Today's top headlines from CBC British Columbia

Good afternoon, these are your top stories for Friday, July 18, 2025.
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4 hospitalized after airborne chemical release in Burnaby's Big Bend neighbourhood

July 18 , 2025 at 10:53:39 a.m. PDT • :

Four people were taken to hospital and dozens more were temporarily evacuated after a chemical gas release in Burnaby's Big Bend neighbourhood Thursday night.

B.C. college warns students of data breach. Cybersecurity experts warn of wider problems

July 18 , 2025 at 05:00:00 a.m. PDT • :

The College of New Caledonia in Prince George is warning students of a data breach, but cybersecurity experts say colleges and educational institutions are particularly vulnerable to hackers and need to take better measures to protect student data.

Victoria, Saanich to work on amalgation question for next municipal election

July 18 , 2025 at 06:00:00 a.m. PDT • :

The municipalities of Victoria and Saanich are taking steps towards amalgamation, with councillors in the capital city directing staff to work with their neighbour to put together a short question that would be added to the ballot in the October 2026 local elections.

Edmonton police investigating new reports of extortion targeting South Asian community

July 17 , 2025 at 07:37:09 p.m. PDT • :

Edmonton police are looking into a new round of threats and extortion attempts against members of the city's South Asian community. The latest incidents, police say, seem to be separate from the Project Gaslight crimes.

Several Metro Vancouver beaches closed to swimming due to E. coli

July 17 , 2025 at 10:56:45 p.m. PDT • :

Several beaches in Metro Vancouver have a swimming advisory in effect due to high levels of E. coli. They include Second Beach, Third Beach, Kitsilano Beach, Sunset Beach, English Bay , Trout Lake, as well as Dundarave Beach and Lions Bay.

July 17 , 2025 at 06:11:08 p.m. PDT • :

B.C. limits sale of 2 more diabetes drugs used for weight loss

July 17 , 2025 at 06:10:47 p.m. PDT • :

Hundreds of $10K FortisBC heat pump rebates in jeopardy over contractor certification

July 15 , 2025 at 07:07:35 p.m. PDT • :

#TheMoment a chonky marmot was spotted in a B.C. park

Watch

July 17 , 2025 at 03:45:16 p.m. PDT • :

Vancouver police officer retires after demotion, suspension for sexual harassment

July 17 , 2025 at 06:55:04 p.m. PDT • :

2 people rescued after float plane crash off Lasqueti Island, B.C.

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