B.C. Daily Digest — Jan 7, 2026

Surrey dog mauling and alleged disposal

• What happened: A small elderly Havanese‑Maltese named Lucky was fatally mauled by a neighbour’s much larger dog in Surrey.
• Impact: Lucky had been with the Thandi family since June 2011; owners report severe emotional trauma and sleepless children.
• Ongoing: Video of the attack circulated; family says the body was allegedly disposed of after the attack and they seek closure and justice.

Kelowna businesses push city for crime action

• Concerns: Repeated break‑ins, vandalism and public disorder downtown; merchants say safety is affecting operations.
• Reaction: Owner Todd Daniels posted a smash‑and‑grab video; Mayor Tom Dyas visited and city officials announced a plan to respond.
• Numbers: Multiple recent incidents (including the video case last week) have prompted coordinated meetings with police and business groups.

B.C. economic outlook: sluggish growth in 2026

• Report: Deloitte forecasts B.C. GDP growth of 1.6% in 2026, lagging Alberta and Saskatchewan (>2%).
• Causes: Ongoing challenges in forestry and northwest aluminium sectors tied to U.S. tariffs; Deloitte warns of continued trade uncertainty.
• Note: Analysts cite regional industry exposure and export pressures as primary drivers of weaker performance.

Lapu Lapu Day Festival 2026 date set

• When: Weekend of April 17–19, 2026 in Vancouver.
• Context: Scheduled one week before the April 26 anniversary of the 2025 tragedy to allow separate memorials; organizers plan at least one memorial gathering.
• Focus: Remembrance and healing alongside cultural celebration.

Delta targeted shooting tied to extortion probe

• Incident: Shots fired at a home near 84 Ave and Brooke Rd at about 5:10 a.m.; neighbours reported hearing about half a dozen shots.
• Casualties: People were inside but no injuries reported.
• Investigation: Police say the shooting appears connected to an extortion investigation; officers continue to investigate.

London Drugs to close Woodward’s store (DTES)

• Details: Store 78 (150–351 Abbott St.) will close Feb. 1, 2026, citing persistent safety incidents and operating losses.
• Statement: London Drugs COO Clint Mahlman called the decision "very difficult" despite protective measures and cooperation with authorities.
• Impact: Closure affects staff of the Downtown Eastside location and raises retail safety questions in the neighbourhood.