Your trusted source for local Vancouver, BC news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Vancouver is holding a by-election with 13 candidates vying for two City Council seats. Voters can participate in advance voting on March 26 and April 1, with general voting set for April 5. Important registration details and voting methods, including mail-in options, are provided to ensure all eligible voters can make their voices heard.
The Stanley Park Train in Vancouver will remain offline this spring due to ongoing emission safety concerns related to its aging locomotives. Despite efforts to refurbish the 50-year-old engines, the city has determined that returning them to service is not feasible. A comprehensive analysis of potential solutions will be presented to Park Board Commissioners in June 2025.
The Stanley Park heron colony is thriving as it enters its 25th year, with over 50 herons and 30 active nests reported early in the breeding season. The Pacific Great Blue Heron, a species at risk in British Columbia, relies heavily on this habitat for its survival, making the colony's productivity essential for the overall population, estimated at 4,000 to 5,000. Visitors are encouraged to respect nesting herons by following guidelines for observation.
The article discusses the Oak Street sewer separation upgrades, an important infrastructure project aimed at improving the combined sewer network in Street, Somerset. This initiative is expected to have significant implications for the local housing market and overall economic landscape, particularly in relation to real estate transactions and business finance. The project is scheduled to start on March 15, 2025, and conclude by March 30, 2025.
The City of Vancouver has allocated $6 million towards the Uplifting Communities Fund to enhance public spaces, with Hastings-Sunrise being the first neighbourhood to benefit from a $2 million investment. This funding will support various improvements, including sidewalk repairs, street cleaning, and the construction of a permanent plaza. Mayor Ken Sim emphasized the commitment to fostering vibrant community experiences through these enhancements.
The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project in Victoria's inner harbour has completed Phase 1, paving the way for a modern pre-clearance terminal that enhances trade and travel. The new facility, set to meet contemporary security standards, is expected to be completed by the 2028 tourism season, significantly impacting the regional economy and accessibility.
Residents of Kelowna and the syilx Okanagan Nation are closer to a new long-term care home as contracts for the Cottonwoods Care Centre redevelopment project have been signed. The new facility will expand from 221 to 314 beds, providing modernized care that emphasizes community connections and a person-centered approach.
The City of Vancouver's recent council meetings covered a range of significant topics, including approval for various CD-1 rezonings, community grants, and by-law amendments. The agenda also included a public hearing on new zoning regulations and infrastructure improvements, reflecting the city's ongoing commitment to urban development. These discussions are crucial for local governance and impact community planning and services.
A new child care centre in downtown Kamloops will provide 36 licensed spaces, including 12 for infants and 24 for children aged three to kindergarten. The initiative, backed by over $416,000 from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, aims to enhance access to affordable, high-quality child care for families in the region. Local officials emphasize the project's significance in addressing child care needs for the community.
Construction on the 264th Street Interchange will permanently close the northeast and southwest loop ramps onto Highway 1 starting March 15, 2025, altering traffic patterns for drivers heading to Vancouver and Hope. This project, part of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program, aims to enhance traffic flow and support active transportation and public transit. Updates will be available on DriveBC, ensuring drivers remain informed.