Author: Aiden Murphy
Aiden Murphy
Aiden Murphy is a dedicated local news reporter based in Salmon Arm, bringing over 11 years of journalism experience to the community. A graduate of Thompson Rivers University, he has contributed to regional publications including the Salmon Arm Observer and Global BC. Aiden is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and is known for his in-depth reporting on rural development, public policy, and climate resilience in British Columbia.
Drivers near Salmon Arm should prepare for slower travel next week as utility work on Highway 97B begins just after Thanksgiving. The roadwork will overlap with daytime closures on the nearby Bruhn Bridge, creating traffic challenges for those using either route. According to transportation officials, the utility project on Highway 97B is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, October 14, through Tuesday, October 21. Work will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, during daylight hours when traffic is usually moderate. While this timing aims to reduce major congestion, minor delays are still expected. The affected stretch of Highway…
Local resident Phillip James is hesitant to use Salmon Arm Recreation’s new management software set to launch this fall. The Shuswap Recreation Society is moving to a system managed by Minnesotan company Finnly Sport. Users, both new and those already holding a Salmon Arm Recreation pass card, are asked to create a new account by Monday, Aug. 25. Registration requires an email, name, phone number, emergency contact, and address. Canadians must type “BC” under “State*” and enter a postal code under “Zip*.” No financial information is required. Residents who use facilities on a drop-in basis, or members of user groups…
Authorities are investigating a workplace death in Salmon Arm that claimed the life of a 33-year-old man. WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service confirmed they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of Quinton Watson, a local resident. WorkSafeBC reported being notified of a serious workplace incident that occurred around 1:30 p.m. on August 15, in the 9700-block of Highway 97B. A spokesperson for WorkSafeBC said the agency has launched an official investigation into the incident. They added that no further details could be shared at this stage. The BC Coroners Service also confirmed it is investigating Watson’s death.…
Salmon Arm Recreation is introducing new recreation management software, and some local users are concerned about sharing their personal information with a U.S.-based company. Phillip James, a regular pool user, said he is hesitant to register for the system set to launch this fall. Residents and returning users with a Salmon Arm Recreation pass card are asked to create a new account at salmonarmrecreation.finnlyconnect.com by Monday, August 25. Registration requires providing a name, email, phone number, emergency contact, and address. Canadian users must enter “BC” under the “State” field and their postal code under “Zip.” No financial information is needed.…
The Salmon Arm women’s rugby team made history by winning the 2025 Saratoga Cup, held earlier this month at Little Mountain fields. The local Yeti Rugby Club went undefeated throughout the tournament to claim their first-ever women’s title. The Saratoga Cup is a premier regional rugby event, bringing together top teams from the Interior and Kootenay regions. The two-day competition, held on August 9 and 10, saw ten teams from seven clubs compete for the championship. In only their second year of having a women’s team, Salmon Arm’s Yeti Rugby Club delivered an outstanding performance. They defeated the Rocky Mountain…
Salmon Arm is taking steps to join the province’s electric kick scooter pilot project, but a local e-scooter rental or share program is not coming soon—if it arrives at all. At its Aug. 11 meeting, city council approved participation in B.C.’s pilot project. The program tests the safety of battery-powered kick scooters and considers whether they should be permanently allowed. Council first discussed joining the project at a development planning and services committee meeting on Aug. 5. Members unanimously supported starting the process to legalize scooter use for residents aged 16 and older, which already occurs informally in the community.…
Salmon Arm RCMP are facing a rise in counterfeit cigarettes along with several serious investigations and community safety efforts, according to their recent quarterly report. Staff Sgt. Simon Scott updated city council on police activities from January 1 to March 31, 2025. One major case involves charges related to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Scott said these charges target a “repeat offender,” showing the ongoing focus on protecting vulnerable people in the community. The police are also working on several missing persons cases, including the search for Derek Ryde. Ryde was reported missing on March 25 but had not…
A British Columbia MLA sparked controversy after sharing a separatist map online, yet insists he is a proud Canadian. David Williams, the Conservative MLA for Salmon Arm-Shuswap, posted an image imagining most of B.C., excluding its most populated regions, as part of a “Republic of Western Canada” under U.S. protection. Williams acknowledged the post’s poor timing and said it distracted from his party’s key messages. “I don’t endorse western separatism,” he said. “We are stronger as a country. We need to work together.” The image, which appeared on Williams’ personal Facebook page on March 30, showed a map of B.C.…
Residents and visitors in Salmon Arm should prepare for new parking rules. Paid parking enforcement will soon begin at key spots near the cenotaph and Fletcher Park. The new policy comes as the city expands its paid parking system. The official start date for enforcement is August 15. Until that date, drivers won’t receive fines. Instead, the city will issue courtesy notices to remind people of the new rules. This grace period is meant to give everyone time to adjust. The expanded parking zone includes several streets and a new lot. On 2nd Avenue NE, paid parking runs from the…
Salmon Arm may soon see electric kick scooters on its streets, but a shared rental program might not follow. On August 5, the city’s development planning and services committee will review a proposal to join B.C.’s electric scooter pilot project. If approved, the program would begin on September 30, 2025. This move comes after city council voted on June 9 to join the provincial pilot. The pilot project, started in 2021 and extended in 2024, allows participating cities to test the use and safety of electric scooters. In areas not part of the program, riding e-scooters on roads remains illegal.…