Navy issues warning ahead of explosive testing on B.C. island
Navy issues warning ahead of explosive testing on B.C. island
A baleen whale breaches the water surface inside the two-kilometre radius of the Bentinck Island demolition range while a navy sentry boat tracks the whale’s position. (Royal Canadian Navy)
The Royal Canadian Navy is warning the public to avoid the area around a small island southwest of Victoria next week as sailors conduct explosive demolition training in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The navy has been setting off explosives at the test range on Bentinck Island, the site of a former leper colony, for nearly 70 years. The navy says the training is critical to ensure its members can achieve and maintain operational readiness ahead of deployment.
Residents near the island will likely be unaware of the explosive testing except when weather conditions allow the sound to travel ashore, the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Navy said in joint a statement.
The navy stepped up its marine mammal protection measures around the island in 2017 in response to complaints from the Pacific Whale Watching Association and local tour operators who were concerned the explosive blasts were harming orcas and migratory whales in the area.
In a meeting with the groups, the navy agreed to halt detonations when marine mammals were spotted within two kilometres of the island, and limit the weight of explosives used from 2.25 kilograms to 1.13 kilograms.
The military says it will have expert third-party observers on site during the demolition testing to advise when the range is clear of orcas and whales.
"Events are delayed if whales are observed in or transiting towards the range, and activities do not re-commence until the marine mammal observer provides the all-clear," said the navy and National Defence.
Staff at the nearby Race Rocks Ecological Reserve have reported frequent humpback whale encounters this month at the site, which is less than a kilometre from Bentinck Island. Personnel also reported four sightings of transient orcas passing between Bentinck Island and the reserve in an update published June 10.
The navy testing is scheduled for 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily from Monday, June 27 to Thursday, June 30.
The waters around Bentinck Island are frequented by kayakers and paddle boarders, but public access to the island is strictly prohibited.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Anti-Taliban law could be tweaked to get more humanitarian aid to Afghans: minister
A law outlawing any dealings with the Taliban, which charities complain is impeding their ability to help needy Afghans, could be adjusted by the federal government to give more flexibility to aid agencies.
Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.
'It's recent': Survivor reflects on last Sask. residential school closing 25 years ago
It's been 25 years since Saskatchewan's last residential school closed, but some are still healing.
Russian forces press assault on eastern Ukrainian city of Lysychansk
Russian forces are pounding the city of Lysychansk and its surroundings in an all-out attempt to seize the last stronghold of resistance in eastern Ukraine's Luhansk province, the governor said Saturday.
Biden intends to nominate a conservative, anti-abortion lawyer to federal judgeship, Kentucky Democrats say
U.S. President Joe Biden intends to nominate an anti-abortion Republican lawyer to a federal judgeship, two Kentucky Democrats informed of the decision say.
'Summer of recovery': Pandemic-stricken tourism industry sees signs of optimism
Canada Day has kicked off the unofficial start of summer, and the tourism sector is hopeful the first season in three years largely free of COVID-19 restrictions will marshal a much-needed boost for a pandemic-stricken industry.
'You do not want this' virus: California man with monkeypox urges others to get vaccinated
A California man has posted a widely-shared video in an attempt to educate people about the monkeypox virus outbreak, to encourage people to get vaccinated if they're eligible and to make it very clear: 'You do not want this.'
West Vancouver retiree heading back to Ukraine to help abandoned animals
When Dan Fine returned from his first trip volunteering at animal shelters on the Polish-Ukrainian border in late April, he immediately felt compelled to return to continue helping pets that have been left behind in the war.
'We have to build bridges': Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk on Ukraine, reconciliation
Moving toward reconciliation doesn't come from jumping 'the queue to perfection,' but by building bridges and trusting one another, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk told CTV News Channel during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on Friday.
Vancouver
-
How Afghan-Canadians in B.C. are finding strength and unity through the power of music
It's been almost a year since Kabul's fall and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the many aspects of Afghan society threatened by the Taliban is the country's rich musical culture.
-
Former high-ranking Mountie facing discipline over letter to Arlene Westervelt's sister
A former B.C. Mountie is facing discipline for communicating with the sister of a woman found dead in Okanagan Lake.
-
11-hour wait, 3-hour parking limit: Man ticketed while stuck in B.C. passport line
Marc Diaz is warning others after he spent 11 hours waiting at the Surrey, B.C., passport office this week, only to return to his car and find an $80 ticket – because the adjoining parking lot has a three-hour limit.
Edmonton
-
Edmontonians mark Canada Day by celebrating and reflecting
From drumming circles, charity runs, to a healing walk, Edmontonians found a way to celebrate their country or reflect on its past in a manner that felt right to them.
-
Edmonton's Canada Day fireworks back in full force
An explosive comeback will light up the Edmonton sky Friday night as Canada Day fireworks return to pre-pandemic proportions.
-
Elks down Tiger-Cats 29-25 for first win of CFL season
Jalen Collins recovered a fumble and scored on a 14-yard return in the fourth quarter to give the Edmonton Elks their first win of the season with a 29-25 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.
Toronto
-
Ontario behind its neighbours on COVID-19 4th dose eligibility. But that may change
Ontario is not yet allowing most adults under the age of 60 to get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot, putting it at odds with the United States and Quebec and prompting one doctor to prepare legal action to get the province to widen eligibility.
-
Downtown Toronto collision leaves one person dead, seven others injured
One person is dead, and seven others have been injured in a collision in downtown Toronto, police say.
-
Driver critically injured in Hamilton crash
A person has critical injuries after a collision on Hamilton mountain Friday evening.
Calgary
-
Thousands of Calgarians gather for restriction-free Canada Day festivities with focus on reconciliation
Friday marked the first Canada Day in two years without any public health restrictions, which meant Calgarians were finally able to gather at several in-person events across the city.
-
Monument unveiled at a southeast Calgary park to honour Vietnamese boat people
Members of Calgary’s Vietnamese community gathered Friday at The Journey to Freedom Park to celebrate the unveiling of a meaningful monument.
-
Longtime Calgary Flames organist Willy Joosen passes away
The Flames lost their longtime organist Friday, when Willy Joosen died.
Montreal
-
Quebec could see increase in unhoused people as leases expire across province: housing group
A prominent housing advocacy group fears Quebec could see an increase in households left without a permanent place to live as leases expire across the province on July 1.
-
Quebec provincial police update cold case website as families wait for answers
Quebec’s provincial police force is revamping its cold-case website with intentions of making it more user-friendly, and hopefully leading to resolutions to previously dead-end investigations.
-
Quebec man dies in highway collision, three others brought to hospital
A motorist died after suffering serious injuries in a collision early Friday evening in Quebec’s Montérégie region.
Atlantic
-
Spouse of gunman to testify at N.S. shooting hearings but won't be cross-examined
The spouse of the gunman in the Nova Scotia mass shooting will testify mid-July before a public inquiry, but she won't face direct questions from lawyers representing victims' families.
-
'It’s a waste of time': Low turnout for the final day of school in Nova Scotia
As Claire Mahaney-Lion dropped her son off at school this morning, she questioned the reasons behind scheduling a school day that would last fewer than two hours.
-
Saint John celebrates Memorial Cup win with parade Thursday
Saint John is having its dog day. The host city of the 2022 Memorial Cup is celebrating after the Saint John Sea Dogs bested the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 in front of a capacity crowd during Wednesday's championship game at TD Station.
Winnipeg
-
'Changing the course of history': How Winnipeggers celebrated Canada Day
In-person Canada Day festivities made a return on Friday for the first time since the pandemic started, with residents bringing back old traditions and creating new ones.
-
'Abortion is health care': Pro-choice group rallies in support of a woman's right to choose
A pro-choice rally was held at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday -- a week after Roe v. Wade was reversed by the United States Supreme Court.
-
Body found in Assiniboine River: RCMP
Officers with the Manitoba RCMP have confirmed that a body was found in the Assiniboine River on Thursday.
Kitchener
-
'There is a real need for blood': Emergency responders launch blood donation challenge
Emergency service workers in the Region of Waterloo kicked off a friendly competition Friday to see which team can donate the most blood by Labour Day.
-
OPP want to talk to man who paved Puslinch, Ont. driveway without permission
OPP are trying to identify a man who they say was involved in an "unwanted residential paving incident" in Puslinch, Ont.
-
Waterloo Region returns to in-person Canada Day celebrations
Waterloo Region held its first in-person Canada Day celebrations since 2019 and there were several local events for residents to show off their Canadian pride.
Regina
-
Queen City celebrates Canada Day without pandemic restrictions for first time in two years
The COVID-19 pandemic hindered Canada Day celebrations for the past two years. But on Saturday, the red and white was back in full force in Regina with events all around the city.
-
Drive safe: What to be aware of before travelling for the Canada Day long weekend
Both the City of Regina and the provincial government remind travellers to stay safe due to the increased number of people travelling for the Canada Day long weekend.
-
Two charged in early morning break and enter: Regina police
Regina police responded to an early morning report of a break and enter into a business on the 3700 block of Eastgate Drive East on Friday.
Barrie
-
Barrie residents pack Dunlop Street for Canada Day celebrations
Thousands packed downtown streets Friday for the first Canada Day celebration in two years, not restricted by pandemic measures.
-
Missing man found dead in river near Gravenhurst
Police in Gravenhurst say a man has died after being reported missing.
-
Two people in hospital following early morning assault in Wasaga Beach
Two people have been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following an early morning assault in Wasaga Beach.
Saskatoon
-
'Respect and Honour' theme for Saskatoon Canada Day celebrations
Canada Day will look a little different in Saskatoon as things move downtown.
-
'It's recent': Survivor reflects on last Sask. residential school closing 25 years ago
It's been 25 years since Saskatchewan's last residential school closed, but some are still healing.
-
City of Saskatoon to host wide range of summer activities for kids, youth
The City of Saskatoon will be running 46 summer play programs from July 4 until August 25.
Northern Ontario
-
Canada Day celebrations at the Roberta Bondar Tent Pavilion
People in the Sault once again gathered at the Roberta Bondar Tent Pavilion on the waterfront for some Canada Day fun.
-
Culture and shared diversity celebrated in Sudbury
Science North and the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association held an event showcasing many cultures, traditions and tastes that make up their diverse city.
-
Hundreds of people show up for Canada Day party in Timmins
Hundreds of people lined up for free hot dogs and for fun in the suds in Hollinger Park in Timmins on Canada Day. The event was hosted by the City of Timmins and the Timmins Community Park Association.