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Man Killed in Targeted Late-Night Shooting in Surrey

James
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Man Killed in Targeted Late-Night Shooting in Surrey

A man was killed in a late-night shooting in Surrey, B.C., in what police believe was a targeted attack. IHIT has taken over the investigation.

Late-Night Incident Under Investigation

A man was fatally shot late Friday night in Surrey, B.C., prompting a major police response. The shooting occurred around 11:40 p.m. near the 10400 block of 152 Street, where officers arrived to find the victim with critical injuries. Despite emergency efforts, he died at the scene.

Details From Responding Officers

According to the Surrey Police Service (SPS), frontline officers were dispatched after multiple reports of gunfire in the busy Guildford area. Upon arrival, they secured the scene and called for additional support as evidence suggested a targeted attack rather than a random act.

Investigation Led by IHIT

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken control of the case, marking Surrey’s sixth homicide of the year. Investigators say early findings point to a targeted shooting, and the incident is not believed to be linked to extortion. However, the motive remains unclear as detectives continue to gather information.

Coordinated Police Effort

IHIT is now working alongside the Surrey Police Service and the RCMP’s Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit to conduct priority investigative tasks. Police say the investigation is in its early stages, and officers continue to canvass the neighbourhood for witnesses and surveillance footage.

Appeal for Public Assistance

Authorities are asking residents or businesses with security cameras in the area to review their footage from Friday night. Anyone with information or video evidence is urged to contact IHIT as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.

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Dandjinou Clinches Crystal Globe as Sarault Extends Lead

Willy
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Dandjinou Clinches Crystal Globe as Sarault Extends Lead

Canada’s Will Dandjinou secures the men’s Crystal Globe as Courtney Sarault widens her overall lead with a dominant win at the short track World Tour finale.

Dandjinou Clinches Crystal Globe as Sarault Extends Lead

Season-Defining Finish in the Netherlands

Canadian short track speed skater Will Dandjinou captured another golden moment on Saturday at the final World Tour stop in Dordrecht, Netherlands, securing the men’s overall season title. His win in the 1,500-metre final delivered an insurmountable points lead, confirming his second consecutive Crystal Globe.

Dandjinou stopped the clock at 2:16.600, earning his seventh individual gold of the season. Teammate Felix Roussel, of Sherbrooke, Que., finished just behind him at 2:16.670, marking a strong Canadian one-two finish.

A Podium Shared—and Earned

Speaking after the race, Dandjinou said the shared podium with Roussel was something they had envisioned since the early stages of the season. He noted their competitive but supportive dynamic, describing the moment as “well deserved” for both skaters.

China’s Sun Long secured bronze with a time of 2:16.772, rounding out a tightly contested final.

Standings Locked and Future Eyes Forward

Dandjinou’s victory pushed him to 832 points for the season, far ahead of Italy’s Pietro Sighel, who sits at 594 points. The Montreal athlete later added a silver medal in the chaotic 500m final, where a rare six-man field and multiple contacts shaped the outcome.

Although Canadian Steven Dubois crossed the line first, a penalty for a lane-change violation altered the results. American Andrew Heo moved up to gold, with Dandjinou taking silver and Poland’s Felix Pigeon earning bronze.

Dandjinou has previously spoken about his ambitions for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, acknowledging the rising expectations following his dominant season.

Sarault Strengthens Her Lead

On the women’s side, Courtney Sarault delivered another standout performance to protect her overall season lead. The Moncton, N.B., skater won the 1,000m final, clocking in at 1:27.701 for her third gold of the season in the discipline.

American Corrine Stoddard mounted a strong final-lap push but settled for silver at 1:27.752, while Hanne Desmet of Belgium claimed bronze.

Crystal Globe Within Reach Again

Sarault, last season’s Crystal Globe champion, now holds a 100-point lead over Stoddard with just two individual events remaining. Her fourth gold of the season solidifies her position as the favourite to retain the overall title, extending Canada’s dominance across the World Tour standings.

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Thorncliffe Fire Drags On as Crews Battle Hidden Hotspots

Chuck
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Thorncliffe Fire Drags On as Crews Battle Hidden Hotspots

Fire crews continue fighting a concealed blaze in Toronto’s Thorncliffe Park as residents remain displaced with no timeline for safe return.

Thorncliffe Park Fire Drags On as Crews Battle Hidden Hotspots

A Complex Fire That Won’t Quit

Toronto fire officials say a stubborn blaze inside two adjoining apartment buildings in Thorncliffe Park remains “active and challenging,” with no timeline for safe return of displaced residents. The fire, discovered Thursday shortly before 2 p.m., continues to burn inside insulation wedged between 11 Thorncliffe Park Dr. and 21 Overlea Blvd., forming what officials call one of the city’s most unusual incidents in years.

Acting Division Commander Robert Hewson said Saturday morning that progress has been “slow but steady,” as crews confront a smouldering fire they cannot directly see.

How the Blaze Spread Inside the Walls

Officials say the fire began in the underground parking area before travelling vertically through building cavities, igniting insulation trapped between structural walls. Because the flames are sealed behind layers of concrete and brick, firefighters are relying on temperature data and carbon monoxide readings instead of visual confirmation.

Hewson said limited access points have made firefighting “meticulous,” with crews cutting into the walls while avoiding electrical, hydro, and gas infrastructure.

Residents Evacuated and Assisted Off-Site

High carbon monoxide levels prompted a full evacuation of both buildings Thursday evening. While crews continue suppression efforts, firefighters are retrieving critical items—such as medications—for evacuated tenants when possible.

Toronto Hydro has restored power after an hours-long shutdown, though residents still cannot return. The Canadian Red Cross has arranged roughly 70 hotel rooms for more than 100 displaced individuals, with others encouraged to register for support.

City Response and Community Support

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop described the incident as one of the “more complex” fires in Toronto’s history, noting that 77 firetrucks cycled through overnight operations. He said extinguishment could take “hours or days,” emphasizing that safety will dictate all decisions.

Local councillor Rachel Chernos Lin praised community groups, including staff at The Neighbourhood Organization, who kept the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub open overnight for residents. Mayor Olivia Chow visited the scene, thanking crews for their coordinated response and reassuring affected families: “You are not alone.”

Firefighters Prepare for a Long Operation

Jessop said crews will remain on site long after the flames are extinguished to ensure conditions are stable before anyone re-enters the buildings. An investigation into the cause will begin only once the fire is fully out.

Despite the uncertainty, many residents expressed relief that the evacuation was orderly and injury-free. “We’re just thankful we’re alive,” said Pauline Balabanowicz, who fled with her husband Thursday evening after smoke filled a nearby unit.

Others, like longtime resident Joan Fotopoulos, are choosing to focus on resilience. “Sometimes bad things happen in life,” she said. “Everyone is safe—that’s what matters.”

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Nelson Rallies to Help Couple Marry With Just a Day’s Notice

Claire Bennett
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Nelson Rallies to Help Couple Marry With Just a Day’s Notice

A travelling couple married in Nelson, B.C., after locals rushed to help organize a last-minute wedding sparked by an astrologer’s urgent timing.

Nelson Community Makes Last-Minute Wedding Come True

A Sudden Call for a Wedding Date

A visiting couple, Leah Fried from Kelowna and Tim Bowman from the U.S., found themselves planning a wedding at lightning speed after their astrologer advised them on Nov. 24 that the “ideal moment” for their nuptials would be the following afternoon. With just over a day to prepare, they decided to marry during their winter stay in Nelson, B.C., and immediately began searching for help.

Finding Support in an Unfamiliar City

Despite not knowing anyone in Nelson, the pair quickly discovered that the small Kootenay community was eager to assist. Bowman contacted several local officiants, and within hours, multiple people offered to perform the ceremony. Their next challenge—finding witnesses—led them to a local Facebook group, where they posted a request on the morning of Nov. 25.

Online Post Sparks a Wave of Offers

The Facebook request drew immediate attention once approved by group moderators. Dozens of residents responded, offering not only to witness the ceremony but also to take photos, play music and help coordinate the details. Fried later described the response as overwhelmingly generous, saying the outpouring of kindness came entirely from strangers who simply wanted to celebrate their joy.

A Ceremony Set in a Nelson Landmark

The couple selected Cottonwood Falls Park as their venue, drawn to its Japanese garden setting and waterfall backdrop. By mid-afternoon, an officiant, witnesses, a local photographer and a musician had gathered—most meeting the couple for the first time minutes before the ceremony began.

A Symbolic Exchange at 2:34 p.m.

Following the astrologer’s precise timing, Fried and Bowman exchanged handmade willow-branch rings, with custom permanent bands still en route. The informal yet heartfelt ceremony concluded with applause from attendees and well-wishers who stopped by after seeing the community buzz online.

Why the Day Felt Extraordinary

The couple described the experience as “miraculous” and “joyfully unexpected,” crediting Nelson residents for transforming a spontaneous decision into a meaningful celebration. Their impromptu wedding, they said, affirmed their shared belief in community connection and kindness—even among complete strangers.

Looking Ahead After an Unplanned Celebration

As they continue their winter stay in British Columbia, Fried and Bowman say they plan to return to Nelson in the future as a way of honouring the city that embraced them on their big day. “The universe brought us here,” Bowman said afterward, “and Nelson carried us the rest of the way.”

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Canada–India Warm Ties Spark Fresh Safety Fears at Home

Nicole
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Canada–India Warm Ties Spark Fresh Safety Fears at Home

As Canada-India ties improve, Sikh Canadians fear ongoing threats are being overlooked in the rush to restore diplomatic and security cooperation.

Canada–India Warm Ties Spark Fresh Safety Fears at Home

A Rapid Diplomatic Thaw

Canada and India are moving quickly to restore relations after nearly two years of tensions, highlighted by allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. In recent public remarks, India’s new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, dismissed those allegations as “preposterous,” insisting New Delhi has never engaged in such activity.
The shift comes as both countries look to rebuild ties following a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

Community Unease As Security Concerns Persist

The warming of relations has stirred growing anxiety among Sikh Canadians, many of whom fear their safety is being sidelined for diplomatic gain.
Balpreet Singh of the World Sikh Organization said activists continue receiving RCMP “duty to warn” notices about imminent threats to their lives, indicating risks have not diminished. Sikh community members also report ongoing extortion attempts and shootings—problems the RCMP previously linked to networks with ties to India.

Ongoing Questions Around Criminal Networks

Sikh representatives argue that India must explain how criminal figures like Lawrence Bishnoi—a gang leader imprisoned in India for more than a decade—allegedly continue directing international operations.
Patnaik countered that India has taken action, noting the extradition of Bishnoi’s brother from the U.S. and Canada’s recent designation of the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity. He emphasized that both governments have long acknowledged concerns around extremism and street-level safety.

Diplomacy Driven by Strategic Timelines

Political analysts note that both governments appear highly motivated to turn the page quickly.
Sanjay Ruparelia, a political scholar at Toronto Metropolitan University, said the period between the G7 and G20 summits created a strategic window for rapprochement, especially as both leaders face pressure to deliver economic wins without majority governments.
Recent steps—restored diplomatic staffing, renewed trade missions, and upcoming high-level visits—signal a mutual push to stabilize relations.

External Pressures Shape Priorities

A major catalyst, experts say, is the shifting global environment—particularly disruptions stemming from the U.S. under President Trump’s second term. Canada has faced economic shocks, while India was hit with steep U.S. tariffs on key exports.
Both nations now stand to benefit from greater bilateral co-operation in trade, security, critical minerals, and technology as they adjust to a more volatile geopolitical landscape.

Security Agencies Adapt to New Realities

Despite diplomatic momentum, Canadian intelligence agencies continue to flag India as a foreign-interference risk. CSIS’s latest report references both Indian state activity and Khalistani extremism, reflecting the complexity of the relationship.
Former CSIS director Ward Elcock said Canada “has fewer choices than it once did,” and must navigate ties with countries whose interests may not align with its own. While he expects India to be “more careful” after international scrutiny, he believes ongoing vigilance is essential.

Balancing Diplomacy and Domestic Protection

As Canada and India rebuild high-level engagement, Sikh Canadians warn that their safety concerns cannot be overshadowed by economic or geopolitical goals.
The coming months—particularly a potential visit by Carney to India in early 2026—will test whether the renewed partnership can coexist with credible protections for marginalized communities at home.

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Red Deer Arts Sector Warns Funding Can’t Match City Growth

Henry
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Red Deer Arts Sector Warns Funding Can’t Match City Growth

Red Deer arts groups warn city funding cuts threaten long-running programs as demand grows and grant requests far exceed the municipality’s current budget.

Red Deer Arts Groups Sound Alarm as Funding Lags Behind Growth

Strained Sector Faces Tough Year Ahead

Arts and culture leaders in Red Deer say the city’s latest funding decisions have left the sector at a tipping point. The concerns emerged after the release of the 2026 Community Culture Development Fund (CCDF) allocations, announced this month. Multiple groups report steep cuts — and in some cases, no funding at all — leaving long-standing festivals and programs at risk of closure.

Growing Demand Meets Limited Funding

The CCDF program operates on a three-year cycle and supports non-profits delivering arts, culture, and heritage programming across Red Deer. While the city maintained its annual allocation at $445,000, the demand has surged. For the 2026–2028 cycle, organizations collectively requested more than $1.1 million per year, more than double the available amount. According to city officials, applications increased by 38%, and total funding requested rose 64% compared to the previous cycle.

Organizations Say Cuts Hit Hard

One of the most impacted groups is the Red Deer Arts Council, which saw its previous allocation of $91,000 drop by $41,000. This year, five applications totaling $150,000 resulted in just $50,000 in approved funding. Executive director Suzanne Hermary called the cuts “devastating,” warning that some organizations may not survive the next few years. Several groups have filed appeals, hoping to restore portions of their funding.

Concerns Over Committee Changes

In a joint letter to the mayor and council, eight arts and culture organizations outlined additional concerns beyond the funding shortfall. Among them is the city’s decision to remove individuals with arts-sector backgrounds from the grant adjudication committee. City officials say the move reduces conflict-of-interest risks in a community where many sectors remain closely connected. Arts leaders argue it removes essential expertise from the evaluation process.

Local Growth Outpaces Investment

Red Deer’s population has grown 7.55% over the past five years, with more expansion expected as the city prepares for a major hospital redevelopment and an influx of healthcare workers. Organizations say municipal funding has not kept pace with this growth or with inflation. A Canadian Chamber of Commerce report shows the national arts sector has grown nearly 8% in the last three years — double the overall economy’s pace — and 75% of Canadians believe arts experiences strengthen community belonging.

Programs at Risk Without Operational Stability

Historically, the CCDF provided operational support, but policy changes in 2021 shifted funding toward program enhancement rather than sustaining organizations. Arts groups warn that without base-level operational funding, many of the very programs the city supports may become unsustainable. They argue that shrinking budgets limit their ability to hire artists, maintain venues, and deliver community events.

Seeking Solutions Amid Uncertainty

Despite the challenges, organizations are exploring new revenue sources. The Red Deer Arts Council, for example, is considering taking over operations of a local theatre to stabilize its finances during the upcoming cycle. Leaders say cultural amenities will be essential to attracting new residents and supporting the city’s long-term economic and social development. As Hermary noted, “If thousands of new workers are arriving, they need a vibrant community to be part of.”

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Banff National Park Turns 140 as Crowds Surge

Alex
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Banff National Park Turns 140 as Crowds Surge

Banff National Park turns 140 as record visitors push the park to rethink conservation, traffic limits, and how millions experience Canada’s iconic wilderness.

Banff at 140: Crowds Test Canada’s Oldest National Park

A Milestone Under Pressure

Banff National Park marked its 140th anniversary on November 25, a symbolic moment for a protected landscape now facing more strain than ever. What began in 1885 as a remote hot springs reserve has become one of the world’s most visited mountain destinations — and the surge in tourism is testing its original purpose and future direction.

How a Recreation Haven Became a Conservation Leader

Early visions of Banff centred on recreation and commercial opportunity, with visitors encouraged to explore, hunt, mine, and even log the land. Archivists note that the first generations of park users viewed Banff primarily as a place to enjoy and exploit. Conservation was not yet part of the national park identity.
Over time, ecological protection became central to Parks Canada’s mandate. Landmark initiatives — from wildlife overpasses to the reintroduction of bison — have positioned Banff as a global model of modern conservation management.

A Park Built for Thousands Now Hosts Millions

Today, Banff welcomes more than four million visitors annually, far beyond what its founders could have imagined. François Masse, Parks Canada superintendent for Lake Louise, says early travellers endured days-long horseback trips. Now, accessible roads and international tourism have created unprecedented demand.
Trail use has skyrocketed, especially around Lake Louise, where traffic has surged more than 70 per cent in the past decade. Popular routes like the Lake Agnes Tea House trail have seen visitor numbers triple.

Why Crowding Threatens Conservation Gains

Experts warn that Banff may be nearing, or exceeding, its sustainable capacity. Retired conservation officer Bill Hunt argues that wildlife and ecosystems need predictable breaks from human disturbance. Already, seasonal closures help protect sensitive species — but Hunt believes the park must expand these tools and adopt new technologies to manage visitor flow.
He suggests real-time parking and capacity updates through digital platforms could help reduce congestion and redirect crowds before problems arise.

Rethinking How People Access the Park

Parks Canada is now evaluating potential changes, including limiting visitor numbers, redesigning parking systems, and expanding shuttle and transit services. Masse says reducing car traffic is becoming essential to preserving the park’s natural character.
He notes a cultural shift among visitors: people increasingly recognize the importance of protecting Banff’s wildness, not just enjoying it.

Looking 140 Years Ahead

Despite intense pressures, Banff’s stewards remain optimistic. Masse hopes that continued innovation in conservation and visitor management will ensure the park remains ecologically intact for future generations.
He envisions a Banff that looks much the same in another century and a half — not because time has stood still, but because deliberate action today has safeguarded the landscapes Canadians cherish.

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Trump Pushes Migration Freeze After Deadly D.C. Attack

Sarah
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Trump Pushes Migration Freeze After Deadly D.C. Attack

Following a deadly D.C. attack, Trump urges a migration freeze, triggering debate over national security, due process, and refugee protections.

Trump Calls for Migration Freeze After Fatal D.C. Attack

Overview of the Incident

U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his immigration stance on Thursday night following a deadly shooting involving two National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C. The attack, which occurred near a downtown subway station, left 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard dead and critically injured Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Authorities allege the shooter travelled cross-country from Washington state before launching what officials described as an ambush.

Details Emerging About the Suspect

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through a resettlement program for individuals who assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation and remains in custody. Prosecutors are expected to file first-degree murder charges in connection to the killing. Officials say Lakanwal previously worked alongside the CIA during the post-9/11 conflict.

Political Reaction From the White House

Within hours of the attack, Trump issued a sweeping late-night social media statement calling for a “permanent pause” on migration from a number of developing nations. The president argued that migration was undermining U.S. security and economic stability, asserting that “reverse migration” was necessary to restore order. His administration’s Department of Homeland Security reposted his remarks, urging Americans to support deportation and enforcement initiatives. However, the White House did not specify what legal mechanisms it intends to use, as many prior immigration measures have faced significant court challenges.

Response From State Leaders and Federal Agencies

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey released a statement honouring Beckstrom, praising her as a service member who displayed “courage and extraordinary resolve.” At the federal level, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed plans to intensify screening procedures for individuals from 19 “high-risk” countries. While officials did not release the list, Afghanistan had already been among nations subject to heightened travel restrictions earlier this year.

Concerns Raised by Refugee and Humanitarian Groups

Organizations working with refugees expressed immediate concern about potential backlash against Afghan and other immigrant communities. World Relief, a Christian humanitarian group involved in resettlement, urged the public not to generalize the actions of one individual to entire populations. Advocacy groups warned that sharply escalating rhetoric could heighten tensions and make communities more vulnerable to discrimination.

Broader Context of Trump’s Immigration Agenda

The incident comes during Trump’s second term, which has already seen expanded deportations, increased enforcement operations, and renewed efforts to challenge longstanding immigration protections. Previous attempts to limit asylum access, end birthright citizenship, and enforce mass removal operations have faced repeated legal obstacles. Trump has frequently framed migration as a national security threat, a theme central to his 2024 comeback campaign.

International Reaction and Calls for Due Process

At a media briefing in Geneva, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office called on the United States to uphold international protections for asylum seekers, emphasizing the requirement for due process regardless of nationality. The United Nations’ position reflects growing global concern over the administration’s increasingly forceful stance on migration.

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UN Demands Probe After Palestinians Killed in Jenin

Willy
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UN Demands Probe After Palestinians Killed in Jenin

The UN urges an independent investigation after two Palestinians were shot dead during an Israeli raid in Jenin, raising concerns over accountability.

UN Calls for Independent Probe After Deadly Jenin Raid

International Condemnation Intensifies

The United Nations is calling for a fully independent investigation after two Palestinian men were shot dead during an Israeli raid in Jenin on Thursday. The UN human rights office said video from the scene appeared to show the men unarmed and attempting to surrender before being killed, prompting renewed scrutiny of Israeli security operations in the West Bank.

Incident Captured on Video

Footage aired by Palestine TV showed Al-Muntasir Abdullah, 26, and Yousef Asasa, 37, emerging from a building with their hands raised shortly before shots were fired. The raid took place in Jenin, a frequent flashpoint in the Israeli-occupied West Bank where tensions have continued to escalate over the past year.

Israeli Forces Announce Internal Review

Israeli police and military issued a joint statement confirming that an internal probe had been opened. Authorities said the men were “wanted individuals” linked to a local terror network, but did not provide evidence or details about the alleged affiliations. The statement indicated that forces fired after “suspects exited a building,” though it did not address the contents of the video.

UN Criticizes Lack of Accountability

At a briefing in Geneva on Friday, UN spokesperson Jeremy Laurence condemned what he described as an “apparent summary execution” and warned that investigations announced by Israeli authorities rarely result in consequences. Laurence stressed that rule of law requires proper arrest and judicial procedures—not lethal force on sight.

Political Backing for the Operation

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly defended the officers involved, saying they acted “exactly as expected” and insisting that “terrorists should die.” The UN said such comments undermine confidence in any domestic inquiry and raise concerns about political pressure shielding security forces from accountability.

Human Rights Groups Raise Alarms

B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, said international involvement is essential because internal reviews rarely reach senior decision-makers. The group noted that policy direction from political and military leadership plays a central role in shaping conduct on the ground.

Broader Context of Rising Violence

The killings occurred amid a sharp rise in West Bank violence since late 2023, with Israeli forces conducting near-daily raids and settler attacks also increasing. Last week, two Palestinian teenagers were killed during an operation near Ramallah. Israeli police claimed the youths posed an “immediate threat” but offered no supporting evidence.

Impact of Gaza Conflict on the West Bank

Although a temporary truce was supposed to reduce hostilities, health officials in Gaza continue to report civilian deaths from Israeli strikes. The conflict, which erupted after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, has left tens of thousands dead and further destabilized the West Bank as military restrictions tightened and movement became heavily restricted for Palestinians.

UN Reports Alarming Fatality Numbers

The UN says more than 1,030 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023, including 223 children. Laurence emphasized that the pattern of fatal incidents—with minimal accountability—requires urgent international attention.

Call for Immediate, Independent Action

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging a prompt, credible, and impartial investigation into the Jenin killings and other recent incidents. The organization says those responsible, regardless of rank, must be held to account to prevent recurring violations and restore trust in judicial oversight.

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Three Rivers Zoning Rift Deepens as Province Delays Bylaw

Nicole
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Three Rivers Zoning Rift Deepens as Province Delays Bylaw

Three Rivers officials say provincial delays on bylaw amendments are halting development, as the housing minister cites rising community concern.

Three Rivers Says Development Stalled as Province Holds Bylaws

Growing Tension in Local Governance

The Town of Three Rivers, P.E.I., says critical development updates have been stalled for nearly a year as the province continues withholding approval of bylaw amendments. The hold-up, officials say, has created a “standoff” that limits what projects can move forward in the community.

Concerns Over Delayed Amendments

Town planning board chair Anne Van Donkersgoed says the amendments—intended to streamline small permits and increase housing density—cannot take effect without ministerial approval. She notes the province has offered neither a rejection nor a green light, leaving “things we can’t do in Three Rivers because the bylaws aren’t signed.”

Why the Zoning Issue Matters

At the centre of the delay are a handful of properties owned by Buddhist monks and nuns—lands that have been a source of community debates and speculation for years. Under the proposed changes, these properties would be categorized as institutional while nearly all other areas fall under community zoning, reinforcing historical designations already in place.

Minister Flags Uneven Zoning Approach

Housing, Land and Communities Minister Cory Deagle says he is hearing “significant concern” from residents, particularly over why only Buddhist-owned lands would carry institutional status. He questioned why the Catholic Church, for example, is classified under community zoning instead.

Deagle says he is urging council to reconsider the zoning approach to reduce what he calls a “huge divide” in the community.

Town Defends Its Zoning Rationale

Van Donkersgoed maintains that institutional zoning for the Buddhist properties predates amalgamation in 2018. Reclassifying them now, she argues, would actually grant broader as-of-right permissions—such as hospitals, police stations, or multi-unit developments—without public input.

She says the proposed amendments would increase oversight by requiring council approval for expansions, promoting greater transparency.

Optics and Public Perception

Deagle emphasizes he is not suggesting the town is favouring any group, but says “the optics don’t look the best.” He notes that despite his recent appointment in October, the previous minister also declined to approve the changes.

Town officials, however, say the lack of action has left them feeling unsupported. “It feels very disrespectful,” Van Donkersgoed said, calling the prolonged uncertainty harmful to local planning efforts.

Next Steps for the Province

Deagle says he will not sign off on amendments until the town further reviews zoning consistency across the municipality. He insists his priority is ensuring community tensions are addressed before changes become law.

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Surrey’s ‘Socks for a Cause’ Drive Expands Across Region

Sarah
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Surrey’s ‘Socks for a Cause’ Drive Expands Across Region

Surrey’s annual Socks for a Cause drive collects warm socks for vulnerable residents, with donation sites open in Surrey, White Rock, and Delta until Dec. 10.

Surrey’s ‘Socks for a Cause’ Drive Expands Across Region

A Growing Community Effort

A grassroots winter initiative led by Surrey resident Jeevan is once again mobilizing communities in Surrey, White Rock, and Delta to help local residents stay warm as temperatures drop. The annual “Socks for a Cause” campaign—now a familiar seasonal effort—focuses on collecting cozy socks for vulnerable individuals across the region.

Why the Drive Matters

The organizer says the mission is simple but deeply meaningful: to provide comfort to those who may not have access to basic warm clothing during the winter months. “Helping those who need support truly matters,” Jeevan said in a message shared by UNITI, emphasizing that even something as small as warm socks can make a significant difference for someone facing cold conditions.

Where Donations Go

Once collected, all socks are delivered to the Sources Food Bank in South Surrey/White Rock. The organization then distributes them directly to individuals and families in need. Janet Welch, Sources’ manager of philanthropy and communications, said the initiative reflects the community spirit the organization relies on each winter, calling it “a wonderful example of generosity in action.”

How the Campaign Works

The donation drive runs until Wednesday, December 10, with multiple drop-off locations available across three municipalities. Community members can contribute new socks of any size or style, with organizers reporting strong participation so far and encouraging additional support before the deadline.

Donation Locations Across the Region

South Surrey / White Rock

  • Mount Olive Lutheran Church — 2350 148 Street
  • Physiomoves Ocean Park — 1599 128 Street
  • RBC — 1586 Johnston Road, Unit #1
  • UNITI South Campus — 15306 24 Avenue
  • Chorus Apartments — 2358 153 Street

Panorama / Sullivan / Newton

  • Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation — 5460 152 Street
  • Physiomoves Surrey Panorama — #110–5260 152 Street
  • UNITI North Campus — 13550 77 Avenue

Delta

  • Chestnut House — 4576 55B Street
  • Crossroads Community Inclusion — 4807 Georgia Street

Community Response So Far

Organizers say this year’s turnout has been encouraging, with a steady flow of donations and positive messages from the public. “Our initiative is going strong,” Jeevan said, noting gratitude for the “incredible support” behind the campaign.

Looking Ahead

With winter approaching quickly, the Socks for a Cause team hopes to collect as many donations as possible before the deadline. Residents across Surrey, White Rock, and Delta are encouraged to take part and help bring a small but meaningful measure of warmth to someone in need this season.

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Simcoe Man Charged With Two First-Degree Murders

Chuck
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Simcoe Man Charged With Two First-Degree Murders

OPP upgrades charges against a 45-year-old Simcoe man after two October deaths are linked. The accused remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Simcoe Man Charged in Two Linked Homicides After October Deaths

Initial Discovery of a Suspicious Death

Ontario Provincial Police say the investigation began on Oct. 5 when 71-year-old Barbara Morgan was found dead inside her home on Head Street South in Simcoe. Officers reported heavy police presence that morning as forensic teams examined the property. A post-mortem later confirmed the death was a homicide, prompting a broader review of recent movements around the neighbourhood and individuals known to the victim.

Arrest Made After Early Findings

Following preliminary evidence gathered in the days after the discovery, police arrested 45-year-old Justin Morgan, the victim’s son, on Oct. 10. He was initially charged with second-degree murder. Investigators continued gathering physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing timelines to determine whether additional individuals or locations were linked to the death.

Search Expands Amid Concern for Missing Man

Later on Oct. 10, officers conducted a search at a home on Stanley Street in Simcoe, where new information raised serious concern for 49-year-old Robert Sykes, who had not been seen since Oct. 4 near Head Street South. Detectives began coordinating search teams and reviewing local surveillance footage in an effort to track Sykes’ last known movements and determine whether his disappearance was connected to the earlier homicide.

Human Remains Found in Rural Haldimand County

On Oct. 16, the investigation widened into Haldimand County, where human remains were discovered in a rural area west of Caledonia and south of Stirling Street. Forensic specialists conducted a post-mortem examination on Oct. 17 at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, confirming the remains belonged to Sykes. This identification shifted the nature of the investigation, linking two deaths to the same timeframe and region.

Charges Upgraded After Evidence Review

Based on new findings and extensive forensic analysis, OPP announced Thursday that Morgan now faces two counts of first-degree murder. The earlier second-degree murder charge related to his mother’s death has been upgraded. Police said the decision reflects the results of weeks of investigative work, including scene reconstruction and timeline verification, though details on the suspected motives were not disclosed.

Custody and Next Court Appearance

The accused remains in custody and was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Friday. Police say the investigation is ongoing, with additional forensic testing and interviews continuing as authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding both deaths.

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