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on CTV News, Fan Festival Fizzle. Honestly, 60 bucks to just see it on the big screen. Um, that's not something I'd consider. Sluggish sales for the P& Fanfest. Will there be rows of empty seats when the World Cup kicks off? Even in this impact statement, that there doesn't seem to be any remorse for their actions. A heartbroken family describes how the murders of their parents shatter them. what defense is hoping for in the sentencing. Oakidge has already supported 30,000 construction jobs over the course of its development.
The opening of the new Oakidge Park Mall after years of construction delays a major milestone in redeveloping the community. This is CTV News with me, Jung Lee. Good evening. Thanks for joining us. Gut-wrenching victim impact statements were heard today at the sentencing for three men convicted of murdering two Abbottzford seniors. Family and friends of Arnold and Joan De Young fought through tears to share what the pair meant to them and the trauma they have been suffering for the past four years.
CTV's Ben Nesbbit reports. Four years after their parents were brutally murdered, the daughters of Arnold and Joanne D. Young finally got to address their killers in court. Today just really gave us a chance and an opportunity to try to put into words how this has shattered our lives. Abjet Singh Kushir Tur and Girkaran Singh who were each convicted by a judge of two counts of first-degree murder earlier this month all sat slouched over looking at the ground as 20 victim impact statements were read out. They've heard what we've had to say and it's up to them to be remorseful if they so desire. Um there hasn't been any sign of remorse or apologies.
During her statement, the D Young's youngest daughter telling the trio, "You sentenced my parents to death and you sentenced us to life without them. I hope that you never have another moment of peace." The D Youngs were grandparents in their 70s. They were found dead in their home on May 9th, 2022. They had been tied up with rope. Arnold's head had been wrapped in duct tape and Joannne's throat had been slashed. Crown argued the motivation was financial pressure and greed. Abjet Singh had an exterior home cleaning business and he and T had done work at the D Young's home the month before the killings.
My dad gave a young man a chance starting out a new business just like my dad was young at one point starting a new business and um people gave him a chance. It's just disheartening that um they took advantage of my mom and dad for greed. A first-degree murder conviction comes with an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years. But lawyers for Kushir Tour have filed the constitutional challenge regarding the faint hope clause which allows offenders to apply for parole after 15 years. A date for that hearing has yet to be set. Ben Nesbbit, CTV News, Abbottzford. Most of us won't be attending any World Cup matches in Vancouver, but the P& Fan Festival is supposed to be a way to be
part of the action. But it appears many are staying on the sidelines, at least for now. CTV's Martin McMahon reports on what organizers are saying about the lackluster sales just a couple of weeks before the World Cup kicks off. Hastings Park will be the site of BC's largest fan destination during the tournament. But a quick look at the ticket leader website where the premium seats are being sold shows many tickets still available. Depending on the day and the match, you could pay as little as $44 or more than 100 bucks for reserved seating at the new amphitheater. But for the head of the Vancouver Host Committee, there's little concern about sales.
People are starting to make their summer plans. I think kids are still in school and a number of us, we make our plans as we get closer and closer to the end of the school year. Um, you know, we don't have that concern. Um, and then in so far as the knockouts go, you know, at this stage, we don't know who's going to be in those knockout matches. So, people are still also waiting to see what's going to happen as the tournament itself unfolds. That confidence is shared by the tourism minister as well, despite the slow start to sales outside of the final and matches involving Canada. I can't really comment too much on uh Vancouver's budget, but I know that the tickets will sell well um according to the patterns of um previous World Cups
that were hosted in different cities. We asked people if they think it's worth it to watch a game at the fan festival. I think as the tournament gets through towards the final stages. I would definitely consider going. Good to be part of the hype and the vibe. Uh and not everyone can get into the stadium as well for those key games for sure. Honestly, 60 bucks to just sit on the big screen. Um that's not something I'd consider. I mean, if you can't be inside the game, the next best thing would be to be down there and have some fun. The city would not directly answer what the financial consequences would be if many of these FanFest tickets go unsold, but
is promising to provide more information at its update on tournament costs tomorrow. Martin McMahon, CTV News, Vancouver. Now to a major development in the legal battle between private property rights and Aboriginal title. Canada's highest court has declined to hear a case from New Brunswick that could have big implications for the controversial cowin case here in BC. CDB's Rob Buffam has more are listening carefully. Honorable speaker, the legislative spring session ended like it began with feistiness.
10 more years. Interim opposition leader Trevor Halford teeing off on the premier, including for a poorly received budget and flip-flops on reconciliation legislation. We have never had a government in this province, never had a premier in this province that is overpromised and underdelled as the one that we currently have. But Thursday, the NDP were thrown a potential lifeline on the private property rights file that's become highly contentious after the Couch and Tribes decision last August where the BC Supreme Court found Aboriginal title superior to private property. A case that sparked worry from property owners
and an appeal from the NDP. The Supreme Court of Canada has declined to hear the appeal of a New Brunswick Court of Appeal case that favored private property rights over Aboriginal title. Our arguments are what the court found in New Brunswick. The arguments that the province made here about uh private property being protected. Um so we think it's very interesting that the Supreme Court of Canada decided not to hear that case. So therefore leave that law in place. This Aboriginal Law lawyer says the AG has reason to be happy. Fact that the Supreme Court of Canada has denied leave is hugely helpful because the nor the New Brunswick Court of Appeal has
decided the issues somewhat differently quite differently than the trial judge in the Couch and case. The Couch and Tribes case is still mired in legal wranglings at the trial court level and likely won't be heard by the BC Court of Appeal for a year and longer still before it makes its way to the country's highest court. Expect more desk pounding here in the meantime when they return in the fall. Remember, these desks cost lots of money. Be careful. That was pretty funny from the speaker. Okay, Rob joins us live from Victoria.
Rob, what about the court case involving DRIPA that the Supreme Court of Canada has already agreed to hear? Yeah, Mijang, you make a good point not to conflate DRIPA with these private property couch and tribes case. DRIPA of course comes from the Gitsatla First Nation case involving mining rights and it consequences as the government has seen them is that it would require all of BC's laws to line up with UNRIP. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear that case already, but if it agrees with the BC Court of Appeal, that would simply entrench the state of affairs, which the government was trying to get around through amendments. So if the Supreme Court sides with the Court of Appeal, we
may see an awkward situation where the government is looking to maybe amend a law to get around the court. So two separate things here, but a good news day in terms of private property rates for the NDP. Mijang, thank you, Rob. We have more tonight on the province reversing course on a controversial overdose prevention site plan for downtown Vancouver. It's now on hold and unclear when and where another one will open. The move comes after strong push back from city hall and local businesses who are now claiming victory. CTV's Demetra Maragos has the latest. So, we're going to reset the table, invite all the partners back, and we're going to work collaboratively on a solution that helps provide the services that we need.
A shift in direction after weeks of growing opposition from city leaders and the business community. The province now pausing plans for an overdose prevention site. Now, this building behind me, that's where the provincial government and Vancouver Coastal Health intended for the overdose prevention site to be. But after significant push back, the site is now on hold. Decision to pause 900 Helm shows what's possible when a community stands together. In a press conference, Mayor Ken Sim, joined by business owners and downtown stakeholders, emphasized safety concerns and a lack of consultation,
drove their opposition. Tourism leaders also raising concerns about the city's image. Visitors are increasingly commenting on open drug use, visible street disorder, aggressive behavior, and concerns about personal safety in Vancouver's downtown. Others say they were left out of the decision-making process, calling for a seat at the table. I've never asked for this service to be eliminated. I am asking on behalf of every woman-owned business in this block to be treated as a stakeholder. That is not a radical request. That is the bare minimum and we deserve it. Local MLA Terry Young was asked about the lack of consultation. Well, I think the focus on moving forward how to get more support for essential service and
also beats the needs of a community and make sure they feel safe. While the project is now on hold, the province stresses the need for these sites remain. They are critical life-saving services. We need them, but we need to do this in a way where partners are at the table and understand how it will be managed, what the mitigation is for impacts that people are concerned about. And advocates agree. The longer that we delay things, um, you know, the more people do die. Demetri Margo, CTV News, Vancouver.
Suicide prevention measures could soon be coming to the Granville Street Bridge. It comes only weeks after a tragic death. CTV's Isabella Zavarisi has more and a warning. Some may find the details of this story difficult. For more than three decades, Jeremy Patterson has helped shepherd locals and tourists through False Creek on these fairies. But one aspect of the job he didn't train for was pulling people out of the water who jumped off the Granville Street Bridge. Wasn't something that I had thought about when I took the job. And um depending on the incident and the outcome, sometimes it was a happy ending and sometimes not. A Vancouver city councelor is introducing a motion next week to prioritize suicide prevention
barriers on the bridge. Two years ago, a similar motion was approved, but in March, council voted to remove the funding from its 2027 to 2030 capital plan. A couple of weeks ago, staff had indicated that they didn't think this should be included in the upcoming capital plan, but we think that should be revisited. Earlier this month, a woman fell to her death off the bridge after experiencing a mental health episode. We know that these kinds of incidents are very, very often based on an impulse and that if we're able to kind of prevent the possibility of following through on that impulse, we can save that life. That's why bridge barriers
are so important. The Vancouver Police data shows there were 21 calls in 2024 and 25 calls last year related to incidents involving suicides, deaths, or mental health crisis on the bridge. In 2017, barriers were installed on the Bard Street Bridge. And in New Westminster, counselors pushed for them on the Stalawasum Bridge. I was hearing from mothers and families of people who had lost people um and who had lost people in a preventable way. The city of Vancouver says fencing on Granville Bridge is a priority. If the motion passes, the city will share the costs with the province and the feds. For those who have become impromptu first responders, they're hoping change will come soon.
It's unfortunate, but it's something that has to be done. Isabella Zavaresi, CTV News Vancouver. If you or someone you know needs help, the suicide crisis helpline is available 24 hours a day. To reach the helpline, just call or text 988. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. It's been in the works for nearly a decade, and finally, Vancouver's brand new Oakidge Park Shopping Mall opened to the public today. We'll take you to Cambi and 41 first for a look inside in just a moment. But first, let's head out to an and some partners in crime there in Nat Bailey Stadium. The Nat Bailey Stadium totally gone to the dogs tonight. Right, Ann?
Yes, that's right. It's a perfect night for the dog days of summer. I'm joined with Lucy and her boyfriend Kevin. Uh, new on tap for this year, jerseys, as you can see, Lucy is wearing and Canadians bandanas. Lots of merchandise for your four-legged friends. Also, we've got a toy bat and a water bowl as well as a leash, little bandanas as well. So, it's a great night to come and take in the Vancouver Canadians against the Eugene Emeralds. Perfect night. We are seeing a mix of sun and cloud right now. This is what we can expect as we head into tonight. clouds will increase overcast conditions and then tomorrow a little bit of everything. We'll start off with some showers. It does dry up
and clear up quite nicely as we head into the afternoon with a high of 16°. So, we got lots of dogs coming tonight. A great game ahead. And of course, there's going to be treats for me and the pups. Me, Jug. I've got those details coming up. Yeah, perfect date night for Lucy and Kevin. Thanks, Ann. A major milestone in one of the largest redevelopments in North America. The re-imagined Oakidge Park is now open after years of delays. People lined up this morning to be the first ones inside the high-end shopping mall. CTV's Singinjen Alexander reports. Much more refined than it was years ago, Oakidge has been given a spa treatment.
The works. Its facade injected with a whole lot of okouture. out of fashion, the everyday shops in Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Bulgari. And I think if I look around, there's almost everyone I see has had a hand in this. It has been the most incredible experience. Hoping to shake up Vancouver's retail scene by towers of condos and office space still under construction. This facelift has been a concept since just after the Olympics. I hope you can all appreciate the massive, absolutely massive scope of this project. Having grown up here since the 70s, it was always Oakidge. So, Oakidge Park is truly becoming a city within the city.
The high-end food fair, Timeout Market, already has the public salivating. Otherwise, there isn't much here for anyone on a budget. Retail analysts say the idea for the mall's metamorphosis, firmly luxury, was imagined when it seemed there was an endless amount of money pouring into Vancouver. In that era, the projection outward over the next 20 years was, hey, there'll be more of this. The world's changed a little bit. Hasn't changed completely. There is a wealthy class still here in Vancouver, and there are still travelers. But, uh, the optimism, I would say, is a bit muted right now. Of course, there may be enough rich
shoppers to make this a roaring success. Or when the leases for these fancy fronts come up again years from now, Oakidge Park may have to reinvent itself again. Sing Alexander, CTV News, Vancouver. A Vancouver man has set a world record for the most number of trees planted in 24 hours, and the number is mindboggling. And a massive fire in Pentictton is a devastating setback for seniors in the region. A 200 bed long-term care home under construction went up in flames. What happens now? Also coming up, there was a lot of living she did and I followed along. I catch up with legendary reporter Mike Mardell who's written a new book about his wife Valerie. Intimate, poignant,
hilarious stories of their nearly 60 years together. That's coming up later. A Vancouver man recently set a world record by planting nearly 48,000 mangrove trees in a 24-hour span. It is his second tree planting world record. And as CTV's Ben Milder reports, the man hopes it will inspire others to make a positive impact on the world around them. Oh, I have to adjust the technique. Antoine Moses has planted about 2 million trees in his career, mostly in North America. Last month, he traveled to Kenya to plant mangroves for the first time.
I went there two weeks in advance, learned from the local community, uh plant tree, planted trees with them, learned the technique, making sure we're planting the trees right, the right momentum, the right places, and the right timing, and we just ended up breaking the world record. Supported by a team of locals, Moses managed to plant an astonishing 47,460 trees in just 24 hours, an average of 32 a minute. It is his second Guinness World Record. He also holds one for planting 23,060 trees in 24 hours in Alberta 5 years ago. For me, it's more about the total impact I can create on this world. Like the footprint I can leave and the fact that I know I've planted 2 million trees
and I want to plant another 2 million and maybe more. Moses has partnered with Veritree, a company that not only plants tens of millions of trees around the world, but also monitors their progress and the impact they have on surrounding landscapes and communities. It's so much more than just about putting trees in the ground. It's about empowering communities, providing these jobs, looking at the forest adjacent programs that the forest can help benefit, as well as setting these areas up to naturally regenerate themselves. With millions of followers on social media, Moses has plans for leveraging his clouds.
My goal is to like help raise funds to plant around 25 million in the next few years, but not plant them on my own. So, I have a team and I work with organization now to plant those trees. It's an effort to make the world a more sustainable place, one tree at a time. Ben Miler, CTV News, Vancouver. Federal officials say the start to this year's wildfire season has been slow compared to 2025, but the overall risk remains high. There are 65 active wildfires burning across the country right now with six classified as out of control. The Canadian Inter Agency Forest Fire Center says the highest risk areas are here in BC and in the Northwest Territories. The 2025 wildfire
season was the country's second worst on record with close to 90,000 square kilometers burned. Pantictton has issued a local state of emergency after a massive fire at a long-term care home under construction. A fire that's being called devastating to seniors in the region. The fire was reported around 10 last night and it quickly escalated into a three alarm blaze with 60 firefighters on site. An updated evacuation order was issued this afternoon for 10 nearby properties due to an unstable crane at the site. No injuries have been reported. Infrastructure Minister Bowen Ma said the province is committed to ensuring that Skaha Senior's community does get built. The 200 bed project was expected to be completed in 2028.
We hear from veteran reporter Mike Mardell about what he's been doing since retiring from CTV. Why the new book about his wife is called Girl on the Roof. I always thought it was possible. I always had hope in myself. An incredible recovery. A teenage hockey player told he would never walk again is proving doctors wrong. That's ahead. Have a remarkable update tonight on a story we first brought you last year. A young hockey player visiting from Minnesota broke his neck while playing in a tournament in Burnaby. He was told he would never walk again. But tomorrow,
Jackson Drum will walk across the stage for his high school graduation. CTV Shannon Patterson now on how the determined teen defied the odds 16 months ago. This seemed unimaginable to everyone. That is, except Jackson Drum. I always thought it was possible. I always had hope in myself. I always believed that I was going to walk again. In January of last year, the 17-year-old from Minnesota suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while playing at a hockey tournament in Burnaby. I went head first on the boards and I broke my C1C2. And so I stopped breathing for about 8 minutes and then I woke up to uh like being innovated. At the time he didn't have any sensation, no movement. They kept testing him and he would come up with
nothing. But whenever we talked to him in the hospital room, he'd be like, "No, I'm going to move again. I'm going to do stuff again." And I'm like, "Okay." So we didn't really take that hope away from him. After spending three weeks at Vancouver General Hospital, Jackson was transferred to an Atlanta rehab facility. At the start, I started moving my toes and then my fingers. Push up. Push. Push those legs. Come on. Go. This was the moment Jackson knew his determination was paying off. That felt amazing to get back up on my feet. It took forever for me just to stand up again. With a harness holding him upright, he
began to take steps, but Jackson wanted to walk unassisted. They're like, "Okay, we're going to try you walking today." And it was the first time he's like, "Okay, I'm going to try it." And he actually did it on his first try. He quickly moved on from a walker to hand crutches. And on Friday, the now 18-year-old will walk across the stage at his high school graduation. I'm excited for the ceremony. I'm excited for a lot of people just to see me walk cuz a lot of people haven't seen me walk in person.
We'll all probably be crying. I think the whole arena will probably be crying. Jackson's mom says his family and faith helped her son defy the doctor's predictions in Vancouver. I asked them what the chances of him like having any recovery and they're like none. And I was like, well, how about like one in a 100? They thought I was crazy. They said no. So, here we are working on walking. Eager to get back on the ice, Jackson has recently tried sledge hockey. I am interested in it, but I want to skate normal again. If the past year has proven anything, it's that Jackson drum can never be counted out. Shannon Patterson, CTV News.
Way to go, Jackson. Well, once again, the team here at CTV News Vancouver has been recognized with multiple Edward R. Muro awards. The radio television digital news association in Washington DC announced today that our coverage of December's major flooding in the Fraser Valley won the breaking news award in the large market TV category in the international region. Reporter Michelle Bernardo was honored with a hard news award for a story on disgraced former Vancouver police detective Jim Fischer and a new investigation that was launched following a complaint against him from a former sex trafficking survivor. All of the regional winners will be up for National Muro Awards later this year.
Wife Wanted. An Edmonton man buys a billboard looking for love. Why he's using this strategy coming up. And I could not find anything that says it's prohibited to launch or to run. What motivated him to launch a boat over an Alberta waterfall near the BC border? That story ahead. Time now for tonight's sky watch. A look at the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge from New Brighton Park under a mostly sunny sky in East Vancouver. CTV Skywatch is brought to you by Kerac Collision and Autoglass, the name you'll remember when it matters. Kermarmac cares for kids.
Your morning minute presented by Watson Gopel. According to data from Stats Canada, over the last 30 years, age specific divorce rates fell for younger Canadians while rising slightly for older adults. This demographic trend is known as great divorce. and I'm joined now by family lawyer Lawrence Class. Lawrence, what makes great divorces legally different than ones, say, with younger couples? Well, I'm glad you've asked me that question because when you're dealing with gray divorce, you're dealing with people that have had a chance to accumulate assets over many decades. The consequence of that is it can be more complex and sometimes the
parties uh positions, they're stronger in their views. So, it takes more legal work as a lawyer. It takes more expertise and it's important that you have the right lawyer to assist the parties in dealing with this issue. Excellent. Thank you so much for your insight. You can watch your Mornings Vancouver weekday 6:00 to 9 on CTV and watch live on Crave. Let's go back out to Nat Bailey Stadium where there are some special spectators tonight. It is called the dog days of summer. I know it's not officially summer an but it certainly feels like it.
Yeah, definitely. We had warm temperatures today in the low to mid20s across the lower mainland. A perfect night for a ball game. We're enjoying a mix of sun and cloud right now. Lots of four-legged fans are here as well. Lucy is here and all the dogs are coming in right now. So, the seats are going to be packed with two-legged and four-legged fans here at the net. So, come on down. The game starts against the Eugene Emeralds at 7:05. But first, let's take a look at our forecast. Starting off with our satellite radar imagery. We do have a low that's just south of the border and it's going to spin bringing
in some wet weather for us as we head into tomorrow morning. So, this is what we can expect. Increasing cloud coverage as we head through the overnight tonight for your early morning commute. Some stray showers here or there across the Lower Mainland, but don't worry, it doesn't last very long. It dries up and clears up quite nicely as we head into tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night. For the North Island, you'll see a mix of sunn and cloud. Port Hardy, 14 degrees, 18s for Campbell River and Komox. For the South Island, you're looking at a mix of sun and cloud for Tofino and in Nimo, Port Alurnie, Southern Gulf Islands, and Victoria.
You'll start off with some showers and then it clears up through the afternoon. Sunshine Coast will see us a lot of sunshine at 18. A few showers up the Cedar Sky Highway for Squamish at 19. 17 for Whistler and for us across the lower mainland. We'll start off wet, clears up quite nicely through the afternoon. Temperatures between 16 and 18°. Lots of sunshine as we head into the weekend for Saturday and Sunday. Heading into Monday, a mix of sun and cloud and 21. But look at Tuesday. Inland temperatures reach 29° under a mix of sun and cloud. 24 degrees near the water. Wednesday, we'll see a mix of sun and cloud in 21.
Mostly sunny skies and 20° on Thursday. Well, here at the Vancouver Canadians game, it's the dog days of summer and perfect timing as well. Joining me now is Troy Laa Branch with Charm Pet Food. So tell us why are you here for the dog days of summer at the Mad? Well, we're uh a BC based company. We're based out of Vancouver, BC and we want to be part of the community and so we thought we'd join you today at the ballpark and everybody's dogs that love Charm and that's why we're here. Perfect. So tell us about the um foods that you have for dogs. Sure. Yeah. So Charm is a um kibble based company. We have four formulas. We have a chicken, we have a duck, a lamb, and a fish formula. All of our formulas feature a minimum of five animal
proteins. Every more protein that you add, more palatability that you add, and that's naturally what dogs crave. Then we have our two kind of secret ingredients. We have our Protek 10 and our power greens. Protect 10 is 10 of nature's most powerful ingredients. And then our power greens is a group of greens ingredients to bring in some antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that those dogs naturally need. Wow, that's amazing. So, if anybody's interested, can't buy, no time for tonight, to where can they pick these up? So, you can pick up Charm at any pet specialty store. We are an independently owned and operated, family-owned and
operated business. And so, that's who we uh sponsor and that's who we sell through is independently owned and operated pet specialty retailers. Awesome. Well, thank you so much. Lots of dogs here. I'm pretty sure you're they're you're going to want to get their hands off on those treats. Lucy sure likes them. We're definitely going to have to pick up a couple of bags as well. mijang. And I'm going to have to pick up some treats for myself. I'll see what I find at the food stands here later on in the show, of course. Who do you think's having more fun, the dogs or the humans?
Oh my goodness. Tons of dogs here. And I think you can hear them behind me. They're having a lot of fun. All right, sounds good. Talk to you later. Thanks, An. Legendary storyteller Mike Mardell is missed by many of our viewers. Tonight, we talked to him about his new book. Also ahead, everybody just like me is frustrated with the online dating. So why not go old school advertising when we come back in Edmonton's man's billboard campaign looking for a life partner. Taking a look at today's markets, the Canadian dollar up slightly, trading around 72 cents US. Oil up 22 cents, closing the day just under $89 a barrel.
Gold gained nearly $51. On the stock market, the TSX up $105 points. The Dow Jones gained 24 points on the day. The CFL announced it has an agreement with three major partners for the media rights. Beginning in 2027, Bell Media will continue its long-standing partnership with the CFL, and they'll be joined by global sports entertainment company DSON, and YouTube, the world's largest video platform, has also signed on as a premier platform partner. The six-year deal is worth $500 million. It's expected to add $8.3 million each year to each CFL team. An Alberta man looking for love is turning his attention to a different kind of screen. Instead of swiping on an app on his phone, he's moving to the digital billboards. As CTV's Naraman
Issa reports, an evolving dating scene as some people getting creative to find companionship. This billboard on a busy West Edmonton intersection features ads of all kinds. There's my sign. Including one looking for love. Marriage is very important to me and I'm looking for a life partner, a wife. Spencer Griffin Beal is taking an unconventional approach to finding love. He's advertising his desire to get married through a billboard campaign.
Had to think outside the box and think of a way that I can stick out uh more than all the online profiles and everything. Mary Spencer.ca splashed on the ads. There you can learn more about the 40-year-old and send a submission if you're interested. He says conventional dating methods just aren't panning out. My impression that I got from the dating event I was at last night was that everybody just like me is frustrated with the online dating.
It makes the companies a lot more money if we're kept swiping longer. This University of Alberta professor says the dating landscape has changed. Technology has made it easier to meet people, but maybe not the right people. Lots of concerns about bad actors or maybe dishonest users and, you know, enhanced digital tools to facilitate people not putting their real selves forward. A local matchmaker is applauding Griffin Beiel's billboards. Everyone wants love. I think there's a human nature in us that we want companionship. And so if you're not finding that, I think that it's really amazing that
you're going out there and you're doing those things. Megan Tishuk says she's seeing others getting creative. A lot of people will use business cards. They'll have their name, number on it, Instagram, whatever it is. It'll say, "If you're single, let me know." Or I see friends will put on like a QR code or something and they'll be like, "This is my single friend." For Griffin Beal, he's hoping this billboard campaign works. If they're interested, just don't be afraid to reach out. Um, my pictures on the site may look mean, but I'm not mean. And that his future wife is just a click away. Nonisa, CTV News, Edmonton.
It was a dramatic video that showed a man dropping nearly 30 feet off an Alberta waterfall in a jetboat. And it turns out the stunt was part of a world record attempt. Onlookers watched as Dusty Fzen and his boat dropped to the bottom of Lumbrech falls not far from the BC border. The 29 foot drop was meant to break the record for a jump off the highest natural flowing waterfall in a jetboat. RCMP and conservation officers are investigating the jump. Fzen says he doesn't believe he broke any laws. I've been looking at them for almost a year. So, I've I've looked a few times and I've looked on the provincial uh the parks
Alberta Parks website, searched Glenreck Falls, any restrictions for the Crow's Nest River, any of that, and I could not find anything that says it's prohibited to launch or to run the falls. Fzen says his goal is to be able to monetize attempts like these to benefit conservation efforts. Still to come tonight, we'll check in with legendary broadcaster Mike Mardle, who has just written a new book, and it is his most personal project yet. Plus, Driveway Dinosaurs. Adam finds out how a pair of dinosaurs from the States found a new home here. Next on the Sawsky Signup. Right now, here's a preview of Your Morning Vancouver.
We are just days away from a new leader being chosen by the BC Conservative Party. Friday on Your Morning Vancouver, the five candidates looking to lead the opposition and the 11th hour controversy. Also, who will compete for Team Canada in the FIFA World Cup, who should make the cut as we look ahead to the Canada roster reveal. Plus, we'll chat with Canadian actor Andrew Fun ahead of the Canadian Screen Awards. We'll see you in the morning. For decades, legendary reporter Mike Mardle inspired us with stories about the people and history of BC. Even though he retired from CTV last summer, Mike has not stopped writing. This time, Mike shares his own love story. I sat
down with him to talk about his new book, about he and Valerie navigated racism, health challenges, and loss. She passed away two years ago, but in remembering and writing, Mike gets to hold Valerie close again. I say, "How are you?" He makes sure there are always flowers because she loved them. And then he tells her what life is like without her. I tell her, "I made the bed. There's no dishes in the sink." uh and uh had oatmeal for breakfast just to end your day on something nice.
Over his legendary career, Mike Mardell told thousands of stories, wrote more than a dozen books. Now he's turning the lens on his most personal story, Life with Valerie, his soulmate for nearly 60 years. There was a lot of living she did and I followed along and she told me what to do. Like when she asked Mike to pass her the leaf blower when she was on their roof again, cleaning off the needles. Much to the shock of her neighbors, she insisted on going up even in her 70s after Mike had fallen twice. Mike's book is called Girl on the Roof.
She always was driven. Uh the motor it was just one neighbor called her. Uh she just didn't stop. And this came from a little thing at Van Doo and Gardens. They would often be gardening. Well, after dark, her legacy that Mike works hard to keep beautiful. Would she be happy about this? No, because she was never happy with what? No, there's still more weeds there. They tackled many weeds together after being married in the 1960s at a time when interracial marriages were illegal in some states. Valerie's dad was black, her mom white, but Valerie was considered black in the states. They
were newly married and had a terrifying encounter. One night the Ku Klux Clan came out on the road in front and put up across and Valerie was terrified. A few years later to escape crime and racism in the states they moved their family to Vancouver. When we came to Canada, holy mackerel, it was so much better. Just incredibly Some of Mike's favorite stories were the ones Valerie loved. People like Joe Fortes, Vancouver's first official lifeguard, and Nelly Yip Kuang, a white woman who married a Chinese man who fought for the Chinese community. People who overcame intense racism and then gave back.
She loved the Nelly House and she took a couple of friends of hers there to see it and tell them the story. Valerie worked tirelessly as a preschool teacher for decades, enlisting Mike's help on her creative projects. She was a dynamo despite lifelong pain after being attacked as a child, leaving her with a limp. How tough was she? Immensely uh mentally and physically uh in invincible. What was it like for you to relive the memories and write this book about Valerie? Oh, it was heartbreaking and wonderful, heart mending. Uh it was crying. I don't cry, but I was crying.
Valerie never wanted Mike to write about her. I'm sorry, but I wanted to share you with everyone because you were so good. Mike made Valerie a secret pathway that leads to the light. And the best view of all of it is from the roof. A, it was such a good book. I loved it. It's like you're hearing Mike talk when you read the book. The book will be out in September. I highly recommend it. I'm not biased at all. It was really, really good. Well, even from what we just saw there, sounds like just an incredible tribute. And I love that he's uh still writing and sharing all those amazing stories that he has.
Yes. And he's written another book, too. So, we'll have to catch up with him when he's finished that one. Oh, we will. Okay, Lauren, what's coming up tonight? Well, Mijanga, as we are soaking up some summerlike weather and historic first is about to hit the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver stage three watering restrictions are set to come into place. As early as Monday, the earliest stage three has ever been enacted before. We'll have more on what those tighter rules are and why MetroVan says we need to put them in place so soon.
Great. Thanks, Lauren. It was a decadesl long quest that ended up sparking joy for a whole community. Adam finds out the love story behind a pair of dinosaurs residing along a Victoria driveway on this encore Sawatsky signoff. Dan Taylor was visiting the US a couple decades ago when he first spotted a dinosaur outside a gas station. It just kind of blew me away. Dino Gasoline. Since its commercials were black and white, Sinclair Gas's mascot has been a colorful dinosaur. I thought that's kind of cool. Maybe everyone should kind of have a dinosaur at some point. But first, Dan had to meet Alex Whitman.
And after he said hi to her at a cousin's wedding, neither wanted to say goodbye. Talked the whole night and just had a fun conversation. Although she lived in the US, he started handwriting her letters, which led to crossber visits. And then Dan proposed. I said, "I think you're the one, too." And they flew down and we eloped. Eventually, they staged a more traditional ceremony and had a couple kids. The only thing missing was a gas station dinosaur. But it's impossible to get a hold of one. Although Dan had tried everything he could to buy one for decades, he didn't know Alex was secretly doing the same and finally did.
It fit exactly in my car. and the tail comes around is like pointing here and I'm like, "Oh, please don't get in a car accident." After avoiding a prehistoric impaling, Alex staged an unforgettable Father's Day surprise. I felt amazed and loved. Dan and Alex's kids gave them names. This is Gerald, while the one with the mustache is Maurice. When we're dead and gone, our kids aren't going to want, you know, China or Glassway. They're going to want the dinosaurs. Before they moved, their old neighbors begged for Gerald and Maurice to stay because they proved to be such a Jurassic spark for creating community.
There's a lady that took a walk every day and petted the dinosaurs used to get decorated at Christmas. Easter bunny ears. After they recently arrived in Canada, Dan surprised his colleagues by bringing Gerald to work and now hope their new neighbors also find these driveway denisens dynamite. I think it's important to get joy out of where you find it. And if it is a big blue dinosaur, impart joy onto others by doing that for other folks. Adam Swatski, CTV News, Victoria. The Satsky signoff brought to you by 1800 Got Junk. They make junk disappear. All you have to do is point.
Well, from dinosaurs to dogs, plenty of action at Nad Bailey Stadium. Hard to focus on the game with all those cute dogs around. Right, Ed? Oh yeah, tons of them. Lots of four-legged fans here tonight as the Vancouver Canadians take on the Eugene Emeralds. And they've got great food here as well. New this year and for this week, mini corn dogs. My favorite as you know from the P& would be nice not to share, right? So, do you want to bite? she's eating. It's a perfect dog date. Little lick there. Okay, there. There we go. Okay, now she wants that corn dog.
Very cute. You can take your dogs one day, right? One day. All right. Thanks for joining us. Good night.
