Roberts Bank Listing, Metro Vancouver Budget Delay & Canucks Slide — Vancouver Saturday

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Federal government names Roberts Bank Terminal 2 a 'project of national interest'. The designation applies to the proposed expansion at Delta's Roberts Bank and triggers a federal lead on approvals under the Impact Assessment Act, the announcement said on Friday; it also allows Ottawa to set timelines and override certain provincial or local processes. This will accelerate federal review of the project located in the Metro Vancouver port area.

2. Metro Vancouver's outgoing board delayed its 2027 budget vote after governance complaints. The board postponed the vote following member complaints about process and transparency, the regional district reported; staff must now return with revised documents before a new vote, delaying budget decisions that affect regional services for 2.7 million residents. The delay pushes back adoption and any related property-tax impacts tied to Metro Vancouver's 2027 operating plan.

3. B.C. Minister Ravi Kahlon says family comes first but won't rule out an NDP leadership run. Kahlon told reporters he is focusing on family while keeping the door open to a future leadership bid, confirming he remains an active cabinet minister; he did not set a timeline for any decision. The statement follows public speculation about leadership plans within the provincial NDP.

4. Todd Matsumoto named new Surrey Police Service chief. Surrey City Hall confirmed Matsumoto as chief, replacing the outgoing leader and taking charge of one of B.C.'s largest municipal forces with more than 500 officers; the appointment includes an effective start date and a municipal hiring process overseen by the Surrey Police Board. Matsumoto's selection ends a months-long search for permanent leadership.

5. B.C. will not change clocks on Nov. 1; daylight saving time remains in effect. The provincial government confirmed residents will not switch clocks overnight on Sunday and standard time change rules will remain unchanged for now; the announcement affects businesses and transit schedules that typically adjust for the fall time change. No new permanent time regime was adopted in the statement.

6. B.C. health authorities are monitoring for avian flu after rising reports of dying wild birds. Provincial officials reported increased detections of sick or dead wild birds and are stepping up surveillance and public advisories; labs are testing samples to confirm H5N1 presence. The monitoring includes warnings for people handling wild birds and coordination with animal-health partners.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Canucks say they see progress despite a 1-11-1 run and 4-2 loss to the Maple Leafs. Coach Manny Malhotra called out improvement in areas of play after Vancouver fell to 3-12-1 on Saturday, with Brock Boeser and Max Sasson scoring and goalie Leevi Merilainen making 24 saves; the club has one win in its last 13 games, underlining a prolonged slump.

2. Delta rally attendees demand answers after a crash at Tsawwassen Mills mall. Participants at a public gathering in Delta called for information into the circumstances of the crash that prompted a community rally; organizers and attendees urged local authorities to release findings and consider safety measures at Tsawwassen Mills following the incident, held this week in Tsawwassen.

📰 Also Today

• Mr. PG stuffie hiked to Everest base camp with B.C. adventurer, photo diary posted.
• Survey lists which B.C. neighbourhoods expect most trick-or-treaters, city-by-city ranking.
• Victoria para cyclist Mel Pemble won world silver, set a personal-best time in the time trial.
• Skeetchestn Band restoring salmon habitat on land damaged by fire, floods and farming, local restoration project underway.
• Homeless campers evicted in Penticton after court granted an injunction, encampment cleared by RCMP.