Emergency Response Triggered by False Report

A massive police presence that shut down a Kelowna street and closed a nearby school on Wednesday morning ended after officers discovered the reported crime never occurred.

Around 8:40 a.m. on Sept. 9, the Kelowna RCMP responded to a call regarding an ongoing break-in along the 700-block of DeHart Avenue. According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, a resident told authorities an unknown person had entered their residence and barricaded themselves inside.

Tactical Team Deployed to Scene

Officers surrounded the property out of caution and attempted to safely arrest the suspect. When initial attempts to establish contact failed, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team (ERT) was deployed alongside K9 units. Tactical officers set up on the lawn of nearby Central Secondary School, threw flash bangs toward the residence, and ordered anyone inside to surrender over a speaker.

The close proximity of the situation forced Central Secondary School to close for safety, with staff posting warning notices for students and personnel. DeHart Avenue was also blocked off by emergency vehicles while teams managed the scene.

Police Clear Residence and Reopen Area

As the investigation unfolded, officers entered and searched the house, finding no individuals inside and no evidence of forced entry. Cpl. Lang confirmed that the initial report was based on incorrect information and that no break-and-enter took place.

By late morning, police officers and ERT members cleared the scene and DeHart Avenue was reopened to traffic. RCMP confirmed there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

Cross-Border Gathering Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11

About 500 people joined a motorcycle procession as part of the annual Northwest 9/11 Memorial ceremony on Friday morning at the Peace Arch monument along the B.C.-Washington state border. Hundreds of attendees from both Canada and the United States assembled to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, putting aside current political and trade friction between the two countries to pay tribute to first responders and those who lost their lives.

Honouring Sacrifices and Shared Bonds

The memorial service, which commemorates the collapse of the World Trade Centre towers in New York City that killed nearly 3,000 people, featured a helicopter flypast, national anthem performances, and a barbeque alongside the procession. Event co-chair Howard Blank emphasized that the spirit of the event surpasses any ongoing disagreements between the nations, stating that they come together as one when necessary.

First Responders Share Memories

Former New York fire department members were among those participating in the event. Retired paramedic Roberto Abril, who arrived at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 11, 2001, reflected on the tragic loss of his work partner, Carlos Lillo, who died in the North Tower. Attending the ceremony for his third time, Abril described the two nations as family who will eventually return to their close bond despite temporary disputes. Former firefighter Cody Stamberger, who joined the search efforts later that day, noted that the ceremony highlights the solidarity between both countries during challenging periods and offers an opportunity to honour the sacrifices made.

Union Report Details Economic Fallout of Overseas Ship Building

A contract to construct four massive hybrid-electric BC Ferries vessels in China will mean a loss of approximately $1.5 billion in gross domestic product for Canada, according to a report released Thursday by the labour coalition Build Them Here.

The analysis, authored by Jim Stanford of the Centre for Future Work, calculates that building the ships abroad surrenders roughly 10,000 person-years of employment. Additionally, the study estimates that local construction would have generated $413 million in government tax revenues to help offset public costs.

Crown Corporation Defends Overseas Contract Decision

BC Ferries awarded the deal to a Chinese state-owned shipyard in May 2025, maintaining that no domestic shipbuilders submitted a final proposal. The Crown corporation stated that while two Canadian shipyards pre-qualified after criteria were adjusted to encourage participation, neither completed a bid.

Representatives for the ferry operator explained that the company could not delay replacing aging vessels until domestic capacity expanded, nor could it expect ferry passengers to bear the full financial burden of developing Canada’s shipbuilding industry through higher fares alone. The corporation also noted the ongoing local economic benefits generated through domestic maintenance contracts.

Labour Group Calls for Policy Reforms and Transparency

The report argues that provincial leaders had adequate notice over the past decade to prepare local manufacturing for the replacements. It points out that between 2003 and 2018, only two of 11 new vessels were constructed in British Columbia. Seaspan, the sole B.C. shipbuilder with facilities large enough for the job, withdrew from competing due to strict price and scheduling constraints.

Using economic modeling, Stanford’s team estimated the contract’s total value at $1.6 billion and criticized BC Ferries for withholding exact cost details. The coalition, representing 19 labour organizations, recommended seven policy changes, including provincial equity stakes in shipbuilding projects and new legal mandates requiring BC Ferries to maximize local economic returns.