The Hupacasath First Nation have signed an agreement with the B.C. government giving the First Nation access to new, sustainable economic opportunities that reflect their traditional values.

Brand new technology is enabling Western Forest Products to install the first-ever lumber autograder on the Coast, increasing the Alberni Pacific Division sawmill's efficiency, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson said at an event at the mill today.

The Province has awarded a $1.3-million contract to resurface a section of Bamfield Road and several roads within the community of Bamfield.

The Province is providing $75,000 to help the City of Port Alberni make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 100th anniversary celebrations, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced.

The Port Alberni Air Quality Council received $23,500 from the wood stove exchange program to encourage residents to trade in their smoky old wood stoves for a high-efficiency model or other clean-burning appliance, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced today.

A new web camera at Sutton Pass on Highway 4 is now live on the Province's DriveBC website, providing a real-time view of highway conditions in the area and helping motorists plan a safe journey.

The public is invited to celebrate National Forest Week at the South Island Natural Resource District Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Tomorrow is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Day in B.C. and youth in Port Alberni are teaming up to help raise awareness about the disorder and the struggles that families living with FASD go through every day.

The public is invited to comment on proposed changes to old growth management areas on Vancouver Island that would protect the Avatar Grove site.