Yahoo Sports --B-C Update--
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(BC-Wildfires-North)
The mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality says plans are underway for about 47-hundred residents to return to the evacuated community of Fort Nelson in the far northeastern corner of B-C.
Rob Fraser says recent rains have helped in the fight against the fire burning just outside the town and he's optimistic that crews have a "good handle" on the blaze.
He says in a video update that hydro, natural gas and telecommunications crews are currently in town working to ensure the services are safely up and running.
Fraser says officials are contacting hospital and ambulance services personnel to return ahead of the rest of the community. (The Canadian Press)
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(BC-Prison-Assault-Pickton) (WATCH FOR DATING)
The Correctional Service of Canada says it plans to make public "any significant developments" in the condition of convicted killer Robert Pickton.
Pickton is in life-threatening condition after being attacked at the Quebec prison where he was being held on Sunday.
The notorious former pig farmer from Port Coquitlam was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2007 after being charged with the murders of 26 women, many of them Indigenous.
Heiltsuk (HAIL'-tsuk) Chief Marilyn Slett with the Union of B-C Indian Chiefs says discussion about Pickton after the assault has revived painful memories, and Indigenous women still face a barrier of systemic racism when it comes to personal safety and access to the justice system. (The Canadian Press)
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(BC-WEA-Snow) (WATCH FOR DATING)
Environment Canada says drivers should be prepared for wet snow and rapidly changing weather conditions along several highways in the southern Interior.
The weather office says the Okanagan Connector could see up to 15 centimetres of snow, while other mountain passes could see about five centimetres.
It says the snow was expected to ease or transition to rain around midday.
Crews with B-C Hydro are meanwhile working to restore power to more than eight thousand households that are in the dark after strong winds swept over parts of the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. (The Canadian Press)
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(BC-Electric-Ferries)
B-C Ferries is receiving a 75-million-dollar loan from a federal Crown corporation to help buy four zero-emission vessels and install charging infrastructure.
A statement from the Canada Infrastructure Bank says it has closed the deal with BC Ferry Services as the company expands the electrification of its fleet.
It says terminal upgrades are to be completed by 2027 and the battery electric Island class ferries will be used on small-volume and shorter routes.
They will join six hybrid electric Island class ferries that have come online over the last two years, fitted with hybrid technology that B-C Ferries says "bridges the gap" until shore charging infrastructure becomes available. (The Canadian Press)
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(BC-Correctional-Centre)
The B-C government says a new correctional centre is open in Nanaimo.
A statement from the Ministry of Public Safety says the new facility includes a unit for women and expands remand capacity for Vancouver Island.
It says the building also includes purpose-built spaces for programs such as one that combines work, addictions treatment and counselling.
The ministry says it also includes a health-care centre and specialized areas for working with people with complex mental-health needs. (The Canadian Press)
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(BC-Sinclair-Barbie)
Burnaby-born soccer star Christine Sinclair is being honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness as part of a project announced by Barbie-maker Mattel.
A statement from the company says Sinclair as well as tennis champion Venus Williams are among nine athletes to receive the one-of-a-kind dolls.
Sinclair says she's honoured to be recognized as a role model through the project that aligns with her aim to inspire young girls to pursue their goals.
A photo of Sinclair's Barbie shows the doll wearing a red jersey with a gold medal around the neck to celebrate her Olympic gold medal in 2021. (The Canadian Press)
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(B-C Update by The Canadian Press)
The Canadian Press
