Surrey RCMP is notifying the public of a bear sighting the Newton area.

On July 12, 2024, at 11:50 am the Surrey RCMP responded to multiple reports of a bear sighting in the area of 141 Street and 76 Avenue.  Police had maintained a visual of the bear as it was last seen in the ravine in this area.

“While wild animals, such as bears, are not uncommon in cities in the Lower Mainland, the Surrey RCMP are requesting that the public maintain their distance and remember that wild animals can be dangerous”, says Sgt. James Mason, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Unit.

The British Columbia Conservation Services has been notified and are monitoring the situation.

Bear Safety Tips:

• Do not feed bears. It’s against the law to feed dangerous wildlife.
• Remain calm. Do not run or climb a tree. Slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, kneel down or make direct eye contact.
• Keep away from the bear. Do not try to get closer to it. If the bear gets too close, use bear spray or similar animal irritant (within 7 metres), or something else to threaten or distract it.
• Stay together. If you are with others, act as a group. Keep children close – pick up and carry small children.
• Go indoors. Bring pets indoors if possible.
• Watch the bear until it leaves. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. After the bear is gone and it’s safe, make sure there is nothing in the area that will attract bears back again.

BC Highway Patrol is investigating after a traffic stop for impairment led to the significant seizure of contraband tobacco near Duncan last month.

On June 15, 2024, BCHP – Duncan encountered a pickup truck towing an enclosed cargo trailer travelling well under the posted speed limit on Trans-Canada Highway. The pickup truck was also observed having difficulty maintaining lane position.

BC Highway Patrol officers stopped the truck to screen the driver for impairment which led to the discovery of 46 cases of unstamped and untaxed cigarettes with each case containing 50 cartons of cigarettes. The driver was arrested for trafficking-related offences.

“Unstamped tobacco is a growing concern in BC. Our BC Highway Patrol officers are committed to using their pipeline training to investigate those involved in trafficking illicit tobacco, said Sgt. Brad Robinson, Unit Commander of BCHP – Duncan. This seizure reflects over $250,000 in lost tax revenue and a retail value of over $400,000. Tax revenue collected from tobacco products supports our healthcare system and the sale of unstamped tobacco is often tied to organized crime.

The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Federal and Provincial partners. BCHP – Duncan anticipates charges will be recommended against the driver under the Excise Act 2001, Criminal Code of Canada, and the Tobacco Tax Act.

Released by:
Cpl. Melissa Jongema
Media Relations Officer
BC Highway Patrol
14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC V3T 6P3
Office: 778-290-5761
Email: bchp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/highway-patrol

PICS Society is thrilled to share another milestone: Raj Brar, Director of Career Services, has been selected as a Board of Director of the Women’s Economic Council of Canada. This prestigious appointment is a testament to Raj’s unwavering dedication to advancing women’s rights and economic empowerment across the nation.

Raj Brar has been an integral part of PICS Society, consistently working towards creating quality and equitable opportunities for women. Her new role on the Board of the Women’s Economic Council will allow her to further contribute to building a more inclusive and fair society. Raj is committed to building on this legacy and working diligently to create quality and equitable opportunities for women across Canada. Her dedication to championing women’s rights and economic empowerment will drive change and inspire future generations in the country.

This achievement not only highlights Raj Brar’s individual excellence but also underscores PICS Society’s commitment to fostering leadership and advocating for women’s economic empowerment. Join us in celebrating Raj Brar’s remarkable achievement and our shared commitment to empowering women everywhere.

About PICS Society

PICS Society is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education, employment, settlement, and social services. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all, fostering growth and development within our community.

About the Women’s Economic Council of Canada

The Women’s Economic Council of Canada is a national organization focused on the economic security of women. By promoting women’s leadership and advocating for policies that support women’s economic empowerment, the council aims to create a more equitable society for all.

Summerland: 2024-07-03 1:50 PDT – Throughout the Canada Day long weekend, Summerland RCMP officers were out patrolling the community, conducting impaired driving enforcement. Two impaired drivers were taken off the road and received penalties of 90-day immediate driving prohibitions. Their vehicles were impounded for 30 days.

The patrols continued even after the weekend fun ended. On July 2, 2024, at approximately 3:20 pm, a Summerland RCMP officer located a speeding vehicle on Highway 97 in Summerland, BC. During the traffic stop, the officer determined that the driver, a 45-year-old male from the Lower Mainland, was impaired. He was issued a 90-day immediate driving prohibition.

This male was traveling with two young children in the vehicle, placing them at risk for harm. “Removing this impaired driver from the road on a busy summer day likely prevented tragic consequences from occurring,” says Corporal Hall, acting detachment commander of Summerland RCMP.

Summerland RCMP reminds drivers to plan for a safe ride, and for motorists to report any suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Impaired driving penalties include 24-hour driving prohibitions, 3-day, 30-day, and 90-day immediate driving prohibitions with vehicle impounds and possibly Criminal charges.

Released by:
Cst. Patti Evans
Media Relations Officer
Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment
1168 Main St, Penticton, BC V2A 5E8 Office: 250-492-4300
Email: patti.evans@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Surrey, BC – During the Regular Council Meeting on June 24, Surrey City Council approved Partnering, License and Operating Agreements with Alexandra Neighbourhood House for 25 new licensed childcare spaces at Strawberry Hill Hall.

“As we strive to create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, we must recognize the importance of accessible childcare for working families,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The agreement for childcare services at Strawberry Hill Hall is a significant step forward in this effort. By providing 25 new spaces, we are not only supporting the well-being of our children but also enabling parents to pursue their careers and contribute to our community’s economic growth. I am proud of this partnership with Alexandra Neighbourhood House and look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make in the lives of Surrey families.”

In 2019, the City received over $425,000 through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to renovate Strawberry Hill Hall at 12152 75 Avenue for expanded childcare services. In 2021, the Strawberry Hill Hall was undergoing renovations when a fire caused extensive damage to the building. The building was reconstructed and is expected to be complete by the end of Summer. The renovations will provide provision for 25 new licensed childcare spaces for children ages 3 to 5 and an adjacent outdoor play area at R.A. Nicholson Park. The Partnering, License and Operating Agreements have been approved by Council and will ensure the childcare facility is operated in a manner that is acceptable to the City.

“We know access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care is life-changing for families, which is why increasing access is a focus of our ChildCareBC plan,” said Harry Bains, MLA, Surrey-Newton. “These new child care spaces will benefit local Surrey families and be a welcome addition to our community for years to come.”

With BC’s largest youth population, Surrey has over 15,600 licensed childcare spaces. The City currently hosts a total of five licensed childcare sites providing 203 full-time spaces. There are also an additional eight sites in progress to create a total of 285 more spaces for local children. The new spaces at Strawberry Hill Hall are part of these new sites and will provide 25 new spaces. The City has secured over $18.6M in Provincial funding over the last two years to expand childcare in Surrey and spaces have increased by 88% since 2022. An additional five sites are scheduled to open by the end of 2025 and a final location in 2029 bringing the total childcare spaces to 486.

July 4, 2024 Kelowna RCMP Proactive Enforcement Unit

RCMP operating Inadmissible Patrons Policy – The Kelowna RCMP will be operating its Inadmissible Patrons Policy (IPP) for the 11th year this summer. This voluntary program is a partnership between local businesses, the RCMP and the City of Kelowna with a goal of ensuring community safety from persons involved in violent and organized crime.

The program gives police the authority, under the BC Trespass Act, to identify and escort inadmissible patrons off the premises on behalf of the participating businesses, including bars, restaurants and hotels. Criteria for inadmissibility under the IPP program are:

• Organized Crime and gang members;
• Known associates of Organized Crime or Gangs;
• Involved in the drug trade through conviction or other Police databases;
• History of violent criminal activity;
• History of firearms offenses;
• An individual who is subject to a Duty-to-Warn.

“The goal of the IPP is to ensure the safety of our community from those who choose to live a high-risk lifestyle” says Cpl. Guillaume Tanguay with the Proactive Enforcement Unit. “This program is the most proactive approach to deter public violence before it occurs.”

Businesses interested in this program can contact the Kelowna Proactive Enforcement Unit at E_Kelowna_IPP@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Corporal Michael Gauthier
Media Relations Unit Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Kelowna Regional Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detachment / Government of Canada
Kelowna_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca / Tel: 250-762-3300 / Fax: 250-470-6309

Caporal Michael Gauthier
Sous-officier responsable du Groupe des relations avec les médias
Détachement régional de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada de Kelowna / Gouvernement du Canada
Kelowna_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca / Tél. : 250-762-3300 / Téléc. : 250-470-6309

Richmond, B.C. (July 4, 2024) — With hot temperatures forecast across B.C. in the days ahead, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to safeguard workers from the risks associated with heat and UV exposure.

“Elevated temperatures significantly raise the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, both of which can be severe and even life-threatening,” says Suzana Prpic, Director of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC. “However, heat-related illnesses are entirely preventable. It is the responsibility of employers to take proactive measures to protect their workers, whether they are indoors or outdoors.”

In 2023, WorkSafeBC accepted 49 claims related to heat stress injuries. Workers most at risk of heat exposure include those working outdoors at farms and construction sites, and indoors in restaurants, kitchens, and factories.

UV exposure is an additional risk for outdoor workers, who are up to 3.5 times more likely than indoor workers to develop skin cancer. The occupations in which workers are most at risk of UV exposure include construction, agriculture, electricians, and delivery and courier services.

To prevent heat stress injuries and protect workers from UV exposure, WorkSafeBC requires employers to perform risk-assessments specific to each workplace. The plan must include specific controls on how the risks will be eliminated or reduced, and the plan must include training and safe-work procedures. Employers should engage workers and joint health and safety committees while conducting the assessment and creating the plan.

What employers can do:

• Ensure that workers are engaged in discussions about heat-related hazards at the start of each workday.
• Establish cooling areas with shade and water.
• Determine appropriate work-rest cycles; when a worker feels ill it may be too late.
• Rotate work activities or use additional workers to reduce exposure.
• Provide air conditioning or increased ventilation to remove hot air.
• Monitor heat conditions and require workers not to work alone.
• Ensure there is adequate first-aid coverage and emergency procedures are in place.

What workers can do:

• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes).
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric, such as cotton.
• Wear sunscreen and reapplying liberally throughout the day
• Take rest breaks in a cool, well-ventilated area.
• Do more strenuous physical work activities during the coolest parts of the day, before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
• Know your personal risk factors, such as medications and any pre-existing conditions.
  Check the signs and symptoms for heat stress for yourself and co-workers.

Resources

• WorkSafeBC provides tools and resources on heat stress for workers and employers on its website and translates these into multiple languages.
• A new version of the booklet Preventing Heat Stress at Work is available online.
• WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outline duties for employers:
• Sections 7.27–7.32 are related to heat exposure.
• Section 4.80 addresses indoor air quality, specifically temperature and humidity.

Surrey RCMP is releasing a photo and requesting public assistance with identifying a man who is suspected of voyeurism.

On March 11, 2024 at 2:10 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of man filming a woman in a bathroom stall of an educational facility located in the 13400-block of 102 Avenue. The suspect fled the area prior to Police arrival.

Investigators obtained CCTV footage of the alleged suspect, but despite investigative efforts he has not yet been identified. Police are sharing the image of the alleged suspect in hopes that someone recognizes him.

The suspect is described as an Asian male in his 20’s, with an average build, short black hair, and no facial hair.

If you have any information about this incident and or recognize the suspect, please call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file#2024-34550.

Released by:
Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha
Media Relations Officer
Surrey RCMP
14355 57 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3X 1A9
Office: 604-599-7776

Email: surrey_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: surrey.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

On July 2, 2024, Creston RCMP identified a 37-year-old man believed to be responsible for several recent property crimes, and who was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.

While trying to locate the man, officers attempted to stop a truck being driven by the suspect. The suspect failed to stop for police and continued at a high speed toward Highway 3.

The man was able to evade police while travelling west on Highway 3, toward the Kootenay Pass. Officers in neighbouring detachments flooded the area, with roadblocks set up in various locations.

Given the individual being sought was believed to pose a risk to police and public safety, the Southeast District’s Emergency Response Team (SED ERT) was deployed.

As it was believed the suspect may attempt to hide within dense forest, a helicopter was enlisted to help.

The officer inside the helicopter spotted the suspect’s truck, which then began travelling back towards Creston. With roadblocks already in place, highway traffic was stopped in both directions as spike belts were deployed.

The suspect approached one of the roadblocks, drove over a spike belt, and continued driving a short distance before his vehicle was disabled near West Creston Road and Highway 3.

The suspect then fled into the nearby marshlands, where, after an hours long search, the suspect was brought into custody without further incident.

“I am very proud of the way the Detachments in the region came together to address this person’s behaviour,” says S/Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP Detachment Commander. “Our officers worked cohesively, effectively; and most importantly, in the interest of keeping the public safe. We are grateful for the support of our neighbours and that of the Southeast District Emergency Response and Containment Teams. We appreciate the travelling public’s patience while we safely and methodically apprehended this suspect.”

The suspect remains in custody, facing charges related to property crimes and additional charges associated with fleeing from police.

On June 30th at around 8:00 a.m., police responded to a report of a drowning near the barge terminal on Savary Island.

Police attended and conducted an investigation with BC Coroners Service. The investigation remains ongoing, however the death does not appear to be suspicious and there is no concern for public safety.

The individual was identified as a 29 year-old woman. Her family has been notified.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Powell River RCMP at 604-485-6255.