Top Stories – October 11

Israeli air strikes hammered Gaza yesterday as Israel took revenge for the Hamas assaults that have triggered some of the worst blood-letting in 75 years of conflict. Across the barrier wall enclosing the coastal enclave, Israeli soldiers collected the last of Israel’s dead four days after Hamas gunmen rampaged through towns, killing hundreds. Israel’s defense minister said its forces were gearing up for a ground offensive. The death toll on both sides was estimated at more than 1,800.

In West Kelowna Boucherie Road between Hayman and Stuart Roads will be closed from 5:30pm to 11pm today so crews can do their fall maintenance. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles, residents living within the immediate area, buses and transit users.

General Motors and the union representing Canadian auto workers reached a tentative contract agreement yesterday, less than 24 hours after a strike began. About 4,300 striking workers at two factories and a parts warehouse returned to work and will vote on the three-year deal. It recognizes employee contributions with significant pay and benefit increases and additional job security.

Kelowna’s first neighbourhood bikeway is proposed in Rutland and the city is looking for input to help inform early planning along the route. It will extend Kelowna’s all ages and abilities bike network from the Houghton Active Transportation Corridor into new neighbourhoods. Complete the survey or leave a pin on the interactive map before October 29 by visiting getinvolved.kelowna.ca .

Flu shots and COVID vaccinations are now available in pharmacies across BC. Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry announced the immunization plan late last month as respiratory illnesses were trending higher. The BC Centre for Disease Control reports COVID hospitalizations were up 58% for the last two weeks of September, with 24 deaths in the final week alone.

As International attention has shifted to Israel and Hamas, the war continues in Ukraine. Russia launched 36 Iranian-made drones according to Kyiv’s air force which says that its defence systems destroyed 27. Russia has stepped up attacks on ports in southern Ukraine since leaving a deal in July that allowed safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea.

BC is the first province to sign a tailored funding agreement with the federal government as part of the 196-Billion dollar health accord the prime minister offered provinces earlier this year. The deal will see Ottawa shift $1.2 Billion here over three years. The funding also comes with a commitment for federal support for BC’s health-care system for the next 10 years.

The provincial government says a BC-wide fire-safety campaign will help save lives and reduce fire-related injuries by educating people about proper smoke-alarm use and reducing fire risks in homes. In partnership with the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Victoria has provided $1.6 million to promote community fire-risk reduction through a smoke-alarm education campaign. It will include advertisements through radio, TV, social media and bus stops.

A bear warning has been issued for the town of Banff. Parks Canada says special caution is recommended when travelling in and around the townsite in Banff National Park, because there are multiple black and grizzly bears in the area. Parks is asking people to secure all wildlife attractants, dispose of food and garbage in bear-proof bins, and be aware of their surroundings.

SPORTS

Opening night of the NHL season for the Vancouver Canucks. The Edmonton Oilers are at Rogers Arena and Thatcher Demko is expected to get the start in goal in front of the home fans at 7.

The NHL has banned a basic act of solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, prohibiting teams from using Pride Tape on sticks for the season. The league said teams could celebrate whichever initiatives they’d like, as long as it adhered to the dress code.

The Canucks have given forward Conor Garland permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound winger tallied 17 goals and 29 assists in 81 games with Vancouver last season.