First-time homebuyers are taking advantage of the new BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, as more than $1.1 million in loans has been conditionally approved since applications opened on Jan. 16, 2017.

PBX Engineering and IBI Group, both of Vancouver, took the top award for Specialized Engineering Services at the 13th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for their exceptional work on the variable speed limit systems.

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. of Vancouver took the top award for Design and Contract Preparation – Roads at the 13th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the Sicamous Roundabout at Highway 97A and Main Street in Sicamous.

Glacier Technical Services Ltd. of Cranbrook took the top award for Construction Management and Supervision at the 13th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the rehabilitation of the Porto Rico, Irishman Creek and Luxor Creek Bridges.

SNC Lavalin Inc. of Metro Vancouver took the top award for Alternative Transportation at the 13th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the Evergreen Line.

SNC Lavalin Inc. of Metro Vancouver took the top award for Structures at the 13th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the Evergreen Line’s Inlet Centre Station.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong has rescheduled the telephone town hall for residents in and around the Fraser Valley for Tues., Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. to get their input on the 2017 provincial budget.

Vulnerable animals in northern B.C. will receive the care they need, thanks to an investment of approximately $1.5 million made by the B.C. government to upgrade the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) facility in Prince George.

Health Minister Terry Lake announced $4 million provided to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) to strengthen health research in British Columbia.

Work has been underway and will continue throughout the weekend to prepare the Alex Fraser Bridge and the Port Mann Bridge for safe and efficient travel during winter weather conditions.