Hunt for aggressive coyotes underway after 2nd Stanley Park attack this week

Simon Little GlobalNews.ca

July 24, 2021 1:18 pm

Biologist Colleen Cassady St. Clair shares insight on what might be causing the increase in aggressive coyote activity in Stanley Park

Coyotes attacked a second person in as many days in Stanley Park on Thursday, as officials continue to grapple with a rise in aggressive incidents involving the animals.

The BC Conservation Officer Service said the latest incident involved a man being bitten on the leg near the Stanley Park Pitch and Putt on the evening of July 22.

The Vancouver Park Board has closed all trails between the aquarium and Brockton Oval.

There have been more than 30 attacks or aggressive incidents in the park since December, including one where a coyote bit a toddler and another that left a woman with a detached hamstring and nerve damage.

All trails between the Aquarium and Brockton Oval in #StanleyPark are closed after a man was attacked by a coyote last night, July 22. @_BCCOS is working to locate the coyote involved and Park Rangers are patrolling to prevent individuals from entering the area.

— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) July 24, 2021

Conservation officers had already been deployed to the park after coyotes attacked a jogger on Wednesday evening.

“Conservation officers are continuing to patrol the area and are attempting to locate and destroy the coyote(s) involved in these attacks,” the service said Friday.

“The COS is focusing trapping efforts to specific areas to minimize the chances of catching a non-target coyote. Any coyotes captured that do not match the profile of the offending animal will be released.”

Officers killed four coyotes the week prior, following the attack on the toddler.

The Conservation Officer Service said it is working with the city, biologists and local organizations on a long-term strategy to deal with the aggressive coyote problem.

Officials have blamed the spike in aggressive encounters on people feeding coyotes, who they say have lost their fear of humans.

Anyone who sees a coyote is advised to try and scare it away by shouting and waving their arms or throwing rocks or dirt at them.

Feeding wildlife, including coyotes, is illegal.

International passengers may now be separated based on COVID vaccination status at Pearson airport

Ryan Rocca GlobalNews.ca

July 24, 2021 1:16 pm

WATCH ABOVE: Canada will soon open its border to those who are fully vaccinated, but only if they received one approved by Health Canada.

International passengers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport may now be separated into different lines based on their COVID-19 vaccination status.

A spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) confirmed the new measure in an emailed statement to Global News on Saturday.

“Passengers entering Canada from the U.S. or another international destination may be split into vaccinated and non/partially-vaccinated queues prior to reaching Canada Customs,” Beverly MacDonald wrote.

“This is a measure to help streamline the border clearance process as there are different entry requirements for vaccinated and non/partially-vaccinated travellers, which have been broadly communicated by the Government of Canada.”

Earlier this month, Canada lifted the 14-day quarantine requirement for those permitted to travel into the country who are fully vaccinated. They must still present a negative COVID-19 test result.

“We know that the arrivals experience is different for passengers than it was in pre-pandemic times, and we appreciate passengers’ patience as we work with all of our partners to implement Government of Canada requirements for international air travel,” MacDonald said.

Chatham, Ont. man dies after falling from TV antenna in industrial accident

Kelly Wang 980 CFPL

July 24, 2021 1:02 pm

Chatham, Ont. man dies after falling from TV antenna in industrial accident — Police say around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to an accident on Indian Creek Road West where a 60-year-old Chatham-Kent man reportedly fell from a television antenna.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

Chatham-Kent, Ont., police say a man has died after a fatal industrial accident.

Police say around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to an incident on Indian Creek Road West.

A 60-year-old Chatham-Kent man reportedly fell from a television antenna.

Police say he sustained life-threatening injuries.

The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His identity has not been released.

The Ministry of Labour has taken over the investigation.

One man dead, 2 in hospital following crash in south Edmonton

Radana Williams GlobalNews.ca

July 24, 2021 12:56 pm

One man dead, 2 in hospital following crash in south Edmonton — Edmonton police say speed and alcohol may have been factors in a deadly crash July 24, 2021.
Courtesy: Jason Olinyk

Speed and alcohol may have led to a deadly early morning crash in south Edmonton.

Police say just before 3 a.m. Saturday a car carrying three people lost control and struck a light pole on Rabbit Hill Road approaching MacTaggart Drive.

A 20-year-old man riding in the rear passenger seat was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

The 19-year-old driver and his 21-year-old male passenger were taken to hospital for precautionary measures.

Investigators are looking into how fast the vehicle was travelling and whether alcohol may have also been a factor.

Rabbit Hill Road was closed for several hours, but has since reopened.

Winnipeg Jets select Russian forward in round two of 2021 NHL entry draft

Kelly Moore GlobalNews.ca

July 24, 2021 12:49 pm

The Winnipeg Jets figure to be one of the least active teams on the second day of the NHL entry draft, with selections in just the second, third and fifth rounds.

Their status is a result of previous trades with Vegas, Vancouver and Florida for Paul Stastny, Jordie Benn and Bogdan Kiselevich respectively.

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff began the day by selecting Russian right-winger Nikita Chibrikov with the 50th overall pick in the second round.

#NHLJets have selected Nikita Chibrikov 50th overall in the 2021 #NHLDraft! pic.twitter.com/g8CIveLj9T

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 24, 2021

Chibrikov is a five-foot-ten, 170-pound forward who scored one goal and had one assist in 16 games with St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL this past season.

During Friday’s first round, Winnipeg took 18-year-old center Chaz Lucius with what was officially the 18th overall pick in the draft. The six-foot-one, 185-pound center was actually the 17th player selected because Arizona had to forfeit the 11th choice. That was a result of a previous ruling by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman following an investigation into the Coyotes working out prospects prior to the 2020 draft which is a rules violation.

Lucius scored 13 goals and added five assists for 18 points in 12 USHL games for the U.S. national development team this past season. He had knee surgery in August that kept him off the ice until early in 2021. Then he had to miss the World U18 tournament in Dallas in late April because of a fever and quarantine protocols.

Lucius is committed to playing in his home state for the University of Minnesota Gophers this coming NCAA season.

Winnipegger Carson Lambos was the 25th player selected (26th overall) on the night, as the Minnesota Wild took the six-foot-one, 197-pound defenseman from the WHL Winnipeg Ice with the second pick of the first round.

Lambos was projected to go higher in the draft but missed most of the WHL’s pandemic-shortened season because of a medical procedure. He played just four games in total this past season: two for JyP HT in the Finnish League and two for Winnipeg in the WHL’s Regina Hub.

More to come…

Man sought after woman repeatedly punched in the face and robbed in Toronto, police say

Allison Jones The Canadian Press

July 24, 2021 12:41 pm

Man sought after woman repeatedly punched in the face and robbed in Toronto, police say — Du Van Duong, 34, is wanted by Toronto police.
Handout / Toronto Police

Toronto police are asking for the public’s help to find a man they allege robbed and repeatedly punched a woman in the face.

Police say they got a call on Sunday, July 4 at about 6:30 p.m. for an alleged domestic assault in western Toronto (near Old Weston Road and St. Clair Avenue).

Police say a man pushed a woman to the ground, punched her multiple times while she lay there, then choked her until she was unconscious.

When the woman regained consciousness, police say the man then punched her several more times in the face, damaged her property and stole money from her before fleeing.

Du Van Duong, 34, is wanted for assault causing bodily harm, choking to overcome resistance, mischief under $5,000, forcible confinement, uttering death threats and theft under $5,000.

He is described as 5’10“, with a medium build, bald, has brown eyes and police say he may be in the Oshawa, Ont., area.

Edmonton Oilers announce 2-year deal for goalie Mike Smith

Reid Wilkins 630CHED

July 24, 2021 12:23 pm

WATCH (Sept. 10, 2019): With just days to go ahead of the start of Edmonton Oilers training camp, goaltender Mike Smith id bringing his best to win the number one job between the pipes. John Sexsmith reports.

Goaltender Mike Smith is returning to the Edmonton Oilers for two seasons.

The Oilers announced the deal Saturday morning, two days after general manager Ken Holland said they were in the process of finalizing the contract.

Smith, 39, went 21-6-2 in the 2021 regular season with a .923 save percentage. In the playoffs, he was 0-4 with a .912 save percentage as the Oilers were swept by the Jets.

He’s spent the last two seasons with the Oilers, posting a record of 40-18-8. Smith has played in 646 NHL regular season games since entering the league in the 2006/07 season.

His new contract has an average annual value of $2.2 million.

OPP investigating after man commits indecent act in front of mother and child in Simcoe, Ont.

Kelly Wang 980 CFPL

July 24, 2021 12:11 pm

OPP investigating after man commits indecent act in front of mother and child in Simcoe, Ont. — OPP describe the suspect as a white man around 50-years-old. They say he was medium height with brown hair.
Lars Hagberg / The Canadian Press

Norfolk OPP are looking for a suspect after a man reportedly committed an indecent act in front of a mother and her 10-year-old child.

Police say around 12:45 p.m. Thursday, a woman and her child were sitting at a picnic table at Dingle Creek in Simcoe, Ont.

A man approached them and sat nearby. The man waved at them and then reportedly committed an indecent act.

The mother and child left the area and contacted police.

OPP describe the suspect as a white man around 50 years old. They say he was medium height with brown hair.

He was wearing brown sunglasses, a blue T-shirt with a muscle shirt underneath and jean shorts.

Anyone with further information or video surveillance is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Body of Lane Tailfeathers found, RCMP investigating death as suspicious

Jessica Robb GlobalNews.ca

July 24, 2021 12:02 pm

Body of Lane Tailfeathers found, RCMP investigating death as suspicious — Lane Tailfeathers was last seen in Fort Macleod, Alta. on June 20, 2021.
Courtesy: Billi-J Heavyshields

Alberta RCMP confirmed late Friday night that the body of 35-year-old Lane Tailfeathers was found.

Tailfeathers was reported missing on June 20. He was last seen in Fort Macleod.

On July 20, Alberta Fish and Wildlife reported to Crowsnest Pass RCMP that possible human remains had been found in a rural area. The discovery was made by a rancher near Burmis.

After confirming the report, Alberta RCMP Major Crimes and RCMP Forensic Identification Services were sent to examine the scene.

The autopsy was done July 22.

Tailfeathers’ death is being treated as suspicious. Alberta RCMP Major Crimes have taken over the investigation.

On July 15, his family spoke out about his disappearance.

“He had a lot of friends,” said Tailfeathers’ sister Billi-J Heavyshields. “He was a kind person, and people are offering their help.”

“You know he got into the wrong crowd, that’s all I’m going to say… he got into the wrong crowd, but he’s a very respectful guy,” said Steven Heavyshields, Lane’s father said.

RCMP said an update will be provided when more information is available.

Canada at the Tokyo Olympics: Who's competing Saturday night, Sunday morning

Sean Boynton GlobalNews.ca

July 24, 2021 12:00 pm

Women’s beach volleyball and men’s volleyball highlight a busy first day at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Here is Moses Woldu with a preview of Day 1.

Canadian athletes will be busy competing in several events at the Tokyo Olympics Sunday, which will see the debut of skateboarding at the Summer Games for the first time.

For Canadian fans, events will begin Saturday evening and continue overnight into Sunday morning.

Here’s when you can see Canada compete in several sports (all times Eastern). Events with multiple showings for Canada will be marked with starting times.

Skateboarding – 7:30 p.m. ET

Skateboarding makes its debut as an Olympic event with the men’s street competition beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

Andy Anderson, Matt Berger and Micky Papa make up the first-ever Team Canada.

Shooting – 8 p.m. ET

Lynda Kiejko will represent Canada in the 10-metre air pistol qualification at 8 p.m. ET Saturday. If she does well, she’ll move on to the final at 10:15 p.m. ET.

Badminton – 9 p.m. ET

The men’s doubles competition will see Jason Ho-Shue and Nyl Yakura face off against South Korea at 9 p.m. ET Saturday.

At 11 p.m. ET, Michelle Li will take on Guatemala’s Nikte Alejandra Sotomayor in women’s singles.

On Sunday, the mixed doubles team of Josephine Wu and Joshua Hurlburt-Yu will face Great Britain at 6:20 a.m. ET.

The women’s doubles team of Rachel Honderich and Kristen Tsai will then meet Japan’s team at 7 a.m. ET.

Artistic Gymnastics – 9 p.m. ET

The qualifying rounds for women will kick off at 9 p.m. ET Saturday and continue overnight into Sunday morning.

The day will be split into five subdivisions that will each include the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and a floor exercise.

Canada’s gymnasts will be represented in Tokyo by the five-women team of Ava Stewart, Brooklyn Moors, Ellie Black, and Shallon Olsen.

Judo – 10 p.m. ET

Ecaterina Guica faces Belgium’s Charline van Snick in the 12th elimination round of the women’s 52 kg judo event. The first round will kick off at 10 p.m. ET Saturday.

Rowing – 10:10 p.m. ET

After finishing second in her heat on Friday, Carling Zeeman will face off in the women’s single sculls quarterfinal at 10:10 p.m. ET Saturday against rowers from South Korea, Sweden, Russia, Great Britain and Cuba.

Then Trevor Jones, who won his heat on Friday, will compete in the men’s single sculls quarterfinal at 10:50 p.m. ET, facing Bermuda, Turkey, Denmark, Russia and Zimbabwe.

At 11:30 p.m. ET, Gabrielle Smith and Jessica Sevick will take on France, Netherlands, the United States, Australia and Germany in the women’s double sculls semifinal.

Boxing – 10:48 p.m. ET

Canada’s Mandy Bujold will take on Serbia’s Nina Radovanovic in the fourth round of the women’s flyweight boxing event just after 10:45 p.m. ET Saturday.

Canoe/Kayak Slalom – 12 a.m. ET

The first run of the men’s canoe slalom will see Cameron Smedley aim to improve on his fourth-place finish in qualifying. The race kicks off at 12 a.m. ET Sunday.

Then at 12:50 a.m. ET, Florence Maheu will represent Canada in the first run of the women’s kayak slalom, where she placed eighth in qualifying.

Both Canadians will compete in a second run between 2 and 3 a.m. ET if they place well enough in the first.

Cycling – 12 a.m. ET

Karol-Ann Canuel, Alison Jackson and Leah Kirchmann will take on the 137-kilometre Fuji International Speedway, one of the most mountainous courses in Olympic history.

The women’s road race, which will end in medals, kicks off at 12 a.m. ET Sunday and is expected to continue overnight.

Taekwondo – 12:44 a.m. ET

Skylar Park will vie for a medal in the women’s featherweight event (49-57 kg), first facing off against Australia’s Stacey Hymer at 12:44 a.m. ET Sunday.

A win by Park would send her to the quarterfinals, and hopefully to one of the medal bouts, which begin at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Softball – 1:30 a.m. ET

Team Canada will continue their quest for a medal when they face off against Japan at 1:30 a.m. ET Sunday.

Table Tennis – 1:45 a.m. ET

Mo Zhang will be competing in the second round of women’s singles table tennis event starting at 1:45 a.m. ET Sunday.

Diving – 2 a.m. ET

Canada’s diving team will debut competing in the three-metre synchronized springboard, which starts at 2 a.m. ET Sunday. Medals will be awarded at the end of the event.

Equestrian – 4 a.m. ET

Canadians will feature in multiple equestrian events Sunday in both team and individual categories.

At 4 a.m. ET, the individual dressage Grand Prix will see Chris von Martels, Lindsay Kellock and Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu compete in separate groups.

Canada will also feature in the team dressage Grand Prix.

Swimming – 6 a.m. ET

Kylie Masse and Taylor Ruck will compete in the fourth heat of the women’s 100-metre backstroke, which kicks off at 6:09 a.m. ET Sunday.

At 6:43 a.m. ET, Kelsey Lauren Wog will take part in the women’s 100-metre breastroke, also in the fourth heat. Kierra Smith will take part in the sixth heat of the same event at 6:48 a.m. ET.

The men’s 100-metre backstroke will feature Cole Pratt and Markus Thormeyer swimming in the sixth heat at 7:03 a.m. ET.

Summer McIntosh will then compete in the women’s 400-metre freestyle, appearing at 7:18 a.m. ET in the third heat.

Finally, Canada’s men’s team will face off against seven other countries in second heat of the four-person 100-metre relay at 7:35 a.m. ET.