Seniors and people with disabilities in Parksville now have better access to affordable housing at Hustwick Place, a 33-unit building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

Effective at 12 noon on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, backyard burning will be permitted within parts of the Coastal Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfire.

With sunny and warm conditions predicted for the last long weekend of the summer, the Coastal Fire Centre is urging the public to be careful with their campfires and to ensure their campfire is completely out when they leave the area, as abandoned campfires pose considerable risk for fire escapes.

Effective at 12 noon on Monday, May 16, 2011, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited in parts of the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson is asking the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities within the Coastal Fire Centre.