Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton has reopened to traffic following a major washout on Dec. 16.
The Transportation Ministry announced just before midnight on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) that the highway had reopened eight days after the washout 42 kilometres east of the Highway 3/5 junction.
The ministry had previously said it would open before the New Year. A release from the ministry credits the earlier-than-expected opening due “to around-the-clock efforts of ministry contractors and the
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Highway 3 reopens to traffic between Hope and Princeton
-
Ride of the Year: B.C. mountain biker wins Red Bull Rampage as a rookie
With an emotional cocktail of fear, nervousness and excitement brewing in his mind, Hayden Zablotny dropped in.
The 22-year-old Vernon rider had gotten the call to take part in the world’s most dare-devilish mountain biking event, Red Bull Rampage, and after weeks of preparation, it was time to throw down a massive line.
It was a line Zablotny had designed himself and built with a team of trail builders down the rocky outcrops in the desert lands of Virgin, Utah.
“I tried to have, wh -
Dogs anchor us in the reason for the season
The holidays arrive with a long list of expectations such as perfect meals, full calendars and meaningful moments that are somehow supposed to happen on schedule.
In the middle of all that, a dog does something quietly powerful; they bring us back to what matters. With a dog in the home at Christmas, the season stops being about getting everything right and starts becoming about being present.
Dogs don’t participate in the holiday rush; they interrupt it. While we hurry from one task to th -
QUIZ: How much do you really know about Christmas?
For many, Christmas on Dec. 25 is a day of celebrating with family and friends, exchanging gifts, carolling and enjoying a special meal.
The day has a religious significance for many. It is also a special time for family.
There are plenty of customs and traditions surrounding this time of year.
How much do you know about Christmas and other related celebrations?
Pour a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog and put your knowledge to the test with these 20 questions.
Good luck.READ MORE: QUIZ: -
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: White House needs Christmas spirits
To the editor,
Believe it or not, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in only six weeks. The novella was first published on Dec. 19, 1843, and the story of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner along with Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-to-Come was an instant best-seller. We all remember how Scrooge badly treated everybody he came into contact with, but was frightened by the ghostly spirits into changing his mean-spirited and greedy ways to f -
Surrey resident just won $89,762.50 in B.C.’s Bright Nights 50/50 raffle
D. Bouillet of Surrey is $89,762.50 richer as winner of this year’s Bright Nights 50/50 raffle.
The winner takes half of the $179,525 jackpot in the annual raffle, according to a post on brightnightsraffle.com, where tickets were sold to B.C. residents only.
Entry deadline was Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 11:59 p.m. (end of day), and the draw was held Wednesday at noon (Dec. 24).
The raffle supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, the charity of more than 4,800 professional fire -
‘Sitting ducks’: Sikh leaders take aim at Canada’s failures on extortion crisis
Three Sikh organizations took the federal government to task for their failure to address B.C.’s ongoing extortion crisis, during a public town hall held in Surrey earlier this month.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada, Sikh Federation, and British Columbia Gurdwaras Council brought together government officials and high-ranking members of local law enforcement agencies to discuss targeted Indian transnational repression and coordinated extortion towards Sikh communities in Canada. The -
Fire destroys multiple vehicles at Okanagan dealership
An investigation is underway into a Christmas Eve early morning fire at a Vernon auto dealership.
Social media posts shows heavy smoke and numerous damaged vehicles at Vernon Kia on the Swan Lake Auto Mile.Danni and Chris Van der Molen posted that they were jolted out of bed at around 2 a.m. by sounds of explosions.
“We jumped out of bed, and ran upstairs to see a multiple vehicle fire at Vernon Kia across the road,” said Danni.
The fire resulted in no injuries, the dealership confir -
SAY WHAT?!: Settling that essential Christmas debate: reindeer or elves?
Welcome to Say What?, our recurring columnist duel wherein important issues are debated and petty scores get settled.
In today’s edition, reporters Tom Zytaruk and Tricia Leslie face off over the important question: Reindeer or elves?
*
TOM ZYTARUK: REINDEER RULE
Reindeers are real, elves aren’t. There, I won.
But just for argument’s sake, let’s suspend our disbelief, against better judgment, and contemplate a scenario where scrawny elves and robust flying red-nosed reind -
Patient admissions resume at Port Alberni hospital while ICU remains closed
West Coast General Hospital is re-open for patient admissions.
The hospital has secured enough hospitalist physicians to sustainably resume service, an Island Health official said Wedneday morning, Dec. 24.
Hospitalists are medical doctors who specialize in in-patient hospital care, providing treatment for people who do not have a primary care physician.
The Port Alberni-based hospital temporarily closed to admissions in mid-December, especially for people without a family doctor, citing staffin -
Police investigating after man injured in ‘targeted’ shooting on Island
West Shore RCMP is investigating a “targeted” shooting in Colwood that sent one man to hospital.
Officers responded to reports of shots fired on Fulton Road near Betula Place in Colwood on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 7:49 p.m.
“Witnesses reported that shots had been fired from one vehicle towards another vehicle, striking the driver, a 34-year-old man, who was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries,” said an RCMP news release.
West Shore RCMP Police Dog -
Kelowna UNESCO gastronomy title questioned amid migrant worker concerns
Earlier this year, Kelowna received international recognition as it was declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
The designation was historic regionally as well as nationally, as Kelowna is Canada’s first city to receive the honour, and only the third city in North America to do so.
Director of Secretariat of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, David Schimpky, previously said the designation, “honours Kelowna’s commitment to harnessing the creative field of gastronomy as a powerfu -
Muriel Alberta Matte (nee Young)
In loving memory ~
May 11, 1933 – December 19, 2025
Muriel Alberta Matte passed away peacefully with her younger daughter Debra by her bedside. Muriel was born in Battle Lake, Alberta.She is pre-deceased by her husband of 68 years, Philip Matte; her son, Richard (Jacqueline); her daughter, Gail. She is survived by her daughter Debra (Ron) Postey, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She leaves behind a sister, Jean (Lou) and Peggy (Gordon). Muriel had a -
Beefs & Bouquets, Dec. 24
BOUQUET To Laura at Highview Optical. I recommend Highview every chance I get. Your courtesy, kindness, patience, expertise and reasonable prices make you our ‘go-to’ for all our eyeglasses. You are just the best.
BEEF To people who ignore, normalize and lie about the exploding homelessness crisis and its critical root cause: zero genuine access to effective, skilled or ethical government mental health assessments, treatment and housing supports. Extra beef to those who blame, crimin -
Operation Popcorn: B.C. liver recipient thanks health care workers in annual tradition
A pediatric liver recipient spent a dreary December morning spreading some joy — and popcorn — to Chilliwack Hospital health care teams.
Ian Sewell and his mom Amanda were met in the lobby of the hospital on Dec. 3 by BC Transplant staff. It’s become an annual tradition for the Sewell family, as they visit various wards and chat briefly while dropping off a large box of goodies.
It’s dubbed Operation Popcorn, and happens across hospitals throughout B.C. in December.
Ian i -
What’s On, Dec. 24
MUSIC
Boomboxer plays alternative rock covers on Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Queen’s Hotel. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $16.50 in advance at www.showpass.com/boomboxerthequeens or $20 at the door.
Johnny Russell plays rockin’ blues music Dec. 27 at 9 p.m. at the Vault Café. Admission $20 at the door.
Eras: A tribute to Taylor Swift, plays New Year’s Eve at the Queen’s Hotel on Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $35 or $55 for both that night’s shows at www.showpass.com/ny -
Federal MP Aaron Gunn will not seek B.C. Conservative Party leadership
North Island–Powell River MP Aaron Gunn has ruled himself out of seeking the leadership of the B.C. Conservative Party.
“While the risk is small that my departure could upend the balance of power in Ottawa and give the Liberals that majority government, any risk is too great a risk for me,” Gunn said in a press release on Dec. 24. “I must put my constituents first.”
Gunn first hinted at the possibility of running in early December, posting on X, formerly known as Tw -
Failed MLA drops court challenge of B.C. election results 14 months later
The 2024 election of MLA Garry Begg in Surrey-Guildford is no longer challenged in court, more than 14 months after the very close provincial vote.
Begg’s 22-vote win in the North Surrey riding — a key victory for the NDP in October 2024 — was subject of legal challenge by Conservative candidate Honveer Singh Randhawa, who alleged potential violations of the Election Act.
Randhawa’s case in B.C. Supreme Court, which focused on how mail-in ballots from the Argyll Lodge car -
‘Enjoy life because it’s short’: B.C. man back on his feet after double lung transplant
Duncan resident Ted Harris got a wake-up call about how precious life is when he underwent a double lung transplant in September of 2024.
He was called to Vancouver the month before to take part in the final testing, which took 14 days. After that he waited only two weeks for a match.
“This was very miraculous for me otherwise I would not be here today,” said Harris. “I’m very grateful to my donor, and my donor’s family. A transplant is something that saves lives, b -
Tail cut off the second horse in three weeks in Cowichan Valley
For the second time in three weeks, a Cowichan Valley horse’s tail has been lopped off.
Lee Anne Mansueti confirmed that sometime during the night of Sunday Dec. 21, a chunk of tail was cut off of her senior horse at her North Cowichan farm.
“The chunk taken off is nowhere to be found,” Mansueti confirmed. “It was not pulled or chewed off. It was cut.”
The incident is remarkably similar to what happened to Linda Greville’s horse on Dec. 1 when unknown trespass -
What to watch: It’s the time of year for B.C.’s holiday movie favourites
Whether you love to watch the same Christmas shows each year or discover new favourites, there’s plenty of options for seasonal viewing at this time of year.
From Hallmark movies to classics from many decades ago, the range of choice and variety is nearly endless.
We’ve rounded up a list of recommended viewing from Black Press Media reporters, so grab a blanket, some popcorn (and perhaps some hot cocoa), and tuck into a holiday movie.
STAFF FAVES
The Home Alone Franchise (1990-2021) -
Snowfall warning in place for Coquihalla Highway as 10-15 cm expected
Snow is going to continue to fall on the Coquihalla Highway throughout the day on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow-coded snowfall warning for the stretches of highway from Hope to Merritt and from Merritt to Kamloops as 10-15 cm is expected.
“A frontal system approaching from Washington will bring snow to Southwestern B.C.,” said Environment Canada. “The snow began this morning and will intensify later in the day.”
Visibility will -
B.C.’s Pattullo Bridge replacement project makes its ‘by Christmas’ opening, kind of
Just one of four lanes will open on the new Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge on Wednesday (Dec. 24), keeping a B.C. government promise to have vehicles use the Pattullo Bridge replacement by Christmas but falling short of what some might consider an “open” bridge.
More work and time is needed to fully open the Surrey-New Westminster connector, a $1.6-billion project hit with construction delays and questions about the size of the new bridge (some want six lanes, not four) and -
B.C. cities top list of Canada’s most pampered pets, survey finds
At a damp September fundraiser for CARES (Canadian Animal Rescue and Extended Shelter) in Langley’s Derby Reach Regional Park, Cordelia, a one-year-old calico cat, was perfectly dry in a modified stroller with a transparent polycarbonate cover created by her human.
Her owner, Christopher McDonald, said it was better than using a leash.
“Walking a cat’s not like walking a dog,” McDonald commented.
“This way, she doesn’t have to.”
Cordelia’s stroller -
Speeding driver barks up wrong tree with excuse during B.C. enforcement night
Almost 200 impaired drivers were caught in this year’s Light Up the Province impaired driving enforcement night, and officers heard some crazy excuses, including one from a driver who was barking up the wrong tree.
While 200 impaired drivers in one night is still too many people choosing to drive while impaired, it’s slightly less than last year (222), even though more vehicles were checked in 2025 (52,091) than in 2024 (43,713).
“Most drivers are supportive of police efforts t -
B.C. urged to skip the milk and cookies this year, and help feed those in need
A national food rescue agency is asking Canadians to skip the milk and cookies for Santa this year, and help feed people experiencing hunger instead.
And, in a letter to the nation, released by the organization Second Harvest, it appears Santa approves too.
“You know the milk and cookies you leave out for me? They’re delicious, but I’ve had far more than my fair share,” Santa wrote.
“And truthfully, there are people struggling to put food on the table. There are mor -
Halford avoiding looks in the ‘rear-view mirror’ as he guides B.C. Conservatives
Trevor Halford wants to put 2025 behind him.
“My job is not to look in the rear-view mirror about what’s happened and try to cast judgment on any of that,” the B.C. Conservative interim leader said in a year-end interview with Black Press Media.
Instead, Halford wants to use the opportunity of an upcoming leadership race to grow the party, even though he does not plan on running himself.
“My job is to show some stability within this caucus and within this party and allow -
2025 IN REVIEW: Community stories that touched readers across Canada
The year brought a mix of stories to Black Press Media sites across Western Canada, with no shortage of community stories brought to readers by local journalists.
People who made the news across CanadaFrom massive lottery wins to a magician trying to get his spark back and the world’s richest man on a weekend getaway in B.C., here are the people that made headlines in community news.
Abbotsford man named one of Canada’s favourite crossing guards
For a quarter of a century, Abbotsford -
Vancouver Island sees increased risk of domestic violence over the holidays
As families prepare to gather for the holidays, advocates are raising concerns about a troubling seasonal pattern on Vancouver Island.
Advocates say there is an increase in family violence, particularly violence against women, driven by heightened stress and pressure during this time of the year.
Although this season is commonly portrayed as joyful, for some women, it can be one of the most difficult and dangerous times of the year.
To find more about incidents domestic violence, reducing the ri -
Greater Victoria sees increased risk of domestic violence over the holidays
As families prepare to gather for the holidays, advocates are raising concerns about a troubling seasonal pattern in Greater Victoria. Advocates say there is an increase in family violence, particularly violence against women, driven by heightened stress and pressure during this time of the year.
Although this season is commonly portrayed as joyful, for some women, it can be one of the most difficult and dangerous times of the year.
To find more about incidents domestic violence, reducing the ri -
Bystanders restrain alleged Okanagan sexual assault suspect until RCMP arrive
One man was arrested after an alleged sexual assault in Penticton was interrupted by bystanders.
Penticton RCMP announced on Dec. 23 that the man, named as Josiah Foisy, had been charged with sexual assault and assault and remains in custody.
Police were called to the reported in-progress sexual assault at approximately 5:48 p.m. on Dec. 22, in the 200 block of Orchard Avenue.
Bystanders intervened and restrained Foisy until police arrived on scene and took him into custody.
The survivor was tra -
Bulk of international students in Nanaimo-Ladysmith enrolled in older grades
Older students make up a majority of pupils from abroad studying in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district.
At a Dec. 17 board meeting, staff updated trustees on the international education program, in which students from overseas spend time learning in the school district, for a semester or over multiple years.
Larry Mattin, district co-principal of international education, said every school has an international student advisor to assist with academics, graduation planning “and all things -
Dallas Brodie back in charge of One B.C. party, will sit as party’s lone MLA
Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie is back in charge of the One B.C. party after a disagreement with Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong led to a party split.
“As you may be aware, OneBC has gone through a difficult ten days where control over the party was being contested,” Brodie wrote in a Dec. 21 social media post. “After negotiations, I have regained control of the party and have reassumed my position as leader of OneBC effective immediately.”
Brodi -
Judge tells failed Okanagan AirBNB venture business partners to ‘move on with lives’
A “vicious and prolonged” private litigation battle came to an end on Dec. 18, mostly in a stalemate.
After a failed Airbnb venture, the relationship between an ex-Kelowna realtor and a former Alberta CIBC mortgage advisor soured as the two tried to get each other arrested, fired and ultimately sued each other.
In April 2021, plaintiff Jennifer Schwitzer had entered into an informal agreement to become partners in a business venture with defendant Jillian Little as the two came into -
Elderly Kelowna couple grateful for donations after fire destroys house, cars
A senior couple in Kelowna remains in good spirits despite being displaced after a fire ripped through their home on Orchard Drive Saturday night, Dec. 20.
Elaine and Chuck Staton, their 19-year-old cat Sobey, and the two tenants in the home all made it out safely after a fire sparked in the carport around 4:30 p.m.
The only items saved from the home were a laptop and a tablet of the tenants and photo albums of the Staton’s, including photos of Elaine’s late parents.Physical donation -
Thief snatches necklace off 98-year-old woman in busy B.C. neighbourhood
Oak Bay police are working with officers across the region to identify someone who snatched a gold chain from the neck of a 98-year-old resident.Officers from Oak Bay and Saanich flooded the area of the 2000-block of Goldsmith Avenue after the incident on Dec. 21, but did not locate a suspect.
The thief is described as female, 5’8” with a heavy build and wearing all black.The necklace is valued at $3,000.“Targeting a member of our senior community is unacceptable,” Oak Ba -
Thief snatches necklace off 98-year-old in busy B.C. neighbourhood
Oak Bay police are working with officers across the region to identify someone who snatched a gold chain from the neck of a 98-year-old resident.Officers from Oak Bay and Saanich flooded the area of the 2000-block of Goldsmith Avenue after the incident on Dec. 21, but did not locate a suspect.
The thief is described as female, 5’8” with a heavy build and wearing all black.The necklace is valued at $3,000.READ ALSO: Greater Victoria teen transforms ‘pain into purpose’ in l -
Thieves ruin grieving mother’s Christmas display in Chilliwack
A Chilliwack woman who decorated her yard to honour her late daughter has been visited by a thief.
Rosie Nand said that at about 3 a.m. on Saturday morning (Dec. 20), a few of the expensive and sentimental items from her front yard display were stolen.
“I’m very disappointed and very upset,” she said. “I moved to Chilliwack last year and I lost my daughter. I only put the decoration on for my daughter because she loved Christmas and now all my reindeer and my Christmas tr -
B.C. couple have logged over 3,600 hours to food bank
Two local heroes have been highlighted for their dedication to serving others at the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB).
Kelowna residents Warren and Donna Grasdal recently got the opportunity to travel to Lower Mainland to see the Vancouver Canucks play.
They were honoured at the match as part of the BCLC Community Heroes segment, as they cranked the game horn to get the crowd cheering.
Warren and Donna were chosen because of their “tireless dedication” to the COFB mission.
Collectiv -
James (Jamie) Smith
In loving memory ~
May 2, 1977 – December 5, 2025
Survived by son Brayden, parents Chuck and Susan, brother Jeremy (Brenda), niece Peyton and nephew Cody and many family members and friends.
Forever remembered and always in our hearts! -
Eight arms, one name, meet Sidney’s octopus, Chuck(anut)
Visitors to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney have spoken, and the centre’s newest octopus ambassador now has a name: Chuck(anut).
The giant Pacific octopus arrived at the aquarium in October and will live at the centre for roughly six months before being released back into the Salish Sea. In total, 1,129 votes were cast, with Chuck emerging victorious.
The name comes from Chuckanut Creek in Bellingham, Wash., known for its significant fall runs of chum salmon. It was chosen as -
Cowichan curlers compete on national stage
A rink from the Duncan Curling Club finished first in the women’s pool stage, securing a strong playoff finish at the 2025 Canadian Curling Club Women’s Championship Nov. 18-23 in Winnipeg.
The team included lead Megan Montgomery, skip/second Kesa Woodward, third Marika Von Osch, fourth Carley Sandwith-Craig and alternate Kaila MacKenzie.
Sandwith-Craig sat out the majority of nationals due to her pregnancy so all five curlers were able to play.
“We are happy with our showing. -
IIO investigating arrest made by Port Alberni RCMP
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating an arrest in Port Alberni where one man was injured.
Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 3:40 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2025, an officer attended a home in the 6000 block of Beaver Creek Road after receiving a complaint about a person allegedly harassing another person.
The officer was conducting neighbourhood inquiries in the area described by the caller and found a man and his dog who were not associated with the origi -
Modern Bakeshop: a century legacy of baking for Revelstoke heritage building
Running for 20 straight years in a restored heritage building, one Revelstoke bakery’s bread-making legacy goes back much further — more than a century back, in fact.
Modern Bakeshop and Cafe, tucked in along Mackenzie Avenue next to city hall, has seen different names and ownership working out of the same edifice for the last 100 years, and the present owner says it’s the old recipes, customer memories and Canadian mountain town friendliness that help give this bakery its mode -
Rural RCMP officers disrupt major fraud scheme targeting B.C. First Nation
Alert Bay RCMP has successfully intervened in a complex, multi-jurisdictional fraud investigation targeting the ‘Namgis First Nation, preventing a total loss of funds intended for the construction of a new wellness and treatment centre.
On May 13, the First Nation reported being defrauded of roughly $406,000 after a fraudulent email redirected a payment meant for contractors to a fake account.
“Through swift investigative action, RCMP frontline officers were able to freeze a signific -
RCMP seek public’s help to find missing Campbell River man
The Campbell River RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a 61-year-old man who was reported missing on Monday (Dec. 22).
Police say Telford Sam may be attempting to travel to Nanaimo and are very concerned for his well being.
Sam is described as an Indigenous male, who is five feet six inches, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Sam’s is urged to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). -
Dog recovering in Kamloops after being hit by ‘slow-moving’ train
An Australian shepherd-Kelpie mix is recovering in Kamloops after being hit by a train.
It was on Dec. 8 that two CN Railway employees noticied something on the tracks in the railyard, according to a release from the BC SPCA Tuesday (Dec. 23). It was a dog that was “helpless and unmoving,” and “in obvious medical distress, seemingly having been hit by a slow-moving train.”
The two workers rushed the dog to BC SPCA Kamloops and she was brought to a vet for urgent medical c -
Investigation finds Oak Bay worker likely didn’t hear vehicle that killed him
Earplugs and the noise of a nearby saw “likely made it impossible” for an Oak Bay worker to hear the approach of a speeding vehicle before it struck and killed him at a Monterey Avenue worksite, according to a 2024 WorkSafeBC investigation into the incident.
Steve Seekins was monitoring a storm-drain access hole in a green space at the south end of the Bowker Creek Walkway early on May 17, 2023, when an SUV operated by a 66-year-old Victoria woman careened off Monterey Avenue, hopped -
Arson suspected in fire that destroyed a northwest B.C. rural church
A fire that destroyed a church in Burns Lake along Hwy 35 was possibly the work of an arsonist.
Fire crews were called out at 5 a.m. on Dec. 20 to the Island Gospel Church.
According to Burns Lake RCMP, the fire was immediately considered suspicious, and through an investigation a suspect was identified and has been arrested.
Many factors are being considered as police actively explore all possible avenues. A search warrant was executed as police continue to gather evidence.
“Burns Lake RC -
Arson suspected in fire that destroyed a northwest B.C. church
A fire that destroyed a church in Burns Lake along Hwy 35 was possibly the work of an arsonist.
Fire crews were called out at 5 a.m. on Dec. 20 to the Island Gospel Church.
According to Burns Lake RCMP, the fire was immediately considered suspicious, and through an investigation a suspect was identified and has been arrested.
Many factors are being considered as police actively explore all possible avenues. A search warrant was executed as police continue to gather evidence.
“Burns Lake RC
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