Author: Andrew Rogers

Clear-cutting forests has been linked to a dramatic rise in the frequency and intensity of floods, according to a new study from a research team in British Columbia. The analysis found that in some cases, flooding became 18 times more likely, with larger floods happening far more often and lasting much longer than previously believed. The study focused on two neighboring watersheds in British Columbia that were both clear-cut in the late 1950s. One watershed faced north and the other south. The results showed a major difference in how the two responded to the forest removal. In the north-facing watershed,…

A Vernon-based theatre group has brought home top honors from British Columbia’s biggest drama event. Powerhouse Theatre returned from Mainstage 2025 in Fort St. John with four major awards, gaining recognition for both acting and design. The event, held from July 6 to 12, is the province’s leading drama festival. Hosted annually, it showcases the best of community theatre across British Columbia. This year’s festival included six standout shows, expert-led workshops, and live feedback from seasoned theatre professionals. Powerhouse Theatre performed the play Radium Girls, which received high praise and two of the top performance awards at the festival. The…

A road near the Sumas border crossing in Abbotsford, British Columbia, has reopened after a train derailment caused a temporary closure overnight. The Southern Railway of British Columbia Limited confirmed that traffic is now moving again on 4th Avenue, which had been closed earlier for safety reasons. The incident took place overnight when a freight train operated by the railway company derailed near the Canada-U.S. border. Authorities responded quickly to the scene. Thankfully, no one was injured, and there was no damage reported in the nearby community. Earlier in the day, the Abbotsford Police Department had posted on social media…

Kitimat, a small town in British Columbia, has entered a new phase of development with the launch of a $40-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. In June, the first shipment of LNG left the port, marking a milestone in Canada’s energy export plans. However, the project has sparked debate among residents, environmental experts, and Indigenous leaders about its long-term effects on health, nature, and climate. The LNG Canada facility transforms natural gas into liquid form for shipping overseas. While this promises jobs and income, it also brings air pollution, greenhouse gases, and noise. Flaring from the site releases harmful chemicals…

Thousands of public service workers in British Columbia are preparing for a strike vote after contract talks with the government broke down. The union representing over 34,000 employees says months of negotiations failed to produce a fair agreement, especially on wages, remote work rules, and contract modernization. Paul Finch, president of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), said the current offer from the province does not meet the needs of workers. He highlighted that many members are struggling with rising living costs, while their wages have not kept up with inflation. Finch warned that without better pay, the province could…

Modern travel agency Fora Travel has expanded its Canadian presence to British Columbia. The move comes as domestic bookings rise sharply and demand for local travel advisors grows. With a unique platform and new savings tools, the company is helping more Canadians turn travel into a career. Fora Travel, a tech-focused travel agency, has announced its official launch in British Columbia. The expansion follows a successful debut in Ontario earlier this year and marks a key step in the company’s national growth plan. Registered with Consumer Protection B.C., Fora Travel is now fully operational in the province. The company offers…

Matt Cooke, a former NHL forward known for his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been named head coach and general manager of the Vernon Vipers. The Vipers play in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), a junior “A” league considered the second-highest level of junior hockey in Canada. The team officially announced Cooke’s hiring on Friday. At 46 years old, he brings years of hockey knowledge and experience to his new role. Cooke has been active in coaching since ending his professional playing career in 2015. He first took charge behind the bench as head coach at Chaska High…

The British and Irish Lions are set to face Australia in the first of three crucial Test matches this weekend. The result will play a major role in deciding the success of the Lions’ summer tour. Fans across the world are eagerly waiting for the action to begin. The Lions enter this Test with strong momentum. They have won all five of their warm-up games in Australia, many of them with dominant scores. The team has shown solid defense, fast movement, and strong teamwork throughout the tour. Coach Andy Farrell has guided the team well, and now the real challenge…

The government of British Columbia has reversed its decision to stop funding a vital medication for 10-year-old Charleigh Pollock, who suffers from a rare and fatal illness called Batten disease. The move comes after strong criticism from the public and a new letter from U.S. medical experts, which challenged the original ruling. Charleigh’s condition, which leads to severe seizures and loss of motor skills, can be slowed by the drug Brineura. However, the province had recently halted public coverage after a group of Canadian health experts claimed the drug was no longer effective enough to justify its high cost. Without…

A woman has died after a serious incident in Richmond, B.C., that police are treating as a homicide. One man has been arrested in connection with the case, according to local authorities. The event happened late Friday morning on Capstan Way, near the intersection with Sexsmith Road. Police say officers were called to the home around 10:40 a.m. in response to an emergency. When officers arrived, they found a woman with critical injuries. She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved. Medical staff confirmed her death shortly after arrival. Details about the victim’s identity have…