British Columbia is placing restrictions on events and gatherings until the end of January in an effort to limit the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant.Measures range from limits on venues that hold more than 1,000 people to 50 per cent capacity to no amateur sports tournaments over the Christmas period and the cancellation of all New Year's Eve parties.The Health Ministry says indoor gatherings, including those at rental or holiday properties, are also being limited to one household, plus 10 guests, and everyone must be vaccinated. The B.C. Vaccine card program must be used at all events

An independent school in Surrey was closed to in-person instruction yesterday due to a COVID outbreak. Fraser Health says 23 COVID-19 cases have been identified among staff and students at Khalsa School Old Yale Road. Meanwhile, Vancouver Coastal Health has declared an outbreak at Lions Gate Hospital after five patients tested positive for COVID-19. Visits to the hospital have been suspended, with an exception for essential care or compassionate end-of-life.

B.C. is reporting 753 new cases of COVID-19, including one epi-linked case, for a total of 224,998 cases in the province.There are 3,878 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 218,616 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 184 individuals are in hospital and 70 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.In the past 24 hours, three new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,396.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: oneVancouver Coastal Health: oneIsland Health: oneThere have been 135 cases of the Omicron var

Surrey RCMP Property Crime Unit is requesting the public’s assistance with locating some prolific offenders who have made Santa’s naughty list this holiday season.This list is made up of individuals who currently have outstanding warrants, and who are known to be active in committing property crimes and related offences. We are asking for the public’s assistance in providing information that could assist police with locating and arresting these five.If you see any of these individuals please do not approach them and contact the Surrey RCMP as soon as possible. Jason Wood, 47-years-oldWa

An RCMP officer in Surrey, B.C., may add lifeguard to his credits after rescuing two people from a vehicle that had crashed into a swimming pool. Police say preliminary reports into the crash on Wednesday indicate the driver of the vehicle lost control, slammed through a fence and landed in the in-ground pool. The homeowners called 911 and RCMP Const. Ngawang Gonpo arrived minutes later. Police say the officer managed to get the door open to the vehicle while it was submerged in the pool and remove the two elderly people. The couple were taken to hospital as a precaution, but police say they h

Extreme cold and storm warnings along with special weather statements about snow have been posted for several areas in BC. Environment Canada says an Arctic air mass has settled over the northeastern parts of the province, resulting in temperatures near minus 26 and wind child values close to minus 40. Extreme cold warnings have been issued for the Peace River and Dease Lake areas, and Arctic outflow winds are moving over the inland North Coast. Up to 20 centimetres of snow is predicted for the Cariboo, West Columbia and Williston regions, while Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Sunshine Co

Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun says the city is working to set up a second waste transfer system for the mountain of garbage that will be picked up from outside homes. He says ditches along roads in the Sumas Prairie area are also filled with logs, bales of hay and items like propane tanks and vegetables stands, which were ripped from their foundation. He says the costly recovery will take years. The Sumas and Matsqui prairies of Abbotsford make up Canada's top agricultural-producing jurisdiction per hectare.

B.C. is reporting 584 new cases of COVID-19, including two epi-linked cases, for a total of 224,245 cases in the province.There are 3,458 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 218,295 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 193 individuals are in hospital and 77 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.In the past 24 hours, seven new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,393.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: twoNorthern Health: threeIsland Health: two Past week cases (Dec. 7-13) – Total 2,781Not va

Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement following today’s federal travel advisory:"I urge British Columbians to follow the federal government’s advice to avoid non-essential travel outside the country. As the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads worldwide, this is not a time to take chances."While this advice undoubtedly disrupts many holiday plans, a fast-changing and unpredictable situation demands we act with caution and prudence. Avoid non-essential travel and follow public health guidelines. Plan your vaccinations and booster shots."As we enjoy the holiday seaso