Author: Andrew Rogers

Residents of a quiet Coquitlam neighborhood are raising concerns over a major redevelopment project that may move forward without a public hearing. The proposed plan involves replacing single-family homes near Roy Stibbs Elementary School with three six-storey apartment buildings. The affected area lies close to the Lougheed SkyTrain Station and falls under new provincial transit-oriented development regulations. Longtime resident Janet Krgovich says many neighbors were surprised by the scale of the project and feel left out of the planning process. She explained that earlier plans suggested the area would shift toward townhouses, allowing for moderate growth. Instead, the latest proposal…

The Abbotsford-Mission region has seen a welcome improvement in its job market. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, the number of people employed in the area rose to around 113,100 in June. This is an increase of about 100 people compared to May. This is the highest number of working residents in the region since January. However, it is still lower than the area’s 12-month high in November, when roughly 114,800 people aged 15 and over were employed in Abbotsford and Mission. The local unemployment rate dropped to 6.5% in June, ending…

Police have charged a man from Richmond, British Columbia, with second-degree murder in the death of his intimate partner. The woman was found dead in their home last week. Authorities say this is the latest in a growing number of intimate partner killings across Canada. The victim, a woman in her 40s, was discovered inside a residence in the city’s south end. Police were called to the scene after receiving a report about a disturbance. When officers arrived, they found the woman unresponsive. Despite efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A 46-year-old man was…

A second charge has been laid against the man accused of hijacking a small plane and causing a major security alert at Vancouver International Airport last week. Court records from British Columbia show that Shaheer Cassim, 39, is now also charged with damaging or interfering with a navigation system. This new charge was formally added on Friday, several days after his initial arrest. Cassim was arrested on July 15 after allegedly forcing his way into the cockpit of a Cessna aircraft at Victoria International Airport. He reportedly threatened a flight instructor and took control of the plane without permission. Authorities…

Gunfire hit a banquet hall in Surrey early Monday morning. A staff member found damage outside the Royal King Palace at around 1 a.m. Later, at 11 a.m., police were called to check the scene. Officers confirmed that the damage came from bullets. No one was injured, and nearby buildings were not affected. Police said it is not yet clear if the banquet hall was the main target. They are also unsure when exactly the shots were fired. Officers are looking at all possible reasons behind the shooting. The case is still in the early stages of investigation. This shooting…

The British Columbia government has directed Oak Bay and West Vancouver to take immediate action to support new housing development. These cities, among the most expensive places to live in the province, have not met their first-year housing targets set by the province. According to the government, both municipalities have failed to build enough new homes under the province’s housing target plan. As a result, B.C. has issued formal ministerial orders requiring changes to local bylaws and planning processes. Oak Bay, located near Victoria on Vancouver Island, must adjust several policies that are seen as barriers to building more homes.…

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Okanagan, South Thompson, and Boundary regions. The alert was shared by Environment Canada on Monday, warning that current weather conditions could lead to intense storms. The agency says the atmosphere is set up for strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall. These types of storms can come on quickly and bring dangerous conditions. Local residents are urged to keep an eye on the sky and be ready to take shelter if needed. Thunderstorms in this region are not uncommon during the summer. When the air is warm and moist, it mixes with…

A new Save-On Foods grocery store is coming soon to Port Moody, British Columbia. The company is opening a small-format outlet at 221 Ioco Road, marking its return to the area after several decades. The store will take over the location of the current Meiga Supermarket. That store is expected to close by the end of August. The change in tenancy follows business decisions made by Georgia Main Food Group, the parent company of Meiga Supermarket. The upcoming Save-On store will be about 13,000 square feet. This is much smaller than the typical full-sized Save-On Foods outlets seen in other…

Local business owners in downtown New Westminster are raising the alarm over a surge in crime and open drug use. In response, the provincial government and police say they are taking steps to improve safety in the area. Robert Stone, a business owner with an office above Columbia Street, says the problem is affecting his workplace directly. “We’ve had multiple people smoking crack cocaine in the stairwell right outside our office,” he shared. “The smell even comes into the office.” Stone’s experience is not unique. Business owners throughout the area have raised similar complaints about safety and disorder. Crime data…

From August 7 to 17, visitors and locals can enjoy free guided walking tours of more than 50 murals in downtown Chilliwack. These tours are offered by Chilliwack Tours, led by local guide Michael Berger, in partnership with the Chilliwack Mural Festival. With the Vancouver Mural Festival no longer running, Berger aims to “fill the void” by providing an engaging way to explore Chilliwack’s rich mural art. The tours give participants a chance to learn about the stories, history, and creativity behind the murals that brighten the city. Berger will lead all 14 tours during the festival. While the tours…