Island mayor and council at odds over tax increase

The closing of the Catalyst Mill and an increase in the cost of city services has led to a $3.6 million budget shortfall for Vancouver Island’s Campbell River. In an attempt to maintain city services, council has approved a 13.6% property tax increase, but the mayor hates the idea.

“The process is flawed. The financial management of the whole group is weak. All we’ve done is condemn Campbell River to circling the drain for another three years. Where we are is wrong. We’ve done a disservice to the public.”

Councillors who approved the increase have stated they had no choice. Read more in the Campbell River Mirror. 

Climate Change impacting mental health

A report issued by the US National Wildlife Federation explores the relationship of extreme and erratic weather and mental health. The report concludes that climate change is leading to severe depression, anxiety and even suicide amongst those who have been impacted by floods, tornadoes, storms, droughts and other extreme weather events. Children the elderly and the poor feel the impacts worst of all. The report suggests that those in the psychiatric field be trained to address the psychological reactions to extreme weather. Read more in Forbes Magazine.