Elenore Sturko loses seat for CentreBC in return to Surrey South
The Canadian Press decision desk is projecting that CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has lost her bid to win back her former seat in Surrey South.
The former RCMP officer, who was defeated by B.C. Conservative Megan Knight, was previously elected to the riding in 2022 as a B.C. Liberal before joining the Conservatives in 2024 and winning in nearby Surrey-Cloverdale that year.
But Sturko was ejected from the Conservatives by former party leader John Rustad, who cited the need for caucus unity.
Sturko sat as an Independent before announcing in September that she was joining CentreBC, along with seven other Conservatives defectors.
All except Sturko went back to the Conservatives just days later, after Kerry-Lynn Findlay quit as leader and was replaced by interim leader Lorne Doerkson ahead of the provincial election.
Sturko stayed on and became leader of CentreBC, which she has described as socially progressive and fiscally responsible.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2026.
By Chuck Chiang | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Victoria firefighters met with 'extremely challenging conditions' battling hotel fire
The City of Victoria says fire crews were met with "extremely challenging conditions" as they battled a blaze at the former Travellers Inn building on Queens Ave.
A statement from the city says part of the building collapsed and heavy machinery was used in a "controlled demolition" of the fire-damaged structure.
Victoria Fire Chief Dan Atkinson says the fire spread rapidly and crews took a "defensive posture" after clearing the building.
Atkinson says he was thankful to other agencies that aided the response, including the Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay fire departments, as well as Victoria Police, paramedics and crews from FortisBC and BC Hydro, calling the blaze a "complex incident."
The city says no firefighters were injured and the building's occupants have been accounted for, but there have been unconfirmed reports of other people in the building.
The statement from the city says the residents and others from a nearby building were evacuated and are getting help from the city's emergency support services, and crews are expected to remain at the scene through the night into Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
This $20 train from Toronto takes you to a riverside town with little cafes and quaint shops
It's a charming spot for a weekend escape.
You don't need a car to travel to a charming small town. This cute Ontario village is just a train ride away from Toronto, and it has "fall outing" written all over it.
With riverside views, a historic main street, quaint shops and little cafes, it's the perfect place to put on your coziest sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and breathe in the crisp fall air.
Port Hope is a dreamy small town on the shores of Lake Ontario, just an hour from Toronto.
According to Northumberland Tourism, it's "one of Ontario’s cutest small towns" and is home to the "best-preserved heritage main street" in the province.
It's only about an hour's train ride away from Toronto with VIA Rail. It's ideal for a weekend escape or longer, with trains departing Toronto in the evenings and returning in the afternoon or evening.
The train station is just steps from downtown, so you don't have to go far to find stores, restaurants, and more.
You can stroll through the storybook downtown, popping into bookshops, sipping on seasonal lattes, and biting into baked goods.
Some local eateries worth checking out include The Pulse Cafe & Eatery, The Main, Cafe Lviv, Milly's Market, and Happenstance Bakery & Coffee Roastery.
If you want a super cute cafe experience, make a stop at Toe Beans Cat Cafe, where you can visit with adorable cats while enjoying a drink.
The Ganaraska Hiking Trail is a dreamy spot for a late-autumn stroll. The scenic trail winds along the Ganaraska River, boasting picturesque views and peaceful scenery.
If you're in the mood for something spooky this Halloween season, Port Hope is the place to be.
Despite its charm, it has served as the backdrop for several horror films and a mystery series, making Halloween the ideal time to explore this destination.
One of the most famous horror films shot in Port Hope is IT, which saw the town transform into Derry, Maine, the fictional home of the terrifying, shape-shifting clown.
If you're brave enough, you can follow the IT Walking Tour to explore filming locations from both IT and IT: Chapter Two.
The self-guided tour includes stops at Memorial Park, where the giant Paul Bunyan statue appeared, and a laneway off Walton Street beside the Quality Meats shop featured in the films.
Other horror and mystery productions filmed in Port Hope include Orphan, Murdoch Mysteries and Our House.
Port Hope has no shortage of fall activities, from a Pumpkin Parade to trick-or-treating and more. You can check out the website for a full list of things to do.
If you're planning a longer visit, there are several boutique hotels and B&Bs where you can stay, such as the Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant and the Plantation House Bed & Breakfast.
With its charming shops and historic main street, Port Hope is a beautiful small-town escape near the city.

Alberta Councillor Doubles Down On Push To 'Stop Feeding' Homeless People
Slave Lake Alberta is facing a boycott by a neighbouring First Nation following some comments that were made by a local councillor about the local homeless population.
On September 8, Councillor Joy McGregor provided an update on the Homeless Coalition in Slave Lake. The meeting was recorded on video.
She said the people experiencing homelessness in the community aren't even from there, she then named several nearby Indigenous communities.
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Councillor Joy McGregor
Around the one-hour mark of the video conference, we hear McGregor's comments.
According to CTV News, the Driftpile Cree Nation responded to the comments on Sunday, November 8 in a press release.
"I am calling on our members to move away from supporting Slave Lake’s economy, similarly, we will not be making any capital expenditures in Slave Lake until such time as we receive a public apology," said the release.
Narcity has reached out to Joy McGregor and the Driftpile Cree Nation for comment and we will update this article when we receive a response.
Following her comment in the meeting, McGregor said "I know that that sounds horrible and there will be people down my throat for it. But they have to be accountable. And we have to get them home."
She also noted that homeless individuals have been stealing and "drinking" hand sanitizer and suggested it be hidden away in store aisles like mouthwash.