Author: Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers is a seasoned local news journalist and analyst at British Columbia Today, specializing in covering politics, finance, and global affairs as they impact BC communities. With a passion for investigative reporting, he delivers insightful, accurate stories that resonate with readers across the province. Andrew’s dedication to clarity and depth ensures British Columbia Today’s audience stays well-informed and engaged.

The Municipality of North Cowichan has reached a new three-year labour agreement with CUPE Local 358, marking the end of a lengthy negotiation process. The agreement brings stability for both the municipality and its workers while ensuring the delivery of vital community services continues without disruption. The new deal follows several months of talks and was finalized with help from a mediator from the Labour Relations Board. Workers and management both approved the agreement after reaching a mutual understanding. The terms of the deal include a five percent wage increase for each of the next three years. In addition to…

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A stalled West Kelowna industrial site is finally set to move forward after being sold for nearly $6 million. The property, located at 2530 Ross Road, had remained untouched for several years, leaving a large concrete structure standing idle. The one-acre lot features a four-storey, 47,000-square-foot concrete building shell. It was sold on June 27, according to information provided by a local real estate expert. The building permit for the project was issued by the City of West Kelowna in 2019, yet work had come to a halt and remained that way since around 2021. This long delay had drawn…

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Campbell River is inviting residents to take part in shaping the city’s future. Two public sessions will be held this week to gather feedback for a major update of the city’s official community plan. This plan will guide growth and development for the next 20 years. The first session will be held on Wednesday during the CR Live Streets event on Shoppers Row. It runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The second session is set for Sunday, July 27, at the Campbell River Farmers Market. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The city’s official community…

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A couple’s relaxing night ride along Penticton’s Lakeshore boardwalk turned into a terrifying ordeal when they were attacked by a large group of people. The incident happened on the night of July 12 and left one man with a broken leg and severe bruises. Kieran and Kirsten Adams were riding their bikes around 10 p.m. after spending time at the beach. As they approached a section of the boardwalk, they encountered a large group—around 20 people—who had filled the path with beach gear. Items like children’s wagons, toys, and coolers were scattered along both sides, making it hard to pass.…

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Authorities in Port Moody, British Columbia, are warning people to stay off the mudflats in the Burrard Inlet. These muddy areas may look solid but can act like quicksand, trapping anyone who steps onto them. The warning comes as warmer weather draws more visitors to local parks and trails. The city says the mudflats may seem harmless but are in fact one of the most dangerous natural features in the area. Each year, the Port Moody Fire Rescue responds to two or three rescue calls from people stuck in the mudflats. According to Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cornish, these emergencies…

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People planning to visit the Mission Creek Greenway on Tuesday may need to adjust their plans. The popular Truswell Road parking lot will be closed for the entire day to allow workers to repaint the parking spaces. The lot is located at the western end of the Greenway, near Okanagan Lake. It is one of the most-used access points for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Regional District has confirmed that the closure is temporary and only affects the parking area. The trail itself will remain open throughout the day. The parking lot will reopen early Wednesday morning, once the work…

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A strong thunderstorm swept through parts of British Columbia Monday night, leaving over 2,000 homes and businesses without power. The storm hit areas including Vernon, Coldstream, and Lake Country, where lightning and heavy rain caused power failures around the region. According to local utility officials, the total number of affected customers reached 2,111. Most of these outages occurred between early and mid-evening as the storm moved across the area. Reports showed that wind and lightning likely disrupted electrical lines. The hardest-hit areas included parts of Lake Country and Coldstream, where homes went dark around dinner time. In Vernon, several neighborhoods…

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Residents in a quiet Coquitlam neighborhood are voicing frustration over a major redevelopment plan that is set to move ahead without a public hearing. The proposal, set for final council review on July 29, calls for three six-storey rental buildings near Roy Stibbs Elementary School. The affected area consists of single-family homes located close to the Lougheed SkyTrain Station. It falls under British Columbia’s new Transit-Oriented Development Area (TODA) rules, which support higher-density housing near transit lines. The redevelopment, led by Anthem Properties, would see existing homes demolished to make way for a total of 446 rental units. Many locals…

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A woman who was reported missing earlier this month has now been found safe, according to police in New Westminster. Authorities shared the update on Monday, bringing relief to those who had been concerned about her well-being. The woman was first reported missing in early July. At the time, her sudden disappearance raised concern among family members and friends. The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) launched an investigation soon after the report was filed, urging the public to assist in locating her. Over the past few weeks, officers followed leads, reviewed security footage, and conducted interviews in an effort to…

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Maple Ridge Country Fest promises a weekend full of music, fun, and entertainment for all ages. Set across two exciting days, this year’s event features a packed schedule of performers, contests, and dance groups on the Canadian Heritage Stage. The festival opens on Saturday, July 26, at 10:35 a.m. with official ceremonies, quickly followed by the Wild Moccasin Dancers at 10:45 a.m. and the Folk Star Dance Team at 11:20 a.m. At 11:45 a.m., young artists will step into the spotlight, showcasing rising local talent. After that, the first blueberry pie eating contest adds a playful twist before more young…

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