Top Stories – Feb 9 – Academy Way Shots

Kelowna RCMP is investigating a report of gunshots fired in the Academy Way area Monday evening. It happened outside a building in the 690 block and officers learned people were seen running away after the shots were fired and they took off in a vehicle. Anyone with further information is asked to call the RCMP or leave a tip at Crimestoppers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says mandates are the way to avoid future restrictions when it comes to covid-19. That comes as the anti-vaccine mandate protests in Ottawa and the major road bridge between Windsor and Detroit continue. One of the protesters claimed that they may have enough fuel to last 10 days. Meantime one Liberal MP is urging the federal government to release a roadmap for lifting restrictions

Interior Health topped all regions in the province yesterday for the number of new covid-19 cases at 376. Second was Northern Health at 192. There were 1,117 new cases in total and 986 people who have tested positive are in hospital.

Construction improvements to City Park in Kelowna are scheduled to begin on Monday. The path between the Hot Sands and Cold Sands washrooms will be removed and a new, wider path with a concrete surface, lighting and furniture will be added. There will also be work done to manage sand depletion and additional turf, plants, and log edging will be added at the beach interface.

The premier says we will likely find out about changes to the COVID-19 restrictions next week, prior to Family Day. John Horgan wouldn’t speculate on what changes Dr. Bonnie Henry may make, but he is aware that the numbers are improving, and residents expect fewer health orders. There will be an update this afternoon at 3.

The provincial government brought in the throne speech yesterday afternoon outlining its plans for the next year. The NDP says it will continue to improve health care, fight climate change and help communities adapt to extreme weather. It highlighted that BC has one of the highest vaccination rates in North America and the strongest economic recovery in Canada

The Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country and City of Kelowna have a Memorandum of Understanding that will pave the way toward building important infrastructure improvements. Kelowna’s objectives include complete the development of the Rail Trail, protecting the City’s main sewer line within the rail trail right-of-way through the IR#7, and to obtain full access for the industrial lands via Commonwealth Road.

A project being billed as a “world class tourist destination” is being proposed for a site south of Vernon. Okanagan Gondola is the creation of the Kelowna-based development company Ridge North America, and is planned for 285 acres off Bailey Road. It would take visitors from a base site above Highway 97 up the hill on the west side of Kalamalka Lake with the entire journey spanning 1,600 metres.

Alberta premier Jason Kenny put an end to the province’s vaccine passport system at midnight. He adds that almost all restrictions affecting children including mask mandates for K-12 students will be lifted this weekend. The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is not impressed, saying its like ripping off a band-aid before the wound is healed.

Sports

At Rogers Arena last night, a 3 goal second period started the Vancouver Canucks on the way to a 5-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes. No rest for Vancouver as they host the Islanders tonight at 7:30.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are to interview ESPN commentator Louis Riddick for their vacant general manager position. Riddick is currently part of the network’s three-man booth for Monday Night Football.

BC Hockey League play in Merritt last night the West Kelowna Warriors got back in the good column with a 7-1 win over the Centennials. Merritt will make the return trip on Friday.

The Anaheim Ducks are keeping a Hall of Famer in their front office after he helped them find their general manager. Scott Niedermayer is staying on as a special advisor to hockey operations.

The Kelowna Rockets were supposed to have a home game against the Vancouver Giants tonight. However, that game has been postponed due to covid issues with Vancouver.

The Philadelphia Flyers gave Daniel Briere a larger role in the organization by naming him special assistant to general manager Chuck Fletcher. He played six seasons with Philadelphia toward the end of his career and has been president of their ECHL affiliate.