Your trusted source for local Vancouver, BC news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Vancouver's Park Board approved fee increases for parks and recreation services, aiming to generate an additional $1.9 million in revenue for 2026. The total Parks & Recreation Operating Budget stands at $192 million, with a request for zero percent increase in recreation passes.
Authorities dismantled a criminal organization linked to the Hells Angels in Edmonton, arresting 19 individuals following an extensive 11-month investigation. The operation uncovered serious offenses, including firearms trafficking and extortion, leading to significant seizures, including 19 firearms and $118,000 in cash.
British Columbia's Deputy Premier Niki Sharma asserts the province must be "respected" by Ottawa and other provinces amid pipeline negotiations involving Alberta. Sharma emphasized the importance of constitutional obligations to First Nations and hinted at potential legal action if B.C. is sidelined in the talks. Premier David Eby criticized Ottawa for negotiating without B.C.'s input, calling the situation "unacceptable."
Experts in British Columbia oppose a proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast, citing economic and environmental concerns. Thomas Gunton from Simon Fraser University argues that there is insufficient demand for oil, existing pipelines can meet needs at lower costs, and the tanker ban protects the region from oil spills. Premier David Eby urges the federal government to maintain the current ban.
The Vancouver School Board will meet Monday to discuss the potential closure of Sir Guy Carleton Elementary, the city's oldest school, due to safety concerns. The building has been vacant since 2016 following a fire, and community members are advocating for its preservation amid proposed redevelopment plans.
B.C. government officials will announce updates on involuntary care Monday, with Premier David Eby and Health Minister Josie Osborne addressing the media in Victoria. The province recently opened 10 involuntary treatment beds and plans to add about 100 more in new facilities to address mental health and crime.
British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for excluding B.C. from pipeline discussions involving Alberta and Saskatchewan. Eby insists that B.C. and Coastal First Nations must be included in future negotiations, emphasizing the potential economic risks posed by the proposed pipeline.
Officers from the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service captured a grizzly bear near Bella Coola after a recent attack that injured three students and a teacher. The BCCOS remains uncertain if the captured bear was involved and plans to relocate it after fitting a GPS sensor. Authorities will continue efforts to capture other bears believed to be responsible for the attack.
British Columbia proposes amendments to the Mental Health Act to enhance legal protections for health-care workers involved in involuntary care. Premier David Eby stated the updates aim to clarify existing provisions and ensure that professionals delivering such care cannot be sued. The government believes these changes will strengthen the legal framework for both workers and patients.
A British Columbia woman, Alexandra Joie Chow, received an 18-month prison sentence for money laundering, marking a significant achievement in combatting organized crime in Canada. Chow's case involved over $828,000 in alleged loansharking, leading to her arrest in November 2021. This sentencing is the first of its kind in a decade within British Columbia.