Latest news with #BC-based
Indian Express
29-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Indian national killed in plane crash in Canada
An Indian national was killed after a small plane crashed near the airport in Newfoundland, Canada at around 5:30 pm local time on Saturday. The town, located in western Newfoundland, has a population of about 5,000. The Indian Consulate General in Toronto on Tuesday confirmed that Indian national Gautam Santhosh was killed in the crash. 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in close contact with the bereaved family and local authorities in Canada to provide all necessary assistance and support,' the mission wrote on X. With deep sorrow, we mourn the tragic passing of Mr. Gautam Santhosh, an Indian national, who lost his life in an accident involving a commercial survey aircraft near Deer Lake, Newfoundland. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The… — IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) July 28, 2025 Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also confirmed the fatal crash to a CBC reporter at the scene, where first responders were also present. The plane belonged to BC-based Kisik Geospatial and Aerial Survey. Its owner and accountable executive, Andrew Naysmith, confirmed the fatality in a statement. 'We are devastated and heartbroken by this loss,' he said, CBC reported. 'Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased and their loved ones.' The aircraft was a Piper Navajo, a twin-engine plane that can carry up to eight passengers. It remains unclear how many people were on board at the time. Naysmith said the names of the deceased would be released by authorities and added that the company will support the investigation and the families 'in any and every way possible.' The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation.
National Observer
25-07-2025
- General
- National Observer
Three BC mine workers safe after 'meticulously executed' rescue
Three workers who were trapped in a remote northern British Columbia mine have been rescued after more than 60 hours underground. Red Chris mine operator Newmont Corp. said the three men were safely bought to the surface at about 10:40 p.m. on Thursday. It said Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke and Jesse Chubaty — contractors for BC-based Hy-Tech Drilling — were in good health and spirits after being trapped underground by two rockfalls on Tuesday morning. "This was a carefully planned and meticulously executed rescue plan," the company said in a statement. Newmont said that the men had consistent access to food, water, and air in a refuge chamber of the gold and copper mine about 500 kilometres northwest of Terrace, BC. It described an operation involving drones and a remote-controlled scoop that dug away a massive rockfall, estimated to be 20 to 30 metres long and seven to eight metres high. "[Our] specialized line-of-sight scoop successfully cleared the fallen debris from the access tunnel. With the area stabilized, the emergency response team advanced across the impacted zone using equipment with an engineered falling object protective system," it said. Such systems are typically used to enclose vehicles and operators in dangerous environments. "Upon reaching the refuge chamber, the team found Kevin, Darien, and Jesse in stable condition. Together with the emergency response team, they returned to surface using the same protected equipment." The company based in Denver, Colo., called the outcome a "result of tireless collaboration, technical expertise, and above all, safety and care." "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the rescue teams and all those involved." It said the workers were being supported by medical and wellness teams and their families had been notified. BC's Mining and Critical Minerals Minister Jagrup Brar said in a social media post that he "can't describe the relief we all feel knowing that these three workers are going to be able to go home to their families." The rescue came just a few hours after Newmont's global safety chief, Bernard Wessels, expressed confidence in the rescue. He said drones had flown over the debris blockage at the mine and found a stable route to the steel safety refuge where the men were sheltering. "There is natural flow of air through, which is really a positive sign, where the workers are located," Wessels told a virtual press briefing, speaking on Thursday afternoon from the mine site. The workers were identified by Hy-Tech, saying Coumbs was from Ontario, Maduke from BC and Chubaty from Manitoba. It described Coumbs and Chubaty as drillers and Maduke as a driller's helper.
Malaysian Reserve
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
All Aboard! Pirate Pak Day Returns to White Spot on August 13
Annual fundraiser celebrates 13 years of making summer camp dreams come true VANCOUVER, BC, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ – White Spot's treasured Pirate Pak Day is back for another year, sailing into 51 participating White Spot restaurants throughout BC, on Wednesday, August 13. For one day only, diners of all ages (yes, adults included) are invited to immerse themselves in the restaurant's cherished dining tradition, while supporting the incredible work of the Zajac Ranch for Children. For almost 60 years, the iconic Pirate Pak has been a beloved staple for millions of little mateys (aged 10 and under) across British Columbia. On August 13th, guests young and old(er!) can enjoy their meal in the famous 100% recyclable and compostable paper boat, knowing that $2 from every Pirate Pak sale goes directly to BC-based charity, Zajac Ranch; an organization dedicated to providing children and young adults with serious medical conditions and/or physical and mental disabilities unforgettable summer camp experiences. Pirate Pak Day has long solidified itself as an annual highlight in the White Spot calendar, with over 530,000 Pirate Paks sold since its inception. This includes serving over 3,500 pounds of 'gold' chocolate coins and whipping up more than 1.3 million ounces of ice cream. Served in the famous buccaneers' boat, each Pirate Pak includes a limited selection of burgers and classic entrees, fresh local fries, creamy coleslaw, premium rich ice cream, and the treasured 'gold' coin. Over the years, the incredible White Spot community has participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives that have raised over $1,000,000 in support of Zajac Ranch's mission, with every single Pirate Pak Day guest having the chance to directly and positively impact hundreds of children's lives. The money raised has given many children the opportunity to participate in annual summer camps, offering activities including kayaking, horseback riding and numerous water sports (all of which are fully accessible), empowering them to enjoy childhood without barriers. 'Both our White Spot employees and our guests love the Pirate Pak Day experience,' says White Spot president Trent Carroll. 'It brings to life our passion for family experiences and giving back to the community and we are extremely proud and excited to be able to provide families and young kids the opportunity to participate in an amazing program at Zajac Ranch. It is what makes it all meaningful and fun!' For the full Pirate Pak Day menu, visit For the latest news, register to receive Spot Club emails at become a fan on Facebook or follow White Spot on Instagram and YouTube. ABOUT WHITE SPOT HOSPITALITY | Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, White Spot is Canada's longest-running restaurant chain. Founded in 1928, when Nat Bailey launched Canada's first drive-in restaurant at Granville and 67th, the 97-year-young chain serves more than 17 million guests annually at 132 White Spot and Triple O's (their premium quick-service restaurants) located throughout B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Asia. They also own and operate five mobile food trucks. Bailey's original vision was to build a restaurant that served the highest quality, unique tasting food and White Spot remains committed to continuing this tradition in each and every meal. White Spot Hospitality is proud to be recognized with the platinum status designation as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, is one of Canada's top 150 iconic brands as awarded by Interbrand Canada, has been awarded a gold medal for excellence in franchising by the Canadian Franchise Association, and is one of B.C.'s Most Loved Brands as recognized by Ipsos. | PHOTOSFor a selection of high-resolution photos, click on the images above or below or download via Google Drive.
Cision Canada
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
All Aboard! Pirate Pak Day Returns to White Spot on August 13
For almost 60 years, the iconic Pirate Pak has been a beloved staple for millions of little mateys (aged 10 and under) across British Columbia. On August 13th, guests young and old(er!) can enjoy their meal in the famous 100% recyclable and compostable paper boat, knowing that $2 from every Pirate Pak sale goes directly to BC-based charity, Zajac Ranch; an organization dedicated to providing children and young adults with serious medical conditions and/or physical and mental disabilities unforgettable summer camp experiences. Pirate Pak Day has long solidified itself as an annual highlight in the White Spot calendar, with over 530,000 Pirate Paks sold since its inception. This includes serving over 3,500 pounds of "gold" chocolate coins and whipping up more than 1.3 million ounces of ice cream. Served in the famous buccaneers' boat, each Pirate Pak includes a limited selection of burgers and classic entrees, fresh local fries, creamy coleslaw, premium rich ice cream, and the treasured 'gold' coin. Over the years, the incredible White Spot community has participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives that have raised over $1,000,000 in support of Zajac Ranch's mission, with every single Pirate Pak Day guest having the chance to directly and positively impact hundreds of children's lives. The money raised has given many children the opportunity to participate in annual summer camps, offering activities including kayaking, horseback riding and numerous water sports (all of which are fully accessible), empowering them to enjoy childhood without barriers. "Both our White Spot employees and our guests love the Pirate Pak Day experience," says White Spot president Trent Carroll. "It brings to life our passion for family experiences and giving back to the community and we are extremely proud and excited to be able to provide families and young kids the opportunity to participate in an amazing program at Zajac Ranch. It is what makes it all meaningful and fun!"
National Observer
08-07-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Scientists call for recovery for endangered orcas off British Columbia's coast
A new report from a group of more than 30 experts says a population of endangered killer whales off the coast of British Columbia and Washington state is showing no sign of recovery under the current conditions. There is an "urgent need for more robust actions" to save the southern resident killer whales from extinction, says the report released by the David Suzuki Foundation and Raincoast Conservation Foundation on Monday. Despite measures adopted by Canada and the United States since 2019, the report says the whales face a "high probability of extinction" if conditions don't change. Lance Barrett-Lennard, cetacean scientist with the Raincoast Foundation, says there is "no convincing reason" to believe the whales, which are genetically distinct from other orcas, will recover without stronger measures. A statement from the BC-based conservation groups says the report marks the first time scientists have proposed a road map for the recovery of southern resident killer whales on both sides of the Canada-US border. The report makes a series of 26 science-based recommendations, including limiting fisheries to help the whales access their main prey, chinook salmon, along with eliminating toxic chemicals that build up in their food chains and adopting enforceable underwater noise standards. "We specifically wanted to have a conversation that was science-focused, but we were mindful of keeping this as realistic as possible," Barrett-Lennard says. The scientific report is the result of a workshop held in Vancouver in March that brought together 31 experts from Canada, the United States and Europe to consider what it will take to save the animals, he says. The Fisheries Department has described the whales as a "critically endangered iconic species" of which 73 individuals remained at the last census. The federal government had determined the whales face "imminent threats" to their survival, but this spring it announced it would not issue an emergency protection order and instead adopt "incremental measures." Barrett-Lennard says Ottawa indicated at the time that it would "strengthen" recovery measures, but he hadn't seen any further details or a timeline. The Fisheries, Transport and Environment departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report and its recommendations. "It may take a long time, even decades, to observe the biological effects of these measures, as (the southern residents) are long-lived animals that reproduce slowly, and their recovery is expected to take time," the Fisheries Department said in its statement announcing Ottawa's decision in March. The decision also took into account "social, economic, policy and other factors, and the broader public interest," the statement said. Barrett-Lennard acknowledged it takes time to see signs of recovery in a population of long-lived animals with a slow reproductive rate. The existing measures from 2019 may have helped halt the whales' further decline, but scientists are "not seeing an upturn at this point," he says. The current population is "simply not a viable number for any species to be robust to catastrophic events like disease or an oil spill and to maintain genetic variation," he says. The whales' main food source is chinook salmon, and the new report says limited access to prey remains the primary constraint on their recovery. Current government initiatives from both countries are "insufficient" to address the problem, the report says. Barrett-Lennard says the whales are particularly dependent on the largest, fattiest chinook, which spend the first year of their lives in freshwater streams. "Those are the fish that the killer whales take preferentially and to meet their nutritional requirements," he says. "They also tend to be the ones that fishermen love." The report recommends ensuring the orcas have "priority access" to early-season chinook in the Fraser River through fishing closures. It also calls on government to identify seasonal and annual prey thresholds for the whales, and to close fisheries when their needs are not met. The recommendations also include expanding slowdown zones for ships and expanding the minimum distance vessels must keep away from the whales to 1,000 metres, as well as prohibiting various ships from discharging grey water, sewage and scrubber wastewater into the whales' habitat. Barrett-Lennard says the southern residents are an old, distinct population of orcas with great cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples in the area. Losing the whales would be a "tragedy," he says. "Once we identify members of the population as individuals, everything changes," he says. "We can begin to recognize individual traits and behaviours. Some of them are shy and some of them assertive." The whales have "huge brains," he adds. "We know that they keep track of social relationships throughout their whole lives. They have mental maps of the coast … They have family bonds."
