溫哥華週評 · 巴爾德嶺大火、緊急狀態與聯邦安置援助

Wildfire smoke, hot weather putting Vancouver's unhoused people at risk

Unpleasant hot and smoky weather in Vancouver is prompting many to seek relief by retreating indoors — but that's often not an option for the city's unhoused population. Earlier this week, smog from wildfires drifted over the Lower Mainland, prompting the Metro Vancouver Regional District to issue a yellow air quality warning for the area.

Canada prepared to halt booze bans, meet other U.S. demands in exchange for tariff relief: sources

The Canadian government is preparing to meet some U.S. demands — including ending bans on American alcohol sales — as trade talks heat up ahead of the latest tariff deadline, according to sources.

As more EVs hit the road, will we have the mechanics to keep them running?

In this issue of our environmental newsletter, we look at the challenge of training enough mechanics to service the growing fleet of EVs; see how a stationary battery can be integrated into public spaces; and check out a drone show as an animal-friendly alternative to fireworks.

Wildfire that broke out in Metro Vancouver's Belcarra Regional Park now being held

A wildfire discovered in Belcarra Regional Park on Wednesday afternoon is now being held. Evacuation orders and alerts in the Village of Anmore were rescinded Thursday afternoon, and parks in the area have reopened.

Inquest jury recommends reforms to wellness checks after death of Haida elder

A coroner's inquest jury has recommended changes to police wellness checks and officer training after a Haida elder was fatally shot by Surrey RCMP during a 2022 mental health call.

Seller beware: New B.C. laws penalizing predatory business practices now in effect

Under the new rules, companies must give customers time to cancel a subscription without penalty before it's renewed. The door-to-door sale of high-cost products has been banned, and from August 2027, B.C. residents will be able to access their credit scores for free.

Asking rents drop again, but B.C. remains among Canada's most expensive markets

Asking rents in British Columbia continue to fall, sliding by 4.5 per cent year over year in July, according to a new report.

Suspicious fires break out near Shuswap Lake amid high fire danger

Firefighters were called to five suspicious brush fires near B.C.'s Shuswap Lake on Wednesday evening, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District says.

Few hotels, emergency support services for B.C. fire evacuees, says OKIB member

Approximately 30 Okanagan Indian Band members and around 200 non-band members have lost their homes to wildfire over August long weekend, according to the band's chief. Evacuees say they faced issues and delays receiving financial support from Emergency Support Services, and many continue to struggle to secure hotel rooms in the Interior.

Over 50 violations found during North Pacific illegal fishing crackdown

Fisheries and Oceans Canada found a significant amount of violations involving sharks in the North Pacific, including finning, during its 2026 illegal fishing crackdown operation.

Metro Vancouver bus operators to launch job action after rejecting 2nd tentative deal

Unifor says in a statement that member workers will begin job action on Aug. 17 by launching a ban on wearing uniforms, but no transit services will be disrupted.

Haida Gwaii rattled by magnitude 4.3 earthquake in B.C. waters

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake has struck off British Columbia's coast, with shaking reported across the islands of Haida Gwaii.

Get ready for 'meteor Christmas' with an added bonus: a partial solar eclipse

Every August we are treated to one of the best meteor showers of the year: the Perseids. But this year, during the day of the peak, much of Canada will also get a partial solar eclipse.

B.C. company to buy, convert 10 Canadian military aircraft for firefighting service

Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr announced the Canadian government will sell 10 of its used C-130 Hercules aircraft to B.C.-based aerospace company Coulson Aviation, which will convert them into firefighting aircraft.

Residents who remained in Okanagan wildfire evacuation zone need to leave, officials say

The organization (COEM) said it has become aware that some residents remained behind and said that an evacuation order is not a suggestion; it is a life-safety measure.

Bradley Creek wildfire fight threatened by wind with hot, dry conditions

The Bradley Creek wildfire has not grown significantly over the past few days, but crews are still working to prevent flare-ups and keep the area safe.

Small B.C. community surrounded by wildfires facing more ER closures

The emergency room department at 100 Mile District General Hospital is closed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and is expected to be closed for the same stretch on Sunday.

How organizations are adapting to a summer of smoke in B.C.'s Interior

About 10 per cent of tourists in Kelowna are cancelling their accommodation, with about 10 per cent of the occupied hotel rooms taken by wildfire evacuees. Tourism Kelowna says the city has more to offer than outdoor recreation, but last-minute cancellations are linked to smoky skies.

Vancouver-born NBA player died from effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities say

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke of Vancouver died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday.

‘Sober Once Again’: Nanaimo tugboat break-in suspect in recovery, pleads guilty

Security cameras captured Marcel Fontaine aboard the tugboat ‘Trend D Foam’, engaged in bizarre behaviour during a 30-hour stay earlier this year.

‘Beautiful and wonderful’ new seahorse species named after UBC professor

Amanda Vincent helps lead a global team in research, conservation and policy, which includes ensuring seahorses are not overharvested for traditional medicine, among other issues.

Entire community of Summerland ordered to evacuate due to fast-moving wildfire

The Bald Range fire grew to 50 square kilometres in three hours after it was first detected at 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday evening, said Erick Thompson with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's emergency operations centre.

U.S. booze might end up back on Canadian shelves, but have we lost the taste for it?

Canada is prepared to lift bans on sales of alcohol from the United States in exchange for U.S. tariff relief, sources told CBC this week. But a recent poll showed nearly 70 per cent of Canadians said they wouldn't buy American booze if it returns to store shelves north of the border.

Summerland under evacuation order due to fast-moving, aggressive wildfire

The BC Wildfire Service says it's displaying aggressive rank 5 behaviour, with an organized flame front with a fast rate of spread and moderate to long-range spotting.

B.C. wildfires likely to persist well into fall, scientist says

As evacuees throughout B.C. remain out of their homes after weeks of wildfires threatening their communities — some grappling with the destruction of their properties — wildfire scientist Mike Flannigan says the 2026 fire season this year is likely to extend into September and possibly beyond.

Fast-moving wildfire forces all of Summerland, B.C., to evacuate

B.C. declares province-wide state of emergency amidst wildfires

"This is one of the more challenging fires that we have ever faced": B.C. Wildfire Service

PHOTOS | Aggressive wildfire triggers evacuation of Summerland in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley

All 12,000 residents of the District of Summerland, B.C., have been ordered to evacuate after the aggressive Bald Range fire approached the Okanagan community. They're among around 20,000 told to leave their homes in the area due to the fire.

Why some B.C. farmers stay to fight in the face of wildfire

Multiple wildfires are burning in southern British Columbia, including the Bradley Creek fire which spread quickly last week around Okanagan Lake as heavy winds pushed flames over drought-parched lands.

RCMP report a possible fatality from massive Summerland fire

RCMP said officers continue to provide emergency response and assistance following the Bald Range fire that grew quickly and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Summerland wildfire forces large numbers of seniors in residential care to relocate

David Hickey, a driver with the High Acuity Response Team, helped receive dozens of seniors at Kaigo Senior Living Facility in Kelowna.

Video shows rapid night growth of Bald Range fire near Summerland

The Bald Range fire, which sparked around 5:30 p.m., grew so fast that homes were destroyed and the fast-moving flames trapped people.

Photos of Bald Range fire near Summerland show aggressive wildfire growth

The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland sparked at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and exploded in size to 9,500 hectares by Saturday morning.

B.C. premier declares wildfire state of emergency

B.C. Premier David Eby and emergency officials are set to provide an update Saturday as wildfires continue to force evacuations across the province.

'Active search' underway amid possible drowning at B.C.'s Cultus Lake

RCMP said they were called to reports of a possible drowning at Cultus Lake, near Chilliwack, B.C., on Saturday.

'Targeted' Surrey, B.C., shooting leaves man in hospital: police

Surrey, B.C., police are investigating a late-night shooting that left a man in hospital.

Video captures Faulder residents rescuing their dogs from vehicle surrounded by flames

A video has surfaced online that captures the dramatic moments when Faulder residents were trying to rescue their dogs from a vehicle that was surrounded by flames.

‘Explosive’ Summerland wildfire creating conditions ‘never seen before’

The BC Wildfire Service says it is one of the most challenging fires this province has ever faced, involving helicopter rescues of dozens of people trapped behind the fire line.

As massive B.C. wildfire raged, groups worked to rescue livestock, animals

When the Bald Range wildfire sparked near Summerland on Friday afternoon, thousands of residents prepared to leave their homes. But many have livestock and animals to care for.

Adult summer camps offer grown-ups a chance to get away from it all

Interest in summer camps for grown-ups is on the rise. More and more adults are seeking them out because they're nostalgic for the fun-filled summer days of childhood. Campers say they're eager to disconnect from their responsibilities and meet other people.

What you need to know about B.C. wildfires on Aug. 9

B.C. declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday, after explosive growth on the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland forced mass evacuations.

Kelowna ER physician says he's 'experiencing severe exhaustion' — and he's not alone

New survey data published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows one of every 10 emergency physicians in Canada have left their specialty, while the majority of others are reducing hours or taking time off to deal with burnout.

Recipe: Golden beer-battered lingcod with lemon caper tartar

Fish and chips is one of those dishes everyone thinks they know, until they have a really good one. Crisp, golden batter. Steaming hot fish. Cold tartar sauce. Lemon everywhere.

B.C. murder case acquittal due to tainted evidence leaves shock, confusion

Terry was found dead in her home on a First Nation reserve near Agassiz, B.C., in 2024, in a case of alleged intimate partner violence.

First Nations chiefs in B.C. call on Carney, Smith to halt advancing West Coast pipeline

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is calling on Ottawa and Alberta's government to halt efforts to advance the West Coast pipeline, saying expanding the oil industry will accelerate climate change and disasters.

First Nations chiefs in B.C. urge feds, Alberta to halt pipeline advancement

The group said it wanted to reaffirm that it's against the pipeline because government has not consulted and co-operated in good faith with the First Nations.

Feds approve assistance to help B.C. fire evacuees with shelter

Some wildfire evacuees in Penticton, B.C. reported having long wait times to register for assistance, with those who were interviewed saying they waited more than 14 or 15 hours.

80-year-old woman dies while fleeing aggressive Bald Range fire near Summerland

Penticton RCMP said the Meadow Valley resident was attempting to leave her home with one member of her family when she reportedly died suddenly.