Here are your top stories of the week.
Mayor Basran gives thumbs up to tourism in Âé¶čAV
On June 24, provincial leaders announced the implementation of phase three of B.C.âs restart plan, which includes reopening movie theatres, resorts and hotels, overnight camping at provincial parks and relaxation on interprovincial travel.
âDr. Bonny Henry has said that travel for British Columbians in the province is allowed and certainly thatâs something that we are thankful for,â said Basran.
âÂé¶čAV businesses are ready, willing and able to accommodate those who want to visit Âé¶čAV. We certainly welcome them but we would just ask again that they be respectful and keep health top of mind, making sure if they arenât feeling well to please reconsider, but that if they are feeling well enough to travel to maintain appropriate distancing.â
UBCO student sues Âé¶čAV RCMP officer for alleged assault during wellness check
A UBC Okanagan nursing student has filed a civil claim against a Âé¶čAV RCMP officer, the Attorney General of Canada, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor after she claims she was assaulted and had her Charter Rights breached during a wellness check.
The alleged assault was filmed by a surveillance video taken from inside the studentâs apartment building and the plaintiffâs lawyer is using the video in an attempt to prove the officer used excessive force.
Predator possibly killed cats in Âé¶čAV: BC SPCA
The BC SPCA is asking residents to call the animal abuse hotline if they suspect anything is occurring with pets in their neighbourhood.
The warning comes after the bodies of several cats were found scattered near downtown Âé¶čAV.
Regional manager for the Cruelty Investigation Department Brian Kijowski said in order for the deaths to be investigated, those who have discovered their pets missing or deceased need to report the incident to the BC SPCA.
âIf someoneâs pet dies of a suspicious circumstance, we will investigate as we need to base everything on facts and evidence,â he said.
Âé¶čAV officer at centre of punch-throwing arrest also faced 2018 complaint probe
A Âé¶čAV resident is claiming he contacted the Mounties and the Civil Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) for the RCMP two years ago, over concerns about the behaviour of the same officer who is now on administrative duty following an investigation into an arrest that has led to a civil suit filed against the constable.
Nathan Stroeder decided to speak out about his 2018 encounter with Const. Siggy Pietrzak, after seeing a viral video of the officer punching Tyler Russel several times during an arrest in Âé¶čAV in May.
Stroeder believes this situation could have been avoided had the Âé¶čAV detachment followed up differently with his account of a situation involving Const. Pietrzak on the night of Feb. 5, 2018.
Landmarkâs âDine the Districtâ returns July and August in Âé¶čAV
fter a successful launch year in 2019, the Landmark District has announced it will be bringing back âDine the Districtâ this July and August.
The hope for this yearâs âDine the Districtâ is to increase business in the area after restaurants were forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will run from July 15 to Sept. 1 and will promote the Landmark Districtâs food and drink establishments as well as increase social distanced pedestrian traffic in the area, during the summer months.
Looking back at West Âé¶čAV Warriors hockey history
Since relocating from Langley in 2006, the West Âé¶čAV Warriors have become a British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) staple, often boasting a solid crowd and a skilled lineup with high expectations with each new season.
When the Westside Warriors began their inaugural season playing home games out of the Memorial Arena in Âé¶čAV.
Construction of Royal LePage Place wouldnât be ready until the following year, so the team would bus its fans to Memorial, establishing a strong following right from the get-go.
âWe were quite impressed with how the (Westside) community supported the team when they had to go to Âé¶čAV,â said Warriors president Chris Laurie.