Weekly Vancouver May 11 - May 17, 2026

Hantavirus Horror, Heroic Goose Rescues & More — Your Vancouver Week in 2 Minutes

50 articles 1 week ago 17

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🦢 Community Rescues

Wait, a goose family on a roof? That's right! Volunteers in Vancouver jumped into action this week after a family of geese found themselves stuck on a rooftop, celebrating the delightful antics of our feathered friends and reminding us of the compassion that thrives in our community.

⚕️ Health Alerts

Hantavirus is back, and it’s making headlines! The first case of this rare virus in Canada has been confirmed right here in B.C., coming from a Yukoner who was isolating after exposure during an Antarctic cruise. Public health officials urge vigilance as they monitor the situation closely.

🎲 Casino Growth

A casino in Prince Rupert? Yes, please! This week marked the announcement of plans for a major resort development, part of a broader initiative to boost local economy and tourism. Gamblers and those looking for a scenic getaway may soon have more options!

🙈 City Livability

Deaths among the homeless up for the fifth year in a row? Heartbreaking stats this week reveal a surge in fatalities among homeless individuals in B.C., sparking urgency for community support and solutions to this pressing issue.

🔥 Wildfire Support

Ready for fire season? With summer nearing, the U.S. Forest Service has pledged assistance for wildfires in B.C., reassuring residents that help is on the way should things heat up. Stay prepared, everyone!

🦌 Environmental Concerns

Logging in caribou habitat? Not cool! Despite concerns from the provincial government, B.C. has approved logging in areas crucial for caribou populations. Environmental advocates are ringing alarm bells about the further impact on our delicate ecosystems.

🏥 Community Support

Menopause conference? Yes, it’s happening! This week, B.C. is hosting an important event aimed at helping people navigate through menopause—because health matters at every age!

🌀 Infrastructure News

Water service woes in Kamloops are finally easing! After a recent main break, residents are slowly seeing essential services restored, but not without a few challenges along the way. Cheers to resilience!

📉 Political Drama

Harassment claims in the city council? A report finds Vancouver’s mayor harassed a councillor, further muddying local politics. As governance takes a hit, residents are left wondering where to place their trust.

🚔 Crime and Public Safety

B.C. 911 workers pushing for better conditions? A resounding 95% voted in favor of job action this week—an indication of the mounting pressures in emergency services. We rely on them; let’s listen to their needs!

🏙️ Future of Short-Term Rentals

Your short-term rental info is now safe! A recent ruling determined that such addresses must remain private, possibly putting a curb on rental property schemes—but who will it truly benefit?

🚗 Transportation Updates

Yellow-legged hornets found in B.C.? This invasive species was discovered at a Washington state port, causing alarm across the border. What’s next for our local ecosystems? More monitoring, it seems!

⚖️ Justice System News

A man pleads guilty after a deadly bar fight. A tragic case in Coquitlam shows us the consequences of violence, reminding us to prioritize peaceful resolutions in our communities.

🎉 Good News

Firefighters to the rescue! Shout out to the Kamloops firefighters who saved a group of ducklings, proving that heroism comes in all shapes and sizes. The community can rest a bit easier with such dedicated souls around!

🗳️ Political Moves

A recall petition against Vancouver's MLA? Headline-making moves are afoot, signaling potential shifts in local representation as supporters rally to make their voices heard. Stay tuned for what’s next!

It’s just a week in Vancouver, but the stories remind us of community spirit, health vigilance, and the importance of each voice in our great city!

Source Articles (52)

Union representing B.C. 911 workers votes 95% in favour of job action

The union that represents most 911 operators, dispatchers and support workers in British Columbia has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

General May 15, 2026

Chilliwack RCMP seek witnesses as man charged with attempted kidnapping from school

RCMP say they are seeking witnesses to the attempted abduction on the grounds of Chilliwack Central Elementary School on Wednesday morning, including anyone who saw someone wearing a "purple bunny-like mask."

General May 15, 2026

Surrey Schools to hire more educational support workers following years of budget cuts

Surrey Schools is making new investments in the district following years of budget and program cuts. School trustee Terry Allen said the district is hiring 40 inclusive educational support workers (ISEWs) and expanding a mental health and support program to 14 of its 21 high schools.

General May 15, 2026

Man who fatally shot friend during bullet proof vest 'game' handed 4-year sentence

A Vancouver Island man who fatally shot his friend three years ago while the pair were playing with bullet proof vests has been sentenced to four years in prison.

General May 15, 2026

Kamloops, B.C., firefighters save 8 ducklings that fell into storm drain

Kamloops, B.C., firefighters had to reach into the dark depths of a storm drain earlier this week for a unique rescue — that of eight trapped mallard ducklings.

General May 15, 2026

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter after deadly bar fight in Coquitlam

Timothy Vansnick was charged with second-degree murder a day after the stabbing last January, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter on Tuesday, police say.

General May 15, 2026

Man charged in connection to suspicious brush fires in Port Alberni

RCMP in Port Alberni, B.C., say they have charged a 38-year-old man with two counts of arson in relation to suspcious fires in the area.

General May 15, 2026

Officials hopeful that LNG Canada makes significant investment decision, expected by end of 2026

B.C. Premier David Eby says he's hopeful that LNG Canada will come to a final investment decision at the end of the year that will be the "largest private sector investment in Canadian history."

General May 15, 2026

Vancouver must keep short-term rental addresses private, B.C. adjudicator rules

British Columbia's Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner says the City of Vancouver is required to refuse to disclose addresses of short-term rental operators because it would reveal where "they live their private lives."

General May 15, 2026

OneBC's Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie to face recall petition

The campaign to remove Brodie will have until July 20 to collect the necessary 15,232 signatures to remove her and trigger a byelection, but Elections B.C. says none of the 30 previous recall petitions since 1995 have succeeded.

General May 15, 2026

Vancouver mayor 'objectively harassed' city councillor, breached code of conduct, investigation finds

An investigation into Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim's behaviour has found that he breached the city's code of conduct and misused his influence to personally attack Coun. Sean Orr shortly after Orr was elected in 2025.

General May 15, 2026

City of Vancouver, B.C. government, First Nations in push to keep Whitecaps in city 'for generations'

A meeting aimed at finding solutions to keep the Whitecaps in Vancouver has resulted in a new co-operation between multiple levels of government.

General May 15, 2026

Essential water service slowly returning to Kamloops residents hit by water main break

The water supply, which has been shut off since early Tuesday, is technically flowing again — but the city said on Thursday morning it's critical no one in the affected areas run their taps while the repair is underway.

General May 15, 2026

Canucks name Sedin twins, Ryan Johnson to front office

Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini has named Daniel and Henrik Sedin as the new co-presidents of the club, and Ryan Johnson as the 13th general manager of the team.

General May 15, 2026

B.C.'s Celebrini to captain Canada while U.S. defends world hockey title in Switzerland

Macklin Celebrini is to captain Canada and Sidney Crosby will join him on the team at the world hockey championship in Switzerland, where the United States sets out to retain the trophy it won in 2025 for the first time in 92 years.

General May 15, 2026

30 cm of snow to 30 C: Long weekend weather varies greatly across Canada

Multiple weather systems are bringing a mixed bag of weather across Canada for the long weekend, with snow and wind in the Prairies and above-seasonal temperatures across Ontario.

Weather May 15, 2026

Owner of Summerside dogs that killed boy tells court training was in the works

Crystal MacDonald, who is on trial for criminal negligence causing death, said she was working on getting her intact Cane Corsos trained before they killed 11-year-old Kache Grist.

Crime May 15, 2026

Carney, Smith reach energy agreement that could see pipeline construction start in 2027

The federal and Alberta governments have advanced a climate and energy agreement that could see construction on an oil pipeline to the West Coast start as early as September 2027.

General May 15, 2026

Senior in critical condition after alleged vehicle ramming in Vancouver's West End: police

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says a senior and two police officers are injured after a driver allegedly rammed several vehicles and drove along a sidewalk in the city's West End neighbourhood Friday morning.

General May 15, 2026

Washington state experiencing same ferry challenges as B.C., journalist says

Tom Banse, a semi-retired reporter with KUOW in Seattle, says the ferry system in Washington state has issues similar to those here in B.C. The big difference, he said, is that B.C. is getting new vessels soon.

General May 15, 2026

MADD, ICBC warn against impaired driving, speeding ahead of May long weekend

ICBC is also warning drivers about the dangers of speeding.

General May 15, 2026

B.C. gov't monitoring situation as yellow-legged hornet found at Washington state port

The hornets, native to Asia, are considered an invasive species in Canada and the U.S. and can cause serious problems for honey bee populations.

General May 15, 2026

'An insult': Wood manufacturer unimpressed by $12M investment in B.C. forestry in face of U.S. tariffs

"It's peanuts compared to what is required,” says John Brink, whose workforce at a trio of wood manufacturing plants in and around Prince George, B.C., has dwindled from roughly 400 to about 30 people over the past year.

General May 15, 2026

LNG Canada CEO responds to Kitimat flaring concerns as critics warn of health impacts

The CEO of LNG Canada has responded to complaints about excess flaring at the company's facility in Kitimat, saying he takes concerns "very seriously."

General May 15, 2026

Want to buy a used EV? Here’s what to look out for

In this issue of our environmental newsletter, we get some tips on what to look for when shopping for a used EV; are reminded that it's time to harvest and eat an "aggressive" but delicious invasive species; and learn how teens are raising awareness about extreme weather and wildfires in their northern Alberta community.

General May 15, 2026

B.C. energy minister says Carney making national pipeline deals without involving other provinces

B.C.'s energy minister says that the federal government is making nationally-significant energy deals without involving the entire country, on the same day that the federal and Alberta governments advanced a climate and energy agreement that could see construction on an oil pipeline to the West Coast start as early as September 2027.

General May 16, 2026

City of Kamloops says it will review emergency communications as drinking water slowly restored

The City of Kamloops says it will review emergency communications as drinking water is slowly restored to about 8,000 households that have had to use alternate sources since Monday. Some in the city say they are frustrated by what they say was scattered messaging.

General May 16, 2026

Measles transmission a concern ahead of FIFA World Cup in Vancouver, experts warn

The Public Health Agency of Canada says next month's FIFA World Cup could increase the risk of measles transmission in Canada.

General May 16, 2026

4 of 5 charges paused in Abbotsford daycare owner’s child assault trial

Several charges against an Abbotsford, B.C., daycare owner accused of assaulting children have been paused by the prosecution Friday, after the court heard a key witness who worked at the accused’s daycare would not be further testifying.

General May 16, 2026

'Monumental': B.C. attorney general, advocates hail Supreme Court ruling on intimate partner violence

B.C.'s attorney general and advocates for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are saying that a Supreme Court of Canada judgment that recognizes IPV as a basis for civil lawsuits is historic.

General May 16, 2026

Eby says Ottawa is rewarding Alberta’s ‘bad behaviour’ with pipeline agreement

Eby said that it can't be the case that projects get prioritized in Canada because a premier threatens to leave the country, referring to the separation movement in Alberta.

Politics May 15, 2026

3 regional Indigenous tourism boards separate from ITAC amid ongoing financial concerns

Three Indigenous tourism organizations say they are withdrawing support from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada over concerns about "financial mismanagement and lack of transparency in fund allocation" over several years.

General May 16, 2026

Golden Knights docked 2nd-round pick, coach fined $100K for breaking media rules

The punishments for the 'flagrant violations' of the NHL's media access rules came after previous warnings were issued to the Vegas Golden Knights, the league said on Friday.

Sports May 15, 2026

Multimillionaire Vancouver developer jailed for ignoring court orders

Developer Helen Chan Sun is the sole shareholder of a company that holds the title to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Vancouver real estate. But the multimillionaire will spend the next 40 days in a jail cell after repeatedly ignoring orders to come clean with a creditor about her finances.

General May 16, 2026

Dawson Creek non-profit medical accommodation house at risk of closure

Bulterys House, a patient accommodation site located in Dawson Creek, B.C., is set to have its funding discontinued by the end of this year. The house opened in March 2023, providing affordable accommodation for anyone travelling to Dawson Creek for medical care.

General May 16, 2026

Gen Z has dubbed Jessica the new Karen. Here are my thoughts as a Karen

The name Karen has become synonymous with rude and racist behaviour, unreasonable expectations and undue entitlement. But for Karen Scanlan, it’s just her name.

General May 16, 2026

2 B.C. men charged after allegedly smuggling Vietnamese nationals into U.S.

Two B.C. men have been charged in the U.S. after allegedly smuggling eight Vietnamese nationals into Washington state, according to U.S. prosecutors.

General May 16, 2026

‘Gold in a bag’: Shortage of vital product for newborn calves leaves some Alberta farmers scrambling

Sidney Haeberle, a farmer and farm supply store owner in east-central Alberta, says sourcing enough bovine colostrum has become a recent challenge, despite it never being an issue in the past.

General May 16, 2026

Travelling with B.C. Ferries? Watch for wildlife, naturalist says

Nature enthusiasts encourage travellers to spend time out on the deck, or at least looking out the window, to watch for creatures in the sea, in the air and on land.

General May 16, 2026

Deaths of people experiencing homelessness on rise for 5th year, B.C. Coroner data shows

More than 500 people died while experiencing homelessness in 2024, a more than tripling from 2020. Many of the deaths, data shows, were as a result of the toxic drug supply.

General May 16, 2026

Menopause is a 'freight train' of symptoms, and this B.C. conference aims to help people navigate it

This year’s Menopolooza, the second annual event, focuses on substance use — something more and more people in menopause are turning to to cope with their symptoms, organizers say.

General May 16, 2026

Canadian in isolation tests presumptively positive for hantavirus, B.C.'s top doctor says

A Canadian isolating in B.C. has presumptively tested positive for hantavirus after leaving the cruise ship affected by an outbreak of the Andes strain in recent weeks, B.C.'s top doctor said Saturday.

General May 16, 2026

Canadian in B.C. hospital with ‘mild’ hantavirus symptoms

B.C.’s top doctor is expected to provide an update on Canadians isolating after exposure to a rare hantavirus strain linked to an Antarctic cruise ship.

Health May 16, 2026

Jones scores twice late in game to help Wild tie visiting Roses 2-2

Mya Jones came in off the bench late in the second half and scored twice, including a goal one minute into stoppage time, to lift the Calgary Wild to a 2-2 draw over the visiting Montreal Roses in Northern Super League action on Saturday in Calgary.

General May 17, 2026

5 dead, 10 injured after falls into Vancouver's Grandview Cut over past decade

The various parts of the area are owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, the City of Vancouver and TransLink.

General May 17, 2026

B.C. approved logging in threatened caribou habitat despite provincial recommendation against it

B.C.'s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship warned that proposed logging near Quesnel Lake would harm threatened southern mountain caribou habitat. But the Ministry of Forests approved logging in the area anyway, drawing criticism from residents and conservation groups.

General May 17, 2026

B.C. Hydro and District of Hudson's Hope celebrate opening of new recreation area on Site C reservoir

B.C. Hydro and the District of Hudson's Hope celebrated the opening of a new recreation area this week on the Site C reservoir. Located just below the town, the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area is named after a steamboat that travelled the waters of the Peace River more than 100 years ago.

General May 17, 2026

U.S. Forest Service still prepared to support Canada with wildfire assistance, officials say

Despite budget cuts and extensive restructuring, the U.S. Forest Service says it is still ready to support Canada with any requests for wildfire assistance.

General May 17, 2026

Volunteers rescue goose family from Vancouver rooftop as calls for bird aid increase

The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. said it's responding to calls regarding the large birds nearly every day at this point in the spring.

General May 17, 2026

Casino reopening part of First Nation's plan to create major Prince Rupert resort

Gitxaala Enterprises is celebrating the grand reopening of the Chances casino in Prince Rupert, as part of a massive redevelopment that could make the city home to a major new resort destination.

General May 17, 2026

National lab confirms hantavirus case for Canadian cruise passenger isolating in B.C.

Canada's public health agency confirmed a positive case of hantavirus in a Canadian isolating in British Columbia after leaving the cruise ship affected by a deadly outbreak.

General May 17, 2026

First Canadian hantavirus case confirmed in B.C. patient

One persona has now tested positive for hantavirus. Nine people in Canada are classified as high-risk due to exposure to the rare strain of virus and have been self-isolating.

Canada May 17, 2026