![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.3704539.1470164478!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/square_1180/stephanie-mercier.jpg?im=)
Stephanie Mercier
CBC Vancouver reporter
CBC News Vancouver reporter and newsreader. stephanie.mercier@cbc.ca @stephmer
Latest from Stephanie Mercier
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4457289.1513725205!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/house-price-graphic.jpg)
Hoping to buy a home in B.C.? Sorry, it's not likely to get much cheaper
If your New Year's dreams include buying a home in B.C., don't expect it to get much easier in 2018, at least according to one expert.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4226335.1501263203!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/b-c-fires-2017.jpg)
Challenges linger for Williams Lake, months after record-breaking fire season
As 2017 comes to a close, many in B.C.'s interior communities are bidding farewell to a year that saw them flee their homes in unprecedented numbers. It's been months now since the flames have subsided, but the memories of the summer are never far from mind — and challenges remain.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.3743539.1472689600!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/overdose-awareness-day.jpg)
B.C.'s overdose crisis in graphs: Another year of devastating statistics
As 2017 draws to a close, the latest statistics illustrate the stark reality of a deepening emergency — as well as some of the lessons learned about the crisis.
Canada -British Columbia |
This winter light display is so popular, it's causing pedestrian traffic jams
Pedestrian traffic jams, parking woes — both oft-heard complaints during the holidays. But they're not usually due to a free light display.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.3554571.1559075016!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/pot-shops.jpg)
Not-for-profit aims to set up pot accreditation program
A not-for-profit group, partly based in B.C., is looking to establish a national marijuana accreditation program.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4447088.1513196463!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/smartbrain-by-robert-lamberton-consulting.jpg)
Health Canada warns about supplements from 'dirty' unauthorized site
Health Canada is warning all products sold online or by email through a company called Robert Lamberton Consulting may pose serious health risks, and the agency has seized all products and manufacturing equipment found at the company's site.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.2790358.1511966923!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/wad-of-cash-oct072014.jpg)
It may be legal tender, but more businesses are snubbing cash
A small but growing number of businesses are opting not to accept cash at all.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4425787.1512003481!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/couple-and-puppy.jpg)
Singles night at the animal shelter? B.C. SPCA looking to shift image
The B.C. SPCA is embarking on a makeover. It's looking to shed the classic image many people think of when they hear the phrase animal shelter — the picture of a scruffy puppy or kitten looking out sadly from behind the bars of a dark, cold cage — and replace it with something sunnier.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4423141.1513805624!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/photographer-claims-evidence-of-contaminated-fish-farm-effluent.jpg)
B.C. investigating claims fish processing plants released contaminated effluent
A B.C. photographer claims to have found evidence from two fish processing plants that shows effluent contaminated with piscine reovirus is being released into the ocean. However, the company says the red-looking discharge has been treated and is not harmful to fish.
Canada -British Columbia |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4422095.1511824188!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/bc-buy-local-week-campaign-kick-off.jpg)
'Buy Local' campaign takes on retail giants, labour shortages, rising lease rates
The holiday shopping blitz is now well underway. And for the sixth year in a row, smaller shops in B.C. are banding together to try to get their slice of the dollar, despite increasing challenges.
Canada -British Columbia |