Latest news with #VancouverInternationalAirport
Global News
7 hours ago
- Global News
Not horsing around: Vancouver airport is 1st in Canada to feature therapy ponies
If you're one of the millions of Canadians who find flying to be stressful, would a little neigh help you get on your way? It's a bet Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is making as it introduces a pair of new therapy ponies it hopes to have on site two to three days a week to help soothe travellers' nerves. The airport has long featured therapy dogs, but YVR chief experience officer Eric Pateman said it recently connected with Green Acres Therapy Horses in Delta and decided it could do more for the 80 per cent of passengers who find airports stressful. 'We wanted to up our game,' he said. 'And thought what a cool opportunity to bring something that is a little bit different into the airport. They bring a whole new energy and as you can probably see behind me, a whole new level of engagement.' Story continues below advertisement 2:33 Meet the Canucks Place therapy dog having a huge impact on lives of children YVR is the first airport in Canada and one of the first in North America to bring in therapy ponies. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The ponies, Magic and Tinkerbell, are already a massive hit — earning squeals of delight from children and attracting staff and even patrolling RCMP officers who wanted to say hello. 'Just seeing all the faces smiling, it just makes our hearts melt,' said Jacqueline Green of Green Acres. 'Horses release feel-good endorphins in us which just immediately make us feel better, and they also lower our heart rates,' added Pamela Green, her identical twin sister. 'It's like a reset for everybody. The duo said they have personally lost family members to mental health challenges, an experience that has motivated them to share their therapy horse program. Story continues below advertisement 'We're driven with that purpose and the horses are really helping provide that,' Jaqueline said. The ponies are currently visiting with the airport on a trial basis, and Pateman said they're still working out a schedule — though Magic and Tinkerbell's appearances will be posted on the website so people will know when they're on site.
Vancouver Sun
10 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Anxious travellers can now 'pony up' at Vancouver airport
If you've ever seen the look on kids' faces when they pet a pony at a country fair, you know the adorable equines are all about good vibrations. That's the idea behind Vancouver International Airport's expansion of its therapy dog program for anxious travellers. On Tuesday, YVR introduced ponies Magic and Tinkerbell at a media event. The two therapy ponies are being added on a trial basis to the Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI), a therapy animal program that itself started as a trial a few years back. The ambassador dogs have given thousands of hours of stress relief to passengers heading through the busy airport in Richmond ever since. 'YVR is the first airport in Canada — and one of the first in North America — to introduce ponies into the terminal and trial this unique approach to passenger care,' says an airport spokesperson. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Ponies are 'known for their calming presence,' so Magic and Tinkerbell and their handlers will be at the airport all summer to provide emotional support to travellers. They'll wander through the terminals, interacting with travellers and adding a little pony peace to their experience. The ponies are owned and managed by local group Green Acres, while the canines are from the therapy dog program at St. John's Ambulance. jruttle@
Global News
15 hours ago
- Global News
Hijacking suspect in YVR incident set to appear in court on Tuesday
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook The suspect accused of hijacking a plane in Victoria and flying it over Vancouver International Airport airspace is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. Shaheer Cassim, 39, was arrested last week after being accused of threatening a flight instructor, seizing control of a Cessna plane from Victoria International Airport and then flying it over YVR before landing on a runway. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Cassim was charged with hijacking the following day. Court records also show he is charged with damaging or interfering with a navigation facility. Cassim remains in custody and will undergo an assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial. Story continues below advertisement More to come.
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Accused B.C. hijacker slapped with new criminal charge
The man accused of hijacking a plane and triggering a security scare at Vancouver International Airport last week faces a second charge related to the rogue flight. B.C. online court records say a charge of damaging or interfering with a navigation system was sworn Friday against Shaheer Cassim. Cassim was arrested July 15 after allegedly threatening a flight instructor at Victoria International Airport, seizing control of a Cessna, then circling the plane over Vancouver's airport before landing and being arrested by police. 2:07 Accused hijacker had aviation experience Police say the 39-year-old had an 'ideological motive to disrupt airspace' and announced a charge of hijacking the day after the flight. Story continues below advertisement Both charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Cassim is a former commercial airline pilot who posted on social media the day before the airport security scare that he was a 'messenger of Allah' sent to save humanity from catastrophic climate change. Cassim is expected to appear in Provincial Court in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. court records show second charge against alleged hijacker Shaheer Cassim
The man accused of hijacking a plane and triggering a security scare at Vancouver International Airport last week faces a second charge related to the rogue flight. B.C. online court records say a charge of damaging or interfering with a navigation system was sworn Friday against Shaheer Cassim. Cassim was arrested July 15 after allegedly threatening a flight instructor at Victoria International Airport, seizing control of a Cessna, then circling the plane over Vancouver's airport before landing and being arrested by police. Police say the 39-year-old had an 'ideological motive to disrupt airspace' and announced a charge of hijacking the day after the flight. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Both charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Cassim is a former commercial airline pilot who posted on social media the day before the airport security scare that he was a 'messenger of Allah' sent to save humanity from catastrophic climate change. Cassim is expected to appear in Provincial Court in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday.
