Prince George RCMP say 40 people have been arrested and more than $3,400 worth of stolen merchandise recovered during a targeted enforcement operation aimed at retail theft across the city. According to RCMP Media Relations Officer Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, officers carried out the "Boost and Bust" project in partnership with retailers including Pine Centre Mall, Parkwood Place, Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore. Police said the operation focused on addressing shoplifting and related criminal activity. RCMP also conducted a series of traffic stops at locations throughout the city during the enf

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de

Vancouver Police are asking the public for information after a man was allegedly assaulted without provocation while waiting at a bus stop in the Marpole neighbourhood last week. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on July 7 near Southwest Marine Drive and Ash Street. Investigators say the victim was waiting for a bus when a man approached from behind, pushed him and pulled the headphones from his head. Police allege the suspect then struck the victim several times with a longboard-style skateboard. The victim was able to flee the a

Nearly 150 residents were displaced after a fire damaged an apartment building in New Westminster on Friday, with firefighters continuing suppression efforts through the weekend to extinguish remaining hot spots. According to New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, crews responded to a fire at Pinecrest Manor, located at 905 Fourth Ave., at about 1:30 p.m. Firefighters used ladders to rescue several residents from their balconies as the blaze spread through the building. Officials said the roof above the main entrance was destroyed, and part of the structure collapsed. Mayor Patrick Johnston

Cooler temperatures, lighter winds and light rainfall have helped slow the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires near Boston Bar in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. The B.C. Wildfire Service said firefighters continue to battle the blazes with support from helicopters. However, aerial firefighting operations were temporarily suspended on Saturday after a drone was flown in the wildfire area. Fire Information Officer Julia Caranci said the disruption created a significant safety risk during a critical stage of the response. Officials said active wi

A pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision involving a TransLink bus in Surrey on Saturday night, according to the Surrey Police Service. Police said frontline officers responded at about 9:41 p.m. on July 11 after BC Emergency Health Services reported a seriously injured man lying on the roadway near the intersection of 128 Street and 96 Avenue. Officers found the adult pedestrian receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene. He was transported to hospital in critical condition. The TransLink bus involved in the collision remained at the scen

One of Prime Minister Mark Carney's key staffers says he'll be stepping away from his role as he considers running for a seat in Parliament. Braeden Caley, Carney’s deputy chief of staff, thanked the prime minister in a letter posted to social media for what he called "the honour of a lifetime." A forthcoming byelection in British Columbia will see the seat for North Vancouver—Capilano in Caley's home province up for grabs. The riding had been held by former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who resigned this spring to become Canada's ambassador to the European Union. North Vancouver=Ca

The British Columbia government has announced plans to open new involuntary care facilities in Surrey and Prince George for people living with severe mental illness, substance-use disorders and brain injuries. According to the provincial government, the renovated facilities will add a total of 132 new beds, including 60 at a new involuntary care centre in Surrey. The expansion is intended to provide specialized treatment and care for people who require intensive support. Premier David Eby said the new facilities are designed to help people stabilize and rebuild their lives during periods of ac

Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, has announced that he will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India from Oct. 12 to 17. According to the federal government, the mission is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties while creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses in the Indian market. Sidhu said Canada and India currently share approximately $31 billion in two-way trade. He said the federal government's goal is to double that figure by 2030. He added that India remains one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, offering significant oppo