Daily Digest — British Columbia (2026-03-12)

Hurricane‑strength winds toppled semis on the Coquihalla. The Fraser Valley and Hope saw peak gusts of 139 km/h (category‑1 hurricane strength) and about 14 semi trucks were blown onto their sides (Mario’s Towing had righted nine trailers by Wednesday afternoon); the Coquihalla Highway was closed for many hours and crews cleared the scene.

Tenants evicted after months of police trouble in Rutland. On McCurdy Road two tenants were removed by owner Mohini Singh (a Kelowna city councillor who owns 25% of the property) after neighbours reported repeated police and bylaw activity (about 32–33 visits in nine months); the house was left in deplorable condition and will be fenced, cleaned and repaired before new tenants move in.

No more extra fees to change or cancel internet and cellphone plans. The CRTC, led by Vicky Eatrides, announced it is removing activation/change/cancellation fees to give Canadians more control, strengthen the Internet and Wireless Consumer Protection Codes and will roll out easier shopping/comparison tools in the coming months.

Bringing a murder suspect back from India could take a long time. IHIT issued a Canada‑wide warrant for 24‑year‑old Amarbir Singh, charged with second‑degree murder in the death of 28‑year‑old Navdeep Kaur (her remains were found in the Fraser River in July 2024); police say he likely fled to India in late 2024 and lawyers warn extradition and legal processes can be slow—Interpol and overseas partners are involved (IHIT tip line: 1‑877‑551‑IHIT/4448).

Defendant apologizes as Vancouver Starbucks stabbing trial nears finish. Inderdeep Singh Gosal, who pleaded not guilty to second‑degree murder in the March 26, 2023 death of 37‑year‑old Paul Schmidt, told the court he wasn’t on his antipsychotic meds and expressed remorse; his lawyer Gloria Ng says he has psychosis/schizophrenia and the trial continues Tuesday.

Fraser Valley cleans up after windstorm that knocked out power and closed schools. Thousands lost power in Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford and Mission with gusts up to about 100 km/h; Highway 1 briefly closed near Hope and every school in the Hope School District was closed Thursday (several Chilliwack schools also closed).

War in Iran is pushing jet fuel and airfares higher. Experts say jet fuel prices are up roughly 30% (fuel makes about 30% of airline operating costs), forcing carriers to add fuel surcharges—typical one‑way surcharges could be ~$50–$100 domestically, $100–$200 to Europe and $300–$400 to Asia, depending on route and timing.