Drought levels and low snow pack are concerning many areas of the province this year. We check in with our CBC Nanaimo reporter Claire Palmer on Mount Washington on snow conditions there, and hear from McBride Mayor Gene Runtz on what the village is facing with level 5 drought conditions. In our second hour, professional organizer Linda Chu, Out of Chaos, gives us tips for decluttering, and we get some great suggestions from our audience as well.

Mid-winter check-in on precipitation; Tips for decluttering to start off the new year

BC Today is where British Columbians connect on issues facing their lives and their community. Every week day at noon PT and 1pm MT, BC Today host Michelle Eliot delves into the top story for the province.

News

The Canucks have a 3-2 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers after winning Game 5 in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Eric Savics, Latvian honourary consul to B.C., shares how Latvians are celebrating Canuck goalie Arturs Solivs, and fans share where they were for J.T. Millers' game-winning goal, and their predictions for Game 6 on Saturday. Heading into the Victoria Day long weekend, many people across B.C. plan to head outdoors. Our guests Shaun Stephens-Whale, elite runner and tower climber, and, Kate Lee, Coordinator All Bodies Community Exercise and Fitness, discuss motivation and tips for staying active. 

Canucks take series lead vs. Oilers | Staying active this spring | Wildfire update

As thousands of people remain on wildfire-related evacuation orders in northeastern B.C., guest David Hutton, Provincial Health Services Authority director, Provincial Psychosocial Services to learn more about the mental health impact of being forced out of your home. And, ahead of the long weekend, Whistler has enacted a campfire ban in the community. We hear from Thomas Doherty, the municipality's fire chief and ask viewers if the threat of wildfires is affecting their camping plans this summer.

Mental health toll on wildfire evacuees | Camping safely during fire season

As the leaders of B.C. United and the B.C. Conservatives are pressed on the potential of merging the two parties, we take a look at the latest polling data with Beyond the Ballot CEO Rachael Segal, and ask viewers if they think co-operation between them is a good idea. Then, the province has announced a pilot child-care program, including before and after school care, at elementary schools in three school districts. UBC sociology professor Sylvia Fuller talks about the current options and the existing gaps.

Should B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives merge? | Child care in schools

We bring you the latest on the B.C. wildfires, as conditions improve for crews battling the growing Parker Lake fire near Fort Nelson. Our guests Robin Cox, Professor, disaster management and response, Royal Roads University, and James Whitehead, engagement analyst on mitigating wildfire, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue discuss emergency preparedness, while our audience share the resources their community needs this season. And, we remember Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro, who has died at age 92. We discuss her B.C. past and legacy with Justina Elias, head of fiction at Munro's Books in Victoria.

Wildfire supports in B.C. communities | Alice Munro dies at age 92

We get the latest details from CBC News reporter Yvette Brend, Peace River North MLA Dan Davies and Dawson Creek mayor Darcy Dober as the Parker Lake wildfire continues to approach Fort Nelson, B.C. Officials warn of an "extremely challenging" 48 hours ahead — and the possibility of "volatile" fire behaviour. 

Mid-winter check-in on precipitation; Tips for decluttering to start off the new year

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