Fifty units of rental housing in Parksville have been protected, keeping rental rates affordable for people through the latest acquisition by the B.C. Rental Protection Fund.

Effective at noon on Sept. 18, 2017, the BC Wildfire Service has rescinded the campfire prohibition that was in effect within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. The use of tiki torches (and similar kinds of torches), outdoor stoves, gas stoves and other portable campfire equipment is also now permitted.

The BC Wildfire Service is fully prepared to respond quickly to any wildfire activity in the Coastal Fire Centre. Although some resources are being deployed to the Interior to help fight the large fires there, sufficient firefighters and equipment will remain in the region to maintain a first response capability locally.

Local governments in Parksville-Qualicum are receiving federal-provincial investments in critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure, announced Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender.

Skilled trades students in the Qualicum and Alberni school districts will benefit from a three-year, $15-million investment by the B.C. government to support youth trades programs with the purchase of new trades training equipment.

Lantzville is receiving a joint federal-provincial Small Communities Fund grant worth $4,373,332.

Residents of the Parksville and Qualicum Beach region will be growing more local food in 2017 as the Coombs Farmers’ Institute and their partners begin their “Here We Grow” project.

This summer, pedestrians and cyclists in the community of French Creek will find improved safety conditions with planned upgrades to Roberton Boulevard between Barclay Crescent and Lowrys Road, announced Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.