Charlotte Helston
REPORTER
Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.
Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.
If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.
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An inside look at one of the Okanagan’s first licensed marijuana production facilities
FALKLAND – Just off Highway 97 on the way to Falkland is a large, warehouse-style building surrounded by a chainlink fence with signs that read ‘Warning- Video Camera Surveillance.’ Behind the building, and within view of passing motorists, are sections…
“We still have fight left in us”: Vernon cannabis shop forced to close
VERNON – One of Vernon’s first cannabis shops is closing its doors at the end of the week to avoid stiff fines from the City. Hasia Glaim and Jeff Gaudette of MMJ Total Health Care revealed themselves as one of…
City putting some of Vernon’s pot shops out of business
VERNON – The City of Vernon will be telling some local pot shops to shut down after they failed to meet provisions for a temporary permit. Cannabis shops were required to enter into an agreement with the City in February…
Vernon politician says something must be done to regulate public pot use
VERNON – A proposed smoking bylaw in Vernon is getting some early support from several city councillors, including one who thinks it will play an important role in the regulation of public marijuana use. The proposal from local transit drivers…
Bus drivers ask Vernon council to ban smoking in public spaces
VERNON – Vernon transit drivers want the City of Vernon to ban smoking cigarettes, joints and vaporizers in certain parts of the community. David Hancock, a driver with First Transit, along with Jenna Sealey and Doreen Stanton, also from First…
“It’s going to be massive”: What pot legalization means for the economy in the North Okanagan
VERNON – Just how much of an economic impact is legalization of marijuana going to have on the North Okanagan? In the words of one local dispensary owner: “It’s going to be massive.” New legislation coming down the pipe in…
Government approved cannabis facility expected to break ground soon in Lumby
VERNON – A medical marijuana company has the green light from Health Canada to build a large-scale production facility in the North Okanagan. True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. has completed the security clearance stage of the government’s application process, and…
Marijuana 101: Okanagan College launches new course about pot industry
OKANAGAN – A new course at Okanagan College will teach students about the emerging marijuana industry. With the federal government pursuing the legalization of recreational cannabis, the Okanagan College School of Business is launching a new course to teach students…