Author: Andrew Rogers

Family, friends, and local cyclists in Prince George came together on Sunday for a heartfelt group bike ride. The event paid tribute to a cyclist who tragically died in a hit-and-run while training for a charity ride. The community’s ride was the first without the lost rider. His teammates rode under a special police escort, showing respect and support during the difficult moment. The cyclist had been preparing for a fundraising event to help others. His death has deeply affected the local cycling group and the wider community. Many participants said the ride was a way to remember him and…

The Victoria Foundation has provided $5.35 million in community grants to 209 non-profit organizations in the capital region. This essential funding supports charities serving local needs, thanks to generous donors committed to improving their community. The grants come through the Foundation’s flagship Community Grants Program called Vital Stream. The program offers flexible, general operating funds to help non-profits strengthen their services and build long-term community resilience. Demand for support continues to grow. In 2025, the Community Grants Program received a record 346 applications, including 68 from groups applying for the first time. The total requested funding was $9.1 million, up…

The Silly Boat Regatta filled Nanaimo Harbour with joy and community spirit on Sunday, July 20. The annual event, held at Maffeo Sutton Park, raises funds for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (CDC) and draws locals eager to support a good cause while enjoying a day on the water. This year, a higher tide made the regatta even more exciting, with many participants — and spectators — getting wet. Some boats sank during the race, adding to the fun and laughter. The winner of the Silly Boat Regatta was first-time participant Aarsen Gutters. Their team finished the course, circling the…

Kamloops Search Rescue teams were active on the evening of Saturday, July 19, responding to two separate calls near Kamloops Lake. The first call came at about 6:45 p.m., when BC Emergency Health Services asked for help with a dirt biker who had hurt his shoulder. The injured rider managed to contact the RCMP just before the rescue team arrived at a location southwest of Kamloops. A companion riding with the injured biker helped guide the rescue team to the injured man. However, this companion needed help himself and was safely escorted back to Duffy Lake by the rescue team.…

North Vancouver is alive with music this summer as the free Live & Local concert series returns. This event brings good vibes and live music to various outdoor spots across the city. From July through August, local and visiting artists perform in parks and villages across North Vancouver. The concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m., giving everyone a chance to enjoy summer nights with friends and family without spending a dime. Locations include Seylynn Park, Lynn Valley Village, Panorama Park, Lions Gate Village, Edgemont Village, and Ray Perrault Park. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere and multiple performances to…

Kamloops United Football Club (KUFC) faced defeats in both their men’s and women’s teams during their last away matches of the 2025 League1 BC season on Saturday, July 19, in Langley. In the women’s game, Kamloops lost 2-1 to Langley United. Cara Freeman gave Kamloops an early lead just before half-time. However, Langley responded strongly in the second half with goals from Megan Sun and Paige Colby. This defeat marked Kamloops women’s 11th loss of the season. The Kamloops women’s team will finish last in the division. They have only one win and six points from 15 games, trailing Burnaby…

The Beaufort Delta region in the Northwest Territories will come alive next month with three music festivals, giving locals many nights to enjoy live music and dance. The celebrations begin on August 1 and 2 with the 40th annual Midway Lake Music Festival. This event takes place south of Fort McPherson along the Dempster Highway. Next up is the Arctic Ocean Music Festival in Tuktoyaktuk, scheduled for August 8 and 9. The festival’s organizer and Tuktoyaktuk’s mayor, Erwin Elias, is also a singer. He hopes the festival will encourage new musicians to grow in the community along the Arctic coast.…

Family and friends gathered to remember Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna mother of two, weeks after her tragic death in a daylight attack. The memorial took place Saturday night at Mission Sports Field. Attendees shared memories and tied posters and pictures of the 32-year-old woman to the baseball diamond fences. Bailey’s mother, Karen Fehr, said the location was very meaningful for her and her daughter. “She grew up playing ball here,” Fehr said. “First on the coast, then here. She started playing at High Noon Ball Park when she was a child. Whenever she didn’t play, I did on other nights.…

Beacon Community Services, a non-profit based in the Saanich Peninsula, has received recognition as a top family support service provider in British Columbia. The organization is a nominee for the 2025 Carol Matusicky Distinguished Service to Families Award. This honor comes from the BC Council for Families, highlighting Beacon’s strong partnership with School District 63 (SD63) and the Individual Learning Centre (ILC). The award recognizes groups and individuals across B.C. who have made a lasting impact on family well-being. Beacon Community Services was nominated for its collaborative work with SD63 and the ILC. Together, they offer inclusive programs and wraparound…

In 2024, 144 workers in Coquitlam earned more than $150,000, showing a notable rise in city salaries compared to previous years. This comes as the city’s debt dropped and tax revenue increased, reflecting a stronger financial position. Among the highest-paid city officials was Chief Administrative Officer Raul Allueva, whose total pay, including expenses, reached $422,803. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Hunt earned $373,507, also including expenses. Mayor Richard Stewart received $232,602 last year, which is roughly $13,000 more than his 2023 earnings. City councillors earned $84,072 on average in 2024, up from $78,311 in 2023. Their benefits totaled $7,279. Expenses…