Chetwynd Celebrates Canada Day with Parade, Family Fun and Community Spirit
CHETWYND, B.C. — Red and white filled the streets of Chetwynd as residents and visitors came out to celebrate Canada Day 2026 with a parade and an afternoon of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and community connections.
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The fun began at 11:00 a.m. with the annual Canada Day Parade. Spectators lined the parade route from the District of Chetwynd Office down to the Splash Park. The festive atmosphere was a display of pride and spirit of the community as families, friends and visitors waved Canadian flags and cheered local organizations, businesses, emergency services and community groups as they paraded through town.
The parade was followed by the celebration at the Chetwynd Splash Park from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. where residents enjoyed an afternoon of free activities and entertainment for all ages.
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The official program kicked off with welcoming remarks by Mayor Allen Courtoreille, who thanked the many volunteers, sponsors, community organizations and attendees who helped make the annual celebration a success. A Chetwynd Visitor Centre & Rec Centre staff member led the crowd in a heartfelt “O Canada”, bringing the community together to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
Guests could indulge in free Canada Day cupcakes and $5 food truck coupons from the District of Chetwynd, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious food from the two food trucks that were serving at the event.
Everyone found something to enjoy at the afternoon celebration. The Chetwynd Public Library provided a variety of interactive games and activities for children and families, while the Chetwynd Arts Council invited visitors of all ages to let their creativity flow at a free community painting booth.
The Chetwynd & District Recreation Centre also contributed to the fun with a free popcorn station, temporary Canada Day tattoos and a pinwheel-making booth for fun keepsakes and activities for young attendees.
Children lined up for colourful face painting provided by Tiffany Martin, whose creative designs added even more smiles to the celebration.
An open and inviting display of one of its fire trucks greeted visitors to the Chetwynd Fire Department, giving families a chance to see the vehicle up close, meet local firefighters and learn more about the department’s role in keeping the community safe.
Laughter filled Splash Park all day long as families enjoyed games, activities, tasty food, creative pursuits and precious time together. The event was a testament to the strong community spirit in Chetwynd and the dedication of the many volunteers, organizations, businesses and sponsors who came together to make it another memorable Canada Day Celebration.
Animal lovers also had a special stop to make during the celebrations. K9 Pawsitive Training and Pet Valu joined forces to display some of Chetwynd’s beautiful purebred dogs on the Pet Valu sidewalk from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors learned about responsible pet ownership and canine training while meeting Basset Hounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs and several other breeds.
The buzz of the morning parade to the family friendly activities in the afternoon, Canada Day 2026 was a reminder of what makes Chetwynd a special place to call home – a community that comes together to celebrate, connect and create lasting memories.
Peace FM and ChetTV would like to thank the District of Chetwynd, participating organizations, volunteers, and everyone who attended for making this year's Canada Day celebration a tremendous success. Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦
More Event Photos visit Peacefm/Chettv Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K84fUBgY8/?
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Chetwynd Pride 2026 Brings the Community Together in a Celebration of Inclusion and Belonging
CHETWYND, B.C. - On June 29, the community gathered for Chetwynd Pride 2026, an afternoon of celebrating diversity, inclusion and belonging as residents, families, local organizations and community leaders came together.
The event ran from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and was open to all ages, featuring activities, community resources and the opportunity to connect in a fun and welcoming environment.
Mayor Allen Courtoreille and some members of the Chetwynd District Council were present and celebrated and showed their support towards building an inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed.
One of the event highlights was Chetwynd Pharmachoice, who transformed the area in front of their building into a creative activity space. Face painting, bracelet making and stone painting gave a colourful and artistic touch to the celebration that was enjoyed by families and children.
Several organizations also set up booths and tents, providing information, resources and engaging activities to attendees. Organizations that took part:
- British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
- Chetwynd Public Library
- Chetwynd Visitor Centre
- North Peace Pride Society
- Tansi Friendship Centre
- Linda Krystina Housing Society
The RCMP also participated in the event, helping ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone throughout the afternoon.
Throughout the celebration, attendees enjoyed connecting with local organizations, taking part in activities, and celebrating the values of acceptance, respect, and community spirit.
Chetwynd Pride 2026 highlighted the strength of partnerships between community organizations, volunteers, businesses, and local government, demonstrating how collaboration can create meaningful opportunities to bring people together.
The event served as a reminder that diversity is one of the community’s greatest strengths, and that everyone deserves to feel seen, respected, and valued.
Peace FM and Chet TV were proud to be on site to capture and share the day’s memorable moments with the community.
Event Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FZqFhia7p/?
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BC Nurses Issue 72-hour Strike Notice
June 29, 2026
BC Nurses Issue 72-hour Strike NoticeHistoric action signals nurses’ growing frustration with pressures facing the profession and health-care system
BC nurses have issued 72-hour strike notice following the rejection of a tentative agreement reached between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) and health employers, marking a significant escalation in nurses’ fight for meaningful improvements to the profession.
The decision follows one of the most powerful displays of member unity in BCNU’s history. Between May 8-11, 50,850 nurses participated in a province-wide strike vote, voting 98.2 percent in favour of job action. This pressure led to a tentative agreement reached May 22, which was rejected by 67 percent of members, signalling a growing belief among nurses that the status quo is no longer sustainable.
"This is fundamentally a conversation about priorities,” says BCNU President Adriane Gear. “Nurses want to know why the health authorities continue to spend millions of dollars on costly short-term staffing solutions, while the nurses who are here for the long-term struggling with workload pressures, unsafe working conditions and staffing shortages are being told the cupboards are empty.”
While the tentative agreement saw improvements to benefits and shift premiums, nurses have made it clear it did not go far enough – particularly when it comes to securing a general wage increase that recognizes the vital role nurses play in sustaining a health-care system that is operating beyond its limits. If the employer fails to return to the table with an offer that meaningfully respects the value of their work, nurses could begin job action later this week.
"This is not a step BC nurses want to take,” says NBA Chief Negotiator and BCNU CEO Jim Gould. “However, many have reached the point where they feel they have no choice but to shine a light on the realities they face every day while caring for British Columbians in crowded hospitals, under-staffed long-term care facilities, community health settings and patient’s homes across the province.” BCNU remains committed to reaching a negotiated agreement. Further details regarding next steps will be communicated to the public as they become available.
Source: www.bcnu.org
Other Souces: https://globalnews.ca/news/11943316/bc-nurses-72-hour-strike-notice/
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Chetwynd's 20th International Chainsaw Carving Championship Celebrates Another Successful Year of Art, Community, and Tradition
Chetwynd, June 10 - 14, 2026 - The 20th International Chainsaw Carving Championship proved once again that Chetwynd is the Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World, drawing world-class artists and thousands of visitors for another memorable celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community spirit.
The championship officially kicked off on June 10 with the traditional Carvers’ Dinner, where competitors, organizers, volunteers and sponsors gathered ahead of the competition. The evening also featured the much anticipated log assignment when each carver drew and picked the log they would carve for the next several days.
The following morning, the real challenge began.
For the next three days, 12 elite chainsaw carvers spent 35 hours turning huge logs into incredible works of art. The artists worked through varying weather conditions, bringing their unique visions to life through years of experience, creativity and precision.
The 12 Carvers 12 Carvers and their Assistants
A Special 20th Anniversary Championship
The 20th anniversary also saw an increased field of competitors.
A typical year for the championship invites 12 competitors — four international carvers, four American carvers and four Canadian carvers.
For the 20th anniversary, organizers expanded the field to include six international carvers and six North American carvers, making for one of the strongest and most diverse competitions in the event’s history.
The result was a superlative performance of art that captivated the audience for the entire championship.
Ryan Anderson - USA Chris Foltz - USA Abby Peterson - USA
Ryan Villiers - Canada Kamron Garbe - Canada Jake Rhodes - Canada
Micha Reichert - Germany Takao Hayashi - Japan Sam Bowsher - Scotland
Brandon Kroon - Australia Robby Bast - Australia Mike Jones - UK
More Than Just a Competition
While the main attraction was the 35-hour championship carving, visitors also enjoyed several exciting Quick Carve events that demonstrated the artists’ speed, creativity and ability to perform under pressure.Saturday June 13th saw the championship judges leave the judging table to pick up their chainsaws for the Judges’ Quick Carve. The judges had just 90 minutes to come up with impressive sculptures in front of a live audience, giving spectators a chance to watch master carvers at work.On the final day of the championship the excitement was continued with two more Quick Carve competitions.
First, the assistant carvers took on the challenge, each having one hour to complete a sculpture. Immediately afterward, the 12 competing carvers returned for their own 90-minute Quick Carve, producing remarkable carvings despite the limited time.
The Quick Carve competitions have become one of the event's most popular traditions, allowing visitors to experience the artists' creativity and technical skill in a fast-paced, entertaining format.
Following the Quick Carves, many of the sculptures were offered during the live auction, one of the championship's most anticipated events. Visitors had the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind chainsaw carvings, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds going directly to the carvers, providing additional support and recognition for their work.
A Lasting Legacy Throughout Chetwynd
The championship impact is much more than competition weekend.
The community is known for its chainsaw carvings, and you’ll find about 200 of them around Chetwynd today, creating an outdoor art gallery that is one of the community’s claim to fame. Chainsaw carving is woven into the fabric of Chetwynd, with residents and visitors alike finding sculptures in parks, public spaces, businesses and throughout the community.This year’s finished sculptures will soon be added to the ever-growing collection, with the 2026 championship carvings to be installed along Carvers Row so residents and visitors can enjoy these latest masterpieces for years to come. The International Chainsaw Carving Championship would not be the success it is without the help of volunteers, organizers, sponsors, local businesses, judges, assistants and many members of the community working behind the scenes all year long.
2026 Championship Winners
After 35 hours of competition, judges selected this year's top carvings:
🥇 First Place
Brandon Kroon — The Loggo
Also awarded the Carvers' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award, making it the standout carving of the championship.
🥈 Second Place
Chris Foltz (USA) — Spider's Lunch Box
🥉 Third Place
Kamron Garbe (Canada) — The Clever and the Cunning
Community Makes It Possible
The International Chainsaw Carving Championship is not possible without the commitment of volunteers, organizers, sponsors, local businesses, judges, assistants and hundreds of community members who work behind the scenes all year long.
For five days, visitors could see world-class artistry in action. That experience came about because an entire community came together to keep a tradition alive that has helped put Chetwynd on the international map.
With another successful championship coming to a close, the latest carvings will be added to the nearly 200 already dotted across the community, continuing a tradition that has helped shape Chetwynd’s identity for more than two decades and ensuring the Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World will continue to inspire visitors for years to come.
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New guidance supports local governments to address the unequal impacts of disasters
Vancouver B.C. – B.C’s Human Rights Commissioner has released new guidance for municipalities and regional districts to apply a human rights-based approach to emergency management plans. The Commissioner’s Rights Under Pressure: Guidance on Applying a Human Rights-Based Approach to Emergency Management provides practical guidance on how emergency plans can mitigate the unequal impacts of disasters, address the rise of hate and gender-based violence after times of crisis and improve access to mental health services. The guidance comes in advance of emergency planning requirements in the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) taking effect in January 2027, which includes the requirement for local governments to take measures to mitigate the adverse effects of an emergency on individuals who may experience intersectional disadvantage.
British Columbia has experienced unprecedented disasters since 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadly heat dome and atmospheric rivers in 2021, and the devastating wildfires in 2023. Disasters such as these can create conditions which pose a serious risk to fundamental human rights. “While these disasters impact all of us, crises can also deepen inequities and place the most severe impact on marginalized communities, such as increases in hate, higher rates of gender-based violence and mental health challenges,” said Commissioner Kasari Govender. “Adopting a human rights-based approach to emergency and disaster plans empowers local authorities and governments to develop response measures that prevent inadvertently perpetuating inequality or worsening disaster impacts.”
Today’s release builds on the Commissioner’s inquiry into the rise of hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which contains 12 recommendations primarily aimed at the Government of British Columbia to take actions against the rise of hate during times of societal crisis. The Commissioner eighth recommendation from the inquiry calls on the Province to incorporate a human rights-based approach to existing emergency response procedures. To be effective, an all-of-society approach is necessary with collaboration between all levels of government and the social sector, including nonprofit organizations, charities, frontline and outreach services. The guidance offers promising practices aimed at helping emergency planners address both the short and long term human rights issues arising from emergency events.
“It is indisputable that hate and violence increase in times of societal crisis; the question is really what we do about it. The upcoming legal requirement for local governments to incorporate an equity lens in emergency response plans recognizes these risks and compels local governments to act. Our Guidance provides practical approaches to implementing this requirement,” said Commissioner Kasari Govender. “With these commitments to human-rights based emergency planning, we can enhance resilience and support recovery grounded in dignity, justice and the full range of human rights.”
Related resources
• Rights Under Pressure: Guidance on Applying a Human Rights-Based Approach to Emergency Management
• From Hate to Hope, BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
• Emergency management legislation, Province of British Columbia
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About BCOHRC
BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner exists to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination and injustice in B.C. by shifting laws, policies, practices and cultures. We do this work through education, research, advocacy, inquiry and monitoring. Learn more at: bchumanrights.ca.
About the Commissioner
Kasari Govender began her work as B.C.’s first independent human rights commissioner in September 2019. As an independent officer of the Legislature, Commissioner Govender is uniquely positioned to ensure human rights in B.C. are protected, respected and advanced on a systemic level. Her work through BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner has included public inquiries into experiences of hate in the pandemic and detentions under the Adult Guardianship Act, a report on systemic discrimination in policing, community embedded research about a range of human rights issues experienced by people living in British Columbia, public awareness campaigns about ableism and racism and guidance to government that, among other things, informed the creation of both the Anti-Racism Data Act and the Anti-Racism Act. Commissioner Govender was reappointed for a second term beginning in September 2024.
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