Victoria Viewpoints: Tuesday-Wednesday, April 25-26, 2023

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Tuesday-Wednesday,  April 25-26, 2023

Globe and Mail

Vancouver housing report shows new construction stuck because of skyrocketing costs 

New bail data from BC further suggest the need for reform 

Structural problems force second evacuation of BC high-rise in less than four years 

German President Steinmeier's BC visit a 'rare' opportunity to engage directly 

Myles Gray had bruising around eyes, neck, retired fire captain tells BC inquest

CBC

Medical Services Commission, Telus Health settle dispute over fees for care: BC health minister

Presence of drug cited by Crown as potentially lethal to Myles Gray couldn't be confirmed toxicologist says 

Protected areas, fishery closures announced to help protect BC's threatened southern residents killer whales 

Highway 97 in northern BC reopens after closure due to road incident 

BC government to make decision on Surrey Policing on Friday

Design of new 10,000 seat PNE Amphitheatre revealed 

Drug smuggling drones rampant in Canadian prisons, says correctional officers' union 

Victoria opens new main firehall and emergency operations centre in earthquake resistant building  

Prince George RCMP investigating 5th 'drug linked' homicide of the year

Video showing attack on Uber driver triggers all for better protection for gig workers 

Vancouver Sun 

BC Uber driver Attacked on the job calls for better protection for gig workers 

Telus Health will change BC health service after extra-billion allegations  

Ideal Mini School parents upset with sudden Churchill Secondary relocation decision 

Vancouver council sets $2 an hour flat rate for on street parking in Chinatown

PNE to build $65 million, 10,000 seat outdoor concert venue 

BC Prosecutors hit back at BC United critics  

Vancouver leads Metro region in housing approvals, but many projects 'stalled'

Figures suggest prosecutors ignoring BC government order to oppose bail

Victoria Times-Colonist 

Crews reporting to diesel spill after fuel truck rolls off barge 

Protected areas, fishing closures, to help BC's threatened southern resident orcas 

Telus Health, Medical Services Commission reach settlement over fee program: minister  

Mustard Seed Food Bank expects to reopen next week after fire

Arrest made in hammer robbery at downtown Victoria jewelry store

BC United calls for government action for relief for vandalized small businesses  

Housing starts up year-over-year in capital region - but it might not last 

Saanich Fire hall, library and park snag $14.6M in one-time funding

BC has 'strictest' bail policy? Where's the proof?

What's the future for creaky local governance?

Victoria News

Simulated oil spill off southern Vancouver Island tests marine response  

Victoria's new $36M disaster-proof public safety headquarters includes 130 housing units  

Bella Coola and area residents facing average  61.9% property tax increase 

Man arrested in relation to hammer-smashed displays at Victoria jewelry store 

Global

Nearly 9% of BC RCMP jobs are vacant. What the Force says it's doing about it

Vancouver Park Board approves policies on swimwear, drinking in public parks 

Uber driver's assault spurs calls for more protection of BC Gig workers 

Myles Gray: behaviour 'probably not' explained by drugs, inquest hears 

Vancouver approves plan for flat $2/hr parking in Chinatown 

Stretch of Highway 20 reopens after earlier closure by wildfire 

Violent and property crime both down in Surrey, latest police statistics show

TELUS Health reach agreement to comply with Medicare Protection Act

'Enough is enough': Nanaimo cafe vandalized seven times in one month     

'Unparalleled' $65 million amphitheatre renovation for PNE, Hastings Park         

'Mind blowing': Surrey parents, teachers concerned about 'double-decker' portables

The Tyee                                                                   

Dix 'Delighted' with Telus Health Deal on alleged extra billing 

The City's Poems project is in full bloom 

Unpacking Stephen Harper's strange 'endorsement' of Danielle Smith 

BC looks at broader recognition of Workplace Trauma 

These rare BC Reefs are no longer threatened by Offshore Drilling

How note to handle an Oilsands spill 

Why Tree planting campaigns can lead to ecological disaster 

CHEK TV

Big Macs, McMinimalist design: Port Hardy approves first-ever McDonald's with a catch 

Who should cover emergency costs for Langford's RidgeView Place tenants? 

Nearly 200 people take part in oil spill exercise off Esquimalt lagoon 

Truck carrying 17,000 lines of diesel tolls off barge into Johnston Strait, spilling unknown amount of fuel

Locally owned Sooke Cafe set to close, but hope remains as community seeks ownership 

Woman reported missing after flying to Victoria has been found safe: RCMP 

Stage 2 Water restrictions to be implemented in Regional District of Nanaimo, May 1

Telus Health, Medical Services Commission reach settlement over fee program: Minister 

 

Miscellaneous

BC Financial Services Authority issues 'landmark penalty' against Kamloops woman

Pasaglia, Cutler and other football alumni demand removal from SFU Hall of Fame

Telus Health, Medical Service Commission reach settlement over fee program: minister 

Surrey Schools face double-decker portables, program cuts, says Falcon, school board

BC Coroner's inquest hears updated toxicology results for Myles Gray

Myles Gray has swollen airway, blood in his throat after police beating: paramedic

BC's leaky Science World dome fix part of $30 million tourism infrastructure fund

Protected areas, fishing closures,  to help BC's threatened southern resident orcas 

Who should lead the Mounties? The RCMP union has some ideas