Vancouver Rundown Thursday February 20, 2025

Feb 20, 2025

Summary

The B.C. government is backing down on its much criticized Safe Supply program in the face of growing concerns taxpayer funded prescribed medications are ending up in the wrong hands. Health Minister Josie Osbourne says the province will now move to a witnessed consumption system - starting with new patients. Last month, the BC Conservatives leaked an internal document showing the Health Ministry and police have been investigating pharmacists who were paying incentives to patients and doctors.

Other news…

Half a dozen men have been busted in Burnaby following a two-month investigation into mail fraud. It comes after a couple break-ins at a Burnaby apartment building. The Mounties seized 1,600 items including an embossing machine, fake ID, bank cards and cheques. Investigators believe it’s part of an organized effort to produce false identifications.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim continues to blast the federal government for not doing enough in terms of bail reform. Sim calls it bullshit and says the feds should just admit they are not going to do anything. The comments came in the annual state of the city address at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

Plans are in the works for a 26-storey rental apartment building next to the Langara-49th Avenue SkyTrain Station. The rezoning application is for the southeast corner at Cambie and 49th - not far from Langara College. The area has been unoccupied for close to 25 years.

Clouds and possible showers on Thursday. Rain on Friday. Rain and windy on Saturday. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.