The British Columbia government is suspending evictions and offering a $500 monthly rebate to help renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier John Horgan says the government is also imposing a freeze on rent increases. Horgan says many tenants have lost their jobs and are worried they won't be able to pay their rent and they should not be forced out when health officials are telling them to stay at home. The money will be paid directly to landlords on the behalf of renters for the next four months. Horgan says while he knows $500 doesn't go a long way to covering the cost of

BC is reporting 145 new cases of COVID-19 but no new deaths. Provincial medical officer of health Dr. Bonnie Henry says that brings the total cases in the province to 617 most in the Lower Mainland. Henry says the good news is that 173 people or 28 per cent have now fully recovered. But she says cases are escalating across the province and social distancing is crucial to break chains of transmission.

Former Kelowna mayor Jim Stuart, a farmer who became a politician and oversaw a period of rapid growth in the city, has died. He was 84. Stuart was mayor from 1986 to 1996, winning election twice and being acclaimed twice. He was also an alderman, first winning a council seat in 1973. Mayor Colin Basran confirmed Stuart's death in a news release. City officials say Stuart's 30 years in office served as a bridge between Kelowna's farming origins and the mid-sized municipality it was becoming. In a statement, Basran said the city's current expansion gives him some insight into what Stuart was d

The British Columbia government is spending $5 billion to help support the province's economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier John Horgan says it is a stressful time for people and businesses, and help is needed now. Horgan says the province is spending $2.8 billion on people and services, and $2.2 billion on businesses and economic recovery in the future. Horgan says the plan includes direct payments to people as well as deferment of payments. He says there will be targeted tax relief and support for renters to make sure no one is evicted because of the novel coronavirus. The British Co

Vancouver council has approved a motion giving it the power to crack down on businesses ignoring closure orders or residents defying the requirement to maintain social distancing. This morning's vote, giving the city the ability to levy 50-thousand dollar fines on businesses or slap residents with fines of up to one-thousand dollars was approved unanimously. The measures follow numerous violations in the days following last week's declaration of a local state of emergency in Vancouver, restricting shop hours or operations and limiting many public activities. Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler a

British Columbia has recorded three more deaths from COVID-19 since Saturday.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says 472 people have now tested positive for the respiratory virus. She says the three deaths were all related to long-term care facilities, including one in the Lynn Valley care centre in North Vancouver where several other deaths have occurred, and another at a care home in downtown Vancouver.Henry says of the 472 positive cases, 33 people have been hospitalized and 14 are in intensive care.She says 100 people now listed as ``recovered'' have been released from isolation.In

Vancouver City Council will convene on Monday for a Special Council Meeting to vote on an amendment to Vancouver’s emergency powers bylaw that will include enforcement of orders. As directed by the provincial health officer, all businesses that remain open must ensure appropriate social distancing for staff and patrons. Businesses that do not comply with this requirement will be subject to closure and fines. In addition to previously-announced facilities and playground closures, the Vancouver Park Board will also today begin closing parking lots at high-traffic outdoor destinations. These pa

British Columbia's housing minister says help is on the way to ensure renters are not evicted as the province cracks down on the spread of the new coronavirus. Selina Robinson says the B.C. government is banning evictions for non-payment of rent in buildings funded by BC Housing. Details are expected to be provided next week by Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James.

British Columbia's provincial health officer says there are 74 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 424. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are 27 people in hospital, 12 of whom are in intensive care. Six people have recovered. She says there has also been another death associated with the Lynn Valley long-term care home in North Vancouver. Henry says the province is ordering all personal service establishments to close, including salons, spas, and massage and tattoo parlours.