New Schedule in place for Digby Island Airport Ferry

Transiting from downtown Prince Rupert to the Digby Island airport now features some new departure times from the Sixth Street shuttle centre, with the City of Prince Rupert announcing the new timetable this morning.

Starting today and continuing on until further notice, the Shuttle buses will depart from the shuttle terminal at 9:30 AM for the 9:35 sailing of the airport ferry.

In the afternoon the buses depart from the terminal at 4:05 in order to board the 4:10 PM ferry

Details on the change in the timetable can be found here, updates through the season can be accessed through the City of Prince Rupert's Facebook page.

For more items of note on aviation in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Ketchikan's Fibre Optic hopes to be part of today's municipal election vote

Proposition Two is the focus for Ketchikan Public Utilities today as Ketchikan residents go to the polls to cast their vote in municipal elections and on a trio of propositions.

For the Utility company which offers Internet service to residents of the Alaskan city, Prop Two will be the vehicle that hey hope will deliver a Fibre Optic link to the community.

With the Utility Company seeking out a positive vote of city residents for  municipal bond funding for the 11.5 million dollar undersea fibre project that will connect them with Prince Rupert and the North American fibre network.

The Proposition Question for Ketchikan Voters to deliver a Yes or a No on today outlines what KPU is has put in front of the voters for consideration:

To pay cost of designing, acquiring, construction and maintaining a new undersea fibre optic cable for the telecommunications system operated by Ketchikan Public Utilities, which will permit expanded capacity for data streaming, cell phone service and internet services, shall the City issue and sell not to exceed $11,500,000 of its revenue bonds maturing with a maximum term of 20 years, payable solely from revenues of Ketchikan Public Utilities, as provided in Resolution No. 19-2748 of the City Council?

The first push towards the north-south connection came in 2018, though the work towards moving forward on obtaining the funding for the project only recently gathered some steam with the Proposition plans to approve the bond borrowing to make it a reality.

We have outlined the planning in motion for the project in the past, an initiative which would see CityWest contracted to run the fibre line from the North Coast to its sister city to the north.

June 2019 -- Ketchikan continues planning for fibre optic link that will connect community with Prince Rupert and beyond
January 2019 -- CityWest begins exploratory work for fibre link for Ketchikan
November 2018 -- Ketchikan defers sub sea fibre optic link to Prince Rupert until next year

Earlier this month, Ketchikan public radio station KRBD provided some background on the proposition and KPU's plans for the fibre link.

For more items of note related to communications on the North Coast see our archive page here.

Top Tombstone belongs to Doug Kydd as Prince Rupert golf tourney season comes to an end

The weather was spectacular for the last golf tournament of the season at the Prince Rupert Golf Course on Sunday, and with sunny skies as the backdrop fifty golfers made the rounds of the eighteen holes in the 2019 edition of the Tombstone tournament.

Taking the honours for 2019 was Doug Kydd who placed his tombstone on Hole Number 2 which gave him claim to the top prize of a 100 dollar pro shop gift certificate.

George Kuntz was not too far off the pace of Kydd, receiving a 90 dollar gift certificate for his day of golf as well.

The remainder of the list of Top finishers from Sunday includes:

Tied 3rd - Selma Standring In hole # 1 $ 70 pro shop gift certificate 
Tied 3rd  - Don Holkestad In hole # 1 $ 70 pro shop gift certificate 
Tied 3rd  -  Howard Linn In hole # 1 $ 70 pro shop gift certificate 6. 
Cynthia Rosario # 1 Green $ 50 pro shop gift certificate 7. 
Dave Tough # 1 Green $ 40 pro shop gift certificate 8. 
R. Barton # 1 Green $ 30 pro shop gift certificate

McDonalds Restaurants also helped out with the sponsorship of the day's events with gift certificates for participants.

The full list of the placement of the tombstones can be found at the Golf Course Club House

With the Tombstone Tournament now in the past, the Course will be shifting its focus towards its fall operations, which means things will be very much weather dependent as the Grounds keeping crew look to keep the course in strong shape and address some of the items on the to do list for the off season.

You can contact the Club House at 250-624-2000 to learn more about Course hours through the fall and other events that may be coming up during the Off season for the sport on the North Coast.

To keep up on items of interest from the Prince Rupert Golf Course follow their Facebook page or website.

For more items of note related to Golf in the northwest see our archive page here.

Fire Station Open House to be part of next week's Fire Prevention Week activities in Prince Rupert

Fire Safety week is coming next week and with it, a chance on October 12th
for residents to take a tour of the Prince Rupert Fire Station

Fire Prevention week in British Columbia is less than a week away, with the October 6th to12th period set aside in the province to rededicated ourselves towards fire prevention plans at home, school and work.

The five days of Monday to Friday making for school visits and opportunities to learn more about Prince Rupert Fire Rescue and the Port Edward Volunteer Fire Department and the work that they do in the communities that they serve.

As part of the preparation work for next week, the province is offering up a range of resources for educators and parents to access to help get the message of fire safety across in a fun but informative way.

Locally as part of Fire Prevention Week, the Prince Rupert Fire Rescue will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 12th from 11 AM to 2 PM.

The Day at the Fire Hall includes a chance to tour the station and museum, grab a few selfies with Sparky the Fire Dog and learn more about fire safety and equipment as well as to meet some of the members of the local department.

The day will also offer up a chance for residents to learn more about some of the new additions to the fleet of fire apparatus that the Prince Rupert Department has added over the last few years.

Prince Rupert Firefighters Local 559 will have the BBQ fired up for the event as well with free food for those that stop by 

You can learn more about the October 13th event from the Facebook page created for the Open House.

For a look at some of the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest see our archive page here.

Emergency Service Files: October 2019

Our Archive of items for the month of October, from the files of law enforcement and other emergency responders in Northwestern British Columbia.




From the North Coast Review


With a night of haunting ahead, make plans to make sure your goblins and ghosts are visible
Training session puts Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue to the test!
Council renews call for updates from local RCMP detachment on range of civic issues
Mayor Brain confirms City's RCMP commitment to short term return of AMHS vessels
Has Prince Rupert picked up the security tab for two AMHS sailings of October and November?
Stewart RCMP get new Commanding Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority puts 100K towards Terrace Search and Rescue Operations Centre
MLA Rice sends message of preparation as part of Legislature salute to Fire Prevention Week
Prince Rupert's Fire/Rescue Department puts focus on safety during Fire Prevention Week
Mayor suggests other issues beyond local policing at heart of AMHS closure
Improved Internet connectivity assists Masset Marine Rescue's work off Haida Gwaii
Fire Station Open House to be part of next week's Fire Prevention Week activities in Prince Rupert


**************************************************************************

Prince Rupert/Port Edward/Haida Gwaii/North Coast

October 31 -- Prince Rupert RCMP needs to revamp their communication procedures
October 22 -- Rupert Council seeks more frequent RCMP updates (video)
October 21 -- RCM-SAR 64 says bewared of gusty winds for Prince Rupert tonight
October 20 -- Missing Prince Rupert boy found an hour after community widely shares news story
October 17 -- City of Prince Rupert foots the bill for armed RCMP officers at Alaska Ferry terminal, two trips scheduled
October 16 -- Temporary service for the Alaska Marine Highway
October 15 -- Slow down for students: School zone speeds now in effect
October 15 -- Fire department's open house the hottest event of the weekend
October 14 -- Queen Charlotte Fire hall is a go
October 13 -- Last house standing from Third Avenue Fire demolished
October 13 -- BC's rural paramedic program expands in Prince Rupert
October 11 -- Fire Prevention in Prince Rupert
October 11 -- Prince Rupert Fire Department hits the schools for Fire Prevention Week
October 10 -- Back to School message for Haida Gwaii  (RCMP statement)
October 9 -- Haida Gwaii RCMP to bump up school zone enforcement
October 8 -- One ticket please! Masset RCMP's ticketing campaign a success
October 3 -- Wolf spotted roaming on residential street in Prince Rupert twice in two days
October 2 -- Connectivity helps keep people safe on Haida Gwaii
October 1 -- Port Clements wired on wireless connectivity
October 1 -- Here's what you need to know about winter tire rules (audio)

Terrace/Kitimat

October 28 -- Thornhill Shed Fire (video)
October 28 -- Early morning fire in Lower Thornhill destroys shed
October 28 -- Caledonia principal sends letter to parents after student posts 'worrisome' video
October 28 -- Terrace SAR Double Winner at Terrace Chamber Business Excellence Awards
October 25 -- Terrace Assault (video)
October 25 -- Three people arrested after Thursday night assault in Terrace
October 25 -- Three people arrested after man assaulted with knife downtown Terrace
October 25 -- Terrace RCMP seeking witnesses after assault
October 25 -- Terrace Police are investigating after a man was assaulted with a weapon downtown (RCMP statement)
October 24 -- Downtown patrol contract comes to an end in Terrace
October 23 -- Fire Destroys Mobile Home in Upper Thornhill
October 23 -- Thornhill Fire (video)
October 22 -- Two people safe following house fire in Upper Thornhill 
October 22 -- House fire in Upper Thornhill
October 22 -- Man charged after Terrace 'crime spree'
October 22 -- Security guard 'bitten and punched' in Terrace hospital
October 22 -- Man charged after report of vehicle theft, crash, running from police
October 22 -- Man facing charges after weekend crime spree in Terrace
October 22 -- Terrace RCMP, Firefighters face off to promote Guns & Hoses
October 22 -- Sunday crime spree lands one man in custody (RCMP statement)
October 21 -- Run up to Terrace Guns and Hoses Game now underway (video)
October 21 -- Terrace Detachment Service Report    (RCMP statement)
October 18 -- Kitimat Guns & Hoses Hockey this Saturday
October 18 -- Terrace Guns and Hoses set for November 15
October 18 -- Police, firefighters face off for fundraising  (RCMP statement)
October 15 -- Police still looking for more info on missing mushroom picker in Nass Valley
October 10 -- New Search and Rescue facility in Terrace
October 10 -- Search called off for missing mushroom picker in the Nass Valley
October 10 -- Stewart's Newest Detachment Commander (RCMP statement)
October 9 -- Terrace Search and Rescue headquarters gets $100K boost from Prince Rupert Port Authority
October 9 -- Port Donates to Terrace Search and Rescue
October 9 -- Terrace Detachment Service Report  (RCMP statement)
October 7 -- Person of interest identified (RCMP statement)
October 7 -- Terrace RCMP trying to identify man seen at hospital
October 7 -- Do you know this man? (RCMP statement)
October 7 -- Terrace police and firefighters face-off for fundraising (RCMP statement)
October 4 -- Come Join us for the Annual (Kitimat) Guns and Hoses Game on October 19th   (RCMP statement)
October 4 -- RCMP looking for Terrace man wanted on warrant
October 3 -- RCMP looking for Terrace man
October 3 -- Terrace man wanted on warrant (RCMP statement)
October 1 -- Winter tire regulations take effect October 1st

Bulkley Valley/Lakes District and elsewhere

October 31 -- RCMP helicopter called in as missing person search continues
October 31 -- Day 3 for the search of a missing Houston Woman
October 30 --  Houston RCMP detachment commander transferred
October 30 -- Houston seeks Fire Smart monies
October 30 -- Search continues for missing Houston woman
October 30 -- Missing person search continues
October 30 -- Search for Houston woman continues
October 30 -- Search continues for missing Houston woman
October 30 -- New deal to fix lack of rural paramedics, BCEHS says
October 30 -- Houston RCMP continue to search for missing woman
October 29 -- Houston RCMP still searching for missing woman
October 29 -- Houston RCMP searching for missing woman
October 29 -- Search on for missing person
October 29 -- RCMP looking for missing Houston woman
October 29 -- Houston Woman reported missing
October 29 -- Missing Person to locate: Larueen Fabian
October 25 -- Spark causes Smithers pellet plant fire
October 25 -- Spark causes fire in Smithers Pellet Plant dryer
October 23 -- Burns Lake RCMP release sketch of sexual assault suspect
October 23 -- Burns Lake RCMP release composite sketch
October 22 -- Police release sketch of Radley Lake sexual assault suspect
October 22 -- Police hope public can help identify this man  (RCMP statement)
October 21 -- Fire at apartment building leaves 5 families homeless
October 20 -- Fire on Main Street guts an apartment
October 18 -- "I felt alienated. I didn't feel welcome:" former Prince George constable (audio)
October 16 -- Town cleans up homeless camp
October 16 -- Grand opening for Fraser Lake Rescue Training Centre
October 16 -- Fire department seeks new firefighting gear
October 16 -- Government acts on fireguard woes, residents say
October 11 -- Judge reserves sentencing until December 9 in Giesbrecht trial
October 11 -- Persons of interest identified following death of New Hazelton Man
October 12 -- Sparks fly as two people speak out during October 12 North matters event in Smithers
October 10 -- Vandals tag Telkwa
October 9 -- Several areas in Telkwa vandalized
October 9 -- Logging truck down
October 9 -- Man on trial for alleged sex assault in Granisle
October 9 -- Planning underway to ease wildfire danger
October 8 -- Vanderhoof RCMP arrest one person for string of arsons
October 8 -- BC Wildfire Service warning of smoke in Northwest Fire Centre
October 4 -- Smithers Fire promotes Fire Prevention week
October 2 -- Fire department wants you to plan your escape
October 2 -- Highway 16 open to traffic east of Burns Lake
October 2 -- Man collapses in Burns Lake Post Office
October 2 -- Fender bender on Centre in Burns Lake
October 2 -- District inviting bids for new rescue truck
October 2 -- Burns Lake Wildfire crew signs off for the season
October 2 -- Downed power line close Highway 16 near Burns Lake
October 2 -- First responders responsive to yoga and horseback riding retreat

Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska


October 29 -- Driver ejected during rollover accident
October 25 -- Name released in fatal excavator accident
October 24 -- Katlian Road accident proves fatal for equipment operator
October 24 -- No bids on fire station in live auction
October 23 -- Fire house auction set for Thursday
October 16 -- Hunters safe after an unplanned night out
October 15 -- Signal down for Coast Guard VHF stations in Southeast
October 11 -- Searchers find missing man deceased in Duncan Canal
October 11 -- Search underway for missing hunter west of Petersburg
October 9 -- Construction related blast triggers rock slide across North Tongass Highway
October 7 -- Three mariners safe after Friday rescue from burning boat near Ward Cove
October 2 -- Gillnetter goes aground on UAS ramp




Archive of month to month review for 2019 





To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

BC Ferries Commission to allow for Ferry rate increases of up to 2.3%

The path has been cleared for a potential 2.3 per cent fare increase for
Ferry users next April, that following a decision Monday from the
BC Ferries Commission

The rate of potential annual fare increases will not exceed 2.3% over the course of the next four years, as the BC Ferries Commissioner confirms the price cap until March 31st of 2020.

The ruling which was released on Monday comes following a period of review by the BC Ferries Commission, which telegraphed its intentions last April, though with a caveat related to any extraordinary situation arising for the BC Ferry Corporation.

 “This final price cap decision confirms the preliminary decision announced on April 1 of this year.  We believe these increases are in the public interest – affordable to ferry users and taxpayers, while sufficient to allow BC Ferries to meet their financial targets, barring any extraordinary situation.” -- BC Ferries Commissioner Sheldon Stoilen

The review of the proposed rate increase included input from BC Ferries, the BC Government, comments from the public and a performance review on BC Ferries' efficiency and long term planning.

As part of the final price cap decision, the Commissioner confirmed an efficiency target – equivalent to 1% of annual operating, maintenance and administrative expenses – which BC Ferries must meet and report on annually.

In addition, the Commissioner is encouraging BC Ferries to establish GHG-reduction targets, and to pursue the electrification of the new Island class ferries – being introduced next year – as soon as the infrastructure and technology are available.

You can review the background notes to their decision here.

The range of material that they considered as they reviewed the price cap decision can be examined here.

For more items of note on Ferry Transportation on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii see our archive page here.

Time to make the Shift ... into Winter Driving mode

This first day of October marks the date for motorists to shift their thinking from summer driving to the prospect of more challenging winter driving conditions, with today the first day when its required that you have Winter Tires or accepted All Season tires on your vehicle for transit in most of Northwestern British Columbia.

Anticipate a bit of a wait at your favourite garage or tire service centre for the next few weeks, as most of us click into the winter driving frame of mind and make the switch from our summer to winter tires.

While we wait for our spot on the work order, ICBC offers up some helpful notes on winter driving in the province and what tire regulations are in effect across BC.

The Ministry of Transportation also has some information on driving across the province during winter, noting of the very different conditions that can be found depending on where your travels may take you.

As those who travel the highways of the northwest know, the weather and road conditions can change in minutes and to track the latest notes on highways across the region you can access up to date information from the Drive BC website, with many advisories also shared through their social media feeds.

Drive BC
Drive BC NW

We also host an archive of the Northwest highway cameras here, for those seeking a heads up on their travels

More on the Shift into Winter can be explored here.

You can also keep up on weather and road conditions and events through our archive page here.