Latest news with #TransCanadaHighway


CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Age-progressed drawing released in B.C. cold case
Raymond Kohout is seen in these images handed out by the Salmon Arm RCMP. Mounties in Salmon Arm, B.C., are asking the public for any information that could help find a man who has been missing for 23 years. Raymond 'Ray' Kohout was last seen on April 29, 2002, riding a blue mountain bike on the Trans-Canada Highway between Salmon Arm and Canoe, according to police. His bike was found between Salmon Arm and Sicamous on Sept. 11 of that year. The nurse, husband, and father of three has not been seen or heard from since. Police released an age-progressed sketch of Kohout on Monday, showing what he may look like today. Kohout was born in 1960, so he would be 64 or 65 now. Raymond Kohout An age-progressed drawing of Raymond Kohout handed out by the Salmon Arm RCMP. Mounties describe Kohout as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'4' tall and weighing 150 pounds. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Salmon Arm RCMP at 250-832-6044, leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers, or email the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains at canadasmissing-disparuscanada@


CBC
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Pothole problems: here's how you can protect your car and your wallet
When Deanna LeBlanc of Riverview was driving down the Trans-Canada Highway last Sunday, she hit a pothole in a construction zone near the Salisbury exit that was so deep, the impact made her bite her lip and caused her car to start shaking. The hole blew out LeBlanc's tire, costing her $440 in repairs. She said there was no warning about the hole the size of a "crater" that she later learned had ruined the afternoon for other drivers, too. "I couldn't pull over because there were five cars on the side of the road," LeBlanc told Information Morning Mocton. On the heels of the spring thaw, and with heavy rains in May, many roads have become littered with huge potholes. The owner of Dynamic Towing, the company that eventually came to LeBlanc's rescue, told CBC it was called to tow about 25 vehicles in the span of 24 hours on that stretch of highway — all of which had flat tires due to one nasty pothole. "It's absolutely terrible. It shouldn't be left like that on the weekends," LeBlanc said. "They should be protecting us and they're not." In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure said crews have since been to the area to do patch work. The CBC also contacted MRDC Operations Corporation, the private contractor responsible for maintenance of that stretch of highway, but received no response. Trying to recoup your losses So, how likely is it that a driver like LeBlanc will be reimbursed for damage to their vehicle? And what can you do to avoid potholes in the first place? A 2021 study by the Canadian Automobile Association, or CAA, found poor road conditions cost Canadian drivers $3 billion per year in repairs and other hidden costs. That's an average cost of $126 per year for a driver. LeBlanc said she plans to file a claim for her tire replacement with the construction company she was told was hired as a sub-contractor for that area. "I think I got a fight in front of me," she said. Julia Kent, the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic, said there are many avenues drivers can take to try to get reimbursed for damages to their vehicles caused by poor road conditions. She suggests starting with the municipality, because some accept claims from drivers who believe the damage was caused by neglect by the local government. "Whether or not you're going to win that claim depends on your instance in particular," Kent said. Typically, claims forms can be found on a city or town's website and lay out specific conditions for reimbursement. For instance, the City of Moncton states on its form that any claims for pothole damage will be denied and that drivers need to prove the city is liable in court. Kent said drivers can also contact their insurance provider, but many don't because they worry it will increase their premium, or because the deductible is greater than the cost of repairs. LeBlanc's incident happened on a provincial roadway, which complicates the question of jurisdiction, Kent said. According to its own claim form, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure must conduct an investigation when a claim is submitted regarding damage to property. In an email, the department said it encourages drivers to take precautions and follow posted speed limits in construction zones. What to remember in pothole-prone areas The same CAA study found 48 per cent of roads in Canada are not considered to be in good condition, nor are they maintained consistently, Kent said. She echoed the advice of the province to slow down in construction zones, saying it's the best way to diminish the chance of major damage. She also advises drivers not to swerve to avoid a pothole, explaining it can be dangerous to you and the drivers around you. If you do hit a pothole hard, pull over. "We do see so many near misses and sometimes collisions with people pulled over on the side of the road," she said, adding that it's important to take extra precautions in that situation. Calling your local towing company is your next step, Kent said. And she said it's best to stay in your car until help arrives. She is calling for a more proactive approach on behalf of the government when it comes to fixing deteriorating roadways, saying it will save everyone money in the long run to do the work now.


CTV News
26-05-2025
- CTV News
Cyclist killed, 2 others injured in crash near Victoria
A cyclist is dead after a head-on collision with a minivan on the Trans-Canada Highway near Victoria on Saturday. Mounties say the 80-year-old cyclist was heading south in the shoulder of the northbound lanes when he collided with a grey 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan near the Six Mile Road onramp in View Royal at around 5:20 p.m. 'Life-saving measures were applied, however the cyclist succumbed to his injuries at the scene,' the West Shore RCMP said in a statement Monday. 'The van was being driven by a 51-year old man with a 15-year-old passenger, who were both taken to the hospital to receive care for non-life-threatening injuries.' The northbound lanes of the highway were closed for approximately four hours as police investigated the collision. Authorities say drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as contributors to the crash, however the cause of the collision is still under investigation. 'West Shore RCMP extends its condolences to the family and friends of the cyclist,' the police statement said. 'We thank the public for their patience as emergency crews attended the scene as traffic was affected for a number of hours.' Investigators are asking witnesses or anyone with video from the area between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday to contact police at 250-474-2264.


CBC
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Carberry-area residents rally against plan they say won't fix intersection where crash killed 17
Around 100 people rallied Thursday evening near the intersection north of Carberry where a crash killed 17 people two years ago, protesting one of the proposals to make the crossing safer. Semi-trailer trucks and farm vehicles lined the road beside the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5, as protesters called on the province to scrap plans for a restricted crossing U-turn at the site. The protest was held at the intersection where on June 15, 2023, a semi and a bus full of seniors from the Dauphin area collided, killing 17 and injuring eight. A month later, three people were injured at the intersection when a pickup truck collided with an SUV, causing both to hit a third vehicle. Jordan Dickson, who lives beside the intersection, said she's seen a lot of accidents and close calls. "It's really scary sometimes," Dickson said. "We're always watching out there for when the [emergency] lights go by." She wants the intersection to be safer but worries community needs aren't being heard. Following a safety review, the province presented three main possibilities — a widened intersection, a roundabout or a restricted crossing U-turn, known as an RCUT. Thursday's rally was organized to send a message that an RCUT isn't the answer, Dickson said. An RCUT forces drivers to turn right, merge into traffic and then make a U-turn, instead of crossing or turning left. An RCUT doesn't make sense in an area with a lot of farm equipment and heavy truck traffic, Dickson said. "It's a recipe for disaster," she said. WATCH | How an R-CUT would work at the intersection near Carberry: How an RCUT would work at Manitoba intersection where deadly crash happened 1 year ago Duration 0:13 A restricted crossing U-turn, also known as an RCUT, is one of three options being explored to overhaul a highway intersection near Carberry, Man., where a crash killed 17 people and injured eight others in June. She says an overpass is the best way to make the intersection safer, and it's disappointing the province isn't pursuing that. If an overpass isn't possible, she would like a wider median, which was one of the options in the province's safety report. The current median is so narrow, even two-passenger vehicles can't comfortably fit. Traffic often gets back up at the intersection, because drivers wait until all four lanes on Highway 1 are clear to cross, Dickson says. "It's a very busy highway," Dickson said. "There's lots of times that when [farm] equipment's trying to get through, either they're forced to take the service road and go to the intersections either a mile east or mile west, or traffic gets pretty backed up as they are waiting to get through." Overpass needed: farmer Deborah Steen, who helped organize the rally, said spring and fall are particularly bad, and the intersection can become "complete chaos" when farming equipment crowds the intersection. "I come through this intersection multiple times a day, and it's just a nightmare at times," Steen said. She worries the RCUT will confuse drivers and push traffic onto less safe back roads. Steen also says if an overpass isn't possible, the next safest option is widening the median. Carberry-area farmer Neil Adriaansen says the intersection has been an issue for decades, and locals have been hoping for an overpass since the mid-1960s. He crosses the intersection four to eight times a day, and the size of his vehicles means he often doesn't fit in the median. If the province moves ahead with an RCUT, he'll start using back roads to avoid it, he said. "I am not taking a chance on a foggy morning, trying to merge across three lanes, and then have to turn around and do it again on the other side. That's bizarre," Adriaansen said. "I'm sure there are places for RCUTS. This just isn't it." After the last public open house about the intersection's future, Adriaansen submitted a four-page letter to the province explaining why he didn't want to see an RCUT built. It's unsafe and inconvenient, penalizing traffic travelling north-south, he said. If an overpass isn't possible, he also would support a wider median, or stoplights. Dickson said the consultation process with the province has been frustrating, with many in the community feeling ignored. A petition against the RCUT has started and is gathering local opinions about safer options, along with signatures, Dickson said. Their goal is to amplify the voices of those who use the intersection every day, she said. "We obviously want a safe intersection. We've been asking for it for years now," Dickson said. A final round of engagement will take place this spring and an engagement report is expected from the province this summer regarding the future of the intersection.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
How to plan the ultimate Trans-Canadian Highway road trip
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Stretching from coast to coast, the Trans-Canada Highway is a ribbon of road that stitches together the vast landscapes of Canada, from the glacier lakes of Alberta to the prairies of Manitoba. But it's the British Columbia section that arguably shines brightest, offering a wealth of experiences across some 500 miles. The real charm of driving this route is watching the scenery beyond the windscreen switch from lush rainforest to the rugged Rocky Mountains. Take your time: six days is ideal, pausing to uncover the mysteries of old ghost towns, delve into the region's Chinese heritage, or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting. Each stop offers a new perspective on Canada's wild western frontier. The adventure begins in Vancouver, a playground for outdoorsy activities, with mountains, beaches and forests just moments from its urban core. Hop on a Mobi bike to cycle the 6.6-mile seawall of Stanley Park. As you pedal, on one side you'll have ancient rainforest heavy with the scent of cedar and spruce; on the other, shimmering skyscrapers reflect in the waters of the Burrard Inlet and English Bay. Take a breather at Stanley Park Brewpub, a 1930s sports pavilion turned hangout, for a craft beer amid these bucolic surroundings. Don't miss: Kitsilano Beach, south of Stanley Park, for soft sands, beach volleyball and a splash in the summer saltwater pool. Distance: 95 milesTrade Vancouver's buzz for the countryside splendour of the Fraser Valley, two hours to the east, where laid-back vintners in flip-flops and shorts tend to roadside vineyards. Schedule a pit stop at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford, a family-owned estate specialising in cool-climate wines. For lunch, try Restaurant 62 nearby, which serves dishes such as roasted beets with honey vinaigrette and showcases hyper-local ingredients. En route to Hope, 55 miles north east, you'll drive by pick-your-own berry patches and rustic cideries. On arrival, film fans might recognise the picturesque small town as the backdrop in the movie Rambo: First Blood and Hope Springs. Don't miss: The intricate wooden sculptures linked via a walking trail in Hope, aka the 'Chainsaw Carving Capital of Canada'. Distance: 68 milesWith leafy views of the Fraser Valley receding in the rear window, the scenery approaching Lytton takes a turn for the dramatic, with granite canyons rearing on the horizon. Pull over at the Hell's Gate Airtram, where cable cars provide bird's-eye views of the peaks. A little further along the sagebrush-fringed road is the town of Lytton. Here you can tackle the rapids with Kumsheen Rafting Resort, which offers adrenaline-filled three-hour trips. Before moving on, be sure to fill up the tank as petrol stations can be sporadic on this leg. Don't miss: The Lytton Chinese History Museum, recently rebuilt after a 2021 wildfire, which offers a deep dive into the vital contributions of early Chinese settlers to BC. Distance: 106 milesSteep canyons flatten out on the two-hour drive to Kamloops, with the Fraser and Thompson rivers tracing the road's winding path. Kamloops is known for its creative community, which has dotted the town with murals and independent galleries. Idle away an afternoon at the Kamloops Art Gallery, before tucking into the maple-glazed bannock (frybread) at the Indigenous-owned Kekuli Café. Don't miss: The Kamloopa Powwow, a summer celebration of Indigenous culture, music and dance drawing over 20,000 spectators. Distance: 132 milesRelics of Revelstoke's 1860s gold rush still dot the rugged landscape — although none as eccentric as Three Valley Gap. Here, a local entrepreneur spent decades painstakingly relocating abandoned buildings from the frontier era to create his own ghost town museum. Explore the vintage saloon, clapboard church and whistle-stop barbershop — all examples of Canada's wild west past. Don't miss: The Nels Nelsen ski jump statue in Mount Revelstoke National Park, which pays homage to Canada's winter sports athletes. Distance: 92 milesSaving the best for last, for its grand finale the highway cuts a path through the majesty of Glacier National Park. Keep your eyes peeled, as lumbering grizzlies and black bears roam between the pines here. Golden, a tiny town with big attractions, delivers a fabulous finish. Feel your pulse race by stepping onto the Golden Skybridge, Canada's highest suspension bridge. Come back down to earth with a drive to the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, where springtime fields of flowering lupins and forget-me-nots explode in kaleidoscopic colour. Don't miss: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which has testing mountain bike trails, a snow school and Canada's highest elevated restaurant, reachable by gondola. Published in the May 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).