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West Kelowna house saved after reported explosion
- What happened: Fire crews answered an early-morning call in Smith Creek (around 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 18). A truck and trailer were burning and flames threatened a nearby house. Crews contained the fire and the home was not damaged.
- Response: 4 fire engines and 20 firefighters attended. No injuries reported. Cause under investigation.
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Extortion-related gunfire in Surrey raises public-safety concerns
- What happened: Shots were fired outside a home in Bear Creek (8600 block of Galway Crescent) at about 2:20 a.m. on Jan. 17. The occupied residence sustained damage; no one was injured.
- Investigation: Surrey Police treat the incident as extortion-related. Major Crime Division is leading inquiries amid a string of similar threats and shootings targeting the Indo‑Canadian community.
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Massive potholes damage vehicles on Coquihalla Highway
- What happened: Drivers between Othello and Hope (Highway 5) reported large potholes that flattened tires and damaged vehicles.
- Impact/cost: One motorist reported roughly $1,800 in costs after destroying three tires and needing a hotel stay. Several motorists were left stranded; some had no warning signs.
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Canada–China trade deal touted as a win for B.C.
- Deal details: New agreement allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada per year at a 6.1% tariff rate. Expanded auto terminal capacity planned (Annacis Island).
- Consumer effect: Imported EVs could retail under $40,000, boosting B.C. ports and auto trade.
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Decriminalization trial ending; B.C. psychologist criticizes government
- What happened: Health Minister announced the decriminalization experiment will end on Jan. 31, 2026. Officials said it did not meet expected outcomes.
- Expert view: Simon Fraser University psychologist Julian Somers says two decades of addiction research (projects that received about $40 million) were ignored.
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Tribunal upholds $10,000 fine against B.C. ostrich farm
- Ruling: The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal upheld a $10,000 fine for Universal/Edgewood Ostrich Farm for failing to report sick/dying birds.
- Context: The farm’s flock of more than 300 birds was culled (Nov. 2025). CFIA says it was alerted about sick birds on Dec. 28, 2024; tribunal dated Dec. 11, 2025.
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Weekly Digest
British Columbia
Jan 12 - Jan 18, 2026
Weekly Digest — British Columbia (Jan 12–18, 2026)
40 articles
Generated 2 months ago
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Source Articles (40)
West Kelowna, B.C. home saved from fire after reported explosion: chief
Four fire engines and 20 firefighters responded to the fire, which remains under investigation, but the fire chief says it did not cause any injuries.
Fire
Jan 18, 2026
Recipe: Braised pork collar
Recipe by Warren Chow, executive chef, Wildlight Kitchen + Bar. Pork shoulder may be substituted if collar is unavailable for this recipe.
Lifestyle
Jan 18, 2026
Extortion-related gunfire in Surrey sparks concerns over broader public safety risks
Extortion-related violence in Surrey may be moving beyond organized crime, with a criminology expert warning recent shootings and threats could signal public safety concerns.
Investigations
Jan 17, 2026
Tribunal upholds $10K fine for B.C. ostrich farm over failure to report sick birds
The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal upheld a $10,000 fine against a B.C. ostrich farm after its 300-plus bird flock was culled following an avian flu outbreak.
Canada
Jan 17, 2026
Kelowna business operators decry having to pay to voice crime concerns at public forum
The Jan. 27 event at the Kelowna Community Theatre requires business operators to pre-register and pay.
Canada
Jan 16, 2026
Blown tires, damaged vehicles reported as massive potholes riddle Coquihalla Highway
'There was nothing indicating that there were potholes there. I hit it hard, it went flat and I had to call 911,' he said.
Canada
Jan 16, 2026
Canada-China trade deal framed as a win for B.C.’s economy
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new deal with Beijing on electric vehicles and canola at the end of a high-profile trip on Friday.
Economy
Jan 16, 2026
B.C. psychologist says government ignored two decades of addiction research
Health Minister Josie Osborne announced on Wednesday that the controversial trial project would end on Jan. 31, admitting it hadn't achieved the results the government had wanted.
Health
Jan 16, 2026
Tribunal upholds $10,000 fine against B.C. ostrich farm
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the fine, alleging Universal Ostrich Farm failed to notify authorities about the presence of avian flu on the property.
Canada
Jan 16, 2026
Man arrested following homicide in Abbotsford hotel room
Police said that officers were called to the Best Western Hotel near Marshall Road and Clearbrook Road just before noon on Thursday for reports of a 'suspicious circumstance.'
Crime
Jan 16, 2026
18-year-old dies after falling from Cypress Mountain chairlift
West Vancouver police said that emergency services were called at approximately 7:25 p.m. after reports that someone was in medical distress after a fall.
Canada
Jan 16, 2026
Nanaimo repeat offender back in custody after incident at coffee shop
Nanaimo RCMP confirmed that 40-year-old Aiden Tye of Nanaimo was charged with assault with a weapon, mischief, indecent act, indecent exhibition, and breach of a probation order.
Crime
Jan 15, 2026
B.C. schoolchildren excused from class with note from prime minister
Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Prince Rupert earlier this week, speaking with Coastal First Nations and then got to meet some younger fans.
Politics
Jan 15, 2026
City of Kelowna says ‘new faces’ may be contributing to ongoing crime
“It’s sad. You don’t want to see people on the street,” Daniels said. “I’m not against helping people in poverty, but there are definitely more people.”
Canada
Jan 15, 2026
Maple Ridge city councillor charged with 4 counts of sexual assault
Last May, Coun. Ahmed Antar Yousef Mohamed announced he was taking leave to address 'personal matters' and that he hoped to return to council.
Crime
Jan 15, 2026
B.C. premier downplays RCMP report linking Indian government to Bishnoi gang
David Eby was responding to a Global News report during his trade mission to India
Canada
Jan 15, 2026
There have been 16 extortion cases reported in Surrey so far this year
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told Global News that a shooting in Newton early on Thursday morning, where thankfully no one was hurt, was also connected to a case of extortion.
Crime
Jan 15, 2026
B.C. Premier David Eby says province’s LNG, mining of interest to India
"They are looking strongly to LNG as one of their ways of reducing carbon intensity, as well as reducing smog in the country," B.C. Premier David Eby said.
Politics
Jan 15, 2026
City of Surrey fines owner after fatal dog attack, but animal remains still missing
Animal law lawyer V. Victoria Shroff, K.C. said that the owners of the attacking dog might have committed a crime by allegedly disposing of Lucky's body after the attack.
Politics
Jan 15, 2026
17-year-old arrested in connection with teen’s overdose death in Prince George
On June 26, 2024, RCMP officers were called to a home in the 7600 block of McMaster Crescent after a 16-year-old girl was found unconscious.
Crime
Jan 15, 2026
Amazon customer fights for reimbursement after delivery truck damages fence
The Chilliwack, B.C. resident says in May 2025, an Amazon delivery truck backed onto her front lawn and uprooted her fence posts, causing a section of the structure to collapse.
Consumer
Jan 14, 2026
More than 20 dogs removed from Merritt property as rescuer criticizes city officials
"Apparently, neighbours had been calling bylaw saying something is not right over there," Judanna Dawn with Angel's Animal Rescue told Global News.
Canada
Jan 14, 2026
‘Strangles’: Highly contagious bacterial disease threatens Okanagan horses
'It’s a huge economic impact on everybody,' equine veterinarian Janice Posnikoff said. 'And more than that, the horses get really sick.'
Canada
Jan 14, 2026
Surrey homicide victim not connected to ongoing B.C. gang conflict, police say
Surrey Police Service officers were called to a man lying near the street in the 3500 block of 176 Street on Tuesday, apparently suffering from gunshot wounds.
Crime
Jan 14, 2026
B.C. ends three-year drug decriminalization pilot program
'The toxic-drug crisis continues to take lives and cause tremendous pain across British Columbia,' Minister of Health Josie Osborne said in a statement.
Politics
Jan 14, 2026
Overpass strike in Surrey causing delays on Highway 1 eastbound
Police are currently on the scene on Highway 1, working with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to ensure the roadway is safe.
Traffic
Jan 14, 2026
Woman dies in police-involved shooting in Burnaby neighbourhood
The incident happened around 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the 4100-block of Oxford Street, near Carleton Avenue, in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood.
Crime
Jan 14, 2026
Another extortion-related shooting in Surrey early Wednesday morning
Police discovered that the front of a business, the Bojhan Sweets and Restaurant, was damaged and bullet-holes could be seen in the windows, but luckily, no one was injured.
Crime
Jan 14, 2026
Why an Ontario couple is leading MAID lawsuit before B.C. Supreme Court
The O'Neills are at the centre of a Charter of Rights challenge, now before the B.C. Supreme Court, that seeks to end the practice of so-called "forced transfers."
Health
Jan 14, 2026
Another murder in the Lower Mainland brings total to 3 in 5 days
Investigators were called to the 3600 block of 176 Street following reports of a shooting on Tuesday afternoon. Few details are known at this time.
Crime
Jan 13, 2026
Saanich mother, alleged victim of domestic violence, remembered as loving, dedicated
Laura Gover-Basar was found dead in a home on Jan. 5 and a man has been arrested and charged with murder in what is believed to be a case of intimate partner violence.
Crime
Jan 13, 2026
Burned car in Surrey connected to fatal house fire, homicide team reports
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirms that a burned car found in Surrey on Jan. 12 is connected to the death of a man inside a Surrey house.
Crime
Jan 13, 2026
Richmond teen fighting for his life after fight, hit and run caught on camera
Video posted to social media shows the teen fighting with two people in a parking lot near Aberdeen Skytrain Station around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Crime
Jan 13, 2026
RCMP report says Bishnoi gang ‘acting on behalf of’ Indian government
The report was released to Global News under the Access to Information Act
Canada
Jan 13, 2026
3 men accused in Abbotsford couple’s killing cleaned their roof, gutters the month before
Gurkaran Singh, Abhijeet Singh and Khushveer Toor, all in their early 20s at the time, are now facing first-degree murder charges.
Crime
Jan 12, 2026
Atmospheric river prompts evac order, alert in Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the Fraser Valley, much of Metro Vancouver, and some parts of Vancouver Island.
Weather
Jan 12, 2026
Canucks goalie Demko out ‘a week or two’: coach
The Canucks have sent all-star goalie Thatcher Demko back to Vancouver so medical staff can evaluate his latest injury.
Health
Jan 12, 2026
Man found dead in Surrey house fire
Surrey Police Service and Surrey Fire Service said they were called just after 7 a.m. on Monday to a home in the 12700 block of 56 Avenue.
Fire
Jan 12, 2026
Man charged with wounding police dog during Surrey, B.C. arrest
Travis Jeremy Muranaka, 48, is accused of wilfully maiming a law enforcement animal, theft, and two counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000.
Crime
Jan 12, 2026
MAID lawsuit before B.C. Supreme Court challenging faith-based hospitals
Dying With Dignity Canada is among a group of plaintiffs bringing a Charter challenge against the B.C. government, Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care.
Canada
Jan 12, 2026