Best of 2022

Geoff de Ruiter organized a Ducknana event in Victoria to help build a sense of community after a couple of difficult years. (Photo courtesy of Geoff de Ruiter)

Censored Sasquatch, Ducknana diehards: Wacky B.C. stories from 2022

Don’t forget the breastfeeding mom who saved her goose or the music teacher who scared off a bear

 

Autumn Lott at Gilman’s point, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. At seven years old, she’s the youngest Canadian to have ever summitted the infamous peak. (Francesca Lott photo)

Good news stories from 2022 to reflect on in 2023

These British Columbians were lifting spirits across the province

 

Chilliwack’s Jordyn Huitema spent lots of time with the Canadian national women’s soccer squad in 2022. (Canada Soccer photo)

TOP STORIES 2022: Chilliwack athletes compete on world stage

Jordyn Huitema, Reece Howden and Ben Hagkull represented Canada at major sporting events

 

Kevin Stone works on a gigantic Elon Musk head on May 27. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

TOP STORIES 2022: Chilliwack artist makes international headlines with metal sculptures

People all over the world have seen photos and videos of Kevin Stone’s giant metal creations

Kevin Stone works on a gigantic Elon Musk head on May 27. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)
Smoky skies seen Sept. 27, 2022, continued with record heat and drought into October. (Jennifer Feinberg/ Chilliwack Progress)

TOP STORIES 2022: Record heat, drought from summer into fall in Chilliwack

‘There is a cost to all this, and it is the farmers that pay for it’ – UFV professor

Smoky skies seen Sept. 27, 2022, continued with record heat and drought into October. (Jennifer Feinberg/ Chilliwack Progress)
Screenshot from video posted in 2021 showing repeated crossings through side channels of the Fraser River at Gill Bar in Chilliwack. (Facebook)

TOP STORIES 2022: Gill Bar finally shut down to vehicle traffic

Years of habitat destruction by recreational users prompted DFO’s decision

Screenshot from video posted in 2021 showing repeated crossings through side channels of the Fraser River at Gill Bar in Chilliwack. (Facebook)
Teri Westerby after winning a seat on the Chilliwack Board of Education on election night in Chilliwack, Oct. 15, 2022. Westerby is the first trans man to be elected to a school board ever in B.C. and likely the first in Canada. (Reid Clark photo)

TOP STORIES 2022: Chilliwack school board election a rejection of intolerance

In a surprising turn of events, Chilliwack voters solidified a 5-2 progressive majority

Teri Westerby after winning a seat on the Chilliwack Board of Education on election night in Chilliwack, Oct. 15, 2022. Westerby is the first trans man to be elected to a school board ever in B.C. and likely the first in Canada. (Reid Clark photo)
Eddie Gardner speaks at Central Community Park where more than 200 people gathered following a truth and reconciliation walk on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Chilliwack. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

PHOTOS OF 2022: Most memorable images of the year in Chilliwack

Chilliwack Progress photojournalist Jenna Hauck shares some of her favourite photos of 2022

Eddie Gardner speaks at Central Community Park where more than 200 people gathered following a truth and reconciliation walk on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Chilliwack. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Riley Ashley brings down a Vancouver College player during the AAA provincial football championship game at B.C. Place Stadium. (Joanne Hewitt photo)

TOP STORIES 2022: Chilliwack’s G.W. Graham Grizzlies come close in provincial championship game

The defending AAA champions lost by one point to Vancouver College at B.C. Place Stadium

Riley Ashley brings down a Vancouver College player during the AAA provincial football championship game at B.C. Place Stadium. (Joanne Hewitt photo)
A total of 100 rainbow-coloured pride banners were installed in Chilliwack on May 25. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

TOP STORIES 2022: Rainbow banners mark a turning point in Chilliwack

Symbols for Pride month ‘a powerful reminder’ for those struggling with their identity

A total of 100 rainbow-coloured pride banners were installed in Chilliwack on May 25. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 8, there were 37,801 babies born in B.C. (Pixabay.com photo)

37,801 babies were born in B.C. so far this year: These are the most popular names

There is over 100 years of baby names recorded in British Columbia, available to the public

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 8, there were 37,801 babies born in B.C. (Pixabay.com photo)
A house for sale sign in Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack on Nov. 6, 2022. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)

TOP STORIES 2022: Chilliwack real estate takes a hit as interest rates rise

After prices went through roof in 2021, interest rates and inventory caused the local market to drop

A house for sale sign in Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack on Nov. 6, 2022. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)
Mimi Kates (left) and Amber Culley (right) were killed by Eric Shestalo in Chilliwack on July 21, 2022. Shestalo was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (Facebook photos)

TOP STORIES 2022: Two women were shot and killed by ex-partner in Chilliwack

Amber Culley and Mimi Kates were murdered by Eric Shestalo in triple shooting on McNaught in July

Mimi Kates (left) and Amber Culley (right) were killed by Eric Shestalo in Chilliwack on July 21, 2022. Shestalo was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (Facebook photos)
Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove speaks during the groundbreaking for the Mann Group apartment building construction at the former Safeway site in downtown Chilliwack on Friday, March 25, 2022. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

TOP STORIES 2022: New developments changing the beating heart of downtown Chilliwack

New businesses at District 1881 and two affordable housing projects break ground in 2022

Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove speaks during the groundbreaking for the Mann Group apartment building construction at the former Safeway site in downtown Chilliwack on Friday, March 25, 2022. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
As the sun sets on 2022, we know there will be tumult ahead in 2023 but there will be good times too. Bring it on. (Photo by Ezra Laser)

OPINION: What a wild, strange ride that year was, yet again

‘There will be tumult ahead in 2023 to be sure. There will also be good times, good deeds, and love’

As the sun sets on 2022, we know there will be tumult ahead in 2023 but there will be good times too. Bring it on. (Photo by Ezra Laser)
Olive doesn’t mind the snow if there are treats involved (Jacqueline Gelineau/Capital News)
Olive doesn’t mind the snow if there are treats involved (Jacqueline Gelineau/Capital News)
Rachele Jamieson of Chilliwack said Sunwing had left her all alone in YVR after returning home on a flight from Cuba at 3 a.m. on March 1, 2022. She is seen here three days after the incident in her Chilliwack home. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Rachele Jamieson of Chilliwack said Sunwing had left her all alone in YVR after returning home on a flight from Cuba at 3 a.m. on March 1, 2022. Her story was the 10th most viewed Chilliwack story on www.theprogress.com in 2022. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Rachele Jamieson of Chilliwack said Sunwing had left her all alone in YVR after returning home on a flight from Cuba at 3 a.m. on March 1, 2022. She is seen here three days after the incident in her Chilliwack home. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Rachele Jamieson of Chilliwack said Sunwing had left her all alone in YVR after returning home on a flight from Cuba at 3 a.m. on March 1, 2022. Her story was the 10th most viewed Chilliwack story on www.theprogress.com in 2022. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
B.C. athletes shot for the stars in 2022. Clockwise from top left: Melanie Vogal, Rio Crystal, Teagan Dunnett, Kimberly Newell. (Photos submitted)

From cross-Arctic treks to Olympic dreams, B.C. athletes made 2022 one for the books

Athletes didn’t shy away from adventure this year

B.C. athletes shot for the stars in 2022. Clockwise from top left: Melanie Vogal, Rio Crystal, Teagan Dunnett, Kimberly Newell. (Photos submitted)
Pedestrians walk through a sliver of sunlight in the financial district in downtown Toronto on Wednesday July 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

Good riddance: Most Canadians feel 2022 was worse than 2021, poll suggests

Thirty-one per cent of respondents felt this year was worse for them than last year

Pedestrians walk through a sliver of sunlight in the financial district in downtown Toronto on Wednesday July 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Canada skip Brad Gushue, right, discusses a shot with third Mark Nichols during their bronze medal curling match against the United States Friday, February 18, 2022 at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Curling Canada is hoping an ongoing high-performance review will help put the federation on track for success after a disappointing showing on the international stage last season.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

A look at Curling Canada’s hopes in 2023

Dates for the Olympic trials and mixed doubles trials have yet to be announced

Canada skip Brad Gushue, right, discusses a shot with third Mark Nichols during their bronze medal curling match against the United States Friday, February 18, 2022 at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Curling Canada is hoping an ongoing high-performance review will help put the federation on track for success after a disappointing showing on the international stage last season.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz