Author: SKEENA NEWS

OTTAWA – The governments of Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as an ongoing campaign of repression and human rights violations in Belarus. The three countries accuse Belarusian authorities of a systematic effort to shut down civil society, independent media, and all forms of political opposition. In the statement released on Saturday, the three allies declared they “stand united in condemning the ongoing repression and human rights violations” in the country. They highlighted that “thousands have been unjustly detained, subjected to torture, or forced into exile,” actions they say constitute a…

SKEENA REGION, B.C. – BC Hydro has announced a planned power outage for the entire Bulkley Valley region on Sunday, August 10. The outage will take place from approximately 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow for essential maintenance tasks on high voltage transmission lines. The outage zone is extensive, and residents in the following communities should be prepared for the power shutdown: The planned outage also extends as far west as the Highway 16 and Highway 37 Junction at Kitwanga. Travelers passing through the outage zone during this time are specifically advised that crucial services such as fuel, electric vehicle…

The community of Terrace is rallying with unwavering dedication behind the family of Thomas “Tom” Kelly, the 46-year-old man who went missing while fishing on the Skeena River on July 12. As the search extends into its fourth week, a public petition and a series of emotional pleas from the family are highlighting the community’s demand for specialized search resources. A petition, titled “Bring Tom Kelly Home: Request for K9 Barrett, Sonar, and Specialized SAR Support,” has quickly gathered nearly 1,000 signatures. The petition, organized by community member Jahaziel Charitye Trudell, is a direct call for Terrace Search and Rescue…

TERRACE, B.C. – Public Health is advising residents of Northwest B.C. of two new potential measles exposure locations in the Smithers area, as provincial data reveals a significant increase in measles cases, with Northern Health leading the province. The new exposure sites are: Residents who were at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after the potential exposure. According to a weekly update from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), there have been 176 confirmed and probable measles cases in B.C. this year. The Northern Health Authority…

TERRACE, B.C. – The Coast Mountain Primary Care Network is launching a new mobile outreach clinic to help meet the healthcare needs of the community’s elders and seniors. The dedicated clinic is designed for patients aged 70 and older who do not currently have a family doctor. The “Elders & Seniors Clinic” will operate on the second Friday of every month. The clinic will be hosted at The Garage, located at 3504 Kalum Street in Terrace. The next clinic date is scheduled for Friday, August 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To book an appointment, eligible individuals are asked to…

TERRACE, B.C. – A new chapter in self-determination is underway for the Kitsumkalum First Nation, as it officially announced the start of the ratification process for its proposed treaty and constitution. This pivotal step is the culmination of more than three decades of negotiations with the federal and provincial governments. If ratified, the treaty would formally recognize Kitsumkalum’s rights to self-governance, land ownership, resource management, and harvesting, marking a significant milestone in the Nation’s history. The agreement would also implement the Kitsumkalum constitution, a foundational document for community governance. In a press release on June 25, Chief Councillor Troy Sam…

A Recipe for Success, A Q&A with Ranu’s Kitchen Owner, Yadwinder Singh TERRACE, B.C. – As Ranu’s Kitchen celebrates the grand opening of its second location in Kitimat, its owner, Yadwinder Singh, is reflecting on a remarkable journey. After more than a decade in the Skeena Region, his journey from newcomer to respected chef and business owner stands as an inspiring example of perseverance and community spirit. We sat down with Yadwinder to discuss his passion, the challenges he’s overcome, and his vision for the future of Ranu’s Kitchen. Skeena News: You’ve lived in Terrace for 12 years. Can you share what…

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – A propane leak at a terminal on Ridley Island led to a full-site evacuation and temporary suspension of all operations this morning, though the situation was quickly contained and the island has since reopened. At approximately 6:20 a.m., an unintended release of propane occurred at the AltaGas Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal. The incident resulted in a visible vapor cloud forming above the facility, prompting an immediate halt to all terminal operations. According to AltaGas, all safety and emergency protocols were activated, leading to the full evacuation of the site. By 8:47 a.m., the source of…

TERRACE, B.C. – More than three weeks have passed since Thomas Kelly, a 46-year-old Terrace man, went missing while fishing with his family near Usk on July 12. While initial search efforts by the RCMP and Search and Rescue have concluded, the search has not. In the absence of a coordinated official response, it is the community of Terrace that has taken on the tireless and heartbreaking work of finding him. The family and dedicated volunteers, including those like Jahaziel Charitye Trudell, are actively coordinating their own search efforts. On social media, Trudell has been sharing specific search locations and…

TERRACE, B.C. – The 2025 Terrace Rotary Club Duck Race, a highly anticipated Riverboat Days tradition, saw a full field of rubber ducks dropped into the Skeena River, with one duck in particular securing a life-changing prize for its ticket holder. On August 4, a massive wave of yellow plastic ducks was released into the river from the new bridges. After a brisk race, one duck, belonging to Pat Holland, emerged victorious, crossing the finish line to claim the $25,000 grand prize. This year’s event was a major success for the Rotary Club, with tickets selling out just before the race began.…