LNG’s profitability debated

Liquefied natural gas will either be a major economic boon for the Canadian economy or a dud, depending on which recent report you favour. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) on Monday published a report responding to an earlier economic analysis by the Conference Board of Canada that estimates the annual investment […]

BC mining group issues warning

B.C. could see its mining industry shrink over the next 20 years, a new report by the Mining Association of BC warns. It warns that B.C.’s 14 operating mines could shrink to just five by 2040. When carbon taxes were first introduced in B.C. by the Liberal government, they were generally supported by B.C.’s mining […]

FortisBC increases rebates

FortisBC is doubling down on its attempt to get more British Columbians doing high-efficiency home renovations in time for winter. The utility company has doubled its Home Renovation Rebates Program—now as much as $2,400 per natural gas heating system—so people will be more inclined to lower their long-term heating costs and help the environment. “We […]

Pandemic taking financial toll

If the latest MNP survey is an indication, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a significant financial hurt on British Columbians. Three in 10 British Columbians claimed they are unable to pay their bills and debt repayment obligations each month, which represents an 8% jump since the last survey in June. That 30% figure is also […]

Big plans next to BC Place

Vancouver’s BC Place stadium is about to get cozy with 17 new storeys of office space, and another six for arts and entertainment. Westbank Corporation is proposing a major redevelopment outside stadium gates A and B, facing Georgia Street, and an adjacent industrial site. Atop both redevelopments, there will be a terrace with green space, with enough room […]

MEC sale gets approved

A B.C. court has approved the sale of struggling outdoor recreation retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op to a U.S. private investment firm. In an oral ruling Friday, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick accepted the sale of MEC to California-based Kingswood Capital Management. She also dismissed an application by the Save MEC group to delay the […]

MEC wants deal done

VANCOUVER — Beleaguered outdoor recreation retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op is opposing a proposed delay of the company’s sale to a U.S. private investment firm, saying there is “significant urgency” to closing the deal. Kevin Harding with the Save MEC campaign filed an application in a B.C. court last week to adjourn the sale to California-based […]

Uber wants its riders masked

Uber riders in B.C. may now be asked to upload a quick selfie showcasing their masked mugs after the company announced it was rolling out a new mask verification protocol to help stem the spread of COVID-19 in Canada and the U.S. The so-called “rider mask verification feature” will act as a backstop for drivers who […]

BC municipalities want pot cut

A group advocating on behalf of municipalities and some First Nations across B.C. wants the province to share its cannabis excise tax revenue. The Union of B.C. Municipalities’ outgoing president Maja Tait said Friday that 99% of the group’s 189 members voted in favour of seeking a portion of the revenue this week at a […]

Telus selling emergency system

WATERLOO, Ont. — BlackBerry Ltd. and Telus Corp. say Edmonton’s police service has signed on to become a customer for a secure emergency preparedness system that’s used by the U.S. government. They didn’t disclose financial details of their deal with Edmonton Police Service. BlackBerry acquired AtHoc four years ago as it was strategically shifting emphasis […]