Stephen Bellringer has been appointed chair of the BC Hydro board of directors, Energy, Mines and Natural Gas Minister Rich Coleman announced today.

Residents of Kelowna and surrounding communities may see smoke from a series of controlled fires over the next month, as a contractor working for the Okanagan Shuswap District collects and burns waste wood and other forest fuels in the Gillard Creek area.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick released the following statement on the release of the Cohen Commission's final report:

Small businesses throughout B.C. are 'staying out of the red' by going green, said Environment Minister Terry Lake to wrap up October as small business month.

British Columbia's oil and gas sector is regulated with modern legislation that includes public and environmental safety as top priorities. The protection of human health is a vital aspect of our commitment to world-leading practices. Our health assessment will ensure our province remains a responsible oil and gas resource developer

While Ministry of Environment officials remain confident that there is no risk to public health or the environment, the ministry is launching a formal investigation in response to concerns around the approximately 1,800 tonnes of potentially hazardous fly ash shipped to the Cache Creek Landfill from the Burnaby waste-to-energy facility in July and August, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake today.

The deadline for those wishing to submit an expression of interest to manage the historic Keremeos Grist Mill has been extended for at least two more weeks.

Visitors to Goldstream Park near Victoria are advised that parking at the day-use area will be extremely busy for the next several weeks during the annual Goldstream salmon run. Visitors are also asked to please use caution when parking outside of the designated areas.

Okanagan residents are encouraged to come and share their views on two Wildlife Management Area proposals for their region at two open houses in early November.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died as the result of an avalanche near Stewart on Oct. 23, 2012.