16°C Vancouver

News

wildfire-burning-near-lytton-b-c-grows-to-245-hectares
BCJul 07, 2025

Wildfire burning near Lytton, B.C, grows to 245 hectares

The only blaze of note identified by the BC Wildfire Service continues to grow. The Izman Creek wildfire near Lytton is now burning 245 hectares, and the danger remains, despite an evacuation order from the Neskonlith Indian Band for about 40 properties in the area being downgraded to an alert last week. This latest blaze comes just over four years after a wildfire destroyed much of Lytton. Lytton is located in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, which has an evacuation alert in effect for some properties under its jurisdictiondue to the Izman Creek wildfire. The regional district also lift
b-c-man-sentenced-to-11-years-for-cocaine-fentanyl-trafficking
BCJul 04, 2025

B.C. man sentenced to 11 years for cocaine, fentanyl trafficking

B.C. man has been sentenced to 11 years for cocaine, fentanyl trafficking. Jason Thomas Howard Conrad was arrested in 2023 with a shopping bag full of fentanyl, and a large amount of cocaine and cash were also found in his Tesla. According to police, they received a tip in January 2023 that fentanyl was being made at a home on McLeod Court in Richmond. In February, Conrad was seen entering the home empty-handed and returning carrying a backpack that appeared to be full and heavy. When he left the home again in March, he was taken into custody and found 15.6 kilograms of fentanyl in his
manitoba-town-to-evacuate-due-to-wildfire
BCJul 04, 2025

Manitoba town to evacuate due to wildfire

The northern Manitoba town of Lynn Lake has issued a mandatory evacuation order as a nearby wildfire threatens to cause an imminent loss of power to the community. The evacuation begins Friday, though officials haven't provided a time for when residents must be out of their homes. The town says that if wildfire activity affects Manitoba Hydro transmission lines, residents could see a power outage lasting at least one month. Town officials also noted several other wildfires near Lynn Lake, including two blazes to the southeast that could cut off travel between Lynn Lake and Thompson. A receptio
two-suspects-arrested-in-ongoing-lower-mainland-extortion-investigation
BCJul 03, 2025

Two suspects arrested in ongoing Lower Mainland extortion investigation

The RCMP is now able to publicly confirm the existence of an ongoing investigation into extortions, which is being managed by a Joint Force Operation (JFO). The investigation, that began in 2024, has led to the arrest of two individuals. On July 3, 2025, two suspects under investigation for extortion were arrested for careless discharge of a firearm and arson in relation to incidents that occurred in 2024, in Surrey, BC. Since late 2023, police across the Lower Mainland have been investigating a series of targeted financial extortions primarily affecting members of the South Asian business com
wheel-fell-off-rcmp-trailer-igniting-lytton-b-c-fire-that-triggered-evacuations
BCJul 03, 2025

Wheel fell off RCMP trailer, igniting Lytton, B.C., fire that triggered evacuations

Mounties say a wildfire that has triggered evacuations near Lytton, B.C. was caused when a wheel fell off an RCMP trailer in a "tremendously unfortunate" incident. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark says in a statement that the "equipment failure" that ignited the Izman Creek fire, about 250 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, happened on Tuesday afternoon on Highway 12. The wildfire began a day after the fourth anniversary of a blaze that destroyed most of the village of Lytton, and it's now grown to 130 hectares and has been upgraded to the only wildfire of note in the province. Clark says it appears the
rcmp-arrest-53-year-old-man-for-significant-fraud-in-romance-scam
BCJul 03, 2025

RCMP arrest 53 year old man for significant fraud in romance scam

On June 24, 2025 RCMP arrested 53 year old Michael Paul Snow for Fraud over $5000. Sunshine Coast RCMP began an investigation into this alleged offence in June 2023 when a Sunshine Coast woman reported a man she had met online had stolen $110,000 from her. Over the course of several months, Michael Paul Snow gained this woman’s trust and convinced her to participate in a business venture that was later learned to be non-existent. This type of offence is commonly referred to as a romance scam. As a result of a comprehensive investigation by Sunshine Coast RCMP a charge of Fraud over $5000 was
more-flexibility-for-development-charges-will-unlock-more-homes-for-people
BCJul 02, 2025

More flexibility for development charges will unlock more homes for people

More affordable homes will be on the way quicker as the Province takes steps to speed up construction timelines and reduce up-front costs for homebuilders. “We are committed to finding innovative and cost-effective solutions to build housing, so everyone has a fair chance to live in communities where they work and belong,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These changes are about supporting housing development and easing the financial burden on builders and developers so they can get shovels in the ground faster to help unlock more homes for people in B.C.”
applications-for-the-bc-governments-free-ivf-program-can-be-made-today
BCJul 02, 2025

Applications for the BC government’s free IVF program can be made today

Applications for the BC government’s free IVF program can be made today, the launch of this program is very important for those who are eager to become parents. The province’s NDP government announced this program in last year’s budget and the application process was supposed to start in March, but for some reasons it was delayed until July 2. The province’s David Ebby government has provided funding of about $68 million for two years for the free IVF program. Applications under this program will be accepted until the end of March 2026, so the age limit is up to 41 years. Eligible
wildfire-near-lytton-b-c-prompts-local-state-of-emergency-evacuation-order
BCJul 02, 2025

Wildfire near Lytton, B.C., prompts local state of emergency, evacuation order

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a local state of emergency for the Blue Sky Country region due to an encroaching out-of-control wildfire near Lytton, B.C. It has also issued an evacuation order for two properties on Spencer Road South as the blaze poses "immediate danger to life." The BC Wildfire Service says the Nikaia Creek wildfire is about six hectares in size and is one of more than 70 wildfires burning across the province. It says crews, supported by firefighters from Lytton First Nation, made "good progress" overnight and they are now focused on the north and south fl

Just In

mark-carney-to-attend-calgary-rally-in-support-of-alberta-staying-in-canada
AlbertaOct 15, 2026

Mark Carney to Attend Calgary Rally in Support of Alberta Staying in Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend a rally in Calgary tonight aimed at encouraging Albertans to vote in favour of remaining part of Canada. The referendum, organized by Premier Danielle Smith, is scheduled for Monday. Carney will join the Forever Canadian group, led by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, to address pro-unity rallies in Calgary and Edmonton. Meanwhile, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and Premier Danielle Smith are also scheduled to address a conference in Calgary on Friday.
canada-announces-430-million-to-train-next-generation-of-skilled-trades-workers
CanadaOct 15, 2026

Canada Announces $430 Million to Train Next Generation of Skilled Trades Workers

The Canadian government has announced $430 million in funding over the next five years to train the next generation of skilled trades workers, with a focus on supporting unions that provide apprenticeship training. Labour Secretary of State John Zerucelli said Thursday that the government has opened the application process for the new funding. A significant portion will be delivered through an expanded Union Training and Innovation Program. According to the government, unions and training providers can apply for funding to expand their training facilities and other infrastructure. Expressions
alberta-referendum-danielle-smith-votes-to-stay-in-canada-seeks-support-for-remaining-nine-questions
AlbertaOct 15, 2026

Alberta Referendum: Danielle Smith Votes to Stay in Canada, Seeks Support for Remaining Nine Questions

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has voted in favour of staying in Canada in the province’s ongoing separation referendum, while urging the public to support the remaining nine questions, including those related to immigration. In a video posted on social media, Smith said that although many Albertans are frustrated with the federal government, these issues can be addressed while remaining part of Canada. The ballot contains 10 questions. The first asks whether Alberta should remain in Canada or move towards a referendum on separation. The other nine questions focus on immigration, constitutio
canadian-fisheries-minister-to-visit-china-amid-uncertainty-over-seafood-tariffs
CanadaOct 15, 2026

Canadian Fisheries Minister to Visit China Amid Uncertainty Over Seafood Tariffs

Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson will visit China later this month, her office confirmed Thursday, as a deadline approaches for Chinese tariffs affecting Canada’s lobster and crab industries. China imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Canadian seafood in 2025 in retaliation for Canada’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum. However, during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China in January this year, the two countries reached an agreement under which Beijing temporarily suspended the additional tariffs until December 31, 2026. With the deadline a
AlbertaOct 15, 2026

Alberta Referendum Sees Record 174,532 Advance Votes on First Day

A record 174,532 voters cast their ballots on the first day of advance voting in Alberta’s referendum, signalling strong voter interest in the province-wide vote. According to Elections Alberta, Tuesday’s turnout was significantly higher than the average of 151,000 daily voters recorded during previous general elections. Long queues forced around 20 polling stations across the province to remain open several hours beyond their scheduled closing times, with some staying open until 11 p.m. The 10-question referendum, initiated by Premier Danielle Smith’s government, covers major issues inc