Community

Canadian astronaut Cmdr. Chris Hadfield relaxes before launch, ahead of a past trip to the International Space Station. He spoke to Black Press Media this week about his time at Royal Roads Military College. (Courtesy Cmdr. Chris Hadfield)

B.C. university ‘renames’ stairway after alumni Chris Hadfield

‘For me it all started there, just up the hill from Hatley Castle,’ Canadian astronaut says

Volunteers from River Wrangler Sportfishing in the Mission Hills community deliver donations by boat after the floods affected dairy farms in Abbotsford in November 2021

BC Dairy thanks the community for over $850,000 flood relief donations, and shines a spotlight on local community heroes

British Columbians have come forward with an incredible show of support for…

  • Jan 10, 2022
Elk photo by Larry Tooze

2021 hunting season in the East Kootenay

FJ Hurtak looks back on the issues and events that marked the 2021 hunting season.

  • Dec 30, 2021
Videos from throughout 2021 capture readers’ top animal encounters. (Black Press Media file photos)

Top animal videos from B.C.’s Vancouver Island in 2021

Look back at a year of adorable, breathtaking and unusual footage

Videos from throughout 2021 capture readers’ top animal encounters. (Black Press Media file photos)
(L-R) Les Folles Jambettes’ Vanessa Reyes-Golding, Sarah Leslie and Melanie Shenstone pose for a photo next to a family of snow people displayed at a home on 17th Avenue, near the intersection of 77th Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 18. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Grand Forks’ Can Can dancers trot out Christmas flash mobs

City residents with amazing Christmas displays were treated to the surprise dances

(L-R) Les Folles Jambettes’ Vanessa Reyes-Golding, Sarah Leslie and Melanie Shenstone pose for a photo next to a family of snow people displayed at a home on 17th Avenue, near the intersection of 77th Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 18. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.

Ellie’s journey: Rare condition points to critical research need

BC Children’s Hospital shares need for increased research for childhood cancers

  • Dec 13, 2021
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.
Greta on the day she was brought 'home' at four months old, only to run away that very night. (Submitted photo)

Born to be wild: Goat finds family with herd of deer

Greta the Goat sought freedom from the start

Greta on the day she was brought 'home' at four months old, only to run away that very night. (Submitted photo)
An in-person BC Craft Brewers Conference, BC Beer Con, will take place in New Westminster come February, says BC Craft Brewers Guild. (Pixabay photo)

Something brewing for craft beer aficionados in new year with BC Beer Con

In-person craft beer conference takes place in February in New Westminster, B.C.

An in-person BC Craft Brewers Conference, BC Beer Con, will take place in New Westminster come February, says BC Craft Brewers Guild. (Pixabay photo)
Jillian Harris and Team Jilly have joined with Do Some Good to engage the community, support local causes and amplify the many amazing stories that non-profit organizations share. Join her for the 12 Days of Christmas campaign, Dec. 1 to 12.

Jillian Harris joins Do Some Good to drive more community impact

Team Jilly’s 12 Days of Giving campaign runs Dec. 1 to 12

  • Nov 22, 2021
Jillian Harris and Team Jilly have joined with Do Some Good to engage the community, support local causes and amplify the many amazing stories that non-profit organizations share. Join her for the 12 Days of Christmas campaign, Dec. 1 to 12.
“That money has to last 365 days a year, because that’s how many days we’re on the street helping vulnerable individuals.” (Breanna Himmelright/Black Press Media)

Salvation Army kicks off red kettle campaign with extra flood donation goal

Divisional secretary Mike Leland says this year’s need is ‘through the roof’

  • Nov 22, 2021
“That money has to last 365 days a year, because that’s how many days we’re on the street helping vulnerable individuals.” (Breanna Himmelright/Black Press Media)
Hope the golden retriever puppy is surrounded by volunteers at Hope Secondary School. The adorable guest was renamed as a way of saying thank you to the many volunteers who helped hundreds of people during the floods in Hope. (Photo/Hope Secondary School)

‘It’s a mascot!’: Rescued puppy renamed as salute to flood aid volunteers in Hope

“Hope” sheltered at HSS for three days with their family

Hope the golden retriever puppy is surrounded by volunteers at Hope Secondary School. The adorable guest was renamed as a way of saying thank you to the many volunteers who helped hundreds of people during the floods in Hope. (Photo/Hope Secondary School)
The Wasa outdoor rink will be one of the facilities maintained by the new service tax. Corey Bullock file

RDEK to go ahead with Wasa parcel tax

The tax will support operation and maintenance of facilities like the outdoor rink and community hall

The Wasa outdoor rink will be one of the facilities maintained by the new service tax. Corey Bullock file
The Salvation Army’s emergency response units are on the ground providing food and other items to flood victims and first responders in B.C. communities that have been impacted. (Salvation Army photo)

Salvation Army launches emergency response in support of flood victims

Agency on front lines in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Kamloops and Kelowna

The Salvation Army’s emergency response units are on the ground providing food and other items to flood victims and first responders in B.C. communities that have been impacted. (Salvation Army photo)
Von Rywaczuk laughs as he cradles Halo the Swan in his arms after rescuing her from Elliot Lake. (Photo submitted)

Swan gets ‘second-chance at life’ after being rescued near 100 Mile

The swan was unable to migrate south due to an injured wing

Von Rywaczuk laughs as he cradles Halo the Swan in his arms after rescuing her from Elliot Lake. (Photo submitted)
CP Holiday train at Port Haney Wharf. (Colleen Flanagan-THE NEWS)

CP Holiday Train goes virtual again for 2021, no stops in B.C. or Alberta

The 23rd annual event would have stopped in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

CP Holiday train at Port Haney Wharf. (Colleen Flanagan-THE NEWS)
Minor hockey in Kimberley and Cranbrook received gaming funding. Kimberley Minor Hockey Facebook photo.

Provincial gaming grants support East Kootenay sports, arts and culture

The province of British Columbia recently announced the recipients of their annual…

Minor hockey in Kimberley and Cranbrook received gaming funding. Kimberley Minor Hockey Facebook photo.
Bon Ga is a Korean restaurant located in the Glenmore neighbourhood in Kelowna. (Bon Ga/Facebook)

Kelowna residents rally behind Korean restaurant targeted with racist graffiti

Bon Ga was vandalized with racist graffiti on Saturday morning, Oct. 30

Bon Ga is a Korean restaurant located in the Glenmore neighbourhood in Kelowna. (Bon Ga/Facebook)
More people are looking to adopt dogs, and other pets, because of pandemic: SPCA. (File image)

Pandemic sparked puppy boom in B.C., but no spike in pet returns: BC SPCA

More people are looking to adopt pets due to pandemic, SPCA

More people are looking to adopt dogs, and other pets, because of pandemic: SPCA. (File image)
The Fernie Arts Station is hosting pottery classes for adults and children. Check their website for more information. (Arts Station file)

Workshops, pottery classes and more taking place at Fernie Arts Station

There is much to do at the Fernie Arts Station during the…

The Fernie Arts Station is hosting pottery classes for adults and children. Check their website for more information. (Arts Station file)
Josh Waters and his one-year-old English Staffy cross, Rocky. (Twila Amato/Black Press Media)

COVID, heartbreak among speedbumps in Australian’s road to residency in Kelowna

Josh Waters shares his experience in the hopes to help others like him

Josh Waters and his one-year-old English Staffy cross, Rocky. (Twila Amato/Black Press Media)