Top Stories – Oct 25 – Some Restrictions Relaxed

BC is lifting capacity restrictions on gatherings across much of the province today, but they will be capped at 50 percent in areas where vaccination rates are low, including parts of the Fraser, Northern and Interior health regions. Regardless of location, anyone going to organized events will be required to wear face coverings and show proof of COVID vaccination.

In case you missed it, Kelowna has joined a growing list of cities requiring their staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19. The deadline is Monday, December 13 and the city says it is a condition of employment. Workers with a certified medical condition, religious or other protected human rights for not being vaccinated may be eligible for a work around. West Kelowna is evaluating the situation for its workers.

New guidelines from the federal government suggest workers who lose their job over a refusal to vaccinate against COVID-19 may not be eligible for employment insurance benefits. It says the employer should indicate on employment documents that they quit, took a leave of absence or were dismissed, potentially disqualifying them from E-I.

We will find out today how BC fared with covid 19 over the weekend. On Friday there were 88 new cases in Interior Health, and the number of active cases was pegged at 778 . There were 38 people in critical care in our hospitals

While 82 per cent of eligible Canadians aged 12 and up are already fully vaccinated, according to a recent survey by Angus Reid, some parents are hesitant to get their 6-11 year olds vaccinated. Only 51 per cent of parents plan to immediately vaccinate their kids when a pediatric dose becomes available. Public health experts agree that the debate around vaccines has become polarized and open conversations will be the key to addressing parents’ concerns.

Canadian ski resorts that rely heavily on international workers are getting ready for a labour shortage this winter as the visa approval process by the federal government slows. Michael Ballingall at Big White said about 60 per cent of its staff members were international workers on a two-year International Experience Canada visa before the pandemic. He says secondary services, like hospitality, will suffer if nothing changes.

West Kelowna drivers may have to do some negotiating around BC Hydro trucks for a bit. Starting tomorrow, Hydro will install LEDs to replace 462 high pressure sodium streetlights on their wooden power poles in the city. It comes as West Kelowna The City is also continuing its phased LED conversions on more than 1,700 steel lamp posts owned by the city.

Due to wildfire damage in areas of the Thompson/Okanagan and the Kootenays, 15 motor-vehicle closures under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act are now in effect. The closures affect backcountry roads across approximately 536-thousand hectares. Details can be found at gov.bc.ca/motorvehicleprohibitions .

The Mission Creek park spooktacular walk is back this weekend and jack-o-lanterns with LED lights can be dropped off on Friday from 1-4 and Saturday from noon to 3. The event happens Saturday from 5-8pm and everyone is encouraged to wear a Halloween costume and bring a flashlight if it’s dark. Donations for the food bank are also welcome and more details are on the Mission Creek Regional Park website.

Sports

In WHL hockey, the Kelowna Rockets dropped a 2-0 decision to Vancouver. The West Kelowna Warriors had a win and a loss at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, and in the KIJHL, the Kelowna Chiefs had a loss on the road and a big win at home.

Monday Night Football is in Seattle where the 2 and 4 Seahawks will take on the 3 & 2 New Orleans Saints. Kickoff is at 5:15.

After 6 games on the road including a 4-2 win Seattle with two goals from Bo Horvat and 2 assists from JT Miller, the Vancouver Canucks are back home for 7 straight games. The first is tomorrow against Minnesota.

The BC Games Society will require full vaccination for all participants, volunteers and spectators at the 2022 Winter Games. They take place in Vernon February 24 to 27.

The BC Lions had no roar in their weekend game against Winnipeg, losing 45-0. With the win the Bombers clinch the CFL West title with 10 wins and 1 loss so far, while BC remains in 4th place with a 4 & 6 record.

The answer to the trivia question will be Vince Dunn. The question is, which Seattle Kraken player scored the team’s first goal at Climate Pledge Arena. Dunn scored with 4 seconds left in the 1st period in a game the Canucks won 4-2.