REALM Services Inc.

08/29/2026

⏰ REMINDER: Have you cast your vote for the 8th Annual ICE Awards yet? ⏰

Our community did an amazing job nominating local champions—and now it's up to you to select the winners! 🏆

Every vote celebrates the local leaders, employers, and visionaries working to make our community more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

🗳️ Vote now: https://realmbc.ca/ice-awards/
⏳ Voting Deadline: September 5th

Award Categories:
• Community Mentor
• Innovated Career Builders
• Accessibility
• Authentic Leader
• Emboldened Visionary

🎟️ Join us for the ceremony!
October 15th, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Key City Theatre Gallery Stage
Learn more: www.realmbc.ca

08/19/2026

Today at 2:00 PM, at the REALM main building, we will be holding space for everyone to join in on remembering Jonathan.

Everyone is welcome to join us in sharing stories and memories.

As many have become aware, Jonathan Righton, a beloved and respected colleague, friend, advocate, and peer, passed away recently.

Jonathan brought his gifts, talents, and skills to Realm, offering kindness, wit, and excellence as he shared them through his dedication and commitment not only to the work but also to those he met, supported, and valued.

Jonathan will be greatly missed but always remembered for the light he shone, the time he shared and the beauty in the world that he offered through not only his presence but also his camera.

Realm will host a day of sharing and remembering, TBA.

At this time, please use the following link to view his tribute page. View Jonathan's tribute page here https://www.markmemorial.com/obituary/jonathan-righton/

Condolences to all.

08/13/2026

As many have become aware, Jonathan Righton, a beloved and respected colleague, friend, advocate, and peer, passed away recently.

Jonathan brought his gifts, talents, and skills to Realm, offering kindness, wit, and excellence as he shared them through his dedication and commitment not only to the work but also to those he met, supported, and valued.

Jonathan will be greatly missed but always remembered for the light he shone, the time he shared and the beauty in the world that he offered through not only his presence but also his camera.

Realm will host a day of sharing and remembering, TBA.

At this time, please use the following link to view his tribute page. View Jonathan's tribute page here https://www.markmemorial.com/obituary/jonathan-righton/

Condolences to all.

08/04/2026

🎉 Voting for the 8th Annual ICE Awards is NOW LIVE! 🎉

The community has nominated our local champions—and now it’s your turn to vote on who will be recognized as the winners! 🌟

The ICE Awards give us the opportunity to highlight local, inclusive-minded leaders and employers who champion diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in our workforce. Show your support and help us honour their impact!

🏆 2026 Award Categories:
• Community Mentor
• Innovated Career Builders
• Accessibility
• Authentic Leader
• Emboldened Visionary

🗳️ Cast Your Vote Here: https://realmbc.ca/ice-awards/
🗓️ Voting Window: August 5th – September 5th

The Awards Ceremony!
• Date: October 15th, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Location: The Key City Theatre Gallery Stage
• Website: www.realmbc.ca

Make your voice count and help us celebrate the progress we're making together as an inclusive community! 💙

08/03/2026

REGIONAL WILDFIRE EVENING UPDATE: (Posted 26.08.02)

Here is the latest on the wildfire front with information from BC Wildfire Service:

Wait Creek Fire (N11360) – Ta Ta Creek area
o The EVACUATION ORDER remains in effect for properties in the Ta Ta Creek area in the immediate vicinity of the fire.
o The Evacuation Order has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT for an isolated number of properties around the Wait Creek (N11360) wildfire - in the Wasa Lake and Lazy Lake areas, as well as select properties in the Ta Ta Creek and Meadowbrook areas - further from the fire.
o A copy of the Order and boundary map can be found at www.rdek.bc.ca
o Estimated size – 160 ha
o Structure protection is in place and a dozer guard is established within the community of Tata Creek.
o Favourable conditions this morning allowed crews to reinforce Highway 95A with a blackline to lower the chances of the fire spotting over the highway.
o Cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity and lighter winds reduced fire intensity, allowing firefighters to use direct attack tactics, today.
o On the north side, a crew and heavy equipment team are working directly on the fire.
o On the south side, a second crew and heavy equipment team are also engaged in direct suppression efforts.

Tower Creek Fires (N10947 & N10944) - west of St. Mary Lake
o An Evacuation ALERT remains in effect for 66 properties in the St. Mary Lake area due to the Tower Creek Fires.
o N10944 – Estimated size 767 ha
o N10947 – Estimated size 391 ha
o Overall growth on Saturday on the Tower Creek fires was minimal, recent size change reflects multiple days of growth, including last week's planned ignitions, which mostly held through a significant wind event.
o Continued ongoing operations with helicopter support

N11020 Matthew Creek Fire - west of Kimberley
o The Area Restriction for the Matthew Creek area remains in effect.
o The fire was mapped this evening (August 2nd), the size and perimeter will be updated Monday. The size is expected to increase significantly to reflect wind-driven growth of the past 24 hours.
o High sustained and gusty winds continued overnight on Saturday, influencing fire behaviour and spread.
o Overnight growth occurred to the south on the opposing side of the drainage.
o Control line planning, construction, and reinforcement work is ongoing by crews and equipment teams.
o Danger tree assessment and falling is ongoing.
o Helicopters are delivering water to cool the fire's edge to support crews building guards.

N11036 – Calamity Creek
o There is an Area Restriction in place for the Calamity Creek area. View the restriction on www.bcwildfire.ca
o Estimated size – 106 ha

N21071 – Jumbo Creek
o The Area Restriction for the Jumbo Creek area remains in effect.
o Estimated size – 683.5 ha
o BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response strategy for this incident.
o This wildfire is being regularly monitored and should it move into an area that is a threat to identified values, response objectives and tactics will be adjusted accordingly.

N11326 – Ranger Lake
o Estimated size – 10.8 ha
o Elevated and gusty winds from this weekend's passing cold front have influenced fire behaviour and growth. Winds challenged initial containment efforts, and control lines are being established on the west flank with crews and heavy equipment. Aviation resources may support ground crews as objectives require.

There are no other significant updates to share on any of the other fires.

Current wildfire information can be found at www.bcwildfire.ca

07/28/2026

⏳ Nominations are Almost Closing! ⏳

Time is running out to recognize the incredible, inclusive-minded employers in our community! Nominations for the 8th Annual ICE Awards close on July 31st, so don't miss your chance to shine a spotlight on businesses making a real difference.

Help us celebrate progress and honour leaders across five key categories:

🏆 Community Mentor

🏆 Innovated Career Builders

🏆 Accessibility

🏆 Authentic Leader

🏆 Emboldened Visionary

👉 SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION HERE: https://realmbc.ca/ice-awards/

The ICE Awards give us the opportunity to showcase employers dedicated to accessibility and celebrate the progress we've made together as an inclusive community.

Submit your nomination before the deadline and help us celebrate local inclusion!

07/25/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Evacuation Alert Lifted for City of Kimberley (Posted 07.25.26 2:00 PM)

The Evacuation Alert for all properties within the City of Kimberley municipal boundary has been rescinded as the BC Wildfire Service makes progress on the Matthew Creek Wildfire.

“Given the progress crews have made, forecasted fire behaviour and available resources, the BC Wildfire Service has made the recommendation that the Evacuation Alert for the City of Kimberley can be lifted,” says City of Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth. ”While the Alert has been rescinded, it is important for residents to understand the fire remains active and BC Wildfire Service crews will continue with their fire suppression efforts. We can expect to see resources working in and around the fire and we all need to remain aware as conditions can change.”

The Evacuation Alert for 66 properties in the St. Mary Lake area in relation to the Tower Creek Fires remains in effect.

“There have been no changes in the status of the Evacuation Alert for the St. Mary Lake area and we continue to urge residents to remain vigilant. Have plans in place and a go-bag packed in the event conditions change and an Evacuation Order needs to be issued,” stresses Information Officer Loree Duczek.

A copy of the Matthew Creek Alert Rescind can be found on www.kimberley.ca, while the Evacuation Alert for the Tower Creek Fires in the St. Mary Lake area can be found on www.rdek.bc.ca. The latest information on the fires is available on www.bcwildfire.ca.

Registration links for the Regional Evacuation Notification System, Vulnerable Persons Database and a host of other preparedness information and resources can also be found on the RDEK’s website. “People have been doing a fantastic job in signing up for the Notification System and for anyone who has not done so yet, please get signed up,” says Regional Information Officer, Loree Duczek. Those without computer access, or who would like an additional hand signing up or verifying their pinned locations, can call the Regional Emergency Information Line at 250-426-2188 or 1-855-346-2188.

07/24/2026

Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth is urging people to continue to sup...

07/24/2026

For anyone who may be on evacuation orders:

Please view this link

Access Emergency Support Services (ESS) If you have been evacuated, you may get basic supports like accommodation, food, clothing and other temporary supports. If you have home or tenant’s insurance, contact your insurance provider about coverage for living expenses during evacuations. If You Are ...

07/23/2026

UPDATED July 22, 6:47 pm
There was an increase in fire behaviour this afternoon as warmer temperatures, strengthening winds and an abundance of dead and combustible fuels created conditions more conducive to fire growth. Increased smoke will be visible in the area.

The Planned Ignition did not proceed this afternoon.

ORIGINAL POST: Residents in and around the Kimberley area may see additional smoke over the Matthew Creek fire this afternoon.
Using aerial resources, BC Wildfire is executing a low-intensity planned ignition on the eastern flank of the Matthew Creek wildfire. This ignition will consume the buildup of dead and combustible materials and tie it into natural features, limiting the impacts to the watershed.

Ignitions will only go ahead if weather and site conditions allow. If the planned ignition goes ahead, increased smoke will be visible in the area.