An investment of $2.4 million by the provincial government is helping adult learners around the province improve their reading and writing skills by providing them with the help they need in their home communities.

The Government of British Columbia is investing $5 million this year for more than 50 projects in communities throughout B.C. that will improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on provincial highways and roads.

Five coastal First Nations have been awarded $60,000 over one year to establish a tsunami debris management and cleanup program along the central coast of British Columbia, north of Vancouver Island to the Alaska Panhandle.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has closed the black bear hunting season on Haida Gwaii.

A partnership of local governments and First Nations have been awarded $139,000 over two years to establish a tsunami debris management and cleanup program on Haida Gwaii.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 6, Category 2 open fires (also referred to as backyard burning or debris burning) will be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Aug. 26, 2013, the campfire ban in the Coastal Fire Centre was rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires. Campfires now will be permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be permitted in the following areas of the Coastal Fire Centre: from Courtenay north on Vancouver Island and on the Mainland from Hotham Sound north.

Effective at noon on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be permitted in the geographic area of the Mount Waddington Regional District.

Effective at 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, all open fires, including campfires are banned in all areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, except for the Fog Zone and Haida Gwaii.