Home security checklist: 9 tips to keep your house safe from intruders

You don't even have to spend money to improve your home's security.

Erin Gobler April 7, 2021 5:00 a.m. PT

Lock your doors and windows

Locking your doors and windows is the first and easiest defense against home intruders, but how many of us are doing it consistently? Burglars are often looking for easy targets, and an unlocked door or window is just that. Even when you're home, it's good practice to keep them locked. And when you're leaving the house, double-check doors and first-floor windows to make sure they're all secured.

Some devices can also help you keep track of your entryways: door/window sensors can track whether a door or window has been left ajar, and smart locks can be scheduled to lock automatically at certain times. Which brings us to our next tip.

Upgrade your door locks

Locking your doors and windows may not be enough if you don't have high-quality locks. First, make sure all exterior doors have a deadbolt, making it more difficult for intruders to break in. While you're at it, make sure your door frames and hinges are strong enough to endure an attempted break-in -- older doors or exposed hinges can pose an unnecessary risk. Finally, as mentioned before, you can upgrade to smart locks, which you can engage remotely.

Invest in a home security system

Installing a home security system is one of the most effective ways to prevent intruders from entering and alert you if there's been a break-in. First, data shows that a home without a security system is roughly three times more likely to be broken into. If an intruder spots a security camera or a sign indicating you have a security system, they'll likely keep moving.

A home security system can also alert you when someone has broken into your home. Security cameras will alert you if there's movement in your yard or on your front porch, and door/window sensors will let you know if someone has entered your home. Depending on your security company, they may also alert law enforcement on your behalf.

Security systems also don't have to be expensive. There are plenty of great DIY security systems, in addition to stand-alone devices, out there you can install yourself on a budget.

Don't leave your valuables exposed

Some burglars may scope out potential targets ahead of time, ensuring they hit houses where they can get their hands on valuables. As a result, it's best to avoid keeping your expensive items where intruders can easily see them as they pass by. For example, avoid leaving expensive tools or bikes out in the open, and don't leave expensive electronics, purses, jewelry, etc. in front of open windows.

Light up your outdoor space

Burglars don't want to feel like they're on display when breaking into a home, and outdoor lights can help to do just that. Since these crimes are often ones of opportunity, outdoor lights may encourage the intruder to keep moving. Rather than keeping your outdoor light on all the time, consider investing in motion-sensor lights that light up the yard when they detect movement. The light will catch an intruder off-guard and potentially scare them off.

Secure your garage

People put a lot of effort into securing their homes but often forget entirely about their garages. Unfortunately, that can be an easy way to gain entrance into your home. First, be sure any regular doors and windows to your garage are locked. Next, consider keeping your garage door opener in the house rather than in your car where someone could steal it. Finally, you should also keep the interior door from your garage to your home locked. That way, if someone does gain entry into your garage, they still can't get into your home. 

As with door locks, buying a retrofit smart garage door opener is an option: these devices allow you to check the status of your garage while you're away, control it remotely and schedule it to shut at certain times.

Rethink your hidden spare key

If you have a hidden key under your doormat or flowerpot, it's time to rethink it. Intruders know these popular hiding places for spare keys, and those are the first places they'll look. If you must have a spare key outside your home, look for safer alternatives such as a concealed combination lockbox -- or at least a discreet location far from your doorway.

Make it look like someone is home

Most burglars don't want to enter your home when you're there. They'd rather find an empty home and be in and out as quickly as possible. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent intruders is to make it look like someone is home at all times.

During the workday, this might include leaving an interior light or the TV on. When you're gone for a longer period of time such as a vacation, make sure to have a neighbor or family member collect your mail, since mail piling up can be a giveaway that the homeowner is gone for a while.

Smart lights can create an even more convincing effect: Many can be programmed to turn on and off periodically to simulate a person being home.

Keep valuables in a safe

In a perfect world, intruders would never make it into your home, and so you'd never have to worry about your valuables being stolen. Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans can go astray. And on the off-chance that an intruder does make it into your home, you want to make sure they can steal as little as possible.

First, consider buying a safe or lockbox where you can keep things like cash, jewelry, important documents, and other items you wouldn't want a thief to walk away with. As far as bigger items such as electronics, you can make them more difficult to steal by putting them in a concealed place when you aren't using them. Thieves want to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible, so even the smallest deterrent can help.

The bottom line

No one wants to become the victim of a home intrusion. Implementing the tips on this checklist will help discourage and prevent burglars and keep your family and belongings safe. You can start small and pick just a couple of things on this list to focus on. Once you've got those down, you can move onto other items on the checklist. Each small improvement you make will ensure your home is that much more secure.

https://www.cnet.com/home/security/home-security-checklist-9-tips-to-keep-your-house-safe-from-intruders/

Security footage of suspect in unprovoked attack released by Vancouver police

24-year-old was attacked from behind as she walked home on Saturday, police say
CBC News · Posted: Feb 16, 2021 1:57 PM PT | Last Updated: February 16

Police released security footage of a suspect who allegedly attacked a woman in Vancouver's West End on Feb. 13, 2021. (Vancouver Police Department)

Police have released security footage of a man suspected of attacking a woman unprovoked in Vancouver's West End on Saturday. Officers are hoping someone can identify the suspect.

The woman, who had been shopping on Davie Street, was tackled from behind at 9:40 p.m. PT as she walked down Maxine Lane, which is the south lane of Burnaby Street. The man grabbed her from behind and they both fell to the ground.

The 24-year-old woman screamed and the suspect ran off toward Bute Street.

"This investigation has undoubtedly created concern in the community," Const. Tania Visintin wrote in a statement. "We want to identify this individual as soon as possible. Investigators ask everyone to take a good look at this footage, and to call us if they know who this is."

Police said in a statement Tuesday the suspect is believed to be white, about five feet 11 inches tall and in his mid 40s. He was wearing a waist-length black leather jacket, dark pants and a dark face mask.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD's Special Investigations Section at 604-717-0602 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8466.

Bus trip to Whistler among recent travel-related COVID-19 exposure warnings posted in B.C.

Alyse Kotyk Reporter, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 
@AlyseKotyk Contact
Published Tuesday, February 9, 2021 12:50PM PST

Travellers at Vancouver International Airport are seen on Oct. 1, 2020.

VANCOUVER -- Several more flights have been added to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 exposure warning list, along with one bus trip in the Lower Mainland.

Details about six flights and the bus trip were posted by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control on Sunday and Monday.

The bus, operated by Epic Rides Bus Line, departed from Vancouver for Whistler on Jan. 29.

The resort town has recently experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases, with 547 cases of the disease recorded between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2. That's more than double the 271 cases recorded in the municipality throughout all of 2020.

In addition, the flights in and out of B.C. most recently added to the exposure warning list are:

• Feb. 1: Lufthansa flight 492/Air Canada flight 9101 from Frankfurt to Vancouver

• Feb. 1: Air Canada flight 223 from Calgary to Vancouver

• Feb. 2: Air Canada flight 554 from Vancouver to Los Angeles

• Feb. 3: AerioMexico flight 696 from Mexico City to Vancouver

• Feb. 4: Air Canada flight 115 from Toronto to Vancouver

• Feb. 6: KLM flight 681 from Amsterdam to Vancouver

Domestic travellers are not required to quarantine in B.C., but health officials have advised against non-essential travel within Canada for months.

Anyone arriving internationally, however, must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. They're also required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight, but that test can be taken up to 72 hours before they take off.

Anyone who was on one of the affected flights should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, seeking testing and self-isolating if any develop.

B.C. health officials do not directly contact everyone who was on a flight with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Instead, public notifications are posted on the BCCDC's website. 

Man allegedly chased people with knife in New Westminster; assault charges laid

Alyse Kotyk Reporter, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 
@AlyseKotyk Contact
Published Monday, February 1, 2021 11:46AM PST

New Westminster police. (New Westminster Police/Facebook)

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. -- A man has been charged after allegedly chasing two people in New Westminster with a knife late last month, police say.

According to the New Westminster Police Department, officers were called at about 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 21. A man and his friend were walking along 8th Street, when another man they didn't know allegedly began chasing them with a knife.

Officers arrived on scene and found the man "by following the sounds of screaming," the department said.

Police say when they found him, the man was carrying a 10-inch knife. They told the man to drop the weapon and he was arrested without incident.

"These men did the right thing in calling 911," said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar in a news release.

"If you see someone with what you believe to be a weapon and their behaviour is making you fear for your safety, call us right away."

A 31-year-old New Westminster resident, Aaron Smith, was charged with two counts of assault with a weapon.

Anyone with more information on the incident is asked to call NWPD at 604-525-5411. 

Richmond shooting: 'Exchange of gunfire' between 2 vehicles; witnesses sought

Kendra Mangione Producer, CTVNewsVancouver.ca
@kendramangione Contact
Published Monday, February 1, 2021 1:18PM PST

RCMP (File - Sean Amato/CTV News)

VANCOUVER -- Police are looking for witnesses following an early-morning shooting in Richmond.

In a statement Monday morning, the Richmond RCMP said officers were called to a residential area in the east at 12:30 a.m.

According to Mounties, reports suggest there was an "exchange of gunfire between the occupants of two separate vehicles" on Chaldecott Drive near Rathburn Drive.

The drivers and any passengers of the vehicles sped off as police arrived, the RCMP said.

It is early in the investigation, but so far there have been no reports of injuries.

In the RCMP statement, Cpl. Ian Henderson said officers will be in the area Monday speaking to those who live near the scene.

"Police are asking witnesses to come forward. Residents in the area are also encouraged to check their home surveillance and vehicle dash cams to see if they may have captured the incident on video," Henderson said.

Those with more information are asked to call police or Crime Stoppers. The file number is 2021-2939.

Victim called 911 after targeted shooting in Langley parkade, RCMP say

Maria Weisgarber Multi-skilled Journalist, CTV News Vancouver
@ctv_mariaw Contact
Published Monday, January 18, 2021 4:52PM PST

Police respond to a 911 call after a man was shot in the parkade of a residential building in Langley in the early hours of Jan. 18, 2021.

LANGLEY, B.C. -- A man who was shot multiple times in the underground parkade of a residential building in Langley made the 911 call that brought emergency crews to his aid, according to the RCMP.

The 27 year-old Langley resident was rushed to hospital with critical injuries following the shooting, which police believe was targeted. It happened at a condo complex on 201A Street and 56th Avenue. The man is expected to survive.

Cpl. Holly Largy with Langley RCMP said the 911 call came in just after midnight in the early hours of Monday morning and police were not able to get much information from the man before he was taken in for surgery, however he is known to them. 

“I don’t want to say we’re at a standstill, but we have to wait until we can speak to the victim,“ she said. “So a good chunk of the evidence we’re going to get and where we go from here, our next steps, are going to come from that interview.” 

Cpl. Largy said it was too early to say if the shooting is part of the ongoing and deadly Metro Vancouver gang conflict, which has been linked to a number of recent shootings. 

“Anytime we have a shooting, it’s concerning. This one, more concerning because we’re inside a residential building,” she said. “It just goes to show that the people involved in this conflict don’t care.”

Investigators will be canvassing the area looking for any video evidence, and they’re asking anyone with dash cam video or their own security video to get in touch. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200. Tips can also be left anonymously with Crime Stoppers.

Vancouver police search for suspect, victim after homeless woman's blankets set on fire while she slept

Maria Weisgarber Multi-skilled Journalist, CTV News Vancouver
@ctv_mariaw Contact
Published Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:09PM PST

VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Police are looking for the public's help to track down a suspect after a homeless woman's blankets were set on fire while she was sleeping.

The arson happened on Dec. 13 around 4 a.m. In a news release, Sgt. Steve Addison said luckily the woman woke up just in time to put out the flames.

"A few more seconds and this could have been tragic," he said.

Security video released by the police showed a man wearing what's described as a "unique black and white Oakland Raiders jacket" approach the victim, who was sleeping on Hamilton Street near the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The video shows him crouched down, and then a bright flame appears before he walks away. In a subsequent image from the video, the flames have grown much larger and the woman is seen walking around the fire.

Police said the woman has not reported the incident to police, and has not yet been located, but they are hoping to speak to her. They described her as being in her 30s, with dark shoulder-length hair. At the time, she was wearing a grey, full-length button-up jacket.

They said the suspect is white, between 35 and 50 years old, between 5'5" and 5'10".

"This was a shocking attack that targeted a vulnerable member of our community, and we hope the public can help solve this crime," Addison said in the emailed release.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-669-8477.  

Suspicious package investigation temporarily suspends SeaBus service in Vancouver

Alyse Kotyk Reporter, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 
@AlyseKotyk Contact
Published Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:15AM PST
Last Updated Tuesday, January 12, 2021 9:01AM PST

Waterfront Station in Vancouver on Jan. 12, 2021.

VANCOUVER -- The SeaBus connecting downtown Vancouver to the North Shore was temporarily suspended Tuesday morning while police investigated a suspicious package at Waterfront Station.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police tweeted shortly before 8 a.m. that the station was closed. About 30 minutes later, TransLink tweeted that all services had resumed. 

Transit police told CTV News the closure was due to a suspicious package that turned out to be some scrap metal. 

During the temporary closure the Expo Line and Canada Line were both still operating and a bus bridge was set up on Cordova Street for those heading to North Vancouver.   

Pedestrian dies after being hit by a vehicle at a crosswalk in Richmond

Angela Jung
Published Sunday, December 27, 2020 4:07PM PST
Last Updated Sunday, December 27, 2020 6:39PM PST

VANCOUVER -- A woman who was hit by a vehicle while crossing at a marked crosswalk and has died from the injuries, according to Richmond RCMP.

It happened just before 5:30 p.m. Saturday near No. 2 Road and Andrews Road in Richmond, prompting officers to cordon off the area for several hours as they investigated.

Cst. Kenneth Lau said the pedestrian was walking in the marked crosswalk when she was hit.

She was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries but has since died.

“A very unfortunate situation for everyone involved, but my thoughts are primarily with the victim's family and the victim, and also the driver because it is a tragic event and I'm sure nobody has the intention to go out and be involved in anything like this,” Lau told CTV News.

A silver SUV with flashing hazard lights could be seen between police tape at the scene of the accident on Saturday.

Lau said the driver is cooperating with police, and said speed and alcohol have been ruled out.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

“This is a season where we all have to be extra careful, because the road conditions aren't ideal, the sun goes down earlier at night so there are driver visibility issues” he said.

“Drivers please take the extra time to slow down as you approach the intersection to give yourself more reaction time. Make sure you look for pedestrians and make eye contact with them.”

According to a BC Coroners Service report, over the last decade, January, November and December are the months which see the highest number of deadly pedestrian-involved collisions.

The Richmond RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team has taken over the investigation and the Integrated Construction Analysis and Reconstruction Service is assisting.

Any witnesses and drivers with dash-cam video are asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to leave an anonymous tip.

Shoppers Drug Mart gauging interest in providing rapid COVID-19 testing to businesses

David MolkoSenior Reporter, CTV News Vancouver
@molkoreports Contact
Published Wednesday, December 16, 2020 1:35PM PST

VANCOUVER -- Pharmacy giant Shoppers Drug Mart has reached out to Canadian businesses to gauge interest in a COVID-19 rapid testing program that could launch as soon as January 2021.

The program, which the company’s “Health Solutions by Shoppers” division is exploring, is being pitched as a way for companies to bring employees back to work safely, according to a digital presentation slide obtained by CTV News Vancouver.

The slide, which says the program would be funded by employers with a minimum of a one-month commitment, promises COVID-19 results in 15 minutes, with positive results to be followed-up with PCR (laboratory) testing.

It indicates that Shoppers is considering using the Abbott COVID-19 Panbio Antigen test for the program, which Health Canada approved for use in October.

At the time, Ottawa signed a deal to obtain more than 20 million of the so-called “point-of-care” tests.

Catherine Thomas, senior director of external communications with parent company Loblaws, declined a CTV News request for an interview because, she said, the program is “not live.”

“Our health solutions team has been reaching out to some of our business partners to gauge their interest to understand if a program like this would be relevant to a broader group,” Thomas wrote in an email.

Thomas also explained the initial outreach was to a “few companies” and “at this point B.C. is not an area of focus.”

Infectious disease expert Dr. Brian Conway called the antigen test “very useful” and a “powerful tool to help us in the public health response,” indicating a similar test had been used as part of the NHL bubble.

Conway, who is the medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, said the antigen test is analogous to the “gold-standard” PCR tests currently being performed in British Columbia, but doesn’t require a lab to process.

But, Conway cautioned, the rapid test appears to be less “sensitive,” meaning in people who don’t have symptoms but have COVID-19, the test may only detect the infection about 70 per cent of the time.

Conway said the rapid test could be useful for employers to quickly track chains of transmission and isolate individuals, once an individual has tested positive by standard lab testing, but that he would not recommend companies use it as a health-screening tool.

Conway also pointed out that the results of any point-of-care test would need to be used wisely.

“The danger of using this test more widely, especially in people who have no symptoms, is that it will be taken as a license to not follow current public health recommendations,” Conway said.

He added that everyone should continue to follow all public health guidelines until at least a majority of people have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the manufacturer, Abbott, the test requires a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab, and a self-contained tube with a “break off” swab minimizes exposure risks.

Results appear in the form of lines on the display panel of a single-use cartridge within 15 minutes.  

Multi-vehicle collision involving Vancouver police cruiser sends several to hospital

By John Copsey Global News
Posted December 17, 2020 10:24 pm

A multi-vehicle collision involving a police cruiser on Vancouver’s west side sent a number of people to hospital Thursday evening.

Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin told Global News that officers in an unmarked police car were driving with lights and sirens on to a domestic assault in progress.

While en route, a collision occurred on West Broadway near Burrard Street between a police vehicle and a civilian vehicle, Visintin said.

Everyone involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for assessment.

Vancouver property taxes will be hiked the maximum amount recommended in 2021

Kendra Mangione Producer, CTVNewsVancouver.ca
@kendramangione Contact
Published Wednesday, December 9, 2020 9:49AM PST
Last Updated Wednesday, December 9, 2020 1:22PM PST

VANCOUVER -- Homeowners in B.C.'s most populous city will be paying higher property taxes in the coming year.

The City of Vancouver approved Tuesday an operating budget of $1.6 billion for 2021, which includes a five per cent property tax hike.

Council had been asked to consider hikes of three per cent, 4.3 per cent and five per cent. The lower increases would mean fewer city services and projects, and the lowest would mean layoffs, those behind the report suggested.

Councillors opted for the highest hike, which will account for a half per cent property tax change going from non-residential to residential buildings.

Here are some examples of how much more homeowners can expect to pay this year:

• For a single-family home assessed at $1.6 million, taxes will go up by $146;

• Owners of a condo assessed at $688,000 will pay $64 more; and

• A commercial property assessed at $1 million will cost $166 more in taxes.

How much someone actually pays will be based on the assessed value of their property and those nearby, and these estimates are just property tax, and don't include other costs like utility fees and school taxes.

The latest budget is $19 million less than 2020's, or about one per cent lower.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said earlier this year he'd been expecting $60 million from the federal government to help avoid going into debt due to expenses related to COVID-19. Instead, the city will be getting just $16 million from Ottawa.

Initial estimates suggested the only way Vancouver could stay out of debt without going into its reserves was with a 12 per cent property tax hike – an option that was not considered. Instead, the city says it's expecting to use $34 million of reserve funding to offset the budget shortfall.

Stewart noted he felt a seven per cent property tax increase last year was too high, and he did not want to go above five per cent this year.

Even with the increase, some projects and initiatives will be put off, and service impacts are expected.

“You can see where this property tax discussion comes down to. If we go too much lower than five per cent we’ll have to cut services which would include police, library, park board, engineering. So it’s a really tough balance, I think we have hit it," Stewart told CTV News Wendesday.

“I know not all councillors are happy with that, but in the middle of COVID I think we did the best we could do."

Winter break extension: B.C. universities delay return to class amid COVID-19 pandemic

Alyse Kotyk Reporter, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 
@AlyseKotyk Contact
Published Monday, December 7, 2020 1:56PM PST

Simon Fraser University is seen in the photo taken from CTV News Vancouver's Chopper 9 in June 2019. (Pete Cline)

VANCOUVER -- With winter break approaching for colleges and universities, some institutions are choosing to extend the time off amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, the University of British Columbia announced it'll extend its winter break later into January in an effort to "alleviate the pressure" on the community.  

The term at UBC will start on Jan. 11 for most students at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, rather than Jan 4. Some programs that can't accommodate a late start will stick to their original schedule, however. 

Capilano University also announced last Thursday it's extending its winter break by a week to Jan. 11. 

Reading break will not be delayed, however, and will still be during the week of Feb. 15, the university said in a statement. The terms also won't be condensed, and the last day of classes will be April 16. 

"This one-week delayed start provides faculty with additional time to prepare for the beginning of the new term in a remote, adapted model and for university staff and administrators to contribute to a smooth start to the term," the university's statement said. 

"Students will have a longer break between terms to rejuvenate, and more time to prepare for classes."

Late last month, Simon Fraser University announced its own winter break extension, also to Jan. 11. 

"We recognize everyone is tired as we deal with the changes this pandemic has brought to how we teach, how you learn, and how we all connect with each other," said a statement from the school's academic vice president, Dr. Catherine Dauvergne.

"Delaying the start of classes will give you more time over the winter break to rest and reconnect with family and friends."

The delay means exams will start a bit later, as will the summer term.

Previously, the University of Northern British Columbia said it wouldn't extend the winter break, citing concerns it could disrupt the schedule and cause further stress. But in a statement on Monday, Geoff Payne, interim president, said staff is rethinking the January start date and is a proposing a delay to the university's senate. 

"There is no perfect decision in these very uncertain and difficult times; know that I, along with the executive team strive to balance the ever-changing circumstances and information to make the best decisions for our entire community," Payne said in a statement. 

That meeting and vote with the senate is expected to take place this week. 

So far, Langara College, BCIT, Vancouver Community College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University have not announced winter break extensions. Many courses at those institutions will be offered online for the term, however. 

Public elementary schools and high schools also haven't announced changes to their winter break, though B.C.'s top doctor has repeatedly said officials are looking at all options. 

"It's incredibly important for families and for children to have in-person, in-class (education), but we're looking at all of our options," Henry said in a news conference last month about the possibility of a longer break.

With files from The Canadian Press 

British Columbians could be fined $230 for not wearing a mask in indoor, public spaces

By Richard Zussman Global News
Posted November 24, 2020 5:15 pm

Anyone who is caught without a mask in an indoor public place or who refuses to comply with the mandatory mask policy in B.C. will be handed a $230 fine.

The province made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, as health officials reported a staggering 941 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 new deaths.

As of Nov. 19, masks are required to be worn in almost all indoor public places.

A fine can also be issued if someone refuses to leave a public place or responds with abusive or belligerent behaviour when asked to wear a mask where required.

“These measures give police and other enforcement officials the tools to intervene with and penalize problematic individuals and groups,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said.

“Businesses should provide signage on the mandatory mask policy and inform customers about the requirement. Of course, despite any range of efforts, some people will break the rules knowing full well what they’re doing.”

The law requires people to wear masks in the following places:

• Malls, shopping centres, coffee shops, and retail and grocery stores

• Liquor and drug stores

• Airports, city halls, libraries, and community and recreation centres

• Restaurants, pubs and bars

• Places of public worship

• On public transit and in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle

• Common areas of office buildings, courthouses, hospitals and hotels

• Common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity

• Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry was reluctant to put in a mandatory mask policy but decided to support the policy after concerns were raised by businesses about enforcing a mask requirement.

Working with public health officials, Emergency Management BC anticipates issuing further orders to enforce requirements for masks in common areas of apartment buildings, condos and workplaces.

The law defines a mask or face covering as a medical or non-medical mask that covers the nose and mouth. Face shields are not a substitute for a mask, as there is an opening below the mouth.

Anyone 12 years of age and older will be legally required to wear a mask. Those over the age of 2 years old are being encouraged to wear a mask but are not legally required.

People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. The province notes a person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition, or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.

Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places to identify the individual wearing the mask, to consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose, while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed.

“Education is key, which is why we’re having businesses review their plans and getting the word out to communities in several languages,” Farnworth said.

“Businesses should provide signage on the mandatory mask policy and inform customers about the requirement. Of course, despite any range of efforts, some people will break the rules knowing full well what they’re doing. These measures give police and other enforcement officials the tools to intervene with and penalize problematic individuals and groups.”

To report non-emergency contraventions of this mask order, people are asked to contact their local government’s bylaw office.

Local bylaw officers can help follow-up on concerns and engage police departments and WorkSafe BC as necessary.

If they are unable to reach a local bylaw office, they can contact their local police department’s non-emergency line. Police may be called if someone has become threatening or abusive in response to a request to put on a mask.

Masks are not recommended for children under the age of two, but should be encouraged for children aged two to 12 in public settings. Children over 12 must wear a mask in a public indoor space, unless they are exempt.

Between Aug. 21 and Nov. 20, 59 violation tickets were issued for other COVID-related infractions.

This including 25 $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the PHO’s order on gatherings and events, nine $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the PHO Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order and 25 $230 tickets issued to individuals who refuse to comply with direction from law enforcement.

COVID-19 exposures: Multiple warning notices posted for B.C. grocery stores and pharmacies

Alyse Kotyk Reporter, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 
Published Tuesday, November 17, 2020 11:19AM PST
Last Updated Tuesday, November 17, 2020 11:46AM PST

Man cleans shopping cart in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

VANCOUVER -- Several COVID-19 exposure notices have been posted online for B.C. grocery stores in the past few days.

Parent companies Sobeys and Loblaws posted multiple notices each, warning customers that employees have tested positive for the disease at some of their stores.

The latest warnings are for:

• Shoppers Drug Mart at 20159 88th Ave. in Langley. A notice was posted on Nov. 14; the employee last worked on Nov. 9.

• FreshCo at 7450 120 St. in Surrey. A notice was posted on Nov. 14; the employee last worked on Nov. 10.

• FreshCo at 32500 Fraser Way in Abbotsford. A notice was posted on Nov. 15; the employee last worked on Nov. 11.

• FreshCo at 7165 138 St. in Surrey. A notice was posted on Nov. 15; the employee last worked on Nov. 8.

• Real Canadian Superstore at 45779 Luckakuck Way in Chilliwack. A notice was posted on Nov. 16; the employee last worked on Nov. 9.

• Real Canadian Superstore at 333 Seymour Blvd. in North Vancouver. A notice was posted on Nov. 16; the employee last worked on Nov. 9.

• No Frills at 3455 Johnston Rd. in Port Alberni. A notice was posted on Nov. 16; the employee last worked on Nov. 13.

• Independent Grocer at 1255 Davie St. in Vancouver. A notice was posted on Nov. 16; the employee last worked on Nov. 6.

• Real Canadian Superstore at 2855 Gladwin Rd. in Abbotsford. A notice was posted on Nov. 16; the employee last worked on Nov. 13.

• Real Canadian Superstore at 19851 Willowbrook Dr. A notice was posted on Nov. 17 about four team members who last worked on Nov. 6, Nov. 9, Nov. 10 and Nov. 13.

• Shoppers Drug Mart at 6060 Minoru Blvd. in Richmond. A notice was posted on Nov. 17; the employee last worked on Nov. 7.

While B.C.'s health officials have imposed temporary restrictions across the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions, many businesses are still open. 

Dr. Bonnie Henry's latest public health order applies to group fitness classes, but the top doctor said last week the vast majority of businesses "can and should continue to stay open with their safety measures in place."

Under that new order, however, businesses must review their health and safety plans to ensure they protect workers and customers from COVID-19. Businesses are also encouraged to keep their employees working from home whenever possible.  

COVID-19 safety plans must include measures to prevent crowding in high-risk spaces including elevators, lobbies, stairwells, corridors, bathrooms, break rooms and kitchens. 

VPD forms team to tackle street disorder after survey finds most Vancouver residents are concerned about crime

Alissa Thibault Multi-skilled Journalist, CTV News Vancouver 
@AlissaMThibault Contact
Published Monday, November 9, 2020 12:39PM PST

A decal on a Vancouver police cruiser is seen in this undated photo.

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Police Department is promising to increase presence on Vancouver streets after a survey found most residents are concerned about crime in their neighborhood.

The survey, conducted by independent firm Leger, gathered information from 755 people who live in, work in or visit the city of Vancouver.

Seventy-eight per cent of respondents say they are concerned about crime in the city, that number was even higher for people who live in the downtown core at 84 per cent.  Sixty-one per cent say crime over the past year is worse.

Deputy Chief Howard Chow told members of the media on Monday that while the results are not a surprise, “they are a concern.”

As a result, VPD has established a new neighborhood response team. A news release says that officers and community safety personnel were moved from other duties and into the new team last week, starting on Nov. 2.

Deputy Chief Chow said this team will be solely focused on responding quickly to calls that are generally considered lower priority.

“Like the person that’s using drugs in the park, like the person that may be sleeping in your doorway and you can’t get in and out of your building, like the person who may be scaring or chasing away your customers in front of your businesses,” he said.

The Strathcona neighborhood remains an area of concern for VPD with the homeless encampment in Strathcona Park. Chow says since it was set up, there’s been an increase in high priority calls like weapons calls and assaults.

“We did move some bodies in there when the encampment first started and the issue was we were so busy with higher level calls that we couldn’t get to the lower priority calls,” Chow said. 

He’s promising a bigger presence of police cars on the streets and community safety officers.

Massive fire at Delta, B.C., cannabis greenhouse sends up mushroom-shaped smoke cloud

CTVNewsVancouver.ca Staff Contact
Published Sunday, November 1, 2020 9:52AM PSTLast Updated Sunday, November 1, 2020 6:45PM PST

A cloud of dark smoke in the shape of a mushroom billowed out from a massive industrial fire in Delta, B.C. on Sunday morning, starting around 7:30 a.m.

VANCOUVER -- A “massive” industrial fire at an out-of-use cannabis-growing facility in Delta, B.C., sent up a mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke early Sunday morning.

Police in Delta say they are on scene with fire crews on Hornby Drive in Delta, not far from the intersection of Highway 99 and Ladner Trunk Road.

The fire involves a warehouse with an attached greenhouse, say Delta police.

“Officers noted the smoke coming from the area at roughly 7:30 a.m. and (the fire department) was dispatched at roughly the same time,” reads a police statement.

“The fire is massive and (the fire department) has multiple units on scene,” the statement continues.

Legal cannabis producer Canopy Growth told The Canadian Press the fire is located at a facility that has not been in operation for several months.

In a news release Saturday afternoon, the City of Delta said seven fire crews totalling 30 firefighters responded to the second-alarm blaze. They were able to contain the fire to the shipping and receiving section of the structure and prevent the blaze from spreading to other nearby buildings, the city said.

The fire "is now in the late stages of extinguishment," the city said in its release, which came out around 1 p.m. Fire crews will remain at the scene until the fire is extinguished.

"The battalion chief on scene confirmed with the structure manager that there were no chemicals or fertilizers in the affected building," the city said. "There is currently no indication of toxic or hazardous smoke that may harm residences in the surrounding area coming out of the fire."

No firefighters were injured in the blaze, the city said, adding that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

With files from The Canadian Press 

In the last 2 months there have been COVID-19 exposures at more than 200 schools in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley

A physical distancing sign is seen during a media tour of Hastings Elementary School in Vancouver on Sept. 2, 2020. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

VANCOUVER -- Health and education officials have confirmed more than exposures to COVID-19 at more than 200 schools in the first two months of the school year.

CTV News has been keeping a list since the start of September of exposures at schools in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.

Updates Monday included six schools which haven't previously had exposures reported to novel coronavirus, bringing the total in those two regions to 201.

The list includes schools with exposures posted by officials with the health authorities, as well as those which have sent letters to parents, who have then contacted CTV.

The actual total may be higher, as Vancouver Coastal Health was not reporting exposures publicly, just notifying parents, earlier in the year.

Provincial health officials have since clarified the expectation, and VCH has been publicly posting dates of exposures at local schools.

The vast majority of exposures confirmed so far have been at schools in Fraser Health, and particularly in Surrey.

The province's second largest city has seen exposures at more than 60 schools, and many of those schools have had several exposure events.

Fraser Health uses the term "exposure" to refer to a single person with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection who attended school while they were infectious.

An "outbreak," only one of which has been announced in all of B.C., is a term used when multiple people are known to have coronavirus, and transmission is likely widespread within a school. So far, the only incident health officials are calling an outbreak is at a school in Kelowna.

But a second school was closed this fall due to exposure. Chilliwack's Mount Cheam Christian School was closed although the event was not officially considered an outbreak, according to provincial health officials.

Earlier in October, Dr. Bonnie Henry said exposures at schools are not unexpected.

"We are not seeing return to school causing amplification in our communities, but it does, as we've been expecting, reflect what is going on in our communities," the provincial health officer said at a news conference.

She said the majority of exposures in schools have not led to transmission to anyone else, and that it made sense that the majority of exposures were in the regions with B.C.'s largest populations and number of schools.

COVID-19: Coalition sounds call for mandatory masks at Vancouver’s civic facilities

By Jon Azpiri Global News
Posted October 20, 2020 5:07 pm

The push is on for Vancouver to become the next Lower Mainland city to require face masks in civic facilities.

FILE PHOTO: . Chester Ptasinski/Global News

Masks4BC — a coalition of doctors, academics and other health-care professionals — has penned a letter to city council urging them to support Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung’s motion for mandatory masks.

“We cannot afford another ‘lockdown’ which leads to devastating effects on individuals and society,” the letter reads.

“We need to act now and focus on improving our use of all basic interventions to reduce both transmission and severity of illness from COVID-19.”

Kirby-Yung’s motion calls for the mandatory use of masks in all civic facilities. Children under the age of five would be exempt, as would people with disabilities and people with underlying medical conditions that may prevent them from wearing masks.

If approved, the motion will go to the Vancouver Park Board, Vancouver Public Library Board, Vancouver Civic Theatres Board and PNE Board for their consideration and encouragement to adopt a mandatory mask policy.

The motion notes that Delta city council has adopted a mandatory mask policy. Richmond city council also recently voted in favour of mandatory masks in civic facilities. TransLink, BC Transit and BC Ferries have implemented a mask policy.

The motion will be introduced Tuesday night. Council will hear speakers and consider it on Thursday.

The issue has taken on new urgency after hundreds of anti-maskers and COVID-19 deniers held a protest in downtown Vancouver over the weekend.

Many in the crowd espoused myths that wearing a mask is harmful because it causes a person to breathe in carbon dioxide or bacteria or causes cancer.

“We need to give people the information to keep themselves and others safe, educate the public, and provide the tools for them to act based on scientific evidence,” wrote Masks4BC.

“We should not let perfection be the enemy of the good.”

Fraser Health declares COVID-19 outbreaks at Surrey, B.C. beef processor and 2 care homes

Ian HollidayReporter, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 
@Ian_Holliday Contact
Published Sunday, October 18, 2020 12:58PM PDTLast Updated Sunday, October 18, 2020 7:38PM PDT

Health officials have declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at a beef processing plant in Surrey, B.C. after 13 employees there tested positive for the coronavirus.

VANCOUVER -- Health officials have declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at a beef processing plant in Surrey, B.C. after 13 employees there tested positive for the coronavirus.

Fraser Health announced the outbreak at J&L Beef Ltd. on Sunday, saying they are screening employees at the facility and have begun "case and contact management."

The health authority also announced outbreaks at two long-term care homes in its jurisdiction: The Village in Langley and Rosemary Heights Seniors Village in Surrey.

Each of those outbreaks consists of a single staff member who is now self-isolating at home.

In a statement, Fraser Health said it first became aware of a possible outbreak at J&L Beef on Oct. 8, when an employee of the facility first tested positive for the coronavirus. Since then, health officials have found evidence of COVID-19 transmission among those working at the plant.

The health authority said it has inspected the facility and is working "to strengthen (the plant's) COVID-19 mitigation strategies."

Meanwhile, Fraser Health "rapid response teams" have been deployed to The Village and Rosemary Heights Seniors Village, and "enhanced control measures" have been put in place at each site.

The health authority has restricted visitors and the movement of staff and residents at each facility, as well as enhancing cleaning and infection control measures and implementing twice daily screening of all staff and residents for COVID-19 symptoms.

The Village is an assisted-living and long-term care facility owned and operated by Verve Senior Living, and Rosemary Heights Seniors Village is an independent-living, assisted-living and long-term care facility owned and operated by Retirement Concepts.