People on the North Shore and in neighbouring communities will soon have enhanced access to health care services in the new, modern acute care tower at Lions Gate Hospital, opening March 9, 2025.

“I’m thrilled this new hospital tower is now complete, and families in North Vancouver and beyond will have better access to high-quality health-care services, closer to home,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our government is making record investments to support growing communities, and we’re committed to delivering more hospitals, health-care centres, and other important infrastructure.”

The new six-storey tower is named after local philanthropist and businessperson Paul Myers. It has eight state-of-the-art operating rooms with a new medical device reprocessing department, as well as a pre-operative and post-operative care area, including anesthesia intervention and isolation rooms. There will be 108 beds in private patient rooms, all with ensuite washrooms.

Vancouver Coastal Health worked in collaboration with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) advisers on key aspects of the project to honour the host Nations and help create safer, welcoming and culturally appropriate spaces for Indigenous patients and families.

“It’s terrific news for people living on the North Shore and area that the new patient care tower at Lions Gate Hospital is opening to meet the needs, comfort and well-being of people receiving care,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By investing in state-of-the-art facilities around B.C., including the new Paul Myers Tower, we are truly investing in better health outcomes for British Columbians. This is part of our commitment to strengthen B.C.’s public health-care system.”

The acute tower was designed to provide patient- and family- centred care. It features a variety of spaces to support patients, family and staff well-being, including lounges, a House of Elders office, a sacred space, additional bike storage and a rooftop garden with a walking path. Further, innovative technologies and an upgraded nurse call system, improve patient experiences and enhance safety for patients and staff.

Construction began on the project in fall 2021. The total capital cost of the project is approximately $325 million. Funding is shared between the Province, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Myers donated $25 million to the foundation’s $100-million campaign.

“We’re excited to care for patients in this new space,” said Jillian Morland, clinical nurse educator, Lions Gate Hospital at Vancouver Coastal Health. “The clinical spaces are larger and designed for flexibility and efficiency to better accommodate our teams. The technology upgrades, such as access to Vocera and Masimo, will enable us to deliver the highest quality care possible.”

Lions Gate Hospital provides a full range of acute-care services and many specialized services. With the 108 beds and eight operating rooms in this new tower, the Lions Gate Hospital will have a total of 329 beds, 10 operating rooms, and a variety of diagnostic services and equipment. The hospital also offers emergency and critical care, maternity, pediatrics, psychiatric, chemotherapy, cardiac care, palliative care and rehabilitative services.

This hospital will continue to serve patients from the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Sunshine Coast, Bella Bella and Bella Coola on the Central Coast, including the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Lil’wat, N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla’amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa communities.

Quotes:

Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) –

“It is heartening to know the Paul Myers Tower in North Vancouver will soon open its doors as it will provide improved culturally informed health care for our Tsleil-Waututh Nation members and all Indigenous patients. VCH has demonstrated they are walking the path of reconciliation by engaging with us as partners to advise on how our traditional lands and waters could be reflected in the tower’s design. I’m proud to know the building will tell the story of our culture, incorporate our hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, and hold space for Elders as they access important health services.”

Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, spokesperson and council member, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw –

“Through close collaboration with both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Vancouver Coastal Health was able to create a modern space that still reflects our values, traditions and cultures. From the façade resembling our Long Houses, to our stories and languages reflected throughout the interior and healing spaces, Paul Myers Tower is a thoughtful example of what can be accomplished when working meaningfully with First Nations to create a state-of-the-art medical facility that will benefit everyone across the North Shore community.”

Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour –

“The completion of the Paul Myers Tower in North Vancouver will significantly improve health-care services for people on the North Shore. This new acute care tower will modernize community health services enabling faster, more accessible services closer to home.”

Dr. Penny Ballem, chair of the board, Vancouver Coastal Health –

“The Paul Myers Tower’s patient-centred design will improve the care experience for patients and their families and will help both present and future needs of a growing and aging population. We are grateful for the collaboration with host Nations, patients and community organizations as well as our dedicated staff and medical staff in co-creating a site that will transform the future of health care in our region and beyond.”

Judy Savage, president and CEO, Lions Gate Hospital Foundation –

“The remarkable lead gift of $25 million from North Shore Philanthropist Paul Myers inspired people to give what they could to help bring this much-needed facility to the North Shore. From official foundation events, and multi-million-dollar contributions, to community fundraisers and the proceeds from lemonade stands, every donation was essential in helping us raise $100 million toward the cost of a new medical and surgical centre and an additional $20 million to support technology transformation for the Lions Gate Hospital campus.”

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for eligible people and businesses in the City of Maple Ridge and Township of Langley affected by flooding due to the atmospheric river from Oct. 18-20, 2024.

Following a significant event, DFA may compensate for the sudden, unexpected loss of uninsurable items that are essential. This may include building repairs to a principal residence, replacement of essential personal effects, as well as clean up and debris removal.

People can access specifics about the event and can submit their DFA application online at: https://www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance

DFA is available to homeowners, renters, business owners, farmers, corporation-owned properties and charitable organizations to cover uninsurable disaster-related losses. The program is unable to compensate for losses for which insurance was reasonably and readily available.

Applications for DFA must be submitted to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness within 90 calendar days of the event declaration. The deadline to submit applications for this DFA event for the City of Maple Ridge and the Township of Langley is May 14, 2025.

The Province is committed to providing the necessary support and resources people need to rebuild their lives after an emergency. The DFA program has been enhanced and expanded in recent years to better support people and communities. These changes include:

• increase in maximum DFA support available per claim from $300,000 to $400,000;
• expanded eligibility for small businesses based on minimum income;
• expanded annual revenue threshold for small businesses from $1 million to $2 million so more businesses can qualify for DFA;
• expanded eligibility for the farming sector to include homes owned by corporations if the home is used as a primary residence;
• increased provincial contributions to local infrastructure recovery;
• the Province may provide a portion of the project’s estimated costs up front to help communities rebuild critical infrastructure projects faster; and
• a new online portal is available to make it easier for people and communities to apply for financial support for uninsurable losses after a disaster.

DFA was previously announced for damages from the same event for people, businesses and communities in:

• City of Port Coquitlam
• City of Coquitlam
• City of North Vancouver
• District of West Vancouver
• District of North Vancouver
• Squamish First Nation
• Village of Anmore
• City of Port Moody
• City of Surrey

Review by Veeno Dewan

For 2025, the biggest news for the Kia Carnival Minivan is the availability of a hybrid powertrain offering. With its sharp lighting signatures and sleek body lines it remind one of the swoopy KIA EV9. The cool profile, floating roof design, and sculpted flanks set it apart as the best-looking Mini van in its class.
The Carnival has all the Minivan expectations – a roomy interior, twin sliding power doors and either seven or eight-seat configuration, with middle seats in the second row that can fold down to create a table for outboard passengers. The seven-seater version arrives with individual captain chairs in the middle row.
In terms of power trains, gas engined d Carnivals are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Output is 288 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The new hybrid version as tested is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with a 54-kW motor and six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 242 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. All Kia Carnival models are front-wheel-drive and there is not an All-Wheel Drive option.
The 2025-model-year base models starting at $40,495; in LX+, EX and SX+ trims, 2025 Kia Carnival hybrid pricing will start at $46,545 to the EX’s $49,445. A fully loaded top-tier SX+ hybrid Carnival starts at , $56,445. Standard features in the 2025 Kia Carnival lineup include: Removable second-row seats, 60-40 third row split folding seats, LED headlights, Front and rear parking sensors, Adaptive cruise control, Lane following and lane-keep assists, Trailer pre-wiring 12.3” infotainment screen, Kia Connect, OTA (over-the-air) capabilities, and Rearview backup camera.
Also, as standard is Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a heated windshield, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The EX-trim adds a wireless phone charger and USB ports in the rear. The EX+ adds a digital instrument display and interior cabin camera and speakers. The SX offers: a head-up display, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, digital key compatibility, an upgraded sound system, and surround-view parking and blind-spot cameras. The SX+ adds heated and ventilated second-row seats in seven-passenger configuration.
SX+ higher level trims are lavishly equipped with leather seats, ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio system, head-up display, and 360-degree surround-view cameras. The SX+ captain’s chairs in the second row that are heated or ventilated, as well as power reclining with leg rest equipped Kia “VIP Lounge Seating.”
The rear cargo well can hold 1,139 L. This can be increased when the third-row seats are folded into the rear cargo floor with one hand to create a huge 2,461 L of flat load area, The second-row seats also slide and tumble easily for third row access and they also fold flat to create a giant 4,110 L cargo for hauling extra large and long items. The second row can be fully removed for even more hauling space, but not when outfitted with the optional captain’s chairs. Cupholders and cubbies for small storage are numerous along with large door pockets, multiple USB ports along with two 115-volt household plugs in the second row and rear cargo area.
Every Carnival comes standard with a huge list of safety and driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and following assist, driver attention warning, automatic high-beam control, and front and rear parking sensors. The EX-trim adds sensor-based rear seat reminder and rain-sensing wipers. The EX+ piles on junction turning assist and an adaptive cruise control system, The SX meanwhile adds side parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking.
On the road, the Kia Carnival hybris does not disappoint. Acceleration for the hybrid powertrain is good and the driving sensation quite and smooth. Its big, so don’t expect nimble handling in the curves, but it controls body roll well. On the highway, the comfortable ride and adaptive cruise control make for a pleasant sensation, automatically adjusting for approaching vehicles and acceleration for curves. Eco and Smart drive modes, mean the amount of regenerative braking is adjustable. No issues really and the hybrid Carnival has decent fuel economy — 7.2 L/100 km: 6.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway.
To sum up, not really any negatives apart from the lack of All Wheel Drive. There is model to suit all price point and there is no skimping in standard equipment. This is one of the better minivans out there if you have a large go-anywhere family. Highly recommend for long road trippers everywhere!

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid – priced from
More info at www.kai.ca

The Province, in partnership with the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC), is opening six Indigenous justice centres, fulfilling a commitment to establish 15 Indigenous justice centres (IJCs) throughout B.C.

Niki Sharma, Attorney General, was joined by the BCFNJC in Kamloops to celebrate opening the six new centres in Kamloops, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Port Hardy, Fort St. John and a shared location serving the communities of Burns Lake and Hazelton.

“It is incredible to reflect on what First Nations, the BC First Nations Justice Council and the Province have collaboratively achieved – a network of 15 Indigenous justice centres across B.C.,” said Kory Wilson, chair, BCFNJC. “IJCs provide Indigenous clients with optimum legal representation and access to wraparound services that extend beyond their legal needs. As those accessing our services often feel overwhelmed and disconnected from community, IJCs embrace them with care, honour their cultural identity and protect them from falling through the cracks.”

With the opening of these IJCs, the BCFNJC, the Province and Canada have completed Strategy 4 of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy. Strategy 4 is a key commitment that calls for establishing a network of 15 IJCs throughout B.C. These six new centres join the existing nine physical centres in Chilliwack, Kelowna, Merritt, Nanaimo, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria, along with the virtual centre serving the province remotely.

IJCs address systemic barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples in the justice system by offering culturally appropriate legal advice, representation and referrals to local support services directly to Indigenous people at the community level. The range of services and the focus in each location may vary based on the needs, strengths and services available in each community, but are initially focused on criminal defence and child protection matters.

“All Indigenous Peoples, regardless of whether they qualify for legal aid, can access free, culturally informed legal and outreach services at IJCs,” Sharma said. “I am grateful to all our partners in delivering services that help build resilient communities and improve our justice system.”

The IJCs aim to help Indigenous people in the justice system address the root causes of their involvement and offer supports to help prevent future interactions with police and the justice system. Legal and outreach teams at the IJCs use their diverse community, cultural and professional expertise to support the healing and restorative-justice journeys of Indigenous clients. Through resource and support workers, clients may be referred to services such as housing, employment services, and mental-health and addictions treatment.

“Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is pleased to be the home of a brand-new Indigenous justice centre, where our communities can seek legal representation alongside wraparound services in an environment that feels culturally safe,” said Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. “We extend our appreciation to the BC First Nations Justice Council and the Province for addressing and working toward better systems of justice for Indigenous Peoples. The relief, safety and support this centre brings will ripple through our community with positive effects.”

Indigenous justice centres are a key part of the Province’s commitment to implement the BC First Nations Justice Strategy and advance reconciliation under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. They are also a key action in the Province’s Safer Communities Action Plan.

Quick Facts:

• Strategy 4 of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy calls for a network of 15 IJCs in B.C.
• In 2024, the first nine of 15 IJCs were operational and provided free legal representation or outreach supports in more than 2,200 cases in which Indigenous people navigated criminal or child-protection matters.
• In March 2024, BCFNJC expanded eligibility requirements so all Indigenous people, regardless of whether they qualify for legal aid, can access free legal and outreach services at IJCs.
• IJCs build on the crucial work of long-standing justice partners, such as the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC and local Indigenous Justice Programs, throughout the province.

Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for January 2025:

“We’re standing strong and defending British Columbians, workers, and industries against tariff threats from the United States. We are encouraged by the news that there will be a 30-day pause on the tariffs. Now, it’s full steam ahead on strengthening our economy to defend B.C. from this threat.

“We are fast-tracking major economic projects to deliver good paying, family-supporting jobs throughout the entire province and we are working hard to get B.C. goods to new markets, including the ongoing push to knock down trade barriers within Canada. So many people are coming together to buy B.C. and support Canadian products first.

“As B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic development and innovation, I met with my ministerial counterparts on the federal Committee on Internal Trade on Jan. 31 in Toronto to discuss expediting negotiations to reduce barriers to trade across the country. Increasing trade across the country is a key part of B.C.’s tariff-response strategy.

“B.C. has continued to show strength with a gain of 10,300 private-sector jobs in January – the third largest increase among provinces. B.C. has gained 178,900 private-sector jobs since July 2017.

“B.C. has also gained 19,900 full-time jobs since December 2024, the second-highest increase in full-time jobs among provinces.

“B.C.’s unemployment rate is 6.0%, one of the lowest unemployment rates among provinces and below the national average of 6.6%. B.C.’s average hourly wage is $37.53, the highest among provinces.

“Today’s Labour Force Survey data shows a growth of 8,700 jobs in manufacturing, 6,100 in retail trade and 5,200 in construction, among other types of jobs. Construction has gained 24,500 jobs, compared to this time last year.

“The current global uncertainty posed by potential tariffs from the United States puts all of this at risk. That’s why we’re taking action to defend B.C. jobs in the face of this threat. The Committee on Internal Trade meeting last Friday provided an opportunity to boldly move forward to unlock markets and the flow of goods and services between provinces and territories.

“Right now, the provinces have conflicting regulations and rules, causing barriers to trade across the country. B.C. is working with our provincial counterparts to create a list of regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction, with the intention of achieving an agreement where regulations can be mutually recognized that will cover all goods and services sold or used in Canada.

“British Columbia has been a leader in reducing internal trade barriers and is one of the founding parties of the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, a regional trade enhancement agreement that surpasses the Canadian Free Trade Agreement in terms of ambition, coverage of economic sectors and lack of exceptions.”

Families in Powell River have access to 28 new child care spaces opening at Kelly Creek Community school, including 12 spaces for children younger than three, and 16 spaces for children ages three to five.

“Access to affordable and reliable child care makes life easier for families,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “These new child care spaces in Powell River will help more parents and caregivers go to work and school, and are conveniently located on school grounds. We’re going to keep working to bring down costs and build a bright future for British Columbians.”

The Province partnered with the qathet School District (SD47) to build the new child care centre at Kelly Creek Community school. The $1.1-million investment from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund supported construction, as well as furniture and appliances bought for the facility.

“We are thrilled to have another child care option for the families in qathet,” said Jaclyn Miller, board chair, qathet School District. “The centre at Kelly Creek will provide children five and younger with a strong start to their school experience, fostering connections and continuity alongside the school they will likely attend, while strengthening their sense of belonging within the community.”

The Province also worked with the qathet School District to open a new child care centre at Edgehill Elementary school, which opened in fall 2024. The two projects have added a total of 56 new child care spaces in Powell River.

“I am over-the-moon happy with the staff and my experience at Edgehill YMCA Child Care,” said Sarah, whose child attends the program. “Thank you so much for bringing more child care spaces to Powell River. “This is the child care I wanted for my treasured child.”

School districts throughout B.C. are partnering with the provincial government to create new child care spaces to help address the child care needs of families within their communities. Child care on school grounds makes life easier for families by requiring only one dropoff and pickup location, streamlining their daily routines, reducing stress and creating a smoother transition for children.

Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s accelerated space-creation programs have helped fund more than 40,000 new licensed child care spaces in B.C. and 23,000 of those are now open. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on.

Quotes:

 Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast –

“Families in communities like Powell River face unique challenges when it comes to accessing affordable, quality child care. The new child care spaces at Kelly Creek Community school and Edgehill Elementary school are a game-changer for families here, providing vital support for parents and ensuring children in our rural community have the same opportunities to thrive as those in larger centres. By investing in child care, we’re helping to build a stronger, more connected Powell River.”

Cathy Poole, vice-president, Children and Youth Services, YMCA BC –

“YMCA BC is proud to partner with the qathet School District and the Government of B.C. to extend our child care services to families in the Powell River community. The program at Kelly Creek YMCA Child Care will be structured on our national YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and led by our professional early childhood educators who are committed to providing the children with happy, healthy learning experiences.”