British Columbia — Daily Digest (2026-01-06)

Victoria business owner frustrated with 911 response Peter Quakenbush, owner of One Hour Dry Cleaners on Blanshard St., says repeated 911 calls over the past five years have been hung up on or redirected to the Victoria police non-emergency line. Incidents include someone entering his shop to shower and assaults on employees; the latest incident involved a person climbing the building with a stick in a gutter. Quakenbush says attempts to de-escalate failed and he was unable to get timely emergency help. Key facts: owner Peter Quakenbush; incidents span ~5 years; location: Blanshard St., Victoria.

Bizarre Surrey shooting caught on video A shooting in Fraser Heights (near 111th Ave & 160th St) around 12:30 a.m. was captured on video showing a person firing while chasing a vehicle and then returning to fire again. A bullet struck resident Chris Moon’s home — initially mistaken for fireworks — making holes in a window and an interior wall. Police responded after a call from neighbours; no further casualty details provided in the report. Key facts: Fraser Heights; ~00:30 (12:30 a.m.); damaged home window and wall.

Kelowna condo market shifts to buyers Local realtor James Roffel says Kelowna is firmly in a buyer’s market due to a surge in listings and record inventory last year. New developments are increasing competition for resale units; BCREA chief economist Brendon Ogmundson says developers are motivated to move product, pressuring prices and sellers. Key facts: record inventory in 2025; increased new developments competing with resale.

B.C. trade mission to India led by premier Premier David Eby announced a trade mission to India to promote B.C. businesses, critical minerals and sustainable wood products as U.S. tariffs remain in place. The mission builds on the "Look West" plan to deepen strategic international relationships and attract investment to protect jobs. Key facts: mission led by Premier David Eby; focus: critical minerals, sustainable wood; linked to Look West plan.

B.C. not returning to decriminalized public drug use The three-year decriminalization pilot ends Jan. 31. Premier Eby said the province will not revert to allowing decriminalized public drug use, calling the previous approach ineffective; discussions with the federal government are ongoing about next steps. Key facts: pilot expiry: Jan. 31, 2026; three-year pilot; policy change under discussion.

Mt. Milligan mine life extended to 2035 B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office approved an amendment allowing Mount Milligan copper-gold mine (near Fort St. James) to operate to 2035, expand by 80 hectares, increase ore processing by 6,500 tonnes/day and raise the tailings dam by over 100 metres. The operator is Thompson Creek Metal (Centerra Gold subsidiary). Key facts: new operating horizon: 2035; +80 ha; +6,500 t/day ore; tailings dam +100+ m.