Starting at noon on May 7, most open burning will no longer be allowed across Vancouver Island and the wider Coastal Fire Centre region, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The restriction covers everything from small campfires to larger burning activities, and is expected to stay in place until October 31, unless conditions improve sooner. Only on Haida Gwaii are small campfires (Category 1) still allowed. In all other areas, only certified outdoor stoves that use gas, liquid fuel, or charcoal and keep the flame under 15 cm are permitted.

The Maritime Museum of BC has launched its “Float the Boat” appeal, which runs from Feb. 16 to March 16, with a goal of raising $30,000 to strengthen core operations during what the museum is calling a transition year.

The Province of British Columbia is investing nearly $2.2 million to upgrade four regional airports across Vancouver Island, improving access and supporting economic development, tourism, and emergency services. These upgrades are funded through the B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP), which supports airports with fewer than one million annual passengers.

Good news for drivers: DriveBC has officially launched a brand-new website that makes checking road conditions faster and easier than ever. The updated DriveBC platform now provides real-time information through a modern, user-friendly map.