Vancouver Rundown Wednesday December 18, 2024
Summary
B.C.’s deficit has jumped to $9.3 billion. That revelation comes in the provincial government’s fiscal update. The debt is expected to rise to $130 billion by the end of the government fiscal year. Provincial Finance Minister Brenda Bailey says she expects modest economic growth of 0.9 per cent but also warns there’s looming uncertainty including Donald Trump’s threatened 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports.
Other news…
Two Central Saanich Police officers have been charged with sexual assault. Matthew Ball, 43, and 40-year-old Ryan Johnson’s charges related to an investigation into a complaint that two cops had sexual contact with a woman they met while on duty. Vancouver Police arrested the two on Tuesday - Ball and Ryan were not with each other when the alleged assaults occurred. Vancouver Police, who are investigating the case, say this involves a vulnerable woman in her 20s.
A kayaker has been rescued by crew aboard a BC Ferry. The person was clinging to the haul near the Tsawwassen Terminal when the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria was notified on Tuesday. Paramedics rushed the kayaker to hospital in stable condition.
The 115 year old Dunsmuir Hotel could be ripped down. The City of Vancouver believes the building is now unsafe and is asking council to declare it a danger to the public. It’s believed the building can’t be stabilized in a safe and timely manner.
Showers Wednesday morning. Windy at times. Clouds and showers Thursday. Cloudy on Friday. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Top five stories to know
The Canadian Press: B.C.'s projected deficit grows again to $9.4 billion in latest fiscal update
Global News: 2 officers from Central Saanich Police Service charged with sexual assault
Vancouver Sun: Husband and wife shot in Surrey with child in car nearby
Vancouver Is Awesome: BC Ferries staff rescue kayaker clinging to overturned boat
CityNews: CBO recommends demolition of vacant Dunsmuir Hotel; cites public safety
Business stories to know
Globe & Mail: Canada’s inflation rate dips below BoC’s 2% target in November
Business In Vancouver: Most of Metro Vancouver’s key infrastructure projects delayed, over-budget
Daily Hive: Could there be an expansion of Vancouver Convention Centre?
Opinion
Business In Vancouver: Mario Canseco: Canadians expect more holiday stress in 2024 than during COVID
Journalism matters
Vancouver Is Awesome: Murderer assaulted, killed while in B.C. prison
That’s cool
Daily Hive: A thrilling Cirque New Year's Eve party is taking over Science World
Bonus