This photo was included in the city administration report to illustrate reasons for shutting down the Ord Road Recycle Depot on Nov. 22, 2016.

Image Credit: City of Kamloops

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - The region had its fair share of industry closures, council debates and surprising decisions. From the Ajax mine proposal in Kamloops, to wine in grocery stores and safe consumption sites in the Southern Interior, here are the top stories about this year's most controversial community projects.

AJAX MINE

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

In Kamloops, the proposed Ajax mine has been a hot-button issue for years and 2016 was no exception.

This year saw watchdog warnings, local First Nations holding discussions with the federal environment minister, and the anti-Ajax mine announcement of a lecture on the proposal by David Suzuki. The proposed mine will no doubt hold its place high on the priority list of anyone living in Kamloops. To find all of our coverage on the proposed Ajax Mine, click here. 

THE WINE DEBATE

There's been plenty of debate over whether or not to sell wine in Okanagan grocery stores.

In October, Kamloops started selling wine at a grocery store in Sahali.

INDUSTRY CLOSURES

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

The Kamloops area was hit with the closure of the Lagarge cement manufacturing plant. A Lafarge spokesperson said the downturn of oil and gas was part of the decision.

The Tolko Industries lumber mill in Merritt shut it's doors nine days before Christmas, leaving 203 employees looking for work.

Cost, misuse and vandalism prompted Kamloops' city council to close the Ord Road Recycling depot on Nov. 22.

Highland Valley Copper mine made headlines when the mine's owners were accused of bullying workers and acting "un-Canadian."

SAFE CONSUMPTION SITES

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The fentanyl crisis has brought the safe consumption sites to the forefront. Living Positive, a Rutland safe consumption site, had to find a new location to operate.

To see our coverage on the safe consumption debate across the region, click here.

CONTROVERSIAL MOVES BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

One of the signs at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc riverfront land.

(BRENDAN KERGIN / iNFOnews.ca)

In springtime, Tourism Kelowna put forward a proposal to add a new tourism information centre near Kerry Park. In order for the project to proceed, the application must be approved by Kelowna city council.

Penticton city council took less than 45 minutes to vote 5 to 2 in favour of accepting a revised settlement and enhanced marina agreements. The revised agreement includes the Trio Marine Group investing 1.5 million to upgrade the marina, restaurant and add retail space.

In the fall, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc installed a 'no trespassing' sign along the waterfront on the beach near the Red Bridge on the South Thompson River. Chief Fred Seymour says the decision was made in the name of public safety. 

Early this month the parking system at the Royal Inland Hospital was replaced, less than six months after it was brought in. The new system allows drivers to add time with a smart phone.

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News from © iNFOnews, 2016