Prickly Pickles & Political Shenanigans — Your Vancouver Week in Review

Average B.C. snowpack of 92% masks 'strong regional divide,' says provincial bulletin

B.C.'s latest snow survey and water supply bulletin says the provincial average snowpack is sitting at about 92 per cent of what's considered normal, an improvement over the 79 per cent average at the same time last year.

These B.C. students are trying to drum up $250K to save their music programs

For a trio of B.C. high school band students, the idea came to them, clear as a bell: if no one else would step in to save their school’s music programs — they would.

Everything you need to know about Canada Reads 2026

The great Canadian book debate takes place April 13-16.

B.C. NDP MLA to withdraw bill that aimed to speed up housing approval by restricting professional peer reviews

A B.C. NDP MLA bill has signalled he will withdraw a controversial bill that sought to speed up housing approvals by restricting the ability of municipalities to peer review development applications that were certified by professionals.

B.C. gov't providing $400K for school buses in New Westminster's Queensborough area

Even with the new provincial funding that was announced earlier this week, the New Westminster School District says they're working with the city and transit authority TransLink to find a long-term sustainable solution.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim's response to defamation lawsuit states Sean Orr 'supported drug use'

Ken Sim's response response, filed with the B.C. Supreme Court on Tuesday, says Sim's comments wouldn't lower Orr's reputation in the community, given the councillor's "words, actions and statements regarding the use and supply of drugs" both before and since his election to Vancouver's council.

Rustad says 'dirty trick' by B.C. United may have cost Conservatives election victory

Elections B.C. says B.C. United was behind a website calling for former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad to be ousted before the 2024 provincial election.

Major construction begins on Highway 11 interchange in Abbotsford, B.C.

B.C.'s transportation minister says major construction is underway at the Highway 11 interchange on Highway 1 in Abbotsford, B.C., and drivers can expect some disruptions for the next few years.

Immigration Department informing some 30,000 applicants they may be ineligible for refugee hearings

Canada's Immigration Department is sending tens of thousands of refugee claimants letters that they may not be eligible for asylum — and is telling some of them that they should leave immediately.

Religious leaders in Victoria say increase in police-reported hate crimes 'not surprising'

A recent report from Statistics Canada shows the number of police-reported incidents in the Capital Regional District, which includes Victoria, B.C., doubled between 2022 to 2024.

The ostrich con: Arguments to save birds from cull in B.C. were based on falsehoods, evidence shows

The 10-month standoff on a B.C. ostrich farm last year was the most expensive poultry cull in Canada’s history. A fifth estate investigation reveals the campaign to save the ostriches was based on falsehoods.

Maya Gebala heading to L.A. for treatment after offer from Dana White

Global News has learned that UFC president Dana White will be covering the costs of Maya Gebala's treatment while in an L.A. hospital. .

Immunization rates in B.C. falling since COVID-19 pandemic, data shows

Childhood immunization rates for most vaccines have been falling since the pandemic, a CBC News analysis of provincial data has found, raising concerns among public health officials about increased vulnerability to infectious disease.

After 4 years of council fights, New Westminster has a clear mayoral race in October

In some ways, New Westminster might have the most straightforward election in Metro Vancouver come October: an incumbent mayor seeks re-election by saying the good work the city is doing has to continue, while emphasizing certain political values.

Habs in playoffs, Oilers and Sens inch closer

The Montreal Canadiens have already punched a ticket. The Edmonton Oilers are nearly there, too. 

B.C.'s March unemployment rate hit 6.7%, highest since pandemic: report

B.C. lost 19,000 jobs in March, data shows, pushing the unemployment rate up to 6.7 per cent. That's the highest level for the province's jobless rate in about a decade, outside of the first couple of years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada-wide World Cup trophy tour begins with unveiling in Vancouver

The glittering prize of soccer's biggest showcase has made a stop in Vancouver.

B.C.’s drought conditions show ‘strong regional divide’ between north and south

A low snowpack could mean drought and water restrictions for parts of the province this year, but it's not a guarantee, hydrologist Jonathan Boyd said.

Shelter-in-place lifted after chlorine gas exposure hospitalized 8 at Victoria swimming pool

Transportation remains key issue impacting MMIWG2S on Highway of Tears, 2 decades later

Safer transportation to discourage hitchhiking between communities was one of 33 recommendations produced by the original 2006 symposium and took 10 years advocacy to bring to fruition, with gaps persisting.

U.S. appears to lower Canadian softwood lumber tariffs — but uncertainty remains

The U.S. Department of Commerce has posted its preliminary tariff determination for the sector, estimated at just short of 25 per cent, lower than the current duty rate of more than 35 per cent.

First Nations leaders strongly oppose B.C. plan to pause DRIPA as Eby defends move ahead of confidence vote

First Nations leaders in B.C. are urging B.C. NDP MLAs to reject Premier David Eby’s plan to suspend some sections of the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), as the government prepares to bring the proposal forward as a confidence vote.

‘Not good enough’: Downtown Van calls for action on Granville Street

“Downtowns matter and they are absolutely worth fighting for,” Downtown Van CEO Jane Talbot told Global News following the release of the 2026 State of Downtown report.

First Nations leaders urge B.C. to uphold DRIPA: ‘We will not back down’

'This is an historical moment for First Nations and we will not back down,' Robert Phillips, First Nations Summit Political Executive, said at a press conference on Friday.

8 people taken to hospital after ‘chemical incident’ at Victoria pool

A City of Victoria spokesperson told Global News that the pool on Quadra Street and the nearby park were evacuated as a precaution.

Memorial mass held for victims of Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy

Survivors and relatives of victims were joined by British Columbia Premier David Eby, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim at St. Andrew Parish church on Friday to honour the victims of the tragedy on April 26, 2025.

'It means so much': Highway of Tears' family members unveil Pillar of Hope in Prince George

Family members of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered along the Highway of Tears gathered in Prince George, B.C., to witness the unveiling of a monument called the Pillar of Hope.

Okanagan snowpack at lowest in 40 years as drought fears ramp up

The chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board says as drought fears ramp up, so too does planning as the region braces for what could be a very dry summer.

‘Nobody gets free pickles on BC Ferries’: Family’s White Spot experience goes viral

Jeff Groot, executive director of communications at BC Ferries, told Global News that it is unfortunate that the family had the situation they did.

B.C. loses more jobs in March, unemployment rate highest in a decade

The unemployment rate in British Columbia is now 6.7 per cent, which is the highest in a decade, except for the height of the COVID pandemic.

Class action proposed as South Okanagan residents prepare to vote on $33M water cost

A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed over the safety of a drinking water system near Penticton, B.C., as residents of the rural area prepare to vote Saturday on whether to foot the $33-million loan needed to repair it.

Why freshwater migratory fish need ‘safe passage’ globally as numbers decline

A global assessment on migratory freshwater fish species, published in March, found that there are 325 species of migratory fish crossing international borders that need deliberate action in order to survive.

Residents of Vernon mobile home park without power indefinitely

The site's electrical system was disconnected because it has been deemed hazardous by Technical Safety B.C. Crown Villa's landlord says she cannot afford to pay for the repairs.

WorkSafeBC issues $182,000 fine after Prince George refinery worker sprayed by hot oil

WorkSafeBC says Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. has been handed a $182,282.38 penalty after investigating a Nov. 5, 2025 incident.

Liberal members vote in favour of age restrictions for social media, AI chatbots

Liberal members voted in favour of restricting young Canadians' access to social media platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots, as the party's national convention winds down in Montreal.

Invasive plants are threatening our forests. These volunteers want to weed them out

Rachael Tancock visits the W̱S͸ḴEM Ivy Project on Vancouver Island, where land steward Sarah Jim is leading volunteer efforts to remove invasive English ivy and restore native plants. Produced as part of CBC B.C.'s Creator Network, "Planting Curiosity" is a series that dives into the wonderful and wild world of plants.

Stray bullet enters family's car on forest service road outside Mission, police issue warning

Officials issue reminder about gun safety following a close call where a stray bullet entered a family’s car outside Mission, B.C.

Milobar drops campaign manager after Elections B.C. investigation into anti-Rustad website, mail outs

Peter Milobar’s longtime campaign manager is stepping aside just days after Elections B.C. fined B.C. United over a misleading website and mail outs targeting former Conservative leader John Rustad.

'Breaks my heart': Investigation launched after black bear found dead on Sunshine Coast road

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said as the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be provided at this time.

Victoria's Crystal Pool is safe again but remains closed until Tuesday, spokesperson says

B.C.'s environment ministry said the chlorine gas resulted from mixing approximately 20 litres of 12 per cent chlorine with 20 litres of hydrochloric acid.

Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade returns with tightened security, revised route

With dump trucks blocking intersections and barriers lining the streets, security was visibly tighter as hundreds of thousands gathered for Vancouver’s annual Vaisakhi Parade on Saturday.

The R-word was taboo as a slur for people with disabilities. Now it's being normalized again

The R-word has been considered taboo for several years, as a slur against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, the word appears to be undergoing a resurgence and normalization.

Comedy actor Zach Galifianakis shines a light on Vancouver Island farms in new Netflix series

What does a Hollywood star do when he moves to a southern B.C. island? Start a gardening show, of course.

Attendance for 2nd event inviting Americans to Nanaimo, B.C., estimated to double from last year

Organizers of an upcoming event welcoming Americans to Nanaimo for a second time say they expect twice as many people as last year to visit the mid-Vancouver Island city later this month.

Recipe: Kalamata olive, mint and pumpkin seed tapenade

This olive, mint and pumpkin seed tapenade pairs perfectly with rare seared albacore tuna! It's a favourite aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and sure to elevate any dish!

White scores, rolling Whitecaps blank NYC FC 2-0

Few would have blamed Brian White for succumbing to frustration on Saturday night and in the 87th minute, on his seventh on-target shot of the night, the ball went in.

Métis Nation British Columbia removes president following allegations of misconduct

The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) says its board of directors have voted to remove president Walter Mineault, alleging he breached his fiduciary duty. In an April 9 press release, MNBC said an election will be held to replace Mineault, with vice president Melanie Allard appointed as their interim president.

How do you break bad news to someone you love? With this B.C. artist’s help, it’s a piece of cake

True confessions become delicious confections in this public art exhibition. Presented by Vancouver’s Capture Photography Festival, Secret Ingredients is at the Richmond-Brighouse Station through March 2027.

RCMP warn against bringing firearms to detachments under federal buyback program

RCMP are warning gun owners wanting to turn in their assault-style firearms under the federal buyback program, to not bring guns to policed detachments.