British Columbia’s main emergency call centre says complaints about luggage size, a bad haircut and even a household hornet were among the most unusual 911 calls received this year, highlighting ongoing misuse of the emergency line. E-Comm, which answers about 99 per cent of 911 calls across the province, says it handles roughly two million calls annually. While most callers use the service appropriately, officials say a small number continue to call for situations that do not require police, firefighters or paramedics. Among the calls flagged in E-Comm’s year-end list were reports about a

A massive earthquake off the coast of Vancouver Island could result in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction across British Columbia, according to a new provincial risk assessment. The B.C. government report estimates that a magnitude 9.0 megathrust earthquake could cause more than 3,400 fatalities and leave over 10,000 people injured. Economic losses are projected at $128 billion, with roughly 18,000 buildings destroyed and extensive damage to another 10,000. The findings are part of the province’s disaster and climate risk assessment, which identifies a large offshore earthquake a

British Columbia’s 2025 wildfire season burned nearly 8,900 square kilometres of land, a level close to the provincial 10-year average and significantly lower than the record-setting season seen two years earlier, according to the Ministry of Forests. In a year-end summary, the ministry said more than 1,350 wildfires scorched about 8,864 square kilometres across the province since April 1. That total is slightly above the 10-year average of roughly 8,500 square kilometres but below the 10,811 square kilometres burned in 2024. The impact was far less severe than in 2023, when a record 2,293 w

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for British Columbia’s north coast, with some coastal communities expected to see exceptionally heavy rain through the day as a Pacific weather system pushes ashore. Forecasters say the most intense rainfall is expected around Prince Rupert, where totals could reach up to 200 millimetres. Haida Gwaii may receive as much as 110 millimetres, while areas near Kitimat are forecast to see about 100 millimetres of rain. The system is also bringing winter conditions inland. A winter storm warning remains in effect for Terrace, where nearly 25 centime

Peel Regional Police say a 20-year-old Brampton man has been charged following an early-morning incident near a Brampton transit stop that left a victim fearing for their safety. Police allege the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, near Chinguacousy Road and Drinkwater Road. Investigators say the victim had just exited a transit bus when they were followed by an unknown individual, who then approached and claimed to be in possession of a firearm. The victim contacted police, who located a suspect nearby a short time later. Officers allege the suspect produced an imita

A 27-year-old Chilliwack man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the city’s east end, according to local RCMP. Police say officers were called Friday to a collision at the intersection of Yale Road and Banford Road, where a vehicle had struck a power pole. Investigators determined the driver was the sole occupant of the car and lost control before the impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead before medical aid could be provided. RCMP confirmed that his next of kin have been notified. Mounties say alcohol is not believed to have played a role

Seven people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a Nanaimo motel early Friday morning, sending smoke through the building and forcing guests to evacuate. Nanaimo RCMP say officers were called to the Value Lodge on Terminal Avenue shortly after 3 a.m., alongside local fire crews, after reports of a structure fire. Emergency responders worked to clear the building and assist occupants as smoke spread through parts of the motel. BC Emergency Health Services confirmed in a statement issued Saturday that seven patients were transported to hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalat

The B.C. Conservative candidate who narrowly lost the Surrey–Guildford riding in last year’s provincial election has withdrawn his legal challenge of the results, ending a court case that centred on alleged voting irregularities. Honveer Singh Randhawa, who was defeated by 22 votes, said Tuesday he has decided to drop his petition before the B.C. Supreme Court. In a written statement, Randhawa said his legal action had already led to what he described as a material outcome after the province’s chief electoral officer acknowledged that some violations had occurred. In his original filing,

Penticton RCMP say a man is facing criminal charges following an alleged sexual assault reported in the city on Monday evening. Police were called shortly before 6 p.m. on December 22 to the 200 block of Orchard Avenue after receiving reports of a possible sexual assault in progress. According to investigators, several bystanders intervened and restrained the suspect until officers arrived at the scene. The victim was taken to hospital for medical assessment. Police have not released details about the victim’s condition. RCMP say Josiah Foisy has been charged with sexual assault and assault.