The shishálh Nation, formerly Sechelt Indian Band, will benefit from the most recent round of funding under the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF).

The City of Port Alberni has become the province's fifth community to achieve Bear Smart status, an honour recognizing the community for their exceptional collaborative approach to reducing human-bear conflicts.

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Effective at noon on Aug. 26, 2013, the campfire ban in the Coastal Fire Centre was rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires.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 noon on June 24, 2013, the size of open fires will be restricted in most of the Coastal Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.

Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement on the passing of former Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Harold Long.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a float plane crash near Stuart Island on May 21, 2013.