Non-domestic users of groundwater in British Columbia will now have until Dec. 31, 2017, to apply for a licence without having to pay the one-time application fee.

A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to the City of Kelowna to support a community assessment in city parks and buildings.

Environment Minister Mary Polak and Natural Gas Development Minister Rich Coleman have issued an environmental assessment certificate to NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. for the Towerbirch Expansion Project, an 87-km-long interprovincial natural gas pipeline between British Columbia and Alberta.

The Province is providing the Rick Hansen Foundation with $9 million to further their work building accessibility in B.C.

British Columbia’s fifth consecutive balanced budget delivers the dividends of a strong and diversified economy and prudent fiscal management by cutting costs for middle-class B.C. families, investing in priority programs and services, and promoting a competitive, job-creating economy.

Visitors will soon be able to book more backcountry adventures at Garibaldi Provincial Park, a favourite backcountry destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Province, in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and other concerned groups, are asking the public to be on the lookout for dead or sick bats that may have contracted an invasive fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome.

Whether you’re sticking close to home or itching to hit the road for Family Day on Feb. 13, various activities beckon – and the Province wants you and yours to get there safely.

To further reduce barriers and make services and resources more easily accessible for people with disabilities, the Province is providing the BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network (BC SCI Network) with $5 million to enhance their services for British Columbians with a physical disability.