Category: B.C.

Investigation Into Possible Tornado That Damaged Buildings in Northern B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C.—Environment Canada is investigating the possibility that a tornado swept through the Fort St. John area in northern B.C. Meteorologist Doug Lundquist says the powerful system started above the wildfires in the Interior last week, on the same day much of the town of Lytton was destroyed by a fire. Lundquist says…


Out of province fire crews, armed forces, heading to B.C. to help with wildfires

Firefighting teams from Ontario and New Brunswick are arriving in British Columbia to assist with devastating wildfires. The BC Wildfire Service says the nearly 100 out-of-province members must pass COVID-19 safety checks before being sent into the field. Public Safety Canada also says it has committed the Armed Forces for airlift support to carry crews,…


Two More Catholic Churches Burn in B.C.’s Southern Interior, Chief Says

CAWSTON, B.C.—Mounties are investigating after they say two more Catholic churches in British Columbia’s southern Interior were destroyed in early−morning fires. RCMP say the Princeton detachment got a report at 3:52 a.m. that St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Upper Similkameen Indian Band land, near Hedley, B.C., was on fire. Another report came in to the…


B.C. Records Deadliest February yet for Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths

VICTORIA—Another record death toll for overdoses in British Columbia shows this isn’t just a big-city problem and it must be addressed in every community in the province, Premier John Horgan said Wednesday. The BC Coroners Service reported the province’s deadliest February yet for illicit drug overdoses with 155 lives lost last month. It’s the 11th…


COVID-19 Vaccination Ramps up in Several Provinces as Supply Worries Ease

Several provinces began expanding their COVID-19 vaccination programs to members of the general population on Monday amid the prospect of more regular deliveries and the imminent arrival of a third approved vaccine. Ontario, Quebec and B.C. started or announced plans to start vaccinating older seniors living in the community, after a first phase that focused…


RCMP Officer in B.C. Suspended During Criminal Investigation and Internal Probe

SURREY, B.C.—An officer with the RCMP detachment in Surrey, B.C., has been suspended amid a criminal investigation that’s expected to lead to formal charges. RCMP spokeswoman Dawn Roberts says the Mountie was arrested last week and released, noting an internal code-of-conduct investigation is also underway. She says the officer was still within a two-year probationary…


B.C. Seeking Legal Advice on Limiting Travel to the Province: Premier

VICTORIA—The B.C. government is seeking legal advice on whether it can limit non-essential travel to the province during the pandemic, the premier says. Premier John Horgan told a news conference Thursday there is concern about people coming from other provinces or territories and spreading COVID-19. Horgan said he and other premiers have made the case…