Top Stories – Nov 8 – Border Reopens

Snowbirds in their cars and RVs were lining up at border crossings on the weekend waiting for today’s re-opening for non-essential travel. Canadians must be fully vaccinated and have proof if asked to show it. Cross-border shopping could get expensive as Canucks will have to show the result of a PCR test that had been done in the past 72 hours, and they run about 200 bucks. The ArriveCan paperwork must also be filled out.

Meantime, today’s reopening of the Canada-US land border is sparking a mixed reaction among Canadian business leaders. They’re excited that people and not just goods will be crossing the border again but are wary of remaining red tape. They say the Canadian requirement for a negative PCR test is an obstacle to kick-starting business, travel and tourism. They say proof of vaccination is all that should be needed as is the case in the States.

If you see some people going through your recycling bin, it’s probably OK. The regional district’s recycling ambassadors are hitting the streets again educating homeowners about what cannot go in. Things like toys, clothing, electronics, construction materials, and furnace filters have never been accepted. rdco.com/recycle for more info.

We will find out today how BC fared with covid 19 over the weekend. On Friday there were 110 new cases in Interior Health, and the number of active cases was pegged at 686. There were 27 people in critical care in our hospitals.

A Kelowna resident is among six community leaders that received awards for their ongoing efforts in supporting victims of crime, including initiatives focused on gender-based violence and restorative justice. Meghan Ramsay is a vital member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Okanagan. As co-ordinator of the Youth Restorative Justice Program, she was recognized for showing passion, providing exceptional leadership to educate and spread awareness about those principles.

The Canadian flag was raised at federal buildings across Canada yesterday following the longest period in the country’s history that it has flown at half-mast. It was in honour of Indigenous children who suffered and died at residential schools. It was lowered again this morning mark to Indigenous Veterans Day and will be raised this evening at sunset.

The number of active cases of Covid may be going down in BC, but the number of school exposures in the Central Okanagan is remaining steady. Interior Health says as of Friday, there were potential exposures at 11 schools in District 23. Mar Jok Elementary and Helen Gorman Elementary in West Kelowna reported exposures on 6 different days.

The Province is teaming up with the Red Cross to provide eligible residents, who were affected by the wildfires, with financial assistance to support their interim housing needs during their recovery. Starting next month they will receive $1,300 per month while they are in the transition to long-term housing. The Red Cross will contact eligible households to assess their unique needs.

The CleanBC program to reduce industry emissions and maintain global competitiveness won an award during COP26 in Glasgow. It was for the most creative climate solution from a global alliance of state and regional governments committed to climate action in line with the Paris agreement.

Sports

The Kelowna Rockets split their weekend WHL games at Prospera Place. They dropped a close 5-4 shootout decision to Portland, but beat the Prince George Cougars 4-1. The Kamloops Blazers are in town on Wednesday.

The Kelowna Chiefs lost their only game on the weekend to Osoyoos, but they can rebound when the North Okanagan Knights visit Rutland Arena on Wednesday.

The West Kelowna Warriors remain undefeated at home this season after taking wins from Merritt and Cranbrook on the weekend. They now head south of the border for games in Wenatchee on Thursday and Friday before a Saturday home game against Vernon.

The Okanagan Sun are off to the BC Football Conference Championship game after a solid 33-0 win against the Vancouver Island Raiders at the Apple Bowl on Saturday. The Sun will play the Langley Rams for the Cullen Cup this weekend in Langley.

The Vancouver Canucks picked up another win last night with a big 6-3 victory over Dallas. They wrap up their 7 game homestand tomorrow against Anaheim.

Monday Night Football is at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh where the 4 & 3 Steelers host the 3 & 5 Chicago Bears. The last time they played each other was in September 2017 and the Bears won 23-17.