11.1°C Vancouver

May 21, 2021 9:30 PM -

Police, inspectors won't ease COVID-19 restriction enforcement over long weekend

Share On
police-inspectors-wont-ease-covid-19-restriction-enforcement-over-long-weekend
Police say additional officers will be assigned to the Granville entertainment district, Yaletown and Gastown neighbourhoods this weekend to ensure large crowds don't develop. (Photo - Vancouver Police/Twitter)

Restaurants, pubs and breweries with outdoor patios will be under the microscope in British Columbia over the Victoria Day long weekend as WorkSafeBC inspectors ensure businesses abide by COVID-19 safety plans.

A statement from the agency responsible for workplace health and safety says it will be stepping up inspections of businesses in potential COVID-19 hot spots in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.

As WorkSafe reminds businesses to pay strict attention to safety plans designed to limit the spread of the virus, Vancouver police are reminding city residents that provincial restrictions on large gatherings remain in effect this weekend and will be enforced.

Police say additional officers will be assigned to the Granville entertainment district, Yaletown and Gastown neighbourhoods this weekend to ensure large crowds don't develop.

The statement from police says indoor gatherings remain prohibited and officers will enforce provincial health orders that include $2,300 fines for anyone hosting a large indoor event and $575 tickets for anyone attending.

Premier John Horgan says the easing of some pandemic-related restrictions on gathering sizes, travel and other activities will be announced Tuesday, but all rules remain in force for the entire long weekend.

Latest news

faa-reports-near-miss-between-air-canada-and-republic-airways-flights-at-jfk
CanadaApr 22, 2026

FAA reports near miss between Air Canada and Republic Airways flights at JFK

U.S. aviation regulators are investigating a near-miss incident involving an Air Canada jet and a Republic Airways flight at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said the Republic Airways pilots took evasive action after their aircraft missed its intended approach and came too close to the Air Canada plane. Both flight crews responded to onboard collision-avoidance alerts, the agency said. No injuries were reported. The FAA has not released further details on how close the aircraft came to each other or what factors contribu
surrey-police-investigate-overnight-shooting-at-residence-possible-extortion-link
BCApr 22, 2026

Surrey police investigate overnight shooting at residence, possible extortion link

Surrey Police Service says officers are investigating a shooting at a residential property early Wednesday that is believed to be linked to an extortion attempt. According to an SPS news release, frontline officers responded at approximately 12:40 a.m. to reports of shots fired at a home in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue, near King George Boulevard and 88 Avenue. Police confirmed that no occupants were injured, although the residence sustained damage and bullet casings were found outside. The file has been taken over by the Surrey Police Service Extortion Response Team, with Integrated Forensic
AlbertaApr 22, 2026

New trial ordered in Alberta homicide case after appeal court overturns murder conviction

Alberta’s Court of Appeal has ordered a new trial for a man previously convicted in the 2020 death of his common-law partner, finding legal errors in how intent was assessed at trial. In a decision released Friday, the court overturned Ryan Applegarth’s 2023 conviction for second-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Chantelle Firingstoney. According to the ruling, the trial judge did not make a required finding that Applegarth intended to kill, a key element for a murder conviction. Court records show Firingstoney died in November 2020 at her home in Ponoka, about 95 kilometres south
liberals-plan-motion-to-secure-majority-on-house-committees-mackinnon-says
CanadaApr 22, 2026

Liberals plan motion to secure majority on House committees, MacKinnon says

Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon says the Liberal government will move to change House of Commons procedures to ensure it holds a majority of votes on parliamentary committees. MacKinnon said Tuesday the planned motion would adjust committee composition rules so governing party MPs have the numbers needed to advance legislation and studies. He argued that committees should reflect the governing party’s mandate and avoid what he described as “partisan games” that delay work. The proposal comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals seek to consolidate control of the parliament
AlbertaApr 22, 2026

Alberta NDP accuses UCP government of undermining democracy over riding boundary review

Alberta’s Opposition NDP is accusing Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government of weakening democratic processes following a proposal to review and redraw electoral boundaries. The criticism comes after the government introduced a motion to create a new committee that would examine constituency boundaries and consider changes to representation in the legislature. According to statements made during debate in the legislature on Tuesday, the proposal could also lead to an increase in the number of seats to address representation concerns in rural areas. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi

Related News