10 things to know in B.C. this week
A quick look at the stories that will be talked about and upcoming events in B.C. this week.
1. Maple Batalia homicide arrests
Over the weekend, charges were laid in the 2011 shooting death of university student Maple Batalia, 19.
Her ex-boyfriend Gurjinder "Gary" Dhaliwal, 20, was charged with first-degree murder. Gursimar Bedi, 22, was charged with manslaughter and being an accessory after the fact.
Both are expected to appear in B.C. Provincial Court on Dec. 3.
2. Domestic abuse conference
The Surrey Coalition Against Domestic Abuse is hosting a conference on Dec. 5 examining teen dating abuse.
Three workshops will explore the issues of teen violence, relationship abuse, and the complexities of teen dating in the age of social media.
3. Surrey Memorial ER
Surrey Memorial Hospital’s emergency department is slated to reopen on Dec. 3.
The ER was closed last month when a construction crew hit a water main, flooding the emergency room and medical imaging department.
There was extensive water damage and the facility was shut down.
The cost of the damage is estimated to be as high as $3 million.
4. CBC Open House and Food Bank Day
Dec. 7 is the 26th annual CBC British Columbia Food Bank Day.
Tour the CBC Vancouver newsroom from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to meet your favourite on-air personalities and reporters.
In Kelowna, Daybreak North will welcome the public to an open house from 6 am – 9 am.
In Prince George, Daybreak North will broadcast live from the Prince George Food Bank & Salvation Army Church.
In Kamloops, CBC Radio will broadcast live from the Tournament Capital Centre.
The public is encouraged to attend all public events and make a cash or food donation.
5. NDP nomination meeting
Vancouver lawyer David Eby is expected to named the NDP’s candidate in Vancouver-Point Grey – B.C. Premier Christy Clark’s riding.
The announcement is expected to be made at the NDP’s nomination meeting on Dec. 6.
6. Riverview death inquest
The B.C. Coroners Service is holding an inquest into the death of a woman who was found dead after going missing from Riverview Hospital.
Patricia Donna Reed, 59, was reported missing on Feb. 9, 2011.
Her body was found five days later in a ditch beside a road on the Riverview property in Coquitlam.
7. Auditor General’s report
B.C. Auditor General John Doyle will submit a report on Dec. 4 that includes details on the audit opinion of the government’s public accounts, as well as recommendations on financial reporting.
8. Festival of Lights
VanDusen Garden’s annual Festival of Lights kicks off Dec. 7.
Stroll the gardens amidst twinkling lights, visit Santa and listen to Christmas carols.
9. Carolling week
Victoria City Hall’s annual carolling week kicks off on Dec. 3.
Every day at noon, choirs from local schools will perform Christmas carols live for the public.
10. Pet pictures with Santa
On Dec. 9, pet owners can take their furry friends to the New Westminster Animal Shelter for a picture with Santa.
All proceeds benefit New Westminster Emergency Pet Services.
