Vancouver rundown for Wednesday, May 15, 2024. There is reason for optimism as crews on the
front lines keep the Parker Lake wildfire away from Fort Nelsen. Cooler weather, light rain,
and less wind is helped as the 84 square kilometer fire burns on the edge of town.
So far no homes have been lost and an evacuation order still remains in place. The RCMP say there
has been some minor looting in the area and people are encouraged to report any criminal activity
to police. Other news, 15 BC health care workers, including some doctors and nurses,
have failed in their court bid to have COVID-19 vaccination orders dismissed.
Group had argued October's continuation of the order was an unreasonable exercise of the
public health officers' powers. The judge dismissed most of the claims, but did agree with
the group on one challenge. It is unreasonable to apply the order to those who work remotely
or hold administrative positions. A parking reservations will again be required for those
planning to visit Bunsen Lake this summer. BC Hydro is bringing back its reservation system,
noting Bunsen is one of the most popular public use areas in the Lower Mainland. This will be
the third year a free online booking system has been used to reserve spots all in an effort to
cut down on traffic congestion. South Surrey, BC United MLA, Allender Sturkel claims Solister
General Mike Farnorth is unable to tell residents what policing in Surrey will look like six months
from now. Sturkel tells the Surrey Now leader it's clear Farnorth decided the police of jurisdiction
date without identifying what work needed to be done or consulting with the Mounties.
Farnorth has said November 29 is that date that the Surrey Police Service replaces the RCMP as
the force of jurisdiction. A few cloudy periods for Wednesday and Thursday inland high is just
above 20 degrees, clouds for Friday and a bit cooler. For all the details on these Vancouver
area stories along with the links go to VancouverRundown.substack.com