Sayward RCMP have confirmed that a man has died following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 19, south of Woss. The crash occurred near Highway 19 and Nimpkish Road, close to Mount Cain, on Friday night.

The deceased man was the driver of one of the vehicles involved, while two individuals in the other vehicle were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

“British Columbia Highway Patrol (BCHP) technical investigators responded to the fatal crash, which led to the closure of Highway 19 near Woss for several hours,” stated Sayward RCMP.

Officers arrived at the scene just before 7 p.m. and found two vehicles involved. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two individuals were airlifted to the hospital in serious condition.

The highway was shut down in both directions near Nimpkish Road for several hours, from Friday night into early Saturday morning.

“The closure allowed police to conduct their investigation and ensure the scene was safe. The highway was reopened at 2 a.m. after being closed for about eight hours,” the statement noted.

According to the RCMP, road conditions were not a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. Sayward RCMP is working with the BC Coroners Service to determine the cause.

Image Credit Reinhard Zinabold

A second renewable energy company is considering the Strathcona Regional District for a wind energy project.

Boralex Inc., a Quebec-based firm, has applied to the provincial government to conduct a site investigation for the Sitka Wind Project, which aims to develop over 200 megawatts of capacity. The company plans to conduct feasibility studies at five locations south of Sayward, according to their investigative license application.

If the proposal is approved, Boralex plans to install up to three meteorological towers to collect wind data, conduct field surveys for topography and access, and begin environmental and archaeological assessments. This research will support their application for an environmental assessment and a future proposal for a BC Hydro Call for Power. The investigative phase of such projects typically lasts between two to five years.

Boralex claims that a wind project in this area would improve climate resiliency, combat climate change, and reduce the carbon footprint in service delivery – aligning with the Strathcona Regional District’s goals.

The proposed project is located within mule deer herd ranges and overlaps with a designated ungulate winter range. However, Boralex assures that their activities would involve minimal tree removal and ground disturbance, resulting in little impact on mule deer and their habitat. The company follows guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife by concentrating activities during times and in areas where wildlife is least likely to be disturbed.

Morgan Roy, Boralex’s public affairs advisor, mentioned that the company already operates two hydroelectric sites and one wind power site in B.C.

“With all of our projects, we work closely with the community to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and involved as we progress,” she said. “We want to stay connected with the communities of Seward and Campbell River and the surrounding areas to achieve social acceptance.”

After a long period of price stability through the 2024 fall and winter, gasoline prices climbed eight cents mid-January from 1.669 to 1.749. This price increase hits consumer wallets mere months ahead of another scheduled increase to the Canadian carbon tax on April 1st. It remains to be seen if gas prices will continue increasing prior to the carbon tax hike, but either way this will put additional strain on many households already struggling to make ends meet in the midst of persistent high inflation.

With the Federal Government prorogued until March 24th, 2025, there is no chance of a change in tax policy to provide Canadians with essential financial relief before the carbon tax increase.

Liberal party leader hopefuls are trying to distance themselves from the disastrous carbon tax policy they have supported since 2019, with hopes of benefiting from long standing opposition talking points. Even in the unlikely event of a pause or reduction of the federal carbon tax policy, which would reduce the cost of living across Canada, British Columbia still manages a provincial carbon tax that would continue to impact fuel prices regardless of federal policy.