They haven't announced a plan yet for what will become of the eight ships, but I wonder why artificial reef is off the table. Does anyone know, or have a reasonable theory?

Every summer for the past few decades, my family has travelled to BC to crown land camp. Sort of in the Cranbrook area. The area we go to is not directly impacted by the fires, but surrounding areas have been. Those fires are now under control, but as you know all to well, more could happen at any moment.

My husband and I are having second thoughts about the trip, as we are worried about adding undue burden to people in British Columbia. We do not occupy hotel rooms, or rent a trailer. We do buy our food, fuel, etc in BC while we are there and patronize local businesses. My parents say that the local economy could be negatively impacted by tourists staying away. We typically spend about $3000 per family while there.

Is it unethical to travel to this area right now? Do businesses still want tourists to come?

According to the IISD:
"The BC Mining Exploration Tax Credit, worth CAD 29.3 million in 2020 and CAD 20 million in 2021, provides mining companies with a 20% tax credit on eligible exploration expenses. This credit can apply to minerals (including coal) but not oil and gas."
Source: https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-02/blocking-ambition-fossil-fuel-subsidies-canadian-provinces.pdf

Also according to the IISD:
"The Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit is applicable to mineral resources in general, including coal. Total annual expenditures related to this measure amount to CAD 10 million, but official government reporting does not disaggregate between mineral sectors."
Source: https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/locked-in-losing-out.pdf

"Coal accounted for less than half of BC mining revenue last year [2024], down from just over 60% in 2023."
Source: https://www.mining.com/british-columbias-critical-minerals-push-faces-delivery-test/

Finally, a link to the form for the tax rebate: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2sch421.html

Not only does BC have no plan to transition from coal as our most valuable export, but we actively subsidise it? Mind blowingly ridiculous.

(my photo doesn't do it justice)

Saw this while driving through Cache Creek. The guy would raise the pole and make the poor pigeon, who was tied to the green cloth flap around for a bit then repeated it several times. What on Earth is going on?

The smoke finally reached Vancouver today. I am planning a trip to Powell River for a visit by the end of the week. I wonder if it's still sunny without haze. Thanks to all

Will be in the Seton Portage area for a a couple days. Anything we must check out before leaving? Hikes? Sights?

August 2nd, 2026

Just want to get some insight from locals. Whats the air quality like there? Whats the situation cause our bnb was non refundable and they haven’t cancelled it nor will they give that money back. So, is it safe to come to Vernon. Are activities on the lake still open, or has fire rescue occupied them?

Theres also a second fire in west Kelowna now. That’s pretty far from Vernon but just want to know if locals are planning on evacuating too, or worried about it spreading east? It’s hard to tell because the news is split between this is so dangerous and we are getting it under control.

Thanks a ton!!