Effective at noon on June 7, 2017, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, except in Haida Gwaii and the “Fog Zone”, to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

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.

Seniors and people with disabilities living on low-to moderate-incomes will soon have increased access to affordable housing in Parksville, with construction underway of Kingsley Manor.

The Province has committed $30,000 in project development funding to the Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) for the creation of an affordable rental housing project, including a shelter.

Visitors will soon have more camping opportunities on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, with the completion of more than 100 new campsites in time for the upcoming camping season.

Students in the Qualicum School District will benefit from over $1.3 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects, classroom supplies and new school buses, MLA Michelle Stilwell announced on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier.

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.