A training exercise focusing on wildland/urban interface fires will take place in the York Road area of Oyster River on Sunday, April 28. The event will provide cross-training opportunities for first-responder agencies.

A $20,000 grant will help complete new theme-rooms at the recently opened Munchkinland Exploration Centre, a dynamic play environment for early learners and their families.

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.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, the existing Category 2 open fire and fireworks prohibition in the Coastal Fire Centre is being extended. It will now remain in place until Oct. 15, 2012 or until the prohibition order is rescinded.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is getting infrastructure upgrades with $3.4 million in capital funding as part of the B.C. government's investment in public post-secondary infrastructure this year.