 2, 2024 / 5:22 pm | Story: 520617
Photo: Charlie Willis/Kootenay Lake Farms
A Christmas tree farmer's 'stump culture' method could help keep artificial trees out of landfills.
As Christmas tree farms open for the season, the debate between real and artificial trees resurfaces, with many households recently considering living trees as eco-friendly alternatives.
If properly cared for, living Christmas trees can be enjoyed throughout the season and later planted outside. This usually means keeping them indoors for no more than 10 days in a cool, well-lit area.
The choice between real and artificial trees often comes down to personal preference and lifestyle, as each has its environmental pros and cons.
What may seem like a sustainable and charming alternative to cutting trees doesn’t always work in places with harsher climates.
Charlie Willis, owner of Kootenay Tree Farms in Cranbrook, says living Christmas trees don't do well in regions like the West Kootenays and Interior.
“Living trees thrive with regular water,” Willis explained. “But our summers here are too dry, and without that proper moisture, the roots don’t have the strength to take hold.”
Instead, Willis uses a method to grow his trees called ‘stump culture’ a process that regrows trees from the stumps of harvested ones. The remaining stump continues to send out new shoots which can be nurtured to grow a new tree.
“From a natural seedline it may take up to 25 years,” says Willis. “ This takes about 8 or 10.”
By allowing trees to regrow from stumps, the soil maintains its stability. Willis says this gives his land double use, allowing his cows room to graze.
With over 30 years in the business Willis’s interest in learning how to make plants thrive has improved the quality of his trees. A method that he says not a lot of farmers have tapped into.
However, Willis suggests that real Christmas trees are still the most popular, noting that he sold approximately 4,000 trees in previous years compared to 7,500 last year. He attributes the increase in business over the years to a shift away from artificial trees.
The National Christmas Tree Association reports that 21 million trees were purchased in North America in 2022, compared to 9.5 million artificial ones.
Artificial trees are also considered by some a more eco-friendly option, but this may not always be the case.
According to Tree Canada, artificial trees are typically made from plastic and metal, both non-renewable resources. The most eco-friendly approach to an artificial tree is to use it for as long as possible, avoiding the purchase of new ones and keeping them out of landfills.
If you prefer a real tree, Tree Canada emphasizes the importance of proper disposal after the holidays.
The non-profit advises minimizing plastic waste by donating an artificial tree to another family to extend its usage. When disposing of real Christmas trees the BC Christmas Tree Association says it's best to recycle them by chipping and composting them after the holidays. This can enrich the soil and support new plant growth.
Ultimately, whether you choose a living, artificial, or real tree, the Christmas tradition lives on as many people look forward to selecting their trees each year.
Photo: Charlie Willis/Kootenay Lake Farms
Photo: Contributed
The Leafs are quickly losing ground in their division and on the season after dropping two games on the weekend to division rivals.
The latest chapter of the Highway 3 battle fell to the Rebels as they overcame a 2-1 deficit midway through the second period in front of 425 Castlegarians (maybe some Nelsonites) and dented the twine three times — adding in an empty net goal as well — en route to a 5-2 victory.
Cale Nachai scored his third goal of the season while Xaiden Bignell added his sixth. Jacob Armstrong made 32 saves and allowed four goals.
The Leafs outshot Castlegar 39-37.
The Rebels win was only the seventh against the Leafs in the last five years, compared to 21 losses, as the Heritage city crew has been largely dominate. It was also the first time in four tries that the Rebels have beaten the Leafs this season.
On Saturday night the Leafs returned home to face the Neil Murdoch Division leading Beaver Valley Nitehawks (15-6-2) — and second in the KIJHL — at the Nelson and District Community Centre.
Over 800 people saw the Leafs have no answer for one of the KIJHL’s top clubs, despite opening the scoring on a goal by Carsyn Crawford (7). The Nitehawks added two to take a 2-1 lead after one period, add another in the second before Kane Kennedy scored his 12th goal of the season early in the third period to give the Leafs some life.
Less than three minutes later Boris Hristov scored on the power play to end the Leafs comeback, with Brett Moch adding another power play marker 10 minutes later. The Nitehawks scored an empty net goal as well.
Armstrong made 34 saves on 39 shots, while the Leafs managed 30 shots on Nitehawks goaltender Landan Uzeloc.
The losses drop the Leafs record to 12-13, leaving them stalled in third in the Neil Murdoch division, three points ahead of the Rebels. As well, the Leafs have stumbled to only one win in the last five games, getting outscored 26-9 in that stretch.
Photo: File
Negotiations could resume this week on the Canada Post strike after some movement was made towards restarting the conversation and hopefully end the postal service disruption before Christmas.
On Sunday Canada Post presented the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) with a “comprehensive framework for reaching negotiated agreements,” according to a statement from the employers.
The framework includes proposals to bring “greater flexibility to the corporation’s delivery model, while also demonstrating movement on other key issues,” said Canada Post media relations Phil Legault.
“It is our hope that these proposals will reignite discussions and, together with the support of mediators, help the parties work toward final agreements,” he said.
The nation’s postal service workers are still on strike in Nelson and across the country as the busy Black Friday online shopping week came and went with no participation from the national postal service.
“We understand the impact CUPW’s national strike is having on our employees and so many Canadians,” said Legault. “Canada Post remains committed to negotiating new collective agreements that will provide our employees and customers with the certainty they are looking for.”
Now into the third week of the strike, CUPW’s national strike — which also affects Nelson and other regional post offices — continues despite talks between Canada Post and its union workers taking place over the weekend, albeit with limited progress.
The company said in a statement that it is trying to move forward with changes to its delivery model that would provide weekend delivery and more flexible staffing during the week.
“Canada Post’s proposals to offer seven-day-a-week parcel delivery and other important improvements are crucial to the company’s future, as it would allow us to grow our parcel business,” the statement read.
The union counters with other issues, including hiring the people who work for contracted facility cleaning services and making them full-time.
Right now the outlet in Nelson is not accepting packages for processing and shipment for the duration of the strike, but it is continuing to deliver government benefit cheques — Old Age Security, the Canada Child Benefit and Canada Pension Plan — during the labour disruption.
On the small business end of the equation, it is estimated that up to 80 per cent of small businesses use Canada Post to move goods, or for invoicing and payments.
FedEx and Amazon deliveries aren’t affected by the strike, while Purolator — a subsidiary of Canada Post — might be affected, its workers’ union suggesting as an act of solidarity it won’t handle any mail originating from Canada Post.
The 55,000 workers represented by CUPW went on strike Nov. 15 after failing to reach a negotiated agreement with Canada Post.
“After a year of bargaining with little progress, postal workers made the difficult decision to strike,” a release from CUPW noted. “Canada Post had the opportunity to prevent this strike, but it has refused to negotiate real solutions to the issues postal workers face every day. Instead, Canada Post left us no choice when it threatened to change our working conditions and leave our members exposed to layoffs.”
As a result, mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike — in Nelson and across Canada — and some post offices will be closed. No new items will be accepted until the national disruption is over.
A full 12 months into negotiations, Canada Post’s last contract offer called for wage increases of 11.5 per cent over four years, protection of defined-benefit pensions for current employees, and improvements to job security and health coverage. That proposal has been rejected by the union.
Photo: Nelson Nordic Ski Club
The trails are groomed and open at the Nelson Nordic Ski Club south of Nelson.
The trails of the Nelson Nordic Ski Club are now open.
Located 10 kilometres south of Nelson on Highway 6, the club operates several trails and boasts over 1,200 members, and many of them were out on the weekend for the first tracks in the fresh snow of the new winter season.
The club reported the trails as open on Friday and a trails and grooming report confirmed the conditions.
“Grooming is well along, with Cottonwood, Apex loop and Rail grade complete,” the report noted. “Busk Main and Euphrates are also complete, with East Busk and connector still waiting on another good snow fall.”
Although there wasn’t much fresh snow overnight, the machine was out and working to manage the runs.
“The grooming machine has just started up Clearwater. It hasn’t been confirmed but I think Clearwater main as well as the loops will be refreshed,” the Dec. 1 report stated.
Some people took in the early conditions, and with some success.
“Yesterday, skiing was epic, for so early in the season,” the grooming report explained. “Today should mirror yesterday’s conditions,” it noted about Saturday.
There are 30 kilometres of groomed trails on site, with 1.5 kilometres lit for night skiing (open until 11 p.m.). There is a day lodge at the Apex trailhead with warming huts at far end of Euphrates trail and at the top of Clearwater loop.
The Nelson Nordic Ski Club has experienced significant growth since the club was formed in 1979 — with over 1,200 members now — and supports an additional large day pass contingent. The club also has a large school outreach program and extensive programs for Jackrabbits, Track Attack and Junior Racers, as well as a master’s program and lessons for adults.
- People can find more information and membership information as well as day rates here.
Photo: Contributed
The region’s biggest music festival is in the spirit of giving.
Shambhala Music Festival is embracing the holiday spirit with the return of its annual Charity Ticket Auction, offering 20 tickets to Shambhala 2025.
The initiative will take place online (https://app.bidbeacon.com/#/auction/2AETAY/details) today starting at 6 p.m. Festival enthusiasts can bid for their chance to attend the sold-out 26th annual edition of Shambhala Music Festival, which takes place in the summer from July 25-28.
“This auction has become one of our favourite holiday traditions,” said Neil MacLeod, CEO of Shambhala Music Festival. “Not only does it give our family an additional chance to join us at the festival, but it also supports organizations that make a huge impact in our local community. It’s the perfect way to spread the holiday spirit.”
All of the proceeds from the December auction will be donated to four local charitable organizations, including:
- Salmo Community Resource Society: supporting community programs and services in Salmo;
- KERPA (Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association): focused on emergency medical care and response in the Kootenay region;
- Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation: enhancing healthcare services at the Kootenay Lake Hospital. This year, donations will directly support the Light-Up the Hospital campaign for a new cardiac ultrasound; and
- Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation: dedicated to supporting healthcare initiatives in the Kootenay Boundary region. This year, donations will be directly supporting their Orthopedic Enhancement project.
The auction is set to take place on Monday, Dec. 2, from 6-7:29 p.m. It will feature five pairs of tickets and 10 single tickets (15 lots total). Each lot will be open for just five minutes, giving participants a limited but thrilling window to place their bids.
Bidders are encouraged to act quickly and register their billing information in advance of the auction to avoid disappointment.
To ensure a smooth experience, fans are encouraged to review the Shambhala Ticket Auction for Charity Blog, which provides step-by-step guidance on setting up an auction account in advance.
For more details, visit Shambhala Music Festival’s official website, register for the auction, and RSVP to the Auction Facebook Event.
Bruce Fuhr - Dec 1, 2024 / 9:00 am
| Story: 519973
Photo: Contributed
KidSport Nelson representative Jennifer Lehmann accepts a cheque for $200 from Paul Boscariol of the Nelson Italian-Canadian Society.
The Nelson Italian-Canadian Society continued its support of youth sport in the area with a donation of $200 to KidSport Nelson.
For many youth, sports have had a positive impact on the development of their life skills.
The focus of KidSport Nelson volunteers is to provide access to sports for youth whose families may not have the financial means to do so themselves. As well, the focus is also so no youth is prevented from playing sports due to financial barriers.
The Nelson Italian-Canadian Society is pleased to once again donate which will help local youth access a sporting activity they enjoy.
For more information on KidSport Nelson email [email protected] or check out the Facebook page.
Bruce Fuhr -
Nov 30, 2024 / 9:00 am | Story: 519600
Photo: Contributed
Nelson Pride Board of Directors include, back row, L-R, terra tauri (correct spelling), (Nelson Pride volunteer Ryan Boozer), Michael Wicks, and (Nelson Pride volunteer Miche St Denis). Front, Stephanie Myers, Bobbi Vecchio, Justin Brogan.
As the Nelson Pride Society board of directors prepares for its first annual general meeting, it is
looking forward to what the future holds for the organization.
This has been the board's first full year of incorporation and it feels energized by the feedback it has received from the community. The aim looks to build off of the year's events, said board member Terra Tauri.
"We are looking for new members who want to build a queer-inclusive community in the Kootenays in accordance with our statement of values and inclusion," said Tauri. "In the current political climate, it is more important than ever to take action for queer liberation; Nelson Pride is excited to move forward and build resilience in the Kootenay through connection and shared joy.”
The 2024 Pride season was a success with a diversity of events and programming to include the entire community, Tauri added.
"The Nelson Pride working committees were thrilled with the turnout and engagement from folks at the majority of the events," Tauri said. "They are especially thrilled with the community engagement around the Queer Archives, which is guided by Michael, and housed at the Nelson Museum and Archives."
The AGM is on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. in the boardroom of the Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery.
Nelson Pride Society members will vote on motions to advance the organization inclusively and equitably. This will be a hybrid meeting with the Zoom link sent out to members before the meeting and for those members that wish to attend in person.
In order to be eligible to vote at the AGM a membership must be activated before Tuesday, Dec. 3.
- Anyone interested in joining the board or have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Bruce Fuhr - Nov 29, 2024 / 7:00 pm
| Story: 519582
Photo: Contributed
Taghum Hall's Merry Little Christmas takes place Friday, December 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Taghum Hall's Merry Little Christmas takes place Friday, Dec. 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
This twinkly, family-friendly event is free (with donations gratefully accepted) and aimed at bringing folks together to sparkle up the longest night of the year.
Carol-singing and other music, stage presentations by talented community children, a KidsCAN Bake table, and a craft-making table are all part of the fun.
Open throughout the event is Taghum Hall’s annual Kids-Only Market, where kids can buy gifts for their families and friends at extremely affordable prices.
The Jolly Old Elf himself will make an appearance for full seasonal twinkliness.
For information about Taghum Hall events go to www.taghumhall.ca.
Bruce Fuhr - Nov 29, 2024 / 12:00 pm
| Story: 519967
Photo: Contributed
The Nelson Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) committee invites the public to attend
a candlelight vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Friday, Dec. 6 at the Nelson City Hall courtyard.
The sixth day of December marks the anniversary of Montreal’s École Polytechnique massacre 35 years ago, when 14 women were killed by a gunman for being women in a place a young man didn’t want them.
École Polytechnique is a post-secondary engineering school in Montreal.
In commemoration, the Nelson VAWIR committee would like to invite community members to remember the significance of this day by gathering with us on the grounds of Nelson City Hall for a candlelight vigil at 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 6 .
The public can also view the clothesline display — a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored — on the grounds of City Hall and in front of the courthouse.
The clothesline project is each shirt is decorated to represent a particular woman’s experience, by the survivor herself or by someone who cares about her.
The Nelson VAWIR committee hopes the public can visit the Facebook page prior to Dec. 6 for updates on the event and for links to resources.
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