Vancouver Rundown

Rain and flood advisories have been posted for much of the south coast as stormy weather is expected to continue through Wednesday. The heaviest downpours are expected in eastern parts of the Fraser Valley, Skagit Valley and Manning Park - orange rainfall warnings are in effect and localized flooding is expected. The atmospheric river should ease off by late Wednesday night.

stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge - that is the name for the Fraser River crossing that will replace the Pattullo Bridge. The B.C. government along with local indigenous leaders made the announcement saying the name has been bestowed by both the Musqueam and Kwantlen people. stal̕əw̓asəm means a space where you can view the river. The new $1.6B Pattullo replacement is expected to gradually open, starting Dec. 24.

Several parts of B.C. are being hit by stormy weather with more expected through late Monday night. Snowfall warnings are posted for much of the Peace Country with up to 20 cm expected. A winter storm warning is also in effect for parts of the Southern Interior with drivers being urged to avoid Highway 3 through Kootenay Pass. The Lower Mainland will be hit with very heavy rain with up to 70mm expected by Monday night. Environment Canada is warning people to avoid pooling water. Strong wind is also expected in many areas of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

A day after defying those who fired him, John Rustad has resigned as the BC Conservative leader. Rustad says fighting for his title would only create a civil war within the party. The move comes after more than 20 Conservative MLAs reportedly signed a letter demanding his resignation - a move that prompted the party to tap MLA Trevor Halford as interim leader. Halford says he has no intention of seeking the job permanently.

John Rustad has been fired as leader of the BC Conservatives according to his own party. The party’s board has issued a statement saying Rustad has been removed as leader because he lost the confidence of the majority of caucus. Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has been named by the party as the interim leader. Rustad remains defiant saying he is still the leader.

Vancouver Island’s Crofton pulp mill will permanently closed. Pulp and Paper company Domtar says the mill will shut down Dec. 15. Close to 350 jobs will be lost. The news comes after the recent closure of the nearby Western Forest Products Mill that resulted in 150 layoffs. North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas has a Wednesday meeting with Premier David Eby and two cabinet ministers to discuss next steps.

David Eby may be backing down on his hard stance, opposing another oil pipeline to the West Coast. Speaking on CTV’s Question Period, the B.C. Premier says his anxiety is centered on removing the north coast oil tanker ban. That comment paves the way for discussions about a southern route. The BC Conservatives accuse Eby of flip-flopping on the pipeline issue, demanding the premier make up his mind.

Indigenous groups remain split on whether to support Alberta’s Memorandum of Understanding with the feds on a new oil pipeline to the West Coast. The Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations says it’s disappointed it was not included at the decision-making table. The Confederacy’s Treaty covers a large portion of the proposed pipeline route. Meanwhile, the Coastal First Nations in B.C. says it remains opposed to any exemption for a tanker ban. The federal government says it has support from Indigenous groups which would see co-ownership and economic benefits.

A distraction from real projects - that’s how David Eby describes a Memorandum of Understanding between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The two leaders announced a deal that would pave the way for a new oil pipeline to the West Coast. Premier Eby remains opposed to any new bitumen pipeline or removal of a ban on oil tankers along the north coast. Eby also says there is no proponent, no route, no money and no First Nation support. B.C. was excluded from final talks between the PM and Alberta.

The Vancouver Celebration of Light fireworks competition has been permanently cancelled. Organizers announced the end of the long standing summer event blaming rising costs and declining government investment and private sponsorship. They say the decision is disappointing but the numbers just don’t add up. In 2000, the fireworks competition came close to being axed after Benson and Hedges pulled out due to changes in rules around tobacco advertising.