Dr. Bonnie Henry will take part in a remembrance ceremony to mark International Overdose Awareness Day

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International Overdose Awareness Day

BC’s Provincial Health Officer will take part in a remembrance ceremony to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Dr. Bonnie Henry and Co-founder of “Moms Stop the Harm,” Leslie McBain will take part in what’s being called “A Candlelight Vigil of Remembrance.” McBain says the online vigil is to remember people who have died from an overdose and to support those who loved them. She is calling on the provincial government to step up and expand access to safer alternatives to toxic street drugs.

"That is the one thing that will impact the number of deaths and they need to do it in a way that is non-stigmatizing, pretty straightforward, low barrier for people who need to access that."—Leslie McBain.

The candlelight vigil begins tonight at 7 PM on the Moms Stop The Harm Facebook page.

Fatal hit and run in Ladysmith

Ladysmith RCMP continue to search for the driver of a vehicle that was involved in a fatal accident early Saturday morning. Just after 8:30, RCMP officers were called to a multi-vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Oyster Stolo Road. Officers found a southbound truck had gone over a high centre median and collided with a northbound SUV. The SUV driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck fled on foot and is believed to have stolen another vehicle near the scene. His whereabouts are unknown.

If you were a witness to this collision and have not already spoken to police, you are urged to call South Island Traffic Service at 250-416-0352

BC Ferries continuing enhanced ferries services until next spring

Smaller island communities can expect smooth sailings as BC Ferries announces it will be continuing enhanced ferries services until next spring. Vancouver Island Free Daily is reporting a pilot program that added extra sailings to small island community routes will continue thanks to an infusion of cash from the provincial and federal governments. The ferry corporation says it has added 769 sailings above its contract on minor and northern routes.

Traffic on the routes continues to climb after being down 80 per cent of last year’s numbers. The additional sailings will be in effect from September 8th to March 31, 2021.