A total of 85 communities throughout B.C. will benefit from $2.4 million in funding toward community adult-literacy programs that will support adults wishing to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

The Government of British Columbia is providing $702,000 to the Vancouver school district to repair, upgrade and improve five of its facilities to make sure students, teachers and staff have comfortable and refreshed places to learn and work.

Performing arts presenters throughout British Columbia are receiving $331,500 in grants to engage professional touring artists and enhance programming activity.

Effective at noon on Sept. 26, 2016, all open fires will once again be permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. Tiki torches, burn barrels, fireworks, sky lanterns and binary exploding targets are also permitted. Accumulated rain and cooler temperatures has reduced the wildfire risk in the region.

Given the marked increase in wildfire activity in the Okanagan Valley and elsewhere in the province over the past week, the BC Wildfire Service is again urging the public to be extremely cautious with any allowed fire use.

The unique beauty of Canada’s West Coast and the rugged wildness of the North will be front and centre during The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s second official Royal Tour to Canada.

Hot and dry weather is in the forecast throughout the province this weekend, along with strong, gusty winds. The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for increased wildfire activity and urges the public to be cautious with any activities in the backcountry.

Effective at noon on Aug. 17, 2016, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”.