Author: Owen McKenzie
Owen McKenzie
Owen McKenzie is an experienced journalist based in Port Alberni, known for his in-depth local reporting and community engagement. With over 12 years in the field, Owen is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University and has contributed to publications such as the Alberni Valley News and CBC Vancouver Island. He is an active member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and is passionate about covering rural development, labor issues, and coastal conservation efforts.
The wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island is now classified as “being held” after a week of intense fire activity that forced several evacuation orders. Officials confirmed that the situation has stabilized, though nearby Bamfield remains cut off and without power. The BC Wildfire Service reported that the fire, which covers about 35 square kilometres, is expected to remain within its current boundary. This shift in status marks significant progress after days of uncertainty and challenging firefighting conditions. At its peak, the Port Alberni wildfire showed aggressive behaviour. Flames spread quickly through the dry forested area, driven by strong…
Traffic has resumed on Highway 4 between Parksville and Port Alberni after a crash that blocked the road for several hours on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., forcing drivers to wait in long lines as authorities worked to clear the scene. The closure caused significant delays for commuters and travelers in the area. Initially, officials could not provide a time for when the highway would reopen. DriveBC, the provincial traffic service, had announced that an update on the closure would be available at 7 p.m. However, earlier updates indicated the information might not include a clear reopening…
RCMP in Port Alberni are investigating three suspicious deaths that occurred within a nine-day period in early August, raising concern among residents on Vancouver Island. The incidents began with an early-morning house fire, followed by a car found ablaze containing human remains, and concluded with a fatal assault. Authorities have confirmed all three deaths are under active investigation by both the RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service. Cpl. Alex Bérubé, media relations officer for the RCMP, said it is too early to determine whether the deaths are connected. “The risks to the public remain unknown at this time,” he said,…
A wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is now classified as being held after prompting multiple evacuation orders last week. According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire covers roughly 35 square kilometres and is expected to stay within its current boundaries. Authorities say the fire initially showed aggressive and intense behaviour but was slowed down by heavy rainfall over the weekend. Evacuation orders and alerts issued by local authorities, including the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, the City of Port Alberni, and the Tseshaht First Nation, were downgraded on Wednesday. Residents in many areas are now allowed to…
The wildfire near Port Alberni received a much-needed break when steady rainfall eased fire activity, helping crews push forward in their containment efforts. The Mount Underwood wildfire, the only major fire of concern in the province, has burned out of control since early August. Now, firefighters are finding better conditions to fight the blaze after more than 36 millimetres of rain fell in the area. Officials confirmed that the downpour helped reduce the intensity of the flames, creating a safer environment for fire crews working long hours in difficult terrain. While the fire is still considered out of control, experts…
The Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni has grown to 3,668 hectares, as overnight rain brought some relief but did not fully stop the blaze. The fire, first discovered on Monday, has at times shown unusually aggressive behaviour for Vancouver Island. The B.C. Wildfire Service reported that about seven millimetres of rain fell overnight, reducing the fire to mostly a smouldering ground blaze. Officials warn that this small amount of rain will slow the fire but is not enough to extinguish it. Meteorologist Brian Proctor of Environment Canada said an additional 10 to 20 millimetres of rain was expected Friday,…
The Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island has expanded rapidly to 13.9 square kilometres. This is almost three times larger than the initial size reported late Monday. The fire has prompted evacuation orders and road closures, affecting local communities and services. The BC Wildfire Service has classified the fire as a “fire of note” due to its rapid growth and significant impact. The blaze has cut off the main highway between Port Alberni and Bamfield, a community about 90 kilometres southwest of Port Alberni. Officials have closed the road and urged people to avoid traveling to Bamfield…
Early on Wednesday, August 6, a burned vehicle with a body inside was found in Port Alberni, sparking an ongoing police investigation. At about 3:19 a.m., local police received a call to help the fire department with a car fire in a small lot near the BC Transit bus depot on Fourth Avenue. When firefighters put out the flames, officers discovered human remains inside the badly burned car. The vehicle was parked in the 3700 block of Fourth Avenue. Police have not yet identified the victim or released further details about the case. A nearby resident, Trevor, who preferred not…
Emmanuelle Vaugier is a Canadian actress best known for her versatile roles in popular TV series and films. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made a significant mark in the entertainment world through memorable performances in shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “CSI: NY.” Her charm and talent have earned her a loyal fan base worldwide. Quick Facts About Emmanuelle Vaugier CategoryDetailsFull NameEmmanuelle VaugierBirthdate & PlaceJune 23, 1976, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaNationalityCanadianProfessionActress, ModelHeight5 ft 7 in (170 cm)Spouse & ChildrenNot publicly married; no childrenParentsNicole Vaugier (mother), Jean Vaugier (father)EducationAttended Burnaby Central Secondary SchoolCareer Start1995Breakthrough RoleMia…
Emmanuelle Vaugier has built a career portraying women with determination, resilience, and confidence. When asked which role felt most like her real personality, the Vancouver-born actress points to Mia, the bubbly ballet teacher in Two and a Half Men. In the show’s seventh season opener, Mia seeks help from ex-fiancé Charlie, played by Charlie Sheen, to launch a singing career. Her off-key performance of a Lou Rawls hit became one of the sitcom’s most memorable comedic moments. Vaugier recalls the role fondly, saying Mia reflected her goofier, lighter side—quite different from the villains and mysterious figures she often plays. Although…