Top Stories – June 27 – Two Years Ago

Nothing like it right now, but it was different 2 years ago. That’s when the heat dome was about to hit and the forecast was calling for a high temperature of 43 degrees this week… that’s 109 Fahrenheit. A coroner’s review found 619 people died during the heat dome in BC, almost all indoors, a majority of whom were seniors who lived alone.

District of Lake Country is issuing a ‘Do Not Irrigate’ notice for all properties connected to the Winfield Okanagan Centre Water System, including farms. A recent rainfall event in the upper watershed increased turbidity levels so the District is relying solely on the Okanagan Lake source for supply and does not have the capacity to meet irrigation demands. The restriction is expected to be in effect until tomorrow evening.

The co-owner of a café in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, says since two TV shows aired earlier this year, she’s seen at least three people try to take selfies inside the building while a train passes by outside. Officials are urging tourists to be respectful leading up to the 10-year anniversary of the 2013 rail disaster that claimed 47 lives.

If you haven’t paid your property taxes yet for this year, it might be an idea to get it done this week. They are due in one week and after that there is a penalty for non-payment. In most cases they can be paid online, but in a number of communities the Homeowners Grant has to be applied for in person so make sure you know what the situation is where you live.

It’s just what Northeastern BC did not need, a whole bunch of lightning over the weekend. Most of the 102 active wildfires burning are in the Prince George fire centre and Wildfire BC is keeping watch for any new starts from the weekend. Estimates put the number of strikes between Friday and Sunday at around 10,000.

A prosecutor says a former Florida sheriff’s deputy accused of failing to stop the Parkland school massacre five years ago, ran away, choosing his own safety over those he was sworn to protect and serve. Sixty-year-old Scot Peterson is charged with felony child neglect for allegedly failing to confront the shooter during the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead.

The investigation continues into the death last Friday of a 30 year old Kelowna man. RCMP say Patrick Tur was riding his dirt bike about 5kms up Postill Lake Forest Service Road when he collided with a pickup. The driver of the truck was not arrested, but police are gathering evidence from the Criminal Crash Investigation team and the Southeast Collision and Analysis Reconstructionist Unit.

Suncor Energy falling victim to a cyberattack may be the most significant cybersecurity breach of an oil and gas company in Canadian history. Social media users complained on Twitter on the weekend about an inability to use credit or debit cards at its chain of Petro-Canada gas stations. As of mid-day yesterday, some Petro-Can sites remained cash-only, and its app and Petro-Points login were unavailable.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he wants to avoid fuelling Russian propaganda as he comments on Saturday’s mercenary uprising in that country. The brief armed revolt loomed large over a two-day gathering of Nordic leaders in Iceland, which Trudeau attended as a guest. They are calling the conflict an internal matter for Russia to address, while reaffirming their support for Ukraine.

Sports

The WHL announced its pre-season schedule and the first home game for the Kelowna Rockets will be Saturday, September 9th against Kamloops. The regular season home opener will be Sept. 23 against Portland.

At Elks Stadium last night, 6 runs in the 8th inning helped secure a win for the Victoria HarbourCats over the Falcons. They’ll play again today at 6:35.

The Toronto Blue Jays begin 3 home games against the San Francisco Giants today. The Jays are 4th in the AL East, while the Giants are 2nd in the NL West.

Vancouver born actor Ryan Reynolds is branching out in his investments from soccer. He and his partner are now part of a group putting money into the Formula One team Alpine. (al-PEEN)

Canada Soccer may be forced to file for bankruptcy, according to interim general secretary Jason deVos. The financial situation could render both senior teams unable to play during international windows this fall.