Author: Lucas Bennett

Surrey police are investigating an early morning shooting outside a South Surrey restaurant. Shots were fired around 2:20 a.m. at Ustaad G76 on King George Boulevard near 156th Street. Authorities say no staff were inside at the time, but the building’s exterior was damaged. Police remained on the scene Monday morning, collecting evidence and speaking with witnesses. This incident is not the first targeting of the restaurant chain. Last week, bullet holes were found in the front windows of another Ustaad G76 location in Maple Ridge, at 21768 Lougheed Highway. Police are continuing to investigate both incidents to determine whether…

The family of a Maple Ridge man remains in a legal battle to keep him on life support, raising funds to transfer him to a hospital in the United States for advanced care. The 39-year-old suffered cardiac arrest, brain trauma, and kidney failure after an incident on August 30. The case is now under investigation by the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO), which is reviewing the involvement of Ridge Meadows RCMP. “Stevie is still on life support at Royal Columbian, and we are facing overwhelming medical and legal costs to give him every chance,” said his sister. “His six…

Police have removed tents from a Maple Ridge rental house where human remains were discovered, but authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased. Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation. Jessica Cunningham, 43, was last seen in June. Maple Ridge RCMP issued a missing persons report on August 22. Police obtained a search warrant for the two-storey house last week, where human remains were subsequently found. Staff Sgt. David Lee, spokesperson for the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), said on Friday that IHIT and the B.C. Coroners Service are working to identify the remains. He described the case…

The Toronto Argonauts delivered an offensive show, defeating the visiting B.C. Lions 52-34 at BMO Field on Saturday. Quarterback Nick Arbuckle threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns while adding another on the ground. Toronto’s defense contributed with a key interception returned for a touchdown by Benjie Franklin. Receivers Jake Herslow and Kevin Mital added touchdown catches, and running back Spencer Brown scored on the ground and a two-point conversion. Kicker Lirim Hajrullahu made three field goals and five extra points. The Lions were led by quarterback Nathan Rourke, who threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Jevon Cottoy…

A single purple chair stood empty at the entrance of Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge on August 18. The chair symbolized a community member lost to the toxic drug crisis, first declared a public health emergency in British Columbia in 2016. The chair was part of an effort led by Stop Overdose Ridge Meadows, known as ST.O.R.M. Project coordinator Jerrica Hackett hopes people will sit beside the chair and share their own toxic drug crisis stories. Short videos of these stories will be posted online to reduce stigma around substance use before International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.…

A deadly shooting in Maple Ridge has reignited debate over B.C.’s public safety policies. The BC Conservative MLA for Maple Ridge East is criticizing the province’s approach to crime following a murder earlier this week. Lawrence Mok spoke Friday, August 15, calling the latest incident a sign that gang violence is worsening under Premier David Eby’s leadership. He described current policies as “failed public safety measures” that allow criminals to act without fear. The victim, a man in his mid-20s, was found shot in a vehicle at a service station lot at 240 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road in the…

River Road in Maple Ridge will be fully closed next week for important roadwork. Drivers are urged to find alternate routes to avoid delays. The city has announced that River Road will be shut between 207 Street and 216 Street from August 11 to August 19. This closure will run daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as part of the city’s annual capital paving program. No work will take place on weekends during this period. This key east-west route will undergo improvements to enhance road safety and road quality. To reduce disruptions, the closure will be split into three…

Residents near the Albion Sports Complex in Maple Ridge are urging the city to pave the gravel parking lot. Klara Sinclair, a local homeowner, started a petition to bring attention to the ongoing dust problem caused by the unpaved lot. Sinclair lives near the east border of the sports complex. She says dust from the gravel parking lot constantly settles on her property, as well as on her neighbors’ homes, cars, and outdoor furniture. “There are many tournaments, like ball games and the BC Games last year, where they even set up beach volleyball nets,” Sinclair explained. “There are also…

Exploring Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows by water offers a calm, traffic-free way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, local waterways provide peaceful routes surrounded by stunning mountain views. The Alouette River is a top choice for paddlers. This winding river flows through Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, passing scenic farmland with breathtaking views of the Golden Ears Mountains. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented at Alouette Lake South Beach during good weather. Note that a day pass is required to enter the park in summer months. Whonnock Lake hosts the Ridge…

Maple Ridge is alive with music, food, and bright colors this weekend as the 25th annual Tropical Vibes Music Fest returns. The event, held on August 2 and 3, brings a burst of Caribbean culture to the heart of the city. Formerly known as the Caribbean Festival, the event has grown into a local favorite over the years. Today, it’s more than just a music show — it’s a full cultural experience that celebrates the energy and flavor of the islands. From the moment the first band hits the stage, people are on their feet dancing. Reggae, soca, and other…