BCSep 14, 2021
B.C. not effectively overseeing safety of dams: Auditor General
British Columbia's auditor general says the provincial government has not effectively overseen the safety of the 1,900 dams it regulates. In a news release, Michael Pickup says the Ministry of Forests, Land, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development has not adequately verified or enforced dam owners' compliance with key safety requirements. The report says that while the owners of the dams are responsible for their safety, the ministry has a mandate to see that they comply with provincial regulations. It also says the ministry had gaps in its records, which resulted in it being unawar
BCSep 14, 2021
The search for Naomi Onotera continues
Serious crimes investigators in Langley hope sharp-eyed witnesses can help them uncover more clues about the disappearance of 40 year old Naomi Onotera. She was last seen August 28th near her Langley home and police confirm she left without her car, but they are now appealing for information about the movements of her white 2018 Subaru Crosstrek any time after August 25th. The vehicle is distinctive because of a Greater Vancouver Zoo sticker on the passenger-side front window. In the meantime, RCMP say they continue to follow up on tips that could lead them to the married Kindergarten teacher
BCSep 14, 2021
Crowd of about 400 gathered to protest against vaccinations and vaccine passports outside Vancouver city hall
Police estimated a crowd of about 400 gathered to protest against vaccinations and vaccine passports outside Vancouver city hall yesterday as similar demonstrations were held across the country. Some protesters carried signs that read ``My body, my choice.'' Police in Victoria say a man was arrested for assault during a protest at the BC legislature after a person was doused with hot liquid. Police say no charges have been laid in the incident, which remains under investigation.
BCSep 14, 2021
B.C. reports 1,984 COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths
Over a 3 day period, B.C. is reporting 1,984 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 175,142 cases in the province. Sept. 10-11: 823 new casesSept. 11-12: 641 new casesSept. 12-13: 520 new casesNote: The numbers of total and new cases are provisional due to a delayed data refresh and will be verified once confirmed.There are 5,825 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 167,078 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 278 individuals are in hospital and 139 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.In the past 72 hours, nine
BCSep 14, 2021
B.C. introducing COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all health-care workers
All health-care workers and volunteers will soon have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in British Columbia as the provincial government expands its immunization program. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says additional pandemic measures are needed to fight the spread of COVID-19. She says the vaccine mandate will take effect Oct. 26 and it will be a condition of employment for all workers, physicians, contractors and volunteers in health facilities. It also applies to people who work in home and community care locations, including client homes. The province is also giving third vacc
BCSep 13, 2021
Vancouver Police stretched thin during violent weekend
Vancouver Police were kept busy during the weekend, with a series of shootings, stabbings, and other major crimes that sent several people to hospital with serious injuries."Our front-line officers and specially-trained detectives have been going full tilt since Friday in an effort to stem the violence and make headway on these cases," says Sergeant Steve Addison, VPD. "Dozens of police officers have been assigned to these investigations. We’re doing everything we can to solve them and to prevent more violence."More than 30 officers were already investigating the case of a 76-year-old woman
BCSep 13, 2021
Date set for inquest into death of Peter John De Groot
The BC Coroners Service has announced new dates for an inquest examining the death of Peter de Groot, who was fatally shot by police at a cabin in southeastern BC in October 2014. The inquest will begin September 27th in Nelson after being cancelled in May of last year due to the pandemic. The 45 year old was shot at a cabin in Slocan four days after he disappeared into the bush following a confrontation with officers. A report released by the Independent Investigation Office in 2018 ruled police were justified in shooting de Groot when they believed he raised a rifle as a Mountie opened a ca
BCSep 13, 2021
B.C. COVID-19 vaccine card system takes effect, one dose required in many settings
British Columbia's COVID-19 vaccine card system is now in effect as the province aims to curtail cases and hospitalizations in the fourth wave of the pandemic.Anyone who wants to access a range of non-essential indoor settings must show proof of at least one dose of vaccine, with a second shot required by Oct. 24. The digital or paper vaccine card is required at settings such as ticketed sports events, concerts, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos, gyms and movie theatres. The card will not be required at grocery and liquor stores, pharmacies, fast food restaurants, salons, hotels, banks, r
BCSep 13, 2021
RCMP name homicide victim found critically hurt on Penticton school playing field
The RCMP say the death of a man who was found critically injured on a school playing field in Penticton, B.C., is now being treated as a homicide. Police have identified 22 year old Taig Savage as the man who was found at Penticton Secondary School on Sept. 5. A statement from the police says Savage's name and photo are being released in the hope someone will come forward with information. Savage died in hospital shortly after a passerby reported seeing him unresponsive early last Sunday morning. The RCMP have not said how Savage died. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and grey pants, a