Parksville seniors will benefit from a $19,810 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of the area's older residents.

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

Abnormally dry weather will persist through the Thanksgiving Day long weekend, so the Coastal Fire Centre is urging the public to continue to be cautious with any forest activity that could start wildfires, including campfires and equipment use.

As one of the commitments in the recently released seniors' action plan, consultations are now underway in British Columbia to develop a strategy to prevent, identify and respond to elder abuse and neglect.

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.

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.