In the midst of dual public health emergencies, the BC Coroners Service continues to urge extreme caution due to the increasingly toxic illicit drug supply in British Columbia. The BC Coroners Service reports 153 suspected drug toxicity deaths in November 2020, an 89% increase over November 2019 (81), and a 7% decrease over the number of deaths in October 2020 (164). The latest data is equal to five people per day losing theirlives to illicit drug overdoses."Tragically, as we reach the end of 2020, our province is facing a record-breaking year for lives lost due to a toxic illicit drug supply,

The cable for the Sea to Sky Gondola is set to be replaced. It was intentionally cut for a second time in September this year. The new cable has been shipped out of the factory in Switzerland and is on its way to the popular tourist destination in Squamish. The company that manufactured the cable posted on social media saying it's nearly 5 kilometres long and weighs more than 53 tonnes. A 250,000 dollar reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of those found responsible for the vandalism.

Police in Vancouver are calling for witnesses after a multi-car collision killed a 78 year old pedestrian. Crash left the victim's 72 year old wife seriously injured. It happened around 12:20 on Friday afternoon near the intersection of Broadway and Alberta Street as two eastbound vehicles collided, causing one to veer onto the sidewalk where the couple was walking. The 29 and 30 year old drivers weren't injured and neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the crash. Police say they're asking for witnesses so they can begin to provide answers to everyone involved. No charges have been laid a

There were 624 new cases of COVID-19 reported Friday and 11 additional deaths, for a total of 724 fatalities. A joint statement from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix on Friday says 2,592 doses of vaccine have been given so far. Tickets worth $18,400 issued to representatives from three places of worship in Fraser Valley The RCMP say they have served tickets totalling $18,400 to representatives from three places of worship in British Columbia's Fraser Valley for violating public health orders. The Mounties say in a news release the churches were host

The former clerk of the provincial legislature is facing charges following a lengthy RCMP investigation into the activities of the chamber's senior staff. The BC Prosecution Service says Craig James has been charged with four counts of breach of trust and two counts of fraud in excess of five-thousand dollars. James and sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz were placed on administrative leave two years ago and retired in 2019. He could not be reached for comment on the charges. But he and Lenz denied any wrongdoing after a report in early 2019 alleged they had engaged in inappropriate spending on person

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for much of Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, the Central Coast and Metro Vancouver. A strong frontal system is moving into the coast bringing heavy rains and winds between 70 and 90 kilometres an hour depending on the area. The system has also prompted a rainfall warning for eastern Vancouver Island from Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay, where up to 50 millimetres of rain is forecast by late afternoon. Snowfall warnings have been posted for the Peace and Williston regions where 10 to 15 centimetres is expected and

RCMP in Burnaby say a school was locked down yesterday after police received reports of a fight involving a gun outside. The Mounties say in a news release that responding officers found and arrested two people. They say the gun was located and identified as an airsoft pistol. RCMP say there were no serious injuries reported. Later the lockdown at Burnaby South Secondary was lifted.

The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit (GIU) is investigating a shooting with ties to gang activity, in Newton. Shortly before 2 a.m. on December 18, 2020, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the 6200-block of 132A Street. Surrey RCMP responded to the call and found evidence confirming that a shooting had occurred. While the residence was occupied at the time, no one was injured. Early indications are that this was a targeted incident connected to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict, with no on-going risk to public safety. Surrey RCMP GIU is continuing the investigation as off

A high volume of online applications for the British Columbia COVID-19 recovery benefit has slowed the process. Some users have reported getting an error on the site when making their application for the benefit of up to $1,000. A Finance Ministry spokeswoman says there were about 2,500 applications in the first few minutes of the site opening on Friday, but the page hasn't crashed and those applying are being urged to be patient. Finance Minister Selina Robinson has asked the public to be respectful to staff at a Service BC call centre as they help people apply for the benefit, which was pro