Vancouver Rundown Monday January 15, 2024
Because Facebook doesn't have your links to local news
Summary
In what was first reported to Mission fire crews as a ceiling collapse, turned out to be a burst water pipe in Mission Memorial Hospital’s ER. That incident late Saturday afternoon forced the closure of the emergency room and was just one of the numerous issues relating to the weekend’s extremely cold weather. The nasty conditions forced those without homes to seek indoor shelter, drivers to avoid many icy streets and others to cancel regular weekend plans. More than a dozen cold weather records were broken around the province on Saturday. The arctic cold snap is expected to give way to slightly warmer conditions Monday. There is a slight chance of snow in the forecast for Tuesday.
Other stories…
Speaking of records, BC Hydro is reporting its highest ever demand for power use…thanks to the cold snap. Peak demand climbed to 11,300 megawatts on Friday night, beating a previous record set during the December storms of 2022. BC Hydro expects demand to remain high during this first part of the week.
A frightening incident in the Okanagan is a reminder of just how dangerous it is to venture out on to thin ice. A bystander managed to rescue two people and their dog after they fell through the ice at West Kelowna’s Kalamoir Regional Park on Saturday afternoon. There’s no word on their conditions.
Breaking: It’s believed at least two people have been injured in a crash involving a jackknifed semi in the north lanes on the Coquihalla Highway just north of the junction with Highway 3 at Hope. Vancouver Rundown has learned that of the seven ambulances and related units dispatched, at least two transported patients. The crash happened at around 7:30 on Sunday night - the cause is not immediately known.
The daytime highs will continue to hover on the wrong side of zero through Wednesday. That said, at least it’s a bit warmer and we won’t have to deal with those winds. It will be mostly sunny through to mid week and then there’s a chance of snow, snow mixed with rain or rain through Friday. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Top five stories to know
CBC: Patients diverted from B.C. hospital ER after cold weather causes pipes to burst
CTV: BC Hydro says cold snap caused record-breaking electricity demand
Vancouver Sun: B.C. gangster convicted of murder in part by his rap lyrics
Daily Hive: Survey reveals over half of BC residents feel somewhat to very lonely
Business stories to know
Globe & Mail: Air Canada seeks to quash regulator’s decision on passenger compensation in court
The Canadian Press: Halal food industry growing to meet demand as Muslim population continues rising
CTV: 4 B.C. residents charged with running international 'pump-and-dump' schemes
Opinion
Journalism matters
Global News: How has North Shore Rescue evolved a decade after Tim Jones’ death?
That’s cool
CBC: Ruiter halts Schizas's 3-peat bid in women's program at Canadian figure skating championships
Bonus
Globe & Mail: Finding affordable housing in B.C. will remain an uphill battle