Home Blog

Woman attacked in Stanley Park on Monday morning

VANCOUVER Police are investigating an attack on a woman in Stanley Park on Monmday.

“We are in the early stages of this investigation, and there is some detail we are unable to share. However, we are telling the public about this incident so everyone can exercise caution in the area,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.

Police responded around 10:45 a.m. on Monday to the area just north of Lost Lagoon, after a woman called 9-1-1 and reported that she had been attacked by a stranger while on Lees Trail. Patrol officers, along with members of VPD’s Mounted Unit and K9 Unit, conducted extensive searches throughout the park. The suspect has not been located.

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned man in his 20s, about 5’7”. He was wearing a dark toque and a zip-up jacket with a checkered pattern on the front.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD at 604-717-4021. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Eighty new affordable homes on the way in Richmond

Malcolm Brodie

MORE families and individuals living in Richmond will soon have access to affordable housing as construction begins on the Pathways Clubhouse building.

“Our Homes for People action plan is delivering more affordable housing options for families and individuals, so they have a safe and secure place to live,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minster of Housing, on Monday. “The Pathways Clubhouse building is a perfect example of this work in action – these units will be a welcome addition to this growing community, supporting more families and providing options for everyone.”

The project at 5491 No. 2 Road is the result of a partnership between BC Housing, the City of Richmond and Pathways Clubhouse Society of Richmond. This building will provide a mix of housing options, including 24 studios, 36 one-bedroom units, 15 two-bedroom units and five three-bedroom units. Five per cent of the units will be fully accessible for people living with disabilities.

Construction is expected to be complete in late 2025.

“This housing project demonstrates how partnerships between government and non-governmental agencies can create much-needed affordable, rental and special needs housing in the community,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “These 80 units will provide rental homes for Richmond residents at various income levels and accommodate single people, families and seniors. It is yet another example of the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy in action. We look forward to seeing even more housing opportunities developed for Richmond residents in the coming months.”

The building will be conveniently located in the heart of Richmond, close to Richmond General Hospital, Dover Neighbourhood Park and dyke trails, as well as schools and other community amenities, such as the Richmond Olympic Oval.

“Our community in Richmond is growing fast and with this new development, more families and individuals will have access to housing that is within their budget,” said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “The Pathways Clubhouse building will be an additional support for people who are struggling with the cost of living, while also lowering barriers for people living with disabilities.”

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 350 homes in Richmond.

Dave MacDonald, executive director, Pathways Clubhouse, said: “For 40 years, Pathways Clubhouse has provided support to those living with mental illness to have access to community, hope and a future that’s rich with purpose and respect. This new housing project will result in having a safe place to belong, being supported, accepted and embraced as full and worthy citizens of the community – because they are.”

 

Quick Facts:

* BC Housing is providing approximately $9 million through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund for the project.

* The City of Richmond is contributing approximately $2.2 million through development costs and other charges, plus the land.

* Approximately 20% of the units, 16 homes, will be rented at shelter rates for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

* Approximately 50% of the units, 40 homes, will have rent geared to income.

* Approximately 30% of the units, 24 homes, will be affordable market rentals, tied to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation average market rent.

New affordable, accessible homes open in Vancouver

Ravi Kahlon Photo: X

MORE people in Vancouver, such as families, seniors and people living with disabilities, now have access to 82 new affordable rental homes with the opening of The Aster.

“Seniors living in these new apartments will benefit from affordable rents at the same rate they had in the same neighbourhood that they know and love,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, on Monday. “The Aster is an example of multiple partners coming together to introduce affordable housing where families, seniors and people living with disabilities can benefit from a wealth of nearby amenities and be part of a thriving community.”

Located at 349 East 6th Avenue, The Aster is a partnership between BC Housing, Brightside Community Homes Foundation and Wall Financial Corporation. The new 12-storey building has studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes and will be owned and operated by Brightside. The building features a range of shared amenities, such as an outdoor common area and rooftop urban agriculture space.

“With these new homes now built, more families, seniors and individuals can remain in our community with their family and friends,” said Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. “Thank you to our project partners, Brightside Community Homes Foundation and Wall Financial Corporation, for their work on bringing The Aster to our community.”

The Aster replaces Brightside’s 36-unit seniors housing building at 325 E. 6th Ave., which lacks much-needed accessibility features and will be sold to Wall Financial Corporation for redevelopment into market and social housing.

“We’re incredibly proud to be opening these new affordable homes in Mount Pleasant,” said William Azaroff, CEO, Brightside Community Homes Foundation. “The Aster represents the first of hundreds of new affordable rental homes Brightside will be opening over the coming years and provincial funding for The Aster has helped us maximize affordability.”

The new building is providing existing tenants with better quality and more affordable homes. As construction is complete, tenants are moving from their homes at 325 E. 6th Ave. to The Aster and will continue to pay the same rents based on income.

“I know there will be a positive impact for the seniors and people living in these homes, and their families,” said Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. “I look forward to seeing more homes like these built in B.C., so more people can access homes they can afford. Thank you to Wall Financial for making the land available and its work building The Aster, and to Brightside Community Homes for its leadership and vision.”

Forty-two of The Aster’s units will have rent geared to income, where rent is 30% of the tenant’s income. Nineteen units are for people with very low incomes, such as those receiving income or disability assistance, or a basic seniors’ pension. Twenty-one units are set at low-end market rates, ranging from $1,700 to $3,100 per month.

“Wall Financial is committed to continue working with the city and BC Housing to develop rental and affordable housing in the City of Vancouver,” said Bruno Wall, CEO, Wall Financial Corporation.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes delivered or underway, including approximately 8,000 in Vancouver.

 

Quick Facts:

* The Province, through BC Housing, provided $14.6 million and will provide approximately $575,000 in annual operating funding.

* Wall Financial Corporation provided the land and oversaw construction of the new affordable building at 349 East 6th Avenue.

Province strengthens drought preparedness

David Eby

HUNDREDS of B.C. farmers will be better equipped to deal with drought with supports to help manage, collect and store water for crops and livestock, the Province announced on Monday.

“Last year, our province faced an unprecedented lack of rain, and this winter we’re seeing snow levels are at remarkable lows, meaning next summer might be even worse,” said Premier David Eby. “Climate change – and drought in particular – makes it tough to secure water for animals, crops and feed, and it makes food more expensive for everyone. Our government heard the call for help from farmers. This money will help build water storage and buy the equipment farmers tell us they need to keep providing the food we all depend on.”

B.C. farmers will be able to access an additional $80 million in funding through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program to make irrigation more efficient, or to build infrastructure to improve water availability and storage. These actions will benefit stream flows, fish populations and support more sustainable food production.

“Climate change is impacting both water and food security for people in British Columbia, making it challenging for farmers’ livelihoods and affecting local food systems,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This is why we’re providing enhanced support to improve on-farm and community water infrastructure so we can grow more food and ensure proper water management during potential floods and drought.”

Launched in June 2023, with an initial $20-million fund, the program is funding 108 projects ranging from water storage, such as agricultural dams and dugouts, to improved water-supply systems for irrigation and livestock. It’s expected the additional funding will benefit hundreds more farmers.

On the territory of the Lheidli T’enneh in Newlands, northeast of Prince George, Hope Farm Organics has been able to increase its water supply through the program, allowing them to grow more fruits and vegetables.

“With uncertain times in changing climate patterns and weather extremes, the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program helped our vegetable and fruit farm become more resilient in the face of these extremes,” said Andrew Adams, owner, Hope Farm Organics. “This resilience has given me the confidence to continue developing and expanding our crops into the future, which ultimately will help improve British Columbia’s food security and the sustainability of our farm. Water is life.”

The City of Delta received $2 million, which is helping improve the efficiency of the local irrigation system. These enhancements will help ensure water keeps flowing to farmers in times of drought and reinforces food security for people in the region.

“The support our city has received from the B.C. government’s Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program has been instrumental in facilitating crucial irrigation upgrades, greatly benefiting our valued farming community,” said Delta Mayor George V. Harvie. “This strategic investment not only bolsters water security but also plays a vital role in fostering resilience and sustainability within our local food supply chain.”

Another $3 million will go toward regional workshops that will provide demonstrations, education, best practices and tools for water and irrigation use specific to drought-affected communities. This is in addition to the Agricultural Water Management Workshops and Drought Management Engagement Sessions that government staff have been leading in close to 30 communities throughout the province over the past month and continuing in the weeks ahead.

 

Quick Facts:

* The B.C. government is providing as much as $80 million to expand the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, which had previously received one-time funding of $20 million.

* Agricultural producers can apply for funding starting in early April for smaller-scale on-farm projects through the Beneficial Management Practices program.

* Applications for larger farm projects and more complex community-based projects will open in May through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program.

* Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff are working with partners in the agricultural sector on allocation of funding for the larger strategic projects.

* Both programs are administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

* An additional $3 million will go toward the Agricultural Drought Resource Extension Program to provide support for regional workshops and on-farm demonstrations.

 

Learn More:

For details and to apply for the Beneficial Management Practices Program, visit: https://iafbc.ca/bmp

For details and to apply for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, visit: www.iafb.ca/awi

Province takes early action to prepare for wildfire, drought season

Bowinn Ma

THE Province is taking several early steps to prepare for the wildfire and drought season, including working proactively with local governments and First Nations to help keep people and communities safe and informed.

“We’re taking action earlier than ever and preparations for this year’s wildfire season are already well underway,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, on Monday. “We have seen the devastating consequences of climate change on our communities and we are using lessons learned from last year to strengthen our approach to emergencies. By taking a whole-of-government approach and working with local governments, First Nations and emergency-response partners, we can ensure we are as prepared as possible for whatever might come.”

Stemming from the ongoing work of the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, the Province has enhanced wildfire preparedness and support for evacuees across B.C. This work includes incorporating advanced wildfire predictive technologies, expanding the number of firefighting tools available to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews and streamlining training for Emergency Support Services (ESS) responders. Additionally, the Province has strengthened the BCWS hiring process by creating pathways for participation in wildfire response, specifically for applicants in rural and remote communities. This has resulted in more than 1,700 applications, which is double the number of applications received in 2023.

“Last year’s wildfire season was the worst in our province’s history and we know how incredibly difficult it was for everyone,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “Our top priority is keeping people safe, which is why we continue to take significant action to prevent and prepare for wildfires as we head into spring and summer. We know the impacts of climate change are arriving faster than predicted. We will keep actioning the recommendations from the expert task force to make sure we are ready for wildfires when and where they happen.”

Following the 2023 wildfire season, the Province launched the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies to provide recommendations about how to apply lessons learned from the 2023 wildfire season to better prepare for and respond to future emergencies. The task force is collaborating with delivery teams from the ministries of Forests, and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. This model of real-time collaboration allows the Province to translate the task force’s recommendations into actions in advance of the 2024 wildfire season.

Current forecasts indicate that British Columbia may experience an active spring-wildfire season due to persistent drought conditions. This activity is expected to increase if there continues to be limited precipitation over the next several weeks and months. Until significant and sustained rains occur, the risk of ignition will remain elevated.

As of the snow bulletin on March 1, 2024, the average provincial snowpack is at 66% of normal, based on the average from 1991 to 2020. While a reduced snowpack may lessen the flood-risk hazard in some communities, extreme weather can still lead to flooding, and people and communities are encouraged to be prepared. There is also potential for prolonged drought, and communities and businesses are encouraged to take water-conservation measures early and plan for potential drought conditions.

“Many communities experienced severe drought conditions last summer. The potential for drought conditions this year is very real and we are taking steps to help people prepare,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “We have boosted community emergency grants, water infrastructure and supports for farmers and ranchers, and we will keep finding ways to support people, communities, businesses and wildlife in the face of drought.”

The Province is providing tools to help communities with their water-scarcity response plans and is ready to support other planning efforts throughout the drought season. Local governments and First Nations will receive updates on drought conditions, including the long-term weather outlook. Additionally, the Province has been hosting workshops to help the agricultural sector prepare for drought. If required, the Province will reimburse local governments and First Nations for eligible expenses related to the costs of transporting drinking water and desalinization.

While the Province is doing everything it can to prepare for the hazard season, people are encouraged to consider steps they can take to increase their household preparedness. This includes:

* creating an evacuation plan;

* updating home-insurance policies;

* knowing where to find trusted emergency information;

* staying informed about weather alerts;

* creating an online profile if you’ll need support during an emergency at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/;

* making your home more resistant to wildfire damage by taking action to create FireSmart property; and

* building an emergency kit which includes essentials, such as water, non-perishable food, medication and a first-aid kit.

During emergencies, information about evacuation orders and alerts will be shared by local governments and First Nations. Those notifications will be amplified here: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

 

Planning a burn:

The majority of wildfires that take place during spring are caused by humans. With dry conditions in mind, anyone conducting open burning is reminded to ensure their burn doesn’t get out of control. Category 2 burns, which are typically used for clearing debris on private property, are one of the leading causes of wildfires in spring. Even in normal spring conditions, grasses and fine fuels are dry once snow has melted.

Anyone planning an open burn is encouraged to take the following precautions:

* Check for bans or restrictions in your fire centre or issued by local authorities.

* Pay close attention to weather conditions and don’t burn if it’s windy.

* Before you burn, check the ventilation index, which changes daily based on location and atmospheric conditions.

* The ventilation index is a forecast released daily by Environment and Climate Change Canada and estimates how well the atmosphere disperses smoke on any given day. If venting conditions in your area are poor or fair, open burning is prohibited.

* For more information, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status and https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-pollution/smoke-burning/ventilation-index

 

Quick Facts:

* Since the beginning of 2024, there have been seven wildfire starts, and some holdover wildfires from 2023 remain on the landscape.

* In 2023, approximately 2.84 million hectares burned in wildfires in B.C. and more than 600 residential structures were destroyed or partially damaged.

* BC emergency alerts were an important tool in the 2023 wildfire season and helped people get access to timely, potentially lifesaving information when they needed it.

* In 2023, the Province issued 24 emergency alerts for wildfire evacuation orders on behalf of communities.

* Since 2017, the Province has provided approximately $176 million to communities through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to enhance their resilience in responding to emergencies and mitigating future climate-related risks. Half of this funding was allocated in 2023.

* Throughout the 2023 wildfire season, approximately 48,900 people were placed under evacuation order and 137,000 were placed on evacuation alert.

 

Learn More:

People who may need support with the cost of accommodation, travel, food, clothing or incidentals during an emergency can create an Emergency Support Services profile here: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

For preparedness guides from PreparedBC, including floods, wildfires and extreme heat, visit: http://www.preparedbc.ca

For tips about how to prepare grab-and-go bags, visit: www.preparedbc.ca/emergencykit

Emergency information, including active evacuation orders and alerts, can be found at @EmergencyInofBC on X (formerly Twitter) or https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

Shots fired at jewelry shop in Surrey’s Payal Business Centre (with video)

Videosnatches

SHOTS were fired from a vehicle on Sunday night at a jewelry shop at the Payal Business Centre.

A video of the incident, posted on X (formerly twitter) by Punjabi journalist Gurpreet Singh Sahota, shows a vehicle driving up to ACC Jewellers. Then a barrage of shots can be heard from the stationary vehicle before it drives off.

Surrey RCMP, after The VOICE asked them for information about the incident, said that on March 18 at 2:52 a.m., they responded to a report of a glass-break alarm at a business located in the area of 80 Avenue and 128 Street. When officers arrived on scene, they located evidence consistent with a shooting. The business was closed at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.

They added: “Initial information indicates that this was a targeted incident. Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has conduct of this investigation and are working to determine the motive. Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.”

The suspect vehicle:

Last year, on November 23, RK Jewellers at the Payal Business Centre was targeted. Several shots were fired at the store just after 2 a.m.

The shootings at South Asian businesses and houses in the Lower Mainland as well as in Ontario and Alberta have been linked to extortion threats with connections to gangs in India.


screengrab

 

 

 

Enhanced technology will help better predict wildfire movement, growth

Bruce Ralston

THE BC Wildfire Service is expanding the use of wildfire predictive technologies to better protect people and communities from wildfires.

“As the impacts of climate change evolve, so too must our ability to manage the threat of wildfires in our communities,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, on Monday. “During a wildfire, every second counts as wildfire professionals deploy aircraft and firefighters to tackle blazes. By adding more technology to the BC Wildfire Service’s tool kit, our talented firefighters will be able to make critical decisions faster when it matters most.”

In advance of the 2024 wildfire season, B.C. is introducing technology that can produce real-time wildfire behaviour predictions and incorporate information directly from the field. This is aligned with feedback from the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies and follows last year’s successful trial of the software.

The wildfire predictive technology will first be introduced in the Coastal and Kamloops Fire Centres, where it has already been trialled to ensure compatibility with forest and fuel conditions. Following continued trials, refinements and staff training, B.C.’s remaining four regional fire centres will phase in the new wildfire predictive technology throughout 2024.

While wildfire predictive technology does not replace the experience and skills of qualified BC Wildfire Service staff, it provides wildfire decision-makers with more intelligence and more time to plan their operations. With this expanded level of intelligence, the BC Wildfire Service can even more proactively respond to wildfires, giving people more time to act during an emergency.

Wildfire growth modelling works by using data from weather models, topography and fuel maps. The technology being implemented by the BC Wildfire Service includes the ability to use existing geospatial data and fuel maps, but also uses an app-based interface to allow for on-the-ground inputs in real time. The technology includes an interface for field staff, operational decision-makers and fire behaviour specialists who each have a unique role to play in forecasting, resource planning and fighting wildfires.

Collaborative efforts with jurisdictions using similar technologies, including California and Australia, have allowed the BC Wildfire Service to quickly operationalize and expand the use of these tools.

“The availability of a common operating picture when facing rapidly evolving emergencies can be the difference between life and death,” said Thom Porter, task force member and former director of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. “I’ve experienced first-hand the power of technology to transform the way response organizations work together to reduce impacts to communities and natural values. British Columbia’s investment in predictive technologies and sharing information among responders is an investment that will save lives, property and the environment in 2024 and beyond.”

Greg Boyachuk, senior wildfire officer of operations for the Coastal Fire Centre, said: “Last August, the Coastal Fire Centre experienced a major lightning event across most of the region, which resulted in over 110 new wildfires in four days. With the support of a fire behaviour specialist using the trial software, we were able to triage the new starts as they were discovered. The software was able to produce a predicted 12-hour fire spread for each new incident in less than 15 minutes, compared to a previous manual process which could take up to several hours for each incident. That allowed us to identify which wildfires were a priority for initial attack resources based on their potential to spread and threaten communities. As an operational decision-maker, I am thrilled we are investing in broader use of this technology and look forward to more learning.”

The BC Wildfire Service is committed to using emergency tools and technology to enhance the effectiveness of wildland firefighting in B.C. and keeping people safe. Other technology trials underway include using drones for aerial ignitions, infrared scanning for hazard assessments, and 5G technology for more sensor networks used to monitor forest conditions. The BC Wildfire Service is also taking action to improve firefighter safety, including better testing of carbon monoxide exposure and respiratory protective equipment.

The Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies was established in October 2023 to provide advice to the Province as government prepares for the 2024 wildfire season. The Province continues to implement feedback from the task force in real time.

 

Learn More:

Real-time wildfire information can be found on the BC Wildfire Service mobile app, which is available for Apple and Android users, or at: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

To learn more about BC Wildfire Service fleet and equipment upgrades, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30312

One person seriously injured in police shooting in Surrey on Sunday (video link)

THE BC RCMP announced on Monday that they had notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident in Surrey where one person suffered injuries after a police-involved shooting.

On Sunday, March 17, police officers making foot patrols near 152 Street and 104 Avenue at Guildford Town Centre received a report of a man with a gun. Officers located the man who fled when approached.

Shortly after, two police officers with the Surrey Police Service located the man who reportedly produced a weapon.

One of the officers discharged their firearm striking him. Medical assistance was provided and he was transported to hospital with serious injuries. Nobody else was injured.

Video of the incident:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1769672293242790176

The IIO BC is investigating police actions in the incident. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, the BC RCMP said that no further information will be released by police.

Surrey RCMP are conducting an investigation into the report of the weapon. Police are asking anyone who has any information to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

The IIO BC said it was notified of the incident shortly after it happened and initial investigative steps will seek to confirm the details leading up to and including the interaction with police, as well as whether any force used was necessary, proportionate, and justified under the circumstances.

The IIO is asking any person with relevant information or video footage of the incident to please contact the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.

Abbotsford allocates more than $1.78 million for homelessness prevention projects

Ross Siemens Official photo

THROUGH federal Reaching Home program funding, the City of Abbotsford announced on Monday that it has been able to allocate more than $1.78 million in funding for projects that work towards helping vulnerable people attain and stay in safe, sustainable and affordable housing.

The allocation of these funds comes following a two-year renewal of Abbotsford’s status as a Designated Community through the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program.

Of the 19 applications received, five local capital, service and shelter-diversion projects were selected to receive funding by Abbotsford’s Reaching Home Community Advisory Board, which is made up of various stakeholders representing and/or serving the different population groups of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in our community. These projects were selected for their focus on reducing the return to homelessness for at-risk individuals, providing wraparound supports and outreach services to help keep vulnerable people housed, and adding additional supportive housing spaces for those experiencing homelessness to move into.

These Reaching Home projects will take place in 2024 and 2025 with the funding spread over the same period. An additional $212,838 of Reaching Home funding remains for future considerations, like data collection and coordination or resources, and will be allocated and disbursed by the Community Advisory Board later this year.

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing support and funding to urban, Indigenous, territorial and rural and remote communities across Canada. The City of Abbotsford became a Designated Community under the Reaching Home program in June 2020.

“Canadians deserve a safe and affordable place to call home. As work continues to increase affordable housing options across the country, the federal government is working directly with communities, such as Abbotsford, to invest in projects that aim to reduce chronic homelessness and help their most vulnerable people,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Homelessness and the risk of homelessness is a complex issue and remains a growing concern for our City. Supporting those at risk or experiencing homelessness requires a collaborative and coordinated approach, and these projects will help provide sustainable supports and housing options for the most vulnerable members of our community. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for supporting our overall efforts to reduce homelessness in Abbotsford,” said Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens.

Developing our Reaching Home coordinated access system and implementing the City’s Homelessness Action Plan supports Council’s strategic goal of addressing social issues that impact our community, and strengthens responses to homelessness in Abbotsford. More information about Reaching Home and the City of Abbotsford’s Homelessness Program can be viewed at www.abbotsford.ca/reachinghome.

Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit issued 782 traffic tickets in February

Photo: RCMP

RICHMOND RCMP’s Road Safety Unit (RSU) on Monday announced that in February, officers issued a total of 782 traffic tickets, highlighting their proactive measures taken to curb dangerous and unlawful driving behaviours. Among these were 167 violation tickets issued for speeding, underscoring the need for drivers to adhere to posted speed limits.

In the ongoing battle against impaired driving, 20 individuals were apprehended, reflecting continuous efforts to keep intoxicated drivers off the road. Additionally, the prevalence of distracted driving remains a concern, with 64 violation tickets issued.

Richmond RCMP said its use of advanced technology is instrumental in identifying and addressing violations.

In addition to traffic violations, four high volume collision areas were identified, highlighting the need to additional caution:

* No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway
* No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway
* No. 5 Road and Westminster Highway
* Nelson Road and Westminster Highway
The RSU conducts additional enforcement in high volume collision areas.

“Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit is dedicated to making our roads safer. Our monthly statistics serve as a reminder of the collective effort required to achieve this goal. This March, our focus on distracted driving enforcement has intensified. We encourage all drivers to reflect on their habits and make the necessary changes to ensure their safety and that of others,” said Sgt. Eric Baskette, NCO incharge of Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit.