Storylines

In Temple, Texas, something is growing like gang busters in fields once belonging to farmers. Data centres. Lots of them. But not everyone is happy about the new neighbours. While the mayor claims they will help raise property values, many residents worry about the impact big tech will have on their family homes. Matt Galloway headed to Temple to hear the tale of two futures: one of prosperity and innovation and another of excess pollution, sprawling buildings, and a hum that never shuts off.

Booze costs Canadian society an estimated $20 billion a year. It causes far more harm overall than any other drug in the country including tobacco and opioids. Every day, nine people die in Canadian hospitals from damage caused by alcohol. So, doctors and advocates are questioning why more isn’t being done to help people who are suffering. People like Jordan Kawchuk who shares his very personal struggle in Liz Hoath’s documentary, Nothing Else Matters.

Grey whales on the West Coast of North America are in trouble. They’re skinny, starving and dying. Their numbers dropped from an estimated 26,000 to roughly 12,000 in just under a decade. Scientists blame climate change. Twelve dead whales have been discovered already this year in BC. Laura Lynch’s documentary explores what’s happening to the whales.

On the evening of August 7th - a forest fire northwest of Summerland, BC spread at an alarming speed. The entire district of Summerland appeared to be in its path. Suddenly, air raid sirens blare into the darkness. Twenty-thousand people are forced to flee their homes - some driving through flames and thick smoke. Sarah Penton brings us this documentary about the terror of that night - and what is being done to guard against it happening again.

Competitive cycling is a dangerous sport. Crashes are common. Even deadly. Just this year, at least 11 riders have died during races or training rides. The end of September was a big week for elite cycling in Canada, with Montreal hosting the road world championships. Competitors were laser focused on two things: having the races of their lives, and not getting hurt. At a time when the sport is getting faster and faster … the winner of the Tour de France now averages about 42 kilometres per hour over the entire race …  some competitive cyclists say there is an urgent need to better protect riders.John Chipman investigates the problem, and the legacy of one crash in particular.