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Victoria Police have arrested 12 people last night and this morning during an overnight protest in support of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs that took place at government offices on Blanshard Street.
Protestors started gathering at the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in the 1800-block of Blanshard Street at 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning, and many of them stayed inside the building overnight to ensure their demands were met.
The activists set up the protest in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs demanding respect for sovereignty and an end to the Coastal GasLink pipeline project in northern B.C.
Čečehatheč everyone who watched my live stream. Indigenous youth in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en are currently…
In a statement on social media, Victoria Police said protestors started occupying offices in the evening after being on site for most of the day. The activists themselves said they went no further than the lobby and hallway of the building.
They were given an ultimatum to either leave the building or face arrest. When they refused to leave, police began taking people into custody, sometimes carrying them out under duress.
Police also denied allegations that officers were blocking access to food and water for the activists inside the building.
Witnesses on social media say otherwise, claiming Victoria and Saanich police officers barred them from taking food and blankets to the activists inside. One witness says police denied entry to a registered nurse when a protester in the building was experiencing a medical issue.
And now Victoria police (there are Saanich police here too) are downright lying via their twitter account. There's plenty of food and blankets out here that we aren't allowed to bring in. Their liaison officers are ignoring the people outside completely. pic.twitter.com/WB2GqGGyeK
One of the Indigenous youths inside is experiencing a medical concern. There is a registered nurse here that the police will not allow in. There are very few youth left to arrest and no reason medical help should be denied. But the cops say they’re here for “safety” 🙄
With 12 activists behind bars, organizers of the protest arranged a second rally in front of the same building on Wednesday morning at around 8 a.m. Protestors dispersed within an hour.
“We will remain until Canada demonstrates a clear and genuine commitment to meet the demands of the Wet’suwet’en in hereditary chiefs,” says leader of the protest, Ta’Kaiya Blaney on Facebook.
“Canada has rarely or if ever delivered upon their promises to indigenous peoples. We will not leave until we have actual proof that their promises to us will be kept.”
Victoria Police respond
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Victoria Police stated that there is a “great deal of misinformation” about the arrests last night.
They say the activists were arrested after 15 hours of failed negotiation, which is when the building owner requested they be removed from the premises in keeping with BC’s Trespass Act.
Police assert that plain clothes and liaison officers spent hours trying to find a peaceful resolution between the protestors and the province, and that they facilitated access to medicine, food, and water.
“Officers also assisted parents who arrived to pick up youth who were present at the protest,” reads the statement.
“During the arrests, officers spoke directly with protesters, informing each of them of what was occurring at each step of the arrest process… As such, the arrests took place over a four-hour period. During the arrests officers were required to carry protesters from the inside of the building to waiting police vehicles.”
Supporters of the protest rallied outside the building to try and stop these arrests by surrounding the officers. One of these supporters was also taken into custody.
Those arrested were then transported to police cells for processing. No charges have been sworn and no injuries were reported from the incident.
If you’re tired of plugging your ailments into Google or scouring WebMD, and don’t know which of the latest health trends could be for you, look no further than the Victoria Health Show!
Happening this weekend, you can head over to the Pearkes Recreation Centre to chat with a host of professionals and exhibitors ready to talk to you about your health journey – and that’s just the beginning.
The expo could be your one-stop-shop for all of your health-related needs – whether you’re looking to learn about new products and how they might benefit you, or have specific questions about personal health and wellness issues, they have it all under one roof!
With over 100 exhibitors offering everything from supplements to therapies, the latest and greatest fitness trends to delicious food products, the Health Show is the perfect way to spend the weekend learning about the best ways to take care of yourself.
There will also be demonstrations, seminars, and even food sampling from some of the best professionals in the current health industry.
Plus, with interactive workshops (bootcamp, anyone?!) as well as a jam-packed line-up of speakers on both Saturday and Sunday, the possibilities are endless when it comes to sharing the wealth of knowledge on all things health!
Tickets are only $5 each – with children under 12 free! – and can be purchased online or at the door, and include your entry as well as admittance to all seminars.
Also, you can travel green and save! You will receive 50% off of your admission into the show when you provide proof of your green commute to Pearkes Recreation Centre.
Even better? Not only will you leave brimming with all the info you need to be the best version of yourself, the first 100 people who walk through the door receive free swag bags – so make sure you get there early!
And on top of that, you could jump start your health journey by winning and incredible package from Charge Fitness valued at over $380 – contest details are below!
Charge Fitness classes are small, energetic and fun – and an amazing way to incorporate low impact strength and cardio into one quick and effective 20 minute workout. If you’re the lucky winner of their prize package, you’ll get to take part in classes lead through a full body workout by a certified EMS trainer.
Come listen, bring your questions, leave with answers.. to live your best life ever!
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a pair of tickets to the Victoria Health Show plus a prize package from Charge Fitness worth $380, please complete one or more of the following:
COMMENT one health and fitness goal you have for 2020 in the comment section below! (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on January 24th, 2020. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by. Good luck!
Get rid of those midweek blues with some jazz, and listen to UVic’s vocal jazz performers at the campus pub or head to Hermann’s for some Coltrane and Cannonball!
Whether in you are in the mood for some saxophone or not, here are five things to do in Victoria today, Wednesday January 22nd.
Kelby MacNayr & Friends celebrate the music of Cannonball and Coltrane featuring special guests David Valdez & Al McLean! Celebrate the jubilant sound of Julian Cannonball Adderley and the searching, soulful virtuosity of John Coltrane with some of the finest jazz musicians in town.
Come enjoy jazz standards in a wide variety of styles, sung by members of the UVic Vocal Jazz Ensemble and guest instrumentalists. Open to students and the public alike, take your midweek break at Felicita’s Campus Pub!
This fun, informative and interactive two-hour workshop introduces you to the wonderful world of Bath Bomb Making! Whether you are interested in making bath bombs for fun and gifting, as a new hobby, or help to launch your own micro business at a local market, you’ll find everything you need right here!
Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas (Qwul’thilum) has been selected for the role of Indigenous Artist in Residence with the City of Victoria. The residency program provides the opportunity for a local artist to develop artistic works in the city. Thomas will also engage the community in dialogue, workshops, events, and activities throughout the two-year term.
This participatory discussion series tackles perspectives and definitions, upending assumptions to help us better understand ourselves and our community.
The topic on January 22nd is “Changing the World through Photography,” tackling the topic of how have photographs helped to shape public opinion, and when has misrepresentation muddied the waters of progress toward social justice? This event is free, and there is childminding available for those with children!
Update: Lia Barker, who was the subject of a high-risk missing person alert on January 15th, has been located. She is safe.
— original:
Victoria Police are renewing their call for assistance in the search for missing 14-year-old Lia Barker.
Barker is described by police as ‘high risk’ and was last seen on January 13th. Police have been working to locate her since that date.
The teenager was reported missing three times last year and once in 2018, and was located safely each time.
She is described as a slim Caucasian girl, standing 5’8″ tall and weighing 120 lbs. She has shoulder-length hair that is dyed red and pink, with blonde ends.
According to VicPD, Barker is known to frequent Centennial Square and surrounding areas in downtown Victoria.
Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911.
If you have information on her whereabouts, call Victoria Police at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A Victoria resident is out $6,000 after scammers called him pretending to be representatives.
On January 13th, the man reported to police that he was robbed of $6,000 by fraudsters who used gift cards in a telephone call scam.
He received a call from a man and a woman claiming to be members of his bank’s “fraud sting team”, and was told that his accounts had been compromised.
The suspects then convinced him to take part in an “undercover operation” to catch the person who had compromised his accounts.
The victim was directed to buy $100 gift cards at various retail stores and then provide the gift card information and PIN numbers to the scammers over the phone.
He was then asked to visit his bank’s main branch to be reimbursed the amount he had paid for the gift cards.
Overall, the victim was out $6,000 by the end of the scam.
In the wake of this incident, VicPD are instructing the public to report fraud attempts to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or online at their website here.
Anyone who has given out financial or personal information to potential scammers is advised to contact their financial institutions and ensure all unauthorized payments are stopped.
Cases in which money has been lost to fraudsters should be reported to police at (250) 995-7654.
This is the type of story that’s fit for a Disney movie, happy ending and all.
A Tofino woman has been reunited with her pet, who was missing for over two months after being taken from a beach in Tofino in November 2019.
“I’m just happy to have him back,” Boothman says, speaking to Victoria Buzz over the phone. “It’s a miracle.”
Itska, a 5-year-old husky-malamute-akita mix, went missing on November 2nd, 2019, from near Tonquin Beach in Tofino.
At the time, owner Shannon Boothman and local police believed the dog had been taken from the beach by tourists who believed the dog was in distress. Boothman made an impassioned plea through the police and press asking for the return of Itska, but to no avail.
“After two and a half months, I handled it poorly,” Boothman says. “I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t work.”
But then Boothman received an anonymous phone call on December 24th, tipping her off to an Oak Bay man believed to be in possession of Itska.
After following up on the tip and sending several social media messages to the man, Boothman finally received confirmation that he had taken Itska and was looking after the dog.
But after informing Oak Bay Police, Boothman says that officers told her there was nothing they could do.
Boothman remembers authorities telling her the dog was safe and warm.
“Not safe and warm with me,” Boothman replied.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Oak Bay Police for their comments, but no one was available to add remarks by the time of publication.
Boothman began contacting relatives of the man on Facebook and eventually received a phone call from the man. He said he had Itska and would drive up to Port Alberni to return the dog.
(Shannon Boothman / Facebook)
Reunited at last
Itska and Boothman were reunited on Sunday, January 21st. She remembers the man responsible for Itka’s disappearance seemed upset to be losing the dog, and the two spoke about the process of having police involved.
“Even he said to me, ‘the police were not on your side’,” Boothman says.
Reunited and happy with her dog, Boothman says she is not pursuing any further legal action and is instead focusing on spending as much time with Itska as she can. Both Boothman and her dog are local celebrities now, attracting comments and attention from residents of Tofino and Port Alberni.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for everyone that’s been supportive,” Boothman says. “Everywhere I go, people say, ‘Oh, that’s the dog?’ Everyone’s happy he’s home.”
“Are you happy, Itska?” Boothman asks, speaking to her dog. “I think you are.”
The first case of a new virus has been reported in North America, raising fears about another global illness.
According to a report in The New York Times, a man in his 30s has been diagnosed with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a disease first witnessed in Wuhan, China. The man, a resident of Snohomish County, Washington returned from Wuhan on January 15th, 2020.
He alerted health officials of his condition and travel history on January 19th and has since been hospitalized.
This news follows reports from China that the virus has killed six people and infected over 200 more. Outside reports estimate the true numbers may be higher, though, according to the Times.
Here at home, Health Canada has been updating an advisory for the Novel Coronavirus, but the organization — and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam — says that the risk to Canadians travelling to Wuhan is low.
Based on the latest information, the risk to Canadians of the #coronavirus is low. The #GoC, provinces & territories have multiple systems in place to identify, prevent & control the spread of infectious diseases
“The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the situation and working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners to gather additional information,” the Health Canada’s website states. “Our recommendations may change as new information becomes available.”
The respiratory disease was first reported on December 31st, 2019. Symptoms have included fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Origins of the Coronavirus
According to Health Canada, most cases come from a seafood market in the city of Wuhan. The market has been closed for cleaning and disinfection as of January 1, 2020. The source of the virus, however, is still unknown.
With travel to the region expected to spike during Chinese New Year, which begins on January 25th, Health Canada has released basic guidelines for anyone visiting Wuhan.
They recommend washing hands often, practicing proper sneeze and cough etiquette, and reporting any sickness immediately.
“If you become sick when you are travelling or after your return, avoid contact with others except to see a health care professional,” Health Canada advises.
“Tell them your symptoms, where you have been travelling or living, [or] if you have had contact with animals … or close contact with a sick person.”
Police are investigating the death of a man in a vehicle collision as a homicide case.
At around 11:30 p.m. Monday night, a man was found dead in his vehicle after a single-vehicle collision near the 3100-block of Humpback Road in Langford.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit took over the investigation after officers suspected foul play in his death. The case is being treated as a homicide.
West Shore RCMP and VIIMCU are gathering evidence in the investigation, and no one has been arrested in connection with the homicide yet.
As the investigation is in its early stages, police will not be revealing the victim’s name or any further details about the incident.
Anyone who was in the area of 3100 Humpback Road between 9 p.m. and midnight on January 20th is asked to contact the VIIMCU information line at 250-380-6211.
“Investigators will be in the area canvassing the neighbourhood,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar.
“The public is asked to review any home security video surveillance and vehicle dash camera that may have captured suspicious activity.”
When officers arrived on site, they found a 53-year-old man who was seriously injured. First aid was administered and he was transported to hospital but eventually succumbed to his injuries.
The results of preliminary investigation has led police to believe that foul play was involved in the man’s death.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation and is working closely with the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP and the BC Coroners service.
“This tragic incident coming so soon after the Christmas Eve tragedy has shocked and saddened the public,” says North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Officer in Charge Inspector Chris Bear.
Police say this man’s death is an isolated incident not linked to the double homicide in Duncan in which Francois Shurie and his girlfriend Nellie Williams were killed on December 24th, 2019.
Anyone who has information about this investigation is asked to contact the VIIMCU information line at 250-380-6211, or the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Detachment at 250-748-5522.
Gorge-ous Coffee has been serving up java in the Gorge community for nearly a decade, but the shop is now closing its doors.
“We are sad to officially announce that our last day open will be next Tuesday, Jan 28, due to future redevelopment,” the coffee shop posted on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
In a phone call with Victoria Buzz, co-owner Gina Marelli said the owner of the building that houses Gorge-ous Coffee and several other local businesses is redeveloping the space.
The building will be developed for condos and some businesses, Marelli said.
Gorge-ous Coffee is no more, but Marelli says that she and her co-owner and father Gino Marelli will be opening another coffee shop in a new, as-of-yet undisclosed location.
That announcement will be made next week, she says, acknowledging though that “locals are sad to see the shop go.”
Gorge-ous Coffee played a huge role in the Gorge community, regularly hosting open mics, jam sessions, and musical shows for local and visiting artists.
“We feel so lucky to have gotten to know so many regulars and hope we can see some of you at our new location,” the Marellis wrote on Facebook. “Info to come soon!”
As everyone probably knows by now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on Vancouver Island with their infant son, Archie.
Since their announcement to step back from the royal family, tabloids and media outlets both locally and internationally have been doggedly following and reporting their every move.
While some of these articles carry glaringly obvious mistakes – like this Daily Mail story that mistakes Vancouver Island for Vancouver – one thing is clear: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not escaped the paparazzi attention they came here to get away from.
After photos of the duchess walking in a public park with her baby and two dogs was published online, the royal couple issued a warning to paparazzi in Canada.
According to a report by Sky News, Harry and Meghan’s lawyers say these photos were taken without consent by a photographer who was spying on her while hiding in the bushes.
They expressed concern about paparazzi attempting to photograph the couple inside their Vancouver Island residence while permanently camped outside the house with long range cameras.
The lawyers have also highlighted safety issues with the way paparazzi have been driving in their efforts to photograph the pair, bringing back memories of how Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, died in a car crash whilst trying to escape the media.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex experienced an increase in the level of media attention after signing a deal to step away from the royal family.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” said the Queen of England in a statement after the announcement.
“I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”
In a video uploaded to their official Instagram account, Prince Harry also referenced the scrutiny of the media in a speech.
“When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing. You’ve looked out for me for so long, but the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful because this is so much bigger than just us,” he said.
Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival, and Asian New Year are all names you may hear used to describe this time of year.
2020 is the Year of the Rat, representing the first year in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, and it falls on January 25th this year.
Victoria is home to numerous events every Chinese New Year. Support local artists and businesses while enjoying the rich history and exciting celebrations!
Come see the third instalment of this musical variety show in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria.
This year’s show includes performances from Ballet Étoile and Ocean Rain Arts Academy as well as a collection of local Filipino, Japanese, and Korean artists.
When: January 31st, 7 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Where: Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, 2121 Cadboro Bay Road
Take in some authentic Chinese cuisine
Food is one of the best parts of celebration. There are plenty of opportunities to partake in authentic Chinese cuisine this time of year:
If you’ve never participated in one of these fascinating walking tours, now is the perfect time to go! Food, medicine, art, and religion—this 90-minute expedition explores a little bit of everything.
When: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meet in front of Starbucks Coffee, 1689 Government Street
Local gem Silk Road Tea is known for their high-quality, delicious teas. Stop by and sample three teas linked to prosperity, luck, and blessings, then peek into your future with an I Ching card.
Tickets are $10, and if you’re a Silk Road VIP (free signup in-store) you can bring a friend along for free!
When: January 23rd — February 2nd, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
“Like most things that are worthwhile, this will not be easy. It will require all of us to play a role, and so we invite you to join us,” Johnson wrote in an open letter on the company’s website.
In the letter, Johnson and Starbucks outlined three goals they hope to achieve by 2030. These are as follows:
50% reduction in carbon emissions in direct operations and supply chain.
Conserve or replenish 50% of water withdrawal for direct operations and coffee production with a focus on communities and basins with high water risk.
A 50% reduction in waste sent to landfill from stores and manufacturing, driven by a broader shift toward a circular economy.
Changes at Starbucks
In order to accomplish that, Starbucks is re-thinking aspects of their menu packaging, supply chain, and waste. They list five specific areas of change in the letter, though they note that more innovation is required to meet their 2030 targets.
Among other things, Starbucks will:
Expand plant-based options, migrating toward a more environmentally friendly menu
Shift from single-use to reusable packaging.
Invest in innovative and regenerative agricultural practices, reforestation, forest conservation, and water replenishment in their supply chain.
Invest in better ways to manage waste, both in stores and in communities, to ensure more reuse, recycling, and elimination of food waste.
Innovate to develop more eco-friendly stores, operations, manufacturing and delivery.
Starbucks has been ramping up their environmental game in recent years, announcing in 2018 that the company was going to eliminate plastic straws by yearend 2020 — removing 1 billion plastic straws per year globally.
The company is also investing in dairy alternatives for their drinks, with coconut milk and almond milk becoming more and more available at their stores.
In his letter, posted to the Starbucks website on January 21st, CEO Johnson said the company is still determined to reach previously outlined business targets.
Johnson said the decision to become more environmentally friendly won’t cost the business but instead will strengthen Starbucks as a global brand.
“Today is a milestone for our business as we declare our concern for our planet’s future and commit to do more,” Johnson wrote.
For two years, the ferries between Vancouver Island and the mainland played a major role in Ashly Gait and Jaydon Boughen’s relationship – and it’s where they shared their biggest moment together so far!
In a story that has captured hearts across the province, Boughen proposed to his girlfriend on a BC Ferries vessel while it was going through Active Pass.
“I was completely shocked and didn’t see it coming at all. I can’t believe the time he put into making it the best surprise ever and the best day of my life,” Gait tells Victoria Buzz.
The two lovebirds met in May 2017 while they were both on a work trip for the same B.C.-based company in Iceland.
But Gait lived in Duncan and Boughen lived in Chilliwack, so for the next two years the couple spent almost every weekend taking the ferry to see each other.
“We basically lived on the ferries every other weekend for our 2 years of dating. Active Pass is half way through the boat ride, meaning halfway between the island and the mainland, where we both come from,” says Gait.
So on December 20th, after telling his girlfriend that he had won a pair of free ferry passes and a bridge tour at a chamber event, Boughen and Gait embarked on their trip.
“He said to dress nicely because when he went to the BC Ferries office to ‘pick up the prize’, the lady said we would take some photos up there… Thank goodness for that because I definitely would have been in sweats,” Gait jokes.
Once they were nearing Active Pass, the couple headed up to the bridge and, according to plan, the chief steward offered to take some photos of them in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
That’s when Boughen got down on one knee and popped the question:
It’s happily ever after for the now-famous pair, who plan to settle down in Victoria to start the next chapter of their lives.
Their special moment was shared on social media by BC Ferries, who say they were “honoured to have played a small part of this amazing milestone.”
Gait and Boughen are now busy planning a summer wedding at their favourite winery on Vancouver Island.
One man has been taken into custody after an hours-long police incident in Victoria’s Oakland neighbourhood today.
At around 4 p.m. this afternoon, police responded to an animal call in the 1300-block of Hillside Avenue.
Witnesses told police they saw a man abusing a small dog, which was found dead when officers arrived.
Animal Control was also called to the scene.
Patrol officers are responding to an ongoing incident in the 1300-block of Hillside Ave. There's no immediate danger to the public. We are working to resolve the incident peacefully. Please avoid the area as roads are closed. #yyjtraffic will be affected. #yyj
The suspect, described as a man in his 30s, had fled the scene into a unit in a multi-unit residential building and barricaded himself there.
The man refused to leave the suite and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, including a Crisis Negotiator, were deployed. Residents of neighbouring suites were evacuated out of an abundance of caution, according to police.
The suspect remained uncooperative and just before 7 p.m., he exited the unit but failed to comply with officers’ directions.
According to VicPD media spokesperson Bowen Osoko, the suspect was eventually shot with an ARWEN which is a police weapon that fires non-lethal 37mm rounds.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, which is a standard procedure for anyone who has been shot with an ARWEN.
Police are in the early stages of their investigation into this incident and are expected to release updates in the coming days.
The suspect is expected to undergo a mental health evaluation. Police will treat this incident as a criminal case until otherwise proven.
Osoko also warns the public about posts and threats on social media which may exacerbate the spread of misinformation.
A horrific scene and incident that started with injuries to a dog who succumbed to injuries. So sad. Shout out to @vicpdcanada officers and the GV Emergency Response Team who responded as male barricaded himself. Proud of our response and composure of officers. #proudchiefhttps://t.co/chTmFhNjqh
Tired of the sun setting at 2:00 p.m. (give or take an hour or two)? Already sick of the snow?
Luckily for you, there are some great events happening that can whisk you out of town — whether you want to go to New York in the 1920s or Hawaii in the 2020s.
Here are five amazing events happening in Victoria today, Tuesday January 21st:
So you’re back to work after a very short break for Christmas, staring out the window, and already thinking you need a tropical getaway.
Well step right up and give the Part-Time Tiki Teleporter a shot! Simply walk up the stairs at the Copper Owl and you will instantly be whisked away to another time and place! The destination is undisclosed, but with Audio Osmosis controlling the soundtrack, does it even matter?
Learn the art of papercrafting in a fun, relaxed environment. All supplies needed will be provided to you, although it is recommended to bring your own double sided adhesive runner!
Classes run every 3rd Tuesday, and are designed for everyone no matter their skill level. Beginners are welcome!
UVic’s Café Scientifique provides insight into topics of popular interest that appeal to the lover of knowledge in all of us. They are also a fantastic opportunity to meet local researchers and discuss some of the most interesting and sometimes contentious research underway in Canada.
This week, on January 21st, hear Dr. Sam Liu from the department of Exercise Science and Physical Health ask the all-important question: are smartphones making us unhappy?
Relive the magic of the Roaring ‘20s with a night of live swing jazz, classic cocktails, and swing dancing. They have two great bands alternating every Tuesday night: The Capital City Syncopators and The Flying Saucers.
Tickets are just $10, and they come with a free drink… if you know the secret word!
With the help of local jazz legend Kelby MacNayr, James Bay United Church is bringing some of the best of the best in the Victoria jazz scene to the heart of James Bay, in a venue without distractions, where the focus is you, the music and the sacred space to listen.
This week, the music is provided by an all-star quintet featuring special guest David Valdes, an Alto Saxophonist from Kansas City, and Montreal Tenor Saxophone great Al McLean, celebrating music from Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane.
When: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan Street
A Victoria man is facing charges related to stolen property and weapons and drugs possession after he was arrested for stealing a car.
Victoria Police officers spotted a suspicious vehicle parked at a short term rental apartment building in the 100 block of Gorge Road East on Friday, January 17th.
Upon running the license plates, they found that the car had been reported stolen.
As police watched the car, they observed a man returning to it and took him into custody. They then searched the suspect and found stolen property including credit cards, as well as weapons and drugs packaged for sale.
The items found on the suspect also led police to connect him to a break-and-enter and theft incident that occurred at an apartment building in the the 400-block of Quebec Street on January 11th.
The suspect is known to have several convictions for property-related crimes in the past.
Police are now recommending charges for drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen credit cards, and breaking and entering.
A veterinary hospital in Langford is hosting its first ever dog blood donor clinic for canines that care.
WAVES veterinary hospital in Langford first opened its doors in April 2019 and since then, vets working there have performed between two to seven blood transfusions on dogs each month.
This Saturday, January 25th, the hospital will be hosting its first dog blood donor clinic in conjunction with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, which provides canine blood products to vets across the country.
“Blood transfusions can be life saving for patients with serious illnesses like low red blood cell levels (anemia) or problems with blood clotting,” says Dr. Erin Simmonds, who has been a veterinarian for 12 years and a specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care for eight years.
“Common situations requiring transfusions at WAVES include animals with immune mediated anemia, trauma from being hit by a car, during major surgery, or after ingestion of toxins like rat poison.”
Qualifying as a doggie donor
The main blood groups in dogs are called Dog Erythrocyte Antigens (DEA), of which the most important for blood transfusions is DEA 1.1.
All potential dog donors are tested to determine if they are DEA 1.1 positive or negative. While some breeds like golden retrievers are more likely to be positive, a blood type test is always necessary in order to establish certainty.
According to Dr. Simmonds, there are certain criteria that a dog must meet in order to be an eligible blood donor.
“A typical ‘unit’ of blood requires a donation of about 400-500 mLs from our doggie blood donors. This is only safe for healthy, large breed dogs,” she says.
“The donor dogs have to have a calm demeanour and be comfortable lying on their side for up to 5 minutes.”
The dogs also need to be between one to eight years old, and up to date on their vaccinations.
Left to right: Dr. Suzanne Smith (emergency/rehab vet), Michelle Savery (RVT, registered veterinary technician), and Dr. Erin Simmonds (critical care specialist) at WAVES, along with Rhubi the golden retriever who is a blood donor at WAVES.
Heroes needed
Besides blood products from the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, WAVES also has a list of “on call” dogs in the community who provide blood donations on an emergency basis.
This Saturday’s event will be the first of its kind hosted by the hospital, and the organizers hope to have another similar clinic later this year.
Those who wish to sign their dog up for the clinic should email cabb.edmonton@canadiananimalbloodbank.ca. If you cannot make it to this clinic but are interested in future events, send an email to info@wavesvet.com.
“You may never know who received a blood transfusion from your pet, but to that family you are a hero,” adds Dr. Simmonds.
After a seven year hiatus, they’re back and better than ever!
That’s right, reggae-rock band Bedouin Soundclash is returning to Victoria’s Capital Ballroom in February – and even better? We’re giving away a pair of tickets so you can see them for yourself!
Named after Israeli dub artist/producer Badawi’s 1996 release of the same name, Bedouin Soundclash formed nearly two decades ago.
Their sophomore release Sounding a Mosaic in 2004 featured the hit single, “When the Night Feels My Song” and was produced by legendary punk-hardcore royalty Darryl Jenifer of Bad Brains. The album also earned Bedouin Soundclash their first JUNO Award in 2006 for Canada’s ‘Best New Group.’
The band has shared the stage with the likes of The Roots, No Doubt, Ben Harper, Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails, Damian Marley, Gogol Bordello and Thievery Corporation, among others in their long history.
Bedouin Soundclash has now re-merged and released their fifth studio album and first in 9 years, titled MASS – it was recorded in two different communities, in New Orleans with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and in Vancouver at the St. James Church with the children of the St. James Music Academy.
The band kicks off their MASS tour in our very own Victoria on February 7th, before heading across Canada and then to the United Kingdom for a series of concerts in 2020.
Tickets to the Victoria show are still available and you can purchase the online, but grab these quick as they won’t last long!
COMMENT your favourite Bedouin Soundclash song below! (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on January 24th, 2020. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Imagine waking up to ocean and mountain views every morning…we might never leave the bed!
For any prospective home buyer who has 20 per cent of $6.6 million lying around (that’s $1,320,000), this property on McAnally Road located at the edge of 10 Mile Point Ecological Reserve might be worth a look.
The glass house perched on a 1.59-acre rocky cliff overlooks the ocean with the Olympic mountains providing a stunning background, and features 3+1 bedrooms, 4+1 bathrooms.
Besides the obviously enticing 270-degree seascape views, the house incorporates a watery theme indoors by incorporating a pond that flows into a lower pool at the centre of the building.
According to real estate company Sotheby’s, this feature provides a natural cooling system and, combined with the floating staircase next to it, offers a tranquil and ethereal environment.
Other noteworthy features like the cathedral ceilings and rooftop patio all add to the home becoming one with nature.
(A packed Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre / Victoria Royals Twitter)
Victoria Royals coverage presented by:
You’ve got your tickets, jersey on, money for snacks (or beer!) and you’re ready to partake in one of arguably the most Canadian past times ever.. the good ol’ hockey game!
Whether you’re an avid fan and season-ticket holder, attending because your boss hooked you up with tickets or your boyfriend is the biggest hockey buff EVER, chances are you’ll attend at least one hockey game this season.
If you’ve grown up watching or have never seen a whole game before, there are a few tips and tricks for how we can all be better fans inside the arena – and there’s definitely some etiquette you should brush up on before you go.
1. Don’t miss puck drop
We know, a lot of us are coming from work before the game, or maybe you’re out with friends for dinner prior to a hockey-filled night of fun – but doors are usually open at least one hour prior to the game actually starting, and you have to know what time the puck is actually dropping!
Plus, watching the boys hit the ice for warm-ups is always a good time AND you’ll have more time to get snacks and find your seat if you get there early – just saying.
2. Glass-slapping?
Speaking of being ice-side.. You wouldn’t do it to your fish tank, so why do it at a hockey game? Behind-the-glass seats are a privilege – and as such, you’re kind of setting an example for the entire crowd.
Players can be inches away from your face, and not only does banging on the glass make you look less than favourable, but players have enough to worry about aside from being distracted by the “moral support” of clanging hands.
3. Dress for your team – or don’t bother
Want to paint your face or chest?
Go for it – as long as you’re sporting the right colours. If you’re planning on wearing team apparel, make sure it’s one of the two teams that are in the game – if that means leaving your uncle’s borrowed 1962 Leafs jersey at home, so be it.
Don’t have hockey apparel? Just dress to stay cozy and warm.
4. Watch your feet – or at least your kid’s
We all know it’s a given not to put your feet on the backs of seats at the movie theatre, so why is the arena any different?
Keep your feet off the chair’s in front of you – and even more importantly, if your kid is kicking someone’s seat, put a stop to it – we’re all just trying to enjoy the game!
5. Keep your eyes on the game, not your phone
Hockey is one of the most fast-paced, quick-moving sports out there so even if you look away for a second, you could miss an incredible play.
Of course taking pictures and video is all in good fun, but your Instagram and Tik Toks will still be there after the game.
Also, while you shouldn’t text the whole night away, it’s even worse to have a full-fledged conversation on your phone.
6. Don’t be a puck-hog
That’s right, this doesn’t just go for the players on the ice. Chances of catching a puck are actually pretty rare (please don’t bring your baseball glove), so on the off chance a puck sails over the boards in your direction, you’re sure to earn yourself some camera time.
But, you know.. maybe give the puck to a kid?
You might want to put that puck on your mantle for the rest of your life, but what’s better than making a kid’s night?
As a bonus, you’re way more likely to get yourself plenty more applause and camera time if you share.
7. If you’re going to heckle, keep it classy
If you believe everyone around you needs to know your thoughts, at least make it good. Screaming “Shoot the puck!” and booing a bunch of under-20 players is not likely something anyone cares to hear about.
If you have an amazing one-liner that’ll bring the house down, please proceed, otherwise just cheer and react like everyone else.
And please don’t swear – the kid you gave the puck to will be so disappointed.
8. Know when to leave and return (and don’t do it early)
Is there anything more distracting than the guy in the middle of a row who decides to clumsily squeeze by everyone else in the middle of a play causing you to miss that epic goal?
There’s ample time to do what you need between plays and periods while returning to your seat in a polite manner – so hang tight until the play stops.
Oh, and if you’re one of those “It’s 12-2 we might as well leave to beat the traffic” people, just don’t – you could be missing out on some really good end-of-game action.
This year’s Saint and Sinners tour is packing a punch, with four legendary bands headlining the tour.
Big Wreck, Headstones, Moist, and The Tea Party will be taking the stage at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on June 29th.
These four legendary bands will be performing across Canada during the Saints and Sinners 2020 tour that kicks off in Penticton on June 26th and ends in St. John’s NL on July 30.
In a unique twist, organizers announced that each night will be a surprise for fans, with a rotating line-up for each show.
“Every night, in every city will be an amazing experience and that definitely goes for the bands too,” says David Usher of Moist.
“We’ve been on festivals and tours together over the years, but this unique shared bill with all four acts in a different order every night is going to be killer. We can’t wait to get this rolling!”
Pre-sale tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime experience go live at 10 a.m. PST on Tuesday January 21st, while regular tickets will be on sale starting 10 a.m. on Friday, January 24th.
Those who want to upgrade to a VIP package for $99.99 will receive the following perks:
Photo opportunity with you and all four bands,
Exclusive VIP Commemorative Saints and Sinners 2020 Tour Laminate,
Exclusive Saints and Sinners 2020 Tour Lanyard,
Limited Edition Pin-Pack (includes 4 Pins, 1 from each band),
Exclusive Saints and Sinners 2020 Tour Drink Koozie,
Front of the line access to the venue for VIP pass holder,
Early access to merch booth for VIP pass holder.
Set your alarms and get your typing fingers ready…these tickets aren’t going to last long!
Six comedians from Kelowna and six from Victoria take the stage in this hilarious meeting of the minds. Turn your dreary week around and laugh along with a dozen of your new favourites from across the province.
If you can’t choose between comedy and music, then this show is your perfect Saturday night out. This weekend, Campfire Empire’s twice-monthly show will feature a variety of local comedic talent as well as performances by hip hop artists Thunderfeet and Skeetz.
Want to provide input on a stand-up set without being the annoying heckler that ruins the show for everyone?
Check out Happy Angry Boy, a preview show for Ellyot Ryan’s comedy album followed by an audience Q&A. In addition to the main set, the event will showcase four other local comedians.
This event is back for the third time, and there are lots more laughs to be had courtesy of a variety of comedic guests. Enjoy the $4 highballs knowing there are designated driver options available.
Need a date idea for Valentine’s Day? This “romantic” show features people sharing their very real, very funny online dating stories. Grab your ticket soon – Tinder Tales has sold out over 150 shows all across Canada!
When: February 14th, doors 7 p.m, show 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Watching comedy is fun and all, but do you ever envision yourself on the stage? Check out this weekend-long workshop run by veteran stand-up Stu Hughes.
The event closes with a free-to-attend “Graduation Showcase” on Sunday evening where students will get to perform their material alongside professional comics.
The 7 a.m. ferries departing Swartz Bay terminal and Tsawwassen terminal have been held at dock due to a protest on Monday morning.
The group set up the protest in response to a call for support from the Wet’suwet’en leaders demanding respect for sovereignty, in opposition of the Coastal GasLink project in northern B.C.
“This action has targeted BC Ferries because of the corporation’s deepening integration with the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) industry. BC Ferries has proposed upgrades to two of its ferries that will make them reliant on the very product that Coastal GasLink threatens to bring through Wet’suwet’en territory,” reads a statement from the group.
Commuters have been unable to access the terminal since 6 a.m. this morning.
The group, armed with signs and banners, has set up the blockade under the overpass in front of the ticketing booths.
Protesters have also stationed kayaks in the water surrounding the terminal to prevent vessels from departing.
BC Ferries’ most recent update about the situation was posted at 7:20 a.m., advising commuters that the Spirit of Vancouver Island and Coastal Rennaisance vessels are currently holding in dock at their respective ports.
BREAKING:This morning’s 7am BC Ferries sailing out of Schwartz Bay is being prevented, in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en:
Sports isn’t the only arena in which Canadians excelled last year.
Carrying the maple leaf flag on the world stage alongside the Toronto Raptors and tennis phenom Bianca Andreescu stands (or rather death drops) none other than RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Brooke Lynn Hytes.
Toronto-born Brock Hayhoe, best known by stage name Brooke Lynn Hytes, took the entertainment scene by storm last year after becoming the first Canadian contestant on the latest season of the Emmy-winning American show, RuPaul’s Drag Race…
“I always say, ‘second is the Canadian first’,” Hytes jokes, in an exclusive interview with Victoria Buzz.
“But honestly, my Canadian fans were so supportive of my journey on the show. I couldn’t have been happier with the response.”
She was dubbed the ‘Queen of the North’ by RuPaul fans in Canada after the end of season 11 – a title she says she hopes to live up to.
“To be able to represent my country and all the amazing Canadian Queens on a platform that was always unattainable to us made me so proud.”
Like all other contestants we’ve spoken to, Hytes says life has been a whirlwind after RuPaul, with non stop performances and shows at venues around the world.
“The show definitely changed me. I am a perfectionist, so when I see myself on TV, I go through every detail of my looks and performances with a fine toothed comb and make little changes here and there to make sure that I am always elevating myself at every opportunity,” she adds.
Hytes has been performing as a drag queen for the past 8 years in cities across North America and in South Africa.
When asked about the drag scene in Canada, she points out how difficult it is for performers to succeed in the Great White North, given the scarcity of major cities and venues that host shows.
Fortunately, Victoria has quickly become a stop on the road for major drag artists like Hytes, and other RuPaul stars including Farrah Moan, Vanessa ‘Vanjie’ Mateo, Bob the Drag Queen, and BenDeLaCreme.
Brooke Lynn Hytes herself first stepped foot in the capital city back in April 2019 at a performance in the Capital Ballroom.
Now, she will be joining season 10 contestant Monét X Change and Drag Race UK contestant Crystal for a star-studded drag show at Victoria’s Royal Theatre this week, on Thursday January 23rd.
“I feed off the energy of the crowd, so if the audience is as excited as the last time I was
in Victoria, we’re gonna have a lot of fun,” Hytes says.
She and the other headliners will be joined on stage by local artists Henrietta Dubet, Lola Maneata, Persi Flage, Shelita Cox, and Vivian Vanderpuss – along with drag kings and queens from Vancouver.
When asked about her advice for up and coming drag artists in Canada, Brooke Lynn Hytes shared the following nugget:
“Hustle! Take every gig you can. The hardest part about starting out is figuring out who you are as a performer. Watch makeup tutorials, look to more seasoned queens for advice, watch pageants, anything you can do to give yourself the best skill set to be polished and professional.”
With just a few days left til these icons take the stage, tickets are getting more and more scarce by the minute.
Updated dog policy at Hillside Shopping Centre/Victoria Buzz
Patrons at Hillside mall will have to leave their canine companions home soon.
The Victoria shopping centre will no longer welcome dogs, other than service dogs, inside its premises starting March 1st, 2020.
“We thank those dog owners that adhered to our policies but unfortunately many dog owners did not,” reads a sign posted throughout the mall.
“We received complaints from other customers concerned with dogs being in restricted areas i.e. the food court and the disregard of the dog waste pick-up policy.”
The broken rules expressed above were part of a list of six regulations established by Hillside for shoppers who wanted to bring their pets indoors.
They are:
Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Barking must be kept to a minimum.
Owners must clean up after their dogs in the case of an accident.
Dogs aren’t allowed in the food court, other than registered service dogs.
Some stores inside the mall allow dogs while others don’t. Owners are asked to check before taking their pet inside.
Dogs are not allowed on any furniture inside the shopping centre.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Hillside shopping centre for more information about their changing policies.
A Vancouver Island-based Walmart employee has confirmed plans for a new Walmart Supercentre to be built in the space previously occupied by Sears at Hillside Shopping Centre.
The source, who has requested to remain anonymous, informed Victoria Buzz that they were relayed this information during a staff meeting in late 2019.
The employee clarified that the company plans to focus on renovations on their Langford location, before setting their sights on Hillside Centre.
This will be Victoria’s third Walmart – the first two located in Uptown Shopping Centre and Langford. The vacant space left by Sears upon its closure in 2017 sits at 150,000 square fit – the same size as the Canadian Tire outlet at Hillside mall.
On January 10th, Saanich councillor, Zac De Vries, came out on Twitter to express his grievances towards the project, saying that it is a step in the wrong direction when it comes to land use.
*builds an auto-centric urban form whose conditions are conductive to high-volume big-box retail stores*
Hillside Mall: We will be the site of the regions third Walmart
Everyone: What? Why Walmart? We do not need another one of those?
Land-use shapes our economy. Let’s act.
— Zac de Vries – Saanich Councillor & CRD Director (@zacdevries) January 10, 2020
Councillor De Vries, who studied geography and urban health development at the University of Victoria, followed up his original tweet with another, saying that the plan resulted from “auto-centered land use” and that it would “diverge from [Saanich’s] climate targets.”
He also called big box retailers an “economic depressant” in the long term. De Vries stands by his statement: “to address climate change and build sustainable communities we need better land-use planning.”
Several Saanich and Victoria residents came to his side, citing the need for childcare, mental health, and other public service centres instead of another Walmart.
With Thrifty’s and Canadian Tire as the other anchors, this feels like duplication. I like @QuenchWines suggestion of a variety of essential services. If @CityOfVictoria held the lease, they could seek grant funding to build child care.
I’d like to see a multifunctional space be created instead of another Walmart. Lots of small shops and businesses, cafe, restaurant, childrens’ play area, services etc
It would have been an amazing place for a huge daycare downstairs w/mental health/counselling offices upstairs. Retain garden centre for a play area, turn the parking lot on that edge into a fenced grassy area. Build a 3-4 storey building for family housing in the parking lot.
Others were more critical of his stance, arguing that families in the area need a low-cost superstore like Walmart.
Or perhaps you overestimate your importance. Walmart will succeed in Hillside based on one thing, low prices. After paying rent/mortgage, ICBC, cell phone, kids sports, childcare, etc. Families in Saanich have such little money left shopping at a discount retailer is often needed
Learn how to use simple embroidery stitches to decorate your clothes! After learning how to complete a few basic stitches, you can sketch out a design and start stitching. Samples and inspiration photos will be provided.
All supplies are included, but please bring an article of clothing — 100% non-stretch cotton, denim, or linen fabrics preferred.
When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Oaklands Neighbourhood House, 2629 Victor Street
The Victoria Gilbert & Sullivan Society is organizing a fun night of singing G&S music! Selections will be from various operettas in the newly renovated space in the upstairs of the Bent Mast Pub. Come join your fellow G&S enthusiasts, with the wonderful Steven Benson as the accompanist, for a great night of singing and fellowship.
Make emergency preparedness your family’s New Year’s resolution and attend a free workshop offered by Emergency Management Victoria on January 20th.
Learn about the hazards that can affect Victoria, what to include in your emergency kits, what you can do to protect your home from an earthquake, and how to reunite with your loved ones after a disaster.
When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Victoria City Hall, Antechamber, 1 Centennial Square
What better way to warm a winter evening than with a selection of stories told live, without text or props. Hosted this month by Pat Carfra, in conjunction (as always) with the Victoria Storytellers Guild, there will be tea and treats at the break!
Head over for an evening of some of the greatest big band tunes! The Commodores Big Band has been playing shows and dance events in Victoria since 1975.
With over 1000 tunes in their library, the Commodores play a hugely varied repertoire of music suitable for dances and stage shows, from swing, to latin to contemporary arrangements. There’s something for everyone!
(Victoria Women's March, January 2017/Photo by Katrina Sark)
After conquering a week of snow, it’s now time to have a little fun. From the Women’s March to catching a game of hockey, here are 17 thing to do in and around Victoria this weekend, January 18th and 19th!
Women’s March 2020 is scheduled to take place around the world this Saturday, January 18th and as always, Victoria promises to be an enthusiastic participant.
The Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories (Victoria) Women’s March will begin with speeches on the Legislature lawn followed by a march down to Bastion Square where the event culminates in musical performances and a final speech.
When: Saturday, January 18th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Legislative Assembly, 501 Belleville Street
This year, BC charity Team4Hope is holding their 10th annual Handbags for Hope event to raise money for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Neuroblastoma research.
The project starts with a donation drive in the Mayfair Shopping Centre in January, before ending with an event night in February. People looking to help can look through their closets and donate any gently used handbags, jewelry, or scarves to the charity.
When: January 18/19th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
Come relive your childhood with drag performances inspired by classic Saturday morning cartoons!
Sashay Café is a cozy monthly drag show taking place at Caffe Fantastico in the heart of Quadra Village. Coffee, food, and alcohol are all available, and there’s also an audience Pajama Party, so show up in your comfiest onesies!
When: Saturday, January 18th, doors at 7:00 p.m. and show at 7:45 p.m.
Where: Caffe Fantastico, 965 Kings Road (Quadra Street location)
On Saturday January 18th, Vikes Nation and the UVic Vikes bring you the biggest rivalry game of the basketball season!
The Men’s and Women’s Vikes Basketball teams will host their rivals, the UBC Thunderbirds, at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in an epic battle for points towards the Legends Cup — a cross-sport competition between UBC and UVic!
When: Saturday, January 18th, 5:00 p.m. (Women’s teams) and 7:00 p.m. (Men’s teams)
Yet another Vancouver-Victoria rivalry — this time, between the WHL’s Giants and Royals. The two teams will play the second of a back-to-back in Victoria, after playing in Vancouver on Friday night. There’s more than points on the line — there’s pride!
When: Saturday, January 18th, doors at 6:00 p.m., puck drop at 7:05 p.m.
Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
Head to Logan’s Pub for the third annual punk rock benefit show in support of Our Place Society! Featuring VCR, Surveyors, Wet Cigarette, and Anchorage Blue, all proceeds from the show will be donated to Our Place. Doors open at 8 and bands start at 9. Do good by rocking out!
When: Saturday, January 18th, 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Get ready for a flurry of laughs, as four international comedians come together to create one amazing show.
Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn is joined by the Great Canadian Laugh Off winner, Paul Myrehaug and 6 time Canadian Comedian of the year nominee Pete Zedlacher. This year, too 3-time female comedian of the year Video on Trial legend Debra DiGiovanni will be joining the show!
Enjoy all the goodness the ‘80s still have to offer. Start with a bar, video games — Atari Classic, SES, SNES, SNES classic, Sega, and N64 — and play over 30 boardgames, foosball, ping pong, 80’s music videos! Then, at 10:00 p.m., the ‘80s dance party starts with DJ Thomas Promise!
Critically acclaimed recitalist and Steinway artist Arthur Rowe performs an all-Beethoven program. Works will include Beethoven’s Six Bagatelles Op. 126, Sonata in A Major, Op. 101 and Sonata in B-flat Major, Op. 106 (Hammerklavier), widely viewed as one of the greatest piano sonatas of all time and one of the most demanding solo works in the classical piano repertoire.
When: Sunday, January 19th, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road
Disney Movies Trivia is coming to Victoria once again! If you were at their SOLD OUT event at Distrikt Nightclub last year, you’ll know it was a super fun time!
This time, Got Pop? Concerts have moved to Paparazzi Nightclub, right in the heart of downtown Victoria! They will have all new questions and they will be from many of the classic movies like Lion King, Aladdin, 101 Dalmatians, Little Mermaid, and more!
When: Sunday, January 19th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Shining singing, deadly folk songs, handmade banjos and old guitars: Pharis & Jason Romero have a classic story. Some scratchy old records and a custom banjo led to their meeting in 2007, and they quickly knew they were in for the long haul.
They’ve since released six records, garnered two Juno awards, and been featured on NPR Music, CBC, and BBC, with performances on A Prairie Home Companion and CBC’s The Vinyl Cafe!
When: Sunday, January 19th, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Are you new to eating Keto, or have someone in your life who is Keto and you’re unsure to cook for them? Then this class is for you! Learn how to make a delicious Keto meal!
Mike Haddow, of Goodlife Fitness, will spend an hour teaching you how to create this Keto Eggs Benedict, all from scratch. Each participant will be given a portion to eat at the end of class.
When: Saturday, January 18th, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street
Join Dr. Yasmin Railton of the Landscapes of Injustice project, Tsugio Kurushima from the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, and Royal BC Museum Collections Manager and Military and Homefront Historian, Paul Ferguson as they walk and talk about Japanese Canadians in B.C. during the time of Pearl Harbour, the effects of dispossession, and internment on thousands of Canadians and the current campaign to restore the Esquimalt Japanese Teahouse!
When: Saturday, January 18th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., and the Inner Harbour Causeway.
Depending on the day, there are between 6-8 tastings along the route, as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, B.C. Tastings can include bread, pierogis, meatballs, craft beer, macarons, chocolate, and much more!
When: January 18th and 19th, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Starts at the Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street #6
Get ready to Journey back to the time of big hair, big trends, and Big, the film starring Tom Hanks. But, most importantly, it was the time of big tunes!
Some of the biggest songs of the 80s are still favourites today – Madonna, Whitney, Bon Jovi – and Choir Choir Choir will be signing them ALL at their show Don’t Stop Believin’: Epic 80s Sing-Along! Remember: the audience is the choir. Come warmed up and ready to sing!
When: Sunday, January 19th, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Government of Canada has launched an online questionnaire providing Canadians with a portal to express their views on physician-assisted suicide in the country.
Open until January 27th, this public consultation questionnaire was launched ahead of a review of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law this summer, in light of “the evolving views and needs of the Canadian public”.
The federal government decided to undertake this review after a Superior Court of Québec case last year which found that it was unconstitutional to only allow access to euthanasia to people when they are nearing the end of their life.
The case was brought forth by two people living with disabilities – Mr. Truchon who has lived with cerebral palsy since birth, and Ms. Gladu who has paralysis and severe scoliosis as a result of poliomyelitis.
Medical practitioners who assessed them found that they met all of the criteria for physician-assisted suicide, except that they were not nearing death.
When brought forth to the Superior Court of Québec, Justice Christine Baudouin declared that the criterion of “reasonable foreseeability of natural death” in the federal Criminal Code (and the “end-of-life” criterion in Quebec’s provincial law) as a barrier to accessing MAID was unconstitutional.
Barring an extension, this ruling will come into effect on March 11th, 2020 and only applies to Québec. Nevertheless the Government of Canada has accepted the judgment and committed to changing the MAID law at a federal level.
According to the government, over 6,700 people in Canada have chosen physician-assisted suicide since it was first legalized in June 2016.
“Canadians who are deciding whether they wish to receive medical assistance in dying are often experiencing prolonged suffering. Their situations are diverse, and extremely personal,” said health minister Patty Hajdu in a statement on January 13th.
“Accessing medical assistance to die raises questions about how a person’s autonomy to make this choice is respected while their safety is protected.”
Now, the federal government is preparing to launch a review of the law this summer after taking feedback from Canadians into account.
The questionnaire closes on Monday, January 27th at 11:59 p.m. PST. Click here to complete the survey.
Intense winds of 60 km/h gusting to 80 km/h will rise on Friday evening and last until Saturday morning.
Earlier today, the weather authority issued similar alerts for the rest of Vancouver Island.
Southeast winds will increase up to 80 km/h this evening, diminishing on Saturday morning for the western part of the island.
Meanwhile north Vancouver Island is in for winds of 90 km/h increasing to 110 km/h for exposed coastal areas on Friday evening.
Snowfall advisories have been issued for inland Vancouver Island and east Vancouver Island from Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo, and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay. These areas can expect 10 to 15 cm of snowfall accumulation.
Snow will be accompanied by strong winds on the eastern part of the island, starting tonight and abating by Saturday morning.
Just to be clear — the Nanaimo RCMP do not recommend investigating your own credit card theft with a baseball bat in hand.
But that’s what one man did on Wednesday, January 14th, after his wallet had been stolen from his car earlier that week.
The man, aged 27, did not report the theft, but monitored the card for fraudulent transactions. On January 14th, he received a notification that his credit card had been recently used at the 7-11 in Harewood.
He drove to the 7-11 with a baseball bat, and, after speaking with an employee, confronted three people sitting in a vehicle parked in the parking lot.
The suspects fled in the vehicle, closely followed by the victim. The driver of the car briefly stopped to allow two passengers to get out, before continuing to flee..
After being alerted to the incident, an RCMP K9 unit attended the location where the two suspects had escaped on foot. Despite locating several pieces of clothing, neither of them were found.
Investigators have obtained a photo of the two suspects outside the Victoria Crescent Co-op, where a fraudulent purchase happened on January 13th at approximately 11:30 p.m.
The suspect male is Caucasian, and was wearing a blue jacket with brown sleeves at the time of the January 13th purchase. The female shown is also Caucasian and was wearing a white winter jacket with black accents, and black pants at the time.
The credit card has not been recovered, and Nanaimo RCMP are making a point to say that the recovery efforts made by the victim should not be replicated.
“If your wallet is stolen and it contains credit cards, you should always call your credit card company to cancel them and call the police to report the theft,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a statement to Victoria Buzz.
“Secondly, confronting individuals is not advisable, and showing up with a baseball bat is never a good idea.”
If anyone has information on the identity of the two suspects, they are asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
A local arts organization has been left shocked and saddened by a recent theft that could have major implications for other arts groups in the city.
Over $5,000 worth of equipment was taken from Theatre SKAM’s Satellite Studio location at 849 Fort Street. The items were taken sometime between the dates of January 14th and 16th, just days after the company celebrated its 25th anniversary.
“You really get the highs and lows in theatre,” Matthew Payne, Theatre SKAM’s Artistic and Managing producer, told Victoria Buzz over the phone.
The culprits — it is unknown at this item if one or more people were involved — took a lighting control board, a projector, a wireless transmitter, and other electrical and cable accessories used in theatrical production.
A projector identical to the one that was stolen. Photo by Theatre SKAM.A photo of the lighting board that was stolen. Photo via Theatre SKAM
Theatre SKAM’s Satellite Studio provides space for multiple community and professional arts organizations, like Dance Victoria, Story Theatre, and numerous productions for university students, independent musicians, theatricians, and visual artists.
The loss of equipment jeopardizes the space for everybody, said Payne.
“Performance and rehearsal space is already at a premium in Victoria,” Payne told Victoria Buzz. “We offer this space at a deeply discounted rate to help independent artists and organizations find space to create work. This theft doesn’t just hurt us, it hurts the community.”
In the meantime, Payne said he and his team are working with the media, police, and their insurance company to try and recover what has gone. They have about a week until the studio is next being used for a production, but the theft is taking its toll already.
“The gear is worth just over $5,200, and then there’s all the time it takes, for the whole team to respond,” Payne said. “It’s a small crisis.”
Theatre SKAM is requesting that anyone with information about the theft contact VicPD and reference file #VCI20-2439. Those wishing to donate for the recovery and replacement of this equipment may do so online through Canada Helps or by emailing info@skam.ca.
We’re about two weeks into 2020 and fast approaching that dreaded moment when all New Year’s resolutions go out the window, and we find ourselves back at square one.
To prevent that from happening – and to give Victorians a sweet incentive to keep their head in the game – downtown Victoria’s newest fitness studio, Annex, is hosting an eight-week challenge with an even more enticing prize at the end of it!
Annex’s 6,000 sq. ft. Yates Street location opened up in November 2019 and their three-discipline approach (Strength, Spin, and Barre) combined with a squad of motivated leaders has quickly created quite the buzz in the city.
Now, on January 20th – one day after International Quitter’s Day – they’re launching ‘Project Activ8’: an eight-week challenge during which participants pledge to attend at least three fitness classes per week over the course of eight weeks.
Everyone who signs up for the Project Activ8 challenge will be given a postcard to write down their fitness goals for the next eight weeks, and put stickers on for each class they attend.
These postcards will then be placed on the community chalkboard at the entrance for everyone to take pride in!
Those who are in it to win it must take classes in at least two of the three disciplines offered at Annex – so you can choose to take Spin and Barre, Barre and Strength, Spin and Strength, or all three types of classes.
“This speaks to our value on the pulse as we know it’s important to switch up our workout routine to see results and feel our best,” says studio owner Morgan Jones.
With the challenge ending on March 16th, there are three tiers for participants to try and conquer:
24 classes in 60 days (3 x per week)
32 classes in 60 days (4 x per week)
40 classes in 60 days (5 x per week)
For those who don’t already have unlimited memberships at Annex, the studio is offering a special $390 price for this eight-week challenge, available for purchase on site.
This translates to $16.25/class at 3 times per week, $12.25/class at 4 classes a week, and just $9.75/class if you plan to attend 5 classes per week.
On top of attending these workouts, Annex will feature one overarching health-related theme for each week during the challenge.
“We’ll be sharing research and nuggets on our social media accounts on how and why these pieces are important to feel your best. We’ll also be arming our leaders with information so these weekly themes come across in classes!” adds Jones.
These are the themes:
Week 1: Water
Week 2: Sleep/Hygiene
Week 3: Food/Fuel
Week 4: Relationships
Week 5: Stress Management/Reduction
Week 6: Morning Routine/Ritual
Week 7: Time Management
Week 8: Get Outside
The hype leaders at Annex want you to feel your absolute best at the end of the eight weeks. To this end, they’re also challenging all participants to pick a personal goal to add to their fitness goals.
This can be anything from drinking more water, to adopting a plant-based diet, to getting more sleep, or shopping less.
The benefits of accepting this challenge are obvious: establishing a pattern of active movement each week helps us sleep better, reduce stress, and feel stronger and happier overall.
But just in case some of you need that extra push:
Annex is offering one lucky go-getter the chance to WIN a weekend getaway for two to Tofino’s famous Wickaninnish Inn! This grand prize comes with a $100 gas card to comp your travel costs.
Those who successfully complete the eight-week challenge will automatically be entered in a draw to win this incredible giveaway.
Whether you’re looking to lose some of that holiday weight, gain some flexibility, or just get strong enough to beat your roommate in an arm wrestling match – these folks can get you to your goals!
In an announcement on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told press in Ottawa that the government will provide $25,000 per victim to the families of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who died in the Ukrainian Airlines plane crash in Tehran last week.
57 Canadian citizens and 29 permanent residents were among the 176 people who died when the UIA flight 752 crashed just moments after taking off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran on the morning of Wednesday January 8th.
This compensation is expected to assist with immediate expenses incurred by the victims’ families in the aftermath of the tragedy, and Trudeau says the money will be dispersed to them as quickly as possible in the upcoming days.
“Canada continues to call for a thorough and credible investigation into last week’s tragedy…as we speak, Minister Champagne is in Oman meeting with his Iranian counterpart to discuss how we can bring justice and accountability to the families of the victims,” said Trudeau.
The Canadian government also expects full compensation to the victims’ families to come from the Iranian government, but believes that this measure will take more time to implement.
In the meantime, the $25,000 per victim is expected to help families take care of various costs – among others, those associated with traveling to and from Iran to recover the bodies of their loved ones during an expensive and difficult political atmosphere for travel.
Background
The Ukrainian Airlines flight 752 crash has been confirmed to have been caused by at least one Iranian surface-to-air missile.
In his original statement quoted in Iranian news agency ISNA, the head of Iran’s of Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzade, denied reports that the airplane was hit by an Iranian missile.
“Scientifically, it is impossible that a missile hit the Ukrainian plane, and such rumors are illogical,” ISNA quoted Abedzadeh.
However when North American intelligence and media reports showed a missile hitting the aircraft in mid-air just minutes after take-off, it triggered protests and calls for transparency from the government in Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Shortly afterwards, the Iranian military took responsibility for the attack, stating that an air defence operator had mistaken the UIA plane for a U.S. cruise missile.
According to a recent Globe and Mail report, several people in Iran have been arrested in connection with the incident over the past 72 hours and investigations are under way after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called it an “unforgivable error”.
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Global News, “I think if there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families,” speaking about the recent tensions between the US and Iran.
This statement was reported by Iranian media shortly afterwards.
In a big step for environmentally friendly transportation on the island, BC Ferries is one step closer to running fully electric ships.
Two new Island Class vessels will arrive at Ogden Point in Victoria on the morning of Saturday, January 18th.
Their docking will mark the completion of a 10,305 nautical mile voyage from Romania, where the ships were built.
Both vessels are designed for full electric operation in the future, but until shore charging infrastructure and funding becomes available in the province, the ferries will run on hybrid technology.
They will be deployed on the Powell River – Texada Island and Port McNeill – Alert Bay – Sointula routes by mid-2020.
“It’s an exciting day for BC Ferries and coastal B.C. communities as we welcome these ships to their new home,” says Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President & CEO.
“The anticipated arrival of these battery hybrid-electric ferries marks a major milestone in our plan to progressively lower emissions across our fleet and be a leader in transitioning to a lower carbon future.”
The ships will be at the Breakwater for five days, as preparations are made before they sail to Point Hope Maritime.
There, the vessels will be re-commissioned — which includes starting up all of the systems and making final inspections — before they are christened and readied for use on their routes.
More hybrid ships in the works
Four more hybrid-electric ships have been commissioned from the Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group, who built these two vessels.
They are expected to be completed by 2022, when they will sail on the Campbell River – Quadra Island and Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island routes.
All six new vessels will have the capacity to carry at least 47 vehicles and up to 300 – 450 passengers and crew depending on configuration.
That’s right, this family-friendly monstrous event is returning to Victoria next weekend!
Titled Monster Truck Chaos, the show will feature the nation’s most competitive monster trucks as they invade Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for two straight days on January 25th and 26th, 2020.
These 10,000-pound, car-crushing giants will compete in racing and freestyle action, and if that wasn’t enough of a reason to buy a ticket, the event also features freestyle motocross.
Top riders will perform ridiculous tricks like cliffhangers, double seat grabs, superman seat grabs and the backflip.
Fans who buy the Pit Party Pass will also be able to meet the trucks, aptly named Rock Star, Identity Theft, California Kid, Spitfire and Skeletor.
And don’t forget – you could even have the chance to ride in a REAL Monster Truck too!
Tickets range in price from $15.50 to $29.50 and are available online.
TWEET the following on Twitter: (1 entry)Win 4 tickets to see @SOFMC’s Monster Truck Chaos via @victoriabuzzes RT to enter! #victoriabuzz
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on January 24th, 2020. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
(Pacific storm approaches Vancouver Island/ECCC Weather British Columbia - Twitter)
The wild weather forecasts for Vancouver Island are not over yet.
Environment Canada has issued several weather warnings for most of the island in the wake of an approaching Pacific storm.
Parts of east and inland Vancouver Island can expect 10 to 15 cm of snowfall starting Friday night, with a period of freezing rain overnight and early Saturday morning.
The snowfall advisories encompass inland Vancouver Island and east Vancouver Island from Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo, and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
Snow will be accompanied by strong winds on the eastern part of the island, starting tonight and abating by Saturday morning.
Wind warnings
Wind warnings have also been issued for west and north Vancouver Island.
Southeast winds will increase up to 80 km/h this evening, diminishing on Saturday morning for the western part of the island.
Meanwhile north Vancouver Island is in for winds of 90 km/h increasing to 110 km/h for exposed coastal areas on Friday evening.
No advisories, warnings, or statements have been issued for Greater Victoria as of the time of publication.
Here is Victoria’s weather forecast for the upcoming week based on readings taken at Gonzales Point:
You finally made it to the weekend, hopefully free of any snow-caused calamities! Why not celebrate on January 17th with some of the best music, art, and theatre the city has to offer.
The New Souls are a high-energy indie soul quintet hailing from Victoria, B.C., with a mission to craft a unique sound from their boundless love and respect of soul, R&B, and funk music. This week, they’re paying tribute to the one and only Stevie Wonder! Head down to Canoe and get down on the dance floor!
Not only does his unique Jeff Buckley-esque vocals and compelling songwriting command attention, but Jon Bryant’s lively, emotional and energetic stage presence also pull his audience in and make his art and presence unforgettable. Performing songs off his new album “Cult Classic,” and supported by Vancouver’s Joshua Hyslop, this is sure to be a great show.
Have a devil of a good time on January 17th when Mike Delamont returns to the Farquhar stage with Hell Yeah! From the creator and star of God is a Scottish Drag Queen comes everyone’s favourite bad boy, The Devil!
Ignore the snow and cold at the Victoria Event Centre on January 17th in favour of a night of Latin American music, drinks, and tortas. There will be a DJ all night, and music will range from some classic Latin American dance tunes to Latin American-inspired electronic dance music.
One of Victoria’s most versatile and talented musicians, Nick Mintenko is debuting his new single “I’ve Been Waiting,” which is released to all streaming services on January 17th.
When: 7:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m.
Where: Jam Factory Guitars, 1040 North Park Street
The annual Dine Around Victoria event starts January 17th, in which participating restaurants create a three-course menu specifically to provide visitors with a unique dining experience.
To take part, simply visit one of the participating restaurants and you will be presented with their Dine Around menu option(s).
Happening between January 17th and February 2nd, Dine Around allows locals to indulge in the abundance of diverse and delicious food options available in Victoria.
While there are 57 participating restaurants, here is a list of 10 locally owned eateries to check out during Dine Around Victoria 2020.
Varsha Indian Kitchen, located in historic Chinatown, is a family run restaurant bringing a unique approach to Indian cuisine through its Indian-Canadian fusion menu. During this event, Varsha is offering a $20 Menu and $30 Menu.
Lot 1 Pasta Bar creates comforting pasta dishes influenced by international flavours. They are offering a $30 Menu which also includes suggested drink pairings for each menu item.
Canoe Brewpub offers both West coast eats and a selection of handcrafted beer at their timeless waterfront location.
Enjoy a view of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. For Dine Around, this restaurant is offering a $20 Menu, $30 Menu and $40 Menu.
Hours:
11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday
The Six Mile Pub is BC’s oldest pub, established in 1855. Their menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients to create comfort pub food, and their bar features 22 draught beers from local craft breweries. The Six Mile Pub is offering both a $30 and a $40 Menu.
Zambri’s, a stylish , downtown favourite, is the only certified “Authentic Italian Restaurant” by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, on Vancouver Island. Zambri’s is offering both a $30 Menu and a $40 Menu.
Hours:
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday
The Beach House Restaurant pairs their West coast contemporary menu with the ultimate dining view overlooking Cordova Bay Beach. This restaurant is offering a $30 Menu and $50 Menu.
In the past year, Little Jumbo has been mentioned in Forbes, The Washington Post, and the New York Times as Victoria’s most coveted spot to dine and drink.
Their menu is influenced by restaurants of New Orleans, Seattle, and Portland and every six weeks their bar team works to deliver a new set of original cocktails. Little Jumbo is offering a $40 Menu.
In the short time since its grand opening, Boom + Batten has become a bustling, local favourite. Their coastal inspired menu and waterfront location has attracted diners to this new, sleek restaurant. Boom + Batten is offering a $30 Menu, $40 Menu, and $50 Menu.
Stage Wine Bar’s menu, a modern twist on traditional French cuisine, pairs eclectic tapas with a precise wine list, consisting mostly of small scale European and local family producers.This eatery is offering both $40 and $50 Menus.
Wind Cries Mary is a warm, rustic restaurant tucked away in Bastion Square. A local hideaway, this restaurant serves ‘elevated cabin food fit for modern times’. Wind Cries Mary is offering a $50 Menu.
Left to right: Sonia Furstenau, Andrew Weaver, Adam Olsen - Photo via Twitter @BCGreens
In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, former B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver stated his decision to sit as an independent MLA in the BC Legislature.
Effective Monday, January 20th, Weaver will leave the BC Green Caucus and sit in the legislature as an independent.
“As the leadership race unfolds, I believe that it is important for the BC Green Party to develop a new vision and voice independent from mine. My presence in the BC Green caucus could hinder that independence” Weaver said in a statement.
“Sitting as an independent will also give me a better opportunity during the upcoming legislative sitting to attend to personal matters, including a number of health challenges affecting my family.”
In the same statement, Weaver also announced his decision to resume his academic duties at the University of Victoria upon completion of his term as MLA.
“I entered politics to have a positive impact on the political discourse on climate change, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of the BC Greens under my leadership. I look forward to watching their continued growth under the party’s new leader,” he said.
This change is not expected to shift the balance of power held by the minority NDP government with the support of the Green Party in BC.
Weaver stepped down as leader of the Green Party on January 6th. Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, has been appointed interim leader of the party.
The Chair of the Green Party Provincial Council is expected to elect a permanent successor, in the early summer of 2020, sometime after the next spring legislative session.
Weaver was the Green Party’s first MLA in Oak Bay-Gordon Head in the 2013 provincial election, and was acclaimed as leader of party just two years later.
Back in September 2019, he fell ill just before his keynote address at the Canadian Propane Association BC Seminar and was hospitalized.
He was diagnosed with labyrinthitis, an inner ear disorder that can cause dizziness, nausea, loss of hearing, and vertigo.
It turns out that some types of snowball fights can get you in a lot of trouble.
Saanich Police have filed a report after a driver’s windshield was cracked due to youths throwing snowballs at cars on the highway.
A pick-up truck was driving on the Trans-Canada Highway today, January 16th at 12:00 p.m., when it was struck by a snowball that cracked its windshield.
Eye-witnesses reported that three or four kids were throwing snowballs from the top of the pedestrian overpass at Mckenzie Avenue.
The culprits had left by the time police officers arrived on the scene. Saanich PD have not received any other reports of damage caused by the snowball throwers.
Still, police warn that damage done by a simple snowball can be severe.
“Throwing snowballs in this manner can cause more than just damage to vehicles but can precipitate collisions and also impair the vision of drivers,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades in a statement to Victoria Buzz.
“We strongly condemn this type of behaviour. Snowball throwing can be a fun activity if enjoyed with willing participants and in a safe manner.”
Cst. Anastasiades also said that the culprits could face criminal charges of Mischief.
If anyone has information on the persons responsible, please contact Saanich PD directly at 250-475-4321 and refer to file 20-1176.
Update: West Shore RCMP have located 29-year-old Grant Kinnear and he is no longer the subject of a missing man report.
— original:
West Shore RCMP are seeking public assistance in their search for missing 29-year-old Grant Kinnear.
Kinnear was last seen leaving his house on January 14th while driving a white 2019 Ford Ranger pickup and is possibly headed up north on Vancouver Island.
Police have provided a stock image of the type of vehicle he was driving:
Kinnear is described as a slim Caucasian man standing 5’11” tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
Since his disappearance, officers have been following up on several leads and possible sightings, but to no avail. Police report that they are very concerned for Kinnear’s health and well being.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Victoria is chock-full of amazing animals, birds, and reptiles, but not all of them are recognizable at first!
That was the case for Ashley Ree, who posted a video of a strange animal in a Facebook group with a question — what is it, and is it a pet of some kind?
In fact, the animal is a Rough-skinned Newt, one of many common amphibians (not reptiles!) on the island. They can be found all around Victoria, from UVic to Fairfield to the Butchart Gardens. Unlike the Common Wall Lizards, an introduced species of reptiles, the Rough-skinned Newt is native to North America.
The animal is named for the fact that the newt’s skin exudes a toxin called Tetrodotoxin, which is harmful to potential predators — and also to any potential do-gooders.
Ree says that she saw the newt about to cross a busy street, so they quickly moved it to a safer spot. When she and a friend circled back later, it had disappeared.
Rough-Skinned Newt is thin-skinned, too
Dr. Gavin Hanke, curator of vertebrate zoology at the Royal B.C. Museum, says that the lizard’s skin is susceptible to damage from the acids and salts often found on human hands.
“Insect spray, perfumes, cleaners, hand cream and lotions, even grime from the handle of a gas pump, would be bad for their skin,” Hanke tells Victoria Buzz.
The skin is also toxic, exuding a chemical named Tetrodotoxin, Hanke says. Dr. Patrick Gregory, Professor Emeritus in UVic’s Biology Department, says humans should take caution if they have to move a Rough-skinned newt.
“Anyone handling a newt shouldn’t lick it or their fingers and should wash their hands afterwards,” Dr. Gregory says.
“As with all wildlife, newts are best left alone – take photos and leave the animal to go on with its day,” Hanke says. “I only redirect amphibians if they are about to walk hop onto a busy street. And since newts are wildlife – it is illegal to catch them and keep them as pets without permits!”
A learning experience for Ashley Ree and Victoria Buzz — and hopefully for you as well!
(VicPD Strike Force operation/Screencap from YouTube video)
Two men have been arrested on charges of drug trafficking, among others, after a months long investigation conducted by Victoria Police.
In several dramatic Strike Force operations spanning across five months, VicPD arrested the two men, Jordan Cody Moreland and Andrew Brian Ritch, on drug and firearms possession charges.
Police also seized several loaded handguns, modified firearms, body armour, ammunition, and $59,000 worth of drugs, including fentanyl.
Their investigation began in October 2019 with tips from the public, after which officers gathered further evidence through covert surveillance techniques.
On November 20th, after finding out that the suspect may be in possession of a firearm, police executed a search warrant at a residence in a multi-unit apartment building in the 1000-block of Tillicum Road.
As a result of this search, officers found and seized illicit drugs including cocaine and fentanyl, and a loaded 9 mm Glock semi-automatic handgun in a false compartment in one of the two vehicles operated by the suspect.
The suspect was taken into custody before being released. Officers are recommending six charges including possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property, breach of court-ordered conditions, and possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon.
As these charges have yet to be sworn in, the identity of the suspect has not been released.
About two months later, on January 9th 2020, the VicPD Strike Force and Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant in a drug trafficking and firearms investigation at a residence in the 700-block of Topaz Avenue.
There, they arrested Jordan Cody Moreland on charges for drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and several weapons offences.
Upon searching Moreland and his residence, police seized several ounces of fentanyl, cash, two loaded handguns, and ammunition.
He remains in custody and is facing charges of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking as well as several weapons-related offences.
From there, the teams proceeded to a multi-unit residential building in the 2600-block of Cook Street to execute a warrant related to the arrest of Moreland.
A video of the execution of a search warrant was sent to Victoria Buzz and uploaded on YouTube. In it, police can be seen taking a woman into custody while her dog is whisked away by Animal Control.
According to VicPD media spokesperson Bowen Osoko, the woman was later released and has not been charged, although the possibility of her facing charges in the future has not been ruled out. The dog was returned to her after she was released from custody.
After searching the residence, officers discovered more weapons, ammunition, and additional firearms including a modified assault-style rifle equipped with a homemade silencer.
Here’s the video
Back to the first residence
In the aftermath of these major finds, Strike Force investigators gathered more evidence and information from the public and returned to the apartment building in the 1000-block of Tillicum Road.
Using various surveillance methods, officers ascertained the presence of firearms in the residence and executed a search warrant there on January 10th, 2020.
This operation was the subject of widespread local media attention as officers closed the road to traffic out of an abundance of caution.
As a result of their investigation, police seized a loaded .40 calibre handgun and body armour from the residence.
They also took the suspect, 36-year-old Andrew Brian Ritch, into custody. He now faces charges of possession of a restricted weapon, firearms possession, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of body armour and possession in contrary to a court order.
“The firearms seized through these efforts, including loaded handguns and an assault-style rifle modified to include a silencer, shows the risk that these individuals pose to our community and the vital need for these types of operations,” said VicPD Chief Del Manak.
It is unclear whether Ritch is the same suspect as the one apprehended in the November 20th operation.
The snow might have shut down BC Ferries and downed a few power lines, but it looks like John Horgan’s sense of humour wasn’t affected!
BC’s Premier took a shot at the 2019 Legislature finance scandal with a hilarious tweet on Tuesday, January 14th.
“With more snow on the way for much of BC, I hope everyone is taking extra time when they head out,” Horgan wrote. “Guess the Legislature should have got a snow blower instead of a wood chipper.”
With more snow on the way for much of BC, I hope everyone is taking extra time when they head out.
Guess the Legislature should have got a snow blower instead of a wood chipper. 😉 pic.twitter.com/a09yLmlPs0
In case you were buried under the snow this time last year and missed the news, in January 2019, BC Legislature Speaker Daryl Plecas accused then-clerk of the legislature Craig James and then-sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz of overspending on personal belongings.
Along with the relevant receipts, Plecas pointed to truckloads of liquor, cash payouts instead of vacation days, and, yes, the purchase of a wood chipper, which was taken to a personal home instead of being used at the Legislature.
Both James and Lenz resigned as a result of the allegations.
British Columbians loved Horgan’s tweet, retweeting it almost 200 times and liking it 1,300 times. Even the BC Legislature’s official Twitter account got involved!
The wood chipper now sits on the Legislature grounds, most likely covered in snow like the rest of Victoria. At least Horgan and co. can use it to make some firewood, if needed!
The BC Ministry of Children and Family Development has announced an investment in creating 74 new child care spaces in Sidney.
This initiative will be funded through Childcare BC’s New Spaces Fund and operated by Lulu’s Kids Corporation, incorporating four programming spaces, four quiet areas, and 307 square metres (or 3,300 square feet) of outdoor space.
The area will also include a vegetable garden and an open-air concept to allow kids to connect with the natural world.
“Early childhood education is such an important period of time, and the provision of progressive, inclusive, and for-childhood programming to support our youth and families adds so much to the future of our communities,” said Mary Sutherland, centre director.
“Lulu’s main drive is to do just that, and to have the support of the New Spaces Fund means we are able to make that vision a reality.”
The facility will include 24 new infant/toddler spaces and 50 spots for children aged three to school age, in a fully accessible building with support staff for children with special needs.
According to the province, over 10,400 new child care spaces have been funded through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund since it first launched in July 2018.
A fun day out in the snow went terribly wrong for a boy in Saanich on Wednesday.
According to Saanich Police, the child was tobogganing in the 4000 block of McLellan Street at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday when they slid across the road and into the path of an oncoming SUV.
He was dragged along for a moment before getting trapped under the vehicle, which quickly came to a stop.
The driver and several people in the vicinity rushed to help the boy before first responders and firefighters were able to extract him from under the SUV.
In what police describe as “miraculous”, the child escaped the incident with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
“Everyone was excited yesterday to enjoy the snow day, however we’re just reminding parents and families and kids if they are tobogganing to pick a safe location to do so – one that doesn’t get them on to the road, into areas that could hurt them,” said Saanich Police Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
“Stay away from the roads when playing because vehicles can’t stop on these types of surfaces and can’t react as quickly either.”
