The BC Coroners Service announced on October 28 that an inquest concerning the death of Chase de Balinhard will begin November 9 in Burnaby. Proceedings are scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners' Court, and an official livestream will be available.
Public inquiry scheduled for Burnaby
The BC Coroners Service says the inquest will begin Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Burnaby Coroners' Court in Metrotower II, 4720 Kingsway. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. John Knox will preside. The October 28 information bulletin says a jury will hear evidence under oath and may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar circumstances in future. The inquest has been scheduled; no findings from these upcoming proceedings have yet been issued.
Purpose of a coroner's inquest
The coroner's office describes an inquest as a public, non-fault-finding inquiry. Its role is to establish relevant facts and consider prevention recommendations where evidence supports them. The announcement says the service received a report of the death on February 9, 2025, following an incident involving police services in Surrey. The service cites the Coroners Act requirement for an inquest in qualifying deaths involving people detained by or in the custody of peace officers. These legal procedures are not a criminal trial.
Limits on findings and responsibility
The presiding coroner and jury have defined duties. According to the province, a jury may recommend changes or safety measures but must not make findings of legal responsibility or conclusions of law. Readers should therefore not interpret the scheduling of an inquest as a determination of misconduct, negligence or criminal guilt. Any findings or recommendations will need to be assessed against the evidence presented at the proceeding.
How the public can follow it
The BC Coroners Service says the inquest will be livestreamed so the public and media can attend virtually. The province also states that republication or rebroadcasting of the proceeding is restricted. Information about the official schedule, livestream and subsequent jury findings is available through the BC Coroners Service's government website. CDN News links to that official page rather than reproducing any livestream.
Sources & transparency
Government of British Columbia — BC Coroners Service October 28 information bulletinBC Coroners Service — official inquest schedule and findingsOriginal CDN News coverage. Sources are linked for reference.
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