To highlight how easy it is for families to get the new $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant, Education Minister Don McRae and Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett visited a BMO Bank of Montreal branch to discuss the new grant with a BMO financial planning expert and a local parent.

Families in and around Cranbrook are invited to enjoy a day of affordable family fun this B.C. Family Day at Western Financial Place for a day of family-friendly activities.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong is inviting East Kootenay residents to participate in a regional telephone town hall on balancing the 2013-14 provincial budget and supporting affordability for B.C. families.

Premier Christy Clark announced a $50,000 community gaming grant to the Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C., which opened the doors of its new Kootenay Child Development Centre (KCDC) in Cranbrook earlier this year.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources staff will team up with RCMP officers and other provincial officials in the Lake Koocanusa area May 17-21, to enforce an Open Fire Prohibition Order and help residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful long weekend.

Cranbrook has been identified as one of seven communities to participate in a pilot project where poverty-reduction strategies will target the unique needs of families struggling to get out of poverty.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners officially opened Baker Gardens today, a new 36-unit modular housing development for seniors and persons with disabilities in Cranbrook.