Top Stories – Feb 1 – Record Deaths

Almost 2,300 British Columbians died from toxic drug use last year. That’s only 34 fewer than the number reported by the BC Coroner’s service the year before. However it was a different story in Kelowna where there were a record 87 reported deaths last year, up from 76 in 2021 and 61 in 2020

Just a few days left to get your two-bits worth in on the redesign of Glenmore Recreation Park. The city’s looking for ideas on amenities and what features you’d like. Take the survey at getinvolved.kelowna.ca and have a chance to win a $100 ‘The Local’ gift card.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke yesterday with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy. They went over Ukraine’s military, humanitarian, and financial needs, and discussed Canada’s ongoing support for the Ukrainian people and government. The two leaders also talked about the upcoming somber anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 24 last year.

The City of West Kelowna is inviting residents to come have a chat. Drop by Mount Boucherie Secondary School from 430-8 later today to speak with staff and learn more about updates to the Official Community, and Transportation Master Plan. If you can’t make it in person, visit OurWK.ca to review the display boards and complete the online feedback form by the 7th.

Proposed new standards for long-term care issued by the Health Standards Organization say residents should get at least four hours of direct care a day and workers must be paid more. But the non-profit said the new standards will only be useful if the government makes sure they are followed. It comes in light of the deadly toll the pandemic took on Canadian residents and their quality of life.

Canada’s financial intelligence agency is stepping up the fight against the illicit wildlife trade by taking aim at the criminals who take in big profits. The alert says Canadian bears are poached for their claws and paws, which reap large sums on the traditional medicine market here and over seas. It’s asking banks to be on the lookout for telltale signs that business dealings could involve the illegal trafficking of animals.

If you’re on the hunt for a new job, or wondering about the educational pathway to kickstart a career change, one of Okanagan College’s most popular community events is back today. The Business Expo & Employment forum is on from 10-3 in the Centre for Learning Atrium and the Trades Atrium at the campus on KLO Road. Attendance is free and the event is open to the public.

The Trudeau government is facing fresh calls to eliminate the backlog of disability claims from sick and injured veterans amid revelations Veterans Affairs Canada failed to spend nearly $1 Billion of its budget last year. Veterans’ groups and others are saying at least a portion of the money would have been used to help more ex-soldiers if their claims had been processed in a timely manner.

Actor Alec Baldwin and a weapons specialist have been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico movie set. The district attorney described a pattern of criminal disregard for safety. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at the worker in 2021 when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director.

Sports

Three Kelowna Rockets are ranked favourably with NHL Central Scouting. Find out which ones as the Voice of the Rockets, Regan Bartel talks with Dan Marr of NHLCC at rocketfan.ca

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid will face his former team in the Super Bowl when they play the Eagles, but Reid is focused on putting together a game plan. Reid coached Philadelphia to a 130-93-1 record from 1999-2012.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran reliever Chad Green to a two-year contract worth a guaranteed base salary of $8.5 million. He spent the first 7 seasons of his career with the Yankees and underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn elbow ligament this past June.

Sean Payton is expected to become the Denver Broncos’ new head coach. As part of the move, the Broncos will send their 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round selection to the New Orleans Saints, where the head coach was still under contract through 2024.