Held at Winfield Arena, Canadian Blind Hockey hosted the event called the Try Blind Hockey program, giving an introduction to those interested in the game.

“This is our introductory program where we invite local youth who are blind or partially sighted to come to the rink and learn about the parasport of blind hockey for the day,” said Canadian Blind Hockey executive director Matt Morrow. “We’ll teach them the adaptive rules, let them know all the different opportunities that are available to participate.”

Around 12 kids took part in the event as they got to skate with members of the George Elliott Secondary School Hockey Academy. Some of the participants were giving a try at hockey, while for others, it was their first time skating.

Morrow said the program has made appearances in the Central Okanagan for the last six years.

As for the sport itself, it’s very similar to traditional hockey with the exception of a few adaptive rules, the largest being the puck, which is bigger and makes noise and a pass has to be made before shooting when crossing the blue line into the offensive zone.

Morrow said this program has been available thanks in part to the Canucks for Kids Fund.

He also added that Wednesday’s event showed that “hockey is for everybody and Kelowna is really a hockey community.”

A nationally registered charity, Canadian Blind Hockey helps those who are blind or partially sighted through Blind Hockey programs, camps, and tournaments at a multitude of levels.

James Plover will spend another 147 days in jail for choking and uttering threats stemming from an intimate partner violence incident.

A total 12-month sentence was handed down in Kelowna Provincial Court on Thursday, Nov. 27 by Judge Dave Ruse over charges tied to a June 2024 incident.

Plover has been in jail for 145 days. Due to enhanced credit, that equals 218 days, meaning he only needs to serve the remaining 147 days, which will total 12 months.

These offences were determined to be intimate partner violence. Because of this, a ban restricts publication of the victim’s identity.

The victim’s mother spoke to the media after the decision, unhappy with the days being credited.

“I cannot get over that they credit them with that time. You know I have a real problem with them crediting them time. Why are we doing that?” she said, adding that it doesn’t feel like enough.

The 33-year-old Plover was in attendance via video on Thursday.

Judge Ruse described the incident in detail to the small courtroom with more than 20 people in attendance. In the months prior to the incident, the married couple was seeing a counsellor, but their marriage was going downhill.

Plover was at home with the victim and their two-year-old child on the day of the incident. The victim was having two friends over. Plover and the victim got into an argument about the child after Plover wanted to take the child somewhere.

The victim took the child from Plover and attempted to leave. Plover made threats against the victim and the child, including that he would kill them and himself. He then strangled and hit the victim’s head off the microwave. The victim was able to leave the house and call their mom and 911. When authorities arrived, Plover moved furniture in front of a door, obtained a propane tank and a machete and threatened suicide again. Officers were eventually able to get Plover to come out of the home.

The incident left bruises on the victim and had a “significant effect” on them.

Plover was found guilty of these charges on July 4, 2025, making him a first-time offender.

Several hours after being found guilty, Plover’s estranged spouse , Bailey McCourt, was attacked in a daytime violent assault. McCourt and another woman who was also attacked were taken to the hospital with injuries, where McCourt later died. Plover was later charged in the attack as well as with dangerous driving stemming from a later incident that same day, where he was reportedly pursued by police following the reported assault and was arrested on Glenmore Road, near Lake Country.

On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the charge of second-degree murder from this event was upgraded to first degree.

Even when the 147 days are up, Plover is scheduled to stay in custody due to the first-degree murder charge. The next appearance for the murder charge is set for Jan. 13, 2026.

On Thursday, Plover also received a firearm ban for life and has a non-contact order with his child while in custody.

– with files from Jen Zielinski

“We’re not stopping until we see that change.”

That’s what Debbie Henderson, the aunt and the family’s spokesperson for Bailey McCourt, told media in front of the Kelowna Courthouse on Nov. 25.

James Plover was back in court via video on Tuesday, where his second-degree murder charge was upgraded to first-degree.

When Plover was in court on Monday, Nov. 17, the court heard that Plover’s second-degree murder charge in relation to McCourt’s death had been upgraded to first-degree murder and dangerous operation of a vehicle. That was confirmed on Tuesday, with the second-degree charge being stayed. His next appearance is set for Jan. 13.

On July 4, 2025, several hours after being found guilty for choking and uttering threats stemming from a June 2024 incident, Plover’s estranged spouse, Bailey McCourt was attacked in a daytime violent assault. McCourt and another woman who was also attacked were taken to hospital with injuries, where McCourt later died. Plover was pursued by police following the reported assault and was arrested on Glenmore Road, near Lake Country.

“Obviously, I would like to see him go to jail for a very long time. That’s obviously not going to happen anytime soon. But we’re hoping that he remains detained throughout the process of going through the murder trial,” said Henderson after the charge was upgraded to first-degree.

Henderson explained that she and the McCourt family had to wait four-and-a-half months for the murder charge to be upgraded, calling it “agonizing.”

“When someone’s charged with second-degree murder, the person could face, you know, 25 years to life in prison; however, you have the option of applying for parole after 10 years,” said Henderson while tearing up. “I don’t think any family of a murder victim can fathom the thought of having to go and see and fight for their loved one’s murder and to stay in prison after 10 years. Bill C-225 will change that regarding intimate partner violence.”

Henderson added that the relationship between intimate partners should be a trusting one.

“If somebody claims to love someone and be in a position of trust and they take their life, it’s absolutely automatic first-degree,” said Henderson.

Kamloops MP Frank Caputo introduced Bill C-225, also known as Bailey’s Law, to the House of Commons as a private members’ bill back on Sept. 18. In the bill, all domestic violence killings would be treated as first-degree murder.

Henderson and the McCourt family are pushing for support for the bill, asking the public to write to their MPs.

“This case will make a change, there will be a drastic change,” added Henderson. “It’s absolutely unacceptable. The gaps in the system need to be fixed.”

Plover is set to next appear in court on Thursday, Nov. 27, to be sentenced in relation to the June 2024 incident. Henderson and the McCourt family plan to be in attendance.

“The whole family might not be able to be here all the time, but we will have someone here to represent Bailey and honour Bailey every step of the way,” said Henderson.

– with files from Jen Zielinski

Sandhu and Lake Country Mayor Blair Ireland were in attendance at the 28th Winter Family Gathering Traditional Pow Wow, presented by the Lake Country Native Association at the Winfield Community Hall on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Sandhu spoke to the audience of a few hundred people and addressed the recent comments made by One B.C. Party in the Legislature, trying to bring an end to National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The One B.C. Party is comprised of former B.C. Conservatives, Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie and Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong.

“The comments inflicted hurt, denied lived experiences, and ignored the inter-generation impacts Indigenous peoples continue to carry,” said Sandhu. “Let me say this as clearly and without any hesitation, and the reason I’m mentioning this is because one of the sitting MLAs for this riding also supports those kind of narratives… those comments do not reflect who we are as British Columbians, each one of you is saying that loud and clear by being here. They do not reflect the values of our government.”

Armstrong was not in attendance at Saturday’s event.

On Nov. 20, Brodie and Armstrong attempted to turn a bill to remove Truth and Reconciliation Day as a holiday. The bill was quickly voted down after it was introduced, 86 to three.

“We will always stand up with all people of this province and we will honour Indigenous people, uphold truth, and continue to work towards reconciliation,” said Sandhu at Saturday’s event. “… a strong country is not built by erasing or denying history.”

Thursday’s discussion in the Legislative Assembly became heated, with B.C. Premier David Eby saying Brodie and Armstrong should be recalled, which Armstrong posted on social media.

David Eby is justifying giving away our land and property to American Indigenous tribes with a wild conspiracy theory about fake **19th century** biological weapons. Our ancestors never committed a genocide against the indigenous. We don’t regret building Canada. pic.twitter.com/qwpxf4WQ2s

— Tara Armstrong (@TaraArmstrongBC) November 20, 2025

The One B.C. Party has started a petition in another attempt to end Truth and Reconcilation Day.

Earlier this month, on Nov. 5, Syilx Okanagan chiefs called out for the resignation of Brodie.

Black Press Media has reached out to Armstrong for comment.

At the Canadian Tourism Awards held on Nov. 20 in Gatineau, Que., the resort was named Business of the Year.

“As a Canadian family-run business, this is an incredible honour,” said Big White owner and CEO Peter Plimmer. “I am humbled by this recognition, and proud to accept it on behalf of our entire team.”

Each year, the Business of the Year award highlights organizations that show a strong business performance, operate at a high level of customer service and show a commitment to supporting Canadian tourism. It is one of 12 honours awards at the annual event.

“This isn’t achieved by one person,” added Plimmer. “Whether someone has worked at Big White for one season or for 40, I am grateful for their dedication and proud to share this award with them.”

The B.C. government hosted a press conference early in the afternoon on Nov. 21 to give an update on the bear attack that occurred in Bella Coola Valley.

Tamara Davidson, minister of environment and parks, confirmed that four patients remain in hospital after the attack and families are asking for privacy at this moment. She also highlighted the bravery of the teachers during the attack.

“We hold deep gratitute for the bravery shown by those who acted quickly to protect others,” she said. “I want to recognize the teachers who took great risk to protect their students.”

Davidson added that the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) remains in the community and is actively searching the bear, with conservation officers from both the community and off working on the incident. She stressed the importance of staying inside during this time.

“Conservations officers who were able to respond quickly, they are doing the important work of trying to locate the bear,” she said.

Davidson also thanked the RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, BCCOS and health care workers for their work.

She also highlighted the Nuxalk Nation’s leadership and care for its community in such distressing time.

“We know this is a distressing time for the Nuxalk Nation. The Nuxalk Nation has shown remarkable leadership and care for their community,” she said. “They’re providing supports, food and smuding at the Youth Centre for anyone who needs it. I know this community well and I’ve seen firsthand the strength and that care.”

The minister added that the provincial goverment has also reached out to the local school district to offer crisis, trauma and safety support.

Kevin Van Damme, inspector at BCCOS confirmed at the conference that eight conservation officers have been deployed to the site with a focus on finding out what happened as well as capturing the bear.

“We’re investigating the site, collecting physical evidence that could be used for forensic needs to match the bear in question,” he added. “Capture mitigation techniques have been set to capture and evaluate the bear.”

Van Damme added that he recognizes this is incident is distressing for the community and that the conservation officer remains in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation.

“As our investigaton continues, we thank them for their collaboration efforts to ensure the community awareness and shared safety information,” he said. “I really need to stress how dangerous this situation is with this bear at large and we need to keep people away from the 4 Mile area and keep them out of harm’s way.”

At the press conference, the minister was questioned whether or not the recent bear attacks across the province have made the goverment to consider lifting the ban on hunting grizzlies which was approved back in 2017.

She stated that at this time, there are no plans in lifting the current ban.

“Anytime that there’s a conflict with wildlife, with bears, it’s a really strong reminder that we need to remember that we are outdoors and we are sharing outdoors with wildlife,” Davidson said.

“Right now our focus is really on finding the bear that was involved in this attack. This is an ongoing live situation where the bear is still at large and the community doesn’t feel safe. The RCMP and the Conservation Officer Service is working closely to try to locate the bear.”

In response to a BC Wildlife Federation’s statement on conflicts with grizzly bears are bound to rise across the province, Davidson said the main goal right now is to make sure that people are aware of their surroundings when they’re out in the outdoors.

“Also making sure that they don’t have any attractants that are in their yards or that they’re bringing with them when they’re out on the trail,” she said.

“I think the teachers in this incident, they were well prepared. They had bear spray, they had bear bangers and they were the real heroes in this situation. The community continues to want to protect the students and the teachers.”

ORIGINAL STORY

A grizzly bear attack has injured three children and one adult, says BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).

Around 1:35 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20., BCCOS and Bella Coola RCMP responded to reports of a bear attack at an area called the Old Trail, close to 4 Mile.

The victims were part of a school group who stopped along a trail near the river when the grizzly bear emerged from the forest and attacked them. While four people were injured, multiple teachers was able to use pepper spray and a “bear banger” on the grizzly, said BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme in a video update on Friday.

The adult and three children were treated at Bella Coola Hospital and are being transported to Vancouver for further care.

A group of conservation officers worked throughout the night and early morning but were unable to find the bear. Additional officers have been called to the scene as BCCOS collects and analzying evidence and the surrounding area.

At this time, the bear has not been found, but Van Damme said that preliminary information suggests it could be previously injured.

“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to ensure community awareness and shared safety information,” said Van Damme. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

The Nuxalk Nation has also commented.

“This unprecedented grizzly bear attack occurred without provocation and has resulted in significant trauma to our community,” said Nuxalk Nation chief Samuel Schooner. “We are incredibly proud of our teachers and students who responded heroically in the moment to protect one another. The outcome could have been much worse.”

BCCOS is directing the community to avoid the forested area and river near 4 Mile. Residents are asked to remain indoors until further notice.

“At present we are focused on taking care of our community members who are affected by this horrific event,” added Schooner.

Anyone with information, or to report bear sightings in Bella Coola, should contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.

The B.C. government will be holding a press conference about the incident at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21.

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, The BPL Legacy Association (the owners of the KF Centre for Excellence) announced a joint initiative with Okanagan College (OC) that will see a new $22 million facility constructed beside the Centre for Excellence at 5800 Lapointe Drive.

“Aviation has always been my passion,” said BPL Legacy Association founder and chair Barry Lapointe. “My goal has always been to inspire and prepare the next generation of aerospace professionals right here in the Okanagan.”

OC and The BPL Legacy Association signed a letter of intent outlining next steps earlier this fall. Under the letter of agreement, the BPL Legacy Association is funding $17 million of the project, while OC will work with government and community partners to pay for the remaining $5 million. Once built, OC will occupy space in the facility through a long-term lease.

The 42,000 square foot facility will include workshops, classrooms, and a hangar space to accommodate all three (current and future) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programs. The facility will be located next to the KF Centre for Excellence. Construction on the building is expected to start in spring 2026 and be completed for students by 2027.

Currently, OC offers its AME programs onsite at both the Kelowna and Vernon airports, in both maintenance (mechanical systems, engines, airframes, propellers) and structures (sheet metal, composite, structural repairs).

Once the new facility is completed, it will allow OC to expand its AME programs from its current capacity of 30 students to 140 by 2028. All students from the current program were in attendance for Wednesday’s announcement.

“We’re growing from a very small community to where we are now and I think it just adds to the education of what we need here for students to learn and develop,” said Lapointe.

This is the second time The BPL Legacy Association has committed to building an aviation structure like this, with the first opening five years ago in Hamilton, Ont. Lapointe said he saw the same demand for the industry in Kelowna as he did in Hamilton.

“The Okanagan has been very good to me and I certainly love giving back to the Okanagan,” said Lapointe, who’s been an Okanagan resident for 55 years.

At a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 13, the city announced Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL, pronounced “circle”) Kelowna, which will support residents ages 13 and older who are experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis, which might include thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feelings of grief, panic or anxiety, and/or acting or feeling in ways that are distressing.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Kelowna will be the next community in British Columbia to implement this inivative model, and we look forward to working with our partners, our service providers and our residents to ensure success,” City of Kelowna public safety and policing policy director Darren Caul said.

The CRCL Kelowna staff will be made up of skilled mental health professionals and people with lived experience who are trained in providing trauma-informed, culturally safe crisis support. A mobile response unit will meet people where they are, including supporting those experiencing homelessness.

“The launch of the non-police crisis response teams will make a real difference in Kelowna by providing timely support for people in distress while reducing pressure on emergency services,” Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr said.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association website, Kelowna became the seventh city to bring in the CRCL program, joining North and West Vancouver, Victoria, New Westminster, Prince George and Comox Valley. The program is expected to start in Kamloops soon as well.

“For a long, long time, we’ve expected our police, first responders to step up into every situation no matter the nature of the call,” Fuhr added. “They do outstanding work but we all know that not every crisis fits traditional emergency response models. This new apporach is about matching people with the help they need and when they need it.”

CRCL will help those experiencing a crisis while allowing the Kelowna RCMP to respond to other calls, unless the scene is a medical emergency or there is immediate danger to life (for the person in crisis or others), such as in the case of an overdose or an active suicide. Those calls should still be made to 911.

“Our officers respond to a high volume of mental health-related calls and they do outstanding work everyday in situations that are often complex and unpredictable,” said Kelowna RCMP officer in charge Supt. Chris Goebel, who added this initiative has been successful in other communities. “This program gives us another option for supporting mental health calls where a healthcare response is more appropriate.”

Included in CRCL services are safety planning, acute crisis management, advocacy and referrals to mental-health services and supports, wound care, distribution of food, clothing and other supplies, as well as crisis follow-up.

And for the city, this program completes Action 1.2 of the Community Safety Plan.

“Addressing crime and improving community safety takes collaboration across all levels of government and a comprehensive approach that brings different solutions together,” Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas said. “The CRCL service ensures people in crisis receive compassionate, community-based support, while enabling police to focus more on crime and safety-related calls. Public safety is a priority for the people of Kelowna and this Council, and programs like this help create a safer, more responsive community for everyone.”

The program was made possible through collaborative investments by the Government of Canada through Health Canada and the Emergency Treatment Fund, the Province of BC, and the City of Kelowna. Fuhr confirmed on Thursday that the federal government committed $1.5 million to the program.

The initiative will begin sometime in December or January.

On the western shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna’s Commando Bay was a training ground for a top-secret World War II operation that helped restore civil rights for Chinese Canadians. On Monday night, attendees learned about his piece of history in a presentation by genealogist Linda Yip’s presentation ‘Commando Bay and the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – How Okanagan Changed the World.’

In 1944, 13 Chinese Canadian soldiers trained at Commando Bay preparing for covert missions in Asia. Although all but one were born in Canada, they were denied citizenship and the right to vote. Their courage and loyalty during wartime directly influenced the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act (1947) and the restoration of voting rights for Chinese Canadians (1948).

Yip’s presentation featured rare archival photographs and declassified British military documents, which can be traced to the story of Operation Oblivion, a clandestine mission of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) under Winston Churchill’s “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”

“By remembering Commando Bay and the heroes of Operation Oblivion, we not only honour their sacrifice but also strengthen our connection between past and present generations,” said Kelowna Chinese United Association (KCUA) president Rexian Tan. The event drew educators, veterans’ groups, students, and civic leaders from across the Okanagan.

Many attendees voiced support for creating a permanent heritage marker or interpretive plague at Commando Bay to commemorate this pivotal chapter in Canadian and Okanagan history.

The event was hosted by the Kelowna Chinese United Association (KCUA) and in collaboration with community partners.

Aurora Borealis, known as northern lights was witnessed by Kelowna and Lake Country residents on Nov. 11.

While the lights were faint in some places, it was more prominent in others. In some places, the lights couldn’t be seen to the naked eye but could be seen through a phone camera.

According to the National Oceanic and Atomspheric Administration (NOAA), the northern lights could be visible again on Wednesday night and possibily Thursday night as well.

If you have any photos of the northern lights you would like to share, send them to editor@kelownacapnews.com.