How Lytton Chinese History Museum rose from the ashes, almost four years after fire
LYTTON - Lorna Fandrich recalled walking into the burned out site of the Lytton Chinese History Museum in October 2021, about four months after it and most of the village were destroyed by a wildfire that claimed two lives.
Clad in protective gear, she sifted through foot-deep ashes in the hope of recovering some of the artifacts that documented the Chinese community's presence in the B.C. Interior, stretching back to the 19th century.
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Japan Forward
19 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Make Reckless Mount Fuji Climbers Pay for Their Rescue
このページを 日本語 で読む Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures are considering charging for helicopter rescue services as a way to combat accidents on Mount Fuji. In separate press conferences, the governors of the two prefectures expressed their desire to work together on viable solutions to the problem of reckless climbers. A recent series of accidents on Mount Fuji has involved off-season climbers lacking the necessary equipment and preparation. Reasonably considered, individuals who ignore warnings should cover at least part of the costs of their rescue. That is the only way to discourage reckless and off-season climbing of Japan's highest mountain. The two prefectures should move to make the fee a reality. In the process, they should discuss the areas it will cover and what share of the costs rogue climbers would be required to pay. Yamanashi Prefecture's fire and disaster prevention helicopter "Akafuji" is also used for rescues. (©Sankei by Hiroshi Watanabe) Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures began considering the matter after a Chinese university student got in trouble twice on Mount Fuji in April. The first time, he ignored that the mountain was not open for climbers. Then, when he found himself unable to move near the summit, he had to be rescued by a Yamanashi Prefecture disaster prevention helicopter. Learning nothing from that experience, he was back on the mountain four days later. He later claimed he had returned to retrieve his smartphone and other personal items left behind on the summit during his earlier failed climb. This time, the Shizuoka Prefectural Police Mountain Rescue Team had to rescue him. In May, two other Chinese men briefly found themselves unable to move, and rescue teams were activated. They eventually managed to get down the mountain under their own power. Even in June, there is an elevated risk of getting in trouble on Mount Fuji due to occasional snow and high winds. For this reason, the official period set for climbing to the summit is limited to between early July and early September. Outside of these periods, the hiking trails are closed. Off-season rescue operations can also be dangerous. Not only do they require considerable effort and expense, but there is also the risk of secondary disasters due to wind gusts and other unexpected complications. The number of climbers showing a shocking lack of common sense and disdain for the rules has, therefore, triggered concern. In 2024's rehearsal for restrictions on climbing Mount Fuji, a guide in Yamanashi Prefecture asks lightly dressed visitors to abandon the climb. (©Sankei by Hirao Takashi) It is only natural that local governments would ask such offenders to pay for their rescues. If it costs people a reasonable amount if they get into trouble, they may think twice about such risky behavior. Originally, mountain rescue operations by helicopter were generally conducted by the private sector on a commercial basis. For such rescues, the costs could range from hundreds of thousands to millions of JPY (thousands to hundreds of thousands of USD). Therefore, climbers were advised to obtain mountain climbing insurance before heading for the mountains. However, after the Great Hanshin Earthquake (1995), local governments' use of disaster prevention and police helicopters became widespread. Since then, for the most part, rescues have been a public sector function. In principle, taxpayers pay for such services, and they are free to those rescued. However, all too often these days, people request rescues that are not necessary. Things have started to change in some parts of Japan. Saitama Prefecture, for example, implemented an ordinance in 2018 that requires the collection of a fuel charge. Initially, the charge was set at ¥5,000 JPY ($35 USD) for every five minutes of helicopter rescue operations in certain mountainous areas. That was raised to ¥8,000 ($56 ) for five minutes since April 2024. Such an approach might also work for Mount Fuji. Besides introducing fees, it is also imperative that climber ethics improve. People who get in trouble in the mountains risk not just their own lives. They should bear in mind that their actions also put their rescuers in harm's way. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
The Province
3 days ago
- The Province
China tariffs bite into B.C. spot prawn season, but foodies queue for kiss of the sea
B.C.'s spot prawn season is ending this week, with live prawns selling at around $20 to $25 a pound. Published Jun 10, 2025 • 4 minute read Stewart McDonald, Owner of Salty Stew's Seafood, holds a basket of spot prawns on his boat at False Creek Harbour Authority, Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Toronto resident Krista Jang showed off her 'haul' on the False Creek Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver — a bag of sweet and meaty spot prawns, live and kicking and fresh off the boat. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The actress was raised in Vancouver and spot prawn season is one of the things she misses most. Jang said she would have them 'Chinese style,' steamed and dipped in a little soy sauce and sesame oil to make the most of their 'pure and simple flavour.' 'I've had it my whole life,' she said last week of the bright orange crustaceans. 'I see that they sell (in Toronto), but it's so expensive, and it's much fresher and affordable here.' B.C.'s spot prawn season is ending this week, with live prawns selling at around $20 to $25 a pound. This spring's season began in mid-May and lasted less than a month. Domestic buyers like Jang make up only a small share of the market, but this year it was an important one, with China's 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian seafood putting a pinch on exports. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. China has recently bought more than 80 per cent of B.C.'s prawn exports, and Christina Burridge, executive director of the B.C. Seafood Alliance, said the March 20 tariffs were a 'real problem' for fishermen and exporters. 'Chinese customers don't want to pay that tariff. So, they expect that the fishermen here and the exporters will reduce their prices by at least 25 per cent, but it's impossible,' said Burridge. Mike Atkins, executive director with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association, said the Chinese tariffs were the latest burden on fishermen, as the cost of bait and fishing supplies increased. 'Our exporters this year are trying to shift markets a little bit, because it's tough to get it to China with the price, so they're trying to shift back to Japan, which (once) was our main market for spot prawns,' said Atkins. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It is really tough for the fishermen this year.' About 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes of B.C. spot prawns are landed each year, and about 80 to 90 per cent are typically exported, said Atkins. A live spot prawn is held at False Creek Harbour Authority, Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS / THE CANADIAN PRESS The B.C. Agriculture and Food Ministry said the combined value of the province's prawn and shrimp exports were more than $98 million in 2023, with China buying 78 per cent. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said in a statement that tariffs were 'extremely challenging for our seafood sector,' and the province would 'continue to find new markets so that B.C. companies can thrive.' Lynette Kershaw of Prawns on the Spot in Richmond said their spot prawn products usually go to the public, but they also sell a certain portion of their frozen catch to the French Creek Fresh Seafood market in Parksville, which exports to Asia. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think with the tariffs, and just with the world situation right now, we have had a slowdown in selling that frozen product, so that will impact us,' said Kershaw, who has been selling spot prawns on Steveston Fisherman's Wharf for six years. But there hadn't been any slowdown in sales from local customers at the wharf. 'I think that's because the people who enjoy spot prawns know that it's a local delicacy. They know that it's a very short amount of time … I think people just want to treat themselves,' said Kershaw. Back at False Creek, fisherman Stewart McDonald and his crew were doling out bags of kicking prawns from a blue tank. Among those patiently waiting for a meal was a heron that the fishermen said was named Frank, prowling the wharf, and a plump harbour seal named Sparky, bobbing in the water and waiting for a handout. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. McDonald has spent 20 years harvesting spot prawns and selling them at the wharf. He said he can't complain about the market due to huge demand from loyal local customers queuing for a taste. Spot prawn season didn't use to be a big deal, but now it's celebrated, said McDonald. 'It's kind of like turned into a social event, like go wine-tasting or pick apples or berries,' he said. 'People look forward to this prawn season because it's only a short time, and it's earlier than most of the crops. The berries and the fruit hasn't come out yet, but the prawns are incredible … and people love them.' McDonald pointed out a particularly loyal customer, Dragon Watanabe, dragging a five-pound bucket of prawns to his car. He said he was buying for his uncle's restaurant — and issued a spontaneous invitation to see them prepared by 'a legend.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Watanabe's uncle, it turns out, is 75-year-old chef Hidekazu Tojo, reputed as the inventor of the California roll, and one of the most famous Japanese chefs in Canada. His restaurant, Tojo's, goes through 20 to 25 pounds of spot prawns from McDonald's boat each day during the season. 'Stewart brought us very high-quality ingredients, that's why I respect him, we are good friends,' said Tojo of a 20-year relationship that has included going out on McDonald's boat. In the kitchen, Tojo dropped three prawns into a pot of boiling water for precisely one minute and 45 seconds — any longer and the meat would be tough, he said. He lifted them out and gently peeled them, dressing them with a vinaigrette of cilantro and minced jalapeno and plating them with a few slices of melon. There's subtle heat from the jalapeno, in contrast to the slight sweetness of the prawns. Next is a 'Tojo's golden roll,' a sushi roll filled with raw spot prawns, Dungeness crab and salmon, topped with herring roe. There's an explosion of briny freshness in the mouth. It tastes like kissing the sea. Read More Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Whitecaps News News
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Chinese aircraft carrier seen operating deeper into Pacific
Published Jun 09, 2025 • 2 minute read The aircraft carrier Liaoning Photographer: Pu Haiyang/Xinhua/Getty Images Photo by Xinhua News Agency / Getty Images (Bloomberg) — A Chinese aircraft carrier made one of its deepest forays into the Pacific Ocean over the weekend as Beijing continues to project its military power further from its shores. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Liaoning and three other Chinese naval vessels were seen on Saturday around 300 kilometres (some 185 miles) southwest of the remote, uninhabited Japanese island of Minamitori, according to a statement from Japan's Joint Chief of Staff. Minamitori is more than 1,800 km southeast of Tokyo. The Chinese carrier was within the portion of Japan's exclusive economic zone around the island. A day later, Japan said it confirmed the takeoff and landing of fighter jets and helicopters from the deck of the carrier, an indication of exercises to test the ability of pilots and sailors to perform combat operations. The sightings are likely the first time any of China's three aircraft carriers have been observed operating east of the so-called second island chain, a string of islands that extends from Japan, through the Northern Mariana Islands and south to Guam. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The second chain and the first island chain, which is closer to China and includes Japan's southern Ryuku Islands and the Philippines, limit China's access to the western Pacific Ocean. US, Japanese and other military bases sit along both of the chains. In the case of a conflict in the Western Pacific involving the US, such as a possible military engagement over Taiwan, China could be at risk from US forces deployed from large American bases in Hawaii. The ability to operate east of the second chain could help China's navy counter such deployments. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Monday that the naval vessels' 'activities in relevant waters are fully consistent with international law and international practices.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We hope Japan will view these activities objectively and rationally,' he added at the regular press briefing. The US Indo-Pacific Command didn't respond to a request for comment. The Liaoning, a rebuilt Russian vessel, is the oldest of China's carriers. In recent days it has sailed with accompanying ships widely around the Western Pacific, including rare sightings to the east of the Philippines, according to Japan's Joint Chief of Staff. Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told China's state-run Global Times last week that the Liaoning was conducting normal training activities. Wang said Chinese carriers are expected to go further into deep ocean areas in the future, according to the report. —With assistance from Yasufumi Saito. World Sunshine Girls Golf Editorial Cartoons Canada
