Top Stories – March 17 – Basran Positive Message

Mayor Colin Basran presented a message of confidence and optimism in Kelowna’s future to the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. He acknowledged the challenges of the past two years, but also noted the many opportunities for businesses, cultural organizations and residents to get reacquainted. Basran said there is record-breaking investment and some of strongest growth among cities in Canada, which is a signal that people want to live and do business in Kelowna.

Camping enthusiasts can now try out the improved BC Parks reservation service before it opens for bookings on Monday at 7am. Right now, residents can create user accounts and save booking preferences to prepare for their upcoming camping trips. You can reserve a campsite up to two months before the desired arrival date at most campgrounds at http://camping.bcparks.ca

There were 235 new cases of covid 19 reported in BC yesterday, 182 of them in the interior. The number of people in hospital in our region was 66, down 4 from the day before, with 9 in critical care.

Russian forces destroyed a theatre in Mariupol where hundreds of people were sheltering since their homes had been destroyed in the fighting. Many people were buried in the rubble, though there was no immediate word on how many had been killed or injured. In Kyiv, residents huddled in homes and shelters during a citywide curfew as Russian troops shelled areas in and around the city, including a residential neighbourhood 2-1/2 kilometres from the presidential palace.

A West Kelowna man received a $5,000 fine and three-year hunting ban after illegally shooting a bull moose and lying about it to a Conservation Officer. It happened in November 2020 near Peachland, where it’s illegal to hunt mature bull moose without the required authorization. The man initially told officers the moose was a gift, from another hunter.

The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s response to the pandemic for better preparations and responses to future emergencies. The review will include what aspects of preparedness, engagement, communications and implementation worked well, and what improvements can be made. To participate, go to http://engage.gov.bc.ca

Spring has arrived and Kelowna crews are already in action, with the full street sweeping program set to begin on Sunday. Sidewalk and bike lane sweeping has already started in high traffic areas. Residents can make the most out of the cleaning by moving vehicles off the road as well as any other items that could impede sweepers like basketball hoops.

With bears and other critters starting to make their rounds, WildSafe BC provided West Kelowna council with an update on efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Residents should only put waste carts out on collection days and should secure their garbage at all other times to prevent attracting wildlife. For more tips, go to http://wildsafebc.com

It’s too late for Spring Break, but there’s word that vaccinated travellers will no longer require a negative COVID test to come to Canada as of April 1. An official announcement could come today or tomorrow. Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says we’ve seen the collapse of our international tourism and convention business over the last two years, and were on the cusp of losing the summer tourist season as well.

Sports

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are moving from FOX to ESPN and will be the voices of “Monday Night Football.” Buck and Aikman have been doing games together since 2002

The West Kelowna Warriors and Shaw Communications are teaming up as part of the Brighter Communities initiative. Kidsport West Kelowna is the benefitting charity and you can send $10 by texting WKKIDS to 41010.

The West Kelowna Warriors will be going for their 6th straight win tonight. The Salmon Arm Silverbacks visit Royal LePage Place at 7.

The Seattle Kracken are leaving their captain available heading toward the trade deadline. Mark Giordano will not play the next couple of games to avoid possible injury. The pending unrestricted free agent is expected to be moved ahead of the Monday deadline.

The Vancouver Canucks continue their homestand at Rogers Arena tonight. The Red Wings are the visitors and Vancouver will be hoping to build on Tuesday’s win against New Jersey.

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield fueled speculation about his future after thanking the city of Cleveland on social media yesterday. He posted his message hours after the team reportedly met with Texans pivot Deshaun Watson, who’s been looking for a trade this offseason.