By Jennifer Ditchburn
The Canadian Press

OTTAWA – If tough economic times force governments to focus on their top priorities, they also make it crystal clear which areas are left at the bottom of the heap.

By Dirk Meissner
The Canadian Press

VICTORIA — B.C.'s solicitor general says the province will move to get more drunks off the road with legislation that includes immediate sanctions against impaired drivers.

By Terri Theodore
The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER – One of the survivors of a float plane crash on Vancouver Island two years ago that killed five of the seven people on board says the pilot was so close to becoming a hero before the aircraft went down in dense forest.

By Westcoaster.ca Staff

The 24th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival continues Tuesday with events in Tofino and Ucluelet.

By David Wiwchar

PORT ALBERNI – Large airplanes heard flying over the Alberni Valley for the past week remain a mystery, a secret, or the objects of speculation.

By Westcoaster.ca staff

The new Tseshaht administration building on the Somass River has its official opening on Saturday, Oct. 13.
It’s been three years since the idea came into being, but the project actually represents a triumph many years in the making.
It’s a relief for Tseshaht band members, many of whom were students of the former Alberni Indian Residential School, to move out of that facility’s dorms and into the new multiplex.

By Westcoaster.ca Staff

TOFINO— Municipal councillors have defeated two bylaws, one of which would have required the owners of local vacation rentals to live on site.

Chris Burton, left, and Shane Wallace, right, chefs at Tofino's Weigh West Resort, won the People's Choice Award during the 14th annual Chowder Chowdown Sunday. Handing them their award is Abby Fortune, a representative of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. (Keven Drews Photo)

By Westcoaster.ca Staff

UCLUELET — Two Tofino restaurants have walked away with bragging rights for the best chowder on the West Coast.

Special to Westcoaster.ca

(Editor’s note: The following is the winning submission in the Crab Apple Floral Design Valentine’s Day contest. Contestants were asked to write why their special person deserves a $100 floral arrangement. Michal Kilarski was the winner. More entries will be published at www.crabapplefloral.com)

Valentine's Day is coming quite quickly, and I was wondering how to celebrate it. Even though I have been married for over 4 years I have never done anything special for my wife on this day. But this year it's going to be different. First of all, she will be blown away as she doesn't expect anything. Secondly, I really owe her. She is such a great partner, supportive and very patient. But the biggest reason for me to celebrate this year's Valentine’s Day is the fact that on Jan. 31, 2010 at 11p.m. my wife gave a birth to our lovely daughter Melody. We are the happiest people in the whole world now, and I believe that is the way I want to celebrate our happiness.

Michal Kilarski

By Sheena Adams

Dwarf peach trees are suitable for planting in a medium-sized container or on the sunny side of the house.
They prefer full sun and protection from winter rains.
Their tropical look and hot pink blossoms will add flare to any spot on the balcony, deck or entrance way.
Reaching six-feet high and only 2.5 feet wide, they are great in small spaces, and being on a dwarf rootstock they get into producing peaches within two years.

Editorial Essay

More than 64 per cent of Canadians voted against Stephen Harper’s members of Parliament or his Conservative government in the Nov. 15 federal election.

By Westcoaster.ca Staff

UCLUELET — High school and elementary wrestlers turned in some impressive performances at this weekend’s Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament.

Only a fence stands between this crocodile and tourists in Mexico. Click here to view more photos. (Karen Boden Photo)
By Karen Boden

(Editor’s note: In the following article, Westcoaster.ca reporter recounts a recent trip to Mexico.)

As a visitor to Mexico I’m charmed by its people’s casual approach to everything.

By B.C. Chiropractic and Westcoaster.ca Staff

With the full-sun and the thermometer topping 20 Celsius, people are heading to their gardens like ants to a picnic.
Gardening muscles have been in hibernation for the winter, and expecting them to swing into action could cause some discomfort or even damage.

By Doug Lindores
Sports Fishing Columnist

PORT ALBERNI — The November rains, wind, and first real winter storm have come.

25th Annual Filberg Festival
Features Fabulous Art and Music
submitted by Judy Goldschmidt

July 3, 2007 (Comox Valley) …The Comox Valley has been named a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2007 – and the Filberg Festival is a key reason why!