Top Stories – Feb 2 – Mall Crasher

It was like a scene out of The Blues Brothers. A car smashed through the doors of a mall about 1am in Vaughan Mills, Ontario before crashing into an electronics store where the suspects got out and grabbed some stuff. Then they backed out of the store and ripped through the mall (Above) before smashing through more doors to get out. At last word police were still looking for the car and suspects.

Lake Country residents were warned to expect a big jump in property taxes this year. Council has given 1st reading to its 2023 budget which includes an increase of 17 percent for landowners. It cites increased RCMP costs due to higher population; Loss of fire contract with the City of Kelowna; Road maintenance and contractual and wage rate increases.

A candidate in Kelowna’s civic election last fall has been penalized by Elections BC. Daniel Joseph, who ran for council was fined $100 for sponsoring election advertising without an authorization statement. Joseph finished 27th out of 32 candidates.

Alberta’s chief medical health officer during the pandemic is now working for Dr. Bonnie Henry. Dr. Deena Hinshaw has joined the province as deputy provincial health officer on a 6-month contract. In October, Hinshaw was fired by new Alberta premier Danielle Smith who campaigned on promises of no more COVID vaccination and health restrictions in the province.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business released its Red Tape Report Card, grading provinces in regulatory accountability and burden. BC earned an overall ‘B+’ grade, the second highest alongside Ontario. Alberta got an ‘A-‘ while Newfoundland received an ‘F’.

A longtime former CBC producer has died after a random daytime assault in Toronto’s east end. Michael Finlay, who worked with the network for 31 years, died Monday, a week after the attack. The network says he died of medical complications following the assault.

Central Okanagan dog owners have until the end of the month to save on their 2023 dog license. Until then, a license for a dog that’s spayed or neutered costs $20 and $60 if it is not. Starting March 1st, the costs go up to 40 and 80 dollars. Renewal can be done online at rdco.com/dogs .

The Conservative party has set a fundraising record for a non-election year under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. During the last three months of 2022, they brought in over $9.7 million. That compares to 5.8 Million for the Liberals and 2-1/2 Million for the NDP.

We’re used to having snow around here this time of year, but it’s a different story in the southern United States. Bands of sleet and snow hit a large region for a third day, grounding 2,200 flights, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, and making already treacherous driving conditions worse. At least six people have died on slick Texas roads.

Sports

Regina Pats captain Connor Bedard has been named the WHL Player of the Month for January. The top-ranked North American for the NHL draft, who’s from North Van, had 16 goals and 24 points in the month.

“I’m retiring…. for good” says NFL quarterback Tom Brady. The 45 year old played 23 years and won 7 Super Bowls during his career.

One of the most popular events on the PGA Tour begins today begins in California. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has 9 Million dollars in prize money on the line while the winner pockets 1.6 Million.