How the devastating B.C. floods are impacting Japanese McDonald's menus
The impacts of a series of relentless rainstorms that passed over British Columbia in November are still being felt in the province, but they're also having an effect elsewhere.
When a series of "atmospheric rivers" crossed over Canada's western-most province last month, major highways crumbled away into swollen rivers or were buried in mud and debris. Several people and tens of thousands of animals were killed by mudslides and mass flooding as a result.
And the destruction meant issues with supply chain. For weeks it was difficult to get products into and out of B.C., leading to gas rationing and loosening of border regulations to allow residents to access essential supplies.
There were also impacts to railways and shipping as a result – impacts still being felt as far away as Asia more than a month later.
While much less serious than the issues noted at home, the flooding resulted in a shortage of French fries in Japan, according to one fast-food chain.
In a statement posted online in Japanese, staff at McDonald's warned customers that restaurants would be selling fries in the smallest size only.
Medium and large fries are not available, the fast-food giant wrote on Dec. 21, "due to delay in importing potatoes from North America."
McDonald's Japan said the sales restrictions would be temporary only, noting it imports potatoes "on a large scale" through the Port of Vancouver.
Because of the flood damage, import delays are being experienced.
The restaurant planned to sell only small fries between Dec. 24 and Dec. 30, hoping for a potato shipment that will allow for larger sizes to be sold again soon.
The company is apologizing to customers for the inconvenience, which McDonald's Japan said is impacting approximately 2,900 restaurants across the country.
While the larger sizes are unavailable, the price of meals based on a medium fry will be discounted by 50 yen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.