Aspen Planers reopens amidst cutting permit uncertainty
Aspen Planers has announced that it will restart its Merritt mill, which has been closed since early December due to a lack of approved cutting permits, for an undetermined amount of time.
Category: Province
Wastewater surveillance program expands into the B.C. Interior
With the global COVID-19 pandemic dragging on, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is expanding its program that monitors wastewater in several B.C. communities to test for the COVID-19 virus.
Province & Telus invest in Upper Nicola fibre internet network
The provincial government has announced the commencement of construction for a “fibre-to-the-home” project which will bring high-speed fibre internet from Telus to a number of rural Indigenous communities, including in nearby Quilchena.
Ministry of Forests discuss logging closures
The Herald reached out to the Ministry of Forests to ask about the permitting process and support for forestry workers.
Province addresses Mayor Goetz’s decriminalization comments
The provincial government is looking to reassure British Columbians of their decision to apply for an exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amid some public backlash.
New sensors on Highway 5A to measure commercial vehicle data
The provincial government has announced that new sensors along Highway 5A will monitor commercial vehicle traffic, a move they say will improve safety for local residents and users of the highway.
B.C. home owners invited to apply for Home Owners Grant
The Home Owner Grant program invites B.C. homeowners to take advantage of their funding which in 2023 has a threshold set at $2.125 million.
B.C. announces new supports for internationally educated nurses
The Province of B.C. announced that it will cover assessment fees, which costs more than $3,700, to remove financial barriers for internationally educated nurses (IENs) who want to work in B.C.
Aspen Planers Merritt remains shut down, reopening date uncertain
One of Merritt’s major economic powerhouses currently lies dormant, closed by a lack of timber supply and government approval of timber harvesting.
BC Employment Standards Regulation amended for youth labour
A number of jobs have been identified unsuitable for young people. Thus the Province of B.C. has implemented minimum age requirements for certain jobs, beginning Sunday, January 1, 2023.
New home assessments in, Merritt sees increase
BC Assessment has released its new home and property values, with the average Merritt property owner seeing a 14 percent increase in the value of their property.
Province funds Residential Tenancy Branch’s operating budget
As waiting times for dispute resolution remain long for B.C. landlords and renters, the Province of B.C. has announced that it will invest an estimated $15.6 million to increase staffing for Residential Tenancy Branch’s (RTB) operations.
Youth from care receives monthly rent support
B.C.’s youth from government care started receiving monthly rent supplements this December from the Province of B.C. The support aims to assist the youth from care in their transition to adulthood.
First REDIP applications intake closing soon
With the first intake for Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) funding applications closing on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, the Province of B.C. encourages people to submit applications while they still can.
Local Parent Advisory Councils receive funding
Six local Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) in Merritt will receive funding from the provincial government to purchase equipment, fund activities, and put on extracurricular events.
Interior Health addresses ER closures, Merritt staffing levels
As emergency room closures and staff shortages plague hospitals throughout the province, including this week’s nine hour closure of the Nicola Valley Hospital’s ER, Interior Health is looking to recruit new staff and raise awareness of the cause behind the service disruptions.
Premier Eby announces his new cabinet
Newly sworn-in British Columbia Premier David Eby has announced his new cabinet, with the shuffle bringing a blend of ministerial veterans and newbies alike.
A call for a SLO program suspension
The BC Human Rights Commissioner is calling for an end to the use of liaison officers in BC schools, recommending the School Liaison Officer (SLO) programs be suspended unless school districts can show a clear evidence-based need for the program that can’t be met through other civilian services.
The cost of drunk driving in B.C.
People may want to indulge in beers, liquors, and spirits, but in planning for a great night out, the Herald is reminding you to consider safe transportation.
Public health officials encourage families to get flu vaccine
As the winter season and its colder temperatures arrive, cold and flu season sneaks up right alongside it. Public health officials are encouraging families to get themselves vaccinated against influenza.
