GROUNDBIRCH, B.C. – Three days of live entertainment, community spirit and family-friendly fun brought country music fans to Groundbirch this weekend for the annual Groundbirch Country Music Festival.

The festival, held July 17-19, attracted visitors from all over the Peace Region to enjoy a lineup of 23 talented performers in a laid-back outdoor setting. With free admission and free on-site camping, the event provided an affordable and fun experience for music lovers of all ages.

The grounds were filled with lawn chairs, campers and dancing boots throughout the weekend creating a welcoming atmosphere where families, friends and neighbours came together to celebrate country music and local community.

Performances were 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the festival ending Sunday afternoon. The festival, held July 17-19, attracted visitors from all over the Peace Region to enjoy a lineup of talented performers in a laid-back outdoor setting. With free admission and free on-site camping, the event provided an affordable and fun experience for music lovers of all ages.

The grounds were filled with lawn chairs, campers and dancing boots throughout the weekend creating a welcoming atmosphere where families, friends and neighbours came together to celebrate country music and local community.

For more photos please visit Peacefm/ChetTV facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QBf8Mgqqh/?

 

Video Highlights: https://youtu.be/3_zW2RM8_BQ?si=QHemR0lhG3NMQRdB

 

_________________

 

 

Both indoor and outdoor workers can be at risk during hot weather

Richmond, B.C. (July 21, 2026) — With Environment Canada issuing heat warnings for several regions of British Columbia and temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s in some areas of the province this week, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to take steps to protect workers from heat-related illness.

“Elevated temperatures increase the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, which can be serious and even life-threatening,” says Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “These illnesses are preventable, and employers have a responsibility to take steps to protect workers, whether they are indoors or outdoors.”

Between 2021 and 2025, WorkSafeBC accepted 335 heat-related injury claims, including 47 in 2025. Workers in a range of industries face increased risk during hot weather. Outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, transportation, and public works are at higher risk. However, indoor workers — including those in kitchens, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities — may also be exposed to high heat, especially in spaces without air conditioning.

To prevent heat stress, WorkSafeBC requires employers to conduct workplace-specific risk assessments and develop plans that outline controls, training, and safe work procedures.

Employers should engage workers and/or joint health and safety committees in the process and monitor and adjust these plans and controls as needed.

What employers should do:

• Provide cool drinking water and regular rest breaks.
• Set up shaded or cooled recovery areas.
• Schedule strenuous work during cooler parts of the day.
• Improve ventilation and cooling in indoor work areas.
• Rotate workers between hotter and cooler environments.
• Train workers to recognize the early signs of heat stress in themselves and others and how to seek first aid. Symptoms can include excessive sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, dizziness, agitation, or confusion.

• Encourage workers to report symptoms early and speak up if conditions become unsafe.

What workers should do:

• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes).
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric, such as cotton.
• Wear sunscreen and apply regularly.
• Take rest breaks in a cool, well-ventilated area.• Know your personal risk factors, such as medications and any pre-existing conditions.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of heat stress in yourself and co-workers.

Resources:

WorkSafeBC resources help employers and workers prepare for summer conditions:

• New: Heat stress warning poster
• Heat stress
• Heat stress screening tool
• Methods for measuring heat strain or stress
• Wildfire smoke: Frequently asked questions
• Sun and UV radiation

-30-

About WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC operates a non-profit workers’ compensation system funded solely by employer premiums and investment returns. The organization provides no-fault workplace insurance to 2.7 million workers and 286,000 employers across B.C. WorkSafeBC engages workers and employers to prevent injury, disease, and disability in B.C. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, WorkSafeBC provides compensation and support to workers in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work.

For more information, contact:

Media Relations, WorkSafeBC

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604-276-5157

 

________________

CHETWYND, B.C. – Community members came together at the Saulteau First Nations (SFN) Pemmican Grounds on June 21 to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the many cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

The event, hosted in partnership with Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations and the Tansi Friendship Centre Society, welcomed families, Elders, youth and visitors for an afternoon of cultural learning, entertainment and community connection.

 

The event included a variety of activities for all ages such as a traditional pemmican-making demonstration, family-friendly games, cultural displays and interactive booths. “Among the highlights of the day was the Jigging Contest, where participants demonstrated their energy, skill and passion for traditional dance. The Pugeesee Finals kept the excitement going with enthusiastic competitors and spectators. Guests also enjoyed an Open Mic Talent Show with local performers and a Community Round Dance that brought everyone together in a spirit of unity, respect and celebration. Throughout the event, participants were able to learn more about Indigenous traditions and cultural practices and connect with local organizations and community members. The celebration was a reminder to recognize Indigenous heritage and to promote understanding and respect throughout the year.

The event was presented by a collaboration of community partners and proudly funded by the Government of Canada.

ChetTV and Peace FM were pleased to provide coverage of the celebration, capturing the memorable moments and stories shared throughout the day.

Every June 21, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the unique cultures, languages, traditions and ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples to communities across the country.

 

Youtube Video : https://youtu.be/3r0TX4GDR88?si=ctfYVNjyNqwMjfbY

For more photos: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AYC8RvCa7/?

 

________________________________

 

(Vancouver, BC) – July 14, 2026 – Kim Haakstad, President & CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) issued the following statement in response to the announced closure of another pulp mill:  

 

“COFI extends our deepest concern to the workers, families, and communities affected by today’s closure announcement. For too many people across this province, the consequences of inaction for the struggling forestry sector are happening in real time.  

While this is a difficult day, it also underscores the urgency of working together on short-term action to stabilize the sector – ensuring mills stay open, people stay employed, and forestry continues to anchor rural, urban and First Nations communities across BC.   

 

It also highlights the importance of continued collaboration between industry and government to address the structural challenges and help restore the conditions for a globally competitive forest sector. 

 

Forestry supports nearly 100,000 good jobs, generates billions in economic activity, and underpins reconciliation and rural stability. Every day without long-term predictable and economic access to wood means more families, workers, and communities are put at risk. 

 

We call on the provincial and federal governments to urgently implement the recommendations of the Forest Sector Transformation Task Force, with a specific focus on improving access to wood and utilization of sawmill residuals.”  

 

SOURCE: COFI Media Release

www.cofi.org

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________