By Bernie Florido, Civic Affairs Convenor
Vancouver:
Additional VPD officers have been called out for expected gatherings and protests because of the Middle East conflict, with a protests occurring in Vancouver. The VPD aims to ensure events and demonstrations remain peaceful. Mayor Sim voiced his opposition to hate speech and supported police investigations into such incidents.
Burnaby:
In September home prices in Burnaby decreased slightly compared to August, especially for single-family houses in some areas. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reported more sales of detached homes in Burnaby but fewer sales of attached properties and apartments. Overall, 257 homes were sold in Burnaby in September, with more listings than in August. In the larger Metro Vancouver area September sales increased compared to the previous year, but they were still below the typical average for that month. The number of homes listed for sale in Greater Vancouver in September 2023 went up significantly compared to the previous year.
Coquitlam:
A deeply devastating event resulted in the approval of two criminal charges of first degree murder and attempted murder against Nicholas Bellemare, a 25 year old male, in the death of RCMP Constable Rick O’Brien. This event occurred during the execution of a search warrant in Coquitlam. This is an immense loss that has deeply affected both the RCMP and communities across the country. Constable Rick O’Brien had dedicated seven years to the RCMP and leaves behind a wife and six children.