LOCAL
Pattullo Replacement Bridge Expected to Open by Christmas
B.C.’s transportation ministry confirmed Wednesday that the long-awaited Pattullo Bridge replacement is on track to open by Christmas, offering long-term relief for commuters between New Westminster and Surrey. The four-lane span, under construction since 2020, is designed to improve safety and ease congestion on one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest river crossings. Officials said crews are in the final stages of lane marking, systems testing, and tying the new structure into existing road networks.
The update followed a hot-mic remark by Premier David Eby that made light of past delays, which quickly drew criticism from some business leaders. While the premier later emphasized the government’s commitment to finishing the project on time, his comments touched a nerve for local merchants who say years of detours and construction impacts have hurt sales and strained community patience.
Transportation officials stressed that despite supply chain setbacks during the pandemic, the project has largely stayed within its revised schedule and budget. Once complete, the new bridge will feature wider lanes, dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths, and upgraded seismic standards—amenities the province says will deliver a safer, more sustainable connection for decades to come.
LOCAL
Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home
Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.
RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area
An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.
RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.
Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood
No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.
“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.
LOCAL
Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search
Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.
Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97
A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.
Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest
Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.
According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.
HEALTH
Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four
The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.
Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident
Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.
DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.
Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances
BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.
According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
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