B.C.'s stricter COVID-19 restrictions now in effect
New public health restrictions ranging from audience capacities in large venues to the number of people allowed to attend private gatherings are now in effect in British Columbia.
The tougher rules are aimed at limiting the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19, but some say the restrictions are putting a major damper on holiday celebrations.
The heightened measures were announced Friday and led to a lot of confusion for the hospitality sector.
B.C.’s top doctor had said that all New Years Eve parties would be suspended, no matter their size.
However, it turns out seated-only events will still be allowed.
“Everyone needs to know that bars, restaurants and nightclubs will be open on New Year’s Eve,” said Dave Kershaw, the owner of the Cabana Lounge. “What I would ask of our public officials is that when they make an announcement, that they make it really clear.”
People can still go out and celebrate on the 31st, but dancing will be banned along with mixing and mingling with other tables.
Some of the other restrictions include personal gatherings being limited to one household plus 10 guests, if everyone is vaccinated.
Vaccine cards will now be required at all events and venues and the QR codes will need to be scanned, not just inspected.
Capacity limits are being reduced to 50 per cent at venues with more than 1,000 attendees.
The new measures will remain in effect until at least January 31.
With files from CTV Vancouver's Travis Prasad
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal has 17 suspected monkeypox cases; officials say it's 'not highly contagious' or severe
Montreal Public Health said they're asking health workers to be alert for monkeypox cases but said the illness is also not extremely contagious and is the milder of two strains. There are 17 suspected cases in the Montreal area.
COVID-19 may be linked to cases of severe hepatitis in children
A chain of events possibly triggered by unrecognized infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could be causing the mysterious cases of severe hepatitis reported in hundreds of young children around the world, researchers suggest.
Poilievre faces backlash for comments on Jordan Peterson podcast
Some are calling attention to a comment about 'Anglo-Saxon words' that Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre made while appearing as a guest on controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson’s podcast. The term has been used by those on the far-right to differentiate white people from immigrants and people of colour.
Prince Charles and Camilla wrap up Canada visit in Northwest Territories
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are spending the final day of the royal visit in Canada's North.
Don Martin: Premier Jason Kenney deserved a better death
There’s a lesson for Canada's political leaders in the short life and quick death of Jason Kenney as premier of Alberta, writes Don Martin in an exclusive opinion column for CTVNews.ca.
NEW | Expert says N.B. police officer who fatally shot Chantel Moore was right to use lethal force
An expert in Canadian policing says the New Brunswick officer who killed a 26-year-old Indigenous woman during a wellness check two years ago was following police training.
What options do sellers have now that the housing market is cooling down?
In what is increasingly becoming a buyer's market, some soon-to-be sellers may be wondering whether to delay listing their homes until conditions become more favourable. Here's a look at one realtor's advice on the best time to sell.
Canadians are more sensitive to stress than before the pandemic: report
A new report has found that 46 per cent of Canadians are feeling an increased sensitivity to stress than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting their overall mental health.
Camille Vasquez takes centre stage in Johnny Depp - Amber Heard trial
The spotlight in a Virginia courtroom has turned to attorney Camille Vasquez this week.
Vancouver Island
-
NEW
NEW | BC Hydro sending repair crews to Vancouver Island as thousands still without power after storm
BC Hydro is sending repair crews to Vancouver Island to restore power to thousands of people who remain in the dark after Wednesday's windstorm.
-
'It's a drain on the charity': Record-high fuel prices expected to impact Vancouver Island charities
With the cost of fuel sitting at an average of 229.9 cents a litre in Greater Victoria on Wednesday, volunteer-based charities could soon feel the pinch.
-
Caught on cam: Trees fall on Nanaimo home amid B.C. windstorm
A pair of tall trees toppled onto a Nanaimo, B.C., home Wednesday as a windstorm wreaked havoc on Vancouver Island.
Calgary
-
Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter among finalists for Jack Adams Award
Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter is among the three finalists for the Jack Adams Award, presented annually to the National Hockey League's coach of the year.
-
Battle of Alberta starts with a bang as Flames down Oilers 9-6 to open playoff series
Matthew Tkachuk scored a hat trick for the Calgary Flames in Wednesday's 9-6 win over the Edmonton Oilers to open their NHL playoff series.
Edmonton
-
Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Possible contenders for UCP leader waste little time after Kenney resignation
Even as the smoke cleared from the shocking resignation of Jason Kenney Wednesday evening, several of his challengers were sending out Zoom invites amid hints of leadership campaigns to replace him.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER | Josh Classen's forecast: Cloudy, cool and a few showers
Warmer and sunnier weather will arrive just in time for the long weekend.
Toronto
-
One person arrested after Lamborghini stolen during Toronto home invasion
One person has been arrested and at least one other suspect remains outstanding after a luxury SUV was stolen during a home invasion in Toronto.
-
Two of four Ontario party leaders test positive for COVID-19
As the Ontario election date approaches, two of four of the province’s main political party leaders have tested positive for COVID-19.
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
Montreal
-
Montreal has 17 suspected monkeypox cases; officials say it's 'not highly contagious' or severe
Montreal Public Health said they're asking health workers to be alert for monkeypox cases but said the illness is also not extremely contagious and is the milder of two strains. There are 17 suspected cases in the Montreal area.
-
5 reasons Quebec's language law reform is stirring controversy
The government says Bill 96 is a moderate reform that will improve protection for French while preserving English services.
-
Quebec COVID-19 hospitalizations going down as province adds 14 more deaths
The number of Quebecers in hospital to be treated for COVID-19 has decreased by 37, according to public health officials.
Winnipeg
-
'Kindness and innocence': Parents remember daughter killed in crash with alleged drunk driver
The parents of a 24-year-old woman killed in a crash involving an alleged drunk driver earlier this month are remembering their daughter for her kindness and willingness to help others.
-
Assistance needed to identify Winnipeg woman hit and killed by vehicle
The Winnipeg Police Service is asking for the public’s help to identify a woman who was hit and killed by a vehicle late Tuesday night.
-
Manitoba civil service union fought wage freeze, wins retroactive pay hikes
Some 11,000 Manitoba civil servants have won retroactive pay raises after fighting government demands for a wage freeze.
Saskatoon
-
Brother of alleged Sask. group home sexual assault victim worries his days were 'filled with dread'
A man whose brother lived in a group home in Hepburn, Sask. and was allegedly abused by a worker is speaking out.
-
An Epic Alliance investor thought they owned a home with a tenant — it had actually burned down
Following the collapse of Epic Alliance, one investor learned they were the landlord of a property that no longer existed.
-
Statue of Indigenous hockey icon Fred Sasakamoose unveiled in Saskatoon
A statue of Indigenous hockey trailblazer Fred Sasakamoose was unveiled outside SaskTel Centre on Wednesday.
Regina
-
NEW
NEW | Riders, Blue Bombers to play first pre-season game May 31 following CFL deal
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will play their first pre-season contest of the CFL season on May 31, at Mosaic Stadium according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
-
Masters and Trudeau discuss funding for infrastructure during recent Ottawa visit
Existing and future funding for infrastructure projects from the federal government was one of the main topics that Mayor Sandra Masters discussed with Justin Trudeau during her recent trip to Ottawa.
-
MLA removed from Sask. legislature during heated session
Nadine Wilson, the Independent MLA of Saskatchewan Rivers, was removed from the Saskatchewan legislature after refusing to apologize for comments made towards the government, following Wednesday’s fierce Question Period session.
Atlantic
-
NEW
NEW | Masks no longer required in Nova Scotia public schools next week
Starting next week, students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks in Nova Scotia public schools.
-
NEW
NEW | Expert says N.B. police officer who fatally shot Chantel Moore was right to use lethal force
An expert in Canadian policing says the New Brunswick officer who killed a 26-year-old Indigenous woman during a wellness check two years ago was following police training.
-
Former RCMP staff sergeant describes spotty radio, lack of resources in N.S. shooting
A Mountie who led much of the response to the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting testified Wednesday that spotty radio service and the lack of an RCMP helicopter were among the equipment problems that hampered the manhunt.
London
-
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
-
More hate-related property damage in London, Ont.
Just one day after hate symbols were spray painted on a north London, Ont. playground, police are investigating more graffiti-style property damage.
Northern Ontario
-
Two of four Ontario party leaders test positive for COVID-19
As the Ontario election date approaches, two of four of the province’s main political party leaders have tested positive for COVID-19.
-
Province offering $50K reward in northern Ontario cold case
There is a renewed appeal in the investigation involving a northern Ontario teen murdered in her home more than three decades ago.
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
Kitchener
-
'Somebody out there is missing this child': Remains of young girl found in water in Dunnville, Ont.
Provincial police announced Wednesday the human remains found in the water in Dunnville, Ont., the day before are that of a young girl.
-
Assault charges withdrawn against Kitchener teacher accused of taping students
The woman was charged with two counts of assault in November after an investigation into “allegations she taped two children with masking tape while in the classroom,” Waterloo regional police said at the time.
-
All aboard! Retiree buys 'cheapest home in the GTA' -- a caboose
No bedroom, no bathroom, no kitchen. Why one retiree decided to buy -- and live -- in a caboose.