Figures released by the British Columbia Coroners Service identify 155 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in February, the 11th consecutive month in which the province has recorded more than 100 lives lost."The number of deaths due to toxic illicit drugs in February highlights the ongoing critical risk to public health and safety from the illicit drug market," said Lisa Lapointe, B.C.'s chief coroner. "I extend my sincere sympathy to everyone who has lost a beloved family member or friend to substance use. The continued tragic and unprecedented rate of death in B.C. highlights the urgent n

More than 90 new, affordable homes are coming to southern Vancouver Island, after the B.C. and federal governments announced $13.1 million in funding for the initiative. The homes will be split between Saanich and Central Saanich, with construction expected to begin this spring and summer. The funding is part of the federal government's Rapid Housing Initiative delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and aimed at creating 4,700 affordable housing units across the country. The B.C. government will support the projects with annual operating funding over 20 years, and non-p

The Surrey and Burnaby RCMP Gang Enforcement Teams say they worked together to arrest two suspects following an alleged armed robbery in Newton. Mounties say just before 8 pm on Sunday, two men flagged down a passing vehicle under the pretence of needing help before stealing the victim's personal property and driving away in a nearby vehicle. Police say although the victim was physically unhurt, this was a distressing incident for them, and victim services have been engaged. The Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team says it immediately broadcasted details about the incident to other Lower Mainlan

Victoria police and members of Michael Dunahee's family have released an age-enhanced sketch of the boy who went missing 30 years ago. The four year old boy was in the Blanchard School playground on March 24th, 1991, not far from where his family and others were playing a touch football game. A search for Michael involved hundreds of volunteers and numerous police agencies, but no trace of the boy was found. Police say the sketch was prepared by an RCMP forensic artist and shows what Michael may look like today at age 34. Victoria Police on Twitter: Have you seen missing man Michael Dunahee?

British Columbia Premier John Horgan and Dr. Penny Ballem, the lead on the provincial COVID-19 immunization team, are to reveal more information today on the vaccine rollout.A government release says they will be announcing new partnerships for the immunization plan.Health officials announced yesterday that another 200,000 people who have serious medical conditions would be able to book a shot sooner than expected, starting on Monday.Health Minister Adrian Dix says "tremendous progress" has been made in the age-based vaccine program, allowing the government to move those who are at increased

The British Columbia government says it is accelerating the timeline for the COVID-19 vaccine once again, allowing people who are "extremely clinically vulnerable" and some seniors to book their shots earlier than expected.The Ministry of Health says in a news release that people at higher risk from COVID-19 due to existing medical conditions, including transplant recipients and those with cancer and severe respiratory conditions, will be able to register for their vaccine beginning next Monday.This group of people was originally scheduled to receive their shots in Phase 3 starting in April, b

A newly approved pilot project will allow electric kick scooters to legally cruise the streets and bike paths of six British Columbia municipalities. The Ministry of Transportation says in a statement the pilot project gives the province and the selected local governments a chance to assess the safety of electronic personal transportation. The B.C. Motor Vehicle Act doesn't allow transportation such as electric scooters on roads or sidewalks, but a 2019 amendment permits communities to work with the province on pilot projects. The six participating municipalities where e-scooters will soon be

To support ongoing COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Fraser Health has opened five mass COVID-19 immunization clinics in Chilliwack, Cloverdale, South Surrey, Delta North and Coquitlam that are now available to book appointments beginning March 29, except for Delta North which is available today. These new clinics will support current immunization plans and will remain open through phases three and four as we work to immunize our communities over the coming months. Fraser Health is grateful for the partnerships with municipalities, business leaders, community organizations and Divisions of Family Prac

RCMP are warning drivers in southern British Columbia to be wary after a motorist says he was pulled over by a man impersonating a police officer. A statement from Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey says it happened Sunday night on a backcountry provincial highway in the Boundary region south of Kelowna. The motorist reported he was followed for a short distance by a white pickup truck and pulled to the side of the road when the driver of the truck activated a set of red and blue lights in the vehicle's grille. An older man roughly six feet tall, with blond unkempt hair and carrying a flashlight, approach