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While Victoria is in the midst of its current heatwave, it’s nice to look back on cooler seasonal temps.
Our city in particular is well-known for weather that changes on a dime—but have you ever wondered exactly how much it transforms over the course of a year?
Local videographer Rodrigo Inostroza Cortés noticed how dramatically an alley nearby his home changed across the seasons, which is exactly why he decided to pull out his camera and film just that.
Cortés created an incredible time-lapse video showing all four seasons of the year in just one minute.
To get to a nearby grocery store at Hillside Shopping Centre, Cortés started taking the path behind his house and was amazed at how beautifully it was transformed as the seasons changed.
“I kept on noticing how dramatically it changed as time went by, through the different seasons,” Cortés told Victoria Buzz.
“I’m a videographer and started imagining a video where I could walk through the path and capture all of the changes of the path,” he added.
From the little wild flowers on the path to the Garry Oak leaves, everything is constantly transforming and Cortés said he wanted to deliver that experience to the viewer.
He began recording the path between November 2020 and November 2021—generally three to four times a month.
The video was first shared to Reddit, where it received a lot of praise.
Check it out here:
Cortés revealed that he plans to share more similar videos in the future and is looking for suggestions on locations he can film.
Where do you think he should film next? Let us know in the comment section below.
And here’s an even quicker, 18 second version of the timelapse:
Don’t be surprised if you return home to find your recycling bin still full this week.
Temperatures are rising and this week’s extreme heat could result in delays for Greater Victoria recycling collection.
According to the Capital Regional District, the curbside recycling program is currently experiencing difficulties due to the extreme heat, which may result in delay in service for some residents until Friday, July 29th.
UPDATE: Heat Wave Conditions Impacting Curbside Recycling Collection – The CRD's contractor is making best efforts to complete daily routes but residents might see some delays in service. https://t.co/AhmJvyA7f7#crdalert
Emterra Environmental, the contractor responsible for collection on the CRD’s behalf will attempt to recover materials on alternate days this week where possible.
Residents whose recycling is not picked up by 9 p.m. are asked to leave your materials at the curb.
If recycling is not picked up within 48 hours of your scheduled collection day, you are asked to send your address to crdbluebox@emterra.ca.
After two long years of restrictions, we’re all looking to reconnect. With each other, with art and with ourselves.
This November, Rupi Kaur wants to help us do just that, bringing her spoken word poetry experience to the Royal Theatre in Victoria.
The award winning poet’s new North American tour will take audiences on a journey of personal loss and love, growth, mental health, community, friendship, and strength.
Rupi, who’s surpassed 4.5 million followers on Instagram, will perform poems from ‘home body’, greatest hits from her iconic books ‘milk and honey’ and ‘the sun and her flowers’ as well as new, unpublished pieces.
Tickets start at $62 and are on sale now, you can get yours here.
The father of Lindsay Buziak, the 24-year-old Victoria real estate agent killed during a house viewing in 2008, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to revitalize the investigation.
The murder remains one of the most high-profile unsolved killings in Canada.
What likely started as a typical Saturday for 24-year-old Lindsay Buziak took a tragic turn after several stab wounds led to her untimely death.
On February 2nd, 2008, the up-and-coming realtor was tricked by her murderers into showing a million-dollar home in the Gordon Head area of Saanich.
That same day, she was found mutilated in an upstairs bedroom of the home at 1702 De Souza Place.
Lindsay’s father, Jeff Buziak, has been gathering information about the homicide for years, launching a website and creating a detailed timeline.
This year marked 14 years since the fatal day.
“Lindsay was very popular. She was a realtor, well-liked. My daughter was executed viciously, for what? We don’t know,” Jeff told Victoria Buzz in an interview.
Investigators believe the couple arranged the meeting using a prepaid cellphone that was later determined to be registered to a fake name in Metro Vancouver.
The new GoFundMe was spurred on after the mother of the former boyfriend of Lindsay Buziak launched a defamation lawsuit against Jeff Buziak.
On April 25th, legal counsel for Shirley Zailo filed the notice of civil claim in BC Supreme Court and named Jeff Buziak, as well as Vancouver resident Jane Kavanagh, as defendants.
The lawsuit alleged that Kavanagh, using online aliases, wrote defamatory comments on a blog website owned and operated by Jeff Buziak, which publishes information and theories about the still-unsolved homicide.
Buziak said he has exhausted all of his resources “in the pursuit of justice”, including the $500,000 reward he pledged in 2012 through the media to find her killer.
“I continue to owe more, including a lawsuit I’m currently fighting, along with two others, for our efforts to find Lindsay’s killers,” Jeff Buziak said in a statement.
“Solving this case means justice for Lindsay, everyone who loved her, and women who are victims of violence everywhere.”
According to the GoFundMe, Jeff Buziak is aiming to raise $50,000 which will be spent on hiring a private investigative firm, Zonta Research Group, who have already set up a tip line on their website.
Funds would also be allocated towards “a professional media campaign” including posters and sponsored social media posts.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not dealing with Lindsay’s murder,” Jeff said, pointing to an investigation he feels was mishandled by Saanich Police.
“Linsday’s gone; she’s gone. Gone. Never to return.”
“All I have are great memories of a wonderful daughter. That hurts, so I do it for her.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4356 or toll free at 1-888-980-1919.
More fun in the sun is coming to Saanich, with the return of a festival in Cadboro Bay filled with music, food and tons of free activities.
The family-friendly Cadboro Bay Festival will take place at Cadboro-Gyro Park on Sunday, August 7th.
The beachside event will include a variety of hands-on activities, bouncy castles, information displays, arts and crafts stations, Hand Drum Rhythms, and food vendors.
Three local bands, Rock of Ages, Cookeilidh and Tune Raiders, will also perform throughout the afternoon.
World-class sand sculpting artists will be working onsite, creating giant works out of just sand and water.
Residents will be able to vote for their favourite sculpture to help determine the winner of the Pepper’s People’s Choice Award.
“How great to see the return of this much-loved beach side festival. We are delighted to invite all families to join us at this much-loved festival we’re holding for the first time since 2019,” said Mayor Fred Haynes.
“Spend your Sunday at the park enjoying the activities, music and food in this beautiful location.”
The summer weather has arrived and so has the BC Day long weekend.
With those two factors combined, BC Ferries is anticipating an extremely busy weekend and is encouraging travellers to book in advance or face sailing waits on its busiest routes.
The company says it expects to move nearly 140,000 vehicles and more than 400,000 passengers over the long weekend, with the heaviest traffic expected Thursday, Friday, Sunday afternoon and Monday.
To keep up with the demand, BC Ferries said it will be operating at maximum capacity with more than 2,500 sailings—covering more than 22,000 nautical miles—Thursday through Monday.
The company recommends you book early so you don’t have to experience sailing waits.
“Be prepared for sailing waits if you are travelling without a booking. The best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times. These are typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings,” BC Ferries said in a statement.
BC Ferries drivers are encouraged to check current conditions, plan out parking options in advance as lots at major terminals fill up quickly on long weekends and those with advance bookings should arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes ahead of their scheduled departure.
The company said abusive behavior towards staff would not be tolerated. The quietest time to travel this long weekend will be Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.
Phase two of the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project is set to begin next week, from North Dairy Road to Elm Street.
The District of Saanich project will see the addition of the new UVic bike connector among many other active transportation and infrastructure upgrades, including protected cycle tracks and underground utilities.
The UVic bike connector upgrade will aim to make the cycling connection between Shelbourne and the university safer, more comfortable and efficient.
Other improvements include:
replacement of underground utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm drainage)
new northbound and southbound separated cycle tracks from North Dairy Road to Pear Street
new raised multi-use path on Derby Avenue connecting Shelbourne Street to the Bowker Creek greenway at Browning Street
traffic signal upgrades at intersections of Shelbourne Street at North Dairy Road, McRae Avenue, Cedar Avenue and Pear Street
new pedestrian and cyclist activated traffic signals at intersections of Shelbourne Street at Knight Avenue and Derby Avenue
all intersections upgraded to improve crossings for pedestrians and cyclists;
full road repaving
new highly visible reflective road markings and embedded pavement reflectors;
replacement of all Shelbourne Street sidewalks
new and upgraded sidewalks on McRae Avenue from Shelbourne Street to Keats Street
improved roadway lighting
new street trees and landscaping
improved bus stops with new shelters and lighting
new street furniture including bike locking posts, waste receptacles and benches.
“With the positive feedback on the first phase, it’s exciting to see the next phase of this major project get underway,” said Mayor Fred Haynes.
“Residents, businesses and commuters will all benefit from the improvements we’re making on this important, busy corridor.”
According to the District of Saanich, completion of this phase is expected to take approximately 24 months.
Phase three will begin in 2024.
Residents and businesses near the area have been notified of any construction impacts.
Canada is home to a long list of incredible camping spots, including right here on Vancouver Island.
When it comes to planning your outdoor adventure and choosing the perfect spot, the views, proximity to water, activity options, wildlife and facilities are just a small number of considerations to consider.
So where is the best place to camp in Canada?
According to Scouts Canada, our very own Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino made the list of Canada’s ‘most epic’ camp destinations!
The ranking was created with data from a survey completed by 46,704 volunteers and Scouts, who shared their favourite campsites and explored many decision-making questions that are critical to finding the best campsite for any level or type of adventure.
Alberta’s Jasper National Park ranked as Canada’s #1 ‘most epic’ camp destination in Canada followed by Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park ranking second.
Pacific Rim is a breathtaking park, full of old-growth trees and right beside the ocean.
Atlantic Canada scoring the highest number of epic campsites with Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador and Fundy National Park in New Brunswick.
You can see the full list below:
Jasper National Park, Alberta – 39.5%
2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia – 34.6%
3. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario – 32.9%
4. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador – 27.3%
It has been a long couple of years for the wedding industry.
Couples, families and vendors such as caterers, photographers and more had had to wait patiently for months before scrambling to re-organize dates amidst the flurry of ever changing restrictions.
Finally, we are seeing a bounce back in BC’s wedding industry!
According to a new study by HelloSafe, wedding celebrations in the province have finally surpassed pre-COVID levels, up 2.9% in 2022 compared to 2019.
The study is based on information obtained from 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 data published on the official website of the government of British Columbia and BC Wedding and Event Industry Association.
According to the report, weddings are up 44.5% in the first six months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, with January being the only month of the year where the number of marriages declined.
June 2022 was the busiest month for weddings, with 1,330 more weddings celebrated in the province compared to the same time period in 2021.
The strong rise in wedding celebrations in 2022 already represents a $145 million increase in revenue for BC’s wedding industry, with the total revenue expected to reach $150 million before the end of the year!
As things continue to heat up in Greater Victoria, communities have set up places for people to cool down.
With temperatures climbing over 30° for the week, the first heat event of the summer has officially arrived, prompting Environment Canada to issue a special heat warning weather statement for much of BC.
Those at the greatest risk are children, older adults, pregnant women, people working or exercising outdoors, and people with chronic illnesses.
For resources on heat-related illnesses, you can check out HealthLink BC or call them at 8-1-1.
To help the public get through the heat, municipalities are setting up cooling stations to help residents keep comfortable. Here’s where you can cool off from the heat in and around Greater Victoria (and we’ll keep updating as more locations open):
Victoria
After last year’s “heat dome,” the City of Victoria introduced several new strategies to ensure public safety, including deploying over a dozen misting stations. Found at key locations across town, select stations will be accompanied by shade tents, drinking water, and trained support staff.
Several air-conditioned cooling centres will also be available for people to cool down, that includes the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and Cook Street Activity Centre. The Salvation Army ARC on Johnson Street, Our Place Society on Pandora Avenue and Greater Victoria Public Library branches downtown and in James Bay have also been designated as cooling stations.
Click here to see a full list of designated spots.
In Esquimalt, water fountains are available at Saxe Point, High Rock, Memorial, West Bay, Gorge and Adventure parks. There are also air-conditioned sites at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and Gorge Park Pavilion for residents to cool off in.
If you’re in the Oak Bay area, drop-in cooling centres are available at the Oak Bay Rec Centre and Monterey Rec Centre. Both areas are self-managed, available during open hours, and are accessible for people with mobility issues.
Saanich
If you’re in Saanich and needing to cool down, the municipality has opened its four recreation centres for people to escape the heat. The free areas include air-conditioned libraries at Saanich Commonwealth Place, G.R. Pearkes Rec Centre, the art galleries and lobby at Cedar Hill Rec Centre and the lobby at Gordon Head Rec Centre.
The ice arenas at Pearkes are also available for cooling and spectating.
— Saanich Parks, Recreation & Community Services (@SaanichParksRec) July 25, 2022
Saanich Peninsula area (Sidney, Central Saanich)
Many residents living on the peninsula likely got an alert text Monday night informing of a cooling station at the Cultural Centre at the Central Saanich library branch. It’s open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
The Central Saanich Fire Department will be hosting misting stations with firetrucks throughout the week. Firefighters will be at Tanner Park from 11 a.m to 11:30 a.m. and Rom Knott from noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, and on Wednesday and Thursday, they’ll be at Centennial Park from 11 a.m. until noon.
— Central Saanich Fire (@CSaanichFire) July 25, 2022
The town of Sidney has initiated its heat response plan from Monday through Friday by opening the air-conditioned Shoal Centre as a cooling centre. The water spray park at Iroquois Park will also have extended hours during this time period, open from 7a.m. to 10 p.m.
West Shore area (Langford, Colwood, Matchosin)
Both Langford and Colwood released an interactive map which shows where residents can go to help cool off. The map includes the location of water fountains, splash pads, lake or beach access or air-conditioned public spaces.
Several stray parks in Langford have extended the hours of during the heatwave, operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., they include:
Centennial Park – 2805 Carlow Road
Veterans Memorial Park – 2830 Alwynd Road
Leigh Place Beach Park – end of Leigh Place
Glen Lake Park – 3078 Shoreview Drive
The Langford Mobile Information Centre will be distributing cool water from Thursday to Saturday at the following locations:
Thursday – Veterans Memorial Park 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – Goldstream Provincial Park Welcome Centre 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
· Saturday – Goldstream Provincial Park Welcome Centre 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army Connection Point Church will host a cooling centre from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It’ll be open from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The GVPL branch off Langford Parkway and the Juan de Fuca branch on Island Highway are air conditioned facilities and the public is welcome to cool down at.
In Metchosin, the fire department have set up a number of water misting and cooling stations around the village centre when needed. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
We will keep updating this as more cooling locations come available, or you can email us at tips@victoriabuzz.com with information.
Road rage is incredibly dangerous, creating toxic driving conditions for anyone in the surrounding area.
So how common is it?
According to a new survey by RatesDotCa, Canadian drivers claim to observe road rage behaviour more often while driving than actually engaging in it themselves.
More specifically, 78% of drivers say they have witnessed road rage in the last year, with more than half (51%) admitting to engaging in it. The online survey gathered data from 1,507 Canadians (1,341 licensed drivers) between June 17th and 19th, using Leger’s online panel.
Road rage is divided into different categories within the survey: honking, brake-checking, tailgating, cutting off another driver, obscene gestures, collision, stopping and exiting a vehicle to confront another person and rolling down the window to yell at someone.
According to the survey’s findings, road rage incidents and severity vary based on gender, age and location.
Though men and women claim to engage in road rage equally, men are more likely to engage in confrontational person-to-person behaviours like obscene gestures, rolling down the window to yell at someone and stopping and exiting the vehicle.
Age also plays a factor. According to the survey, the number of Canadians who engage in road rage drops significantly after the age of 55.
Road rage also plays out differently in rural versus urban areas. Drivers in rural areas are not only more likely to exit a vehicle to confront a person than urban drivers, they are also more likely to engage in every road rage behaviour previously listed.
Have you ever been involved in or witnessed a road rage incident?
An Oak Bay Police officer conducting traffic enforcement on Foul Bay Road at Newton Street caught an 18 year-old-old speeding and without a driver’s license.
On July 20th, the officer observed a vehicle travelling 74 km/h in a 50 zone and pulled over the driver.
The vehicle was stopped and the 18-year-old driver did not have a driver’s licence, and he was issued a ticket for speeding, driving without a licence, and failing to produce insurance.
The driver told police he would leave the vehicle parked and arrange for someone to come pick it up. A short time later after the officer had returned to traffic enforcement, the driver was seen driving the vehicle away.
The officer pulled over the driver again and issued another ticket for driving without a licence.
It’s unclear how this will impact the driver getting an actual driver’s license in the future.
Who’s ready for three days of celebrating competition, culture, and community?!
From live music, cultural performances, beer gardens, pancake breakfast, and of course the main feature, the return of the dragon boat races is nearly upon us!
The festival, presented by Canada Dry and Fairway Markets, and organized by Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society, runs from Friday, August 12th to Sunday, August 14th at Victoria’s Ship Point.
This year’s theme is Spirit of the Dragons – Paddles Rise Up!, and all day dragon boat races will take place on Saturday, August 13th—the same day, there will also be a Carnation Ceremony and pause for breast cancer awareness.
Not only will there be a full line-up of cultural performances, art, and entertainment, folks can expect an incredible line up of music that includes DJ Neon Steve, Soul Shakers, OK Charlie and much more.
There will also be a large beer tent near the main stage for those who want to cool down on a hot summer day, while enjoying the performances.
As for the kids, there will be a tent fill of cultural and family activities, including entertainment as well as arts and craft.
Day one of the event will begin with an opening ceremony at noon Friday, followed by live music throughout the day.
At 7:45 p.m., the Lights of Courage Ceremony will take place, where thousands of paper lanterns are hung on the water’s edge, overlooking the night views of the Inner Harbour.
The evening will then conclude with with a performance by the Soul Shakers who have entertaining Victorians for more than a decade with their own brand of funky R&B dance music.
Day two of the event will kick off bright and early with a pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and the dragon boat races launching shortly after. There will be live music entertaining the crowd throughout the day and a Carnation Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, the final day of the festival, another pancake breakfast will take place at 10 a.m. to start the day and will be followed by live music—and you won’t want to miss the Water Taxi ballet performance!
DJ Neon Steve, known for delivering a high energy and fast paced flow through genres, with clever edits and segues throughout, will close out the festivities.
Here’s a full list of events taking place throughout the weekend:
“Honour our friends who have fought breast cancer. Join us to honour their battle through the Breast Cancer Challenge race,” read a message on the website.
The races, which began in Victoria during the 1994 Commonwealth Games celebration in commemoration of Hong Kong Day. The Victoria Chinese Commerce Association arranged for dragon boats to be brought over from Vancouver.
At the time, there was not a single dragon boat team training in the city at the time.
The one-day exhibition race was a huge success, quickly evolving into one of Victoria’s largest and most popular summer festivities.
With all that said, make to to get out and enjoy three days of celebrating competition, culture, and community featuring entertainment, delicious food, vendors, and activities for kids and families!
A man wanted by the both West Shore and Sooke RCMP detachments for a series of crimes has been arrested in Port Alberni after he was found driving a stolen BC Ambulance vehicle.
On Friday July 22nd, Port Alberni RCMP said they received several calls of a suspicious man driving an SUV belonging to the BC Ambulance Service.
It was later confirmed the vehicle was stolen a day prior in the Ucluelet area.
Prior to the vehicle being found abandoned west of Port Alberni, police confirmed the suspect driving the vehicle was the same man sought by both West Shore RCMP and Sooke RCMP.
Due to the nature of the previous crimes and potential the suspect may be in possessions of weapons stolen during a break and enter the day prior near Sooke, the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Police Dog Services and Air 8 helicopter were called in to assist.
Port Alberni RCMP located the suspect prior to ERT arriving and arrested him without incident.
“We truly appreciate the concern and vigilance of the public and the assistance from the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and Air Support,” said Constable Richard Johns.
“The citizens reporting the suspicious activity were instrumental in ending this man’s crime spree.”
Last Thursday, July 21st, West Shore RCMP released surveillance photos of the suspect they say is suspected of stealing a vehicle and was “armed and dangerous”.
He also failed to stop for police after several attempts were made.
The incident began between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19th when witnesses observed the man behind the wheel of a stolen 2010 black Dodge Caravan vehicle near the intersection of Admirals and Craigflower Roads in View Royal.
RCMP said the vehicle was then involved in several investigations the following day around Sooke which include uttering threats and residential break-ins, including one that involved the theft of a firearm.
The vehicle was later spotted between Sooke and Ladysmith last Wednesday night.
Police said several attempts were made to stop the vehicle between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., however the driver refused to stop.
Police were eventually able to identify the suspect on Friday before his arrest later that day.
The suspect is being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing for multiple charges from various communities across the southern Vancouver Island.
Five years ago, A&W removed a fan-favourite item from their menu, and fans have been committed to getting it back ever since.
Today, they can celebrate.
The fast food giant announced the return of their fan favourite ‘Whistle Dog’, a legacy menu item that was beloved for decades before disappearing from the menu in 2017.
The Whistle Dog is a hot dog nested in a toasted bun with relish, topped with real cheddar cheese, and bacon.
According to A&W, fans have started petitions, written songs, rallied support on the radio, and filled A&W’s comment sections on social media, since the Whistle Dog left the menu.
A&W listened, and now the Whistle Dog is returning to participating restaurants for a limited time.
“Our guests have been very persistent,” says Amanda Wang, Director of National Promotions and Loyalty at A&W.
“Given our new partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, this felt like the perfect summer to bring back the Whistle Dog and give the people what they want.”
Photo of the opening ceremony on Monday for the newly expanded Songhees Park, which is the first park developed in partnership between the City of Victoria and the Songhees Nation. (City of Victoria)
The newly expanded Songhees Park has officially opened along Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
The project, located beside the Johnson Street Bridge, increased the size of Songhees Park by 1.8 acres (25%) and transformed it into a hillside greenspace, consisting of a Garry oak maritime meadow and coastal bluff gardens, accessible pathways, new lighting, extensive seating and a new timber viewing platform.
The new park area, completed in partnership between the City of Victoria and Songhees First Nation, is located at the site of the former Songhees Village and Reserve, which remained until 1911.
Other new features include a new timber viewing platform, seating walls that display a Lekwungen canoe paddle designed by the city’s Indigenous Artist-in-Residence, Dylan Thomas.
The park’s new greenspaces also includes 55 new trees and 55 species of Indigenous plant—the newly expanded area will allow people to connect with Lekwungen art and culture while offering places to relax, gather and connect with nature, says the City of Victoria.
“This spectacular waterfront park increases the visibility of Lekwungen identity and honours the homelands of the Lekwungen people,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
“Through the collaborative design of this important site, we are taking further steps on the path of reconciliation and our shared future. We deeply appreciate the time that the Lekwungen language team has put into this project.”
The Songhees Nation provided input on how to update the park, including a focus on environmental revitalization and information on Lekwungen identity and culture.
“Songhees Nation is pleased to be working with the City of Victoria on the expansion of Songhees Park as another step toward reconciliation,” said Chief Ron Sam in a statement.
“This expansion will continue to serve our community and provide a safe environment in which our people are valued, respected and cared for. Every step towards reconciliation in our city is vital,” said Songhees First Nation Chief Ron Sam.
“We thank Mayor Helps and Council for their work on this important initiative,” Sam added.
The city said it would continue to coordinate with the Songhees Nation over the coming year to create additional artwork and an interactive educational program for park visitors to enjoy.
The $3-million project was been completed on budget.
The city noted that Songhees Park is “a key connection point” in Victoria’s active transportation network, linking the Galloping Goose trail, the E&N Rail Trail, the Johnson Street Bridge and the Songhees Walkway.
(City of Victoria)(City of Victoria)(City of Victoria)(City of Victoria)(City of Victoria)(City of Victoria)
Staffing issues continue to pose a problem for BC Ferries.
The transportation company announced regularly scheduled evening sailings between Victoria and Salt Spring Island will continue to be cancelled until Thursday, due to staffing issues.
Until July 28th, the last daily sailing of the Skeena Queen will leave Fulford Harbour at 3:50 p.m. and Swartz Bay at 5 p.m.
The cancellations include:
5:50 p.m. departing Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island)
7:00 p.m. departing Swartz Bay (Victoria)
7:50 p.m. departing Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island)
9:00 p.m. departing Swartz Bay (Victoria)
After this, a free 48-person water taxi will operate on the route, to replace the cancelled sailings.
This taxi is a passenger-only service.
BC Ferries’ original cancellation announcement had also included evening sailings on Friday, July 29th and Saturday, July 30th.
However, on the afternoon of July 25th, the company announced crew availability for those days had been resolved and sailings would operate as normal.
BC’s police watchdog has cleared police in any wrongdoing in the death of a 19-year-old Saanich man whose car plunged into the ocean last November.
The incident began with the West Shore RCMP and culminated in North Saanich.
According to the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), West Shore RCMP arrested Brayden Veldhuyzen van Zanten around 3 p.m. on November 20th, 2021, then released him around 7 p.m. that same day.
The details surrounding his arrest were not released, however, about 20 minutes after being released, he was reported to have breached his conditions. West Shore RCMP contacted Veldhuyzen van Zanten about the breach, and he was not taken into custody.
At around 9 p.m., Veldhuyzen van Zanten’s car plunged into the Pat Bay at the end of Mills Road where it intersects with West Saanich Road in North Saanich.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, paramedics and firefighters quickly responded to the area after receiving multiple reports of the car driving into the ocean.
Emergency crews located the vehicle and a single occupant within it.
Veldhuyzen van Zanten, who was the lone occupant of the car, was found deceased and was later confirmed to be the same man West Shore RCMP had recently arrested and released.
Days later, gamily and friends identified Veldhuyzen van Zanten as the driver and a GoFundMe page was set up to help his mother Christy Strachan.
“This has been a shock to the family and they need time to heal,” the GoFundMe page read.
“Christy is no stranger to pain as she lost her daughter Emily in April of 2018 to a blood clot. For a mother to lose not one child but both is unimaginable.”
The IIO said they reviewed the evidence, including civilian witness statements, medical information, and police records, and determined that neither police action nor inaction played a role in the Veldhuyzen van Zanten’s tragic death.
“There were concerns regarding the man’s mental wellness, but available information reflects that grounds did not exist to apprehend the man under the Mental Health Act,” IIOBC Chief Civilian Director Ronald MacDonald wrote in his report.
While the IIO investigation has concluded, the BC Coroners Service independent investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the B.C. Crisis Centre Distress Line number at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.
Bodega offers four different boards for you to choose from with various cheese, meat and condiments. Try the Mixed Pincho Board, the Barcelona Board, the Cheese Board or indulge in the Bodega board.
Location: 1210 Broad Street
Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday
Wind Cries Mary has three different boards to choose from. The Whipped Ricotta board is served with fresh sourdough, the Beef Tartare board comes with a crostini and the Vancouver Island Cheese board is every board enthusiast’s dream!
Vis a Vis’ menu has three different charcuterie boards to choose from. All boards are served with homemade pickled vegetables and pickles, mustards, chutneys and sliced French baguette.
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Covo. Share their platter for two which includes an array of cured Italian meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives and fruit!
The Churchill’s charcuterie board is served with olives, pickles, tomato relish, grainy mustard and bread. With a new daily selection of meats and cheeses, it will always be a unique dining experience!
Location: 1140 Government Street
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday
Penny Farthing’s menu includes 5 share plates! All charcuterie boards are served with house made pickled vegetables, mustards, chutneys and sliced French baguette. They offer a Charcuterie board, a cheese board, a cheese and charcuterie as well as a Mezze Platter.
If you are looking for a selection of fine cheeses and charcuterie, the Collective Wine Bar is the place to go. The menu offers a fine cheese and charcuterie board, a board with chef’s selection of fine cheeses, a local meat and cheese board, a ‘seacuterie’ board and a vegan option!
Location: 230 Cook Street #107
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
Enjoy your charcuterie dinner with a view at Vista 18. Their board includes candied walnuts, house pickles and crackers and your choice of any 3 meat and/or cheese from their menu options. You can build your dream board!
Location: 740 Burdett Avenue
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday and 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
It was a close call for a young pilot of a Cessna 172 in Qualicum Beach last night after the aircraft crashed near the Qualicum Beach Airport.
Emergency crews were alerted of the crash around 7:40 p.m., Sunday July 24th.
Oceanside RCMP said the pilot was the lone occupant of the plane and crashed into a ditch near a tree line beyond Qualicum Beach Airport’s eastern perimeter.
It was initially reported the pilot had suffered serious injuries, however, police released a statement Monday morning saying the pilot was extricated and transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“The Transportation Safety Board, Town of Qualicum Beach and the BC Ministry of Environment were notified of the incident and the Transportation Safety Board has since assumed conduct of the crash investigation,” RCMP added.
Several people living in the area reported seeing the plane flying over their homes and described the sound of the plane’s engine as “choking”.
The pilot has been identified as Akhilesh Shere from Victoria. Friends of Shere, who is in his early 20s, said he is an experienced pilot who carries multiple certifications, including for commercial planes.
According to the fundraiser, Shere was airlifted to the Victoria General Hospital in serious but stable condition.
“Akhilesh is loved by many in the aviation community, and he is a vibrant young man with a second-to-none personality with a life full of dreams ahead of him,” the GoFundMe reads.
Are you looking for a more environmentally conscious, cost effective way to move around town?
Electric transportation might be perfect for you.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, reduce emissions and traffic congestion, improve air quality and increase user fitness.
Starting at approximately $1,000, these e-bikes cost much less than a vehicle to own and operate. Larger cargo bikes can accommodate other passengers, groceries and more.
The already low price can also be reduced through Scrap-It BC, which incentivizes individuals to ‘scrap’ their combustion vehicle in return for $750 towards an e-bike.
So what exactly is an e-bike?
Electric bikes assist the rider’s pedaling efforts with an electric motor, allowing you to go further, travel faster, climb hills more easily and carry more in comparison to a regular bike.
They can even travel between 30 and 160 km on one charge, depending on the bike’s battery capacity, degree of electric assist selected, amount of hill climbing and amount of cargo onboard.
Even better, if you ever run out of charge, you can still ride your e-bike like a regular pedal bike.
Want to learn more?
This summer, the Capital Regional District is inviting residents across the region to get a hands-on feel for electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes and EV chargers at a number of different community events.
This Saturday, July 30th, the CRD’s second ‘Charge Your Ride’ test drive and ride event will take place at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, residents will have the opportunity to experience both electric vehicles and e-bikes first-hand to help them decide if these technologies work for their lifestyles.
The program allows families curious about EVs and e-bikes to try them out, get their questions answered by e-bike owners and have fun!
Attendees will also have a chance to win a number of great prizes, including a FREE CUBE e-bike at the end of the summer!
We’ve also partnered with the CRD to give away a FREE bike tune-up to one lucky winner—and you’ll find those contest details below.
CRD’s Charge Your Ride campaign is a partnership with the City of Victoria, District of Saanich, Town of Sidney and District of Central Saanich, and is made possible by a financial contribution from Natural Resources Canada.
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to win a FREE bike tune-up courtesy of the CRD, complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or and comment below to let us know you have (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on August 15th, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Over the weekend, the annual Oak Bay Collector Car Festival returned, celebrating 22 years of showcasing the coolest and most sought after collector cars Vancouver Island has to offer.
Car enthusiasts and their families came in crowds to view the cars, which were placed in sections along five blocks of Oak Bay Avenue, Monterey to Mitchell Street and a portion of Hampshire Road.
If you missed the celebrations, or want to relive the fun, here are 11 captures from last weekend’s Oak Bay classic car festival:
The first heat event of the summer has officially arrived.
Environment Canada has issued a special heat warning weather statement for much of BC, including Greater Victoria, east Vancouver Island and inland Vancouver Island.
On Monday, July 25th, the weather agency said a heatwave will impact the province this week starting on Monday and lasting until Friday or Saturday, thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure.
It’ll be hottest in the late afternoon and early evening and the coolest near sunrise.
In Greater Victoria, daytime high temperatures will be 33° to 37° inland and 21° to 25° by the water. It’ll be around 15° to 16° in the early morning hours.
(Environment Canada)
As shown above, it will remain sunny the rest of the week (finally a long stretch of sun), but officials are reminding the public to expect an “increase in health and safety risks” and advise people to take precautions.
Those at the greatest risk are children, older adults, pregnant women, people working or exercising outdoors, and people with chronic illnesses.
For resources on heat-related illnesses, you can check out HealthLink BC or call them at 8-1-1.
Since last year’s extreme temperatures, many changes have been made in how the province handles the extreme heat, including implementing a coordinated provincial heat alert and response system (HARS).
The BC HARS system, launched on June 6th, will issue a Broadcast Intrusive alert for extreme heat emergencies through the national public alerting system and aims to ensure people across the province stay safe during future heat events.
In addition, the City of Victoria introduced several new strategies to ensure public safety, including deploying a dozen misting stations. Found at key locations across town, select stations will be accompanied by shade tents, drinking water, and trained support staff.
The BC government is reminding people to keep themselves and others safe while pointing to its Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide, which shares tips on keeping cool, including taking cold showers and staying hydrated.
One person has been killed after a roadside confrontation in Nanaimo escalated into a police-involved shooting Saturday afternoon.
The incident began around 2 p.m. in the 800 block of Haliburton Street on Saturday, July 23rd. Nanaimo RCMP received reports of a man and woman fighting on the road near Highview Terrace.
“Upon police arrival, the man had allegedly produced a weapon. Shots were fired by police and the man was injured,” a release from RCMP stated.
Police said the man died from his injuries at the scene, despite efforts from paramedics to revive him.
Both the man and woman were known to each other.
A large police presence remained in the area throughout the day with the road blocked from near Woodhouse Street to the entrance of the Nanaimo Coastland Mill.
The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO) has taken over the investigation and will look to determine any police wrongdoing.
The IIO automatically initiates an investigation when injury or death results during or following an interaction with police regardless of whether a complaint is filed or not.
Nearly 2,000 BC Hydro customers in Saanich, Esquimalt, and View Royal found themselves in the dark Sunday morning after a vehicle vehicle incident.
BC Hydro says a power outage in the Gorge-Tillicum and Strawberry Vale areas of Saanich is affecting 1,859 customers.
The outage is impacting those in the area south of Mann Avenue, west of Angeleah Place, east of Holland Avenue and north of Forshaw Road.
The outrage first began at 10:52 p.m. Saturday following a motor vehicle incident at and has knocked out traffic control devices at intersections.
A driver crashed into a hydro pole near the intersection of Interurban and Wilkinson Road, shearing the pole in half.
Saanich Police issued a statement Sunday morning reminding motorists that intersections, where traffic signals are not working, must apply the four-way stop rule.
“Please exercise caution while driving due to the power outage impacting households and traffic control devices/intersections in the municipality of Saanich,” said Saanich Police in a statement.
BC Hydro says crews are on scene and power is expected to be restored before 1 p.m. Sunday.
No details were released on the cause of the crash or condition of the occupant(s).
The ongoing staffing issues with BC Ferries have cancelled Saturday sailings between Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay due to crew availability on the MV Klitsa.
BC Ferries issued the service notice Friday afternoon, however, many commuters are arriving at the terminal unaware of the cancellations.
In the announcement, the company said a specific number of crew members are needed aboard the vessel to ensure passenger safety and comply with Transport Canada regulations.
“The decision to cancel a sailing in these circumstances is made when we have exhausted all options to find replacement crew,” read the notice. “That said, if circumstances change and replacement crew become available, we will notify customers immediately.”
It’s not the only sailing being affected by the staffing issue, crew shortages were also behind the ferry corporation’s decision to replace the Skeena Queen with a water taxi for evening sailings between Swartz Bay and Salt Spring Island this weekend.
On Friday, BC Ferries fired CEO Mark Collins “effective immediately” and has named Jill Sharland as an interim CEO while the company searches for a replacement.
The announcement, made by the recently appointed BC Ferry Service Board chair Joy MacPhail, comes amid ongoing cancellations and delays in ferry system.
Collins contract termination will entitle him to severance package, that amount has not yet been finalized.
As of this publication, no announcement has been made regarding Sunday sailings for the Mill Bay/Brentwood Bay route.
Nanaimo RCMP are looking to reunite stolen tools with their rightful owner, after seizing them during a traffic stop earlier this month.
At approximately 1p .m. on July 7th, an officer seized a variety of tools he believed to be stolen from a vehicle that was parked in the area of 250 Victoria Road.
The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle after noticing it was illegally parked.
After speaking with the 37-year-old driver, the officer asked him about the origin of some tools in the vehicle’s backseat.
This question led to several responses from the driver which, to the officer, did not add up.
As the officer continued to question the driver, it became clear to him that the tools had likely been obtained illegally.
The officer seized the tools, however, they were not able to definitely establish the driver of the vehicle had stolen them.
The occupants and their vehicle were then sent on their way.
If these are your tools, or they belong to your company, and you can identify them through receipts, serial numbers or unique markings, you are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 854-2345.
As community support continues to pour in for the police officers involved in last month’s bank shootout in Saanich, the Victoria Shamrocks announced they will be hosting a special “Stronger Together” game at The Q Centre this Friday.
The Shamrocks are hosting two auctions in an effort to raise funds for those injured officers’ families. An online auction will run from Friday, July 22nd until Tuesday, July 26th.
There will also be an in-game silent auction for fans to bid on, that will run until the end of the second period.
When: Friday, July 22nd, ceremonies start at 6:45 p.m
After being cancelled two summers in a row due to the pandemic, the annual Symphony Splash, produced by the Victoria Symphony, has announced they will return with a new ‘Splash Around Town’ event.
The 10-day summer music festival will feature special guests such as Dee Daniels, Steven Page, Craig Northey and more, providing musical performances at some of the city’s most beautiful locations.
Although the event is sure to be a hit, the annual Symphony Splash will be surely missed this year, as it marked one of the largest annual symphony events in North America.
Currently, transportation accounts for more than half of our region’s greenhouse gas emissions—which is exactly why now is the best time to make the switch from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric and other low-emission modes of transportation.
This summer, the Capital Regional District is inviting residents across the region to get a hands-on feel for electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes and EV chargers at a number of different community events—and it all kicks off this weekend!
The first ‘Charge Your Ride’ test drive and ride event will take place this Saturday, July 23rd at Belmont Secondary.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, residents will have the opportunity to experience both electric vehicles and e-bikes first-hand to help them decide if these technologies work for their lifestyles.
It’s the last weekend of the Victoria Flamenco Festival, showcasing a mix of local and international dancers, singers and guitarists collaborating to bring their love of the fiery art form directly to you!
When: July 16th to 24th
Where: Virtual events and events across Victoria
Tickets: You can get tickets for For the Love of Flamenco, Music Night and QADAR: A date with Fate as well as workshopshere.
Japan Fest
Japan Fest is back!
This Summer Matsuri (Japanese Festival) is a joint collaboration between the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society and FUDO Japanese Restaurant.
Enjoy cultural performances, delicious festival food and a raffle for 22 prizes donated by merchants of Broadmead Village Shopping Centre.
Proceeds from this event will help the VNCS support its cultural programs and groups.
The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th
Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown.
Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
Summer 2022 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.
Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October
Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.
The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th
Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown.
Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
Summer 2022 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.
Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October
Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.
The annual Oak Bay Collector Car Festival is back, celebrating 22 years of showcasing the coolest and most sought after collector cars Vancouver Island has to offer.
On Sunday, July 24th car enthusiasts can bring their cars down to Oak Bay to participate in the festival.
Many of the local restaurants and businesses in the area will open for the day. There will also be a prime rib BBQ on the lawn of Municipal Hall.
As in past years, the City of Victoria has organized a number of summer events in and around Victoria including live music at six different outdoor venues.
In May, the city announced the CityVibe was returning, a virtual go-to guide for free events, summer festivals, arts and cultural activities, galleries and public markets.
The guide showcases 40 festivals and outdoor activities and more than 100 free outdoor music concerts and activities.
Bands will perform at various featured spots downtown, including Fort Common, Broad Street Pedestrian Zone, Centennial Square, Fisherman’s Wharf Park, and Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park.
This September, Toronto-born, seven time Juno Award winning singer Serena Ryder is coming to Victoria!
Ryder has released eight studio albums since 2007 and is a seven time Juno Award winner, including winning 2022 Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for her most recent album.
‘The Art of Falling Apart Tour’, titled after Ryder’s latest album, invites fans to join her mental wellness journey and to understand the importance of sitting with the uncomfortable moments and the wisdom in their messages.
Ryder will perform in Victoria at The McPherson Playhouse on Saturday, September 17th.
Where: The McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square.
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday September 17th
Tickets: $56 + fees per ticket. You can get yours at the McPherson Box Office, by calling (250) 386-6121 or online here.
While not surprising to most Victorians, a recently released report show those living in the capital region need to earn nearly $188K per year to buy a home in the city.
The report by mortgage rate comparison company ratehub.ca found that a prospective homebuyer would need to earn a six figure salary to afford it.
Canadians who want to buy a home in Victoria will need to earn $187,980 a year, that’s gone up a whopping $35,760 (23%) since March.
That number is based on an average home price of $985,500 and a mortgage amount of $788,400.
The Bank of Canada started hiking the key overnight rate in March after two years of historic low rates. Ratehub says that fixed-rate mortgages increased by 66% on average between March and June of this year.
As mortgage rates have increased, so has the stress test rate. Home prices started trending downwards in some major cities. However, the annual income you need to buy a home has increased significantly across all cities – by $18,000 on average, in just the last four months.
(RateHub)
Those wanting to purchase a home in Vancouver will need to have the highest income to afford to a property. According to ratehub’s data, a yearly salary of $231,950 is needed to afford a home. Toronto is second in that category with hombuyers needing to earn a $226,500.
A recent RE/MAX Housing Affordability in Canada report found that the majority (64%) of Canadians surveyed are willing to relocate to achieve housing affordability.
Of those, 50% of Canadians said they would make their change of scenery less than 100 km from where they currently live.
According to ratehub.ca, Winnipeg is the cheapest place to purchase a home with a earning requirement of $78,270. Edmonton is next up at $86,770.
Ready to make a move or would you prefer the beauty of BC?
A damaged section of Lochside Trail is set to begin undergoing repairs, following sloughing after a winter storm in 2020 .
The District of Saanich, in partnership with the CRD, will be undertaking repairs on the Lochside Trail slope between Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue.
Although emergency work was completed in 2020 and 2021 to prevent further impacts to the slope, complete restoration will occur during this announced project.
The project will include excavation of the sloughed trail portion, stabilizing the creek bed, rebuilding the slope, and new pavement in the affected area.
Construction will take place between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, including a full trail closure with alternative detours provided.
The pedestrian detour will be along Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue, with the cyclists detour directed through Reynolds Road and Borden Street.
The two northbound lanes on Quadra Street will be reduced to one lane to accommodate the cyclist detour for the duration of the project.
In-stream repairs are scheduled to start mid-August up until mid-September, due to the environmental sensitivity of the Creek area.
RCMP are warning the public of a rental scam after a Nanaimo man was defrauded of thousands of dollars earlier this month.
The incident, which occurred in early July, involved a home in the 600-block of Bowen Road.
According to the complainant’s report to police, he had responded to a rental ad on the website Zillow.
The man began communicating with a woman, who went by the name of Ginger Reed, regarding the house on Bowen Road.
Reed was asking for one months rent up front and another month’s rent in order to turn the keys over.
She provided an email where the rent money could be e-transferred, and told the man that the keys and documents for the home would be delivered to him once the money was received.
Reed then sent the man a copy of the lease documents and an out-of-province driver’s license with the name and picture for Ginger Reed, to prove identity.
The next day, the man went to the home listed on the ad, which appeared to be occupied with several vehicles parked in the driveway.
The man was able to confirm that Reed’s name was not on the ownership title of the home, coming to the conclusion that he had been scammed. He did not forward the remainder of the money.
The man contacted police and handed over the fake documents he had received.
Investigators then contacted Zillow and the advertisement was taken down.
The investigation is ongoing.
“There were several red flags in this transaction however the man cannot be faulted as this was a fairly sophisticated scam,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Nanaimo RCMP have provided some tips to consider before entering into a rental agreement:
the landlord does not meet you in person
The landlord does not require credit or reference check
Name of the landlord is not on the rental documents
There is a different name for the recipient of the e-transfer
The home is already occupied
Do a google search of the address and landlord
Talk to the neighbours
Arrange to do a walk through of the unit
Be familiar with the Residential Tenancy Branch rules and regulations
The annual Oak Bay Collector Car Festival is back, celebrating 22 years of showcasing the coolest and most sought after collector cars Vancouver Island has to offer.
On Sunday, July 24th car enthusiasts can bring their cars down to Oak Bay to participate in the festival.
Cars of all makes and vintages are welcome!
Car enthusiasts and their families can stop by to view the cars, which will be placed in sections along five blocks of Oak Bay Avenue, Monterey to Mitchell Street and a portion of Hampshire Road.
Starting at 7 a.m., exhibitors can enter the festival near Foul Bay Road from the West end of Oak Bay Avenue where they will be met by volunteers to pay the $20 registration fee.
Volunteers will then escort cars to their location to be on display until 3 p.m.
Many of the local restaurants and businesses in the area will open for the day. There will also be a prime rib BBQ on lawn of Municipal Hall.
The festival will award prizes for Policemen’s and Firefighter’s choice, Mayor’s and Ladies choice as well as 11 other categories. Colourful rosette ribbons will be awarded to the winners of each category.
Alberni Valley Rescue Squad (AVRS) and North Shore Rescue (NSR) worked together to save two hikers trapped in a gully on Mount Arrowsmith last weekend.
At approximately 10 p.m., on July 17th, RCMP tasked the AVRS to assist two climbers that were stranded in a gully west of the Judges route hiking trail up on Mount Arrowsmith.
The duo had accessed the West Ride from the Main Gully route, climbing using ropes and anchors on wet and slick rock.
Due to the rough terrain and fading light, the two did not have time to finish the route in daylight, opting to rappel off the ridge into the gully.
The gully led into a big snow moat (where rock meets snow) that was steep, exposed and impassable.
Unable to descend further down the gully or climb back up to the top, they called for help.
Around 10 pm on July 17, 2022 the AVRS was tasked by the RCMP to assist 2 climbers that were stranded in a gully West of…
The AVRS Rapid Response Team located the stranded hikers using sound sweeps, finally making visual contact of the subjects via their headlamps.
Unfortunately, the exposed rock, darkness and slope made it unsafe to attempt to reach the subjects to extract them.
NSR responded AVRS’s call for aid in Talon helicopter AS365 with a pilot and a hoist operator, inserting two NSR hoist techs to successfully pull the hikers out of the gully and to safety.
BC Ferries has fired CEO Mark Collins “effective immediately” and has named Jill Sharland as an interim CEO while the company searches for a replacement.
The announcement, made by the recently appointed BC Ferry Service Board chair Joy MacPhail, comes amid ongoing cancellations and delays in ferry system.
MacPhail took over as chair of the BC Ferry Services board of directors June 29th.
“We thank Mr. Collins for his hard work and dedication to BC Ferries. We wish him well in all future endeavours,” said the former NDP cabinet minister, Joy MacPhail.
“Like many organizations, BC Ferries has faced recent staffing shortages, service interruptions and COVID-related challenges,” said MacPhail.
“There are no quick fixes to these systemic challenges but as a board, we believe it is time for renewal, fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the highest standards of customer service, safety and affordability.”
Collins joined BC Ferries in 2004 and held numerous executive-level positions before moving into the role of CEO in 2017.
Sharland, a senior finance and operations executive who is currently Chief Financial Officer for BC Ferries, will serve in both roles until a permanent CEO is found.
Collins contract termination will entitle him to severance in accordance with the terms of his contract. BC Ferries said that amount has not yet been finalized.
UPDATE: According to West Shore RCMP, the suspect has been located, arrested and is currently in police custody.
— original:
West Shore RCMP have released surveillance photos of a man they say is suspected of stealing a vehicle and is “armed and dangerous”.
RCMP also said he has failed to stop for police after several attempts were made.
The incident began between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19th when witnesses observed the man behind the wheel of a 2010 black Dodge Caravan vehicle near the intersection of Admirals and Craigflower Roads in View Royal.
The Caravan with BC license plate EJ505R was reported stolen from a home in View Royal later that day.
RCMP said the vehicle was involved in several investigations the following day around Sooke which include uttering threats and residential break-ins, including one that involved the theft of a firearm.
By Wednesday evening, police say the vehicle was spotted between Sooke and Ladysmith.
Police said several attempts were made to stop the vehicle between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., however the driver refused to stop.
RCMP continue to search for the man and the black 2010 Dodge Caravan.
The man is described as standing 5’7″ with a slim build. He’s believed to be in his 30s with long, dark-blond hair and a beard.
“Investigators believe the man or anyone that is seen associated to the vehicle may be armed and dangerous and for that reason we are warning the public to not approach and to call the police immediately if either are seen,” said Const. Meghan Groulx, of the West Shore RCMP, in a statement Thursday.
Anyone who sees either the man or the vehicle is asked to call the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
UPDATE: Nanaimo RCMP have announced Elizabeth Rose Gilbert was arrested without incident 2 hours after her picture was released to the public. She was located at approximately 4:20 p.m., the same day by police walking along Bowen Road.
Following her arrest, Gilbert was transported to the Nanaimo Detachment where she was held overnight pending a court date for July 22nd.
-original:
Nanaimo RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Elizabeth Rose Gilbert after she missed a recent court date.
Gilbert was expected in Nanaimo Provincial Court following original charges of Theft under $5000 and Breach of Probation.
In late May, Gilbert, who has numerous prior convictions for theft, allegedly stole a number of items from Thrifty Foods Store in the Port Place Mall.
Gilbert was apprehended and released with conditions to appear in court.
Concerning the breach charge, it is alleged that Gilbert visited a Rexall Drugs on Dufferin Crescent, despite an earlier condition that prohibited her from entering the business.
Now, having missed her court date, Nanaimo RCMP have issued a warrant for her arrest.
“Miss Gilbert seems to have forgotten that she needs to deal with these charges by appearing in Nanaimo Provincial Court,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
“When she is located, our officers will not be issuing her any reminders, and she can expect to be arrested.”
Gilbert is described as Caucasian, standing 5’6” tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds.
Anyone with information on Elizabeth Rose Gilbert’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.
RCMP have released a surveillance photo of a suspect in connection a targeted shooting north Nanaimo that left one person in serious condition earlier this month.
Nanaimo RCMP said the gunfire began after a dispute between the suspect and a man living in the home.
The injured person, a man in his early 30’s, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was treated on scene by paramedics before being transported to the hospital.
His injuries were described as serious but non-life threatening injuries.
A newly released surveillance photo confirms rumours thay the suspect was carrying a SkipTheDishes bag as he approached the victim’s home.
Investigators released the photo in hopes the public can help identify and locate him. He was driving an older model white Honda Accord.
Police say they are also searching for another suspect in the case who was driving the getaway car. No surveillance images of that person are available.
While no arrests have been made, police said they don’t believe there’s any risk to the public.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345, and quote file number 2022-23386.
An extremely rare white raven found over a year ago in grave condition is now flourishing and is now viewable by the public at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC).
Known now as Blizzard, the rare bird was found last June in dire condition and unable to fly and was taken to NIWRC to be cared for where it was determined a sore on the bird’s leg was infected.
The male bird was a baby at the time and due to the compromised immune system, Blizzard was isolated in an enclosed area at their Errington facility to limit common bacteria and stress from visitors.
Fast forward to today, Blizzard now has a custom-made enclosure at the Leffler Road facility near Parksville.
He was quietly moved earlier in July to help it adjust to its new living quarters.
According to NIWRC, the once timid bird is now embracing interacting with the public.
White ravens have been spotted in the Oceanside area on the east coast of Vancouver Island, including Coombs, Qualicum and Parksville, since the 1990s, but few seem to survive a year.
Some have dubbed them sacred Oceanside white ravens.
NIWRC is a non-profit operation open daily for a fee between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and located at 1240 Leffler Road in Errington.
Information on donating to or volunteering at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre can be found here.
North Island Wildlife Recovery CentreNorth Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Are you ready to dive through the looking glass and into a fantasy world with croquet, red roses and delicious cocktails?
This October, a secret location on Yates Street in Victoria will become home to a pop-up cocktail bar called “The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience”.
The 19+ Wonderland tea party will run for twelve weeks, until December 11th, allowing guests to create their own liquid concoctions under the watchful eye of The Mad Hatter.
Solve riddles and challenges just like Alice and unlock all the ingredients to create your own enchanted teapot cocktails.
Limited early bird tickets are on sale now until October 16th and include two bespoke cocktails and an ‘Eat Me’ cookie.
After that date, you can register to be added to a waitlist for a second release and be notified when they go on sale!
Ready to enter a Wonderland tea party experience? You can get your early bird tickets here!
(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)(The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience)
A routine traffic stop by VicPD led to the discovery of a loaded firearm and a gunpoint arrest early Wednesday morning.
At approximately 3 a.m., on July 20th, officers pulled over a vehicle travelling without its tail lights visible at the intersection of Douglas and Discovery streets.
Upon pulling the vehicle over, officers requested the driver provide the vehicle’s insurance documents.
When the driver of the vehicle opened the glovebox, an officer on the passenger side observed a handgun inside.
The officers drew their duty handguns and called for additional units. The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody shortly thereafter without incident or injury.
The handgun in the glovebox was determined to be a replica firearm.
During the vehicle’s security search, officers located a loaded handgun in a backpack that was in the possession of one of the vehicle occupants at the time of the stop.
They were arrested and transported to cells where they are held in custody for breaching a sentencing condition not to possess both real and replica weapons.
The other vehicle occupants were released pending further investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, who has not yet spoken with officers, is asked to contact the VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Stop what you are doing and dig through your pockets, beach bags, suitcases, glove boxes or wherever you may stash your gems.
A winning Lotto Max ticket purchased last year is about to expire in three weeks.
If you were in Vancouver last August and purchased a Lotto Max ticket, you better find it soon as the $15-million Lotto Max ticket is set to expire at midnight on August 13th.
BCLC is encouraging players who purchased a ticket for the August 13th, 2021 draw in Vancouver to check their tickets for the winning number: 1-14-17-20-28-32-38.
Players can check their tickets at any BCLC lottery retailer in BC, or by using the BCLC Lotto! app here.
All lottery prize winners have 52 weeks from the draw date printed on their ticket to come forward to claim their prize.
BCLC said they wouldn’t release the retail store where the winning ticket was purchased until after the winner has come forward.
So far in 2022, BC lottery players have redeemed more than $64 million from Lotto Max.
According to The Weather Network, Victoria could see temperatures as high as 29ºC next week.
This upcoming weekend will see sunny skies with temperatures in the low 20’s. However, temperatures are predicted to climb to 26ºC on Monday before peaking at 29ºC on Tuesday.
Although the temperature will read 29ºC on the hottest day, it is predicted to feel like 33ºC.
On Wednesday, average daily temperatures begin to lower with a high of 27ºC, 26ºC on Thursday and 24ºC on Friday.
Another day, another award for a Vancouver Island community.
Time Magazine has released their annual ‘World’s Greatest Places’ ranking for 2022, and Vancouver Island’s very own Tofino made the list!
The ranking includes 50 extraordinary destinations across the globe, compiled by nominations of places from an international network of correspondents and contributors.
Tofino, titled the “Wilder West’, made the list as a popular tourist destination for wildlife tours, forest hiking and walks along wide sandy beaches reconnecting people with nature.
The west coast paradise’s powerful winter storms and ocean swells were also emphasized, as they create perfect storm-watching and cold-water surfing opportunities.
Tofino Resort and Marina and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve were highlighted as must see spots for visitors.
Toronto, titled ‘Fresh Perspectives’ was the only other Canadian location that made this year’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list.
Are you looking to add another concert to your fall lineup?
This September, Toronto-born, seven time Juno Award winning singer Serena Ryder is coming to Victoria!
Ryder has released eight studio albums since 2007 and is a seven time Juno Award winner, including winning 2022 Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for her most recent album.
Over her career, Ryder has also won several other accolades, including Canada’s Walk of Fame Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, the Margaret Trudeau Mental Health Advocacy Award, and a Canadian Screen Award for Achievement in Music-Original Song.
‘The Art of Falling Apart Tour’, titled after Ryder’s latest album, invites fans to join her mental wellness journey and to understand the importance of sitting with the uncomfortable moments and the wisdom in their messages.
Ryder will perform in Victoria at The McPherson Playhouse on Saturday, September 17th.
The tour will also make stops in Campbell River, Nanaimo, Duncan and Courtenay.
As community support continues to pour in for the police officers involved in last month’s bank shootout in Saanich, the Victoria Shamrocks announced they will be hosting a special “Stronger Together” game at The Q Centre this Friday.
The incident began shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, at a BMO on Shelbourne Street.
Officers with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team and additional Saanich and Victoria police departments responded to a call that two armed men had entered the bank located in the 3600-block of Shelbourne Street in Saanich.
During the gunfight, six members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were shot and the brothers died at the scene. Two officers currently remain in hospital after suffering potentially life threatening injuries at the time.
Both VicPD Chief Del Manak and Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie are set to be in attendance, along with other members of department both detachment—including police service dog Maverick.
Manak and Duthie will take part in a special ceremonial faceoff and share a few words with the crowd before the game. The ceremonies will be begin around 6:45 p.m., July 22nd.
”Our officers, civilian staff, and volunteers are deeply inspired by this support, and we are so grateful to the Victoria Shamrocks for taking a moment to recognize the heroism and bravery of our police, while we continue to keep those recovering in our thoughts,” said Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie.
The Shamrocks are hosting two auctions in an effort to raise funds for those injured officers’ families. An online auction will run from Friday, July 22nd until Tuesday, July 26th.
There will also be an in-game silent auction for fans to bid on, that will run until the end of the second period.
“We wanted to do something for the injured officers and their families with our heartfelt appreciation and deepest gratitude for their bravery and dedication to keeping our communities safe,” said Shamrocks General Manager Chris Welch.
“There has been a long-standing connection between the sport of lacrosse and policing and we can see it today in the number of Shamrocks alumni and other lacrosse people serving in police forces not just here but all across the country and the Shamrocks could not be more proud to stand with the police.”
The Shamrocks are also encouraging the public to submit their short video messages of thanks to maki@victoriashamrocks.com which will be compiled and aired in-game, and shared with Greater Victoria Police and RCMP detachments.
A GoFundMe page launched by the Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union called “Stronger Together” has well surpassed its goal of $100,000.
As July 20th, the campaign has raised over $266,000. Funds will go toward the assisting six officers injured.
Tickets for Friday’s game are available online here.
The BMO bank were the incident occurred reopened to the public on Tuesday—three weeks after the robbery and shootout.
With all damage repaired, including new windows, a large sign on the entrance that reads, “Thank you for your courage, bravery and support. We stand together. BMO.”
The bank has hired two security guards who will remain out front for the remainder of the week.
@SaanichPolice executive leadership team met with BMO management and staff today to personally share our thoughts and support as they reopen for business. The BMO team’s courage, care, and resilience is so inspiring. Standing strong together with BMO and @saanichpic.twitter.com/ujKaioTqVD
Netflix knows you’re out there enjoying your summer, but that isn’t holding them back from releasing more show time favourites.
The fun doesn’t stop when you come home, even after a day of hitting up the beach, going on hikes, and indulging in brunch with friends you haven’t been able to see in a while.
To make sure those evenings are relaxing, Netflix is adding over 80 new movies and shows to their lineup next month! Here’s everything coming to and leaving Netflix Canada this August:
August 1st
Big Tree City
The Addams Family
Addams Family Values
Country Strong
Downsizing
Good Burger
The Italian Job
Lego Friends: Heartlake Stories: Limited Series
Movie 43
Nocturnal Animals
Red Dawn
Tenet
We Were Soldiers
Young Adult
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet
August 2nd
Ricard Quevedo: Tomorrow Will Be Worse
August 3rd
Buba
Clusterf**k: Woodstock ’99
Don’t Blame Karma!
Good Morning, Verônica (Season 2)
August 4th
Wedding Season
Kakeurui Twin
Lady Tamara
Super Giant Robot Brothers
August 5th
Carter
Darlings
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie
The Sandman
August 6th
Reclaim
August 7th
Clara
Made In Italy
August 8th
Code Name: Emperor
Team Zenko Go: Season 2
August 9th
I Just Killed My Dad
August 10th
Ban Robbers: The Last Great Heist
Heartsong
Indian Matchmaking (Season 2)
Instant Dream Home
Iron chef Brazil
Locke & Key (Season 3 )
School Tales The Series
August 11th
DOTA: Dragon’s Blood: Book 3
Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story
August 12th
13: The Musical
A Model Family
Day Shift
Never Have I ever (Season 3)
August 15th
Deepa & Anoop
Wonder Woman 1984
August 16th
Untold: Volume 2
Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist (2 Parts)
August 17th
High Heat
Homefront
Look Both Ways
Royalteen
Unsuspicious
August 18th
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Season 3)
Inside the Mind of a Cat
Tekken: Bloodline
August 19th
The Cuphead Show!: Part 2
Echoes
The Girl in the Mirror (Alma)
Glow Up (Season 4)
Kleo
The Next 365 Days
August 20th
Fullmetal Alchemist The Revenge of Scar
August 23rd
Chad and JT Go Deep
Untold: The Rise and Fall of AND1 (New episodes weekly)
August 24th
Lost Ollie
Mo
Queer Eye: Brazil
Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee
Selling The OC
Under Fire
Watch Out, We’re Mad
August 25th
Angry Birds: Summer Madness (Season 3)
History 101 (Season 2)
Rilakkuma’s Theme Park Adventure
That’s Amor
August 26th
Drive Hard: The Maloof Way
Loving Adults
Ludik
Me Time
Seoul Vibe
August 29th
Under Her Control
Mighty Express (Season 7)
August 30th
I Am A Killer (Season 3)
August 31st
Club América vs Club América
Family Secrets
I Came By
Here are some series that are leaving Netflix in August:
The quick actions of a local couple and a community of emergency response officers saved the life of a man last week, after he had fallen from his vessel into the waters near Sidney.
On the afternoon of July 15th, officers responded to a report of a man who was located in the waters offshore near Tsehum Harbour.
A couple who had been kayaking in the area noticed a Zodiac vessel circling without an operator. Concerned, they quickly located a man who had fallen off the vessel, face down in the water and unresponsive.
The couple rescued the man from the water and had a nearby sailboat radio for further assistance.
The man was taken ashore where RCMP officers, United States Coast Guard members, Parks Canada, Fire, Rescue and Ambulance responded.
The man received CPR and was resuscitated. He is currently in stable condition.
“The Sidney North Saanich RCMP is grateful to all of those who assisted in rescuing this man. Had it not been for the quick actions of all involved this man likely would not have survived,” said Corporal Andres Sanchez, Media Liaison with the Sidney North Saanich RCMP.
“This is an example for the public on the importance of wearing and having access to personal flotation devices while operating watercraft.”
According to British Columbia’s E-Comm dispatchers, hundreds of accidental 911 calls are received by their department every day.
In fact, approximately 20% of all incoming calls are said to be accidental.
While it may be an innocent mistake, the impact of accidental calls can be incredibly harmful, taking critical resources from people in emergencies who need them the most.
E-Comm call takers are trained to treat every 911 call as an emergency until they can determine otherwise.
“During each shift, a significant number of calls I receive on the emergency lines are misdials or hang-ups from people who have accidentally called 9-1-1,” confirmed Police Call Taker Roanne.
“Some pocket dials are obvious – we can hear people having fun, singing along to music while they’re driving or cheering at sporting events. But we still need to take the time to call people back and confirm there isn’t an emergency happening.”
Mistakes happen, however as accidental calls flooding emergency lines become a growing concern, E-Comm is working to educate the public on how to prevent this from happening and how to handle it if it does.
Lock and store your cellphone carefully whenever it’s not in use.
Know and understand the features on your cellphone and smartwatch. If you have “fall detection” or Emergency SOS functions enabled, become familiar with how they are triggered.
Turn your device on airplane mode if children are playing with it.
Do not program 9-1-1 into any phone.
If you do call 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up. We need you to stay on the line so that we can ensure your safety.
“Many times, people don’t even realize that they’ve called us by mistake and when they do, they instinctively hang up the phone,” said Police Call Taker Meegan.
“If you call 9-1-1 by accident, please don’t hang up. As our videos illustrate, sometimes it can be difficult to know if what we’re hearing on the other end of the line is an emergency situation or a misdial. The important thing is to stay on the line and let us know so that we can ensure you are safe.”
Saanich Police are asking the public to avoid the area of Saanich Road and Oak Street, following a crash Wednesday morning.
The two vehicle collision occurred just before 9 a.m. and police closed the intersection shortly after.
According to police, a car travelling east on Saanich Road had struck a vehicle making a left turn onto Oak Street, causing the vehicle to roll-over.
Traffic travelling westbound from Blanshard Street to Douglas can still pass through the intersection, however, left turn traffic is blocked from Douglas Street.
Please avoid the area of Saanich Rd/ Oak St #yyjtraffic#Saanich#yyj . We've had to shut down the intersection due to a crash. We don't have an ETA for reopening at this point. pic.twitter.com/8t6rRlheSi
