Author: Ryan Kim

Walmart has permanently closed its store in Prince Rupert, B.C., leaving the community with fewer shopping options. The store had been temporarily closed since July 30 over building concerns, but the company confirmed the closure is now permanent, effective immediately. In a public statement, Walmart said the decision followed a thorough review of all options. “We know how much the community valued this store and while this is not the outcome we hoped for, this decision was only made after a full review of options,” the company said. The closure significantly affects local residents, particularly low-income shoppers and those who…

Walmart has permanently closed its store in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, citing safety concerns for employees and customers. The closure comes amid a crime rate in the northern city of 12,000 residents that is more than double the provincial average. In a Facebook statement, Walmart said the decision followed a careful review of the store’s operations and long-term plans. “After thoughtful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to permanently close our Prince Rupert store, effective immediately,” the company wrote. The store had initially closed temporarily over safety concerns, but the extended shutdown prompted a broader assessment of the location and…

A coroner’s inquest has been scheduled to review the tragic 2023 deaths of a family of four in Prince Rupert. The inquest will begin on October 6 at the Burnaby Coroner’s Court and is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Janet Nguyen, 35, her husband Christopher Duong, 38, and their two young children, Alexander, aged four, and Harlan, aged two. The family was discovered deceased in their home on Silverside Drive on June 13, 2023. At the time, the RCMP’s major crimes unit launched a homicide investigation but confirmed there was no threat to the…

A lawsuit against the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline has been dismissed by the B.C. Supreme Court. Justice Michael Tammen ruled that the groups who filed the petition did not have the legal standing to continue with their challenge. The case was filed in March by the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, the Kispiox Valley Community Centre Association, and the Kispiox Band council. They accused the BC Energy Regulator of approving construction on section 5B of the pipeline without requiring an updated cumulative effects assessment. They argued that because the environmental assessment certificate was nearing the end of its ten-year…

The Chetwynd eagle sculpture, a gift to Prince Rupert, has been fully restored after an act of vandalism damaged one of its wings shortly after it was presented. The Chetwynd eagle sculpture, a detailed wood carving gifted to Prince Rupert, has been restored after being vandalized earlier this year. The restoration brings relief to both communities, as the carving represents friendship and cultural connection between the two northern towns. The eagle was presented in May during the North Central Local Government Association conference. The District of Chetwynd gave the sculpture as a gesture of goodwill and unity. The large wooden…

A hunter miraculously survived after tumbling 90 metres down a steep mountainous trail near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Rescue crews described the incident as a serious but survivable accident, crediting both preparation and quick response for saving his life. The incident occurred on August 2 near Lachmach Lake, roughly 50 kilometres by road from Prince Rupert. Authorities received a report about two goat hunters in distress, prompting a search and rescue operation in the challenging terrain. Jordy Bouillet, president of the Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue team, said the hunter suffered multiple fractures to his lower limbs after falling…

Prince Rupert saw a major drop in its crime severity index (CSI) in 2024, according to new data from Statistics Canada released on July 22. The city recorded a CSI of 172.93, down from 216.74 the year before — a 20.21% decrease. This change also shifted its provincial ranking from 19th place in 2023 to 22nd among 183 police jurisdictions in British Columbia. The improvement follows a higher ranking in 2022, when Prince Rupert was 15th with a CSI of 192.68. Experts note that cities with smaller populations can see bigger statistical swings, especially when a few serious crimes, such…

A hunter is lucky to be alive after falling nearly 300 feet in a remote area near Lachmach Lake in northern British Columbia. The dramatic rescue took place on August 2, when emergency services responded to a distress call from the backcountry. Seven members from Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue (PRGSAR), along with three volunteers from Terrace Search and Rescue, took part in the mission. They were called in by BC Emergency Health Services to help two hunters stranded in dangerous terrain. One of the hunters had tumbled down a steep slope and suffered serious injuries to his lower…

A landfill fire in Prince Rupert has forced the city to close the municipal dump for the entire long weekend. The fire was discovered early Friday morning and quickly led to a complete shutdown of the site. Officials say the fire is extremely serious. The city is now working with experts and emergency crews to manage the situation. The landfill will remain closed until at least Tuesday morning. It will only reopen if safety teams confirm it is safe. City workers responded quickly after detecting the fire. Emergency crews are on site to control the flames and prevent the fire…