Top Stories – July 17 – Record Breaking

Canada’s record-breaking wildfire season has seen 100-thousand square kilometres of land scorched so far. That’s almost twice the size of Nova Scotia. The majority of fires are currently in Western Canada, with BC recording more than 370 active blazes. The wildfire season is expected to be unusually intense throughout this month and into August.

Locally, with rising fire risk due to continued hot and dry conditions, the Regional District reminds visitors to be aware of fire prevention and safety requirements in regional parks. Smoking, vaping and open flames are not allowed any time and while propane barbeques are permitted, they must be kept safely away from flammable materials. Fines for anyone found violating bylaws range from 250 to $1,000.

Victoria is expanding regulations on single-use, hard-to-recycle plastic items. It will cover shopping bags, food service accessories and packaging, and non-biodegradable plastics. The updated regulations will take effect in December, allowing time for the public to adjust and for businesses to use up their inventories.

West Kelowna is giving residents a heads up about a public hearing for a meeting on the official community plan on Thursday. The OCP guides long-term planning to help create City Centres, complete neighbourhoods and plan the way forward. It takes place at City Hall on Cameron Road at 5 with details at ourwk.ca/ocp .

No charges are being laid against a Kelowna RCMP officer who shot and injured a suspect. The incident occurred in December 2019 when the officer shot at a vehicle that tried to run him over. The driver was wounded. After reviewing the evidence, the BC Prosecution Service said it did not meet the charge assessment standards.

Federal assistance including military resources are being mobilized to help BC’s fight against hundreds of wildfires. Emergencies minister Bill Blair says the help will come from across federal departments and the Canadian Armed Forces. The BC Wildfire Service said the total number of active fires in the province has topped 370, while the number of threatening or potentially damaging blazes had jumped to 20.

West Kelowna fire crews made quick work of a brush fire Saturday evening. It happened around Bartley and Lenz Roads and according to BC Wildfire was human caused as there was no adverse weather in the area. It was agricultural debris that was burning and there was some extension into the wildland area.

Canada has unveiled a pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainians who fled here from the war at home. Ottawa says those who left Russia’s invasion and want to stay in Canada will be able to apply for permanent residency as of October 23rd. The condition is that they have temporary resident status and at least one family member already in Canada.

A horse participating in the Calgary Stampede was euthanized due to an injury. Veterinarians say it happened during the seventh heat of the chuckwagon races on Friday. While medical care was immediately provided to the horse, following an assessment, the veterinarian made the decision to euthanize the animal.

Sports

In Toronto on the weekend the Blue Jays swept their 3 games with Arizona to remain 3rd in the AL East. Toronto is off today before the Padres begin a visit to Rogers Centre tomorrow.

Closer to home at Elks Stadium, the Kelowna Falcons beat the Edmonton Riverhawks 2-1 to win all 3 weekend games. The Falcons are off today before beginning a series tomorrow in Covallis, Washington.

On the streets of Toronto’s Exhibition Place, the IndyCar race was won by Denmark’s Christian Lundgaard who drives for the team owned by racing great Bobby Rahal and David Letterman. It was his first career IndyCar win.

Rory McIlroy birdied the final hole to win the Scottish Open by one shot over Robert MacIntyre at 15-under. The players now move to Royal Liverpool for The Open Championship later this week.