Top Stories – Oct 22 – West Kelowna Slowdown

Things could be slow around a major intersection in West Kelowna today. Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect from 8am to 5pm at the intersection of Stevens, Bartley and Shannon Lake Roads to accommodate underground utility works. The existing detour on Byland Road to Juliann Road will remain in place for motorists.

RCMP are now calling the death of a man on Bechard Road in Kelowna on Monday, a homicide. A 54 year old woman has been arrested under the Mental Health Act. Neither the victim nor suspect were known to police prior to this incident, and potential charges have been forwarded to the Crown Prosecutor.

The South Okanagan continues to see a growth in covid cases. For example, in the last week, Keremeos jumped to 19 cases from 7 the previous week, Princeton was at 3 cases from zero, while Penticton saw a reversal to 28 new cases from 63. The Central Okanagan was at 171 cases, down from 186.

Westbank First Nation is beginning the process of transitioning towards the closure of its long-term care facility, Pine Acres Home. Due to the implementation of new provincial COVID-19 requirements for long-term care facilities, the continued operation of the facility is no longer feasible. Interior Health will work with residents and families to plan smooth transitions to alternate care homes by January.

Interior Health saw 137 positive tests for covid 19 yesterday. There were 715 in all of BC. There have now been just over 200-thousand cases in the province since the pandemic began. Among those 12 and over, 83.8 percent are fully vaccinated.

The provinces and the federal government have agreed on a new national vaccine passport for domestic and international travel. The proof of vaccination is distinguished by a ‘Canada’ word mark in the top corner. BC plans to have a new Government of Canada proof of vaccination card available by the end of the month. The BC Vaccine Card will remain in place for non-essential activities.

School district 23 has decided that Bankhead Elementary school in Kelowna will be the first to participate in Seamless Day kindergarten. The pilot program will employ certified early childhood educators to provide before and after school care in kindergarten classrooms. There will also be support learning alongside the classroom teacher.

The Supreme Court of Canada says a Nelson nurse will get another chance to sue for damages over an injury she suffered while climbing through snow piled by the city’s plow. After parking, she tried to cross a snow pile to get on to the sidewalk, but her right foot dropped through the snow and she fell forward, seriously injuring her leg. A lower court had earlier dismissed her negligence lawsuit.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says as soon as Health Canada approves the COVID-19 vaccine for kids, Pfizer will ship millions of doses to vaccinate children as young as five. The pediatric formula is for a dose one-third the size as that given to adults and teenagers. The first shipment will be 2.9 million doses, which is enough to give the first dose to all kids in that age group.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico, says actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop weapon on the set of his film, “Rust,” which killed the director of photography and left the director injured. Baldwin’s reps ,did not respond to requests for comment after officials confirmed the actor’s involvement. No charges had been filed as of last night

Sports

The BC Hockey League Showcase is underway in Chilliwack this weekend and the West Kelowna Warriors have 2 games. They take on Victoria today and Alberni Valley tomorrow with both games starting at 4pm.

The Kelowna Rockets are on the road for one game. They play the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre tomorrow. Then they come home before going back to Langley next Friday.

The Vancouver Canucks bounced back from the loss in Buffalo with a 4-1 win in Chicago. The Canucks wrap up the 6 game road trip tomorrow with a 7pm start in Seattle against the Kraken.

The Kelowna Chiefs have 2 games this weekend. They are in Armstrong tonight to take in the Knights. They’re back at Rutland Arena tomorrow to host Summerland at 7.

The BC Lions will have their work cut out for them this weekend. The Lions, who have 4 wins and 5 losses, are in Winnipeg to take on the west-leading Blue Bombers and their 9 and 1 record tomorrow at 4.

Canada is back in the top 50 of the FIFA rankings for men’s soccer the first time in almost 25 years. After going unbeaten in three World Cup qualifying matches during the last international break, Canada moved up three spots to 48th.