The Vancouver Fire Department wants to know what will be expected of them when it comes to fires in the harbour after Kits Coast Guard base closes. Captain Gabe Roder says they met with the Coast Guard Wednesday. Roder says they wanted to get a handle on how many fires Kits base responds to and where they are. "In the past we … [Read more...]
Fight continues to save Kitsilano Coast Guard station
August 25, 2012 by
A strong turn out this afternoon as upwards of 100 people kept up the fight to save the Kitsilano Coast Guard base. The station is set to close at the end of the summer, as part of federal budget cuts. Union supporters and elected officials largely made up the crowd. Among the non-partisan group were Green Party leader Jane Sterk and NDP leader … [Read more...]
Ex-border guard appeals conviction of drugs, weapons charges
August 23, 2012 by
A former border guard who helped smugglers bring in drugs and guns is appealing his conviction. Baljinder Kandola has filed a notice of appeal, connected to his June conviction on numerous drug and weapons charges. The former Canada Border Services Agency guard was arrested, after a 13-month investigation by both U.S. and Canadian officials and … [Read more...]
BC Liberals absent from this Saturdays rally to save Kits coast guard base
August 22, 2012 by
There is a big rally set for this Saturday in Vanier Park to protest against the federal government's decision to close Kitsilano Coast Guard base. The rally features NDP leader Adrian Dix, green party leader jane sterk, and mp's from the federal ndp and liberal party's. Absent are anyone from the Conservative party. Union of … [Read more...]
Coast Guard investigates strange slick in English Bay
August 17, 2012 by
Boaters have reported what appears to be an oil slick not far from Vancouver's Sunset beach. "It's kind of a foamy, lighter colour on the outskirts of the slick, but the actual slick is like about a foot thick, about a foot wide, of what looks like black, thick oil." But Port Metro Vancouver spokesperson Barbara Joy-Kinsella says it's … [Read more...]
Richmond urges a rethink on closing Kits Coast Guard base
August 1, 2012 by
The City of Richmond is urging provincial and federal politicians to prevent the closing of Kitsilano Coast Guard base. Councillor Derek Dang says the city is concerned once Kits base closes the Sea Island Coast Guard facilty will soon become overtaxed. "Truly takes away from what we have to offer for the boaters around here because now … [Read more...]
Stakeholders begin to look at life after the Kits Coast Guard base closes
July 30, 2012 by
It's a move opponents vow will cost lives but it appears the reality of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station closure is finally sinking in Stakeholders held a meeting Monday afternoon to discuss life after the base. But what exactly was said we don't know. The meeting was closed to the public, with government bureaucrats, joined by … [Read more...]
Closure of coast guard station won’t hurt emergency crews at this summer’s Celebration of Light
July 28, 2012 by
Ottawa's plans to shut down the Kits Point coast guard station won't hurt emergency crews at this summer's Celebration of Light fireworks, but concerns are being raised about next summer. "Right now, we're just finding our way on that and then, from there make operational plans." Vancouver Fire Chief John McKearney says it doesn't look like the … [Read more...]
Restaurant advocate says industry caught off guard with new corkage rules; pubs exempt
July 22, 2012 by
The head of the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association says he was surprised at the immediacy of new rules allowing people to bring their own wine to restaurants. Speaking on CKNW's The World Today Weekend, Ian Tostenson says he had assumed the change wouldn't be implemented for some time, so that’s why some eateries may appear to be … [Read more...]
BC’s Environment Minister asks Ottawa to rethink Coast Guard cuts
July 2, 2012 by
BC's Environment Minister has told the federal government the recently announced Coast Guard cuts should get a rethink. Terry Lake is concerned about the Coast Guard response to an environmental emergency on the water, should one unfold. "We have been calling on them to take another look at the reductions that we have seen … [Read more...]
