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VicPD are asking the public for help to locate a man wanted on unendorsed warrants for sexual assault and breach of an undertaking.
Richard Strocel is described as a 61-year-old white male with grey hair and hazel eyes.
He is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds with a slim build.
Anyone who sees Strocel is asked to call 911 immediately. Those with information about his whereabouts are asked to contact the VicPD non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, extension 1.
Those who wish to report information anonymously can call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Victoria Police are searching for a man accused of swinging a baseball bat at people in rage after being confronted for allegedly trying to enter the courtyard of a secure building.
According to police, at around 1:30 p.m. on Monday November 2, officers were called to a residential building in the 1000 block of Pandora Ave for reports of a man with a weapon.
A witness then reported that they saw the man try to enter a secure courtyard area of the same building.
When the suspect was confronted by a building resident, police say he became irate and started swinging a baseball bat at people who lived in the building.
He proceeded to hit the building with the bat and then hit another person with the bat by throwing it at them, before fleeing the scene.
The person who was hit with the bat did not report any physical injuries.
The suspect is described as a slim, white man in his 30s, standing 6′ tall and has short, shaved hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a large black jacket and brown pants, and was carrying a black duffel bag.
Police are now searching for the suspect and ask that anyone with information about the incident reach out at (250) 995-7654, extension 1.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Treat your post-election hangover with some fun things to do around Victoria! Here are some events for Wednesday, November 4.
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do on Wednesday, November 4th:
Join the Pacific Opera for mezzo-soprano Megan Latham’s My 3 C’s: Copland, Cancionnes, & Corona. Known for her warm, earthy voice, Megan will share an evening of songs that weave through a musical journey celebrating honesty, angst, and humour.
Whether you are seeking nostalgia for the past, feeling frustration with the present, or striving to experience positivity for the future, an hour together with heart-lifting music and fellow opera lovers will remind you that we really are living through this crazy thing called life together.
Performances offered in-person in the Wingate Studio for a physically distanced audience.
The funniest way to spend a Wednesday is Phillips Comedy Night at The Mint! Each week Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance bring the most hilarious comedian’s in the city together for a wonderful evening of food, drink and fun!
Wildly popular and always new, Phillips Comedy Night is a hilarious night out. Come downstairs and enjoy the delicious west coast Himalayan cuisine that the Mint is famous for.
To celebrate the exhibition Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing, RBCM @ Home (Kids) will have three sessions over three months that will explore Emily Carr as an artist and her art making through hands-on projects.
Looking closely at postcards and paintings created by Emily Carr, we’ll make our own postcards using pictures and words to communicate the importance of place. This session will explore Emily Carr’s use of abstraction by creating simple shapes, and we’ll put that into practice while we develop our own artwork.
And because you’ll be making postcards, when you are done you can send it along to someone you love.
Supplies needed:
Recycled cardboard or heavy cardstock
Scissors
Oil pastels or crayons
Jeri Engen has been working in art education for over 25 years in elementary schools, galleries, museums, community art organizations and teaching in her own private studio, Kudzu Studio.
The Belfry Theatre presents an online play reading of East of Berlin by Hannah Moscovitch
Performed by Aidan Guerreiro, Esmé Laidlaw, and Dawson Rutledge / directed by Michael Shamata.
Standing outside his father’s study in Paraguay, Rudi is smoking cigarettes, trying to work up the courage to go in. It has been seven years since he stood in that same spot; seven years since he left his family and their history behind him. As a teenager, Rudi discovered his father’s shocking past and fled to Germany. While there, he follows in his father’s footsteps by studying medicine, and falls in love with Sarah, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and comes to terms with a frightening past that was never his own. Questioning redemption, love, guilt, and the sins of the father, East of Berlin is another theatrical gem from the brilliant Hannah Moscovitch.
Fake It So Real Book Launch: The Most Fun You Can Have During a Pandemic!
Come out of hiding and (SAFELY) celebrate the publication of Susan Sanford Blades’ debut novel, Fake It So Real (Nightwood Editions, 2020).
All guests will receive a free Fake It So Real face mask upon entry. Free admission but all guests must RSVP with their additional guests to enter.
Join us for a reading from Fake It So Real, followed by Music Bingo with a playlist inspired by the novel. And PRIZES!!
Signed books can be purchased before the launch at Munro’s Books. There will also be books and Fake It So Real 2020 Canadian Tour T-shirts for sale at the launch.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 299 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 15,800.
In total, 4,993 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 9,234 in Fraser Health, 270 in Vancouver Island Health region, 788 in Interior Health, 425 in Northern Health region, and 90 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 72 to 3,017 in B.C.
There are now a total of 92 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 22 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Three additional deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll is now at 272.
6,888 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 12,430 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
One health care facility outbreak was declared at Belvedere Care Centre in the Fraser Health region the past 24 hours.
There are now a total of 27 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities that have active, ongoing outbreaks.
One new community outbreak was declared at Capella Dance Academy in Fraser Health region.
There remain a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
Five new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region on Tuesday.
There have been a total of 270 cases of COVID-19 in the region, six of whom have died.
Island Health reports that as of November 3, there are 18 active cases on the Island.
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 6, Total Cases: 101
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 6, Total Cases: 87
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 6, Total Cases: 82
The COVID-19 case curve in Vancouver Island health region as of November 3 is represented below:
(Island Health, November 3)
As of Monday there had been 852,267 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 101,170 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 47,764,971.
Over 1,218,341 people have died from the illness and 34,285,689 have recovered.
Members of the Tsawout First Nation broke ground on Monday afternoon in a long-anticipated first step towards the construction of a new longhouse.
The Tsawout Bighouse burned down in 2009 after standing for over 20 years at the heart of the nation’s territory around Saanichton Bay.
“I think we wanted to get it located in exactly the same spot,” said Mavis Underwood, a Councilor of the Tsawout First Nation, in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“A lot of people have been pressuring to replace the Bighouse.”
The new structure will be built on a site backing up to the Pullock Subdivision, and will include new washroom facilities, a dining hall, and the main bighouse facility.
Underwood says the process has been long in the undertaking to ensure the Bighouse meets building code standards, and to make a facility that can adapt to new community needs.
“I think this is built out of the needs and hopes of our young people,” she said.
“The bulk of our population, of most First Nations, is 35 and under. For them, there’s a real energy, a hope that the future will be better.”
Tsawout Chief and Council have partnered with a number of architects, engineers and contractors as the construction moves forward, including Gwaii Engineering, Built Contracting, and Herold Engineering.
Part of these partnerships are long-term plans to mentor and apprentice workers where possible, and to hopefully transition those workers to careers in trades.
“That’s what we’ve been doing, is trying to get some of our young people back to help with this project,” said Underwood. “It could serve as a step-ladder into careers, or apprenticeships, or being part of a crew.”
That employment transition is a reflection of the healing process the community is experiencing with the loss and subsequent construction of the Tsawout Bighouse, Underwood says.
Following the fire in 2009, she says the Nation saw an increase in mental health issues, and some community members were lost to suicide and depression.
“The Bighouse is so central, it’s the heartbeat of your community, the heartbeat of your ancestors in your community,” Underwood said.
“When the Bighouse burnt down, many in the community heard the crying that was in the air. It was the spirits of ancestors.”
She says that the Bighouse serves as a place for events, education, and to provide memorial services and ceremonies.
It can also be a vital part of the professional practice of decolonization. Classes of law students, nurses, and doctors have been invited to Bighouses in Tsawout and other First Nations to learn about how to decolonize their practices.
“When we look at systemic racism and challenge it, we need to be able to have people come to us in a safe way and ask questions and learn about us as distinct people and honour our history rather than telling us to put it aside,” said Underwood.
Construction of the Bighouse is expected to take between one-and-a-half to two years. Underwood says that the Nation is hoping to speed up that process to one year, but to reach that goal they will need support from neighbouring communities like Victoria.
She says companies interested in sponsoring parts of the Bighouse, like the kitchen or washroom facilities, should get in touch with Tsawout First Nation to discuss possibilities.
The Nation is a registered charity and donated services would also be welcome to help build the Bighouse. Tsawout First Nation recently put out a call for timber donations towards the construction, and Underwood says they are still in need.
She hopes that generous neighbours will recognize the community’s need to have a place for gatherings, events, and memorial services, all vital parts of preserving and celebrating Tsawout culture.
“Because of residential school, because of child welfare interventions, many people have lost their ties to generations that went ahead of them,” said Underwood.
“[Bighouses] help us realize how closely related we are, up and down the coast to Oregon and Washington. We are Coast Salish People.”
Two City of Victoria councillors have tabled a motion to offer free bus passes to the city’s unsheltered population.
The motion estimates that there are 250 unsheltered people living in Victoria and it would cost the city between $5,625 to $10,625 per month to provide them with free BC Transit passes.
The idea, brought forth by councillors Sarah Potts and Sharmarke Dubow, calls for the city to purchase bus tickets that the Victoria Regional Transit Commission sets aside at a reduced rate.
These tickets are only available for purchase to agencies, through the Community Social Planning Council, at low cost if they will be given out to low income individuals for free.
Purchased tickets are then matched on a one-to-one basis with free tickets from the Transit Commission.
The councillors recommend that the city set aside up to $10,625 each month for the provision of free transit passes to unsheltered populations through this program.
They also recommend that this funding allocation be reviewed in six months.
Council will deliberate this motion at their Committee of the Whole meeting this Thursday, November 5.
Newly released financial reports from Elections BC show the NDP raised more money ahead of the 2020 provincial election than the Greens and Liberals combined.
From July 1 to September 30, John Horgan’s party received $1,957,937.91 in political contributions from 12,339 donors.
For the same time period, the Liberals raised $1,150,692.07 from 6,112 individuals, and the Greens raised $327,703.13 from 2,877 individuals.
Based on these numbers, the NDP received an average contribution of $158.68, the Liberals an average contribution of $188.27, and the Greens $113.90.
Throughout the election, Horgan frequently portrayed his chief rivals, Andrew Wilkinson’s Liberals, as a party supporting millionaires with “yachts and luxury cars.”
The NDP also outperformed the Liberals in fundraising during the 2017 election. In the most recent amended reports from Elections BC on financing in the previous general election, the NDP also took in more money than the Liberals and Greens combined.
The most recent amended election financing report for the NDP shows that Horgan’s party received $9,142,420.13 in political contributions for the 2017 general election, compared to $7,652,345.81 for the Liberals and $838,418.81 for the Greens.
Donation limits for 2020 to political parties were set at a maximum contribution of $1,253.15 to each political party or independent candidate. Convention fees up to $370 are not included in that limit.
Leadership contestants could also receive donations up to $1,253.15 for a leadership race held in 2020.
A 14-year-old youth was hit by a vehicle while walking through a crosswalk in Nanaimo Tuesday morning, according to Nanaimo RCMP.
Police say the teen was struck just after 8 a.m. on November 3, at the intersection of Bruce Avenue and Seventh Street. The intersection is designated as a four-way stop.
The youth received serious but non-life-threatening injuries and transported to Nanaimo hospital by paramedics.
The driver, a man in his 50’s, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. He was driving a panelled van.
According to police, several witnesses said the vehicle hit the teen as the driver was proceeding southbound along Bruce Avenue. They also said it appeared the driver did not yield to the youth in the crosswalk.
Nanaimo RCMP say they have seized the van for a mechanical inspection, and that alcohol and drugs have been ruled out as contributing factors.
Anyone with dash cam video or who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2020-40114.
(Island Health COVID-19 screening facility on Cook Street in Victoria/Victoria Buzz)
The Vancouver Island Health Authority decided to share their COVID-19 update about three hours ahead of the official province-wide daily case count announcement on Tuesday.
The data released at around 12 p.m. shows that on November 3, there were five new COVID-19 cases reported in the Vancouver Island Health region.
Out of those five new cases, two have been reported in the south island region, two are in the central part of the island, while one new case was found in the northern section.
Based on Tuesday’s update, there are now 18 active cases in the region.
In total, Vancouver Island Health region has had a total of 270 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.
(Island Health)
Of those, 101 have been in south island, 87 in central island, and 82 in north island.
Island Health was not the only health authority to release their case numbers ahead of time on Tuesday.
The Fraser Health region shared the number of new cases in that health authority at around 12 p.m. as well.
According to the reports, there have been 187 new cases reported in Fraser Health as of Tuesday.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Island Health to find out whether the region’s daily case numbers will be released ahead of the provincial announcement every day moving forward.
British Columbia’s Seniors’ Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie has issued three recommendations after the results of a survey among long term care and acute care facility residents and their families revealed the heartbreaking impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.
First, Mackenzie wants residents to be able to identify an essential care partner who can visit them frequently — rather than this be determined by the care facility — and those visits should be allowed to take place in the privacy of the residents’ rooms instead of in a common space.
Second, she recommends that in addition to an essential care partner, residents should be allowed to have other social visitors.
Here, Mackenzie offered the example of a resident with a spouse and two daughters. If the spouse is designated as the essential care partner, the two daughters should both be allowed to visit as well, as social visitors.
Allowing more family members to visit their loved ones in care homes is a decision that must be mandated by the provincial health officer.
Finally, Mackenzie’s third recommendation is the creation of a provincial association of long-term care and assisted living resident and family councils, to offer a space for residents and their loved ones to voice their concerns.
Over the course of the past nine months, visits to long term care and acute care facility residents in B.C. have been severely restricted, with most residents still only getting to see one visitor for short periods of time, in a common area that is not private.
“There are literally thousands of residents … who went from seeing loved ones almost daily to seeing no one for four months,” said Mackenzie at an announcement on Tuesday morning.
“Now, for the last four months, many of these visits are 30 minutes, once a week, often outside, sometimes between plexiglass, and usually with someone watching.”
Mackenzie and the Office of the Seniors Advocate launched a survey on August 26 to gauge the impacts on COVID-19 restrictions on long term care facilities.
Since its launch, the survey has garnered over 13,000 responses, mostly from family members of care home residents, but also from the residents themselves and members of the public in general.
Many family members reported physical, emotional, and cognitive declines in their loved ones living in care homes during pandemic.
Findings also revealed a troubling trend: ever since pandemic-induced restrictions stopped people from visiting their loved ones in care homes, the use of antipsychotic drugs — medications used to treat people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, Alzheimer’s, and also used as mood stabilizers and for reducing anxiety — among care home residents has increased by 7 per cent.
At her press briefing, Mackenzie expressed several times that many long term care residents are far more concerned about being able to see their loved ones than they are of contracting the pandemic virus.
“They would rather have COVID than never see their son, their daughter again,” she said.
Mackenzie added that it is important to balance COVID-19 safety restrictions with addressing the mental health needs of seniors at care homes, now that we are nine months into strict restrictions, with the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down.
Over the course of the pandemic, 151 care home residents have died after contracting COVID-19.
However during that same period, over 4,500 residents have lost their lives to other illnesses or conditions.
“This pandemic has upended lives everywhere. However, for most, there is a post-pandemic world that will bring back the freedoms and choices we once took for granted. For residents of long-term care, however, this tomorrow may never come,” reads the report.
“Perhaps that is why we found that most residents of long-term care are not as worried about contracting COVID-19 as we might think. The comments we heard from hundreds of family members indicate there is a greater fear of death from loneliness.”
BC Transit is showing their support as the annual ‘Movember’ campaign kicks off across Canada and several other countries.
In Greater Victoria, the transit provider’s fleet of double-decker buses will be decorated with white moustache decals to help raise awareness of the campaign.
Movember raises funds and challenges people to grow moustaches in support and recognition of men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer.
They also support mental health issues with suicide prevention programs and Indigenous Land programs.
Individuals can take part on the Movember Canada website by signing up to grow a moustache for fundraising or by offering donations.
BC Transit’s moustache decals will be displayed on double-decker buses throughout November.
It could be time to re-evaluate your social bubble, says Canada’s top doctor.
Dr. Theresa Tam is asking Canadians to reduce the number of contacts they currently have, by a whole quarter.
In a media briefing on Friday, October 30, Tam urged Canadians to cut down their social contacts by twenty-five percent. If Canadians are unable to do so, the pandemic is forecasted to re-surge, according to new federal modelling.
The latest dynamic modelling suggests that, if we are to maintain current levels of in-person socialization, Canada could see up to 8,000 cases per day by December.
(Dynamic modelling/Public Health Agency of Canada)
Tam was joined at the press conference by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo and federal ministers Marc Miller and Ahmed Hussen.
She asked Canadians to keep their interactions to a minimum, only interacting with “consistent [and] trusted contacts.”
“Right now, our most powerful tool remains social distancing… In communities where cases are rising quickly, we need to keep our contacts as limited as possible. This is what it will take to slow the spread of the virus,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the conference.
“To bend the epidemic curve and reduce transmission to lower levels … we must really reduce our number of contacts as much as possible,” Tam added.
The current provincial orders from Dr. Bonnie Henry direct British Columbians to keep it to their “safe six,” referring to a small group of friends and extended family that you can socialize with who are not part of your own household. Each member of a household can have their own “safe six.”
Henry has noted that in some cases a full household plus six people is too many.
“What comes next for us this fall and winter is for every one of us to determine through our decisions and our actions,” Tam told the nation on Friday.
“Letting down our guard and letting this virus win is not an option.”
Over the weekend, B.C. reported a new record-high of 1,120 cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total to 15,501 and causing active cases to surge to 2,945.
Now, you COULD watch the American election. OR…you could do something fun with your Tuesday. Here are some other COVID-safe, great things to do in Victoria!
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do on Tuesday, October 27th:
Come along to the Museum of Vancouver and learn about their new exhibition A Seat at the Table , an exhibit that explores historical and contemporary stories of Chinese Canadians in BC and their struggles for belonging. Our guide with be the Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Curator of Contemporary Culture Viviane Gosselin.
The Eryn Sharpe Trio plays LIVE at Pagliacci’s Restaurant. They have been busy playing weddings and events for almost 7 years now, with a mix of jazz standards, oldies and contemporary music. A lot of The Eryn Sharpe Trio’s work is booked through event planners who choose them for professionalism, easy communication, and musical versatility.
Natasha van Netten’s haunting paintings of whales will be on display at the VEC from October 1st to November 30th! Paintings are for sale; see details on the Facebook Event for prices and photos. Van Netten says her paintings focus on oceanography, marine biology, and other scientific fields.
Introducing…..Trivial Tuesday: A Fun Spin on Trivial Pursuit with Sixty Watt Trivia!
Build a team of up to 6 players, answer questions correctly and complete your pie. But roll the wrong number and you’ll give another team a chance to block you from collecting your pie piece.
Packed with a mixture of different categories including audio questions, Trivial Tuesday is something Sixty Watt Trivia has never done, a new and competitive format designed specifically for the Board with Friends Cafe!
The fee for a table to join in a battle your way to a full pie and the prize is $5 per table.
All players on Trivial Tuesday Night will be granted a bonus of 10% off any purchase of a board game that evening as well!
James Bay United Church and the Victoria Jazz Community continue to be partnered together during the COVID-19 closures to bring you personal interviews with Victoria’s finest musicians. We hear about their influencers and musical passions and gain some insight through the playlists that they select for us through the evening.
The steps these households took in Victoria showed that many locals were taking Halloween instructions from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry seriously.
It remains to be seen if there will be a spike in cases on Vancouver Island from Halloween, but these Victorians showed there were ways to celebrate safely.
(Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Réka Gustafson/BC Gov Flickr)
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 1,120 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province since Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 15,501.
Between Friday and Saturday, 352 people were reported COVID-19 positive; 389 new cases were reported between Saturday and Sunday; and 379 cases were reported between Sunday and Monday.
In total, 4,898 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 9,049 in Fraser Health, 265 in Vancouver Island Health region, 777 in Interior Health, 422 in Northern Health region, and 90 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 555 to 2,945 in B.C.
There are now a total of 90 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 19 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Six additional deaths were reported over the past three days, and the death toll is now at 269.
6,448 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
It is currently unknown how many have recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C. This section will be updated with new information once it becomes available.
Outbreaks
There were three outbreaks declared at health care facilities on the mainland in the past three days. One prior outbreak has been declared over.
There are now a total of 26 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities that have active, ongoing outbreaks.
No new community outbreaks were reported today.
There remain a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
Nine new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region since Friday.
There have been a total of 265 cases of COVID-19 in the region, six of whom have died.
Island Health reports that as of November 2, there are 13 active cases on the Island.
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 4, Total Cases: 99
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 4, Total Cases: 85
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 5, Total Cases: 81
The COVID-19 case curve in Vancouver Island health region as of November 2 is represented below:
(Island Health)
As of Monday there had been 827,496 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 99,043 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 47,275,582.
Over 1,210,307 people have died from the illness and 33,971,886 have recovered.
A daycare on Vancouver Island was damaged extensively by vandals who broke in, according to police.
Campbell River RCMP say suspects broke into the daycare located at the Oyster River Elementary School at around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1.
Once inside, police say they caused extensive damage to the property.
The suspects broke the fridge, TV, VCR, stereo, drizzled maple syrup around the room, threw eggs from the fridge, and broke a window to gain entry.
Nothing was stolen from the premises, which leads police to believe that the crime was a “wilful act of destruction” likely committed by young people.
Police say three youths on dirt bikes were spotted in the school area at the time of the break in.
“Police are hoping that somebody in the area saw something. Crimes like this, directed at small businesses are absolutely deplorable and the individual/individuals need to be held accountable before their behaviour escalates,” said Cst. Maury Tyre in the statement.
“Letting young people get away with actions like this is not a step in the right direction. There are options available in many cases such as these that can deal with accountability without the courts.”
Any witnesses or people with information about the incident is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
A driver is facing impaired driving charges after they collided with a hydro pole in Esquimalt on Halloween night.
Police were called to the 800-block of Esquimalt Road just after 10 p.m. on October 31 for a report that a vehicle had hit a hydro pole.
When VicPD officers arrived they found a truck with significant damage crashed into two hydro poles. One of the poles was severely damaged, and the other sustained minor damage. BC Hydro was called to assess the damage.
The vehicle’s front tire was found on the road several metres from the crash site. The driver and passenger both remained on scene and were not physically injured.
VicPD say they believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, and the driver was arrested for impaired driving. They also arrested the passenger for obstructing a peace officer, and both were taken to cells and held overnight.
The female driver is facing charges of impaired driving, and was also served a 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition. Her vehicle was impounded.
The male passenger was released without charges. VicPD say they are still investigating.
We can’t wait for the holiday season to get here, and for one reason; beautifully decorated Christmas trees!
The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is bringing the annual Festival of Trees to Victoria again in November. This local tradition is the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season.
All proceeds support the BC Children’s Hospital and the most urgent needs of children in BC today through continued investment in research, education, advanced technology and care.
Due to the challenges of 2020, BCCHF has developed engagement tools to help sponsors utilize the Festival of Trees to engage with their customers and employees.
This year, your company could be one of the proud businesses involved with this amazing tradition! If you own or work with a local business or organization, we have 7 good reasons why you should get involved with this festival:
2020 is about community spirit
As 2020 is a challenging year for all of us, consumers are looking more and more to spend their dollars with companies and organizations who care about the community. Show the community your spirit by participating in an event for the only children’s hospital in the province.
Brand recognition
Your business will gain valuable brand recognition by partnering with the most recognized brand in all of British Columbia*
*Based on a 2016 survey by Insights West
Engage with your customers and employees
Each sponsor will receive a complimentary engagement toolkit designed to help you use your participation in the Festival of Trees to engage with your customers and employees.
Exciting team-building activity
Your team will have the opportunity to come together, share in the holiday spirit, brainstorm a theme and decorate a tree, all while collaborating to support sick kids in BC.
Local impact
On average 3,300 kids from Vancouver Island are admitted to BC Children’s Hospital every year. That’s 9 new kids every single day, right from Vancouver Island, who have conditions that only BC Children’s Hospital can treat.
Local media coverage
Each year the Festival of Trees partners with some of the top media outlets in Victoria, including; Victoria Buzz, Ocean 98.5, Used.ca and the Times Colonist. The sponsorship level you choose, and the amounts of funds you are able to raise, will determine how much recognition and coverage you receive.
It’s affordable
Your business can get all this,including six weeks of specialized branding at the Bay Centre, for as little as $1,000 with all proceeds benefiting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
If you’re interested in being involved with this festive event, you can contact Shaun Cerisano through email at scerisano@bcchf.ca or by phone at 250-380-1528.
Victoria Police are seeking witnesses and information after a man tried to rob two women at knifepoint near Craigdarroch Castle.
At around 10:15 p.m. on Sunday night, patrol officers and a K9 unit were called to the 1000 block of Craigdarroch Road for reports of an attempted robbery.
In a statement released Monday morning, VicPD says two women reported that they were walking on the sidewalk when they were approached by a man who brandished a knife towards them.
The suspect demanded the women hand over their purses and place them into his open backpack.
At that point, the women screamed loudly, and the suspect fled on foot northbound on Craigdarroch Road without taking any of their belongings.
When police attended, they used a K9 unit to try and track the suspect down, but were not successful.
Officers are now seeking witnesses to the incident who may be able to provide more information.
The suspect is described as a slim, 20-year-old white man standing 5’9″ tall. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a blue medical mask, a black jacket with the hood up, blue jeans, and was carrying a small, black backpack.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654, extension 1.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
It’s a lottery that supports specialized adult health care and research in Vancouver, and it features 8 jaw-dropping grand prizes, including this luxury Sooke home.
But did you know that this year, they’re holding a special Loyalty Bonus worth over $25,000?
This extra perk is only available until next Friday, November 6th so don’t wait on grabbing your tickets!
The winner of the Loyalty Bonus will be able to choose between an all new 2020 Corolla Hybrid, a 2020 Toyota C-HR LE OR $25,000 cold hard cash.
This means if you don’t win one of the luxury home grand prizes, you can still walk away with your pockets significantly heavier.
On top of all of this, the Millionaire lottery has several other incredible drawshappening before the Grand Prizes are drawn, which include prizes like brand new vehicles and vacation cash!
There’s plenty of reasons to support VGH and the UBC Hospital Foundation, and there’s plenty of prizes to be playing the Millionaire Lottery.
Your ticket helps support life-saving care at British Columbia’s largest hospital, along with all of the doctors and nurses, frontline workers, and first responders – as well as all the patients who visit VGH every day.
You’re also helping fund specialized adult health care and research in Vancouver, at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital and GF Strong Rehab Centre.
Every year, VGH performs more than 30,000 surgeries and treats more than 600,000 patient visits. They treat 60% of British Columbia’s adult trauma cases – and 50% of their surgical patients are from outside Vancouver. Their health care heroes are fighting COVID-19 at VGH.
The grand prize draw will be Monday, January 27th, 2021. Purchase your ticket (or packs of them!) here.
Deadlines to enter the various draws are:
Fall Bonus Draw Deadline: Midnight, Friday, November 20, 2020
Christmas Bonus Draw Deadline: Midnight, Friday, December 4, 2020
Early Bird Draw Deadline: Midnight, Friday, December 18, 2020
Main Draws and Grand Prize Deadline: Midnight, Friday, January 8, 2021
Know your limit, play within it. Must be 19+ to play.
Vancouver Island residents may want to prepare for a wet Tuesday this week.
Coinciding with the U.S. presidential elections is a frontal system over the BC central coasts will move southward through Monday and bring with it heavy rainfall for parts of Vancouver Island by Tuesday morning.
Weather statements issued by Environment Canada forecast 100 to 150 mm of rainfall for western parts of Vancouver Island by Tuesday.
The rain is expected to taper off Tuesday afternoon as the frontal system moves eastward, but heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
The frontal system could also bring rainfall amounts of 50 to 75 mm to East Vancouver Island between Nanoose Bay and Fanny Bay overnight Monday and through Tuesday.
Weather forecasts predict that Greater Victoria is in for three straight days of rainfall this week, starting Tuesday and ending with sunny skies Friday through Sunday.
The 2020 U.S. Elections are enticing British Columbians to bet on its results in record numbers.
According to the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), nearly 4,500 people have bet on the outcome of the presidential election south of the border, with most putting their money on four more years of Trump rule.
Almost 3,000 bets were made in favour of a Trump victory, for a total of $1.4 million spent. If he wins, the potential combined payouts to all PlayNow.com bettors who wagered on Trump to win total more than $3.4 million.
In contrast, about 1,484 bets totalling over $622,000 were made in favour of Joe Biden winning the election. If he wins, bettors could get a combined potential payout of more than $1 million.
Trump’s odds are at 2.35 while Biden’s are 1.58.
The province’s authorized betting website also offered wagers for other facets of the U.S. election outcome, including state betting, electoral college voting and popular vote betting.
Overall, over 12,000 bets have been made for U.S. election outcomes, totalling approximately $3 million.
In comparison, the 2016 elections south of the border attracted approximately 7,200 bets, totalling more than $737,000.
BCLC says this election is now the “single-most popular betting event” in the history of the corporation’s online betting service.
*Note: Victoria Buzz is not affiliated with BC Lottery Corporation and does not advocate gambling or taking part in lotteries. If you choose to participate, remember to play responsibly.
Just two days after a controversial mural in Bastion Square was revised on the instructions of Victoria council, a vandal spray-painted over the newly installed message.
VicPD say the vandalism occurred Saturday morning at approximately 10 a.m. when a man riding a motorcycle rode up to the mural.
He then spray-painted over the newly revised message and left the area. A video provided anonymously to Victoria Buzz allegedly shows the act of vandalism as it happened.
Video shows vandal spray painting over controversial mural at Bastion Square two days after being revised. See thread for link to full story. #victoriabuzz#yyjpic.twitter.com/8s5RcHsNAu
The mural had been revised following an outcry from police and city council over the inclusion of the letters “ACAB” which are widely understood to stand for “All Cops Are Bad/Bastards.”
After council voted to remove the message and to replace it with a newly-approved design from the mural artists, it was revised to read:
“This letter has been censored by the City of Victoria influenced by the Victoria Police Department. In doing so, Victoria is contributing to the silencing of Black and Indigenous voices and experiences across this land.”
Police Chief Del Manak put out a strongly-worded statement on October 30, one day before the vandalism occurred, calling the changes to the mural “offensive.”
“In my opinion, the divisive message contained in this artwork is inaccurate, misinformed, and disrespectful,” Manak stated.
“It is an affront to the women and men of the Victoria Police Department, who serve our communities with integrity, compassion and honour.”
Manak added that while he acknowledges systemic racism across Canada, he believes the mural’s new message is an unhelpful “expression of hate.”
He closed his statement by thanking “the countless number of citizens who have stopped to thank our officers or offer them their words of support and encouragement.”
No one has claimed responsibility for the vandalism, though multiple replies to Manak’s tweet applauded an earlier act of vandalism against the mural.
“I hope they realize the best edit of that mural was when that brave guy ‘defaced’ it,” said one user in reply to Manak.
“It is unbelievable that the @CityOfVictoria allowed this insulating [sic], offensive change,” another user wrote.
“At this point, the only thing left to do is for taxpayers of the city, who ultimately payed [sic] for this so-called “art”, must demand for its complete removal.”
I hope they realize the best edit of that mural was when that brave guy ‘defaced’ it.
It is unbelievable that the @CityOfVictoria allowed this insulating, offensive change. At this point, the only thing left to do is for taxpayers of the city, who ultimately payed for this so-called "art", must demand for its complete removal.
A spokesperson for VicPD told Victoria Buzz that Manak had no further comment on the mural or its defacement on Monday, and stood by his reply from October 30.
The suspect in the vandalism is described as an adult white male, standing approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with a medium build.
He wore a multi-coloured motorcycle helmet, a blue vest overtop of a green sweater, and dark cargo pants. The suspect rode a red and white motorcycle.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or who has information about the incident is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, extension 1.
Those who wish to report information anonymously can call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Authorities are investigating after three bodies were discovered Sunday afternoon on Vancouver Island near Parksville.
According to the RCMP, a person riding an off-road motorcycle discovered an unresponsive man on Melrose Forest Service Road shortly after 2 p.m.
The motorcyclist immediately contacted paramedics and police. Upon arrival, police and paramedics located the unresponsive man and confirmed that he was dead.
Nearby, authorities also discovered a burned-out travel trailer with two deceased adults inside, and a man in another trailer who appeared to have been shot.
The shooting victim was airlifted by BC EHS to hospital and is now in stable condition.
A spokesperson for the BC Coroner’s Service confirmed that they are investigating the three deaths, after being notified by Oceanside RCMP yesterday.
The bodies were recovered near Parksville, in the Whiskey Creek area.
Oceanside RCMP say that the Vancouver Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has taken custody of the investigation.
“As this investigation is in its infancy, there are many questions that remain unanswered,” said Cpl. Jesse Foreman of the Oceanside RCMP.
“Initial findings lead investigators to believe that this in an isolated incident between parties well known to one another. We do not believe there is any on-going risk to the public.”
RCMP said they would not be releasing the names of the deceased at this time.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who might have dash camera or trail camera footage around the area, is asked to call the RCMP tip and information line at (250) 380-6211.
The host of a Halloween party in Saanich received a hefty fine after refusing to obey COVID-19 safety regulations in B.C.
In a statement released Monday morning, Cst. Markus Anastasiades said a homeowner in the 3900 block of Lasalle Street was issued a $2,300 fine under the COVID Related
Measures Act (CRMA) related to Gatherings and Events on Sunday morning after throwing a Halloween party on Saturday night.
The ticket was issued after police responded to a noise complaint at the homeowner’s property at 2:45 a.m. on November 1, where they discovered a large party in progress.
Officers spoke to the homeowner and realized there were far more than the permitted six people at the party.
Despite a warning from police about the Provincial Health Officer order that prohibits such gatherings during the second wave of the pandemic, the party continued.
The spooky affair was eventually shut down by police, and officers say about 30 people were seen leaving the residence.
“Our officers responded to several noise complaints over the weekend regarding gatherings in private homes,” said Anastasiades.
“This was the only incident which a large private gathering was found to be held.”
The CRMA allows peace officers to issue violation tickets to hosts of gatherings specifically for “holding an event in a private residence (indoors or outdoors) with more than 6 guests who do not live there,” for the amount of $2,300.
UPDATED: Lia Barker has been found by police as of 9:40 a.m. on Monday, November 2.
Earlier: Victoria Police are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Lia Barker.
The 15-year-old girl was last seen in the 2100-block of Vancouver Street on the night of Friday, October 30th.
At that point, she was wearing a black hooded sweater, grey sweatpants, a blue shirt, and white shoes.
Barker is described as a slim white girl standing 5’8 tall, weighing 120 lbs, and has shoulder-length brown hair that is often dyed red and pink.
Police are working to locate her, and her family is concerned about her well being.
Anyone who sees Barker is asked to call 911.
Those who have information on her whereabouts are asked to contact VicPD at at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(Missing Lia Barker/VicPD)(Missing Lia Barker/VicPD)
An Oak Bay store owner was injured on Saturday when they fought with an armed robber who had held them up with a knife moments earlier, according to police.
The Oak Bay Police Department says they received a call about an armed robbery in progress at about 7:45 p.m. on October 31.
An adult male had brandished a knife at a store owner on Foul Bay Road, demanding cash. The store owner managed to flee.
The robber took cash from behind the counter and attempted to flee but the store owner restrained them by holding the exit door shut from outside.
The robber then kicked the door, causing it to break. He then pointed the knife at the store owner, cutting him on the finger, and punched him.
The store owner physically restrained the robber, who continued to struggle, until officers arrived moments later and arrested the robber.
Oak Bay Police say the suspect is known to them and has a history of violence, robbery, and being armed.
The robber was brought before a Justice of the Peace and will face several charges including armed robbery. He has since been released on conditions.
Oak Bay Police Chief Ray Bernoties cautioned members of the public from fighting with armed robbers over money, as serious outcomes could result.
“However, there is no doubt that the actions of this store owner were critical to ensuring the suspect’s immediate arrest and return of the property,” Bernoties added.
“I’m pleased he is doing well and I’m sure his customers will also be relieved as he is a highly respected member of our community.”
A motor vehicle accident near Royal Roads University knocked out power to thousands of customers around the West Shore Monday morning.
Westshore RCMP say that officers were called to a report of a single-vehicle collision near Sooke Road and Colwood Crescent at about 3:10 a.m.
The vehicle, a 2010 Chevy Malibu, had collided head-on with a hydro pole, cracking it.
RCMP say the vehicle’s three occupants were all injured in the crash and were taken to hospital, but were expected to recover.
The driver was issued a ticket for driving without due care, however alcohol was ruled out as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to BC Hydro, the collision left 2,666 customers without power. A further 1,143 customers were affected as crews had to disconnect circuits to install a new pole safely.
The outage affected Royal Roads University as well. In a post on the University Facebook page, they advised non-essential staff and faculty not to come in.
Repair crews were on scene by 7 a.m. to restore service. BC Hydro estimated that power would be back on by 12 p.m.
VicPd are investigating after a suspicious item was located in a child’s Halloween candy Sunday evening.
Police say they were this evening called around 6:30 p.m. to the 900-block of Arm Street in Esquimalt after a parent located an ammonia inhalant, commonly referred to as “smelling salts”, in their child’s Halloween candy.
The family had trick-or-treated in the area of the 900-block of Arm Street and the 700-block of Selkirk Avenue Halloween night.
Officers are asking anyone who trick-or-treated in that area on Halloween to review their child’s candy for suspicious items.
If you discover a similar item, please remove it from your child’s candy and call police.
Police say they are investigating the incident as a suspicious circumstance and are also asking for information from the public.
Anyone with information about this incident, is asked to call VicPD’s non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Saanich Police have issued an alert after a cougar was spotted in the municipality early Sunday morning.
The sighting was reported at about 5:45 a.m. by a motorist. The driver told police she observed a cougar in the 1000-block of Mckenzie Avenue.
Police said they patrolled the area for the feline but could not locate the animal. No other sightings have been reported.
BC Conservation Service has been advised.
Residents of the area are advised to be mindful of their surroundings, families and pets.
What to do if you encounter a cougar:
Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily, and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don’t crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.
If a cougar behaves aggressively:
Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat, not prey.
If cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles.
Hallow’s Eve weekend is upon us, and with that comes a whole cauldron of spine-tingling events to feast your eyes on!
Though we encourage you to to enjoy yourself this Halloween, we also remind everyone to keep groups small, practice physical distancing, and adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidelines that have been set by the province.
Without further ado, here are # spooky (and not so spooky!) events to enjoy this Halloween weekend:
Pay a visit to one of the most haunted book stores on Vancouver Island. Avalon Books & Treasures carries books on ghost stories, Witch craft, Divination, fiction/non fiction, Herbal medicine, psychic powers, and so many more.
Drop by for a scary ONE DAY sale featuring select items. Enter to win a free gift basket when you purchase a minimum of $10, winner will be announced at 4:30 PM. Book an appointment with a Tarot reader by calling 250-380-1721 or PM us. Walk-ins warmly welcomed. Happy Hallows Eve!
When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Avalon Books & Treasures, 560 Johnson Street
Put your jack ‘o lantern on display for the whole neighbourhood to admire!
Pumpkins will be lined up along the path up to Summit Park (behind the tower) from McNair Street. If enough neighbours bring pumpkins, they will stretch all the way through the park!
This physically distanced walk begins on McNair Street (access from Cook St), goes up the spooky stairs to Summit Park, through the park, and down the stairs at Lang and Highview (access from Finlayson St).
Groups will be required to maintain physical distance, and to proceed up the stairs one group at a time. There may be a surprise performance when you get to the top!
Recommended donation of $2-5 to cover the cost of removing the pumpkins for composting.
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday
Where: Walk begins on McNair Street, accessed from Cook Street
Victoria Compost Education Centre holds a workshop to teach you how to cultivate mushrooms indoors and in your backyard using low tech methods.
Fungal biology and cultivation theory will be presented in a lecture format followed by one hour hands-on making your own 5 gallon Oyster Mushroom straw bucket to take home. The lecture will include making liquid culture, grain spawn, sawdust spawn, mushroom logs, wood chip beds, and straw bags/buckets.
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday
Where: Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
Comedy and breakfast foods! What a combo! Come enjoy brunch while being entertained by the most hilarious comedians in the city! Seating is very limited, be sure to book your table online! There are options for 2, 4 or 6 only.
Ma Miller’s Pub are hosting a kid-friendly spooky haunted house! One group/family at a time (max. 6). Will take about 30 seconds/1 minute to go through. Treat for each girl and ghoul that comes through!
Bring your carved pumpkin and don your best costumes, and enjoy a sunset and full moon Hallowe’en stand-up paddle. Remember to also bring a packaged food donation for the Mustard Seed Food Bank!
Powerhouse Pinball Club is expecting a full house on Halloween. They’ve broken down their day into four 2-hour time slots and will be putting all the pinball machines on free play for the day (no tokens required).
You do, however need a $20 tickets to get you access to the clubhouse, two hours of all-you-can-play pinball, and of course candy and prizes!
On October 31st, the Vic West Community Association will have a variety of socially distanced activities for you and your little ones at the Vic West Community Centre!
There’ll be trick or treating, a family photo booth, and a scavenger hunt with prizes in Banfield park! Wear your costumes and stop by for some “fangtastic” fun.
Drive through a spooky Halloween Lane, decorated and haunted by local Metchosin Fire Fighters! All family members must stay in their vehicle while driving through.
Free Halloween treats will be delivered to each car!
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Metchosin Fire Department, 4440 Happy Valley Road
The Pretzels Logic Orchestra will be performing at Hermann’s Jazz Club for the last time this year, bringing Victorians original musical stylings combined with the classic tunes and lyrics of Steely Dan.
Learn the basics of how to make a successful gluten free sourdough starter, which flours are the best for gluten free bread baking, and methods for how to make wholesome home made loaves of bread.
This lesson will start by discussing the background of what fermentation actually is, and perhaps even taste some yummy delicacies.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
(Minister Adrian Dix, Dr. Bonnie Henry/BC Gov Flickr)
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 272 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 14,109.
In total, 4,664 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 8,219 in Fraser Health, 256 in Vancouver Island Health region, 741 in Interior Health, 412 in Northern Health region, and 89 people whose residence is outside of Canada
The number of active cases has increased by 46 to 2,390 in B.C.
There are now a total of 78 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 25 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
One additional death were reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll is now at 263.
6,003 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 11,670 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There were three outbreaks declared at health care facilities on the mainland in the past 24 hours, at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community, CareLife Fleetwood and Queen’s Park Hospital unit 3C NMSK 2.
Three prior outbreaks — at Fort Langley Seniors Community, The Village and Sunset Manor and Good Samaritan Victoria Heights — have been declared over.
There are now a total of 24 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and two acute-care facilities that have active, ongoing outbreaks.
One new community outbreak has been declared at Suncor Firebag Oil Sands.
There remain a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
No new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region on Friday.
There have been a total of 256 cases of COVID-19 in the region, six of whom have died.
Island Health reports that as of October 30, there are eight active cases on the Island.
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 3, Total Cases: 97
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 3, Total Cases: 81
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 2, Total Cases: 78
The COVID-19 case curve in Vancouver Island health region as of October 29 is represented below:
(Island Health)
As of Monday there had been 817,076 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 97,960 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 45,854,042.
Over 1,192,592 people have died from the illness and 33,194,898 have recovered.
A new restaurant in downtown Victoria got a visit from police on the night they launched their Happy Hour special.
JR Slims, a new restaurant and bar that opened last month at the corner of Yates Street and Wharf Street, was the subject of brief controversy Thursday night after residents in the area complained to police about a ‘large party’ at the venue, allegedly taking place in contravention of COVID-19 safety guidelines.
However the restaurant’s Operating Partner, Andrew Ralph, says that was not the case.
“Last night, we did an all night Happy Hour, and for some reason the promotion got a lot of buzz and the place was full, but we stopped taking reservations once all the tables were full,” said Ralph in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
Ralph says the venue had about 60 guests at a time, but that this was not in contravention of COVID-19 guidelines for restaurants, as the space is large enough to accommodate that many people while still allowing groups of guests to maintain six feet of distance from each other.
“The only issue we did have problems with was at the end of the night when people wanted to all leave at the same time,” Ralph admitted.
However, he said the issue was quickly resolved after staff began asking people to wait in their seats for their turn to leave the venue.
In a statement to Victoria Buzz, Victoria Police spokesperson Bowen Osoko said no violation tickets were issued after police attended the venue.
“Officers attended, noted the number of patrons, and educated bar management about the COVID restrictions. The patrons were cooperative and departed,” said Osoko.
Ralph says JR Slims is up to date with instating proper COVID-19 protocols in accordance with provincial health guidelines, including plexiglass barriers at the bar and at each table.
He says the restaurant’s Happy Hour drink service ended at 9:50 p.m. Thursday night, but people stayed until 11 p.m., which is in keeping with guidelines.
“This is something that was unexpected for us, and pleasurably enough that it was busy, but we wanted to make sure that we’re taking proper steps to make sure we were abiding by all guidelines and COVID rules,” said Ralph.
When asked to comment on those who called police on the restaurant Thursday night, Ralph says he wishes people would take time to learn what the COVID-19 guidelines are for the restaurant industry in B.C.
“We were fortunate to have a successful night due to our Happy Hour special, but that’s all it was. We don’t take walk-ins. We stop taking reservations after tables are full,” said Ralph.
“It got misconstrued because people were dressing up in Halloween costumes, so people thought it was a Halloween party. Obviously there was a young crowd, but if it was an older crowd I doubt anyone would say anything.”
The hospitality industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions, with 60 per cent of restaurants across the country expected to close permanently this winter.
In B.C., provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has instated new restrictions for bars and nightclubs as those venues proved to be sources of transmission over the past couple of months.
However she has repeatedly stated that transmission does not seem to be occurring at restaurants in B.C. and that businesses offering dine-in service have thus far been doing a good job of adhering to protocols.
Ralph supports the existing guidelines and says that while he wants his restaurant to be popular, the venue will continue following strict guidelines to keep people safe during the pandemic.
“We want to be successful but we want to make sure it’s a thing that all our locals like,” he said.
The BCCDC has issued a new COVID-19 exposure alert for an Air Canada flight that originated in Victoria earlier this month.
Passengers travelling on Air Canada Flight 192 on October 25 from Victoria to Toronto are advised to be aware that they may have been exposed to the virus.
In particular, those seated in rows 1 – 4 are at risk of contracting the illness.
Affected travellers are asked to monitor their symptoms for 14 days and call 8-1-1 to get tested if they do develop symptoms of the virus.
Since late March, the BCCDC has not been contacting passengers who sat near a confirmed patient during their flight.
Instead all travellers must check their website to find out whether they have been exposed to the virus.
Since the beginning of June, multiple international and domestic flights have landed in or departed from Vancouver and Victoria with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
A delivery truck collided with a power pole in Langford late Friday morning, knocking out BC Hydro services to thousands of customers.
The collision occurred near the intersection of Glen Lake Road and Sooke Road, according to eyewitnesses who took photos of the crashed vehicle.
Photos from the scene show a single white cube van style delivery truck collided with a power pole near the intersection, reducing it to splinters.
According to BC Hydro the incident occurred at approximately 10:46 a.m., and service was still off at 12:45 p.m. hours later with a crew estimated to arrive around 1:30 p.m.
2,959 customers were affected by the outage. No injuries were reported in the incident.
A spokesperson for Westshore RCMP said no other vehicles were involved. The driver of the truck was trapped in the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes due to the downed lines.
Once power was disconnected, the driver was freed.
A crash on Sooke Road in Langford has knocked out power to nearly 3,000 @bchydro customers. Photos show at least one hydro pole split in half and a cube truck crashed into a tree. No injuries being reported. Unclear when power will be restored. #yyjtraffic#victoriabuzzpic.twitter.com/TYltdgncSl
The City of Colwood is looking at options for a pedestrian and cyclist overpass to link the Galloping Goose Regional Trail across the Island Highway by Wale Road.
Currently, users on the trail must detour via Wale Road, cross at the light over Island Highway, and travel along a section of sidewalk to reconnect with the trail.
“To make it more confusing, there is a small section of trail that cuts across from Wale Road to the Highway, but ends there dangerously, with no safe crossing in sight,” the City of Colwood said in a statement on Wednesday.
“In the worst case scenario, trail users try to avoid this frustrating detour by dashing across 5 lanes of traffic on the Island Highway, risking their lives and the lives of drivers.”
Colwood undertook a study in 2012 to determine the feasibility and cost of constructing an overpass that would connect the ends of the Galloping Goose Trail.
They say the overpass would include accessibility components and could be beautified in collaboration with the Songhees, Scia’new and Esquimalt Nations.
In order to finance the project, the City has applied for a grant from the federal “Investing in Canada Infrastructure” program. They estimate the full cost of the project will be $4.9 million, with $1.4 million taken from municipal reserves.
If the grant application is successful, planning would begin in March 2021 with construction lasting for a year beginning in October 2021.
Julia Strobach was 26-years-old when she went missing.
Now, one day before the 7th anniversary of her disappearance, RCMP are renewing an appeal for information.
In a statement to media Friday morning, Comox Valley RCMP say Strobach was last seen on October 31, 2013 in the 1000-block of Braidwood Road in Courtenay, and has not been seen since.
“We will continue investigating until we can explain Julia’s disappearance,” said S/Sgt. Glen Breckon, Major Crime Unit, Comox Valley RCMP.
“We know that someone has information that will help us locate her. If you think you might know something, even what seems like a small piece of information or insignificant, we want you to call and speak with our investigators.”
Strobach stands approximately 5’9″ tall and has green eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she had bright red dyed hair and was carrying a backpack.
She was 26 at the time and would be 33 now.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2013-13948.
Those who wish to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) online at http://comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca/.
Early concept art for Magic Cat Academy 2 (Google)
Google Doodles have a long history of awesome content, and today’s Halloween entry is another amazing one.
The Doodle starts off with some adorable animation showing the characters from 2016’s Halloween Doodle, “Magic Cat Academy.”
Then, the game truly begins. Literally!
The Doodle switches to a game interface where users must draw symbols over ghostly enemies in order to fend them off.
Five different levels are included in the game, with a plethora of foes to battle and some quirky and cool bosses.
The Doodle, titled “Magic Cat Academy 2,” comes from a team of in-house designers and programmers at Google, including artwork by Olivia When, Juliana Chen, and Alyssa Winans.
Google Doodles are often memorable, interactive experiences, including a mini-game based on the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, a celebratory animation and game for composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and a compact version of Pac-Man to honour the iconic arcade game’s 30th anniversary.
Our Victoria Buzz team spent a solid 30 minutes carefully researching today’s mini-game and the 2016 version. In review, we believe the 2020 version perfects the 2016 formula.
VicPD are warning the public about possible scammers after a Victoria man was defrauded of $6,000 this week.
Officers were contacted on October 28 by a man who said he had been the victim of a fraud involving scammers impersonating Service Canada and VicPD.
The man said he had received a phone call with an automated message claiming he was the subject of federal charges.
The message instructed the man to press 1 to be “transferred to a Service Canada employee.” The impersonator the man spoke to after pressing 1 told him his Social Insurance Number was compromised.
The impersonator also told the man that several bank accounts had been opened under his name and used to commit criminal offences, including drug trafficking.
The man was told to deposit money into a bitcoin account to “protect his assets,” and was told his bank accounts would be frozen in an hour if he did not.
Scammers falsified several phone calls to the victim from the number 250-995-7654, which is the same number as the VicPD non-emergency line.
A person impersonating a VicPD officer gave the same story as the scammer who impersonated a Service Canada representative, and encouraged the man to deposit money into the bitcoin machine.
The victim was persuaded to deposit $6,000 into a bitcoin machine.
VicPD warns that fraudsters are often both aggressive and convincing.
Fraudsters will often “spoof” legitimate telephone numbers like those of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and local police departments, including VicPD. They often will not allow their potential victims to hang up or leave the phone call.
VicPD says their officers will never demand cash to be paid to resolve an incident, nor request funds transferred through bitcoin.
Anyone who is contacted by telephone by someone claiming to be from VicPD who asks for money should simply hang up.
If financial information is given out, VicPD say that victims should contact financial institutions immediately and ensure all unauthorized payments are stopped. They should also call the VicPD non-emergency number at (250) 995-7654 to report the incident.
Darkness falls across the land, the midnite hour is close at hand…Here are some things do to in Victoria on Friday, October 30th!
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do on Friday, October 30th:
Outdoor Music Fridays extend into October at Jaga Silk! Book in-person or virtual zoom tickets at jagasilk.com. This Friday Sister Speak joins Matt Stern.
Sister Speak’s high energy, moving show features “Alt-Blues-World” and has led to European tours, festivals, headlining concerts at iconic venues and opening slots for Air Supply, The Doobie Brothers and Xavier Rudd among others.
Matt Stern is known for infectious melodies, uplifting energy, and an ability to inspire a sense of community in a diverse crowd. Matt was born in Montreal and is currently based on Vancouver Island. Praised by Radio-Canada International for promoting body positivity and diversity.
We may not be able to see our American friends in person, but thanks to the world of virtual performances we can still see some of theatre! Oak Harbour, Washington-based theatre company Whidbey Playhouse brings Orson Welles’ classic radio play “The War of the Worlds” back to life for an online show! Revisit the frightening radio play experience of the extraterrestrial takeover that panicked the nation!
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”
Take a guided tour of the beautiful and historic Craigdarroch Castle. Tours run 75 minutes in length. Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.
When: 10:20 a.m. to 11:35 a.m., 11:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., 2:20 p.m. to 3:35 p.m., 3:20 p.m. to 4:35 p.m.
Investigators with VicPD’s hate crimes unit are seeking suspects and witnesses after they received a report of hateful graffiti in Macaulay Point Park.
Esquimalt patrol officers were called to the park in the 300-block of Clifton Terrace just before 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.
A person told police they had discovered fresh graffiti on signs and structures in the park. The graffiti included anti-Semitic and other hate-based content.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654, ext 1.
Those who wish to report information anonymously can call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Transport Canada announced on Thursday that they would be extending measures that limit cruise ship and other pleasure craft traffic until February 28, 2021.
In particular, cruise ships with overnight accommodations carrying more than 100 people continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters, following an initial ban implemented in May that was set to expire on October 31, 2020.
The ban has severely impacted the tourist economy on Vancouver Island. Statistics from the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) say that the cruise industry is worth about $3 billion annually to Canada’s economy, with two-thirds of that generated on the West Coast.
GVHA CEO Ian Robertson says he supported the ban in its first form and continues to support it with the extended deadline.
However, he says that he will continue to advocate for a decision timeline and process for the return of cruise lines to Canadian waters.
“I will continue to engage with Transport Canada on this,” Robertson said in a statement.
“Our organization is also engaged with cruise line management as they develop and unveil their plans for a safe return of cruise in other markets, as well as on the west coast of Canada.”
Robertson says the GVHA is planning for cruises to resume in 2021 and their team is working to ensure that the Victoria Cruise Terminal will be prepared to welcome guests.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 234 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 14,109.
In total, 4,588 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 8,036 in Fraser Health, 256 in Vancouver Island Health region, 734 in Interior Health, 406 in Northern Health region, and 89 people whose residence is outside of Canada
The number of active cases has increased by 28 to 2,344 in B.C.
There are now a total of 86 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 24 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
One additional death were reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll is now at 262.
5,714 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 11,448 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There were four outbreaks declared at health care facilities on the mainland in the past 24 hours. One prior outbreak has been declared over.
There are now a total of 24 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and one acute-care facilities that have active, ongoing outbreaks.
There remain a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
Three new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region on Thursday. Of those three cases, one was reported in the south Island region while two were in central Island.
There have been a total of 256 cases of COVID-19 in the region, six of whom have died.
Island Health reports that as of October 29, there are 10 active cases on the Island.
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 4, Total Cases: 97
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 4, Total Cases: 81
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 2, Total Cases: 78
The COVID-19 case curve in Vancouver Island health region as of October 29 is represented below:
(Island Health)
As of Monday there had been 806,953 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 96,769 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 45,255,385.
Over 1,184,792 people have died from the illness and 32,907,376 have recovered.
The mural has been a source of controversy since it was found to contain the acronym, widely understood to stand for “All Cops Are Bastard/Bad.”
VicPD Chief Del Manak was vocal in his calls to remove the message, which he described as “deeply disrespectful.”
On Wednesday, activist and community organizer Charity Williams wrote on Instagram that there were many discussions between the artists and city staff and those talks would be continuing.
“This is in no way a concession, rather a way forward,” Williams wrote. “We have a ways to go, but I’m proud of being a part of the conversation.”
She added that the artists would be adding a new message to replace the old one, beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
City manager Jocelyn Jenkyns said in an emailed statement to Victoria Buzz that the mural would be changing but would “remain an honest representation of the artists’ experience.”
“The 17 BIPOC artists who created the More Justice, More Peace mural have sparked an important conversation about systemic racism and discrimination in our city and in our country,” Jenkyns said.
“We now move forward and I know that the important message of this mural will continue to inspire conversations.”
A spokesperson for the city added that the artists’ new design to replace the ‘ACAB’ portion was approved by city staff, and was expected to be completed Thursday afternoon.
The new design will include a message that reads:
“This letter has been censored by the City of Victoria influenced by the Victoria Police Department. In doing so, Victoria is contributing to the silencing of Black and Indigenous voices and experiences across this land.”
Over the past few days, multiple social media event pages have cropped up, advertising a variety of Halloween events happening this Saturday.
One of these events claims to be an ‘Official Mega Party’, another is an ‘Ultimate Paint Experience’, and a third claims to offer an ‘Ultimate Foam Experience’.
These event pages have been circulating on Facebook and say there will be over 5,000 people in attendance at each gathering.
This claim is in direct contravention with current provincial health orders that prohibit parties and gatherings of more than 50 people. Recently, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Dr. Bonnie Henry has also instated a new order restricting private gatherings to six people outside of the immediate household.
Given that B.C. is currently in the middle of the second wave of the pandemic, event pages advertising large gatherings with thousands of people could be alarming at first glance.
However Victoria Police say they are aware of these event pages, and that they could be created by fake or spam profiles.
“Some signs of fake profiles include the use of the stock images for the events. Neither the foam party nor the house images are from Victoria locations,” said VicPD spokesperson Bowen Osoko in an email to Victoria Buzz.
“Most local event organizers will create a poster with a date, time, location and cost for the event. The ‘discussion’ portion of the event is closed, which does not allow potential attendees to get additional information.”
The event page also asks people to ‘like’ another page and share personal information as part of a contest entry, indicating that the real motive behind the “events” are fake accounts attempting to gather people’s personal information.
The three event pages mentioned earlier were created by two accounts, both of which were created on the same day: April 8, 2020.
Nevertheless, Osoko says police have reached out to the organizers of the events and reported their profiles to Facebook. The profiles have not yet responded to VicPD’s requests to connect.
“We are reminding all people who are attending Halloween festivities of the relevant Provincial Health orders that they need to be aware of,” said Osoko.
“We’re also really hoping that people think about the risks that COVID-19 present this year and make decisions accordingly.”
Anyone who hosts a large gathering during the pandemic is subject to receive fines of up to $2,000.
Enforcement officers can also issue $200 violation tickets to anyone actively encouraging gatherings or events, or refusing to leave when asked to do so.
Vancouver Island police forces and a specialized unit from the mainland teamed up last week to make a large bust in the local drug trade.
Members of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C (CFSEU-BC)’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) were sent to Vancouver Island to concentrate enforcement efforts around Nanaimo and the South Island.
UGET is normally based in the Lower Mainland, but its members are also deployed to communities around the province for short-term support at other police agencies.
Last week UGET partnered with Nanaimo and West Shore RCMP detachments and the Saanich Police Department to help direct enforcement activities in Nanaimo and Victoria.
During the four-day partnership, UGET members seized several items connected to the local drug trade including:
$15,000 in cash
knives and machetes
swords
a crossbow and an axe
bear spray
a pellet gun styled to resemble a Glock handgun
a replica AR 15 rifle and replica shotgun
two firearms, including a MP40 .22 caliber rifle and a .22 caliber pistol
“The work done on targeted offenders by the CFSEU UGET teams when they come to Vancouver Island is always appreciated by the local detachments and communities,” said Corporal Chris Manseau, Division Media Relations officer for the BC RCMP.
“These most recent results show some of the excellent pro-active work completed by the teams in an effort to disrupt organized crime activity in our communities.”
UGET officers also seized substantial quantities of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marihuana and prescription medication.
