Local News

British Columbia's 2012 budget forecasts a deficit of $968 million during the next fiscal year, a number that would bring total debt in the province to $57.6 billion. The budget was released Feb.

The controversy surrounding B.C. Timber Sales (BCTS) cutblock A87124 continued to mount last week when it was revealed that Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) began construction of a protest site on a logging road into the area.

The B.C. NDP has set its sights on raw log exports, criticizing the province for exporting the resource at the expense of home grown manufacturing jobs.

A report called into question the adequacy of seniors' health care in the province Feb. 14, making 176 recommendations to address what critics have called a "crisis" in B.C.

The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society hopes to preserve biodiversity by creating a 1.6-hectare native plant garden at their site on Mason Road in West Sechelt.

Jean Clarke, a long-time supporter of the Sunshine Coast and its Community Foundation has died at age 92 of age-related complications. Clarke was a passionate advocate of children and families.

The Province of British Columbia has been named Forest Capital of Canada for the year 2012 by the Canadian Forestry Association (CFA) in honour of the 100th anniversary of the BC Forest Service.

Coast Reporter has been named a finalist in five categories for this year's British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspaper Awards (BCYCNA).

Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Feb. 14 to 21: A single-vehicle accident occurred on Heritage Road near Mason Road in Sechelt afteran "L" driver lost control while trying to avoid pot holes and ended up in the ditch.

The Sunshine Coast Lions Club of Sechelt is here to serve, and members put that motto into action last week while building a deck for all to enjoy at the new community building in Mission Point Park.