A new out-of-control wildfire has ignited near Summerland, forcing residents to evacuate with little notice.

The Bald Range wildfire was first reported on Friday afternoon, about 15 kilometres west of the community.

In just the span of a few hours, the blaze grew in size to more than 5,000 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service says it’s displaying aggressive rank 5 behaviour, with an organized flame front with a fast rate of spread and moderate to long-range spotting.

It also says gusty winds fuelled the quick growth and complicated the firefight for aircraft.

The organization said that the fire is spotting close to a kilometre ahead of the main wildfire zone.

An evacuation order has been issued for areas west of Summerland, and parts of the community itself.

Residents have told Global News that some homes have been lost to the fire.

https://x.com/Dave_Eby/status/2085954460506083774

Erick Thompson with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen’s emergency operations centre says the fire was first detected at 5:30 p.m.

He says the fast-moving fire poses an immediate threat and those in the evacuation zone from Summerland north to Peachland need to get out in the face of one of the “quickest-moving, fastest-growing” fires the area has ever seen.

Residents in the following area must evacuate to the north.

• 7210 Brent Road to 7100 Brent Road
• 7280 HWY 97S to 6801 HWY 97S
• 307 Log Chute Road to 303 Log Chute Road

An evacuation alert has also been ordered due to this wildfire.

It is in place for Brenda Mines Rd, Upper Princeton and Renfrew neighbourhoods.

The following addresses are covered in this alert:

· 5875 Brenda Mines Rd

· 6205 – 6230 Bonnie Lane

· 5268 – 5323 Bradbury Street

· 4905 – 4996 Bradley Drive

· 6140 – 6220 Brigade Court

· 6272 – 6590 Bulyea Avenue

· 4948 – 5079 Elliott Avenue

· 6503 – 6551 Ferguson Place

· 6311 – 6352 Forest Hill Drive

· 6212 Gummow Road

· 6204 – 6212 Haker Place

· 6649 Hardy Street

· 6209 – 6265 Heighway Lane

· 6444 – 6711 Highway 97

· 5247 Inga Street

· 6400 – 6493 Keyes Avenue

· 5002 – 5414 Law Street

· 6213 – 6266 Lipsett Avenue

· 6421 – 6465 Mack Road

· 5135 – 5225 Maranatha Drive

· 5440 – 5463 McDougald Road

· 6229 – 6261 Miller Road

· 4976 – 4984 Nash Street

· 5357 – 5495 Pierce Street

· 5115 – 5253 Pineridge Road

· 6349 – 6359 Powell Road

· 4809 – 5436 Princeton Avenue

· 6226 – 6650 Renfrew Road

· 4932 – 6293 Sanderson Avenue

· 6482 – 6568 Sherburn Road

· 5203 – 5220 Silver Court

· 6404 – 6485 Stuart Crescent

· 6267 Sundstrom Court

· 5003 Thompson Drive

· 6195 – 6349 Thompson Drive

· 6691 – 6789 Thorne Road

· 6306 – 6376 Topham Place

· 6363 – 6575 Vernon Avenue

· 6203 – 6297 Whinton Crescent

· 6325 – 6391 York Lane

Residents in the area are advised to be ready to leave their homes at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from home for an extended period, make arrangements for their pets, and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

This is a developing story…

-with files from The Canadian Press

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

REGINA – The Ottawa Redblacks are still searching for their first victory of the CFL season after a 42-20 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.

The Redblacks are now winless in eight games this season and have a 14-game regular-season losing streak dating back to the 2025 season.

Ottawa’s last regular-season victory was a 34-33 win over the B.C. Lions on Sept. 5, 2025. After that win, the Redblacks lost their final six games of the 2025 season.

The defending Grey Cup champion Roughriders improve to 6-2 with the victory.

Ottawa had a 14-13 lead early in the third quarter, but the Riders responded with three straight touchdowns to take control of the contest. Rookie receiver Dylan Djete scored his first CFL touchdown on a 18-yard reception from Roughriders’ quarterback Trevor Harris. KeeSean Johnson connected with Harris on a two-point conversion to give the Riders a 21-14 lead.

Tommy Stevens, Saskatchewan’s short-yardage specialist, sealed the victory with three touchdown runs, scoring from one yard, five yards and seven yards. Stevens, who scored three rushing touchdowns in last week’s 28-26 victory over the Edmonton Elks, leads the CFL with 11 rushing touchdowns.

Harris, who completed 30 of 38 passes for 401 yards, became the 12th quarterback in CFL history to break the 40,000-yard mark in career passing yards. He now has 40,352 career passing yards and is 182 yards behind Tracy Ham (40,534) for 11th place.

Anthony Calvillo is the CFL’s all-time career passing yardage leader with 79,816 yards.

The teams exchanged touchdowns in the first half, with Ottawa’s Bryson Barnes scoring on a one-yard plunge and Johnson grabbing a five-yard scoring pass from Harris. Johnson, who had eight receptions for 107 yards in the half, caught seven passes for 97 yards on Saskatchewan’s final two possessions before the break.

Johnson’s touchdown catch, coming with seven seconds left in the half, gave the Riders a 13-6 lead.

Justin Hardy, on a 23-yard reception, and Keelan White, on a seven-yard catch, also had touchdowns for Ottawa.

UP NEXT

Redblacks: Visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, Aug. 14.

Roughriders: Visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, Aug. 15.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

A precedent-setting decision was made in a Saskatchewan human trafficking case Thursday, after years in the court system.

The judge found Sohel Hadiar and Muhammad Masum guilty on charges of human trafficking, and Masum guilty of eight counts of sexual assault.

“I’ve not had a guilty verdict on human trafficking alone. So, for Saskatchewan, this is one of the first human trafficking cases that has gone to trial employment trafficking,” said senior Crown prosecutor Leslie Dunning.

“I think going forward, this case certainly sets a precedent for human trafficking cases because we don’t have written decisions in our province.”

Dunning says human trafficking comes in many forms and in different forms of relationships.

“We’ll see more as time goes on, but I also think that this hopefully would be a deterrent that people follow the law in the province and in the federal system as well,” Dunning said.

“Because that’s why we have these laws out there, is to protect our temporary foreign workers and our newcomers.”

The judge read out his determined facts, stating the two men exploited a Bengali woman, whose identity is being protected, by preying on her fear of leaving Canada and threatening to revoke her work permit.

He said the woman, referred to as “SK,” was desperately trying to stay in Canada and searching for a job to gain a work visa when Hadiar hired her.

“Human trafficking can be very diverse in different ways and as I said at the argument, it doesn’t always mean somebody coming in over a crate,” Dunning said.

“It could be that human trafficking can happen in relationships. Human trafficking can happen in employment relationships, such as what we’ve seen in this case happen.”

Hadiar brought her to Saskatchewan from Toronto, promising to pay and house “SK,” but never paid her while forcing her to work 12-hour shifts six days a week at Empire Diner in Gull Lake.

She started working for Hadiar in September 2022, without a work permit.

Saskatchewan MLA for Cypress Hills, Doug Steele, came into the Empire Diner regularly during this time and grew concerned over “SK”’s well-being.

Steele gave “SK” his business card and told her to contact her if she needed help.

Hadiar and Masum made an agreement to move “SK” to Tisdale while awaiting her documentation.

Steele became increasingly concerned for “SK” and secretly gave her the contact information to a social worker.

While working for Masum at Little Town Diner in November 2022, he paid her $3,500 for months of working 12-hour-shifts six days a week while going with him to get supplies on Mondays.

The judge found Masum guilty of eight counts of sexual assaulting “SK,” including seven instances of rape.

She got a closed work permit in January 2023, meaning her visa was tied to her employment at Hadiar’s restaurant, Bob’s Diner, in Elrose.

Steele and the social worker devised a plan to help “SK” leave her situation.

The judge found Steel, the social worker and “SK” to be credible witnesses, but could not say the same about the co-accused.

He said he found Hadiar’s testimony to be unconvincing and self-serving.

“Human trafficking cases, or any type of cases, where it’s a he said-she said can always be complex. We don’t know how our witnesses are going to respond. Witnesses get nervous,” said Dunning.

“I think we’re well enough informed in this day and age about a trauma-informed approach when we’re looking at our witnesses’ evidence, allowing them time to get their evidence out in a meaningful way for the judge to make their decision about how he or she accepts that evidence.”

The two men have been remanded into custody until Aug. 14 and have been ordered to have no contact with the complainant.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Peel Regional Police have recovered nearly $800,000 worth of cargo and commercial vehicles following an investigation in Brampton.

Investigators attended the area of Heart Lake Road and Countryside Drive in Brampton on July 22 to follow up on an investigation into a stolen trailer.

During the search, officers recovered four stolen commercial vehicles and trailers.

Inside the trailers, investigators found two shipments of stolen computer equipment.

Police say the equipment was unrelated to the vehicle theft investigations. Officers believe the cargo was transferred into the trailers following separate thefts that occurred on July 17 and July 20.

The recovered computer equipment has an estimated value of more than $680,000 and the stolen trailers are estimated at $105,000.

Police say no suspects have been identified.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

The new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to refresh their wardrobes with stylish, comfortable pieces they’ll actually want to wear. From preppy cardigans and polished polos to cozy fall layers and everyday basics, we’ve rounded up the cutest back-to-school outfits for girls and boys from brands like H&M, Old Navy, Levi’s and more. Keep reading for easy, on-trend picks that make getting dressed for school a little more fun.

Girls

This adorable cable-knit cardigan is a classic, preppy pick for back-to-school outfits, featuring an embroidered teddy bear detail and a soft, cozy knit.[/product_listing]

 

These uniform-ready polo shirts from Old Navy are a popular back-to-school pick—and at 40% off, the 3-pack is an easy way to stock up. Slightly fitted and made from 97% cotton, they’re a preppy staple for the school year.[/product_listing]

 

If your kid needs navy uniform pants, these bootcut styles are a practical pick for busy school days. They feature an adjustable waistband, zip fly and handy pockets. Grab them while they’re currently 30% off![/product_listing]

 

Crisp, classic, and quietly luxe, this cotton-blend pique dress channels timeless prep with its pearlized buttons, soft gathers, and ruffled hem – an elevated essential that feels designer without the label.[/product_listing]

 

For those warm September days when we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, this transitional crinkled racerback dress can be worn on its own or paired with a jacket. Its adorable floral print and ruffled hem make it a fuss-free option for busy mornings when you want them dressed and ready to go.[/product_listing]

 

Boys

This oversized striped sweater from Old Navy is a cozy, polished pick for boys, with a spread collar, three-button placket and relaxed drop-shoulder fit.[/product_listing]

 

A short that’s made for active kids, these relaxed-fit twill cotton ones from Gap feature an elasticized waist and drawcord for a comfy fit. With plenty of pockets and 98% regenerative cotton, they’re an easy pick for everyday school life.[/product_listing]

 

A new year means new everyday essentials. This pack of 12 Hanes boys’ socks makes it easy to keep plenty of pairs on hand for school, sports and busy days.[/product_listing]

 

The perfect fall layer for chilly days, this Levi’s Trucker Jacket is made from 100% cotton denim and has the classic look that pairs easily with everything from school-day basics to weekend outfits.[/product_listing]

 

Struggling with the morning outfit shuffle? These comfy basic short sleeve tees are the go-to essential. They’re easy to pair, built to last and made for kids who move.[/product_listing]

You may also like:

Jan & Jul Kids’ Graphic Knit Shoes – $43.99

Bomber Jacket – $34.99

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – $184.99

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The man charged in connection with a tugboat break-in that triggered a standoff with Nanaimo RCMP on Feb. 1 is now in recovery.

In a social media post, Marcel Alvin Fontaine, 44, shared, “Sober Once Again” from Victoria on Aug. 4.

That same day, Fontaine pleaded guilty to five of 11 charges against him – including break and enter of a boat, breaching an undertaking, and breaching a release order.

“I thought to myself, how could he not with all that video evidence,” tugboat owner Andrew Reynolds told Global News. “If that isn’t enough, what is?”

Security cameras captured Fontaine aboard the tugboat ‘Trend D Foam’, engaged in bizarre behaviour during a 30-hour stay.

On Feb. 1, RCMP said a man barricaded himself inside the vessel moored off Cameron Island, and refused to leave.

Police said the incident began around 2:45 p.m., when the suspect attempted to steal items from Thrifty Foods at Port Place Mall.

A short time later, the same individual was seen boarding the tugboat.

After the Emergency Response Team, a K9 unit, and RCMP negotiators were called out, the suspect was arrested nearly three hours later.

Upon reviewing surveillance footage, Reynolds learned the same individual had been onboard his vessel a day earlier.

Reynolds said the intruder showered, cooked himself a meal, smoked what appeared to be drugs, climbed on tables, and later smashed the wheelhouse and cabin cameras when he noticed the surveillance system.

Fontaine was released on bail twice in as many days before he was held in custody following his third arrest in a week.

His former employer at a central Vancouver Island HVAC business, who requested his name and company name not be disclosed due to safety fears, previously told Global News Fontaine was a successful sales rep but had been struggling with sobriety.

Reynolds said repairing the destruction from the incident cost him about $25,000.

As a small business owner, Reynolds said insurance is not an option because past service vehicle break-in claims have led to him being denied coverage upon renewal.

“In my business, I’m required by my customers to carry a marine ship repairs policy so I would lose contracts and work because of it,” Reynolds said in an interview.

Although he said it’s frustrating, Reynolds doesn’t believe this type of damage should fall to insurance.

“This is a government problem,” he told Global News. “This shouldn’t be shifted to another agency to take care of it.”

Nanaimo’s mayor said B.C.’s Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), which provides a range of benefits to assist victims in coping with the effects of violent crime, should also support victims stuck with significant financial losses from property damage that is no fault of their own.

“If the province can’t deal with the street disorder, they may want to consider providing some compensation,” Leonard Krog said in an interview. “Particularly, where the individuals involved who perpetrate these offences are often penniless, suffering from mental health, addictions, trauma, brain injury issues and clearly, will never be in a position to provide compensation.”

Reynolds said he’d rather see money go directly towards stopping the revolving door of property crime.

“Our justice system has no bones to it, there’s no teeth, there’s no consequences to your actions,” Reynolds told Global News. “So why would anyone be concerned about what I’m going to do, you’re not going to be, there’s no punishment.”

Fontaine, who also pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and theft in relation to a Dec. 23 incident at the same Thrifty Foods, declined to comment when reached by phone Friday.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 6, to set a date for a sentencing hearing.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A new species of seahorse is being named for a UBC professor who has been a pioneer in seahorse science and conservation.

“I really wanted to get involved in helping to save the world… We’re involved in pioneering a lot of breakthroughs, because who doesn’t love a seahorse?” Amanda Vincent told Global News.

For decades, Vincent has been working to secure the future of seahorses and their habitats as co-founder of UBC’s Project Seahorse.

She helps lead a global team in research, conservation and policy, which includes ensuring seahorses are not overharvested for traditional medicine, aquarium displays or the souvenir trade.

“Fishing is necessary, fishing is vital, but it has got to be done in sustainable and sensible ways,” Vincent said.

“And this means we work at a lot of political levels — from local communities right out to United Nations Conventions.”

Now, Vincent’s life’s work is being recognized in a way she never expected.

The Hippocampus amandavincentae was discovered after researchers examined specimens in the Indian Ocean and it now bears Vincent’s name.

“I’m thrilled. It’s pretty wonderful to wake up and open your email and discover just two days ago that there’s a creature on the side of the world that is beautiful and wonderful and special and has your name on it,” Vincent said.

The seahorse measures roughly 16 cm. It has a short snout, a small crown on top of its head and spines running along its body.

Aside from where it primarily lives, Vincent said they don’t know much more about it at this stage, as it has not been investigated in the wild.

She is now planning her next mission.

“Which is to get in the field, with my glorious seahorse and actually learn about its ecology and its vulnerabilities, and its conservation possibilities and try to make sure that all is well,” Vincent said.

Roughly a third of seahorses are known to be threatened, but with every discovery comes more understanding and knowledge.

“We’ve got new approaches, new tools, new colleagues involved,” Vincent said.

“So, it’s very exciting to see that we are changing the trajectory by the passion and hard work of a lot of people.”

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Brockville Aquatarium is now home to three locally-born otter pups.

“Mayble, one of our females, gave birth to three pups, so we now have eight wonderful otters living in our habitat,” Liz Harder, an animal husbandry curator at the Auqutarium, told Global News.

The Aquatarium has been the home to five North American river otters that were rescued from the U.S. Harder said they were considered to be “nuisance rescues.”

“They were legally trapped in the state of Louisiana,” she said. “We don’t know the exact circumstances, but instead of being destroyed as many animals would be that are trapped, they went into a different stream where they can be adopted.”

The otter pups are drawing crowds at the Aquatarium, but they are also receiving special attention from their mother.

Harder said they are currently five months old and will be reliant on their mother from anywhere between eight months and one year.

“She’s still very attentive to them,” Harder said. “She doesn’t like to be away from them for very long, so when they go out in the habitat, they will start to spread out a bit more, but then occasionally you’ll hear her make some noise, they’ll squeak and they’ll all come back together.”

But she said the pups are already starting to figure out things on their own.

“They’ve already learned that if I put my nose on the ball that I’ll get a treat,” she said.

While the otters are a fun sight for those visiting the Aquatarium, Harder said they’re also an extremely important species for waterways.

“Scientists will actually use sightings of otters in various waterways to gauge the health of the waterways because they are very particular animals and don’t want to live in water that is polluted or dirty,” she said.

The otter pups will be at the Aquatarium for seven more months before being re-homed.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Think linen is strictly reserved for hot summer days? Not so fast. The breathable fabric can work surprisingly well for PSL season–think lightweight trenches, wide-leg trousers, oversized shirts and cozy shawls that can handle cooler temps. Ahead, eight versatile linen pieces from brands including Quince, Aritzia, Simons and more that will keep your wardrobe feeling fresh well into fall.

 

A trench, made for transitional weather–this cropped linen version feels light and luxe with just enough structure to pull a look together. Throw it over dresses, tailoring or denim when the temperature dips. It’s the kind of layer you’ll be glad to have on hand.[/product_listing]

 

A linen shawl might seem like a summer accessory, but it’s a must in your fall wardrobe once temperatures start to dip. This drape-y Simons style can be worn over your shoulders as a lightweight layer or wrapped around your neck like a scarf. Keep it nearby for chilly evenings when a full coat feels like overkill.[/product_listing]

 

A classic button-down is one of the easiest ways to bring linen into your fall wardrobe. This airy version has a relaxed straight cut, long sleeves and curved side vents that make it easy to layer over a tank now and under a sweater later. Pair it with tailored trousers for the office or jeans for a more casual look.[/product_listing]

 

If you’re not ready to give up your linen pants when summer ends, make them part of your fall rotation. These bestselling bottoms are the perfect high-rise fit, with front pleats and a tailored wide leg that drape comfortably for all-day wear.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Women’s Cotton Linen Palazzo Pants – $33.14

Women’s Linen Stripe Dress – $54.99

Women’s Loose Linen Blend Crop Blouse – $16.80

 

A shirt dress is already one of the most versatile pieces in your closet. Made from 100 per cent European linen, it has a classic button-front design, two waist pockets and a timeless silhouette that can be worn on its own while it’s warm or layered with a cardigan and boots once fall arrives.[/product_listing]

 

For a jacket that feels lighter than your typical fall outerwear, look to this relaxed style. The roomy silhouette makes it easy to layer over shirts and sweaters, while the pockets add a practical touch. And while linen’s natural wrinkles are part of its charm, the textured finish gives this jacket a laid-back look that works particularly well for transitional weather.[/product_listing]

 

Linen doesn’t *have* to mean dressed-up. Made from a soft linen blend, they have a relaxed wide-leg fit, elasticized waistband and drawcord for an easy feel. Wear them with a simple tee while temperatures are still warm, then layer when fall weather rolls in.[/product_listing]

Complete the look with the 100% Linen Oversized Shirt.

 

Your summer baseball cap can make the transition into fall, too. Made from 100 per cent linen, it’s a lightweight way to zhuzh up transitional outfits without reaching for a heavy knit hat just yet.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Men’s Two-Piece Linen Set – $47.99

Men’s Cotton Linen Shorts – $33.99

Men’s Lightweight Drawstring Pants – $22.99

 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Some tenants of Boardwalk Centre in central Edmonton are wanting more action and answers from their rental company.

Some of the residents of the highrise along Jasper Avenue at 90 Street are living with damaged ceilings and walls from storm flooding.

Resident Nikita Butakov wants compensation and immediate repairs for his apartment after a late July storm destroyed the wall on his balcony, causing bricks to fall from his unit on the 17th floor

Others like Jensen Maitland and Amanda Proudfoot say Boardwalk has not been cooperative with their insurance company.

Gates Guarin has the details in the video above.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.