Change dates
With March ending and April beginning, residents are reminded of some very important dates.
Postage stamps for lettermail in Canada will rise on Monday, March 31. As announced in December 2013, Canada Post is introducing a two-tiered pricing structure for domestic and international letters. Permanent stamps bought in booklets, coils and panes will rise from $0.63 per stamp to $0.85. Permanent stamps are valid on standard letters up to 30 grams mailed within Canada. A $0.22 stamp will be available to add to old permanent stamps to accommodate the new price. Customers purchasing individual stamps will pay $1 per stamp.
Different pricing applies to businesses and more information can be obtained through the Canada Post website at canadapost.ca/notice.
On Tuesday, April 1, fares for BC Ferries will increase. Seniors, who have been eligible for free passenger fares Monday through Thursday, will now have to pay 50 per cent of the regular passenger fare.
Affecting everyone travelling by ferry, April 1 is the date when BC Ferries increases fares across the board by four per cent. This is the second hike of three agreed to by the BC Ferry Commission in 2012. Each hike takes place April 1, with 2013 hike being 4.1 per cent and 2015 hike being 3.9 per cent.
BC Hydro begins its 28-per-cent increase in rates spread out over the next five years with a nine per cent hike on April 1. These hikes are part of BC Hydro’s 10-year plan to allow it to invest in infrastructure and future power projects.
Earth week
Doom and gloom surrounding the state of the planet, can make attempts to help a daunting prospect, but even the smallest changes can have big impacts.
Every day, Powell River residents do small things from using a reusable water bottle or coffee cup, to walking, riding a bike or taking the bus instead of driving.
To recognize these good deeds, Powell River Earth Week April 22 through 27 committee is challenging everyone to #LivetheChange for 30 days and show what they are doing through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The challenge began Thursday, March 27, and involves taking a picture of how people are living the change every day. The photo can then be posted on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #LivetheChange so the community can see and celebrate all the small things that make a big difference.
If #LivetheChange becomes popular on social media it may inspire communities around the world to join the challenge and share what they are doing every day for their planet and community.
For more information, readers can contact the Earth Week committee at [email protected] or visit online.
