Top News Stories – Apr 22 – Bigger Bus Barn

A new bus barn is in the works for Kelowna. The city says the current yard on Hardy Road is well over capacity and to continue to expand service, it needs to move. The Agricultural Land Commission has given permission to use a 16 hectare piece of land on the west side of Highway 97 by the John Hindle Overpass.

The number of people in hospital with Covid in BC in the past week, jumped by more than 100 to 485 as of yesterday. For Interior Health it was up by 23 to 103. The number of deaths from the virus in our region remained steady at 7.

Russia has issued a new list of sanctions of Canadians, meaning they cannot travel or do business with Putin’s country. Prime Minister Trudeau was already on the list, but he is now joined by John Horgan and a number of other premiers. Moscow also targeted the heads of CBC, CTV and a few mayors in the list of 61 people.

Starting Monday, Abbott Street between Osprey and West will be closed for utility improvements for about three weeks. The work is happening ahead of Abbott Active Transportation Corridor installation, including advance paving on the street. The east Abbott Street sidewalk will remain open, but the west side one will be closed.

The province is looking for input on what types of work are too hazardous to be done by youth under age 16, and in some cases, under 19. A number of industries have been identified, and are being considered for BC’s hazardous work regulation for young people. You can take part at engage.gov.bc.ca .

The British Government says users of self-driving cars will not be responsible for crashes and will be allowed to watch TV while behind the wheel under proposed changes to the Highway Code. Insurance companies rather than individuals will be liable for claims if vehicles are involved in collisions. However, it will still be illegal to use a cell phone.

The BC Cancer Foundation has informed the Kelowna RCMP that it DOES go door-to-door for fund raising. This contradicts a story released earlier this week by the police. However, the foundation says it does not ask for cash contributions as was alleged by a homeowner, as its volunteers have a tablet to do it electronically.

A Métis group from Manitoba say Pope Francis took ownership of the harms of the Roman Catholic Church during a meeting at the Vatican. Federation President David Chartrand says the meeting was a very powerful way to start the healing process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is among five people named as recipients of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for acting to protect democracy. The JFK Library Foundation said Zelenskyy was chosen because of the way he has marshaled the spirit, patriotism and untiring sacrifice of the Ukrainian people in a life-or-death fight for their country.

Sports

NHL last night in Minnesota, 4 straight goals by the Wild gave them a 6-3 win against Vancouver. The Canucks move on to Calgary tomorrow.

The IIHF Under 18 Championship begins this weekend in Germany. Canada kicks it off with a game against the United States tomorrow morning at 10:30, and follows that with a match against the host squad at the same time on Sunday. The games are on TSN.

The West Kelowna Warriors are in Salmon Arm tonight as their BCHL playoff continues with the Silverbacks. The Warriors lead the best of 7, 3 games to 1.

Four Kelowna Rockets were named to the WHL’s BC Division All-Star team. They include forwards Colton Dach and Pavel Novak, defenseman Jake Lee and goaltender Talyn Boyko. Andrew Cristall was the BC Division Rookie of the Year nominee, while Kris Mallette is up for Coach of the Year and Bruce Hamilton, Executive of the Year.

The Kelowna Rockets Western Hockey League playoff run begins tonight. They are the the Seattle area for the first of 2 games against the T-Birds. They return to Prospera Place on Tuesday.

Formula 1 is back in Europe this weekend for the first of two races in Italy during the season. Qualifying for the 20 drivers is today and tomorrow, with the race on Sunday.