It would be a unique year that passed without its share of crisis and tragedy dominating the media headlines. For Black Press Media journalists in British Columbia, 2025 was no exception.
Here are some of the news stories that captured much of our attention across the province this year:
Street Festival tragedy
Eleven people, including a 5-year-old girl were among the victims as a joyful Vancouver street celebration was rocked by one of the worst acts of public violence in B.C. history.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was charged with multiple counts including second-degree murder April 27, the day after a suspect drove an SUV into a crowd of people during a Filipino Lapu Lapu celebration in Vancouver, killing 11 and injuring at least two dozen more.
Girl, 5, dead, 22-month-old still in hospital after B.C. Lapu Lapu
Vancouver student recalls aftermath of Filipino festival carnage
Lapu Lapu day attack sparks Eby to launch B.C. event safety
Lapu Lapu Day tragedy report calls for better Vancouver hostile vehicle protection
B.C. Lapu Lapu attack suspect fit to stand trial, faces 31 new charges
Birds of a feather
Universal Ostrich Farm began the year far off the busy byways of B.C. geography and even farther off the beaten path of public consciousness.
It ended the year firmly fixed as the epicentre of an international debate in the wake of federal officials ordering the death of its flock of more than 300 ostriches over fears tied to avian influenza.
Lawyer, animal advocates fight cull order for Edgewood ostrich farm
Ostrich-cull lawyer says Edgewood farm’s case could set precedent
CFIA caring for Edgewood ostriches; explains avian flu risks
Shots in the night: More than 300 B.C. ostriches euthanized, ending 11-month saga
Animal Justice demands review of CFIA Edgewood ostrich shootings
Our burden to bear?
What began as a school outing from the central B.C. coast community of Bella Bella, turned into a tale of bravery and terror after a rogue grizzly bear attacked the group, sending four people to hospital.
It was the most high-profile of a series of bear attacks around the province that raised questions about conservation and public safety.
Man hurt in B.C. grizzly bear attack near Fort Steele dies in hospital
Three school children, 1 adult injured in Bella Coola grizzly bear attack
Grizzly bear conflict continues to worsen: BCWF
‘Silent killer’: Weighing solutions to stop train-bear collisions in B.C.’s Rogers Pass
Search ends as 4 more grizzlies found unrelated to Bella Coola attack
Borderline considerations
While the world of Canadian politics was dominated by a shift in our relationship with our most powerful neighbour, British Columbians were responding with our feet.
Traffic into the United States dipped dramatically with a notable effect on B.C. individuals, communities, and their travel and economic decisions.
B.C. woman home after visa rejection led to 11 days in U.S. custody
U.S. border town focused on ‘vital’ relationship with B.C. neighbours
‘Sorry’ U.S. border towns hurting as B.C. crossings drop nearly 43%
Steep decline in Canadians travelling to the U.S. continues
B.C. border crossing unlikely to be affected by U.S. move to require 5 years of social media
Justice for Bailey
The central Okanagan region was rocked by the broad daylight killing of local mom Bailey McCourt, whose estranged partner was charged in connection with her death.
The tragedy resonated with individuals both on a grassroots level, and across the political spectrum, leading to what many considered much-needed reforms.
Silent vigil for Kelowna’s Bailey McCourt, 4 other women murdered by men
Canada targets violent, repeat offenders with proposed bail reform
‘This case will make a change’: Kelowna murder charge upgraded
Bailey’s Law passes second reading in House of Commons with standing ovation
Feds introduce justice reforms sought by family of slain Kelowna woman
Crisis of fear
Bullets pumped into the homes, shops and businesses across B.C. underscored the insidious creep of a new kind of crime overtaking communities.
Centred most prominently in B.C.’s Lower Mainland South Asian community, an ugly trend of citizens being extorted through threats of violence had frightened people demanding answers — and action.
B.C. RCMP adds more resources to tackle extortion crisis
Man sentenced for shooting and arson at rapper’s Vancouver Island home
‘Abandoned and helpless’: Sons of B.C. murder victim plead for extortion crisis action
More deportations, talks with India in Canada’s extortion response: minister
Surrey mayor ‘appalled’ 15 extortion suspects claiming refugee status
Canada doing everything it can to tackle B.C. extortion crisis: minister
Death of pig farmer
Perhaps the most notorious killer in the history of British Columbia died halfway across the country in 2024.
But the aftermath of the death of Robert Pickton, convicted in the deaths of six women and suspected in the disappearances of dozens more, continued to make headlines in 2025 as the cause of his death was released and the accused inmate pleading guilty.
B.C. killer Robert Pickton died after inmate shoved broken broom handle
Inmate pleads guilty to 1st-degree murder of B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton
Natural causes
Even as the ubiquitous spectre of wildfire loomed slightly lower on the B.C. scene in 2025, the natural world was hardly quiet as new threats to and from the environment continued to draw people’s care and attention.
Invasive golden mussel poses new threat to B.C. waterways
‘Zombie worms’ have vanished off the B.C. coast, and that’s a bad thing
Two more cases of Chronic Wasting Disease detected in the Kootenays
Frustration mounts as B.C. town remains cut off more than two months
When the chips are down
There was a time where the temperate rainforests of B.C. represent the province’s economic heartbeat. But 2025 was not that time.
Assailed by American trade practices on one side, and fibre access concerns on another, B.C.’s forest industry struggled through a year of setbacks and closures.
B.C. lumber industry reacts to U.S. softwood duty hike
West Fraser answers questions on 100 Mile House mill closure
Williams Lake mayor says city ‘blindsided’ by pellet plant closure
B.C. parties at odds over forestry response as closures mount
Crofton pulp mill to close permanently this month; 350 workers out of a job