Articles from Global News

The West Vancouver council has decided to uphold a demolition order for a structure built without proper authorization on a property valued at $6.7 million. Kamran Gerami, who was involved in the construction, defended the project by stating that it was conducted by the book. Despite these claims, the council remains firm in their decision against the unauthorized structure. The case highlights issues within construction compliance and local government regulations.

UBC-Okanagan intends to replace the damaged building in Kelowna due to an ethical obligation. Upon completion, a land swap agreement will take place between the city and the university. UBC-O will acquire the Hadgraft-Wilson property, and the city will assume ownership of the new site. This project marks a collaboration aimed at the strategic use of urban space.

The B.C. General Employee Union is advocating for contract language updates to accommodate approximately 4,000 members who either work from home full-time or part-time. These members are pushing to have their remote work recognized in new contract terms. This move reflects the ongoing shift towards remote work in the workforce. The union aims to secure these provisions in future agreements.

New Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to expedite a series of new industrial projects across Canada, aiming to counteract the economic impact of the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. This initiative includes the possibility of reviving an oil pipeline to British Columbia's North Coast. These projects are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation's infrastructure and economy. The move is positioned as a step towards national development amidst geopolitical tensions.

The federal government of Canada has announced that British Columbia is set to receive over $326 million for community infrastructure projects in the current fiscal year. This funding is aimed at supporting various infrastructure developments across the province. The investment is part of the government's ongoing commitment to improve local infrastructure and boost economic growth.

Residents of Lake Okanagan Resort are urging rapid action towards the construction of a new water treatment plant after the area was impacted by the McDougall Fire. Community members emphasize the importance of resolving this issue swiftly so that rebuilding and resettlement can commence. The call for improved infrastructure highlights community concerns for safety and progress in their locality.

Firefighters were actively responding to a significant fire on Sunday morning in Langley City that inflicted severe damage on an under-construction apartment building. The cause of the fire is not stated, but it resulted in extensive damage to the structure. Emergency services were quick to act to contain the blaze and prevent any potential spread to nearby areas. This incident highlights the potential risks involved in construction sites, particularly residential projects.

A newly-built home in West Vancouver has been ordered for demolition due to its construction without any permits. The owners failed to secure necessary permissions and inspections before building what is considered an illegal structure. West Vancouver authorities have mandated the home's removal as it breaches local construction regulations. The case highlights the importance of adhering to zoning laws and obtaining appropriate approvals for residential developments.

A mall owner criticizes B.C. billionaire Liu's plan for the Bay properties, stating it lacks commercial viability. The owner argues Liu, despite owning three shopping centers in B.C., does not have a recognized brand or experienced retail staff. This skepticism arises from Liu's limited track record in the retail sector. The tension highlights challenges faced by new entrants in the competitive retail real estate market.

The Site C Dam project in British Columbia has become fully operational with the commissioning of its final generating unit. Adrian Dix, the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, stated that this development is a crucial step toward ensuring a clean energy future for the province. The completion symbolizes significant progress in the province's infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

The United States plans to more than double the countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports. This action is expected by business groups in British Columbia to negatively impact communities on both sides of the US-Canada border. These increased duties could raise the cost of lumber, affecting various sectors of the construction industry.

A new initiative has been launched in the Okanagan to boost solar energy. The project is noted as the largest solar energy initiative in British Columbia, enabling the industrial park in the region to independently generate its own power. This move marks a significant step towards sustainable energy usage in the industrial sector. The initiative reflects the growing trend of integrating renewable energy in industrial applications.