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Another storm approaches Vancouver Island as crews finish restoring power to thousands
British Columbia Around 15,000 properties were still without power on Vancouver Island on Thursday evening, as B.C. Hydro crews continued to repair the damage from the recent “bomb cyclone.” Environment Canada is now warning that another storm is approaching southwestern B.C. B.C. Hydro says new storm could hamper cleanup Isaac Phan Nay · CBC News · Posted: Nov 21, 2024 11:02 AM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours ago Waves crash into the breakwater in Victoria on Wednesday as high winds continued to hit Vancouver Island. Winds are expected to pick up again on Friday as another storm nears southwestern B.C. (Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press) A new storm is approaching Vancouver Island just as residents finish recovering from a “bomb cyclone” that began battering the region late Tuesday. At the peak of the storm, as many as 300,000 B.C. Hydro customers were without power, more than half of them on Vancouver Island, as gusts of wind of up to 170 km/h were recorded just off the island’s north coast, and hurricane-force gusts brought down trees and damaged infrastructure across the B.C. coast. Environment Canada is warning of another storm approaching southwestern British Columbia and issued a fresh round of weather statements for Friday covering Vancouver Island, the Sunshine and Central coasts, and Howe Sound with predicted winds of up to 90 km/h. While less intense than the previous storm, officials say the incoming system still has the potential to cause damage and disruption and slow down cleanup efforts. WATCH | Driver recounts trees falling on vehicle during storm: Vancouver Island driver suffers scary ordeal after trees fall onto truck during storm Jesse Seniunas had a tree fall on his pickup truck as he was exiting Port Alberni, B.C., on Tuesday. It came after a “bomb cyclone” system brought wind gusts in excess of 150 km/h to the Island. Power still out in some areas By Thursday morning, B.C. Hydro said it had restored power to more than 90 per cent of customers affected, but more than 15,000 were still without power as of 6 p.m. PT with the power provider warning that some areas with “significant damage” may still face another night in the dark. WATCH | ‘Bomb cyclone’ and other weather terms explained: Does jargon like ‘bomb cyclone’ help or hinder understanding of weather? B.C. is no stranger to extreme weather — from the atmospheric river over the weekend to heat domes. You might have also heard phrases like polar vortex and bomb cyclone being used by the experts. But why and when did we start using these sorts of descriptions — and when did we stop simply calling it “a cold spell?” Our science and climate specialist, Darius Mahdavi, explains what’s going on. B.C. Hydro spokesperson Kevin Aquino-Bravo said storm damage was making it difficult for crews to reach all affected areas. “Crews have been working around the clock to restore power,” he said. “But there is some heavy debris on roads and highways and that definitely impacts our access into certain areas.” Aquino-Bravo said the utility had deployed crews to the north of Vancouver Island ahead of the storm to ensure crews could reach the area before ferries were cancelled. The areas hardest hit by the storm include Nanaimo, Victoria and Qualicum Beach, he said. Next incoming storm Environment Canada says an area of low pressure will deepen off the coast of Washington state Thursday evening before moving north, causing southeasterly winds to increase through Friday on Vancouver Island and the B.C. coast. Winds are expected to reach a peak Friday afternoon and evening. WATCH | Octopus clings on during bomb cyclone: Watch an octopus cling to cover during B.C.’s bomb cyclone Footage captured by Ocean Networks Canada at the University of Victoria shows a giant Pacific octopus as it gets knocked around by waves on the morning of Nov. 20 as a ‘bomb cyclone’ hit B.C.’s coast. Oceans Network Canada says the footage was captured at Folger Passage near Bamfield, where instruments measured waves 10 metres high, compared to the usual one metre, and vertical currents three times stronger than normal. The forecaster also issued a wind warning early Thursday for southern Howe Sound and Bowen Island, saying outflow winds will pick up overnight and peak Friday morning with gusts up to 90 km/h. It says further damage, power outages and falling trees may occur and warns drivers could see dangerous driving conditions on highways due to strong cross winds. Meanwhile, snowfall warnings were issued in the province’s southeast, where as much as 25 centimetres is expected in the areas around Creston and Fernie by the late Thursday morning. A resident clears snow off their vehicle in Cranbrook, B.C., on Thursday morning. (Corey Bullock/CBC) More snow in the region is expected on Friday and into the weekend, forecasters say. It’s the latest in a string of powerful fall storms, including an atmospheric river weather system in mid-October that caused flash flooding and dumped almost 300 millimetres of rain on parts of the province. Armel Castellan, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, says the series of storms is a product of a sustained upper trough of low-pressure high in the atmosphere. He says that while such a pattern is “pretty typical” at this time of year, it doesn’t always last so long. “We are dealing with an overall upper trough pattern offshore in the last two months, since mid to late September, and so that’s been a persistent stormy pattern if you will,” Castellan said, adding that “sometimes we
Surrey tree lighting, Coquitlam lights and lots of holiday markets happening in Metro Vancouver this weekend
Don’t look now, but Christmas is less than five weeks away, and holiday festivities are ramping up across Metro Vancouver. Here are some events to check out this weekend. Surrey’s Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market Surrey’s holiday tradition returns for its 14th year this weekend and – like last year – it will be a two-day affair. The free festival will take over Surrey Civic Plaza from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the titular lighting of the city’s 60-foot Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. Surrounding the marquee event will be four stages of live entertainment, a holiday market, amusement rides and light displays. A full schedule of events and lots more information can be found on the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival website. Lights at Lafarge Coquitlam’s signature winter event also kicks off this weekend with the return of Lights at Lafarge. Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display features a 1.2-kilometre pathway with more lights and “reimagined elements,” according to the city. The lights will be on from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily beginning Friday night, and this year the display will continue into February. The city is hosting an opening ceremony event with live entertainment and food trucks from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Canyon Lights Another holiday light display kicking off this weekend is Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. From Friday through Jan. 19, visitors to the suspension bridge will find it illuminated from end to end with a changing multicolour display. There will also be live music and other lights displayed throughout the park. Canyon Lights is included with the price of park admission, but tickets must be purchased online in advance and a limited number are available during peak times, according to the attraction. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Head to the Burnaby Village Museum in Deer Lake Park starting Saturday for “Heritage Christmas.” The 10-acre open-air site will be decorated with lights and classic decor, and guests will be treated to seasonal activities and roving entertainers. Admission to Heritage Christmas is free and the festivities run through Jan. 3. However, it is closed on Mondays, as well as on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. More information can be found on the Burnaby Village Museum website. ‘Soar with Santa’ In Vancouver, this weekend marks the return of “Soar with Santa,” the annual Christmas version of Flyover Canada at Canada Place. From Thursday through Jan. 1, the attraction says it will be celebrating with “special activities and surprises” to get guests into the holiday spirit. Flyover Canada is open daily and tickets can be booked online. Holiday markets, craft fairs and art sales Numerous holiday markets and craft fairs are scheduled around the region in the coming weeks. Here’s a roundup of some of the ones happening this weekend. Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair : More than 140 local artisans will gather at Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Children 12 and under get in free. North Shore Artists Winter Art Sale : North Shore artists will be selling their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School on West Keith Road in North Vancouver. Emily Carr Indigenous Winter Market : The Aboriginal Gathering Place on the Emily Carr University campus will host an Indigenous Winter Market as part of the university’s Student Art Sale. The Indigenous market will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Got Craft Holiday Market : Got Craft is hosting its holiday market at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online or at the door.
GST relief announcement generates mixed reaction in B.C.
While Canadians no doubt welcome the announcement that the federal government is giving most residents a GST break over the holidays, B.C.’s local small business community has concerns about how this will work during the busy season. “Any time the government wants to cut taxes, that’s a good thing,” Dan Kelly, president, CEO and chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business told Global News. “At the same time, this comes with a whole bunch of administrative complexity and questions and uncertainty that small business owners will be grappling with.” 1:17 Reaction in B.C. to temporary tax break, $250 rebate cheque Kelly said some businesses will have to reprogram their point of sale machines, twice and navigating the list of products that are part of the exemption could be confusing. Story continues below advertisement “We’re already getting questions about which products are in or out,” he added. “And then, of course, there is the administrative process that most small business owners do themselves. They try to adjust their point-of-sale machines to apply or take off taxes, depending on what is in place.” Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. On Thursday, the federal government announced it will introduce legislation in Parliament to provide for a two-month GST and HST break for groceries and holiday essentials. If passed, the exemption would last from Dec. 14, 2024 to Feb. 15, 2025. Some of the goods that would qualify include children’s clothing, footwear, diapers, car seats, print newspapers, books, Christmas trees, food or beverages including alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, candies, chips, granola products, fruit bars and more. Here is a full list. Trending Now “Will it have a big impact? No, it won’t. Will it have a little impact? Yes, it will,” Ian Tostenston with the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association told Global News. 2:19 Federal government launches multi-billion dollar affordability programs In a statement, Restaurants Canada said it is pleased by the announcement as more than half of restaurants are operating at a loss or just breaking even, up from 12 per cent pre-pandemic. Story continues below advertisement “Today’s announcement restores some much-needed hope to our industry and we are optimistic it will translate to increased spending at local restaurants across the country,” the organization said in a statement. “Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister means that more Canadians will be able to celebrate with loved ones at a restaurant, have lunch with colleagues or treat themselves to a morning pastry on their way to work.” © 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: November 22 to 24
Enjoy the suite life this fall with Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites! Make the most of your Vancouver stay with spacious suites, central downtown location, and unique restaurant & bar, Stock & Supply. So much to do, so little time! Vancouver is packed with great events this weekend! Here are 15 exciting events to check out around town from November 22 to 24. Find stunning holiday lights, hilarious comedy shows, and more! Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town. And to stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, BC, and beyond, sign up for our newsletters! Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park What: Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the sparkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk. Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes and get in on all the festive fun of the many kids activities around the Park. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance online. There are limited tickets available during peak event times, and visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. When: November 22, 2024, until January 19, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing. Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market What: Holiday festivities are just around the corner and one of our favourite events is helping to kick things off in a big way in the City of Surrey. The 14th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on November 23 and 24 at Surrey Civic Plaza. The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more. When: November 23 and 24, 2024 Time: Noon to 8 pm Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey Cost: Free Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week What: Indigenous fashion designers from across Turtle Island (North America) are coming to Vancouver this week for a huge celebration of artistry and resilience. Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from November 20 to 23. The highly anticipated third edition of VIFW will feature a Red Dress Event, an Indigenous artisan marketplace, and dozens of Indigenous designers with new collections on the runway. When: Now until November 23, 2024 Time: Various times Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, purchase online Got Craft Holiday Market Got Craft What: Vancouver can’t get enough of holiday markets, and Got Craft is back to help festive shoppers find the perfect gifts this season. The 17th annual Got Craft Holiday Market takes over the Croatian Cultural Centre on Commercial Drive on November 23 and 24. With 100 makers to discover, it’s one of BC’s largest curated markets of creatives, designers, and small shops. It’s the perfect way to shop locally for everyone on your list. When: November 23 and 24, 2024 Time: 10 am to 5 pm Where:: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free Zoe Si – OKAY art show What: Pulitzer-nominated cartoonist, illustrator, and writer Zoe Si is hosting a new art show at Lucky’s Books and Comics titled OKAY. The Vancouver-born creator will bring a mix of existing and new comics and paintings, both original art and prints, to the East Vancouver comic shop starting on November 23 and remaining available to view throughout the holidays. When: Opens November 23 and runs throughout the holidays Time: Store Hours 11 am to 6 pm (Monday to Thursday, Saturday), 11 am to 7 pm (Friday), 11 am to 5 pm (Sunday) Where: 3128 Main Street, Vancouver Admission: Free Les jolies choses (The Pretty Things) by Compagnie Catherine Gaudet (Montreal) What: DanceHouse and Compagnie Catherine Gaudet are teaming up for Les jolies chooses (The Pretty Things). Montreal choreographer Catherine Gaudet explores the power of endurance and exhaustion, of bodies sodden with effort, but somehow continuing. Be prepared to experience the synchronized, metronomic rhythms that offer no means of respite, but soon the mechanistic rituals become something new. Come before the performance for a pre-show talk, or stay after for a post-show social on Friday. When: November 22 and 23, 2024 Time: 8 pm Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver Tickets: Starts at $40.75, purchase online Merry/Happy/Jolly at The Improv Centre The Improv Centre (Chelsey Stuyt/Submitted) What: The holiday season can be a stressful time for a variety of reasons. That’s why the funny folks at The Improv Centre (TIC) on Granville Island are helping chase away the winter blues with its new seasonal show, Merry/Happy/Jolly. Audiences will help the improvisers create a brand-new show each night during the “choose-your-own-adventure” performance. When: Fridays and Saturdays from November 22 until December 23, with an opening night performance on November 21 and matinee performances on December 15, 22, and 24. Time: 7:30 pm Where: The Improv Centre — 1502
Minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages
Current rate:The greater of the mortgage contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%. The minimum qualifying rate (MQR) for uninsured mortgages is a mortgage stress test applied by lenders to borrowers. OSFI obliges federally-regulated lenders to apply this stress test to their borrowers. This helps lenders prepare borrowers so they can continue to make mortgage payments…
Surprise Jump in Home Sales for October
Who had a 7.7% increase in home sales on their real estate bingo card for October? Matt Day The latest data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) shows Canadian home sales activity spiked last month, reaching a level unseen since April 2022, and surpassing the 10-year monthly moving average. “The jump in home sales…
Vancouver would save $70M if park board dissolved, city report suggests
A new report from the City of Vancouver says it could save millions of dollars if the city’s park board is dissolved, and suggests more parkland could be made permanent under the city’s direct management. Nearly one year ago, city council passed a motion asking the province to dissolve the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, which oversees 250 parks and beaches in the city, along with community centres, pools, sports fields and other recreational services. Those responsibilities would instead be transferred to the city, Mayor Ken Sim said. On Thursday, the city’s Park Board Transition Working Group released its final report outlining the benefits of dissolving the park board, which has existed since 1888. According to the report, the city would save $7 million per year for the next 10 years. It also says it would be able to designate 89 acres of permanent parkland under the city’s management. It says without the added layer of governance, the city would break down inefficiencies that lead to “costly delays.” The working group’s recommendations and conclusions come after several months of surveys and meetings with stakeholders, it says. It also did an interjurisdictional review of city parks and recreation governance, the report says. “This is about more than just governance — it’s about building a Vancouver that works better for everyone,” Sim said in a news release accompanying the report’s findings. “By streamlining decision-making and eliminating inefficiencies, we’re creating a system that prioritizes what matters most: protecting and enhancing our cherished parks and recreational spaces.” Park board commissioner Laura Christensen said she wonders if the park board’s planned dissolution is distracting from the 2025 budget, which was just released. Speaking to CBC’s The Early Edition host Stephen Quinn before the release of the report Thursday morning, Christensen listed a number of tax hikes Sim has made since he became mayor. Yet at the same time, she said, the park board has been asking for three years for $900,000 to improve janitorial services in park facilities — which, as she puts it, would bring the janitorial budget to a “moderately dingey level” — but the city has not provided it. LISTEN | Park board commissioner raises concerns about transition: Christensen said “it wouldn’t totally surprise” her if the park board was being starved for cash to make the case against the park board’s existence. “I hope it’s not that intentional, because that would be really, really disappointing,” she said. ‘Unlikely’ transition would be priority, premier says For the transition to happen, the province has to sign off on amendments to the Vancouver Charter. CBC News has requested more information on this from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. During an all-candidates meeting in Kitsilano-Point Grey on Oct. 12, Premier David Eby said he has both good and bad feelings toward Vancouver’s park board. He added that the city still has a lot to work out if it intends to make this change. “It’s very unlikely this would be a priority for the province before the next municipal election,” he said. The next municipal election is scheduled for 2026.
How to cook a turkey: the easiest method for the classic Christmas or Thanksgiving bird
Cooking a whole turkey is a lot like cooking a large roast chicken but there are some differences to take note of. Where for Christmas day, Thanksgiving, or any time of year, it’s probably time to brush up on how to cook a turkey. As Christmas and Thanksgiving are really the only two times of year that many of us will attempt to cook a roast turkey, it’s hardly surprising that the task is a little daunting for some. It’s like cooking a large roast chicken but there are some differences to take note of. We are here to help make it easy, so follow our guide to cooking times and our simple but effective top tips and we’ll teach you how to cook the perfect turkey. Perhaps the hardest part is making room in the oven so preparation is key to make sure the roast potatoes have room too. As for the leftovers, we have all the best Boxing Day recipes to use them up but really, you can’t beat a turkey sandwich. If a whole turkey is a bit more than you were bargaining for, we have a recipe for a smaller turkey crown instead. How long to cook a turkey Top tips for cooking a turkey Stuffing the turkey increases cooking time, which dries out the bird. Instead, place two lemon halves, a few fresh bay leaves and a small onion into the cavity. Roll the stuffing into walnut-sized balls and roast them for 20 minutes while the turkey is resting. To check when the turkey is cooked, insert a skewer into the flesh of the thigh and hold a spoon underneath to catch the juices. If they are clear, rather than pink, it’s cooked. Resting the turkey is crucial. Rest it breast-side down as the juices then flow into the breast meat. The skin isn’t as crisp, but the flavour and texture is fantastic. A roasted turkey will sit in a warm place for up to 1 hour and still be steaming hot. This resting time is good for the bird, but also good for you as you can then do all the extra bits, such as roast the stuffing balls, the vegetables and the sauces. The juices from the roasting tray make a great, simple sauce, and are also good for pouring over the carved meat to keep it moist when serving. Remember to skim off any excess fat with a spoon. And here are a few side suggestions: MAY WE SUGGEST: Christmas cake recipes How to cook a turkey: The easiest method for the traditional Christmas or Thanksgiving bird Method Step 1 Up to 24 hours ahead of time, prepare the stuffing. Step 2 On the day, remove the turkey from the fridge at least one hour before you want to cook it, allowing it to get to room temperature. Place 2 lemon halves and a small onion into the cavity. Step 3 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Calculate the cooking time following the chart above. Step 4 Place the turkey, breast-side up, in a large roasting tin. Spread the turkey breast with some butter and cover it with rashers of bacon. Place in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes. Remove the turkey from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 170°C. Remove the bacon (use later to accompany when serving). Step 5 Turn over the turkey and place it breast side down, then return to the oven and cook for the rest of the calculated cooking time. Step 6 About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, turn the bird breast-side up, season well, and return to the oven (this makes the breast nice and golden). If you are using a meat thermometer, insert your thermometer halfway through the thickest part of the breast and place back in the oven. Step 7 Check every 10 minutes until correct temperature is reached and then remove from the oven. Step 8 To manually check, insert a skewer into the thigh, and when the juices run clear, remove from the oven. If the juices are pink, place back in the oven and keep checking at 10 minute intervals.
Is drinking olive oil good for you? A nutritionist weighs in
Olea europaea. (Photo by: Paroli Galperti/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) REDA&CO/Getty Images After turmeric water, lemon water and apple cider vinegar, the new trend among the health-conscious seems to be drinking extra virgin olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach. A special elixir which, as videos and testimonials on social media assure, is capable of providing numerous heath benefits and can even help with weight loss. But do you really need to drink it to reap the rewards? La Cucina Italiana asked the biologist and nutritionist Concetta Montagnese, a researcher at the Institute of Food Sciences of the CNR. The benefits of extra virgin olive oil Concetta confirms that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is indeed a very precious and indispensable food with many beneficial effects. “Olive oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, which helps fight cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Rich in important monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, and polyphenols, particularly oleocanthal, it also contains a lot of vitamin E, which is beneficial for the immune system and the skin. Thanks to its antioxidant compounds, it helps cells stay younger,” the nutritionist explains. “Some studies have also associated high consumption of extra virgin olive oil with cancer prevention.” Extra virgin or regular: Which olive oil is better? For the most benefits, make sure to get extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Extra virgin olive oil boasts a higher concentration of all the great vitamins and antioxidants. Is a spoonful of olive oil a day good for you? To benefit from its full effect, a consumption of more than 20 grams per day of olive oil is recommended, which is equivalent to more than two tablespoons. The effects seem to be stronger with increasing consumption. However, we know that extra virgin olive oil is a very calorific food (100 grams contain about 900 calories). “The Italian guidelines suggest consuming between 20 and 40 grams per day, from two to four tablespoons,” says Concetta, “because when we talk about a balanced diet, we must not only refer to the number of calories but also to the nutritional values and the composition of the food. Extra virgin olive oil contains 99% fat, but predominantly good fats, which help keep the body healthy and are also essential for the proper functioning of the metabolism. This precious food is therefore also indicated in cases of obesity and metabolic syndrome. If anything, its deficiency is harmful: EVOO is one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet and cannot be replaced with any other type of food or condiment.” Should you drink olive oil on an empty stomach for the most benefits? Contrary to what social media may say, it is not necessary to drink extra virgin olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach. “To date, no study has shown that drinking oil in the morning is more effective than using it as a condiment in main meals. Its consumption throughout the day is certainly beneficial and keeps the body healthy, but more than taking it alone, combining it with certain foods can help improve the absorption of important bioactive compounds (for example, the antioxidants in tomatoes), with beneficial effects. It is somewhat fashionable to seek a magic potion for health, and thus prepare elixirs to consume in the morning or on an empty stomach, but it is enough to consolidate the healthy habits of the Mediterranean diet – and use the oil as a condiment, preferably raw, and in sautéing – to reap all the possible benefits.” Alziari Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 500ml Frantoio Muraglia Intense Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Sardine Terracotta Bottle MEET THE EXPERT Concetta Montagnese is a researcher at the Institute of Food Sciences of the CNR and a biologist and nutritionist in Italy. This story originally featured on La Cucina Italiana
Back injuries from Whistler’s bobsled ride have happened at ‘steady rate’
Since 2012, there have been seven confirmed back fractures sustained by patrons at the Whistler Sliding Centre’s thrill ride. Published Nov 21, 2024 • Last updated 47 minutes ago • 3 minute read Screenshot from Technical Safety B.C. report on Whistler Sliding Centre’s bobsled. Photo by Technical Safety B.C. Two passengers of the “bobsleigh sport experience” in Whistler — the only ride of its kind in Canada — have suffered back injuries in the past year caused by seat ergonomics and compression forces, says a Technical Safety B.C. report. There have been seven confirmed broken backs on the Whistler Sliding Centre’s ride since 2012, according to the report released this month. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content “Vertebrae fractures, and more specifically, lower or lumbar back fractures have occurred at a steady rate since 2012, shortly after opening,” the report says. The centre’s website says visitors can experience what it’s like to “slide like an Olympian,” as trained pilots take them through twists and turns at speeds of 125 km/h. Passengers are asked before they ride to confirm they do not have any heart conditions and that they have not had any previous head, neck or back injuries. They also must meet certain age, height and other requirements. The investigation was launched after two passengers broke their backs — one in November 2023, the other in February 2024 — while on the four-person bobsled. One required surgery. The other did not, but faced a long recovery. “They compare it to a roller-coaster. But in a roller-coaster, the G-force isn’t sustained, you get weightlessness. … The G-force on the bobsled is constant,” the passenger injured in February told the safety authority. “As you went down, the pressure increased, it was the second or third-to-last, I could feel my back get more and more compressed and then at one point I felt like I got the wind knocked out of me.” By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content The report said the usual compression forces from the ride and the ergonomics of the rear seat in the bobsled made riders vulnerable to injury. Measures taken by the company after these injuries were focused on amending the pre-ride warnings to include the risk associated with medical conditions, the report said. However, investigators said it’s unlikely the injuries that occurred in 2023 and 2024 were linked to passenger health. Investigators said the ergonomics of the fourth seat contributed to both injuries because of the way it forces the rider to lean forward, disengaging core muscles which would otherwise support the spine and concentrating the force on a smaller area of the vertebrae. They said the rear seat appears to have a higher incidence of injury than the two middle seats. The bobsled track was built for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. It was the track where Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili crashed and died during a training run just before the opening of the Olympics. When the company opened it as a public ride in 2011, the bobsleds were changed to make them safer. They have wider seats with foam pads, taller sides that were intended to provide better protection in the event of a rollover, and cables that ran along the interior sides of the bobsleigh to hold on to. Brakes and steering moved to the front of the bobsleigh to be operated by the professional pilot. Article content Screenshot from Technical Safety B.C. report on Whistler Sliding Centre’s bobsled experience. Photo by Technical Safety B.C. Technical Safety B.C. interviewed the engineer that did the safety assessment. The engineer did not address the bobsleigh ergonomics, passenger positioning, or restraint as it was not part of their mandate. The engineer did try out the ride several times to understand the forces that would be
B.C. mayors greet changes to Municipal Affairs portfolio with caution and optimism
Local government leaders are speaking out about their hopes for improved relations with the province on housing, infrastructure Published Nov 21, 2024 • Last updated 46 minutes ago • 4 minute read “My initial concern is that, will the premier have the necessary time, while being the premier, to also be the minister of municipal affairs when it comes to co-ordinating with cities?” says Langford Township Mayor Eric Woodward. Photo by Francis Georgian /PNG B.C. mayors will no longer have a single point of contact in the provincial government after the cabinet shuffle split the old Ministry of Municipal Affairs between the Office of the Premier and the new Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, led by Ravi Kahlon. Several local government leaders said Wednesday they were optimistic the changes signal a restart in municipal-provincial relations after two years of having policies, particularly around housing, dictated to them from Victoria. 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Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content Others are cautious, wondering whether Premier David Eby will have the time to deal directly with municipal officials and wondering what role Brittny Anderson, the new minister of state for local governments and rural communities, will have. According to the province, the premier’s office will be in charge of “strategic relations and consultations with local governments, local government organizations and others.” Kahlon has been given the rest of the portfolio, including financial and other support to local governments, management of cross-government programs related to local governments, and consultation with ministries, agencies, other governments, First Nations and other interested parties. This means municipalities will have an additional avenue for outreach directly to the premier’s office through Anderson, particularly on rural issues. Money provided to municipalities and across-government work involving local governments will be under Kahlon’s purview. Langley Township Mayor Eric Woodward said it is clear the election demonstrated a desire among voters for change, particularly in the Fraser Valley where the NDP were mostly shut out by John Rustad’s Conservatives. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content He sees the shifts to how the province handles municipal affairs as a potentially positive step in the right direction, but warns that there are still few details about how Eby, Kahlon and Anderson will work together. “It remains to be seen what that’s going to look like, until the mandate letters come out, how that’s going to be structured. I mean, my initial concern is that, will the premier have the necessary time, while being the premier, to also be the minister of municipal affairs when it comes to co-ordinating with cities?” said Woodward. As for the new Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Woodward was more pessimistic, saying it sends “a clear message that they stand by their approach to housing” and adding he expects the province to continue imposing housing targets on municipalities, even those already feeling stress from population growth. Not all mayors agree with Woodward’s criticism of the province’s housing policies. New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone saying he understands the status quo around housing development was not working. Johnstone also believes that combining municipal affairs with housing makes sense, given it remains one of the key issues for local governments. But he said there is still a long way to go when it comes to other priorities such as schools. Article content “It’s all kind of good to build housing, but schools across B.C. are overcrowded, and unless we see some big, massive investment in those types of infrastructure, we’re just not rebuilding local communities,” he said. “So a municipal affairs minister has to have a strong voice in cabinet for a lot of the other things that cities need as well.” Kahlon said the entire point of his new role is to help municipalities build some of those needed amenities
Whistler is getting its first-ever Ferris wheel next week
Whistler is getting a massive new attraction that will let you enjoy the views from 60 feet above the ground, but it will only be in operation for a limited time. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is hosting the Whistler Winterlight outdoor event on Friday, November 29, from 6 to 8 pm. The free holiday event features a live DJ, immersive activities, outdoor skating, and more. Guests will also have a chance to ride Whistler’s first-ever Ferris wheel and see over 350,000 lights across the village. Resort Municipality of Whistler Head to Whistler Olympic Plaza to find the massive carnival ride, which will treat riders to stunning views of the plaza and the Village Stroll. The Ferris wheel will operate on Friday, November 29, from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm. It will be open for one more day on Saturday, November 30, from noon to 7 pm. Rides are $5 per person with proceeds going to local charities. Guests must be a minimum height of 48 inches or 42 inches with a guardian. Resort Municipality of Whistler DJ Foxy Moron will be performing live to keep the festive energy up while visitors explore the interactive display around Whistler Winterlight. There will also be aerial performances by artists decked out in glowing LED outfits. Those wanting to take a spin on the ice can go for a skate under the stars at the Olympic Plaza rink, which opens on Thursday, November 28. Admission rates apply, and skates will be available for rent. Helmets and skate aids are free. Resort Municipality of Whistler Guests are also reminded to dress warmly for the pet-friendly event and arrive early to make the most of the experience. Whistler Winterlight When: November 29, 2024 Time: 6 to 8 pm (Ferris wheel will operate on Friday from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm and on Saturday from noon to 7 pm) Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza Cost: Free, Ferris Wheel rides $5 with proceeds going to benefit local charities
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