Author: Andrew Rogers

Langford Lake’s Leigh Road beach is now under a swimming warning due to unsafe E. coli bacteria levels. Health officials say the water is not safe for recreational use. Island Health announced the advisory on Wednesday after water tests showed elevated E. coli bacteria. This type of bacteria can cause illness if people swim or come into contact with the water. The health authority explains that beach advisories happen when water samples show high bacteria or other contaminants. These conditions raise the risk of health problems for swimmers and visitors. This advisory adds Langford Lake to a growing list of…

The Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) has successfully reached its $120,000 fundraising target to support the relocation and expansion of its West Kelowna branch. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the food bank’s mission to provide better service to those in need. In May, COFB moved into a larger facility at 203-3710 Hoskins Road in West Kelowna. The new space has made day-to-day operations smoother for staff and volunteers. It also improved the experience for clients who rely on the food bank’s support. The funds raised are being put toward essential infrastructure upgrades. These include a new movable…

More science is challenging Canada’s plan to end ocean-based salmon farming in British Columbia. In Campbell River, a community BBQ on July 24 will highlight this debate with food, facts, and local support. The event takes place at Robert V. Ostler Park and expects over 1,000 people. It is hosted by the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA). The BBQ aims to raise money for the Campbell River Food Bank and to back an industry under threat from Ottawa’s plan to close all ocean salmon farms by 2029. Brian Kingzett, BCSFA’s Executive Director, said, “At a time when food prices are…

The Penticton BCHL team will not play during the 2025-2026 season. League officials confirmed they could not find a new location for the team in time for the upcoming season. This change comes after Penticton was awarded a Western Hockey League (WHL) expansion franchise earlier this year. Jesse Adamson, a spokesperson for the BCHL, said the team will pause operations next season while the league looks to move the franchise to a new city. “Our hope is that it’s resolved in time for the 2026-27 season, but that will only happen if we find the right fit,” Adamson said in…

A strong thunderstorm caused a power outage for more than 2,000 customers in Vernon, Coldstream, and Lake Country on Monday night. Around 2,111 homes and businesses lost electricity as the storm passed through the area. The blackout left many residents in the dark and disrupted normal activities. BC Hydro quickly dispatched a repair crew to fix the issue. Officials said power should be back by 10:10 p.m. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, which likely damaged power lines and caused the outage. Residents were urged to stay safe and avoid downed wires during the event. Local authorities reminded…

Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver has a fascinating past that many locals may not know. If you visit this popular summer spot on the North Shore, you are actually walking on reclaimed land. Before 1965, much of the area was swampy and underwater. In 1914, Ambleside was divided into lots. People built simple homes and a few small businesses there. Because the land often flooded, many buildings stood on stilts. For example, Overington’s barber shop was raised above the water. Most structures had just a wooden floor, some walls, and a canvas roof. Back then, a large slough cut through…

A growing number of young Canadians are calling on the government to lower the voting age to 16. Their demands come after the United Kingdom recently signaled it will allow 16-year-olds to vote. This move has renewed discussions in Canada about youth involvement in democracy. Among those leading the push are 18-year-old twins Jason and Jerry Song from West Vancouver. They recently spoke to a parliamentary committee in British Columbia. The committee is reviewing possible changes to the voting system. Jerry Song said the U.K. has taken a big step forward in modernizing democracy. He believes Canada should not fall…

White Spot’s popular Pirate Pak Day returns on Wednesday, August 13, with the Maple Ridge location joining 50 others across the province to support a special cause. For every Pirate Pak meal sold that day, $2 will be donated to Zajac Ranch for Children, helping kids with serious health conditions enjoy a fun-filled camp experience. Zajac Ranch, based in Mission, British Columbia, is a fully accessible summer camp designed for children and young adults with medical needs or physical and mental disabilities. The camp provides activities and care that allow these children to experience independence, build confidence, and make lasting…

Crime in Prince George appears to be dropping, according to new data from Statistics Canada. Local officials say this matches what they’ve seen in recent months. But not everyone believes the numbers reflect what’s really happening on the streets. City Councillor Ron Polillo, a member of the Public Safety Committee, welcomed the news. He said the data supports what the committee has heard from local RCMP officials during monthly meetings. “It’s good news,” Polillo said, adding that more work still needs to be done to improve public safety. He pointed to the upcoming relaunch of the Community Block Watch program…

Police in Victoria, B.C., are investigating claims of sexual misconduct made against the owner and head coach of a martial arts gym located downtown. The gym in question is Zuma Martial Arts, and at least two women have come forward with serious accusations. The women, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, say they experienced unwanted touching and verbal harassment while training at the gym. One woman, referred to as Jane, said she received inappropriate comments about her body and was asked invasive personal questions. Jane described one incident that pushed her to leave the gym. During a…