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BC Ferries vessel collides with humpback whale in Howe Sound near Metro Vancouver
BC Ferries vessel collides with humpback whale
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
A humpback whale has been struck by a BC Ferries vessel in waters near Metro Vancouver.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says in an email that they were alerted to the collision on Sunday, when the Queen of Surrey reportedly struck the whale near Keats and Grace islands in Howe Sound.
The 139-metre-long Queen of Surrey provides regular service between Vancouver-Horseshoe Bay terminal and the Sunshine Coast.
The DFO says witnesses reported two humpback whales near the ferry at the time of the collision, and one was struck after it surfaced in front of the vessel.
The federal agency says the whale was seen behind the vessel after the collision, and investigators are working to identify it and assess its condition.
BC Ferries has also confirmed the collision and is co-operating with the DFO, adding that initial reports showed crew had "very little time to react."
"We recognize how upsetting this is, particularly for those who witnessed the collision, including our crews," BC Ferries spokeswoman Lilian Kim says in a statement. "They work on these waters every day and care deeply about protecting the marine life around them."
Kim says BC Ferries crew receive special training on whale awareness, and vessels operate under specific protocols to reduce collision risks.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada would not comment on whether the whale has been found, only stating that the agency is "currently reviewing the situation."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Fright Fest horror to take over Delta this October!
Events in North Delta and South Delta will include haunted houses, crafts and trick-or-treating.
The very spooktacular Fright Fest is returning to North Delta on Oct. 20 and South Delta on Oct. 27.
“Come if you dare… and get ready for a hauntingly good time!” said the City of Delta on its website.
The day will feature a haunted house, spooky story time, Halloween crafts, tasty treats, ghostly games, trick-or-treating at McKee, and more.
“Whether you’re looking for a little scare or lots of Halloween fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!” the city added.
North Delta
The fest will run at North Delta Recreation Centre on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The haunted house will be paranomal investigations themed, offering three scare levels. It will operate Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Food options include North Delta Lions Club’s BBQ & hot chocolate, Little Ooties Mini Donuts, Chai Samosa and Altmaerker German Deli.
South Delta
South Delta’s Fright Fest will take place at the Ladner Community Centre on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m.
This haunted house is themed “oddities & curiosities” which will also be offered at three different scare levels. The house will operate Oct. 26, 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 27, 4 to 8 p.m. during the Fright Fest and Oct. 28, 6 to 8 p.m.
Food vendors include McKee Cafeteria, Mahshiko Food (Korean handhelds & bowls), Chai Samosa and Little Ooties Mini Donuts.
The city says the events will be low-lit, with flashing or flickering lights, as well as loud noises and sudden surprises. It cautions parents to use discretion if their child is sensitive to these effects.
Copyright 2026, Delta Optimist. All rights reserved.
Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist.
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TFN charts a bold path forward with updated Land Use Plan
The plan projects Tsawwassen Lands will reach 12,000 residents by 2050.
When the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) adopted British Columbia’s first urban modern treaty in 2009, it began a remarkable revitalization.
Seventeen years later, that foundational vision is evolving.
With its member vote approving the 2025 Land Use Plan Update, Tsawwassen is aiming to balance explosive growth with a deep commitment to cultural roots, ecological stewardship, and community wellness.
The numbers tell a story of steady transformation.
In 2009, about 660 people lived on Tsawwassen Lands.
By late 2025, that population climbed to roughly 5,400 residents, including 4,900 leasehold residents and 500 members living in the Village.
Projections estimate the population will reach 10,000 by 2040 and 12,000 by 2050.
Economic development has mirrored this population boom.
In 2025, more than 250 licensed businesses operated across industrial and commercial sectors on Tsawwassen Lands.
Together with government employment, these enterprises support about 4,000 on-land jobs and act as a significant economic engine for the region.
While the 2009 plan focused primarily on unlocking economic opportunities and building essential infrastructure like the $27 million sewage treatment plant and Tsawwassen Mills, the 2025 update takes a more well-rounded approach.
“Now we are prepared to carry it forward more holistically in 2025, rooted in Tsawwassen culture,” said Chief Laura Cassidy.
The updated plan is grounded in three core principles: syə́θəs (culture), šxʷkʷecxənəm (care), and məsteyəxʷ (community), and guided by the spirit of nəc̓aʔmát – working in unity.
As stated in the plan, this project’s community engagement process ran from September 2023 to June 2025 and included 24 sessions and over 350 member participations.
It divides Tsawwassen Lands into several key zones and designations to manage this future growth carefully:
The Community Area: Spanning about 177 hectares, this includes the Village, Tidal Marsh, and Bluff. It serves as the heart of the community, where plans include a new Cultural Centre, a Village Centre, a civic plaza near the legislature, a new cemetery, and an assisted living facility for elders. Ecological management zones will protect sensitive marsh and bluff habitats, archaeological sites, and the Pacific Great Blue Heron rookery.
“The objective of the Community Area is to maintain community character and continue building the community near the water for Members to live, work and play. Protect cultural roots, ecological environment, and traditional activities such as hunting and medicinal plants.”
Neighbourhood and Mixed-Use Areas: Covering about 134 hectares for leasehold residential and commercial enterprises, alongside 69 hectares at Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons, ensuring walkable, transit-friendly spaces that meet regional needs. It will help build out remaining vacant spaces, create long-term housing and market needs, and root new developments in Tsawwassen culture.
Industrial and Employment Lands: Encompassing roughly 135 hectares, these lands are designated as a long-term logistics and distribution hub, which aspires to create a national gateway that balances wealth generation with strict environmental standards.
Agricultural Areas: Increased to approximately 217 hectares with the inclusion of Brunswick Point lands, dedicated to food security, farming, and land-based economic activity.
Parks, Open Spaces & Blueways: Building on parks added since 2009, the updated plan focuses on creating safe, welcoming spaces for recreation, cultural expression, and community events. It advances the Great Blue Heron Way trail network, integrates gathering spots into neighbourhoods, and protects biodiversity. Alongside conserving the Tidal Marsh and Bluff, the plan prioritizes restoring blueway systems, shorelines, and waterways to support ecological health and cultural revitalization for future generations.
Transportation & Infrastructure: The plan prioritizes active transportation, integrated regional transit, and safe road networks through partnerships with provincial agencies. To support ongoing growth, new developments must dedicate land for trails and road rights-of-way while funding essential municipal infrastructure like water, sewage, drainage, and lighting. These systems will be managed for climate resilience and paired with third-party utilities to ensure modern standards across the community.
Action and Study Areas: The digital plan uses specific markers, such as eagle feathers for bold, near-term action Areas (like the Village Centre and beachfront planning) and heron feathers for long-term study areas (like the Port Adjacent Use Area and 13-acre parcel), to ensure growth happens thoughtfully as more information becomes available.
Implementation will roll out through updated zoning rules and other relevant regulations to align with the new Land Use Plan.
“By planning how we use and protect our lands, we are creating space for cultural revitalization, community wellness, and the healing of our People. We are honouring our ancestors by continuing the work they began, and we are preparing a strong foundation for our generations to come,” said Cassidy.
Copyright 2026, Delta Optimist. All rights reserved.
Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist.
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