B.C. Ferries neglecting ferry-dependent locals in favour of tourists, says Gibsons' mayor
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CBC
3 hours ago
- CBC
Parks Canada urging visitors to West Coast Trail to postpone non-essential travel due to Mount Underwood fire
Parks Canada is urging visitors to the West Coast Trail, a popular hiking destination, to postpone non-essential travel to the area as the Mount Underwood wildfire on Vancouver Island continues to grow close by. The wildfire, burning south of Port Alberni, B.C., is currently 21.56 square kilometres (2,156 hectares) in size and burning out of control. Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for a number of properties within the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Tseshaht First Nation. In a statement, the agency said it is not accepting new reservations for the trail at this time. Anyone with reservations for Aug. 13 to Sept. 12 is eligible for a full refund, excluding the reservation fee. Parks Canada said anyone already on the trail should complete their hike as planned; however, they may be asked to exit the trail at Nitinat Narrows if conditions change. Non-residents are being asked to stay away from Bamfield, a main access point for the trail. A fire ban — including beach fires — is in effect for the Pacific Rim National Park, including the West Coast Trail. Bamfield and Balaats'adt (Nitinaht Village) are currently without power and have limited water and waste management. B.C. Hydro said it could be days, possibly more than a week, before power is restored. Parks Canada is asking hikers to leave these communities immediately upon finishing their hike to prioritize essential services for residents. The West Coast Trail is considered an iconic multi-day backpacking trail, along 75 kilometres of paths and paddling routes that were once used for trade by local First Nations. Parks Canada says more than 7,500 visitors hike the trail each year.
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
B.C. government staff spent more than $220K on pricey Helijet flights in 2024, says watchdog
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is questioning the travel habits of B.C. government staff after finding they spent more than $220,000 on costly Helijet flights last year, instead of using the much more affordable BC Ferries. It argued the trips, which included $93,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport alone, amounted to wasteful spending at a time when the province is urging ministries to tighten their belts. 'There's a lot of ways to get between the capital and the Lower Mainland, but taking a luxury helicopter service is literally the most expensive way to do it,' said Carson Binda, with the federation. 'There is no realistic reason why a senior executive at the tourism ministry, for example, should be expensing taxpayers for 27 separate luxury helicopter trips,' he argued. The CTF found the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs billed over $40,000 for Helijet travel, while the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation expensed more than $90,000. In a statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Finance said cost-saving measures are already underway. 'The province is committed to making sure every dollar we spend has the greatest impact on the lives of British Columbians,' it read. 'As directed by the minister of finance earlier this year, all government ministries are cutting back on travel. We're finding savings on contracting, hiring and travel – to safeguard key services like health care and education while investing in jobs and the economy.' The ministry said travel decisions are evaluated based on need, urgency, and available options, and that staff are expected to find the most cost-efficient method given their circumstances.
National Post
a day ago
- National Post
Communication Matters More Than Ever During Global Events Like FIFA 2026
Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia — With the FIFA World Cup set to arrive in North America next summer, businesses across the continent—especially in host cities like Toronto and Vancouver—are preparing for a wave of global attention. Beyond managing logistics and crowds, communication is key to delivering a successful experience for all. Article content 'Communication is central,' said John Furlong, former head of Vancouver's 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC), in a recent CTV interview. LAT Multilingual worked closely with VANOC at the time, ensuring all communications were translated promptly. Now, the team is once again ready to support businesses and destinations in making FIFA 2026 a memorable success. Article content 'In the months leading up to the World Cup, locals and visitors need to understand what's coming and how they can make the most of this major event,' said Julie Wong-Gravend, President of LAT Multilingual. 'Multilingual and culturally relevant communication is essential.' Article content From signage and menus to websites and digital campaigns, clear and inclusive communication fosters understanding. It also creates opportunities for destinations beyond host cities to engage travellers planning extended stays or day trips during the tournament. Article content Global events require globally minded strategies. To connect effectively, content must be adapted to reach people in their own language and on their preferred platforms. Translation, campaign localization, multilingual social media, and cultural training are all essential parts of a truly global communication approach. Article content 'Global visibility starts with local readiness,' Wong-Gravend added. 'Businesses can play a meaningful role in creating a welcoming environment for visitors by showing up in the right language, on the right platform, and with the right tone.' Article content About LAT Multilingual Article content Founded in 1999, LAT Multilingual is a women-owned, ISO-certified, B Corp company specializing in translation, cultural adaptation, and multicultural marketing. With offices in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, LAT helps organizations of all sizes connect authentically with diverse audiences. By combining linguistic expertise with culturally informed strategies, LAT delivers trusted quality, meaningful results, and a commitment to ethical, inclusive business practices. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact: Article content
