Your trusted source for local North Vancouver, BC news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A rockslide at Yellow Lake has closed Highway 3A, with crews now assessing the slope's stability. A geotechnical evaluation indicates that further blasting and rock removal are necessary before cleanup can commence, and the highway is expected to remain closed until at least April 18, 2025. A detour is available for affected traffic, adding approximately 70 minutes to travel time.
Drivers are warned about an overnight closure of the northbound lanes on the Highway 1 Colquitz River Bridge on April 16, 2025, due to ongoing construction for the bus-on-shoulder lane project. The closure will redirect traffic to the adjacent southbound bridge, which will operate under single-lane conditions in both directions. Motorists are urged to adhere to the reduced speed limit and follow traffic control measures.
Josie Osborne, the Minister of Health, issued a statement on April 10, 2025, recognizing Indigenous Nurses Day in British Columbia. The statement celebrated the significant contributions of Indigenous nurses to healthcare and emphasized the importance of culturally safe practices in improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. Notable figures, such as Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture and Rose Casper, were highlighted for their pioneering roles in nursing.
The B.C. government has implemented a directive aimed at reducing dependency on U.S. suppliers by reviewing all contracts with American companies. Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and reducing reliance on the U.S., urging government entities to seek Canadian alternatives. This initiative reflects a broader trend of prioritizing domestic procurement in response to changing consumer preferences.
The British Columbia government is allocating over $5 million to enhance emergency support services for evacuees through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. This funding aims to improve local capacities for disaster response, emphasizing volunteer training and equipment acquisition. Key projects include initiatives in various communities, including First Nations, to bolster emergency readiness.
The provincial government of British Columbia has announced a significant investment of $312 million for TransLink, ensuring stable and expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver over the next three years. This funding will help maintain current services and introduce more buses on busy routes, addressing a potential deficit and avoiding drastic cuts. The initiative aims to support regional growth and enhance public transit reliability for residents.
BC Transit is set to enhance bus services in Whistler, introducing increased frequency and extended hours on multiple routes starting April 22, 2025. The expansion, which adds 6,000 annual service hours, aims to improve transit accessibility and reduce congestion in the region. Local officials emphasize the importance of reliable public transportation for community connectivity and economic equity.
The Province of British Columbia is enhancing affordability for electric heat pumps aimed at low- and moderate-income households, including renters in multi-unit buildings. With a $50 million funding commitment over the next two fiscal years, the initiative seeks to provide up to $5,500 in rebates for heat pump installations. This program, part of the CleanBC Energy Savings initiative, aims to improve access to clean heating solutions across the province.
Jennifer Whiteside, the Minister of Labour, announced that full ferry service on Kootenay Lake is set to resume on April 11, 2025, following a resolution in the labour dispute between BCGEU Local 2009 and Western Pacific Marine. Special mediator Vince Ready will provide binding recommendations on remaining issues, marking a significant step towards restoring essential transportation services for local residents. The Minister expressed gratitude for the patience of the community and acknowledged the advocacy of local MLAs.
The British Columbia government is implementing new measures to enhance support for landlords and renters, significantly reducing wait times for dispute resolutions. With a $15.6-million investment in the Residential Tenancy Branch, the province aims to improve transparency and consistency in tenancy regulations while ensuring timely resolutions to disputes. These changes position British Columbia as a leader in low wait times for rental dispute hearings across Canada.