B.C. ferry and hydro prices go up and liquor laws change today
Ferry fares increased 3.9 per cent on April 1, while electricity rates rise 6 per cent
The first day of April is ushering in a variety of changes for consumers as everything from B.C. liquor laws to ferry fares are increasing across the province.
BC Ferries fares increased 3.9 per cent today, while BC Hydro electricity rates will rise six per cent or in dollar figures about $72 for the average home.
Changes to liquor laws
And if you feel like drowning your sorrows, under provincial changes to liquor laws you can now buy a bottle of wine at Save-On-Foods in Surrey.
"Today is a great day in B.C. - we are celebrating the first grocery store to offer local wine right off of the shelf in our province, which is something many participants asked us for throughout the Liquor Policy Review," said MLA John Yap, parliamentary secretary for liquor policy reform.
As part of those changes, 169 of the province's 196 B.C. Liquor Stores are extending their operating hours. Meanwhile, the City of Vancouver is now permitting patios in Vancouver to stay open until 1 a.m. PT.
But if you're thinking of having a cigarette outside, be warned tighter smoking rules are also coming into effect, with a ban in place in parks, playgrounds and other areas.
And if you are thinking of getting a new car, this may be a factor. The province is now offering a $5,000 rebate if you buy an electric vehicle.
Meanwhile, FortisBC has cut gas rates for customers.