Latest news with #VancouverInternationalAirport
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Runway reopened, Vancouver airport fully operational after day of delays
An Air Canada flight departing for Toronto, bottom, taxis to a runway as a WestJet flight bound for Palm Springs takes off at Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on March 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Air traffic is running as normal at Vancouver International Airport after delays and cancellations hindered travellers Friday. More than 20 flights were cancelled throughout the day after crews were forced to keep one of the runways closed overnight Thursday. The closure had been the result of an 'unforeseen equipment issue' with an asphalt supplier, a YVR spokesperson told CTV News Friday afternoon. On Friday, Nav Canada said a temporary Traffic Management Initiative had been put in place to 'maintain a safe flow of traffic.' As of 7 a.m. Saturday, the north runway had reopened and was operating 'per standard procedures,' YVR said in an update.
Global News
4 days ago
- Global News
Delays expected after overnight runway paving issue at Vancouver airport
Vancouver International Airport is warning travellers to check with their airlines about possible delays. The airport said it was 'operating with some reductions in capacity' on Friday, due to an 'unforeseen equipment issue' with overnight paving work on its north runway. The runway is expected to be closed for the remainder of the day. 0:35 Vancouver airport introduces news screening technology at domestic terminals 'We understand the inconvenience of flight delays and cancellations and appreciate everyone's patience,' the airport said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement Passengers who are already at the airport are being directed to the airport's information counters, where staff are being tasked with helping connect them with airline representatives. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The airport is in the process of major work on the north runway, which was built in the 1990s. The project includes a complete asphalt overlay of the runway and its connecting taxiways, along with lighting and electrical improvements and drainage upgrades.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Cision Canada
CBSA seizes 1.73 kg of fentanyl and 59.73 kg of other narcotics during export-focused Operation Blizzard Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays an important role in keeping fentanyl, its precursors and other dangerous drugs off our streets. Today, the CBSA shared the results of Operation Blizzard. Launched as part of Canada's Border Plan, Operation Blizzard was a month-long (February 12 th to March 13 th), cross-country surge operation to intercept fentanyl and other illegal drugs in postal, air cargo and marine containers. During the operation, border services officers examined shipments, with a special focus on mail, air freight and sea containers going to the United States. They acted on increased referrals from CBSA's National Targeting Centre based on risk assessments. In total, the CBSA executed over 2,600 seizures of suspected narcotics and precursors across the country. 67.5% of all seizures made were of illegal narcotics coming to Canada from the United States, while 17.5% were of narcotics going to the United States. These included: 116 fentanyl seizures (1.73 kg), intercepted in British Columbia, Québec and Alberta. Of these seizures, 1.44 kg were on route to the United States and 0.26 kg were destined to other countries 17 meth seizures (5.38 kg and 89 pills) 24 cocaine seizures (13 kg) 26 heroin seizures (0.19 kg) 17 opium seizures (38.84 kg and 11 bottles) 48 MDMA seizures (2.32 kg and 82 pills) 249 cannabis and cannabis related product seizures During this same period, the CBSA shared details about other notable seizures of illegal narcotics: 400 litres of 1,4-butanediol in Vancouver, more commonly known as "liquid ecstasy" or the "date rape drug" 148 kg of methamphetamine at Vancouver International Airport 142 kg of cocaine, (estimated value of $3.5M) from rail containers in Montreal 154 kg (estimated value of $4.6M) of ketamine at the Toronto Pearson International Airport 108 kg of cocaine at the Coutts port of entry 419 kg of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry 25 kg of codeine and the precursor chemical ephedrine (estimated value of $1.4 M) 8 kg of suspected Khat at the Ambassador Bridge 1.7 kg of suspected MDMA (ecstasy) (estimated value of $59,640) at the Peace Bridge 10 kg of ketamine (estimated value of $706K) at the Vancouver International Airport 2.7 kg of opium (estimated value of $160k) at the Vancouver International Airport just under 25 kg of meth at the Vancouver International Mail Centre The CBSA will continue to disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit drugs through interception of contraband as part of Canada's overarching efforts to strengthen border security and combat organized crime. Quotes "I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies. Operation Blizzard exemplifies the tireless work of border services officers who defend our borders and our communities every day from dangerous drugs and organized crime groups. " - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "Fentanyl and other illegal drugs pose a threat to our communities and to public safety. The Canada Border Services Agency, with initiatives like Operation Blizzard, is directly contributing to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade." - Kevin Brosseau, Fentanyl Czar "CBSA personnel work day in and day out to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting our borders. With Operation Blizzard, we stopped narcotics, synthetic opioids and fentanyl from reaching communities both at home and across the world. Our commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs is unwavering and our officers will continue to protect our communities from these dangerous substances." - Erin O'Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency Quick Facts Fentanyl is a very potent opioid. A few grains can be enough to kill you. It is a dangerous drug that is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes the risk of accidental overdose very high. Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. The CBSA's response to the opioid crisis includes working with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals, groups, and businesses that are suspected to be involved in the cross border movement of illicit drugs and substances. The CBSA also works with Health Canada in monitoring new and emerging threats of non-regulated substances that may be used for the illegal production of controlled substances, which can lead to scheduling of these chemicals under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Contact the Border Watch Line to report suspicious cross-border activities using our secure web form or by calling 1-888-502-9060 toll-free.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
CBSA seizes 1.73 kg of fentanyl and 59.73 kg of other narcotics during export-focused Operation Blizzard
OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays an important role in keeping fentanyl, its precursors and other dangerous drugs off our streets. Today, the CBSA shared the results of Operation Blizzard. Launched as part of Canada's Border Plan, Operation Blizzard was a month-long (February 12th to March 13th), cross-country surge operation to intercept fentanyl and other illegal drugs in postal, air cargo and marine containers. During the operation, border services officers examined shipments, with a special focus on mail, air freight and sea containers going to the United States. They acted on increased referrals from CBSA's National Targeting Centre based on risk assessments. In total, the CBSA executed over 2,600 seizures of suspected narcotics and precursors across the country. 67.5% of all seizures made were of illegal narcotics coming to Canada from the United States, while 17.5% were of narcotics going to the United States. These included: 116 fentanyl seizures (1.73 kg), intercepted in British Columbia, Québec and Alberta. Of these seizures, 1.44 kg were on route to the United States and 0.26 kg were destined to other countries 17 meth seizures (5.38 kg and 89 pills) 24 cocaine seizures (13 kg) 26 heroin seizures (0.19 kg) 17 opium seizures (38.84 kg and 11 bottles) 48 MDMA seizures (2.32 kg and 82 pills) 249 cannabis and cannabis related product seizures During this same period, the CBSA shared details about other notable seizures of illegal narcotics: 400 litres of 1,4-butanediol in Vancouver, more commonly known as "liquid ecstasy" or the "date rape drug" 148 kg of methamphetamine at Vancouver International Airport 142 kg of cocaine, (estimated value of $3.5M) from rail containers in Montreal 154 kg (estimated value of $4.6M) of ketamine at the Toronto Pearson International Airport 108 kg of cocaine at the Coutts port of entry 419 kg of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry 25 kg of codeine and the precursor chemical ephedrine (estimated value of $1.4 M) 8 kg of suspected Khat at the Ambassador Bridge 1.7 kg of suspected MDMA (ecstasy) (estimated value of $59,640) at the Peace Bridge 10 kg of ketamine (estimated value of $706K) at the Vancouver International Airport 2.7 kg of opium (estimated value of $160k) at the Vancouver International Airport just under 25 kg of meth at the Vancouver International Mail Centre The CBSA will continue to disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit drugs through interception of contraband as part of Canada's overarching efforts to strengthen border security and combat organized crime. Quotes "I am committed to serving Canadians by keeping our communities safe, combatting hate, and strengthening our security agencies. Operation Blizzard exemplifies the tireless work of border services officers who defend our borders and our communities every day from dangerous drugs and organized crime groups. " - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "Fentanyl and other illegal drugs pose a threat to our communities and to public safety. The Canada Border Services Agency, with initiatives like Operation Blizzard, is directly contributing to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade." - Kevin Brosseau, Fentanyl Czar "CBSA personnel work day in and day out to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting our borders. With Operation Blizzard, we stopped narcotics, synthetic opioids and fentanyl from reaching communities both at home and across the world. Our commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs is unwavering and our officers will continue to protect our communities from these dangerous substances." - Erin O'Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency Quick Facts Fentanyl is a very potent opioid. A few grains can be enough to kill you. It is a dangerous drug that is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes the risk of accidental overdose very high. Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. The CBSA's response to the opioid crisis includes working with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals, groups, and businesses that are suspected to be involved in the cross border movement of illicit drugs and substances. The CBSA also works with Health Canada in monitoring new and emerging threats of non-regulated substances that may be used for the illegal production of controlled substances, which can lead to scheduling of these chemicals under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Contact the Border Watch Line to report suspicious cross-border activities using our secure web form or by calling 1-888-502-9060 toll-free. Follow us on X (@CanBorder), Instagram (@CanBorder), and join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel. SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency View original content:
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
How to spend a weekend in Victoria, Canada
Nestled on to the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the British Columbia capital is an easy 30-minute connection from Vancouver International Airport, with one-way flights starting at C$50 ($60). I contemplated taking the ferry from Vancouver, where I spent my first night, but decided travelling solo on birthdays grants licence to splurge, so booked an almost door-to-door Harbour Air seaplane (starting at C$99 one-way) to the Empress from its sister property in downtown Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim. Recently hosting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Pacific Rim is the perfect gateway to Fairmont Empress, with an art gallery, rooftop pool and cosy lobby lounge with music, sushi and exotic cocktails. It's also popular with Hollywood actors (like Tracker star Justin Hartley, who I immediately spotted) filming in Vancouver. It's gloomy the next morning as my 14-seater seaplane skirts along the water before soaring across Vancouver Harbour, but the clouds soon part to showcase the stunning Gulf Islands, blanketed with lush forest. Swooping into Victoria's Inner Harbour with a water landing smoother than most airplane touchdowns, I stroll up to the Empress, where whale topiary paves the way to the harbourside haven. Dubbed the 'castle on the coast', the property opened in 1908 after the Canadian Pacific Railway began building chateau-style hotels to accommodate their wealthy passengers. Shirley Temple, John Travolta and Queen Elizabeth II visited the hotel, which was named after Queen Victoria (also the Empress of India), while Markle's been spotted at restaurant Q at the Empress. A 6m floral chandelier glittering with 250,000 hand-woven crystals greets me in reception. The majestic feel continues as I pass grand stairwells, Juliet balconies, antique bronze mailboxes and through wide arched hallways designed to accommodate sprawling, Victorian ballgowns. Waiting for my room, I laze the entire afternoon away in the tranquil, sun-soaked Fairmont Gold lounge, a perk of booking into the Gold Floor, described as a 'boutique hotel within a hotel'. The Empress also offers limited-time packages like Into the Lavender Haze, which was timed with Taylor Swift's Eras tour and had my room brimming with cushions, chairs, macaroons and Nespresso capsules in varying shades of purple. The theme also reflects the hotel being the home of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, which spawned a viral Lavender Haze cocktail, made with gin, Empress honey syrup, lemon, soda and lavender. Rumour has it Sir Winston Churchill ordered gin in an Empress teapot to conceal it during Prohibition. I could do with a teapot of warming liquor during a whale-watching cruise with Orca Spirit Adventures the next day. My fingers go numb, but I'm soon distracted by Janet, a 50-year-old male killer whale who dramatically surfaces from the glassy Salish Sea. 'He's been going around Vancouver Island for years,' says our guide. 'He has quite a reputation!' Not to be outdone, two humpbacks find us, spouting and fluking as they elegantly dip in and out of the water like a synchronised slow dance. Next, we cruise around Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, home to bald eagles, shearwaters and clusters of chattering male sea lions, perched around a lighthouse like rowdy concert-goers awaiting the main act. After thawing in my sun-drenched room, I'm ready for the main act of my birthday concert at the intimate McPherson Playhouse. Situated in Old Town, the historic theatre is walkable from the Fairmont Empress and after a night of nostalgic hits, I feel safe meandering home. I stop by intriguing corner spot Earls for a Strawberry Smokeshow margarita, then find myself drawn back to the spectacular harbour, where every hour bestows an enchanting new view. At sunset, glowing amber shades rip across the sky like wildfire, before neon blue peeks through rippled clouds at dusk. By night, it's like the palatial Parliament Buildings have been magically etched on to the black sky in neon lights. I might have thought twice about late-night sauntering after learning Victoria is the most haunted place in Canada during a Gray Line Victoria hop-on, hop-off tour the next morning. The double-decker bus also cruises through Canada's oldest Chinatown, a lantern-lined blur of restaurants, shops and North America's narrowest commercial street – the 0.9m-wide Fan Tan Alley. Further south is the David Foster Harbour Pathway, a 5km walkway named after the Grammy-winning Canadian musician behind hits by Michael Jackson and Celine Dion. The path snakes around to Ogden Point, where a 762m breakwater features an Instagram-worthy mural by local artists. After admiring llamas and peacocks in Beacon Hill Park, we ride through hip, English-inspired Oak Bay Village. Our driver mentions Victoria's prized Butchart Gardens and I briefly regret not venturing 30 minutes north to the tourist spot, however it dawns on me that simply riding around Victoria is like a glorious gardens tour, with picture-perfect florals around every corner. The Fairmont Empress' grounds alone are bursting with yellow trumpet flowers, orange marigold and pink dahlias, plus a honeybee colony and herb gardens, which are foraged for eateries like Q Bar. It's here, while devouring a Cod Crunch burger, that I'm told how the Fairmont Empress will transform into a Christmas wonderland come December with Santa's Sips cocktail nights, lavish decorations and a giant display of mistletoe. It's no wonder countless Christmas movies have been filmed in the neighbourhood. My Empress birthday was unforgettable, but as my seaplane departs back to Vancouver, I'm already set on returning for a movie-like Empress Christmas.
