Councillor John Roper

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality — Regional Council, Staff, and Community extend our deepest condolences to the residents of the District of Tumbler Ridge.

We are profoundly saddened by the extremely tragic loss and hardship your community is facing. During this devastating time, we hope you find strength and support in one another and in the bonds that hold your community together.

We mourn with you and remember all those affected — families, friends, neighbours, and first responders. Please know that the Northern Rockies stands with Tumbler Ridge.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality

British Columbians grieve with Tumbler Ridge and hold the families and friends suffering loss and affected by the terrible tragedy close in our hearts.

If you need support:

310-Mental Health Support: 310-6789
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
FoundryBC.ca

Our hearts are with the community of Tumbler Ridge today.
In the wake of recent violence, it is normal to feel scared, anxious, overwhelmed, and angry. Please remember that you are not alone.

Resources are available:

Northern BC residents can get help immediately by contacting any one of the following: call 310Mental Health Support at 310-6789 for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health; call 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of su***de.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has su***de-related concerns:

9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.

Kid’s Help Phone Offers professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Reach out by texting CONNECT to 686868

The KUU-US Crisis Response Service at 1-800-588-8717 provides culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.
The Northern Health Virtual Primary & Community Care Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 offers access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, including for mental health needs.

And if your employer offers an employee assistance program, we encourage you to reach out to those resources, as needed.

B.C. has several virtual mental health supports for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, and you can find more information at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports

See Northern Health’s website for additional mental health supports here: https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/mental-health-substance-use

Today, our neighbours in Tumbler Ridge are facing an unimaginable tragedy following the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

My heart goes out to the families, students, staff, first responders, and everyone impacted. We stand with you.

If you are struggling, please reach out to someone you trust. Support is available through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Victim Services program:
https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/police-services/victim-services

Official updates can be found here:
https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/tumbler-ridge/news/2026/02/4350182

Please keep Tumbler Ridge in your thoughts.

Update: Police Emergency Alert incident in Tumbler Ridge cancelled On February 10, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Tumbler Ridge RCMP received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. A Police Initiated Public Alert (P**A) was issued as officers responded to the scene. The alert was officially cancelled at 5:45 p.m. as police do not believe ther...

Wishing everyone a joyous season and a Merry Christmas!

🎄✨ Season’s Greetings from the NRRM ✨🎄

The Mayor, Regional Council, and staff of the NRRM wish you a very Merry Christmas!
May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. ❄️🎁

Please note that our offices will be closing at noon on December 24 for the holiday season and will reopen on January 5.

Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and thank you for being an valued part of our community! 🌟

On Wednesday morning, Regional Council will be holding a Community Connect session to discuss the draft Government Transfers Policy, which will guide how the Municipality supports local non-profits going forward.

I’m glad to see that this new policy will allow all non-profits to apply for support. While Council has always been open to special funding requests for groups in need, such as requests from Grace Manor and the Community Literacy Society to name a few, this levels the playing field and offers a more transparent, structured approach for all organizations to access municipal support.

But I also have real concerns. The proposed funding caps could force local non-profits to compete against each other for limited dollars, and underfunding current services risks losing them altogether.

During the 2025 funding freeze that exclusively targeted non-profits, the Municipality received more than 20 letters and a record turnout at the budget open house, with residents clearly calling for greater support for local organizations, not less. True public engagement must be transparent and accountable, not anecdotal or informal. Our community organizations deserve to be heard through proper, open channels. Municipal funding for non-profits in 2024 comprised just 3% of the overall NRRM budget.

This is your chance to have a say in how we invest in our community’s future.

Wednesday, October 22 at 10:00 AM
The Bear Pit, Municipal Hall
Read the draft policy here: https://buff.ly/fCzoQJN

Join us Wednesday! 🌟

Explore NRRM's newly introduced draft policy on Government Transfers to support local non-profits in enhancing community well-being, strengthening our economy, and protecting our environment.

You’re invited to a Community Connect session with Regional Council:
📅 Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 The Bear Pit, Municipal Hall

This session will explore the new Government Transfers Program before its soft launch with the 2026 budget. We’ll align objectives, gather feedback, answer questions, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

Please review the draft policy and related documents on our website here: https://buff.ly/fCzoQJN

We look forward to seeing you there!

Exactly one year from today, residents across British Columbia, including right here in the Northern Rockies, will head to the polls to elect their next Mayor and Council.

Our Municipality is unlike any other in the province. We’re vast, remote, and resourceful, but also at a crossroads. The challenges we face in sustaining and growing our community require steady leadership, open minds, and people who care deeply about this place we call home.

If you’ve ever thought about how things could be better, maybe it’s time to consider stepping forward yourself. Serving on Council isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in your community.

Change doesn’t happen on its own. It takes community service, courage, and people willing to lead.

Learn more about running for local office and the election process at:
👉 elections.bc.ca/local-elections/2026-general-local-elections

elections.bc.ca

It’s deeply disappointing to hear that Scotiabank plans to close its Fort Nelson branch in the summer of 2026, with services being shifted to Fort St. John. While I understand that banking is moving increasingly online, this decision has real and lasting impacts on rural communities like ours, especially for seniors, small business owners, and residents who rely on in-person banking. Rural residents already face barriers to services that urban centres take for granted, and every closure like this widens that gap just a little more.

What makes this news especially frustrating is that Scotiabank reported nearly $7.9 billion in net income for 2024. Clearly, this isn’t about survival, it’s a choice about priorities. Communities like Fort Nelson deserve better than to be left behind in the name of “efficiency.”

We can and should continue to push for solutions that keep essential services accessible for everyone, no matter where they live.

Scotiabank planning on branch closures...

Scotiabank plans to close several branches in Canada, primarily in rural areas, citing an increasing shift towards online banking. However, some customers are upset about losing convenient access to in-person services.

A Fort Nelson branch spokesperson says that this location will close permanently in the summer of 2026, with services being merged into the Fort St. John branch.

A Scotiabank representative stated that closures will occur "across various markets in Canada" and explained, "As customer preferences shift toward digital banking, we are adapting to better serve them by investing in accessible digital options while also opening new branches in high-demand areas."

Further details on this and other branch closures will be shared by Scotiabank in the future.

More news @ www.News97.ca

This capital investment will support long-term safety for the whole community during a time when its needed most. All without raising taxes or acquiring debt.

I'd love to hear your thoughts — what questions, concerns or feedback do you have?

🚨 Big News — and You're Invited!

You may have heard — the NRRM is purchasing the building at 5013 Cordova Way to serve as the new home of Northern Rockies Fire Rescue.

This move isn’t just about a new location — it’s a cost-effective investment in emergency response and community resilience. The decision followed a thorough review of options, and thanks to existing reserve funds and provincial grants, we’re doing it without borrowing or raising taxes.

We know people have questions — and we want to share the full story.

🧯Stay tuned for a detailed webpage and an Open House announcement — where you’ll be invited for a behind-the-scenes look at the facility, a chance to meet the Fire Rescue team, and to learn why this step supports the safety and sustainability of our region.

More details coming soon! 🔥👨🚒

🌫️ Smoky Skies in Fort Nelson – Here's What You Can Do

Smoke has rolled into Fort Nelson and conditions may continue to fluctuate over the coming days. While there’s currently no official air quality advisory in place, we know smoky air can still affect how you feel — especially for kids, seniors, and anyone with heart or lung conditions.

🔹 Need a break from the smoke?
The Rec Centre is open to the public — come use the walking track or relax in one of the common areas.

🔹 Curious where the smoke is coming from?
Check live fire and smoke forecasts at firesmoke.ca

🔹 Track local air quality
PurpleAir monitor gives real-time readings: purpleair.com

🔹 Tips to breathe easier at home
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Run HEPA air purifiers or your furnace fan with a clean filter
- Avoid outdoor strenuous activities
- Use a portable fan with a furnace filter to make a simple DIY cleaner. Visit https://buff.ly/ZiboVw5 to learn how.

Let’s look out for each other during these hazy days. If you're experiencing symptoms from smoke exposure, consider talking to your health provider.

🔥 Campfires Allowed Again in Fort Nelson 🔥

As of noon on July 7, small campfires (no larger than 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres) are allowed in the Fort Nelson zone.

🚫 Category 2 and 3 open fires are still not allowed.

✅ Campfire safety tips:
-Never leave your fire unattended
-Always keep water, a shovel, or a fire extinguisher nearby
-Build your fire in a safe spot, away from dry grass, trees, and flammable materials
-Make sure your fire is completely out and cool to the touch before you leave
-Don’t burn in windy conditions

🔥 Enjoy responsibly and help prevent wildfires. For full bulletin, visit https://buff.ly/4gLm1uI