Edgehill Elementary School in Powell River is getting a big upgrade, and more space for students.

Five new classrooms are being added to the school, opening up 120 new spaces for elementary students. The school is also adding a new multipurpose room, a media technology room, and dedicated learning spaces for students with disabilities and diverse abilities.

The upgrades are happening thanks to $16.5 million in provincial funding and a quarter-million from the school district.

Several other schools in the qathet School District are getting $2.1 million in upgrades, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades at Henderson Elementary. Other schools will be getting energy-saving upgrades.

The new classrooms and improvements will be in place by spring 2026.

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A licensed therapist wants people to talk about mental health successes for this year’s Mental Health week.

Mental health week is a yearly event that celebrates and raises awareness of mental health’s importance. According to the Canadian Mental Health association, 17 percent of BCers are experiencing a mental illness, with 84,000 children and youth having a diagnosed disorder.

Therapist Rick Berghauser of Rick Berghauser & Associates counselling services says for the last five years, there has been a movement towards accepting seeking help.

“For so long it was something that people really avoided, the stigma of it is still there, but it was so much more a few years ago,” said Berghauser.

“It seems like every year I see more and more people that are open to letting people know that they have had some struggles, some difficulties and are willing to get the help they need.”

Berghauser says through his 30-year career, he has seen more openness to talk about mental health, with the largest change being from men.

“I think for way too long men were very apprehensive to discuss any difficulties with their mental health, out of fear that they would be ostracized, they would lose their jobs, lose friends, partners,” said Berghauser.

“I’ve really noticed a shift in the last little while with men being much more open to seeking counselling, other supports, and talking about mental health in general.”

While there has been more openness and acceptance to seeking help, Berghauser says issues such as the cost of therapy, the stigma towards seeking help, and time prevents people from getting the help they need.

For this week, he encourages you to not only talk about the problems of mental health but also the successes, including going out, eating well, spending time in nature or with other people.

“It would be wonderful if in a few years from now, we had it so if someone was ready and willing today, they can enter something today.”

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The Transportation Safety Board has released a report into a North Island float plane crash last year that killed the pilot and one passenger.

On June 20, a Quest Kodiak 100 was en route from Masset to a cabin in the Tahsis Narrows, approximately 60 nautical miles northwest of the Tofino airport. While making a landing on the ocean near the cabin, the plane bounced several times before the pilot attempted to gain altitude and circle back to try again in a "go-around" maneuver. However, the plane crashed after hitting trees on Mozino Point and was destroyed in a fire.

The two other passengers survived, one with serious injuries.

The report found no unusual weather conditions, mechanical issues with the plane, or medical issues with the pilot. The pilot had 250 hours on the plane, but most of his experience with water landings was on lakes rather than the ocean.

The report says there was no weather information for the crash location, but adds the mountainous terrain may have caused wind shear or downdrafts.

It concludes with a safety message.

"It is important that, before landing, floatplane pilots evaluate their intended landing site for hazards," it says. "This includes assessing the area for water surface conditions and potential wind shear and downdrafts; ensuring that both the approach and departure paths are free of obstructions; and considering options in the event of a go-around."

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The BC Coroners Service says toxic drugs were responsible for at least 192 deaths in March, bringing the total number in the first three months this year to 572, with fentanyl involved in 85 per cent of the deaths.

More than two-thirds of the victims were between 30 to 59 years old. Nearly three-quarters were male, but the coroners service notes the death rate among females is increasing each year.

In 2024, 84 per cent of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside private homes, social and supportive housing, single-room occupancy buildings, shelters, hostels and other indoor locations. Fifteen per cent were reported to be outside in vehicles, sidewalks, streets or parks.

On Vancouver Island, 43 people died of drug overdoses in March and 128 have died from overdoses in the first three months of this year.

Nanaimo is among the top three cities in BC for lives lost to toxic drugs in 2024.

Since the province declared a public-health emergency eight years ago, at least 14,400 people have lost their lives to toxic drugs.

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Powell River RCMP arrested a 55-year-old for possession of a firearm.

Police say on May 2 at 5:56 p.m., they responded to a disturbance at a residence on King Avenue, where after talking to witnesses, they discovered that a suspect was barricaded inside and had access to firearms.

As a result, the Vancouver Island emergency response team was sent to the scene.

The man is facing charges of unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, and careless storage of a firearm.

He was released on several conditions and will appear in court later.

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To reduce emissions BC Transit is purchasing 66 new electric buses for nine regions across the province. 

The buses are on order from Nova Bus and New Flyer and will start to arrive once the 134 new charging ports have been installed in each region and there is infrastructure to handle the load. 

Director of electrification Chad Berndt says right now it’s too soon to determine just how many buses will be allotted for each region, but BC Transit should have an idea soon. 

“We have charging infrastructure programs that are advancing right now through the design process,” he says. “As those projects progress, we’ll be able to identify how many, and the exact timing, as to when buses are going into each community.” 

Berndt says the first buses are expected to start being rolled out next year and into 2026. 

“We expect the first buses to start arriving in early 2025,” he says. “And then be arriving in phases through into 2026.” 

The project, including infrastructure, is expected to cost a total of over $390 million, and Berndt says several factors need to be in place, and partners included, for this project to work.  

He adds it’s critical to ensure there is enough supply which is why they’re collaborating with BC Hydro to make sure the grid can handle it. 

“The utility must be involved,” he says. “There’s power distribution equipment, and the charging units themselves and a dispenser.” 

Berndt estimates each bus will be able to travel up to 350 kilometres once they are fully charged, but the range could vary depending on the day. 

“The batteries are roughly 10 times the size of a car battery,” he says. “We expect, on average, they’ll be able to travel between 250 to 300 kilometres on a single charge throughout the year. 

“On good days they could get as high as 450 kilometres.” 

BC Transit says they’re expecting to procure 115 new battery electric buses with the funding. 

The buses are expected to be distributed to Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria and Whistler. 

The project is being funded by the Government of Canada, the province of BC and local municipalities. 

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A Civil Resolution Tribunal has awarded over $1,000 to an actor for services and accommodation. 

Amir Gill says he acted in a film being produced by Hunter Village Films but claims the company did not live up to their end of the bargain for compensation.  

According to the judgement from the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Gill was seeking compensation for 13 nights spent on Vancouver Island, unpaid per diem, ferry expenses, and accommodations on the Lower Mainland.  

The report says shooting was expensive, and on top of the promised expenses he [Gill] says he should get paid for shooting fees. 

“This totals $1,393,” the report says. “Mr. Gill also says that Hunter Village owes him for two days of shooting in addition to these expenses, and based off his total claim of $1.893, I infer he claims $500 for the shooting fees.” 

According to the tribunal, it ordered Hunter Village Films to pay Gill $1,123.55 in the final judgement and gave the company 21 days to pay.  

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The North Island is sitting on a literal gold mine of opportunity, says a recent report from the Mining Association of BC.

An economic impact study prepared for the association looked at 16 mining projects in development around the province, including the NorthIsle Gold and Copper Mine proposed near Port Hardy.

The study says the projects would bring $36 billion in investment and $11 billion in tax revenue. It adds that each mine would contribute $25 billion to the provincial GDP over a 24-year lifespan.

Association president Michael Goehring said in a trade journal this weekend that the federal government permitting process takes too long, and the BC government also needs to step up to keep BC mining competitive with other provinces.

The study shows BC's mining industry employs more than 35,000 people and generates $18 billion in economic activity annually.

NorthIsle's project near Port Hardy is near the now-closed BHP Island Copper Mine south of Port Hardy but is mainly focused on gold and copper deposits north and east of Holberg, and west of Coal Harbour. The company says it is committed to working with local Indigenous nations to develop the project, and adds having the former mining infrastructure in place as well as support from Port Hardy will be big advantages if development is approved.

The BC Mining Association's study says economic reconciliation with First Nations is crucial to developing the mining sector, along with updating the provincial electrical grid, and competitive carbon tax pricing.

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American fisheries managers say overfishing has reached an all-time low in a new report, although some salmon runs are still struggling.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its annual “Status of Stocks” report this week, which shows the number of fish stocks on the overfishing list are at their lowest. It also shows that since 2000, 50 stocks have been rebuilt to sustainable levels, including coho salmon just last year only a few kilometres south of the BC border in the Snohomish region.

However, other salmon stocks on the border are in trouble. Chinook from northern Washington are now considered overfished, and coho in the Juan de Fuca Strait are still rebuilding.

Salmon fisheries off the Alaska panhandle, which take mostly BC-origin fish, are considered sustainable.

Click here to read the full report. 

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Job seekers and employers can connect as part of an upcoming job fair in Powell River.

The Spring Job Fair, hosted by WorkBC Powell River, will focus on exploring new career prospects, employment opportunities, and networking.

Job seekers can expect a range of job opportunities, a chance to connect with employers, and to take the next step towards their dream career.

Employers will be able to showcase their business at the fair, with hopes of finding new people to join their team.

WorkBC Powell River adds refreshments will be provided.

The fair is happening at the ARC community event Centre, running from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

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The city is looking to cover costs for the Thursday night public markets by charging vendors a $25 fee.

The market, which started during the pandemic, is run by the municipality and costs around $5,000 per year to operate.

Council discussed the market and its costs at the April 30 Committee of the Whole meeting.

City PR manager Callie Matthews says the market was started for free to help out local vendors and artisans during the pandemic. She points out it's unusual for the municipality to operate the market, usually they are run by a non-profit or chamber of commerce group.

She says other community groups are willing to assist in managing the market.

Council voted in favour of continuing the markets, to charge vendors a $25 fee, and find a new host starting in 2025.

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For the second week in a row, police in Powell River responded to a break-and-enter at the Patricia Theatre in Townsite.

The latest incident happened sometime overnight from April 27 to 28.

Nothing was stolen, but it’s the second time the theatre has been targeted in two weeks.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Powell River RCMP’s non-emergency line at 604-485-6255, or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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An earthquake off the Island’s west coast was recorded last night, but no damage or tsunami is expected.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake happened just before 8:30 pm last night, around 200 kilometres southwest of Tofino. The quake happened at a depth of about 10 kilometres.

The Geological Survey predicts at least one small aftershock within the next week.

Three tectonic plates meet under the ocean west of Vancouver Island, causing regular earthquakes of 5 or greater, more than 50 since 1973. It's one of the most active seismic zones in North America.

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After four and a half decades of service, the Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department’s chief has announced his retirement. 

The qathet Regional District says, Dave Keiver has been a focal point in the department and exemplifies the qualities in the district has come to look for in a fire chief. 

“His passion for firefighting and his tireless efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of his crew, and residents, have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues,” the district says. “Under his watch the MVFD has consistently upheld its commitment to saving lives and protecting property.” 

Board chair Clay Brander says Keiver’s presence will be missed but the department will continue his legacy. 

“As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we extend our appreciation for his service, and unwavering commitment to public safety,” Branders says. “He will be deeply missed; his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of volunteer firefighters.” 

A permanent replacement hasn’t been selected, but the district says deputy chief Bill Ashworth has stepped into the role as acting chief until a decision is made.  

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Those who live in the qathet Regional District will soon be getting their property tax notices, and the district says increases are on the way. 

According to a media release, assessment percentages are scheduled to rise, and the district says it's important residents understand why the increase is being applied. 

“If your assessment percentage increase is the same as the average residential increase in your electoral area, then the qRD’s portion of your taxes will likely rise but only by the amount of the tax increase set by the Board,” the release says.  

There is some relief, once residents get their tax assessments the district says people can apply for a homeowner grant from the province. The district says the amounts can vary but have typically followed the same principles for northern and rural areas. 

“Properties in northern and rural areas can get up to $770 for the basic homeowner grant, and up to $1,045 where the homeowner is 65 years or older, or the homeowner is a person with a disability,” they add. 

They say homeowners over the age of 55 could also be eligible for a property tax deferment if the applicant is over 55 or supporting a dependent child. 

For more information visit the qathet RD finance website, or province’s assessment website. 

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Powell River residents can get faster access to emergency services through a situation table.

The province has announced that a safe community situation table is coming to the city. It will bring front-line workers from public safety, health, and social services together to identify those at risk of harm and bring them to the services and support that need.

Minister of public safety and solicitor general Mike Farnworth says these tables make sure that people are the focus.

“By combining front-line workers’ expertise, the tables strengthen the ability to respond to community safety challenges, better protecting people while swiftly connecting them to essential services,” said Farnworth.

The province says members of this table will be completing their training and onboarding in the coming months, with the partners to meet every week to talk about ongoing issues affecting the community.

MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast Nicholas Simons says he is glad the table is coming to Powell River.

“Situation Tables can be very helpful for communities to use by coming together to proactively support vulnerable individuals,” said Simons.

Currently there are 36 situation tables across BC, with the province providing a $72,000 grant to the city to implement the table.

To learn more about safety tables, click here.

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Powell River RCMP have arrested a man for prohibited driving.

According to police, the incident took place on Saturday at 7:48 p.m., when they saw a vehicle fail to halt at a stop sign on Marine Avenue.

After speaking to the 23-year-old driver, officers found that he was prohibited from driving under the Motor Vehicle Act.

The man was arrested and issued a violation ticket for not stopping at a stop sign.

He was released shortly after and is expected to appear in court in August.

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E-bikes are considered a good way to get people out of their cars and onto an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

A study of one Vancouver Island community's rebate program found that it is a good way to encourage people to buy an e-bike.

UBC’s Research on Active Transportation Lab studied the rebate program in Saanich and found incentives are cost-effective when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

The study found that new e-bike users continued to regularly use their bikes as a substitute for car travel, even a year after purchase.

The researchers also found low-income households reduced their car trips and decreased carbon emissions the most.

The Saanich program in 2021 and 2022 created a significant surge in e-bike adoption, with 93 per cent of users being new to e-bikes, and 60 per cent new to cycling altogether.

One year after purchase, users continued to be satisfied with their e-bikes, integrating them into their routines for three to four days a week.

They reduced weekly car travel by an average of 48 kilometres per week, a reduction of 30-40 per cent.

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A town hall meeting about the Declaration of the rights of indigenous Peoples act (DRIPA) will be held in Powell River next week.

The act creates a process for alignment of laws with UNDRIP in BC and lays out a path that respects the rights of indigenous peoples while also bringing better transparency and predictability in work between them and BC.

While the act was passed unanimously back in 2019, its implementation is still in the negotiation process, according to the Education Committee of Powell River's Westview Ratepayers Society.

Guest speaker Michael Bissonnette is a staff lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law who will provide context on land act amendments passed this year and how they relate to DRIPA.

It’s taking place in the community room of Powell River Library on May 7, starting at 7 pm.

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A Ladysmith swimmer says he is thrilled to have the chance to attend the Olympic Trials in Toronto for swimming. 

Colton Gonzales belongs to the Ladysmith Orcas Swim Club and won six medals at the BC provincial championship in the backstroke, fly and freestyle. 

Gonzales says it is a privilege to carry on a legacy that started with his father. 

“My dad used to swim when he was younger,” he says. “I wanted to see how far I could go, and I was able to swim before I could run. 

“Swimming has always been a huge thing for me.” 

The record for qualifying for the Olympic Trials, according to Gonzales, was 1.11 minutes, which he says was broken during his backstroke swim. 

“I got the time by just under a second,” he says. “I got a 59.89 for my time.”  

The trials are expected to last approximately a week, and Gonzales says for him it is all about being able to see what is involved in making the Olympic team, while not actually earning a spot. 

“I am just going for the experience,” he says. “I want to try something new, so when I get older, and I go again I am ready.” 

He adds all he is hoping to get is a scholarship for post-secondary and says he couldn’t do this without the support of everyone who has helped him get to this point. 

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