Top Stories – Apr 11 – City Council Benefits

Kelowna council will vote today on a bylaw amendment affecting the benefits they receive as a city employee. Since 2012, if they wanted to participate in the program, they were responsible for 50% of the premiums. New wording to the bylaw indicates that in November, the 50% would go away and the entire premium cost, for those who want benefits, would be covered by the city.

A book looking back on the impacts of the White Rock Lake Wildfire is supporting two good causes. It was written by three Emergency Services volunteers and has photos and experiences of people affected by the fire. Proceeds from the book will go to support the Okanagan Indian Band Recovery Fund and the North Westside Fire and Rescue Society.

The controversial party vote to determine the future of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is underway. Kenney spoke virtually to United Conservative Party members Saturday and mail-in ballots will be sent out. The votes must be in by May 11 and a decision will be announced a week later.

Kelowna’s Mission Group is looking to build a residential tower in the north end. The 17 storey structure would be on Bertram, just north of Cawston. There would be 14 floors of rentals, two levels of townhomes, one floor for a community garden, kids playspace and kitchen area, and a three level parkade.

Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre drew about 1,000 people to Sunset Ranch Golf Club on the weekend. The word ‘freedom’ was used a number of times in his speech, telling supporters that they would ‘have it back’ if he wins the next election. He railed against vaccine policies and addressed the need for more family doctors in Canada.

The first cruise ship to dock in Canada in more than two years arrived in Victoria Saturday morning. Passengers were required to have two shots of the COVID vaccine and a negative test at least 24 hours before they boarded. Last month, Ottawa gave cruise ships the go-ahead to dock in Canadian ports for the season, which runs from April to November.

Kelowna Fire Department responded to an alarm at the Discovery Bay condos on Sunset Drive early Sunday. A small fire had been set in a second-floor hallway and had been put out by a security guard who used a dry chemical extinguisher. There was no fire extension and it will be investigated by RCMP.

Federal Liberals are planning a national convention in Ottawa in the spring next year. The Liberal Party of Canada says it will take place May 4-6, and will also include some virtual participation. The 2021 national convention was held online due to the pandemic.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he is committed to pressing for peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He also renewed his plea for more weapons ahead of an expected surge in fighting in the country’s east. The comments came after at least 52 people were killed in a missile strike on a train station.

Sports

The Kelowna Rockets had a win and a loss against Vancouver on the weekend at Prospera. It was an 8-4 win on Saturday and 3-2 loss yesterday. The Rockets will wrap up the regular season with games Friday on the road against the Giants and Saturday at home hosting Prince George. Kelowna will play Seattle in the first round of the WHL playoffs.

The Blue Jays announced a 10-year agreement with theScore Bet to be the club’s exclusive gaming partner. They plan to create a premium 365-days-a-year, flagship sports bar and restaurant at Rogers Centre in Toronto’s downtown core.

The West Kelowna Warriors are moving on to the next round of the BCHL playoffs. They took a 7-2 win against Vernon on Friday night to win the best of seven 4 games to 1.

The Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne was won by Monaco’s Charles Leclerc in a dominant performance for his 2nd win in 3 races. Mexico’s Sergio Perez was 2nd while Britain’s George Russell was 3rd on the podium.

The Toronto Blue Jays kick off a few games in the Big Apple against the Yankees today. In their first 3 games of the regular season at Rogers Centre, they won 2 against the Rangers and lost 1.

The Masters was won by Scottie Scheffler who took the tournament by 3 strokes at 10 under par, even after shooting a 6 on the par 4 eighteenth hole. He gets to take home 2.7 million of the 15 Million dollar prize purse… and a green jacket.