Your trusted source for local North Vancouver, BC news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
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.
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 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.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) recently inaugurated the Gordon B. Shrum Building, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to biomedical engineering. This $139.4 million project aims to enhance research and training in the life sciences sector, offering specialized labs and collaborative spaces for students and researchers. Designed by Patkau Architects, the building honors Gordon B. Shrum’s philanthropic legacy and is expected to significantly impact health innovation in British Columbia.
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.
British Columbia is tightening legislation to improve the recovery of healthcare costs incurred due to negligence. The proposed amendments to the Health Care Costs Recovery Act aim to close existing gaps that hinder cost recovery, ensuring that taxpayers are not left bearing the financial burden of wrongdoers. The changes include extending claim periods and enhancing disclosure requirements for insurers.
Premier David Eby of British Columbia met with Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss significant issues impacting the province, including the trade dispute over softwood lumber and the need for enhanced infrastructure. Eby emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach among provinces and the federal government to address these challenges and support the forestry sector. The meeting underscored B.C.'s pivotal role in Canada's economy and the necessity for strategic housing and transportation solutions.
The article announces an upcoming event organized by the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, scheduled for April 4, 2025, in North Vancouver. This event, part of the Historic Site and Landmark Tours, aims to engage the community and shed light on local housing initiatives. With a focus on ECHO Housing, the event highlights the government's commitment to addressing housing needs in the region.
The British Columbia government has announced the cancellation of the consumer carbon tax, effective April 1, 2025, as part of a legislative shift aimed at reducing costs for residents. Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of uniting on climate action while ensuring affordability, stating that the tax's divisiveness has become a distraction. The move is projected to save British Columbians significant amounts on fuel and heating costs, although it will also lead to the cancellation of the climate action tax credit.
Drivers in the area should prepare for nighttime closures on Highway 1 eastbound near the 264th Street interchange on March 28, 2025, as crews remove an overhead sign. The closures will occur between midnight and 4:30 a.m., with full stoppages lasting 20 minutes at a time. Traffic will be rerouted, and updates can be found at DriveBC.