Top Stories – Jan 11 – To: Ukraine, From: Canada

Canada is buying a U.S. surface-to-air missile system for Ukraine nearly a year after Russia’s invasion of the country. The decision to send it comes in response to intensified Russian air raids on cities, military sites and critical infrastructure such as power stations. Prime Minister Trudeau got a Twitter Thank You from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Told you last month that Kelowna RCMP has 3 Coffee with a Cop sessions this month. The first is tomorrow from 930-11am at Deville Coffee on Bernard, where people are welcome to stop by for a chat… no purchase is necessary. Up next are The Jammery in the Kelowna Crossing Shopping Centre next Thursday and on the 26th at the Bean Scene in Pandosy Village.

An advocate for air passengers says Canada should make it so travellers are automatically entitled to compensation from airlines when their flights are disrupted, rather than having to make claims on their own. The calls for reform from Air Passenger Rights came just before thousands of travellers found their flights cancelled or delayed as a winter storm swept across parts of Canada leading up to Christmas Day.

Kelowna has received two grants for Pandosy Waterfront Park totaling just over a Million dollars. One grant will fund an elevated pier and handrail, and paddle buoys, while the other will go towards accessibility and inclusivity features at the park.

A Kelowna RCMP officer has won a Provincial Award. Cst. Brad Smith has spent his entire 13-1/2 year career in traffic services and is a top performer in the province, successfully removing 78 impaired drivers from the streets of Kelowna in 2021. He is one of only three Drug Recognition Experts posted in Kelowna. For 2021, he won the Excellence in Outstanding Traffic Law Enforcement Award from the BC Association of Chiefs of Police

A report from TD Economics predicts Canada will see the weakest level of home sales since 2001 this year. Steep annual average price declines are expected in most of the Atlantic provinces, Ontario and BC. The Canadian Real Estate Association said last month that the national average home price was down 12 per cent in November from the same month last year.

Kelowna is giving residents a chance to give feedback on updating the concept design for Glenmore Park. It will accommodate active sports and events as well as community and wellness-based recreation. The schematic design is anticipated for completion this year. Give your 2 cents worth at getinvolved.kelowna.ca .

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says their hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the off-duty Nelson police officer killed Monday in an avalanche while snowmobiling near Kaslo. Another officer was critically injured and Farnworth thanked the agencies and first responders who helped with the rescue operation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden had wide-ranging talks about the fragile security situation in Haiti, North American trade, political unrest in Brazil and more on the sidelines of the North American Leaders Summit in Mexico City. Canada is weighing whether to lead an international mission to Haiti to help solve the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis.

Sports

The Kelowna Rockets lost 3-0 to Prince George at home last night. Next up are 2 games in Victoria at the end of the week. Next up are 2 games in Victoria at the end of the week.

The Canucks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Pittsburgh last night, but gave it up and lost 5-4. Tampa Bay is the next stop on the road trip tomorrow.

The Baltimore Ravens have agreed in principle to a five-year, $100-million contract extension with Roquan Smith, making him the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history.

Speaking of big bucks, star shortstop Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins are finalizing a six-year, $200-million contract with an option that could make it worth $270 million.