News Archives

BC’s Wildfire Situation

We are re-posting this article from the BC Government on the province’s current wildfire situation. The latest information on the current wildfire situation in British Columbia, including Wildfires of Note. Wildfires of Note “Wildfires of Note” are wildfires that are particularly visible or pose a threat to public safety. You can find up-to-date information on these…

Doug Donaldson BC’s New Minister Responsible for Rural Development

The new BC Government has named the Honourable Doug Donaldson as Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. Prior to becoming an MLA, Doug worked for Storytellers’ Foundation, a non-profit organization focusing on community economic development in northwestern BC, including local food action initiatives. His previous work in Stikine included jobs in forestry,…

BC wildfires: calmer weather helping firefighters, but winds expected to return

Number of active fires has dropped below 200 for the 1st time in days This article by Mike Laanela, CBC News was first posted: Jul 12, 2017 8:41 AM PT Last Updated: Jul 12, 2017 2:08 PM PT Smoke is seen rising in front of the sun as a wildfire burns near Little Fort, B.C., on Tuesday. (Jonathan Hayward/Canadian…

How can rural B.C. thrive? Australian expert offers lessons from his country

‘Is a town too small? No. Is a town likely to die? Yes, if they aren’t prepared to adapt’ CBC News Posted: Jun 22, 2017 6:55 PM PT Last Updated: Jun 22, 2017 6:55 PM PT What can rural B.C. learn from rural Australia? Quite a lot, says an economic development specialist from the…

Community Forests Important Says Report

An important report, Community Forests — Community Benefits: The Economic Contributions of Community Forest to Rural Communities, on the significant value of our province’s community forests, was released today. This timely effort is an economic analysis that quantifies the cumulative, historical economic contributions of community forests to rural communities in BC. The report was commissioned by the Southern Interior…

Keeping It Rural 2017 Just Got Even Better!

The old Norwegian proverb, “It’s never so good that it couldn’t be better” is a great way to describe this year’s exciting Keeping It Rural 2017 conference in Kelowna (June 20-21). For two days, rural leaders and innovators from across North America will gather at the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport Hotel, giving talks,…

Book it! Literature lives large on the Sunshine Coast

Literature is a big deal on BC’s Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, now in its 34th year, is the longest-running writer’s festival in the country. It celebrates Canadian writers from all corners of the country, and all genres, from mystery to poetry to non-fiction. The festival underscores how important…

John Davis to speak at Keeping It Rural 2017

We’re excited to report that John Davis, executive director of Minnesota’s Lanesboro Arts organization, will be speaking at the Keeping It Rural 2017 conference in Kelowna, June 20-21. John is internationally recognized for his success in using culture as a means to turn around the economic fortunes of the small rural towns. He led the charge in founding a unique…

Keeping It Rural 2017 funding support from CBT

We’re pleased to announce that Columbia Basin Trust plans to help up to 20 Basin-based residents attend this year’s Keeping It Rural conference (June 20-21 in Kelowna), by offering up to $1,000 each to offset expenses. Here are the details: Eligibility To be eligible to receive the Trust funds, you must: be a resident in…

Peter Kenyon to speak at Keeping It Rural 2017

We’re delighted that internationally recognized rural development leader Peter Kenyon will be joining us at this year’s Keeping It Rural conference, in Kelowna (June 20-21). A community enthusiast and social entrepreneur, Peter has worked with more than 2,000 communities in his homeland, Australia, and 59 other countries, seeking to facilitate fresh and creative ways to…