Top Stories – Oct 6 – Strong Advance Turnout

Voter turnout was strong in Kelowna at the first advanced poll of the 2022 local general election. A total of 1,471 people cast ballots. More advanced voting happens on Oct. 8, 12, 13 & 14 at various locations, while General election day on Oct. 15 will see voting at 13 locations. All election info is at kelowna.ca/election .

The Province is introducing a new cannabis retail licence that will allow eligible federally licensed cannabis producers to sell non-medical cannabis products from stores at their cultivation site. It is intended to support the development of a robust, diverse and sustainable legal cannabis economy that is inclusive of Indigenous and rural communities.

Higher gas prices could be coming back later this year, if not before. While the price of crude oil slumped in September, it jumped yesterday after the OPEC Plus alliance of oil-exporting countries decided to sharply cut production. However, the impact of the production cut on oil prices, and thus gasoline could be limited somewhat because OPEC Plus members already can’t meet their quotas.

Early yesterday morning, RCMP received a report that a man had been assaulted and was bleeding heavily. The 27-year-old Kelowna man was found on Valleyview Rd, with severe injuries and was taken to hospital. Officers reviewed video of the attack on the victim by another man who then left. A suspect was later located and arrested.

In case you missed it yesterday, BC Transit buses are back on the streets of Kelowna today. Mayor Colin Basran announced that the Amalgamated Transit Union and First transit had agreed to go to binding arbitration to settle their dispute.

King Charles is reportedly set be crowned on June 3 next year. The ceremony would be nearly 70 years to the day after the coronation of his mother Queen Elizabeth. Bloomberg reports unnamed royal officials are aiming for June 3 and are in discussions about which days will be made national holidays to mark the occasion.

Having a subcontractor run Kelowna’s bus service could be a thing of the past starting next year. Mayor Colin Basran says he has talked with BC Transit about it possibly taking over 100 percent. Basran says he has been assured the contract with First Transit will not automatically be rolled over.

The federal government has tabled a long-awaited plan to improve access to diabetes treatment and prevention. According to the private member’s bill, it must outline the training, education and guidance health workers need to promote the treatment and prevention of diabetes, including new clinical practice guidelines. It also says the government will ensure Canada Revenue Agency administers the disability tax credit fairly.

A prominent New York senator is joining the ranks of American lawmakers who want the White House to end vaccination rules at the Canada-US land border. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand a Democrat, has written to President Biden to “reciprocate” Canada’s new COVID border policy. White House officials will only say that no changes are imminent.

Sports

At Prospera Place last night the Kelowna Rockets picked up their 2nd straight win of the young WHL season and their first at home, with a 3-0 shutout against Victoria. Adam Kydd had a goal and an assist. The Seattle Thunderbirds come to town tomorrow.

Thursday Night Football is in Denver where the 2 and 2 Russell Wilson-led Broncos host the 1-2 and 1 Indianapolis Colts. Kickoff is at 5:15.

Here’s some good news. Former Rockets forward Pavel Novak announced on Instagram that he is cancer-free. He spent two seasons with the Rockets, accumulating 72 points last year, and 58 in 2019-20. He was drafted by Minnesota in 2020 and signed a three-year entry level contract with the club in May.

It’s a day off for major league baseball as the teams get ready for the wild card series beginning tomorrow. The Toronto Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners with the game starting at 1 our time.

The Vancouver Canucks scored the last goal and picked up their first win of the preseason last night, 5-4 over Edmonton. Vancouver hosts Arizona tomorrow night to wrap up the pre-season.

The PGA tour event this week is the Shriner’s Children’s Open. It’s being played at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas and there are 4 Canadians among those teeing off.