Night in Big White The ski resort took on a chaotic look on Sunday after a group of youths were believed to have arrived. bear sprayfrom which dozens of workers and passers-by were injured.
“It’s not something you see on a ski slope,” said patron Isaac Potash.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened suddenly near a nearby market. Harrison Ash said he was hanging out with friends when they noticed something was wrong. “I was just chilling with my friends and yawned a little,” Ash recalls.
“These people were wearing masks, I thought their faces were cold, and then my friends said, 'Oh, they look suspicious,' and then the next thing you know, screaming and everything,” he said.
Get the latest national news
To stay on top of news affecting Canada and the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
Employees at the Snowshoe Sam restaurant told Global News that the group tried to get help buying alcohol at a nearby market but were turned away shortly before the bear spray was deployed.
Ash said he saw the suspects run away immediately afterward. “I saw them run out and run away, and then you hear all these ‘aaaahs,’” he said.
Crews from the Greater White Fire Department responded to treat dozens of chemical burn victims. Fire Chief Joshua Foster said one physical injury occurred before crews arrived on scene.
“It is our understanding that this occurred before our crews arrived. We did treat one patron for a laceration above the eye,” Foster said.
One resort employee was allegedly injured during the incident.
The restaurant closed to provide shelter and aid to the victims, and members of the Big White community came to the rescue.
Foster praised those who assisted first responders, saying, “Some of the restaurant staff, as well as some bystanders, were very helpful.”
Kelowna RCMP say they have identified persons of interest and are continuing to investigate. Meanwhile, witnesses hope that this incident is isolated.
“I’ve actually never seen or heard of anything like this happening here before,” Potash said.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
