LOCAL
Valley Leaders Push Local Priorities at UBCM Conference
COLUMBIA VALLEY, B.C. — Municipal leaders from across the Columbia Valley took their concerns to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference this past week, highlighting pressing local issues ranging from health care access to infrastructure funding. Representatives used the annual gathering as an opportunity to meet with provincial ministers and advocate for more targeted support to address the unique challenges faced by smaller, rural communities.
Focus on Critical Infrastructure and Services
Among the priorities raised were investments in local health facilities, improved transportation links, and funding for essential infrastructure projects. Leaders emphasized that while urban centres often receive the bulk of provincial attention, smaller municipalities are grappling with aging infrastructure and service gaps that limit growth and affect quality of life. Issues such as affordable housing and wildfire preparedness were also brought forward as urgent needs requiring coordinated solutions.
Building a Case for Provincial Support
Delegates framed their message around the importance of sustainable, long-term planning that reflects the realities of the valley. By presenting a united front at the UBCM, municipal leaders hope to strengthen their case for provincial action and ensure that rural and small-town voices remain part of policy discussions. The conference served as a reminder that local governments are on the front lines of many challenges, and their advocacy is essential in shaping responsive provincial policy.
LOCAL
Your Current 3 Day Forecast — October 23, 2026
Your Current 3 Day Environment Canada forecast for Miramichi, Rogersville, Doaktown.
THE MIRAMICHI CURRENT · WEATHER
Your Current 3 Day Forecast
October 23, 2026
Across our communities
| Community | High / low | Rain | Wind | Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miramichi | 8° / -3° | 0% | N 20 km/h | None |
| Rogersville | 8° / -3° | 0% | N 20 km/h | None |
| Doaktown | 10° / -5° | 0% | N 20 km/h | None |
Miramichi
Now
8.2°
Current condition unavailable
Sunrise 7:51 a.m. · Sunset 6:21 p.m.
Moon: Waxing gibbous · 93% lit
Observed 1:00 p.m.
Next 12 hours
Today
A mix of sun and cloud. Clearing late this afternoon. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40 except gusting to 60 along parts of the coast. High 8. UV index 2 or low.
Rain 0%Wind 20 km/hGusts 40 km/h
Saturday
Sunny. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning. High 13. Wind chill minus 7 in the morning. UV index 2 or low.
Rain 0%Wind 10 km/h
Sunday
Sunny. High 15.
Rain 0%Wind 0 km/h
Rogersville
Now
7°
Current condition unavailable
Sunrise 7:50 a.m. · Sunset 6:20 p.m.
Moon: Waxing gibbous · 93% lit
Observed 1:00 p.m.
Next 12 hours
Today
A mix of sun and cloud. Clearing late this afternoon. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40 except gusting to 60 along parts of the coast. High 8. UV index 2 or low.
Rain 0%Wind 20 km/hGusts 40 km/h
Saturday
Sunny. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning. High 13. Wind chill minus 7 in the morning. UV index 2 or low.
Rain 0%Wind 10 km/h
Sunday
Sunny. High 15.
Rain 0%Wind 0 km/h
Doaktown
Now
8.2°
Current condition unavailable
Sunrise 7:53 a.m. · Sunset 6:24 p.m.
Moon: Waxing gibbous · 93% lit
Observed 1:00 p.m.
Next 12 hours
Today
Mainly sunny. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 10. UV index 3 or moderate.
Rain 0%Wind 20 km/hGusts 40 km/h
Saturday
Sunny. High 13. UV index 2 or low.
Rain 0%Wind 0 km/h
Sunday
Sunny. High 16.
Rain 0%Wind 0 km/h
Track the weather
Last checked 2026-10-23T16:15:25.000Z · Changed: Miramichi, Rogersville, Doaktown · hourly · Next check 2026-10-23T17:15:00.000Z
LOCAL
Dissident PC Member Prepares to Launch New Political Option in New Brunswick
Former Progressive Conservative member Jason Purdy plans to establish the New Brunswick Party following Daniel Allain’s PC leadership election victory.
Former Conservative Activist Mobilizes New Political Movement
Voters in New Brunswick could soon see a new political option on their ballots as Jason Purdy, a former Progressive Conservative Party member, prepares to register a centre-right organization called the New Brunswick Party. Purdy, a resident of Noonan near Fredericton, stated that his decision follows the recent PC leadership victory of Daniel Allain. Disagreeing with Allain’s vision of a socially progressive and fiscally conservative party, Purdy aims to offer an alternative for traditional conservative voters who feel unrepresented by the current leadership.
Registration Rules and Leadership Response
Under provincial electoral laws, registering a new political entity requires forming riding associations in at least 10 provincial ridings, with a minimum of 10 candidates needed to secure a spot on the election ballot. Purdy expects to complete the registration process within a month, citing initial support from a dozen organizers and interest from several hundred supporters. Should a provincial byelection be triggered for Allain—who currently does not hold a seat in the legislature—Purdy intends to run a candidate against him. For his part, Allain dismissed concerns that a new entity would divide votes, expressing confidence in his party’s existing membership strength following his victory over MLA Don Monahan.
Historical Context and Political Reactions
If successfully registered, the New Brunswick Party would mark the third Tory breakaway movement in the province over the past four decades. Previous historical splinters include the Confederation of Regions party in 1989 and the People’s Alliance in 2010. Addressing the initiative, PC caucus member Kris Austin characterized the creation of another political group as counterproductive, arguing that conservative voters must find common ground rather than risk public division. Meanwhile, Purdy emphasized that his proposed party will actively reject radical or extreme ideologies from both sides of the political spectrum.
COMMUNITY
What the Latest Strike Delay Means for the Arbec Wellness Centre Opening
Miramichi’s Arbec Wellness Centre opening is pushed to early next year following a summer electricians’ strike that added $250,000 to project costs.
Cost and Schedule Impacts
The budget for Miramichi’s new Arbec Wellness Centre has risen by approximately $250,000 following a four-week labor dispute. The project’s price tag now stands at an estimated $100.8 million, up from $100.6 million. Construction is now expected to wrap up around Jan. 22, setting up a potential move-in date in February after a two- to four-week transition period.
Strike Causes Ripple Effect
Speaking at the Sept. 29 council-in-committee meeting, CBCL Limited engineer Tim McLeod explained that the summer walkout by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1555 caused wider scheduling disruptions. While the strike has ended, its impact extended beyond electrical work to delay mechanical and commissioning activities that relied on critical path milestones.
Facility Location
The long-awaited municipal facility is currently nearing completion off Douglastown Boulevard, situated west of Service Canada and Walmart.
Your Current 3 Day Forecast — October 23, 2026
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