Vancouver Rundown Wednesday June 12, 2024
Summary
Kevin Falcon’s BC United has punted its Surrey North candidate - Asad Gondal. Falcon released a statement late Tuesday afternoon saying the candidate held views that were inconsistent with the party’s stance on the war in Gaza and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Falcon says Gondal’s views were shared in correspondence he signed as head of the BC Muslim Association. On Sunday, BC United issued a statement praising Gondal for his ability to pave the way for a brighter future for the community.
Other news…
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is ending her fight to stop the RCMP to SPS police transition. Locke now says she accepts the B.C. Supreme Court decision that rejected attempts to stop the transition to a Surrey Police Service. Locke still says the provincial government should pay for the transition costs.
City council has voted to keep Mayor Ken Sim on the Vancouver Police Board. Sim’s ABC council majority outnumbered Green members who failed to get an endorsement from the police union. Earlier this year, the provincial government changed the legislation that automatically makes B.C. mayors the chair of city forces. Vancouver’s rules are slightly different as it has its own city charter.
The Stanley Park Railway will increase its operating hours this summer. The Vancouver Park Board’s made the decision after increasing the heritage train’s maintenance schedule. The train was sidelined through much of the pandemic due to numerous mechanical issues.
Sunny with a few cloudy periods right through Friday. Then it goes to Hell in a handbasket on the weekend with showers and cooler weather. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Top five stories to know
CityNews: BC United drops candidate over views on Gaza, LGBTQ+
Vancouver Sun: It's over: Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke lays down sword in battle to keep RCMP
Vancouver Is Awesome: ABC Vancouver votes to keep Ken Sim on Vancouver police board
CTV: Stanley Park Railway to increase summer hours, despite maintenance concerns
Business stories to know
Globe & Mail: National Bank offers to buy Canadian Western Bank in deal valued at $5-billion
Business In Vancouver: Cadillac Fairview in no rush to fill former Vancouver Nordstrom site
Glacier Media: As B.C. companies urge in-office returns, HR pros say hybrid work here to stay
Opinion
The Tyee: Please advise! What is Elenore Sturko thinking?
Journalism matters
Global News: Recording of teen’s last moments following deadly gang crossfire played at B.C. trial
That’s cool
The Tyee: In northwestern B.C., the case of the wee Wayside Chapel
Bonus