Community

Mayor Christopher Causton paddles his way to victory at the 2002 Oak Bay Tea Party. (Oak Bay Archives)

Lost giant painted teacup may rest at bottom of B.C. harbour: former mayor

The lost piece, which remains to be recovered, gives a glimpse into Oak Bay history

 

Every day, in communities across Western Canada, Black Press Media’s award-winning journalists are telling stories that matter, sharing the information you need to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Arnold Lim / Black Press Media photo

Fact or fiction? Why trusted, local journalism matters

In a world where AI and social media make it increasingly difficult…

 

Former competitive bike racer Gay Wise poses with Will Arnold, owner of Duncan’s Experience Cycling, and her bike that was stolen decades ago in Vancouver that was recently found and returned to her. Arnold took on the project of restoring the bike, which was in bad condition when found, and resurrected it for a grateful Wise. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Long-lost B.C. racing bike returned, restored 30 years after it was stolen

Former masters cyclist Gay Wise, now 84, had custom bike stolen in Vancouver decades ago

 

Members of the PPCLI Veterans’ Association chat following their meeting on May 9, 2024. The association meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Chilliwack-Vedder Branch 295 Legion (Stefan Luciani/Chilliwack Progress)

Camaraderie of surviving veterans in Chilliwack like ‘second family’

Membership of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry waning, recruitment a challenge

Members of the PPCLI Veterans’ Association chat following their meeting on May 9, 2024. The association meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Chilliwack-Vedder Branch 295 Legion (Stefan Luciani/Chilliwack Progress)
Verna Susan Bjerky went missing after attempting to hitchhike a ride to Kamloops from Hope back in May of 1981. Some believe she fell prey to serial killer Clifford Olson. Family and friends continue to search for her remains to this day. (Submitted photo)

43 years later, friend of Verna Susan Bjerky says search for her still continues in Hope

Cathy Lamberton remembers Bjerky as a fun and hardworking girl

Verna Susan Bjerky went missing after attempting to hitchhike a ride to Kamloops from Hope back in May of 1981. Some believe she fell prey to serial killer Clifford Olson. Family and friends continue to search for her remains to this day. (Submitted photo)
Lucas Mendes, team captain for Duncan’s Company of the Blue Dragon, is seen taking down the Spanish fighter in the quarter finals of the world championships that were held is Spain last year. It was this throw that won Mendes the match. (Courtesy of Lucas Mendes)

Armoured B.C. fighters get medieval for combat showdown in Mexico

29 Canadian fighters competing in International Medieval Combat Federation world championships

Lucas Mendes, team captain for Duncan’s Company of the Blue Dragon, is seen taking down the Spanish fighter in the quarter finals of the world championships that were held is Spain last year. It was this throw that won Mendes the match. (Courtesy of Lucas Mendes)
In more than 70 communities in Western Canada, Black Press Media is your window to what’s happening in your neighbourhood, your city and beyond, with stories told by experienced, accountable journalists. Arnold Lim / Black Press Media photo

Every neighbourhood has a story: We tell yours

What were the most memorable stories from your community last year, the…

In more than 70 communities in Western Canada, Black Press Media is your window to what’s happening in your neighbourhood, your city and beyond, with stories told by experienced, accountable journalists. Arnold Lim / Black Press Media photo
Vancouver Canucks mascot Fin hoists the Vote Enderby sign, as the mascot and former goaltender Kirk McLean paid a visit to Enderby Arena, in preparation for Kraft Hockeyville voting on Friday, March 29. (Bowen Assman - Morning Star)

Enderby’s Kraft Hockeyville momentum catches Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver alum Kirk McLean and mascot Fin visit Enderby Arena

Vancouver Canucks mascot Fin hoists the Vote Enderby sign, as the mascot and former goaltender Kirk McLean paid a visit to Enderby Arena, in preparation for Kraft Hockeyville voting on Friday, March 29. (Bowen Assman - Morning Star)
A Feb. 29 birthday is about as rare as a perfect 29 hand in cribbage. He’s never had one of those perfect hands, but does get a real birthday on Thursday during leap year. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Time to grow up? B.C. 60-year-old celebrates 15th birthday

Vancouver Island man aborn Feb. 29, 1964

A Feb. 29 birthday is about as rare as a perfect 29 hand in cribbage. He’s never had one of those perfect hands, but does get a real birthday on Thursday during leap year. (Photo by Don Bodger)
The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)

A celebration of games and partnership at the Lhtako Dene First Nation

Athletes enjoyed games and snacks at a celebration at the new Lhtako Dene arbour

The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
Figures from Statistics Canada show that the wholesale and retail trade lost 8,500 workers in January 2024 as the provincial unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 per cent. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C.’s unemployment rate improves despite losing 2,600 jobs

Seasonal, weather-dependent industries lost jobs, while business, public administration gained jobs

Figures from Statistics Canada show that the wholesale and retail trade lost 8,500 workers in January 2024 as the provincial unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 per cent. (Black Press Media file photo)
A missing persons poster from April 2020 for April Parisian in front of Hope's district hall. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)

Bringing April home: B.C. family’s search for missing sister continues

Even after false alarm discovery of a body, April Parisian’s family says they haven’t given up

A missing persons poster from April 2020 for April Parisian in front of Hope's district hall. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)
Ten years ago, Aileen Ingram raised money for a local boy so he could replace his stolen bike, a single act of goodwill that turned into a kindness-fuelled movement and touched all areas of the East Kootenays. Ingram, right, stands with bike-owner Kobe and owner of Gerick Sports Mike Stephen (photo courtesy of Aileen Ingram)

Kindness in the East Kootenays: group can still Pay it Forward 10 years later

Charitable group has touched nearly every community in the region with acts of kindness and service.

Ten years ago, Aileen Ingram raised money for a local boy so he could replace his stolen bike, a single act of goodwill that turned into a kindness-fuelled movement and touched all areas of the East Kootenays. Ingram, right, stands with bike-owner Kobe and owner of Gerick Sports Mike Stephen (photo courtesy of Aileen Ingram)
A crash on the Coquihalla Highway has stopped traffic in both directions. (Skilled Truckers/Facebook)

1 dead, 2 sent to hospital after Coquihalla semi-truck crash

Truck slid into centre ditch near Larson Hill; drivers were asked to take Highway 1

A crash on the Coquihalla Highway has stopped traffic in both directions. (Skilled Truckers/Facebook)
Jacob Hillhouse clipped 52 clothespins to his face Society Barbershop in Duncan on Dec. 7, breaking the former record of 51 which had been held since 2013. Riley Ingham, left, and Trevor Clemente kept time and Hillhouse honest at the record breaking fun event which was held at Society Barbershop on Dec. 7. (Submitted photo)

In a B.C. pinch: 52 clothes pins, 1 minute, 1 face equals new world record

Man sets new Guinness World Record in Duncan for clipping clothes pins to his face

Jacob Hillhouse clipped 52 clothespins to his face Society Barbershop in Duncan on Dec. 7, breaking the former record of 51 which had been held since 2013. Riley Ingham, left, and Trevor Clemente kept time and Hillhouse honest at the record breaking fun event which was held at Society Barbershop on Dec. 7. (Submitted photo)
Always with a smile on his face, Miles St. Amand has been working at the gas station, now called Best Buy Propane, for 32 years. (Kim Kimberlin photo - Williams Lake Tribune)

Service with a smile: 32 years of pumping propane on the Cariboo Highway

Miles St. Amand, from Best Buy Propane, is just about one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet

Always with a smile on his face, Miles St. Amand has been working at the gas station, now called Best Buy Propane, for 32 years. (Kim Kimberlin photo - Williams Lake Tribune)
The UFO sighting at Cowichan District Hospital on New Year’s Day, 1970, was a prank, according to local resident. (Royal Canadian Mint photo)

Duncan UFO sighting depicted on new coin was a prank, claims local senior

Royal Canadian Mint produces collectible coin based on incident

The UFO sighting at Cowichan District Hospital on New Year’s Day, 1970, was a prank, according to local resident. (Royal Canadian Mint photo)
The Hope RCMP and Boston Bar RCMP are asking the public for help after an attempt was made to derail a train near the old Alexandra Bridge in Spuzzum. (pixabay/GoranH)

RCMP search for suspect who tried to derail train in Fraser Canyon

Derailment attempt took place near old Alexandra Bridge in Spuzzum

The Hope RCMP and Boston Bar RCMP are asking the public for help after an attempt was made to derail a train near the old Alexandra Bridge in Spuzzum. (pixabay/GoranH)
The Royal Canadian Mint has released a new collectible coin based on a UFO sighting in Duncan in 1970. (Royal Canadian Mint photo)

UFO sighting in Duncan depicted on new collectible coin

Sighting occurred in 1970 at Cowichan District Hospital

The Royal Canadian Mint has released a new collectible coin based on a UFO sighting in Duncan in 1970. (Royal Canadian Mint photo)
Zena Roland holds a knitted Cowichan sweater she made for the Knit launch. (Photo courtesy of VNFC)

‘Knit’ launched to ensure better earnings for Cowichan sweater knitters

Knit proceeds will help design curriculum to explore business planning, distribution and e-commerce

Zena Roland holds a knitted Cowichan sweater she made for the Knit launch. (Photo courtesy of VNFC)