Top Stories – Apr 12 – Semi vs House

RCMP have been investigating how a semi tractor and its trailer found itself embedded in a house at Gordon and Cameron yesterday. A structural engineer was called to determine if it was safe to remove the semi and the electricity and gas to the house were turned off. The driver had to be extricated by firefighters and was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries. Two residents were trapped on the second floor and were brought down from the balcony.

A Canadian music icon has canceled all his concert appearances for the rest of the year. Gordon Lightfoot is now 84 and his team says he is experiencing some health-related issues. They asked that his privacy be respected as he continues to work on his recovery.

Ukraine’s prime minister is returning home with new support from Canada as the country prepares for a possible spring offensive in the war against Russia. Prime Minister Trudeau says Canada will provide assault rifles, machine-guns and ammunition. Ottawa is also updating its free trade deal with Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on authorities and organizations in Russia and Belarus.

Pandosy Street will be temporarily closed to through traffic between Cadder and Rose for about 10 days starting tomorrow to allow for utility work. Royal between Pandosy and Speer, and the lane east of Pandosy between Royal and Rose will be closed until mid May. Emergency vehicle access, traffic to local homes, and Emergency access at KGH will be helped by traffic control personnel or sign. Access to the main KGH entrance for drop-offs/pickups will be from the east end near Rose.

The BC Liberal Party will officially change its name to BC United today, when leader Kevin Falcon introduces the party’s new name, logo and brand. The change has been in the works since last November when 80 percent of Liberal members voted for the new name. Some were worried about a perceived but inaccurate connection to the federal Liberal party.

Ford plans to spend 1.8-billion-dollars to retool its Oakville, Ontario plant starting next year to turn it into an electric vehicle production hub. It will include a new, 407-thousand square-foot battery plant, where parts from the U-S will be assembled into battery packs.

Beginning Monday, and lasting through early 2024, work on the Central Rutland Sewer Project will begin west of Rutland Road South starting on Dougall Road South. All roads under construction will be closed, but open to residents who live on them and detour routes will be signed. The upgrades will also include Rutland Waterworks and FortisBC Electric.

Cruise ship season officially launches in BC as the Sapphire Princess travels to Vancouver to begin the city’s season. The Port of Vancouver says 331 cruise ships are scheduled through October, potentially delivering more than one million visitors. Last year, Vancouver saw a record 307 ships, a seven percent increase over visits in 2019.

Food storage brand Tupperware has hired advisers to help turn around the company after notifying securities regulators it may have to close up shop. Created in the 1940s, it saw a resurgence in popularity during the pandemic, but on Monday, the company’s share price fell to less than $2 following the announcement. A decade ago, its shares were worth about $100.

Sports

The Vancouver Canucks have one game left this season following a 3-2 win in Anaheim. The final game before spring and summer break is tomorrow night in Arizona.

The Toronto Blue Jays began their home season yesterday with a 9-3 win against Detroit. They will play game number two of their three-game set this afternoon just after 4.