Vancouver Rundown Wednesday March 13, 2024

Mar 13, 2024

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Summary

Hate crime charges have now been laid against a man accused of threatening a group of Jewish people in Vancouver late last year. In October, anti-Semitic symbols were drawn on a poster of Israeli hostages near Main Street and King Edward. Vancouver Police also say threatening comments were made toward a group. Mircea Iulian Pripoae, 33, is now charged with willful promotion of hatred against an identifiable group and uttering threats.

Other news…

Surrey is closing its council chambers to in-person public attendance due to pro-Palestinian protests. Mayor Brenda Locke made the announcement Monday night - a public viewing area has been set up outside the gallery. Locke says protests have impacted the meetings since December.

B.C. is pushing ahead with up to $100,000 fines and 18-months-in-jail for truck drivers who hit overpasses. Highways Minister Rob Fleming says it sends a strong message to commercial truck drivers that they are responsible for the safe transportation of goods on our roads. Drivers have hit at least 35 B.C. overpasses since the end of 2021.

A property owners group is blaming B.C.’s new Airbnb rules for a big increase in Victoria and Vancouver hotel prices. Property Rights BC says hotel prices in the two cities will skyrocket due to rules that crack down on most short-term rentals. The group blames a removal of inventory for prices that could climb by as much as 45% on southern Vancouver Island.

Wednesday will have a mix of sun and clouds and then it will be sunny for the rest of the week. Highs will be up to 17C by the weekend. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.