A white Christmas in parts of B.C. brings joy for some, dangers for others
It’s the white Christmas many Vancouverites were hoping for.
After waiting for 13 years for snow to fall in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley on this special day, winter wishes were granted.
However, the snowy weather also came as a risk for others.
“It is a winter wonderland out there for some folks, but for others, this can be a potential death sentence,” said Nicole Mucci, a spokesperson with the Union Gospel Mission.
Outreach workers from the charity said they are concerned about the homeless population, as Environment Canada has forecasted sub-zero temperatures for the next few days, due to an arctic outflow warning.
“When we look at extreme cold or a lot of snow for folks who are experiencing homelessness, there are many, many risks that they are facing,” Mucci added.
In Surrey, a group of volunteers have been working for weeks to assemble hampers and care packages, made up of donations from the community.
“Rain or shine or snow, these people are on the streets. They need blankets, they need sweaters, they need winter clothing. And, they need a little bit of toiletries,” said Erica Beckstead, who organized the packages.
A man named Everett, in line for the hampers, was grateful for the assistance, while also expressing concern for others. “It’s cold. It’s beautiful. And I really just hope everyone makes it home safely,” he said.
Environment Canada has forecasted five to 10 centimetres of snow and bands of moisture over the South Coast through Greater Vancouver and into the Fraser Valley into Saturday night.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.