An animal rescue sanctuary in the Okanagan has been hit by Avian flu. Summerland-based Critteraid says its been facing one of the most heartbreaking experiences in its history that needs immediate action from regulatory authorities, Interior Health and epidemiologists. Details on the number of animals infected have not been released. Critteraid cares for birds, pets and other animals with 54 listed on its website.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s cull of hundreds of Ostriches on an eastern B.C. hobby farm has begun. Protesters and advocacy reporters, many bolstered by U.S. right-wing bloggers and podcasters, reported hearing gun shots early Thursday evening after the Supreme Court of Canada decided against reviewing lower court decisions that relied on experts and science. The cull was first ordered a year ago after several of the large birds tested positive for avian flu. The farm’s owners say the birds are now virus free - health experts note there is no safe way to allow those once infected with avian flu to live.

Brace for more stormy weather. Coastal areas of the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver and Gulf Islands are expected to be hit with several bands of heavy rainfall and strong wind starting Thursday morning and continuing into the weekend. A rainfall warning is in effect for the North Shore, Port Moody and Coquitlam. A second system is expected to ramp up late Sunday night and into Monday morning.

Metro Vancouver plans to bolster its campsite roster to meet growing demand. Those with the regional district have put forth a proposal four three wilderness type campgrounds, a dozen group sites and four multi-type sites. Four of those in Aldergrove, Belcarra and Derby Reach would be suitable for tents, trailers or RVs. A report finds campsite occupancy rates have increased from 65 to 86 per cent in the past two years. The expansion would possibly ease some of the pressure on the BC Parks system which constantly faces sell-outs.

A woman’s been rushed to hospital in critical condition following a Monday evening pedestrian collision in Surrey. Police say it happened at around 6:00 at the intersection of King George Boulevard and 40 Avenue. The driver remained at the scene to talk with police. Some vehicles have been slightly damaged but there are no other injuries.

Drivers are being warned to expect heavy snow on the Coquihalla Highway through Monday morning. DriveBC has issued an alert saying commercial trucker are now required to ‘chain up’ at Box Canyon. Numerous truckers struggled on steep hills of the highway on Sunday morning. The snow is expected to ease by Monday afternoon.

B.C.’s police watchdog has ordered a new investigation into a disgraced Vancouver Police detective. CTV reports the OPCC’s probe follows a complaint from a former sex trafficking survivor. The woman claims she was lured into a seedy world and made to perform sex acts for money. Jim Fisher has never been criminally charged in connection with the allegations. Fisher, who worked with sex trafficking victims, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation and breach of trust in 2018 for incidents involving a teen girl and a young woman.

Vancouver will not lower its voting age to 16. A motion to change the Vancouver Charter to lower the age from 18 to 16 has been soundly defeated. Councillor Pete Fry says he’s disappointed noting those who are 16 and 17 are increasingly engaged in civic issues and should be able to participate in city life. He says the lower voting age exists in some cities in numerous countries around the world.

Vancouver will not lower its voting age to 16. A motion to change the Vancouver Charter to lower the age from 18 to 16 has been soundly defeated. Councillor Pete Fry says he’s disappointed noting those who are 16 and 17 are increasingly engaged in civic issues and should be able to participate in city life. He says the lower voting age exists in some cities in numerous countries around the world.

ICBC says it will not increase insurance premiums for BC drivers until 2027. The crown insurance company says its finances don’t require any change for next year. That announcement, along with an NDP claim that its keeping rates low and affordable, comes despite many drivers paying more for the same coverage even though they have clean driving records and the same vehicle. ICBC says it plans to expand customer service and its online offerings.