Vista Radio’s newest radio station will hit the airwaves this afternoon, bringing the “Icons” of music to the Island and Sunshine Coast.

91.7 ICON Radio, formerly Coast FM, went live at noon today in Sechelt. Listeners can enjoy music crossing multiple decades including classic hits that shaped radio, to one hit wonders, and anthems.

Vista says it will be a community hub for music enthusiasts and the Icons will not be limited to artists. Listens will enjoy a legendary lineup of presenters like Brother Jake, Gentleman Jim Jackson, Barb Montgomery and Gerry O Day.

In addition to their own stories, ICON Radio will also feature the artists themselves and they will go in-depth about their own experiences and memories.

Vista Radio president Bryan Edwards says this is an exciting day for music lovers on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.

“91.7 ICON Radio is not just a radio station; it’s a celebration of musical genius from across eras,” said Edwards. “We’re thrilled to bring a station to the airwaves that honours the cions of music, offering our listeners an unmatched audio experience.”

Vista adds that the programming is designed to create a community of music lovers who are passionate about the stories behind the songs and the legends who made them.

For more information and to listen online, go to www.IconRadio.com. 

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“Will we be a province where people are driven apart and left to face tough challenges alone? Or will we continue to be a place where people take care of each other and build a better future together? If we reject division and bring people together to solve problems, our brightest days are ahead of us.”

That was part of the message in the BC NDP’s 2024 Throne Speech this afternoon (Tuesday).

The speech was delivered by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin.

Creating more middle-class homes, the cost of living and business, improving health care, and a cleaner economy were all discussed in the speech.

It also mentioned expanding youth protection both in schools and online.

“While our government is proud of the progress we’ve made for people through tough times, we’re nowhere near satisfied,” said Premier Eby. “Our economy is strong, with low unemployment and the highest wages in the country. But too many are still struggling to get ahead – even those in the middle class who earn a decent paycheque. That’s why we’ll continue bringing people together to solve big challenges and help everyone build a good life here.”

Some positives the speech pointed to include a 30% increase in new rental homes, 74,000 jobs created last year, 700 more doctors practicing in BC, and a severe decrease in stranger attacks in Vancouver.

The government said they expect 20 pieces of legislation to pass this session.

Story by Will Peters, MyPGNow

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Sales of flavoured nicotine pouches will be restricted to pharmacies as the B.C. government introduces measures to restrict youth access.

“Action is being taken in recognition of the concerning trend of youth using nicotine-cessation products recreationally, which poses serious health risks and undermines ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco use,” said the province.

Officials said buccal pouches come in flavoured varieties, which can appeal to youth.

“We want to prevent kids from coming into contact with nicotine, and we certainly want to avoid products that experts are concerned about whether they’re designed to appeal to children,” said Premier David Eby.

One such product is Zonnic, a pouch containing up to 4mg of nicotine, which B.C. officials note is the equivalent of three or four cigarettes.

“This is a product that should not be available to kids or used by kids, and should only be used by adults who are trying to stop smoking,” said Eby. “The problem is that Health Canada regulations do not capture this product, and it can be sold in convenience stores directly to children.”

Eby said the federal government is working to close loopholes and restrict access to the products, but the province will also take its own steps as well.

“Zonnic will only be available behind the pharmacist’s counter,” said Eby. “They would have to engage with a pharmacist, and we hope that is a barrier that will prevent young people from coming into contact with these products.”

B.C. government officials said this will allow pharmacists to inform those purchasing the pouches about the health risks associated with nicotine addiction.

“B.C. is taking proactive steps to ensure nicotine cessation products are used for their intended purpose – aiding individuals in quitting smoking and improving their overall health,” said Adrian Dix, B.C. Minister of Health. “By limiting access to these products and ensuring they are dispensed by trained health-care professionals, our goal is to prevent their misuse, especially among young people for recreational purposes.”

Officials said young people are more likely to develop nicotine dependency.

“Nicotine affects memory and concentration, can alter brain development, reduce impulse control, and cause cognitive and behavioural issues in children and youth. Nicotine dependence can result in withdrawal and cause symptoms such as headaches, shakes, dizziness and feelings of anxiety or depression,” said the B.C. government.

Story by Ryley McCormack, MyEastKootenaynowStaff

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Selina Robinson is stepping down as BC’s minister for Post Secondary Education and Future Skills following controversial comments regarding the Middle East.

Premier David Eby announced today (Monday) she will remain in the provincial NDP caucus, serving as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville until the end of her term.

Robinson faced mounting pressure to resign after appearing in a panel discussion hosted by B’nai Brith.

During the event, she mentioned before Israel was settled by the modern population, the area inhabited by Palestinians was just a “crappy piece of land with nothing on it.”

Roughly a dozen leaders from BC Mosques and Islamic organizations urged Eby to remove Robinson from her role in the legislature.

In addition, the NDP cancelled a fundraiser over the weekend due to this incident.

Story by Brendan Pawliw, MyPrinceGeorgeNowStaff 

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The B.C. government has developed an improved wildland firefighter recruitment strategy to enhance its firefighting capabilities and resilience. 

B.C. government officials said the new strategy was developed to align with feedback from the Premier's expert task force on emergencies. 

They added that the improvements to the process have attracted over 1,000 firefighter applicants, with three more months of hiring ahead. 

Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston, said climate change has created a "higher than ever" demand for skilled firefighters with local knowledge and the province’s strategy will aid in wildfire resilience. 

"By expanding our hiring process to bring in more highly trained professionals, especially in rural communities, we will be more effective at responding to wildfires when and where they happen," said Ralston. 

The province said its enhanced strategy includes extending the hiring period, expanding First Nations boot camps, and encouraging applicants to specify their preferred work locations.  

The measures aim to strengthen pathways for participation in wildfire response, specifically for residents in rural and remote communities. 

Additionally, the province says it is also expanding a training and recruitment model dedicated to First Nations communities, with the extension of the successful First Nations boot camp pilot in the Cariboo Fire Centre to spring 2024. 

Wayne Schnitzler, task force member and executive director of First Nations' Emergency Services Society, said he is glad to see the province taking action to shore up First Nations and rural communities’ wildfire response. 

"People living in First Nations, rural, and remote communities bear a disproportionate impact from the rising threat of wildfires,” said Schnitzler. “I'm pleased to see the Province is boosting recruitment initiatives. These initiatives break down barriers and pave the way for increased participation of Indigenous peoples as wildland firefighters." 

The release says BC Wildfire Service has shifted to a longer, rolling application model over six months, which has allowed local teams to begin interviews earlier than ever, with more than 500 interviews for 2024 positions already complete. 

People who are interested in learning more about becoming a BC Wildfire Service crew member may apply until March 31, 2024, and are encouraged to indicate their first, second, and third choice of work location. 

For more information, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/WildfireFighters   

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At least 2,511 British Columbians died from toxic drug poisoning in 2023, according to preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service.

Officials said this is the largest number of drug-related deaths the agency has ever seen.

“Tragically, toxic, illicit drugs are continuing to cause unprecedented numbers of deaths across our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.

“This crisis, driven primarily by unregulated fentanyl, has cost our province dearly in the loss of much-loved and valued members of our communities. We cannot bring our deceased loved ones back, but we can and must do much more to protect the lives of tens of thousands of our family members, friends and colleagues still at risk.”

Vancouver Island was hit hard by death rates last year. According to the province, Alberni/Clayoquot and Greater Campbell River saw some of the highest.

The data shows that of the over 2,500 killed, 470 people were killed on Vancouver Island. The Island also had the second-highest death rate per 100,000 at 51.5.

Vancouver Island also saw 47 people die in December, which was the most recorded tying with February of that year.

In 2023, Victoria saw the most number of people killed at 145. Nanaimo was next to follow at 116, Campbell River saw 47 deaths and the entire Cowichan Valley saw 43. The Comox Valley recorded 33 and five were killed on the North Island.

Provincially, 220 British Columbians died in November and 219 were reported in December.

“The total number of lives lost in 2023 equates to an average of 6.9 deaths per day and is 5% more than the previous high of 2,383 deaths recorded a year earlier in 2022,” said B.C. government officials.

Coroners Service officials said fentanyl continues to be a major component in the province’s toxic drug supply.

“Fentanyl and its analogues were by far the most regularly detected substances, appearing in more than 85% of test results conducted in 2023,” said B.C. government officials. “The Coroners Service continues to monitor closely for the presence of prescribed safer-supply medications in its testing, with hydromorphone detected in about 3% of tests.”

According to the report, drug toxicity continues to be the leading cause of death in B.C. residents aged 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and diseases combined.

“As we approach the eighth anniversary of the declaration of the public health emergency that has cost so many lives across B.C., our province needs a coordinated, evidence-based response that is commensurate with the scale of this health crisis,” Lapointe said. “Deaths due to drug toxicity are preventable, and I urge our political leaders at all levels to collaborate on a thoughtful, comprehensive plan that puts people first.”

The BC Coroners Service said 13,794 British Columbians have lost their lives to unregulated toxic drugs since the public health emergency was declared in April 2016.

With files from Ryley McCormack, Vista Radio

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BC’s Ministry of Health said hospitals are experiencing a surge of in-patients as the respiratory illness season continues. 

In a teleconference on Wednesday, Health Minister Adrian Dix revealed that the province experienced a record-breaking number of hospitalizations on Tuesday night. He said 10,435 people were hospitalized, many of whom had a respiratory illness. 

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry accompanied Dix in the teleconference and stated that the province expects a continued increase in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the coming weeks, along with COVID-19. 

However, COVID-19 activity has remained steady and has been decreasing since November. 

The province said 219 patients were hospitalized last week with COVID-19, 26 of whom were admitted to critical care. 

The increase in cases and hospitalizations has prompted the province to strongly encourage residents to adopt healthy practices to prevent the spread of diseases and slow down pressure on the healthcare system, stated Minister Dix. 

“Illness is significantly affecting the health of a lot of people in our province. This is the time to get vaccinated. We have some time here; it’s an important time. We’re at the peak of the season. This is an important time to get your COVID-19 vaccine and your flu vaccine in BC,” said Dix. 

Regarding COVID-19, Dr. Henry said the province’s epidemiological data showed that 80 percent of residents in the province have some COVID-19 antibodies, and nearly all residents have developed COVID-19 immunity now. 

She said the data proves the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalizations. 

“Over 80 percent of people continue to have a lower level of infection, and that’s a good thing,” explained Henry. “It tells us that the vaccination, especially in that highest risk age group, are working very well to protect people from infection and it also shows the importance of continuing to get an updated vaccine.” 

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Two men have been arrested in connection with a violent extortion case from August.

On December 3, two men were arrested following a police investigation. The next day, they appeared in court. They are charged with six offences including forcible confinement, extortion, attempting to obstruct justice, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats. Dates for a trial have not been set.

Their charges are in connection with an August incident, when members of Campbell River RCMP’s Street Crime Unit found evidence of a man who had been forcibly confined and assaulted with a weapon. They believe the incident was targeted.

If you have information regarding criminal activity in Campbell River, please contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.

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Organizations across the province will have access to funding aimed at repairing and preventing damage caused by acts of hate.

B.C. government officials said applications for up to $10,000 will open for organizations such as places of worship, cultural community centres and at-risk groups, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The funds can be used for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property.

“Standing up to hate-motivated incidents and intimidation is always the first action and response by government when intolerance raises its ugly head in our province,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “That’s why we are supporting community organizations to enhance security measures and helping them with the costs of repairing physical damages when crimes like these are inflicted on the community.”

B.C. government officials said the funding will come from the civil forfeiture grant program, which uses proceeds from unlawful activity and redirects it back to communities.

Applications open on Nov 28.

The provincial government also announced the anticipated launch of a racist incident helpline.

Officials said it will be a trauma-informed multilingual service provided through BC211.

“It will offer a culturally safe platform for witnesses or victims of hate to report an incident when they may not feel comfortable contacting the police,” said B.C. officials.

The provincial government will use anonymized data to inform how and where to use additional resources to combat racism.

“Our communities are suffering due to a major spike in racism and hate being felt around the world,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “This is the time when we need to come together as a province to take action against hate. This helpline, developed in collaboration with community organizations, is trauma-informed and is one of the actions we are taking to address hate and support those who have been directly affected.”

The Ministry of Attorney General will also strengthen community support programs, which will enable the helpline to refer people to further support, including counselling services.

Story by Ryley McCormack, MyEastKootenayNow Staff

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In response to the growing housing crisis in BC, the province has put forward new legislation hoping to deal with issues in short-term rental units.

The surge of short-term rentals in BC’s housing market has made it difficult for British Columbians to find a good place to call home, says Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon.

“There are 20 per cent more listings today than there were a year ago. The surge is taking rental units off the market and is making finding a good place to call home even more difficult.”

Kahlon says that while many of the listings started out with people sharing a room or renting out a space, there are now an estimated 16,000 homes being taken away from the long-term market.

“Short-term rentals are a popular way to spend a vacation for my own family,” says Premier David Eby.

“We’ve enjoyed staying in short-term rentals across Canada and in the United States. But, without question, short-term rentals have gotten out of control.”

The legislation that was just tabled in the B.C. Legislature focuses on three key areas: increasing fines and strengthening tools for local government, turning more short-term rentals back into homes, and establishing new provincial rules and an enforcement team.

“We’ll be giving local governments the ability to increase the fines for hosts breaking municipal bylaws from $1,000 to $3,000 per infraction per day,” says Kahlon.

“We’re also making sure people are playing by the rules by making mandatory short-term rental platforms share their listing data for homes through OBC.”

Those living in communities with more than 10,000 people will still be able to rent out their home or a basement suite through Airbnb, but they will no longer be allowed to buy multiple properties for short-term rentals.

“Our core focus of this work centres around returning more of these short-term rentals back into places where people can live,” says Kahlon.

Kahlon adds they are establishing a floor across the province for municipalities of 10,000 or more to ensure the same rules are in place across BC.

Additionally, there will be a province-wide registry for all short-term rentals in order to ensure they are compliant, registered, and following local rules.

“These actions will return literally thousands of homes back to the market,” says Eby.

“We are taking an all-hands-on-deck, all-of-the-above approach to housing.”

Story by Sam Pike, MyCrestonNowStaff

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