SHER E PUNJAB

August 12, 2026

Cultus Lake water incidents highlight safety risks

As the summer season continues, water-related incidents remain a significant concern at Cultus Lake. The recent drowning of a 13-year-old youth at Entrance Bay serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety.The Chilliwack RCMP Seasonal Policing Team continues to respond to calls involving swimmers, paddlers, and other water users in distress, often due to changing environmental conditions or a lack of proper safety equipment. Proactive enforcement and education efforts will continue throughout the season to help ensure visitors understand safety requirements, make informed decisions, and enjoy the water safely.The public is reminded that while Cultus Lake is a popular destination for recreation, it presents several unique hazards. Steep underwater drop-offs can quickly place swimmers in water over their heads, cold water temperatures can lead to fatigue and reduced swimming ability, and strong winds can develop rapidly, pushing swimmers and paddlers away from shore. In some areas, heavy silt and reduced underwater visibility can make it difficult to locate objects or individuals beneath the surface.Visitors are urged to come prepared, assess conditions before entering the water, wear a properly fitted life jacket, and ensure they have the appropriate safety equipment for their activity.Overcrowded boat enforcementWhile conducting routine marine patrols, officers observed a 19-foot jet boat departing Jade Bay with 12 occupants on board, with some passengers sitting on the laps of others. A stop was conducted within 100 metres of shore.The investigation revealed the operator did not possess the required boating licence or vessel documentation, and only two life jackets were onboard for the 12 occupants.Violation tickets were issued for operating a pleasure craft without the required life jackets: $230, permitting a person to operate a pleasure craft without proof of competency: $288Near-drowning incidentsSecurity personnel contacted police regarding reports of a possible drowning near a dock in the Sunnyside area. Officers responded and located a man on shore requiring medical assistance. The man reported he was unable to keep himself above water, panicked, and went under after becoming exhausted and unable to self-rescue. He was not wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, bystanders pulled him safely to shore before he was transported to hospital for treatment.Approximately one hour after emergency responders recovered the 13-year-old youth from Cultus Lake, the Seasonal Policing Team received a report at Half-Moon Bay of a man who had fallen from his paddleboard and was unable to keep himself above water. The individual was not wearing a life jacket and did not have the required safety equipment. Two people in an inflatable kayak attempted to assist him. However, one of the rescuers also entered the water and began struggling to stay afloat as he was not wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, with the RCMP boat already on the water responding to the earlier incident, officers were able to quickly intervene and assist. All involved were brought safely to shore and did not require medical treatment.Strong winds were present at the time and contributed to the dangerous conditions. These incidents highlight how quickly situations can escalate on Cultus Lake and reinforce the importance of wearing a life jacket, carrying the required safety equipment, and understanding the risks associated with being on the water.

Minor girl crashes crashes vehicle in Nanaimo

Canada

August 12, 2026

Minor girl crashes crashes vehicle in Nanaimo

A 13-year-old girl is facing possible charges after taking a parent's vehicle without permission, fleeing from police, and crashing the vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 2 AM on July 25.A Nanaimo RCMP officer on patrol first observed the vehicle travelling southbound on Terminal Avenue at 118 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone. The officer attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle accelerated away. With the reason for the driver's actions unknown, the officer discontinued the attempted stop, deactivated the emergency equipment, and advised other officers of the vehicle.A short time later, police received a report that the vehicle had gone of the roadway in central Nanaimo. Police located the vehicle and after a short search of the area, located the alleged driver and arrested her without incident.The investigation determined the alleged driver was a 13-year-old girl who had taken a parent's vehicle without permission. The vehicle sustained damage in the collision and was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported.The youth was taken into custody and later released to a guardian. "This incident could have ended very differently," said Nanaimo RCMP Operations Officer Donovan Tait. "Speeds more than double the posted limit, combined with an inexperienced and unlicensed driver, create an extreme risk to everyone using our roads. Fortunately, no one was injured. This serves as an important reminder for parents and guardians to secure vehicle keys and speak with youth about the serious consequences that can result from taking a vehicle without permission."The investigation continues.

Fraudsters posing as police officers try to dupe Sechelt resident

Canada

August 12, 2026

Fraudsters posing as police officers try to dupe Sechelt resident

In a recent incident, a Sechelt resident was contacted by a fraudster posing as a senior officer with the Vancouver Police Department. The call appeared legitimate because it originated from a “spoofed” phone number displaying the VPD non-emergency phone number.The fraudster, posing as Vancouver Police Chief Constable Steve Rai, informed the victim that they were investigating a local Sunshine Coast financial institution and needed his assistance. The victim then received a call via WhatsApp from what he believed to be a female representative from the local financial institution advising him to make several email money transfers to an account in order to test their transaction capabilities based on the recent fraud investigation. The victim made two money transfers - one for $70,000 and the other for $38,000. There have been many victims who have fallen for this elaborate scam. How to protect yourselfPolice officers, will never ask members of the public to assist in criminal investigations by transferring money or depositing funds into cryptocurrency accounts.Banks will never ask customers to provide one-time passwords, two-factor authentication codes, or online banking credentials over the phone.Caller ID can be manipulated, making it appear that calls are coming from legitimate organizations.If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank or police using a publicly listed phone number.Never send money, purchase cryptocurrency, or provide account access based on instructions received during an unsolicited phone call.Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a similar scam is encouraged to contact their financial institution immediately and call police.

SPS Investigating Early Morning Shooting in Cloverdale

Canada

August 12, 2026

SPS Investigating Early Morning Shooting in Cloverdale

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating an early morning shooting outside a residence in Surrey’s Cloverdale neighbourhood, where one victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury. On August 12, at approximately 3:52 am, SPS Frontline officers responded to reports of a shooting near a residence in the area of 60 Avenue and 177 Street in Surrey, where two people were shot at, with one sustaining minor injuries. The suspects fled the scene. Upon arrival, police located an adult male victim with an injury that did not require medical intervention.SPS’s Major Crime Section (MCS) has taken over the lead on the investigation, and the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) will be in the area processing physical and digital evidence.The investigation is in its early stages however it is believed to be targeted and not extortion related.Anyone with information about this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may know the identities of the suspects is asked to contact SPS’ non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, and quote file number 26-85268 (SP).

Police respond to community concerns at downtown plaza Nanaimo

Canada

August 11, 2026

Police respond to community concerns at downtown plaza Nanaimo

Nanaimo RCMP responded in force to concerns raised by residents, business owners and community stakeholders regarding open drug use, social disorder and public safety issues at the Diana Krall Plaza, located off Commercial St in downtown Nanaimo.Over a two-day enforcement project conducted on July 29th and July 30th officers of the Nanaimo RCMP Bike Unit, working in close partnership with the Specialized Enforcement Team (SITE), conducted surveillance and enforcement operations in and around the plaza. The initiative was launched in response to numerous complaints from community members about ongoing criminal activity and disturbances in the area.As a result of the project, officers Executed four arrest warrants, Made 10 arrests, Seized approximately 35 grams of illicit drugs, Seized $966.75 in illicit cash, Seized assorted weapons, including one set of brass knuckles, one switchblade, one folding knife, one can of bear spray, one BB gun. Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP said, “This operation demonstrates the RCMP's commitment to addressing community concerns and improving public safety in Nanaimo's downtown core. "We've heard the concerns from residents, businesses and stakeholders about open drug use and social disorder occurring at Diana Krall Plaza. This was a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at addressing criminal activity and improving safety in the area. We remain committed to listening to our community and taking action when concerns are raised."Nanaimo RCMP would like to remind the public that these types of focused enforcement initiatives may continue in the future. Police remain responsive to community concerns and are committed to ensuring downtown Nanaimo is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.The Nanaimo RCMP also recognizes the valuable contribution of the City of Nanaimo Community Safety Officers (CSOs). Through their regular engagement with residents, businesses, and vulnerable populations, CSOs provide valuable intelligence to our officers, early identification of emerging concerns, and assistance in connecting individuals with support services.

Charges approved following break-in to Chinatown business

Canada

August 11, 2026

Charges approved following break-in to Chinatown business

Crown Counsel has approved one count of break-and-enter of a commercial business after Vancouver Police arrested a suspect yesterday. Just after 7 a.m., the Vancouver Police Department responded to a report of a broken window in a business near Georgia Street and Gore Avenue. An employee reported seeing a man smash the window and enter the premises. VPD officers attended and searched the building. After reviewing video footage, they believed the man was still inside. Another witness observed a man matching the description of the suspect on a second-storey fire escape. The officers located the man and took him into custody without incident. Raymond Chan, 28, has been charged with one count of break-and-enter.

Akal Takht Sahib acting jathedar warns printers for printing Guru Granth Sahib without permission

Punjab

August 11, 2026

Akal Takht Sahib acting jathedar warns printers for printing Guru Granth Sahib without permission

The acting head of Sikhism's highest temporal authority says strict action will be taken for unauthorized printing and distribution of Sikh Holy Scriptures in the UK, US, and many other countries.Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sahib, gave the warning after a meeting with Bhai Savinder Singh, coordinator and member of the Akal Takht's official committee in the US.Gargaj stated that lawfully no one or no organization can publish or print any saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. As per the Sikh procedure, only the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has the legal right to publish the holy scripture.Gargaj said, "Strict action will be taken after thorough investigation into all the information we receive regarding unauthorized printing." Gargaj was referring to incidents when copies were printed illegally in China and other countries.Meeting attendees also discussed issues of the management of Sikh Gurudwaras abroad and problems caused by breaches of religious code and disputed management. Gargaj suggested mismanaged gurdwaras should be run by the Sikh community and used as places of worship, and not be considered privately owned.Gargaj said he will visit the US during this time to address the community in person about the issues of concern.

Surrey Mayor announces: No increase in property taxes

Canada

August 11, 2026

Surrey Mayor announces: No increase in property taxes

The City of Surrey will not be increasing the property tax in the coming days. It is considered a major relief for the local residents. The city will strictly gauge its financial situation in the coming days.Making an announcement Tuesday, Surrey Mayor said that the city will not increase the property tax and the city will focus more on affordability. The mayor also said that she can not commit on to freeze the tax."No, I can not commit on freezing the tax, we are at bottom as far as property taxes are concerned, " she said replying to a question.Mayor Locke said that they are focusing on affordable housing. She added that the federal government cancelled eight projects but now they are looking for other options.

Six Killed in Houthi Missile Strike on Commercial Vessel in Bab el-Mandeb

World

August 11, 2026

Six Killed in Houthi Missile Strike on Commercial Vessel in Bab el-Mandeb

Six individuals died on Tuesday after three ballistic missiles were fired by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels at a merchant ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to Yemen's Transportation Ministry, this is the first time that anyone has died because of Houthi assaults on ships in the new phase of the fighting in the region, especially as the issue of the Red Sea passage has gained more importance due to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. This attack is part of the military escalation against the port of Mokha and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which might mean that the Yemen war is about to resume.

Petition Demands Canada Declare U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra ‘Persona Non Grata’

World

August 11, 2026

Petition Demands Canada Declare U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra ‘Persona Non Grata’

A petition, which carries almost 29,000 signatures and is due to be submitted in the House of Commons by the leader of the Green Party of Canada, Elizabeth May, asks the Canadian government to declare the U.S. ambassador, Pete Hoekstra, a persona non grata in the country and thus have him deported. The petition, which was started by a Calgarian, accuses Hoekstra of going against diplomatic etiquette and trying to interfere in the internal politics of Canada – exemplified by his statement in June when he stated that the annexation of Canada by the U.S. will be a great topic of discussion for Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump.Photo credit: Ashley Fraser Photography / U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada — Public Domain.