Vancouver Rundown Friday December 15, 2023
Local news for those who used to click on Facebook links
Summary
Angry pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Vancouver’s Westin Bayshore Thursday evening, denouncing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and demanding Canada axe its military support for Israel. Inside, PMJT was speaking at a private Liberal Party fundraiser as his popularity continues to sink in the polls. Some of the protesters staged a ‘die-in’ in some sort of symbolic gesture linked to Palestinians killed in Gaza. The protest was organized by a group calling itself Independent Jewish Voices.
Other stories…
More punishment for bad truck drivers. That seems to be the B.C. government’s new approach to squelch a problem where numerous truckers allow the tops of their rigs to hit overpasses. Fines for over height vehicles will be increasing from $115 to $575. Companies will also face stiffer penalties, including the suspension of their operating certificates, for ongoing offenses. Since December of 2021, over 30 B.C. overpasses have been hit by the tops of trucks.
Get a haircut and have a beer. Go to the spa and have a cocktail. These experiences will soon be possible as Vancouver relaxes its booze laws. Part of that involves simplifying some of the classifications of where drinks can be served - a move among many supported by Mayor Ken Sim. City staff promise to continue to work with Vancouver Coastal Health and the VPD during a sweeping round of such changes.
Breaking: One person has been badly hurt in a Thursday evening shooting on 82nd Avenue in North Delta. It happened before 6:00 p.m. and is likely targeted. No suspects have been arrested.
Expect a mix of everything for Friday - sun, clouds, showers! Snow is possible at some higher elevations on Saturday. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Five top stories to know
CTV: Here's how the B.C. government is cracking down on overpass crashes
Vancouver Sun: Vancouver barbers, spas and retail stores to sell booze under new liquor rules
Global News: Vancouver must craft ‘transition plan’ for park board elimination, province says
CityNews: Police investigating North Delta shooting
Business stories to know
Globe & Mail: National home sales slowed further in November as high rates continue to spook buyers
Vancouver Sun: Metro Vancouver home prices forecast to rise 3% in 2024: Royal LePage
Business In Vancouver: Fitness World touts growth since it dropped Steve Nash's name
Opinion
Vancouver Sun: Douglas Todd: Canadian taboo against debating migration policy is basically over
Journalism matters
The Tyee: TELUS handed B.C. contract to provide eating disorders care
That’s cool
Daily Hive: "Thank you guys": Luongo shows love to Canucks fans in Ring of Honour speech
Bonus
Vancouver Is Awesome: B.C. women scientists have begun a 5,000-kilometre rowboat race
