Author: Lily Roberts

A B.C. ferry crash caused delays on the Sunshine Coast on Friday after a Dodge pickup truck collided with a ramp on the Malaspina Sky in Powell River. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle’s brakes failed, leading to significant damage but no injuries. The incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. during the loading process. Police said the Dodge pickup struck the galley ramp while attempting to board the ferry. The crash heavily damaged the truck and forced ferry operators to delay multiple sailings. RCMP Cpl. Alex Bérubé stated that initial evidence points to a “malfunctioning brake system” as the cause of…

Representatives of Strength of Unified Lives (SOUL) Society introduced their organization to City of Powell River councillors, advocating for comprehensive recovery solutions for individuals living with addiction. At the August 19 committee of the whole meeting, following a musical presentation on recovery by performer Flash Being, Tony Stich spoke on behalf of SOUL, describing it as a coalition of lived experience, truth tellers, and community advocates. “Our mission is simple but urgent,” said Stich. “It’s to expose harm, end silence, and work toward recovery-centred solutions. We care deeply about Powell River and its future and believe there is a better…

Powell River council has moved forward with discussions on city-owned property disposition, approving staff reports for three community projects while considering broader priorities for land use and planning. At a recent committee of the whole meeting, councillors voted to direct staff to prepare detailed reports on requests from the Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS), the qathet Pickleball Association, and the Four Tides Hospice Society. Each group has asked for access to surplus city land to support its initiatives. The decision builds on a previous August council meeting where land management and policy updates were discussed. City development manager Melissa…

Representatives from the Strength of Unified Lives (SOUL) Society urged leaders in Powell River to adopt recovery solutions for addiction during a recent council meeting. The group introduced its mission to bring balance, safety, and dignity to the community. The meeting opened with a musical performance by an artist known as Flash Being, who shared a story of recovery through music. Afterward, SOUL spokesperson Tony Stich addressed councillors, describing the society as a coalition of people with lived experience, community advocates, and truth tellers. He explained that SOUL’s mission is to expose harm, end silence, and build recovery-focused solutions, driven…

At a recent city meeting, residents shared their concerns about a new 24/7 shelter and overdose prevention site planned for Barnet Street. Members of the Westview Ratepayers Society spoke before council, asking for stronger safeguards to protect both the community and people using the shelter. The project, announced in late July, involves a five-year lease agreement between the city and BC Housing. The facility is expected to cost $4.6 million and will serve as a temporary site until a larger supportive housing complex is built near the hospital. The plan aims to address increased homelessness following the closure of the…

A wildfire near Powell Lake, close to Powell River’s Townsite and Wildwood neighborhoods, is now under control as of 12:16 p.m. on Monday, August 11, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Being under control means the fire is not expected to spread beyond its current boundary. The fire, located near Kinsman Beach on Powell Lake, was first reported on Sunday, August 10. Officials estimate the blaze covers roughly one hectare. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Around 30 personnel from the BC Wildfire Service, Powell River Fire Rescue, and Powell River RCMP responded to the fire. They…

Ferry service between Powell River and the Sunshine Coast faced delays Friday morning after a pickup truck suffered a brake failure during boarding. The incident occurred on the Malaspina Sky vessel, leading to the cancellation of several sailings while the ship was checked for damage. Authorities reported that the crash happened shortly after 7:30 a.m., when a Dodge pickup hit the galley ramp during the loading process. The impact caused significant damage to the front of the truck. According to police, the vehicle’s brake system was not working properly at the time of the accident. “Evidence suggests the truck had…

July was an exciting month for humpback whale sightings in the qathet region. Locals and tourists alike reported many encounters with the giant sea mammals. Most of the sightings happened around Willingdon Beach and near the south end of Ahgykson Island in the Malaspina Strait. According to Susan MacKay, executive director of the Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWS), she saw several whales breaching and blowing in the mid-July sun. On July 26 around 5:45 p.m., observer Glynis Higgins reported seeing two or three humpback whales playing in the middle of the channel off Westview. She noted that a mother and…

People facing homelessness in Powell River will soon have more help as the Province and the City join forces to open a new temporary shelter. This new initiative is aimed at keeping people safe, moving them indoors, and connecting them with the services they need to begin rebuilding their lives. Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, emphasized that while homelessness remains a complex issue, the government is seeing positive results from ongoing work. She said efforts are focused on offering safe shelter and long-term solutions. The new shelter, planned for 7104 Barnet Street, will provide 40 beds. It…