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.

Canada Post has increased stamp prices due to growing financial challenges, effective Monday. The 25% price hike, proposed last year, affects domestic and international mail. Domestic letter stamps now cost $1.44, up from $1.15, while stamps in booklets, coils, or panes have risen from 99 cents to $1.24 each. Other products, including U.S., international letter-post, and domestic registered mail, also see a 25% increase.

The rates, proposed in September and approved in late November during a labor strike, aim to align stamp prices with the rising cost of providing letter mail services amidst declining letter volumes and inflation.

Canada Post estimates the price increase will impact Canadian households by $2.26 per year and small businesses by $42.17 annually. This comes after reporting a pre-tax loss of $315 million in Q3 2024, with parcel revenue dropping 5.8% and volumes decreasing by 9.6%.

Despite resuming full domestic services post-strike, Canada Post warns of ongoing delays for transaction, neighborhood, and international mail. The company expects another significant loss for 2024, marking its seventh consecutive annual loss.

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Video Credit Global News

The Kelsey Centre pool is closed until further notice for unscheduled maintenance until further notice. The sauna, weight room and other non-pool activities remain open.

Video Credit Check News

After a 35-year-old skier was found seriously injured on a steep slope at Vancouver Island’s Mount Cain, search and rescue teams arrived by helicopter and collaborated with other emergency responders to ensure a safe extraction.

On Saturday, Comox Valley Search & Rescue (CVSAR) responded to Mount Cain, located northwest of Campbell River, when the skier “suffered a serious fall and was found unconscious,” according to a social media post by the group this weekend.

CVSAR President Darren Boss reported that the incident occurred on a slope with an approximate 30-degree angle.

The critical Class D Fixed Line (CDFL) rescue took place in the west bowl of the mountain, outside the ski boundaries. Here, “the dedicated patrol team at Mt. Cain acted swiftly, initiating rescue efforts and preparing for air assistance.”

Boss stated that no one witnessed the fall, and the skier was discovered “with a decreased level of consciousness,” prompting an initial response from Mt. Cain staff.

Facing a “time crunch,” SAR crews were flown to Mt. Cain by 49 North Helicopters after being picked up from Courtenay Airpark.

“He fell, caught an edge, I believe, and fell 70 to 100 feet on a ridge. He was not wearing a helmet and then went in and out of consciousness when he hit the bottom, suffering multiple injuries as well as a head injury,” CVSAR’s Rich Swanson told CHEK News on Sunday.

Swanson provided care to the victim on the mountainside.

“When we arrived, six individuals who were already on the scene had dug a bit of a shelf,” he added.

“It was between a 20- to 35-degree slope, but they did a good job digging in a little bench, which had him somewhat on a level area.”

By the time Comox Valley-based SAR teams arrived, the staff and a doctor already on the scene had partially stabilized the skier using a vacuum spine board.

The ski hill near Woss, which is primarily run by volunteers, is operated by the Mount Cain Alpine Park Society. According to the Regional District of Mount Waddington, “At Mount Cain, you’ll find deep powder, 21 runs, with 1499 vertical feet of terrain.”

The resort is typically open on weekends and holidays from early December to April, with the backcountry offering a “multitude of bowls and gladed areas…”

CVSAR noted that the mountain had “expertly prepared” landing zones for rescue helicopters — one for 49N, and another for an Ascent Air ambulance.

“Our team completed the packaging and transported the injured skier using an Aerial Rescue Platform in a CDFL operation to the Mt. Cain parking area, where BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) took over care,” the post read.

After the skier was handed over to paramedics, the helicopter returned to the slope to pick up Boss and the rest of the team before transporting them back to Courtenay Airpark.

Photo Credit Comox Valley Search And Rescue