B.C. Daily Digest — April 2, 2026

Heads-up for seniors: B.C. changed its property tax deferral rules and the math can hurt. The interest rate moved from prime minus 2% to prime plus 2% and, crucially, interest now compounds instead of being simple — what used to cost about 7% of equity after 17 years could now wipe out as much as 70%, experts like Paul Sullivan warn; Finance Minister Brenda Bailey says changes stop gaming the system and the Seniors Advocate is raising alarms.

Shocking scam: a man accused of robbing sellers of high-value Pokémon cards has been arrested after a police sting. VPD say there were five incidents since March 23 where the suspect allegedly used bear spray to steal cards worth thousands; he was arrested March 27, police recovered two cards and warn there may be more victims (use the Safe Exchange Location at 2120 Cambie St.).

Mayor seeks clarity after court ruling on Richmond land titles. A 2025 B.C. Supreme Court decision found the Cowichan (Quw’utsun) Nation has title to about 5.7 sq km in southeast Richmond; Mayor Malcolm Brodie has asked the Cowichan chiefs to formally and legally renounce any claim on private property to calm worried homeowners while governments appeal.

Appeals court sides with Nuchatlaht on Nootka Island title. A three-judge panel found the lower judge used an "arbitrary boundary" and that the Nuchatlaht met the test for sufficient occupation over roughly 201 sq km, citing thousands of culturally modified trees as evidence of long-term use.

Cold case update: investigators say Wendy Ladner‑Beaudry’s 2009 killing may have been random. She was attacked while jogging April 3, 2009 near 41st Ave and Camosun in Pacific Spirit Regional Park; RCMP say no arrests and urge anyone with information to call 778-290-5291 or 1-877-543-4822 (Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477).

Twin swap in the premier’s office: David Eby temporarily replaced a departing spokesperson with his identical twin’s return. James Smith left after nearly four years as deputy director of communications and his identical twin George is on secondment to fill the role until mid-June while helping train new staff; James now works at the University of Victoria.

Big policy move: B.C. proposes pausing parts of DRIPA for up to three years. Premier David Eby said the pause responds to a December 2025 Court of Appeal decision (Gitxaała/Ehattesaht) that made some obligations legally enforceable; the government says the pause would buy time for Supreme Court guidance while Indigenous leaders push back on amending the act.

Travel warning: BC Ferries faces multiple issues ahead of the Easter long weekend. The Spirit of Vancouver Island is out with a generator problem, the Queen of Surrey is still in refit, roughly 400,000 passengers and 160,000 vehicles usually travel over Easter, some sailings were cancelled and potable water is off on the Salish Heron — Harbour Air is offering 50% off (promo EASTER2026) for affected travellers.

Appeal filed in distressing pet-killing case: man sentenced in Tacori the chihuahua’s death is challenging his 2024 verdict. Randeep Ghataura, given four months’ jail and three years’ probation for wilfully injuring/killing the dog (incident March 25, 2020), argues the act was accidental and expert evidence was inconclusive, while the Crown points to admissions and vet Dr. Adrian Walton’s opinion; the BC Court of Appeal has reserved judgment.