11 fires intentionally set in 1 day on DTES: Vancouver fire officials
A fire was intentionally set at the Dollarama on 668 Seymour St. in downtown Vancouver on June 7, 2023. (Twitter/ Vancouver Fire Rescue Services)
Nearly a dozen fires were intentionally set in a matter of hours on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Wednesday, according to fire officials.
Out of the 11 fires that crews responded to, four involved “outdoor rubbish,” two were set in city-owned garbage cans and another five burned inside dumpsters that were up against buildings, according to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.
“Crews were able to contain the fires from spreading inside,” VFRS spokesperson Matthew Trudeau wrote in an email to CTV News Thursday.
The DTES isn’t the only neighbourhood where a fire was intentionally set on Wednesday.
VFRS posted two photos on Twitter showing the aftermath of a blaze at the Dollarama at 668 Seymour St. in the downtown core.
According to Trudeau, no injuries were reported in connection to those 12 fires, and investigations have been launched by the Vancouver Police Department.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What you need to know about the election of a new Speaker
On Tuesday, MPs will be electing a new Speaker of the House of Commons, in the wake of Anthony Rota's resignation. It will be a day for the Canadian political history books, as well as a day full of pomp and procedure. Here's what you need to know about the role, the contenders, and the process.
Where can I get a COVID-19 rapid test? CTV News looks at the rules in each province and territory
As Canadians prepare for another respiratory virus season this fall and winter, some may be curious to know if what they have is a cold, flu or possibly COVID-19. With rapid antigen tests being one popular option, CTV News looks at how many are still in stock in Canada and where you can get one.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Donald Trump says he will be in courtroom for New York trial scrutinizing his business practices
With control over some of his most prized real estate holdings in jeopardy, former U.S. president Donald Trump said he'll make a rare, voluntary trip to court in New York on Monday for the start of a civil trial in a lawsuit that already has resulted in a judge ruling that he committed fraud in his business dealings.
Couple and dog killed by bear at Banff National Park
Two people are dead after a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park.
Homeowners brace for mortgage payment shock amid higher-for-longer rate outlook
From ultra-low interest rates that led to a huge spike in real estate demand to the speed with which interest rates shot up to levels not seen in a generation, it's been hard to keep up with the shifting landscape for mortgage holders.
Taylor Swift watches Travis Kelce's Chiefs take on the Jets at MetLife Stadium
Taylor Swift couldn't just shake off another chance to watch Travis Kelce on the football field. The 12-time Grammy Award winner arrived at MetLife Stadium about 40 minutes before kickoff Sunday night to watch Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets.
Minimum wage rises in six provinces, but is it enough?
Amid a cost-of-living crisis driving up food bank visits and economic anxiety, the minimum wage increased in six provinces today – but both advocates and critics fear it may not be enough to tackle the overarching problem.
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
Chair hogs, dining divas and boorish boozers: Is cruising etiquette lost at sea?
When it comes to uncouth, uncultured and downright unacceptable behaviour on ships, experts in travel etiquette and cruising have seen it all. They share plenty of bad behaviours for passengers to avoid (and good ones they should emulate).
Vancouver Island
-
International student drowns while swimming in Thetis Lake
A swimmer drowned in Thetis Lake Friday afternoon, according to West Shore RCMP.
-
B.C. Conservative leader defends residential school comments as criticism grows
The leader of the Conservative Party of BC is defending a social media post about parental rights denounced as insensitive, hurtful and political on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
Why does a group of B.C. killer whales harass and kill porpoises without eating them?
A group of orcas that inhabit Canadian waters are known to harass and kill porpoises without eating them. A new study tries to explain why.
Calgary
-
Couple and dog killed by bear at Banff National Park
Two people are dead after a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park.
-
Homeowners brace for mortgage payment shock amid higher-for-longer rate outlook
From ultra-low interest rates that led to a huge spike in real estate demand to the speed with which interest rates shot up to levels not seen in a generation, it's been hard to keep up with the shifting landscape for mortgage holders.
-
Flames assistant GM Chris Snow dies from ALS complications
Calgary Flames vice-president of data and analytics and assistant general manager Chris Snow has died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Edmonton
-
Red Deer school board trustee won't apologize for posting 'brainwashing' meme: Lawyer
The lawyer for a Red Deer School Board member says she won't be saying sorry after posting a meme comparing teaching children about the LGBTQ2S+ community to brainwashing in Nazi Germany.
-
'People really need the help': 24-hour small scale food bank opens in Edmonton
Free non-perishable food items and books are now available 24 hours a day in northwest Edmonton – for anyone who needs them.
-
Homeowners brace for mortgage payment shock amid higher-for-longer rate outlook
From ultra-low interest rates that led to a huge spike in real estate demand to the speed with which interest rates shot up to levels not seen in a generation, it's been hard to keep up with the shifting landscape for mortgage holders.
Toronto
-
TTC riders now have cell service in the downtown Toronto core
Rogers has announced that 5G service is now available for all TTC riders in Toronto’s downtown core.
-
Police search for suspects after armed robbery at Mississauga outlet mall
Officers from Peel Regional Police are searching for two suspects following an armed robbery at an outlet mall in Mississauga.
-
Christian Koloko 'out indefinitely,' will miss Raptors training camp
Centre Christian Koloko will be "out indefinitely" due to respiratory issues, the Toronto Raptors announced on Monday.
Montreal
-
Election day: CAQ looks to hang on to hotly contested Jean-Talon riding in Quebec byelection today
Residents of the hotly contested Quebec City riding of Jean-Talon are voting in a byelection today. Coalition Avenir Quebec's Joelle Boutin triggered the byelection when she quit politics this summer.
-
23-year-old man dies after being stabbed in Montreal apartment
A 23-year-old man who was the victim of an assault with a weapon on Sunday afternoon in Montreal succumbed to his injuries, police announced later in the evening.
-
Search continues for child who fell into Saint-Maurice river
The search continues on Monday for a 5-year-old child who fell into the Saint-Maurice River in the Mauricie region on Sunday evening while playing along the river with his brother.
Winnipeg
-
5 dead after single-vehicle crash near Swan River, Man.
Swan River RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed five people in western Manitoba Saturday afternoon.
-
Manitoba NDP leader rallies troops, Liberals promise help for newcomers
WINNIPEG -- Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew rallied supporters on the final Sunday of the provincial election campaign, while Progressive Conservative Leader Heather Stefanson continued to stay out of the media spotlight.
-
'More than happy to donate': Manitoba farm gives potatoes to Ukrainian community
A Manitoba potato farm has donated a half ton of spuds to a good cause.
Saskatoon
-
'A giant in life': Saskatchewan Roughriders icon George Reed passes away, aged 83
George Reed, one of the most prolific running backs in Canadian Football League (CFL) history and a legend of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has passed away. He was 83.
-
'You could hear a pin drop': Contract vote derailed in Prince Albert after surprise disclosure from city
Inside workers in Prince Albert have delayed a vote on a tentative contract after the city disclosed surprise plans for “sweeping” structural changes to its workforce.
-
Suspects in Saskatoon emergency scam identified themselves as law enforcement, police say
Saskatoon police are warning the public about alleged fraudsters identifying themselves as police officers as part of a grandparent, or emergency scam.
Regina
-
'A giant in life': Saskatchewan Roughriders icon George Reed passes away, aged 83
George Reed, one of the most prolific running backs in Canadian Football League (CFL) history and a legend of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has passed away. He was 83.
-
Regina police charge 18-year-old in connection to 2021 pedestrian death
An 18-year-old is facing several charges in connection to the death of a Regina man in 2021.
-
Not so alone: Silent Hearts Walk seeks to support families who’ve lost children
The 10th annual Silent Hearts Walk Perinatal Loss Awareness Walk, brought out families and their supports for a walk through Wascana Park.
Atlantic
-
Halifax police say arrests made following 'unsanctioned student gathering'
Police say they've made arrests and issued summary offence tickets after an "unsanctioned student gathering" in Halifax.
-
Thousands gather in downtown Charlottetown for Farm Day
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Charlottetown for Farm Day, with many saying it's an important chance to get farmers in front of urban people.
-
Minimum wage rises in six provinces, but is it enough?
Amid a cost-of-living crisis driving up food bank visits and economic anxiety, the minimum wage increased in six provinces today – but both advocates and critics fear it may not be enough to tackle the overarching problem.
London
-
‘Hope for a cure’: Cancer survivors and supporters gather for annual Run for the Cure
A powerful moment as dozens of cancer survivors gathered for a photo at Victoria Par in London, Ont. ahead of the CIBC Run for the Cure.
-
‘It’s a great feeling’: Golden Knights Staff from St. Thomas, Ont. get day with Stanley Cup
The Luce family from St. Thomas, Ont. had four chances to hoist the Stanley Cup, before they finally tasted victory this summer.
-
Alleged vandals cause $100K in damage to lakefront cottage
Huron County OPP is investigating after a seasonal cottage was allegedly wrecked by vandals causing more than $100,000 in damage.
Northern Ontario
-
Couple and dog killed by bear at Banff National Park
Two people are dead after a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park.
-
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
-
Highway 144 fully reopened after two vehicle crash
Highway 144 is fully reopened Sunday morning after a two-vehicle crash Saturday evening in the Greater Sudbury community of Dowling, police say.
Kitchener
-
Hundreds gather in Breslau, Ont. for unveiling of second Wall of Memories
A large crowd of over 600 people gathered in Breslau Sunday afternoon around a memorial wall covered with the names of those who died during and before the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Most read stories of the week: Hit and run trial, encampment cleared, changes for CTV Kitchener
Sentencing in a hit and run trial, a Cambridge encampment being cleared, and some big changes for CTV Kitchener round out the most-read stories of the week.
-
Ontario's minimum wage just went up. Here's what you need to know
Nearly a million minimum wage earners in Ontario got a pay bump today.
