Alstom, a leader in smart and sustainable transportation, has secured a contract to provide TransLink in Vancouver, British Columbia with six additional SkyTrain Mark V trains, bringing the total order to 30 railcars. This agreement is valued at approximately €86 million (CA$123 million).
Vancouver, a harmonious fusion of urban vibrancy and breathtaking landscapes, beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the towering peaks of Grouse Mountain to the serene waters of Garibaldi Lake, the city offers a symphony of experiences that cater to every taste and ability. Whether you seek adrenaline-fueled hikes or tranquil escapes, Vancouver’s diverse natural offerings provide a perfect balance to its urban charms.
Randall Hopley, a well-known convicted sex offender in Vancouver, has pleaded guilty to three criminal charges after fleeing a halfway house in 2023. Hopley, who was missing for ten days after cutting off his electronic monitoring device and breaching court conditions, was arrested outside a police station by an off-duty Vancouver police officer. During his court appearance, Hopley pleaded guilty to failing to attend court, violating a long-term supervision order by being in the presence of children under 16, and failing to comply with a long-term supervision order by not residing at a community residential facility. Despite his previous breaches and the November incident where he was unlawfully at large, federal officials declined to rescind Hopley’s overnight leave privileges. This decision has drawn criticism from B.C. Premier David Eby, who has expressed concerns about the system that allows Hopley to be repeatedly released into the community and put children at risk.
Fast-food chain In-N-Out has submitted a pre-application for a new restaurant in Vancouver, Washington, located at 13511 Southeast 3rd Way. The planned 3,800-square-foot establishment will feature a drive-through and outdoor seating. A pre-application conference is scheduled for May 9, and the project must advance to the next stage within a year or the process must be restarted. This proposed location joins other recent In-N-Out expansion plans in the Portland metro area, including a potential site in Beaverton Hillsdale Highway and an upcoming restaurant in Ridgefield, Washington, which is expected to open in 2025. Currently, the closest In-N-Out location to Portland is in Keizer, with four other Oregon locations in Grants Pass, Medford, and Roseburg. The chain has not yet announced plans to open a restaurant in Portland proper or Multnomah County.
Despite an order from Vancouver’s chief licensing inspector, the Magic Mushroom Dispensary remains operational, with its founder, Dana Larsen, vowing to keep the business running. The city’s ongoing battle with the dispensary over the sale of psychedelic drugs has taken a new turn, with the inspector refusing to reissue its business license despite a successful appeal in May 2023. Larsen and his lawyer argue that the decision is illegal and plan to request a judicial review.
Several buildings in downtown Vancouver were evacuated on Wednesday morning due to a gas leak, according to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS). Fire Capt. Matthew Trudeau stated that crews responded to a report of a gas leak on Alexander Street and detected a high concentration of gas in one building. As a precautionary measure, that building, two adjacent ones, and another across the street were evacuated. VFRS worked with BC Hydro and Fortis BC to disconnect power and gas to the affected building. Emergency responders were gradually scaled back as the situation stabilized. Occupants in nearby buildings were allowed to return shortly before 11 a.m.
Country star Luke Bryan, known for hits like “Play it Again” and “That’s My Kind of Night,” has shed light on his recent onstage wipeout during a performance in Vancouver, Canada. Contrary to initial reports, Bryan clarified that a slick spot on stage was the culprit, not a fan’s cellphone as he had jokingly claimed. Despite the fall, Bryan maintained his humor, returning a phone to an audience member and quipping about his “lawyer calling.”
Music superstar Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated ‘The Eras Tour’ has been extended to include 15 additional concerts in North America. This expansion brings the total number of shows in the Canadian leg of the tour to nine, with Swift scheduled to perform in multiple cities, including Toronto and Vancouver. The tour will also include stops in Florida (Miami) and Louisiana (New Orleans) in October 2024. Tickets for most Canadian dates are sold out on Ticketmaster, but fans can explore resale sites like StubHub and Vividseats for availability.
Luke Bryan is crediting his extra padding for avoiding serious injury after falling during a concert over the weekend in Vancouver, Canada. The country star, 47, joked that he’s “got a lot of meat back there,” which he believes cushioned his fall after he slipped on a fan’s phone.
The head of a B.C. cannabis growers group criticized Vancouver’s decision to discourage rather than sanction a marijuana celebration on 4-20. Tara Kirkpatrick, the president of the BC Craft Farmers Co-Op, argued that the city could have generated millions in tourism revenue by hosting an authorized event.
