Consistent with B.C.'s five requirements for heavy oil pipelines, the B.C. government has concluded its cross-examination at the Edmonton Northern Gateway Pipeline (NGP) joint review panel.

Effective at noon PDT on Monday, Sept. 17, all open fires and fireworks will be prohibited throughout all of the Peace Regional District of the Prince George Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public. The ban will remain in place until Oct. 31, 2012, or until the public is otherwise notified.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, the existing Category 2 open fire and fireworks prohibition in the Coastal Fire Centre is being extended. It will now remain in place until Oct. 15, 2012 or until the prohibition order is rescinded.

People living in communities east of Tweedsmuir Park may see more smoke or haze than usual in their areas over the weekend, due to a forest fire burning in the park.

The B.C. government is making significant investments in the Clearwater area to improve safety on Highway 5, and increase awareness and access to Wells Gray Provincial Park.

The public is invited to celebrate National Forest Week at the South Island Natural Resource District Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.

The B.C. government recently presented Peterson Family Farm with a Century Farm Award for the contributions the family has made to B.C.'s agriculture industry and economy over the past one hundred years. Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick commended the family for this impressive milestone.

A multi-storey wood building is closer to becoming a reality, as three qualified teams have been shortlisted to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase of the competition to design and build the Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC).