The 2020 Transit Service Performance Review (TSPR) shows that transit remained a vital service for tens of thousands of people during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and public health restrictions. TransLink continued delivering more than 620,000 boardings every weekday. Even at the lowest point of the pandemic, approximately 75,000 people still relied on transit every day, including many essential workers. TransLink secured one of the highest ridership retention rates among the 10 busiest systems in Canada and the United States. TransLink retained 48 per cent

Members of a critical incident response team are working at a Kelowna, B.C., high school helping students cope with the loss of three Grade 12 classmates. The three Kelowna Senior Secondary students were in a Honda Civic sedan that RCMP say hit a utility pole in the city just after midnight Wednesday.An 18-year-old woman who was driving and two passengers, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, died at the scene.The three were set to graduate within weeks and School District 23 Superintendent Kevin Kardaal says a specialized team of grief counsellors is at the school.He says students and

British Columbia's health minister and provincial health officer are encouraging residents to limit their socialization with others, as the number of COVID-19 cases dips. Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry say it is important to socialize with a small group of people, and take more precautions for those who are at a high risk of contracting the virus. B.C. reported 250 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, for a total of 142,886 since the pandemic began, as well as three new deaths. Dix and Henry urged residents to get vaccinated, saying the vaccines form the backbone of the province's reopening plan.

Firearms, drugs and cash seized have been by Surrey RCMP Drug Unit during the execution of a search warrant at a South Surrey residence.In April 2021, Surrey RCMP Drug Unit initiated an investigation into alleged street level drug trafficking and firearms offences occurring in Whalley. Through the investigation members located an associated residence in the South Surrey Area.On May 18, 2021, a male related to the South Surrey residence was arrested and found in possession of 8.8 grams of methamphetamine, 7 grams of Fentanyl, $895 cash, and a Karambit knife which is a prohibited weapon.On May 1

A graduate of Burnsview Secondary is being congratulated by the Delta School district. Kushal Mujral has been awarded a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. Kushal is heading to the University of Waterloo to study Software Engineering in the fall. Mujral was selected by Burnsview Secondary for his outstanding academic and community extra curricular achievements. Delta School District on Twitter: Congratulations to Burnsview Secondary Student Kushal Mujral who has been awarded a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. Kushal is heading to the University of Waterloo to study Software Engineering

Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, has released a statement regarding the deployment of BC Wildfire Service personnel to Manitoba. "British Columbia has a long history of offering a helping hand to other provinces and countries when they need assistance fighting wildfires. We are pleased to do that again now. "On May 26, 2021, the BC Wildfire Service will send 41 firefighters and two support staff to Manitoba to help with firefighting efforts in that province. "COVID-19 precautions will be taken to protect the health of everyone par

As British Columbia lays out plans to shed COVID-19 restrictions, the person who ensures fair access to government resources is calling for caution, especially when deciding who is eligible for relaunched services. A statement from the office of B.C.'s ombudsperson says vaccination certification programs are being explored in B.C. and in jurisdictions across Canada. Ombudsperson Jay Chalke says this raises concerns about provincial or local public services being limited based on vaccination status. The organization representing the public advocates across Canada has released guidance about ho

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued a joint statement regarding updates on the COVID-19 response in British Columbia. "Today, we are reporting 289 new cases, including four epi-linked cases, for a total of 142,636 cases in British Columbia."There are 3,782 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. A further 137,062 people who tested positive have recovered."Of the active cases, 301 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 93 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in

Vancouver Police are investigating the city’s seventh homicide of 2021, after a 59-year-old man was stabbed to death in an east-side home Saturday morning. VPD officers were called to the home, near Joyce Street and Vanness Avenue, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday for reports that a man had been injured. When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital, but died Monday. Rajesh Narayan, 38, was arrested on Saturday by VPD officers and is now charged with second degree murder. Investigators believe the suspect and the victim knew each other.