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One of Canada’s most highly rated reality TV shows is looking for participants in their upcoming season – and they’ll be in Victoria to search!
Season 8 of Big Brother Canada could feature some familiar faces as the Global network show is about to visit Victoria for one of their open casting calls this month.
The premise of the show is to have fifteen opinionated individuals share a house and do their best to avoid being kicked out by their housemates.
If you’ve always dreamed of having a televised housemate experience with lots of drama and a chance to win $100,000 among other prizes, all you have to do is head down to Upstairs Cabaret on October 17th for a chance to enter the contest!
The hit series will be returning to Global TV in Spring 2020, and applicants can either attend the open casting calls in their cities or send a video of themselves to Big Brother Canada.
BC Transit will be detouring several routes to make way for Victoria’s annual ‘CIBC Run for the Cure’ event happening this Sunday between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
On October 6th, runners of all levels of experience are invited to participate in the event to raise money for breast cancer research.
In its wake, BC Transit routes 4, 7, and 15 will miss stops on Ring Road.
Meanwhile, route 14 will detour to UVic via Richmond, Cedar Hill X, Shelbourne, McKenzie, Finnerty to the UVic exchange, and from the university via Finnerty, McKenzie, Shelbourne, Cedar Hill X, Richmond to regular route.
There will be no bus 14 stops between Cedar Hill X Rd and McKenzie Ave, and no pickups or drop-offs on Ring Road for the duration of the run.
Participants in ‘Run for the Cure’ can choose the 5k run or 1k walk in their bid to support the single largest volunteer-led event for breast cancer research.
1 in 8 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the second most common type of cancer in the world.
Those who choose not to run or are unable to participate can also donate to the cause on-site or at this website.
The Greater Victoria School District has advised that two schools have been placed under hold and secure after a reported bear sighting.
As of 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2nd, Colquitz Middle School and McKenzie Elementary School are under hold and secure after a bear was reportedly spotted in the neighbourhood.
“Students will remain in the building until the conservation officers have advised us that there is no longer a concern,” reads an email from Colquitz Middle School.
Unconfirmed sources say the bear was sighted under the McKenzie overpass by a teacher who was out for a walk with her class.
Parents and guardians have been asked to pick up their students at the schools.
More to come.
ALERT: Colquitz and McKenzie are in a 'Hold & Secure' due to a reported bear sighting in the neighbourhood. Parents and guardians are being asked to please pick their students up at the school.
— Greater Victoria School District (@sd61schools) October 2, 2019
Gordon Food Service brand diced frozen chicken products have been recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are warning consumers not to eat the product and distributors, retailers, and food service establishments not to sell or use it.
The recall was triggered by an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. This investigation may lead to further recalls.
If other items are found to be contaminated, the CFIA will issue another statement to warn the public.
Listeria monocytogenes may not smell or look spoiled but can make you ill. If you believe you have consumed the recalled product, contact your doctor immediately.
Symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Persistent fever
Muscle aches
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
People with weakened immune systems, pregnant, or elderly, are particularly at risk if they consume contaminated items.
Infected pregnant women may only experience mild flu-like symptoms, however, the infection can lead to premature delivery or even stillbirth. In much more severe cases infection has also lead to death.
If you have recalled products in your home, the CFIA recommends throwing them out or returning them to the store where they were purchased.
For a full listing of all food recalls and allergy alerts in Canada, look online here.
A police cruiser and a commercial building in Campbell River sustained damages after the driver of a stolen truck collided into them in his attempts to flee from police.
At around 5:40 a.m. on September 29th, Campbell River RCMP responded to reports of a truck being stolen from a resident’s driveway.
After patrols were made, police located the truck and conducted a traffic stop. However the driver decided to ignore the stop and flee, in the process crashing into one of the police cruisers conducting the stop.
In the dramatic chase that followed, the driver of the stolen truck failed to navigate a left hand turn, causing him to crash into a commercial building housing the Pair a Dice Games store off of South Dogwood Street.
Police immediately surrounded the driver and was able to take him into custody.
He has since been identified as Campbell River resident Colin D’arcy Thompson and remains in custody facing multiple Criminal Charges including Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Flight from Police.
His next court appearance is scheduled for October 7th.
“Thankfully, none of our officers suffered injuries in this serious incident,” said RCMP spokesperson Cst Maury Tyre. “Flight from a traffic stop creates a very dangerous situation for both the officers and the public.”
Any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
It’s no secret that our little Island and its surrounding ocean are home to some of the most uniquely beautiful wildlife around, and that many travel far and wide just to be privy to some of those spectacular sights.
Whale-watching in particular is staple of Victoria, with none other than Five Star Whale Watching being the oldest (and most renowned!) of its kind in our fair city, family-owned and operated with pride from the iconic Inner Harbour.
With their small but mighty fleet of vessels, Five Star aims to provide the best experience on your next adventure – whether that be through whale-watching tours, packaged tours or even private tours.
From the famed Orcas, to Humpbacks and even Puffins and Sea Lions, there is always plenty to see out on one of their whale-watching expeditions – check out the photos below to see for yourself!
Better yet?
You could win a whale-watching tour for four and experience sights like this firsthand!
On the fence about booking? While they can never guarantee a whale sighting in their natural habitat, Five Star are confident that over 98% of the time in peak season months we will be able to show you whales in the wild!
This meaning that if the whale friends decide to play hide and seek and on the rare occasion you don’t get a sighting, between June 1st – October 31st, you’ll get a complimentary tour – weather and space permitting!
This also means that peak whale-watching season is soon coming to close, so head to their website and book online before the end of October!
You can also use the code BUZZ20 to get 20% off your next booking with them!
CONTEST CLOSED** Congratulations to Ashlie Soko!
Or even better, enter to win a whale watching tour for four from Five Star Whale Watching by completing one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on October 15th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
The first officer to arrive on scene started talking to the man who then became confrontational and unexpectedly punched the officer.
Seeing the man become increasingly aggressive, the officer called for backup, in which time the suspect kicked and threatened the officer.
Soon after, backup police from Saanich and Oak Bay arrived at Gyro Park and took the man into custody.
The first attending officer was left with injuries that will cause him to miss subsequent shifts as per doctor’s orders.
“This call is a reminder of the unpredictability our officers face in policing. We will
ensure our member receives the appropriate resources for his recovery,” stated
D/Sgt. Kowalewich.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court today and is facing charges of Assaulting a Peace Officer and Uttering Threats.
E-Comm 9-1-1, the service that connects callers with police, fire, and ambulance crews across Vancouver Island and the lower mainland, has issued an apology for taking too long to answer non-emergency calls.
The dispatch service’s main priority is answering 911 calls, which means callers that require non-urgent assistance often spend long periods of time on hold.
“We want to thank residents for your patience and to apologize to anyone who has had to wait for an inordinate amount of time to speak with one of our hardworking call takers, who are on duty 24/7,” reads a statement from E-Comm.
According to the company, 73% of the 526,044 non-emergency calls they’ve received since January 1st 2019 have been answered in five minutes or less.
However, they are now working to try to reduce wait times by hiring more call takers to help with call volumes and introducing new processes to enhance non-emergency call-answer service.
In the meantime, the public is given the following tips:
Non-emergency lines tend to experience the highest call volumes during traditional business hours (e.g. 9am-5pm) and especially during late afternoon rush hour. If possible, report your non-emergency police matter during off-peak hours to limit your wait time (early morning and evening tend to be less busy).
If you call the non-emergency line and receive a recorded announcement advising all call takers are busy, remaining on the line will ensure your place in the queue is maintained. If you cannot wait and choose to hang up, please do not call back right away. Try calling later during off peak hours.
Use other sources to find information/resolve issues that are not typical police matters, such as road conditions and closures, power outages, weather and local services.
Non-emergency lines Greater Victoria
Victoria
Police: 250-995-7654
Fire: 250-384-1122
Saanich
Police: 250-475-4321
Fire: 250-475-5500
Oak Bay
Police: 250-592-2424
Fire: 250-592-9121
View Royal Police: 250-474-2264
Fire: 250-479-7322
Langford
Police: 250-474-2264
Fire: 250-478-7770
Colwood Police: 250-474-2264
Fire: 250-478-8321
Highlands
Police: 250-474-2264
Fire: 250-479-1814
Metchosin
Police: 250-474-2264
Fire: 250-478-1307
North Saanich Police: 250-656-3931
Fire: 250-656-1931
Central Saanich
Police: 250-652-4441
Fire: 250-544-4238
Sooke Police: 250-642-5241
Fire: 250-642-5422
Esquimalt/Songhees First Nation
Police: 250-474-2264
Fire: 250-414-7126
Cobble Hill Police: 250-743-5514
Fire: 250-743-5563
It’s been said before and will be said again; today’s kids are the leaders of tomorrow.
Statistics show that many children in British Columbia who are kindergarten ready are more likely to have a foundation that supports future learning and better health; not only that, but students who are proficient in reading in the 3rd grade are more likely to graduate from high school.
On top of this, students who graduate high school are less likely to experience poverty, receive public assistance, or become involved in the criminal justice system.
Luckily, there are literacy and after-school programs in place funded by United Way which has helped kids like Nadine receive the boost she needed to catch up with her peers – now she’s on the road to success!
“When I learned that my daughter, Nadine, was reading at a pre-K level in grade 2, it felt like a punch to the gut. I’m a single mother of four kids….I was so busy I didn’t realize she was floating under the radar,” said Jayce, Nadine’s mother.
There’s always a possibility that a child like Nadine who starts school without the skills required to succeed may never catch up.
3% of Canadian children have a learning disability – that’s the equivalent of one child in every school bus full of children, and 1 in 4 Grade 7 students on Vancouver Island do not have sufficient reading skills.
Early development – from childhood to young adulthood – is a strong predictor of future success. When kids grow up emotionally and socially healthy, it carves the way for a brighter future, benefiting our entire community.
United Way invests in a network of local programs and services that help individuals be strong parents; ensures children are ready for school; builds positive role models and mentoring for children and youth; and assists youth to stay in school and transition to a meaningful work life.
By donating to United Way Greater Victoria, you’re not only helping solve the #UNIGNORABLE social issue of education inequality, you can help ensure that local kids get a good start in life.
Another round of comedy and drink specials hosted by Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance. This weekly comedy special invites local comedians to take center stage and often sells out so make sure you get there early.
Victoria Festival of Authors presents an opening night FREE celebration to highlight local literary talent. Hear from memoirs, poetry, and other short stories from authors who share their truth and also aim to get some laughs.
A combination of pints and stretching as beer meets yoga on a rooftop venue that overlooks the city. Hosted by the Women Who Explore group, this event is specifically crafted for anyone who identifies as a woman. Patrons must be of legal drinking age (19+) to attend.
The University of Victoria is hosting this event for young women in grades 10-12 who are interested in computer science and engineering. This informative evening is free and will feature stories, hands-on team activities, and a pizza dinner!
Oktoberfest returns to the iconic Strathcona Hotel pub for Victoria’s annual celebration of beer, live music, and the chance to win a custom stein as well as FC Bayern Munich jersey.
Since 2017, the downtown restaurant and nightlife hub has celebrated the German festival with the help of local brewery Hoyne Brewing company.
Their event menu is specially designed by sous-chef Darcey Smith and Chef de Partie Ryan Kidder to provide patrons with a traditional Munich experience.
Guests can look forward to three kinds of bratwurst, German-style baby back ribs, and pretzel with German beer cheese sauce, and more!
You don’t need to wear a lederhosen or dirndl to participate, but if you have one, it’s highly encouraged!
Tickets are currently on sale, and the event is expected to sell out so make sure to get yours early!
If your raincoat and galoshes have been feeling a little worn out over the past month, you’re not the only one.
According to Environment Canada’s latest statistics on rainfall in British Columbia, Victoria received more than double the normal amount of precipitation the city normally experiences.
Average rainfall stats say the capital city typically sees around 31.1 mm of rainfall in September. However this year, we were hit with a whopping 69.6 mm.
Additionally, while September brings an average of around 8 days of rainfall, Victoria received a whole 15 days of rain last month.
Think September was wet? Well you’re right! Much of BC, particularly the southern half, received more than double the normal amount of rainfall. Furthermore, there was a greater number of days with recorded rainfall than average. #BCwxpic.twitter.com/Nw71VSrsVm
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) October 1, 2019
Don’t put away those umbrellas and galoshes just yet.
September may be over but the first week of October is expected bring even more showers for the province’s capital, according to Environment Canada.
This wet weather is also not unforeseen, as the Weather Network stated in mid-September that coastal British Columbia is expected to have higher than average precipitation this fall season.
“While fall will include stretches of dry weather, periods of wet weather will overdeliver with above normal rainfall expected for coastal areas,” states the forecast for the region.
Victoria business owner Stefano Mosi (of Mosi Gelato), took home the gold medal at last weekend’s Gelato Festival America with his signature sorbetto.
With this win Mosi, now qualifies for the 2020 Gelato Festival North American final in Miami.
If successful at that event, he will be whisked off to compete on the international stage at the World Finals in Italy 2021.
“It has been a dream of mine for years to compete in this festival,” said Mosi. “And to know that we can now take the flavours of Victoria to the North American Finals and hopefully to Italy feels incredible,” he added.
The flavour that crowned Mosi a victor was a taste of Victoria which combined fresh mint, lime, and Silk Road Tea, the signature gelato was appropriately named Seamist Sorbetto.
“I have to thank my whole team for all their support. This win is for all of us as Mosi Gelato and Mosi Bakery,” said Mosi.
“Special thanks has to go to my colleague and former gelato manager at Ono Gelato in Maui, Robert Mahler who lives in LA and worked beside me at the festival. We can’t wait to now compete in Miami in 2020, with our eye on Italy in 2021.”
Generations of gelato
Gelato has been part of the Mosi family for generations, as his father and grandfather both crafted gelato in their pasticceria (or patisserie) in Torino, Italy since 1925.
Mosi has continued this tradition and added to the family recipe by using local produce from the Saanich Peninsula to make meticulously crafted frozen desserts that are a delicate blend of local and international flavours.
His gelato also features dairy-free and vegan options by using oat milk, maple syrup, and tara root.
VicPD’s recent crackdown is part of a joint effort from the Ministry of Public Safety, Solicitor General, and ICBC to nab distracted drivers across the province.
Throughout September, plain-clothes officers manned high-collision intersections and roadways in Victoria each week and worked alongside uniformed officers to pull over distracted drivers and issue them tickets for the offence.
Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent types of tickets issued:
73 tickets for using an electronic device while driving
6 violation tickets
3 written warnings
2 tickets for using an electronic device while driving in violation of a driver’s license restriction
1 ticket for email/text while driving
As police continue to monitor the roads for distracted drivers, this has been your PSA to stay focused while driving!
Victoria Fire Department firefighters responded to the first blaze in the 900-block of Yates Street just after 1:38 a.m. They were able to put out the flames and no one was injured.
The second fire was called in just after 3:15 a.m. at a garbage dumpster in the 1100-block of Grant Street. Again, firefighters extinguished the flames right away and no injuries were reported.
Police investigation and surveillance videos suggest that both fires were set by the same suspect.
They have released footage of the suspect showing him carrying a lit object in his hands before he presumably tosses it into a trash can in downtown Victoria.
The suspected arsonist is described as a slim, lanky Caucasian man standing approximately 6′ tall, and at the time of the incident, was wearing black pants and a black jacket over top of a greyish blue hoodie, along with a toque.
Check out the video below:
Anyone who recognizes the person in the video is asked to contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The BC provincial government will match funding for urban deer population management projects for municipalities and First Nations communities over the next year.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource will be providing up to $100,000 in funding for local governments who pitch deer population control project ideas.
Authorities involved in operational or research projects for urban deer population control are asked to submit their funding applications on or before October 30th, 2019.
Funding decisions are expected to be made in November. The province is looking to fund projects that:
address human-deer conflict in areas where traditional deer management techniques are not appropriate;
are consistent with objectives that have been developed through a community-based planning process;
have a resolution of support from the local government’s council or board or Indian Band’s/First Nation’s Chief and Council;
are compliant with all applicable laws and bylaws and adequately manage all human safety, environmental and animal welfare risks;
are in accordance with a permit issued under the Wildlife Act, or any other statute;
are technically sound, feasible and commit to reporting;
are scientifically rigorous, if a research project; and
provide matching funds (e.g., from the local government, First Nation or any partners).
According to the ministry, there are about 135,000 mule deer, 128,000 black-tail deer and over 100,000 white-tail deer in B.C.
Earlier this year, the municipality of Oak Bay announced that their new immuno-contraceptive treatment (IC) program to control deer populations in the area will take place this fall.
“Immuno-contraception (IC) is a type of vaccine that induces the animal to produce antibodies that prevent fertilization and the formation of an embryo,” explains the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society (UWSS), who will be leading the program.
Concerns about deer populations are not limited to Oak Bay, however.
Last month, a Victoria Reddit user with the handle u/essjuango took to the website to warn locals of aggressive deer in the Fernwood area after being chased by an aggressive mother deer while walking his dog.
Deer are believed to be more protective when they’re around their young, which has led to multiple attacks on the island in the past.
Police have arrested a man for using a baton to attack another man during a road rage-induced fight in Colwood.
At 1:12 p.m. on Monday, September 30th, a 54-year-old man was driving south on Veterans Memorial Parkway and was being followed closely by the 67-year-old suspect.
After an encounter while driving, the two pulled over on Creekview Lane near Latoria Rd and both drivers got out of their vehicles.
That is when the 67-year-old man allegedly pulled out a baton and began hitting the victim with it several times, thereby starting a physical fight between the two which resulted in injuries to both.
Fortunately, a bystander observed the altercation and called police right away, all the while shouting for the suspect to stop the fight.
RCMP were in the area and arrived within minutes of being called. The 67-year-old man was arrested for assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.
Police are now investigating the altercation and considering charges related to dangerous driving as well.
“The responding officer, Cst. Forslund, advised that the bystander’s quick actions and shouting at the suspect definitely played a role in stopping the fight,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar.
“We want to thank the brave bystander who even went a step further and offered the victim shelter in their own vehicle.”
In the wake of this incident, police are reminding drivers not to exit their vehicles if they encounter road rage.
Authorities say the best thing to do is to find a safe public place to pull over and call the police. If pulling over is not an option, drive to the nearest police station and seek help there instead.
“This final price cap decision confirms the preliminary decision announced on April 1 of this year,” says Commissioner Sheldon Stoilen.
“We believe these increases are in the public interest – affordable to ferry users and taxpayers, while sufficient to allow BC Ferries to meet their financial targets, barring any extraordinary situation.”
The price cap was determined by the Commissioner after reviewing amendments to the Coastal Ferry Services Contract, additional input from BC Ferries and the BC Government, comments from the public, and the results of a performance review on BC Ferries’ efficiency and their long-term capital plan.
On its end, BC Ferries must meet and report annually an efficiency target equivalent to 1% of annual operating, maintenance, and administrative expenses.
The Commissioner has also encouraged the company to establish Green House Gas reduction targets and to pursue the electrification of the new Island class ferries as soon as the infrastructure and technology are available.
BC Coroners Service has confirmed to Victoria Buzz that they are investigating the death of a 51-year-old motorcyclist following a crash in Saanich Monday evening.
The man succumbed to his injuries sustained in a collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Prospect Lake Road near Munn Road.
At the time of the incident – at around 5 p.m. – Saanich Police closed the 400-block of Prospect Lake Road for several hours while crash analyst investigated the crash.
The identity of the deceased has not been released at this time. The family of the deceased has been notified.
The driver of the truck was uninjured and police have been in contact with him.
Since news of the collision first broke, multiple locals took to social media to call for added safety measures to Prospect Lake Road, citing a host of prior crashes and incidents in the same area.
Saanich Police are expected to make an announcement confirming further details of the crash later this morning.
Canada has been ranked the fourth best country in the world for young people to live and work in.
A study titled ‘The Working Millennial Index‘ measured the unemployment rate, average salary, likelihood of success for start-ups, the cost of rent, and the accessibility of entertainment across several continents.
“Using these categories, we established an overall Working Millennial Index score by scoring each country out of 5 across the elements and totalling this together, allowing for a highest available total score of 30,” reads the report.
“Average Salary was first assigned a ranking which was then scored out of 5, in order to balance out the differences in currencies.”
Canada was the highest-ranked country in the Americas, with the United States coming in at number 9, and Mexico at 15.
Overall, the best country in the world for young people to live and work in is Germany, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Sweden.
A calming fall Tuesday of live music, yoga, and another round of brain testing trivia. Start the new month off by testing your wits, easing your mind, or both!
Here are 5 things to do today, Tuesday October 1st:
Another round of brain-teasing trivia, prizes, and of course drink specials. Show of your cerebral superiority and win prizes for the top-scoring team or having the best cheer!
Comox Valley RCMP have arrested an alleged thief who was in possession of a large quantity of stolen jewelry, watches, and a lock of hair.
They are now hoping to reunite the stolen jewelry and other items to their rightful owners.
“It is important to report all thefts to police, no matter how minor they may seem,” said Constable Monike Terragi, Comox Valley RCMP.
“It’s these reports that help us establish crime trends in the Comox Valley and help us to return stolen property to owners when recovered,” Terragi added.
In an email to Victoria Buzz, police stated that they believe the items were stolen over the past couple of weeks, but are unable to confirm with exact certainty at this time.
If you were a victim of a recent theft and believe some of the property listed may be yours, call the Comox Valley RCMP detachment at 250-338-1321 and refer to the file 2019-15240
Comox Valley RCMP have arrested 47-year-old Dwayne Louis Thomson, who was hiding in Comox Valley.
Thomson was wanted for several offences including possession of stolen property, failure to comply with probation, and breach of undertaking/recognizance.
Earlier today, police issued a public appeal to help them search for Thomson.
They advised that anyone who sees Thomson should not approach him and instead call 911 immediately.
Nanaimo RCMP are searching for two men who allegedly beat a pair of campers with a baseball bat during an unprovoked attack.
At around 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 28th, a 39-year-old woman attended a local business and told the employee that two unidentified men had shown up with baseball bats and began hitting her and her 51-year-old male friend.
The pair were in a tent near Diver Lake, off of Labieux Road when the incident occurred and left them both in need of hospitalization.
The female victim told police that she did not recognize the alleged attackers who had driven up to the tent in an orange newer model car.
According to police, the assault lasted for several minutes after which the suspects got back in their vehicle and drove off in an unknown direction.
Paramedics transported the victims to the hospital after assessing that they had sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries consistent with being struck with a large, blunt object.
The first suspect is described as a heavy set Caucasian male between 25-35 years of age, wearing dark clothing and has dark hair and a goatee.
The second suspect was also described as a heavy set Caucasian male between 25-35 years of age with a dark beard and wearing a black bandana covering the lower half of his face.
Anyone with information about the suspects or the incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8477.
Empire Donuts and Fried Chicken will soon go back to being just ‘Empire Donuts’ after an announcement on Sunday.
In April 2018, the business opened its new Cook Street Village storefront, bringing patrons flocking over to the aromas of freshly fried chicken and flavoured donuts of all kinds.
However in a social media post yesterday, owner Melanie McDougall said that the business would stop serving fried chicken at their Cook Street shop as of Sunday, October 6th.
“This past year, with the introduction of the fried chicken, I have taken a beating emotionally and financially. I tried so hard to make it work,” she writes.
“I really wanted to make it work because I felt so passionately about it and I loved it. But nonetheless I believe it is time to let this part of the business go.”
This is a really hard post for me. Really hard. This past year, with the introduction of the fried chicken, I have taken…
Starting next Sunday, both Empire Donuts shops on Cook Street and View Street will be serving up freshly baked donuts in flavours Victorians have come to know and love.
The business originally delivered donuts to local coffee shops, and opened its first storefront on View Street in 2016.
Currently, their donut menu includes seasonal hits like Pumpkin Brown Sugar, Coconut Bergamot, Raspberry Chai, Cinnamon Cookie Crumble and Espresso Caramel Almond.
Purple hues and orange starburst vibrance filled the skies last night as Victorians caught the priceless moments just before nightfall.
The first few sunsets of fall have been nothing short of picturesque, so we look forward to these beautiful cotton candy sunsets for the rest of the season.
In case you missed it, check out these photos of last night’s sunset:
Central Saanich Police are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Keith Edward Webber.
54-year-old Webber was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, walking towards a bus stop on Keating Cross Road on September 14th.
His colleagues became concerned and reported him missing when he did not show up for work on September 17th.
Webber is described as a Caucasian male, standing approximately 6′ tall, weighing 170 lbs, and has dark grey shoulder-length hair, blue eyes, and short facial hair.
Police were unable to provide a photo of Webber as of the time of publication.
Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Central Saanich Police at 250-652- 4441, or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Victoria Police have arrested 40-year-old Christopher Lee Lamoureux who was wanted in connection with a bank robbery in Langford last week.
A warrant for Lamoureux’s arrest was issued on Friday, September 27th after police identified him as a suspect in the robbery at the Royal Bank of Canada branch located at West Shore Town Centre on September 23rd.
At around 5 a.m. on September 25th, West Shore RCMP found Lamoureux sleeping inside a parked vehicle on Atkins Ave in Langford.
When they approached him and asked him to exit the vehicle so they could take him into custody, the suspect instead drove the car away towards Victoria.
Although RCMP chased the vehicle for some time, the pursuit was called off due to concern for public safety and Victoria Police were notified to be on the lookout for him and his vehicle.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0rLFZAl60/
“Lamoureux is not a resident of the Greater Victoria Area, he is from New Westminster, which made it difficult for police to locate him,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar.
“Other police agencies in the area were notified to be on the lookout for Lamoureux while the West Shore RCMP followed up on several leads in attempts to locate and arrest him.”
Going for round two
It didn’t take much longer for the suspect to surface once more, however.
At around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 28th, police were called to attend a robbery at the Tim Hortons located at 845 Goldstream Ave in Langford.
No violence or weapons were produced by the suspect, but he demanded money from the employees and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.
RCMP quickly identified Lamoureux as the suspect in this incident.
Third time’s the charm
In another incident, Victoria Police were alerted to a bank robbery in the 1000-block of Douglas Street on Saturday, September 28th just after 11 a.m.
According to witnesses, the suspect produced a bank note and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. Much like the first robbery in Langford, no weapons or violence was involved.
While investigating an unrelated incident in the 800-block of Johnson Street just after 11 p.m., officers identified Christopher Lamoureux as the subject of an arrest warrant issued by West Shore RCMP.
He was taken into custody on Sunday, September 29th by Victoria Police and is currently being held in custody.
The investigation into all three incidents are ongoing and so far Lamoureux has been charged with 2 counts of robbery, one count of flight from police, and one count of dangerous driving.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd.
Winter weather is just around the corner which means British Columbia’s winter tire rules come into effect as of Tuesday, October 1st.
WorkSafeBC has issued a reminder to the public to install winter tires on their vehicles if they plan to travel on certain highways such as the Malahat, Highway 14, Highway 4 and Highway 28.
“On average, each year in B.C., the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for the conditions increases to about 236 crashes in December from about 126 in October – an 87 per cent increase (crashes reported by police 2014 – 2018),” they stated in a release.
In British Columbia, winter tires are defined as those labelled with either the Mountain Snowflake symbol or the Mud and Snow (M+S) symbol.
Tires marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall offer the best traction on snow and ice and in cold weather. Tires marked with M+S (mud and snow) offer better traction than summer tires but are less effective than mountain/snowflake tires in severe winter conditions.
The tires must be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm, and must be used on designated highways October 1st to March 31st.
Signs are posted to identify those highways where winter tires are required for lighter cars and trucks, and chains are required for heavy commercial trucks.
These routes are generally located approaching high mountain passes and highways which see significant winter conditions and where conditions can change from rain to snow very quickly.
Drivers planning to travel through these designated routes are encouraged to “know before you go” and check DriveBC.ca for the latest for latest highway conditions, highway cams, route forecasts and delay information.
Those who don’t have proper winter tires on their vehicle on the designated routes can receive a fine of $121, and those who don’t have the minimum tread depth on their tires (3.5mm) on the designated routes can receive a fine of $109.
More information on winter tire and chain requirements in B.C., can be found here.
“After considering numerous options, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue operations in Canada. While this decision was not easy to make, we believe it is the right one for Forever 21 Canada,” said Bradley Sell, CFO of Forever 21 Canada.
“We had hoped for a different outcome, but after years of poor performance and challenges set forth by the headwinds facing the retail industry today, our Canadian operations are simply no longer economically viable.”
The company currently operates 44 stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia and employs approximately 2,000 people.
Their statement on Sunday confirmed that all of these stores will remain open during the liquidation process.
After closure, Canadian shoppers can still order Forever 21 merchandise from their website.
Notwithstanding their troubles in international markets, Forever 21 plans to continue operating the majority of their U.S. and Latin American locations.
“This restructuring will enable the Company to become a stronger, more competitive enterprise, and a more viable company that is better positioned to prosper for years to come,” reads the statement.
UPDATE: According to VicPD, Brandy Sudlow has been located and is safe.
Earlier: Victoria Police have issued an alert for a missing woman who is considered high-risk.
44-year-old Brandy Sudlow was last seen wearing a white zip-up jacket, a navy blue shirt, black yoga pants and black shoes with pink laces. She was also carrying a black jacket.
VicPD say they do not have any indication that Sudlow is at risk of imminent harm.
However according to police, the circumstances under which she has gone missing are deemed high-risk.
Officers are concerned for her well-being and are working to locate her safely.
Anyone who sees Sudlow is asked to call 911, and anyone with information about her should call VicPD’s non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
From Red Green to exploring the Great Jaguar Rises exhibition, make sure to enjoy the last day of September. Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria today.
The Victoria Reconciliation Dialogues: a six-part series of conversations that will enable the community to explore together what Reconciliation could look like on Lekwungen territory.
Dialogue #1: Lekwungen Knowledge and the Land
The first conversation will introduce Reconciliation by drawing on the guidance of Lekwungen Elders and members about the land on which we live. Guided by Florence Dick of the Songhees Nation and Victoria City Councillor Marianne Alto.
When: 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (approx.) Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Free event. Join Greater Victoria Public librarians and special guests in the Belfry lobby for an evening of great book, music, audiobook and film recommendations. Bring your library card to sign out material on the spot. Belfry concession / bar will be open for the event.
The name says it all. Potentially Red’s last tour as he heads out on the road to hold Lodge Meetings all over North America. Might be your last opportunity to catch Red live (or as live as he gets) before he takes a long look at his birth certificate and decides not to keep pushing his luck.
This latest one man show features some brand new handyman projects, advice to married guys and teenage boys, tips on getting old, an apology to the world on behalf of all baby boomers, special contributions from Harold and a couple of other cast members, talking animals, and a final wish from Red to all of his loyal fans.
For an authentic Irish pub experience with live Celtic music from Victoria-based Celtic trad folk band Knacker’s Yard
From upbeat mariner, drinking and rebel songs to lively foot-stomping jigs and reels from Ireland, England and Scotland, fans of The Dubliners, The Pogues and East Coast folk music will be sure to enjoy this special evening of storytelling and song.
UPDATE: According to VicPD, Amanada Clarricoates has been located and is safe.
Earlier: Victoria Police are seeking the public’s assistance in their search for missing woman, Amanda Clarricoates.
30-year-old Clarricoates was last seen September 25th and was reported missing on September 27th.
VicPD officers are concerned for her well-being
Clarricoates is described as a Caucasian woman standing 5′ 5″ tall with a slim build. She has red and blue hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red and grey windbreaker, blue jeans and black runners.
If you see Amanda call 911.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
To say tonight’s shootout win was the perfect end to the Victoria Royals home-opening weekend is a bit of an understatement.
Coming off of a loss against Everett in their very first game of the season, the Royals showed up to their two home games – both versus the visiting Prince George Cougars – with an enthusiasm that rivaled playoff hockey, despite the team only stepping on the ice for a handful of games yet this regular season.
The home-opener on Friday night saw a few different faces amongst a couple of familiar ones, the most notable maybe being Shane Farkas starting as goaltender – following in the footsteps of fan-favourite Griffen Outhouse.
Though the Royals saw themselves down briefly in the first period of Friday’s game, and after returning Royal Sean Gulka dropping the gloves against the Cougars’ Crossley, they ended up prevailing over Prince George with a score of 2-1.
Saturday’s game most definitely saw a bit more back and forth action, tying it up 1-1 in the second period with a goal by Keanu Derungs – his second WHL goal ever in just as many nights.
Carson Miller saw the Royals up 2-1 with only 1:27 remaining in the third, though Schoettler quickly tied the game for the Cougars while on the powerplay with a mere 17 seconds left in the game.
After a scoreless 3-on-3 overtime, the game was decided in a shootout with a goal by none other than Royals’ Gary Haden, with the crowd of Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre roaring on their feet.
The Royals will hit the road after tonight’s spirited win, returning for their next home game on Wednesday, October 9th.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP have issued an updated statement regarding a suspicious white van seen on reserves in Greater Victoria.
On Friday September 27th Victoria Buzz reached out to police after receiving several reports of a suspicious white van allegedly carrying two men spotted on several First Nations reserves on the Saanich Peninsula.
At the time, Sidney RCMP spokesperson Cst. Meighan de Pass stated that the incident was under investigation and the van posed no risk to the public.
However since then, de Pass has retracted the statement, clarifying that she had been referring to a similar incident in which a Caucasian male in a white pickup truck was seen approaching First Nations women in the area.
That incident was resolved after a police investigation revealed that the individuals were known to each other, which is why she stated that the vehicle posed no threat to the public.
Clarification
“At the time of the media enquiry, there were no incidents reported to the Sidney North
Saanich RCMP in relation to a white van approaching young First Nations females in
any of the four First Nations communities in our jurisdiction,” de Pass stated in a media release.
She clarifies that a third party report about the white van was made after Victoria Buzz’s media enquiry.
This new report was regarding an incident in which two Caucasian males in a white van were seen driving suspiciously Central Saanich Road on the Tsawout First Nation.
Now that the report has been filed and police are investigating this incident, officers are looking to speak to anyone who saw this vehicle in the area.
Police ask that anyone with information about these incidents contact Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931 and make a formal report.
Since these allegations first surfaced, Victoria Buzz has also reached out to West Shore RCMP and other outlets for further information.
The Ultimate World Travel Show is being held at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre on Saturday, September 28th and presented by Vision Travel – a Virtuoso travel agency where you can get exclusive offers, amenities, upgrades and extras that you can’t get anywhere else.
The Ultimate World Travel Show has FREE admission and parking, and with dozens of travel providers on hand and available, the options for adventure are practically limitless.
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue W, Sidney
When: Saturday, September 28th – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In just a couple of informative hours you can learn about fire safety, enjoy interactive activities for children including extinguishing a fire alongside our Fire Department crew members, a colouring station and a bouncy castle (weather permitting).
It’s the most wonderful time of the year once more, and the WHL’s season has officially commenced – with our very own Royals kicking it off with their second home game of the season against division rivals the Prince George Cougars.
When: Saturday, September 28th – 7:05 p.m. puck drop.
Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Center, 1925 Blanshard Street
An evening of stand-up comedy featuring some of Victoria’s funniest people: Curran Dobbs, Kirsten Van Ritzen, Drew Farrance, Mark Robertson, David Bruce, Zane Oak, Evan Roberts,
Jeff Corntassel and Evan Mumford.
When: Saturday, September 28th – Doors open 8:00 p.m.
It is that time again for the Annual Exotic Glow & Flow Workshop. This is for pole dancers wanting to enjoy the sexy movement journey through body paint, Exotic Russian Pole Dance combos and free time to explore the movements and video tape yourself! Wear your UV Neon Outfits and come get ready to Glow & Flow with us
This all new Baby & Family Fair is coming to Pearkes Arena this weekend and it promises to be a fun family affair for all who attend.
The first of its kind in Victoria, the Baby & Family Fair will give you a chance to shop specifically for products for your entire family under one roof – you will also have an opportunity to talk with professionals who can help to answer your questions.
When:
Saturday, September 28th – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 29th – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Road
Tickets: $5 per person – $8 for weekend pass, kids under 12 get in free! Available at the door and online
The official after party for The Spirit of African Night! Party into the early morning while listening to an encore live performance of MANDINGO EXPERIENCE by Adama Bilorou.
Victoria’s open stage all ages drag show with an incredible line up right in the heart of Quadra Village. Delicious drinks, coffee, and food will also be available at the venue.
Deepend presents the second episode of the Twin Peaks themed party with special performances by Magdalaina, J Feud, Lacey, and grammy nominated DJ/Producer James Teej.
Do you love sustainable, stylish eco-fashion? How about wearable pieces featuring upcycled ocean plastic, or a custom-tailored garment specifically made just for you?
With Future Oceans’ newest pop-up at Victoria’s Bay Centre, that could be a reality! The Future Oceans Eco-Boutique & Learning Lab launched last week and it runs until September 30th, featuring six new eco-fashion lines.
When: Open now until September 30th – all Bay Centre hours
Where: Bay Centre lower level, next to centre court – 1150 Douglas Street
Register: Full schedule of workshops and registration available online
Victoria-based Electra Pole Art Productions presents brings you an exhibition of the aerial artistry that challenges social convention through defiance of gravity.
With a wide array of performers who celebrate magic through movement, you will be captivated and spellbound by this daring act of strength and will.
Learn West African Grooves on your instrument of choice. Adama loves teaching African Grooves to Classical, Jazz, and Folk, artists alike. Vocalists and Dancers are welcome
When: Sunday at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Road
Vancouver Island staple Merridale Cidery and Distillery is all set to host the third annual Cider Harvest Festival on September 29th at their Cobble Hill estate.
This year, the festival will include 14 craft cideries from across the province pouring the best farm-crafted ciders in the region.
While buses for Nanaimo and Ladysmith are now sold out, patrons can still find all remaining tickets and bus schedules at this website.
A night of boogie, hip hop, funk, and disco that will keep you on the dance floor to the early hours of the morning. Woodhead, Thom Banks, and Primitive are on the decks for a night made for anyone looking to dance and groove to late-night Sunday music.
Come down and celebrate 50 years of service with this local community organization for Victoria’s indigenous peoples. There will be lunch, cake, dance, song, activities for the children, and much more.
When: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Ave
A Vancouver Island angler got the shock of his life when he reeled in a red-bellied piranha from Westwood Lake in Nanaimo on Tuesday, September 27th.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, another piranha was caught in the summer in the same lake, which makes concerns of the invasive species being dumped purposefully a real threat for conservationists in the area.
These South American omnivores are a tropical fish and likely will not survive the British Columbia winter but pose a serious threat to local fish species during the summer.
Authorities are reminding the public that introducing an invasive species into local waters can have disastrous results for the ecosystems of the native fish, who could be preyed upon by the superior predator.
If caught, any person or persons found to be dumping illegal fish or creatures can be fined up to the amount $100,000 and/or serve a prison sentence of 12 months.
According to Freshwater Fisheries, the two ways invasive fish species are commonly introduced are by accident, or in some cases deliberately to create a new fishery.
In some cases, exotic pets are often released by their owners after they find they can no longer care for them. This phenomenon has created the rise of invasive species in some areas, according to a National Geographic article.
If you believe you have caught a newly introduced species, or if you have any information about this incident, please call theReport All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
92-year-old Geoffrey Collins is asking the public to be on the lookout for a singular lost glove, belonging to a pair of brown leather gloves gifted to him by his father in 1940.
The glove went missing on Thursday, September 26th, and Collins is hoping for its safe and speedy return. Collins’ father owned the pair of gloves for 20 years before passing it down to his son.
Collins told investigators that he remembered leaving his Comox Road apartment on his way to Port Place Mall on a trip to complete some errands. Somewhere along the way, he realized that he had misplaced one of his gloves.
As a World War II veteran who grew up in times he described as “tumultuous”, Collins says the gift from his father was one of the few things he had left that provided him with fond memories from his teen years.
After immigrating to Canada in 1949, Collins chose Vancouver Island as his home upon researching British Columbia and deciding against his other choice, Osoyoos.
“I did my research and learned there were rattlesnakes in Osoyoos so for me, it was an easy decision to come to the island,” says Collins.
Collins says he would appreciate any assistance from the public to return the missing glove. It is described as a brown leather glove with a blue wool lining.
Anyone who finds the missing item is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at250-754-2345.
The report calculates the revenue growth of Canadian companies over a three year period. FreshWorks has grown 2,216% over the allotted period, which makes them #3 in British Columbia and #1 in Victoria.
FreshWorks Studio are a team of award-winning designers and developers who work with mobile, blockchain, AI, and web applications.
“Our team and works hard every day to build extraordinary digital solutions for our clients,” says co-founder and CEO Sam Mod.
They work with enterprises, startups, and government organizations on a variety of different projects from locations in Vancouver, Seattle, and their headquarters in downtown Victoria.
The following Vancouver Island companies also made the top 400:
SendtoNews based in Victoria ranked 110
EncoreFX based in Victoria ranked 136
Manatee Holdings Ltd based in Courtenay ranked 180
StarFish Medical based in Victoria ranked 266
First Light Technologies Ltd based in Victoria ranked 327
The full list of Canada’s top growing companies can be viewed here. You can read about the journey of FreshWorks Studio’s growth here.
In a press conference today, RCMP stated that there was no known motive behind the homicides committed by Port Alberni murder suspects Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky.
McLeod, 19, and Schmegelsky, 18, were charged with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck. They were also wanted in the murder of a young tourist couple – Australian Lucas Fowler and American Chynna Deese. Both incidents occurred in July 2019.
The two teenagers were found dead near Gillam, Manitoba after 23 days of an extensive police search for the fugitives.
In today’s announcement, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett told press that there is no information to suggest that the homicides were premeditated.
“Based on lab results, timelines and crime scene examination, we believe that no other suspects were responsible for the homicides,” said Asst. Commissioner Hackett.
The murders appear to be crimes of opportunity in which McLeod and Schmegelsky happened upon Fowler and Deese’s van and killed the couple for unknown reasons, before continuing on to the Yukon.
They returned to B.C. after encountering vehicle issues when they came across Leonard Dyck and decided to murder him as well. The two then stole Dyck’s personal items and vehicle to facilitate their escape to Manitoba.
Once they reached Manitoba, McLeod and Schmegelsky decided to burn the stolen vehicle and flee on foot.
On August 7th, police found their bodies along with two rifles roughly 8 km away from where the burnt vehicle was located. It was confirmed today that McLeod shot Schmegelsky before shooting himself in a suicide pact.
These rifles, one of which was purchased in Nanaimo on July 12th, were the same ones used to kill Lucas Fowler, Chyna Deese, and Leonard Dyck.
Among the items they had stolen from Dyck was a digital camera that contained six videos and three images.
Police say that in these videos, the two fugitives took responsibility for the homicides, showed no remorse for their actions, and stated that they intended to commit suicide and wished to be cremated.
The RCMP has chosen not to reveal these videos to the public so as not to inspire copycats.
“By not releasing videos, we want to mitigate the potential for other individuals to commit similar acts of violence,” said Hackett.
The manhunt for Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky lasted over two weeks and employed over 160 police officers.
“From the time that we received first the call about the suspicious deaths of two individuals on July 15th to the day we located the two suspects almost 3000 km away, significant work has been done to answer the many questions that we police, families, and public had,” said Hackett.
Between July 16th and August 4th, the RCMP received over 1,500 tips from the public and executed 19 judicial authorizations to further the investigation.
West Shore RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for Christopher Lee Lamoureux in connection with a bank robbery in Langford earlier this week.
On Monday, September 23rd at around 2:20 p.m., police attended the Royal Bank of Canada branch located at West Shore Town Centre at 2945 Jacklin Road for reports of a robbery.
According to bank employees, an adult male produced a robbery note and left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect has now been identified as 40-year-old Christopher Lee Lamoureux, and a warrant for his arrest was issued in Western Communities Provincial Court today charging him with one count of robbery.
“Investigators have evidence identifying Christopher Lamoureux and recovered his vehicle a black 2006 Chevrolet Optra,” says Sgt. Chris Boucher.
“Anyone with dash camera footage in the area of the RBC near the time of the robbery are asked to contact the police.”
Lamoureux hails from New Westminster and is described as a Caucasian male standing 5′ 11″ tall, weighing 180 lbs, and has brown/grey hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about this wanted person is asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The most recent intrusion occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25th in the 2700-block of Paula Place in Courtenay.
According to RCMP, the suspect entered the house, encountered one of the residents, and stole a gold watch and a silver chain.
He is described as a Caucasian male in his 30s with slicked back black hair, wearing a black hoodie and jeans, carrying a blue tote bag.
“This is a good time to remind everyone in the Comox Valley to be vigilant – lock your doors and report any and all suspicious activity to police right away” said Cst. Monika Terragni.
All eyes were glued to the skies in downtown Victoria late Thursday afternoon as Britain’s iconic RAF Red Arrows soared over the city, trailing clouds of red, white, and blue.
Great Britain’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, are currently on tour in North America and they flew past Victoria on their way to a stop in Vancouver.
“Throughout the Red Arrows’ North American tour, the response of everyone in Canada to our displays, flypasts and ground events has been overwhelming. This has positively demonstrated the close bonds between the UK and Canada across industry, defence and culturally,” said Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
“It will be brilliant to conclude our time in Canada by performing flypasts in Victoria and Vancouver and, once again, have the privilege and opportunity to meet so many people of all ages and backgrounds during our stay.”
Although the scheduled flypast only lasted a few seconds, it generated a host of stunning images and videos captured by several talented Victorians.
Thousands of protesters in Victoria will be walking out of their schools and workplaces to join the nationwide Climate Strike today.
The walkout is scheduled for 11 a.m. after which the demonstrators will congregate at the Legislature buildings downtown for speeches and music, followed by a march down to Fort and Douglas Streets at 1:15 p.m.
The climate strikers plan to occupy the intersection until 5 p.m., bringing music, art, and speakers to the streets with them.
Hundreds of similar climate strike events have been planned across Canada and the world today in culmination of the Global Climate Strike week that began on September 20th.
The movement, spearheaded by teenage Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other youth activists, invited everyone to join the protests which so far have seen millions of people worldwide leaving work and school in a mass exodus of support for the cause.
Among other things, strikers are demanding that governments immediately legislate net greenhouse gas emission reductions of 75% over 2005 levels by 2030, in addition to committing to UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) in full.
Several businesses across the city have closed for the day – including Mountain Equipment Co-op, Caffe Fantastico, and Discovery Coffee – in order to support the Strike and allow their staff to attend the rally.
Schools and post-secondary institutions across Greater Victoria have also spoken out in support of the youth strike, asking instructors and supervisors to grant concessions to students who wish to attend.
Over 4,500 people have expressed interest in attending the Victoria iteration of what is expected to be the largest climate mobilization in the country.
Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh will also be marching in Victoria alongside activists and protestors.
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and Green Party leader Elizabeth May will be attending the protests in Montreal with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP say that a white van spotted on multiple First Nations reserves poses no risk to the public.
Over the past week, Victoria Buzz has been receiving various reports of a suspicious white van allegedly carrying two men spotted on several First Nations reserves on the Saanich Peninsula.
Sources say this van has been approaching young girls on the Tsawout, Tsartlip, and Pauquachin reserves.
“Cops have been called more than once and they don’t consider it a threat. I guess as long as they’re young native girls it’s not a problem,” says Brian YellowWolf Sampson.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP spokesperson Cst. Meighan de Pass has confirmed that police have received similar complaints.
“Our Indigenous Policing section is actively involved in investigating these reports,” says de Pass.
However, de Pass states that police do not think the public is at risk.
No further information about the reported incidents will be revealed at this time as the case is under active investigation.
Witness a drag show that is unrivaled as the iconic reality TV series makes its stop in Victoria.
Asia O’Hara throws one epic event with the help of friends Kameron Michaels, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Plastique Tiara, and other RuPaul’s Drag Race stars.
When: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Royal Theatre & Mcpherson Theatre Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square/805 Broughton Street
Known for their ability to transform ancient songs into complex compositions, this Tuvan acoustic quartet has played all over the globe using traditional instruments to create funky rhythms.
For almost 20 years Huun Huur Tu has introduced the world to the boundless wealth of Tuvan traditions and culturally enriching music.
When: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: First Church of Christian Scientist, 1205 Pandora Ave
Make your way to the Breakwater Barge for a performance by Victoria-based cover band The Bright Side who will be playing a variety of classic hits from the 70s to early 2000s. Dance the night away to hits from Thin Lizzy, Katy Perry, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and more!
WARNING: This story contains graphic details which may be disturbing to some readers.
After three days of deliberations, a B.C. Supreme Court jury has found Oak Bay father Andrew Berry guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of his two young daughters, Chloe and Aubrey Berry.
Berry’s trial began in April 2019 after he was accused of stabbing his six-year-old Chloe and four-year-old Aubrey Berry to death on Christmas day in 2017.
He pled not guilty to the charges which resulted in a five-month long trial in Vancouver.
According to CBC News coverage of the trial, Berry told the court that he and his daughters were attacked in his apartment by a man after he owed money to a loan shark.
On the other hand, the Crown testified that Berry used a knife and baseball bat to kill Chloe before attempting to kill himself.
Autopsy reports revealed that 6-year-old Chloe Berry had been struck in the head hard enough to fracture her skull, and then stabbed 26 times. Her sister, 4-year-old Aubrey was stabbed 32 times.
In his testimony, Const. Piotr Ulanowski, the first officer to enter the Beach Drive apartment after the incident, recalled finding Andrew Berry lying naked in a bathtub with stab wounds on his chest and neck area.
Crown prosecutor Clare Jennings told the jury that Berry was hostile towards his parents and his ex-wife, Sarah Cotton, citing this animosity as reason for killing his daughters.
Ever walked into a spider web in the dark? How about a standoff in the hallway with an eight-legged frenemy in the middle of the night?
If any of these things have happened to you over the past couple weeks, you’re not alone – because we’re now in the midst of spider season. Which for arachnophobes is officially the worst time of the year.
Spiders in British Columbia are mostly harmless, with the exception being the feared Black Widow – and no, we don’t mean Scarlett Johansson’s title character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Deaths from spider bites in British Columbia are extremely rare, but anyone bitten by a Black Widow is still suggested to seek medical attention immediately.
Nevertheless, those who do have a fear of spiders may want to get rid of these uninvited guests from their home.
While there is an endless supply of products that claim to serve this purpose, we have scoured the internet for some of the best ones you can buy locally and inexpensively.
Peppermint oil
According to www.deadpestz.com, a simple spray of peppermint oil can keep the eight-legged critters away and provides the added bonus of preventing that moral dilemma of whether to let them leave or kill them.
Lemon peel
Homestyle blog www.hunker.com recommends a homemade product that can cost you under a dollar and also works with the same principle.
Scent can be a powerful way to stop them from ever entering your home. In this case, all you have to do is remove the peel from a lemon and place it in the corners of windows or doors to prevent the arachnids from entering.
Insecticides
Chemical options are also a route that you may be interested in taking and are all readily available at your local home improvement stores.
Some of the insecticides you can purchase at Home Depot include Terro Spider & Insect trap, Raid spider blaster, or Ortho Home Defense Max 709.
Chestnuts
Scienceworld.ca tested the theory of placing chestnuts in corners of your home to ward off spiders, and came up with unclear results.
This placebo method could just work as a way to put your mind at ease, and trick you into believing that the easy to find nuts could actually scare unsuspecting spiders.
Get a Cat
These domestic predators have been known to hunt down small pests like mice or rats, but occasionally large spiders can be put on their radar.
But keep in mind the possible unfortunate downside of ending up with a dead bird in your house, instead of a dead spider.
The live and let live option
According to www.sciencedaily.com spiders are known to consume 400 to 800 million small to large prey annually.
Though they may scare some humans, the arachnids do terrify all of their natural prey which includes: hornets, wasps, mosquitos, and other insects that may be bothersome for you.
Whatever you plan to do this spider season, now you have ample choices for how to handle the eight-legged residents.
The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island has launched a major fundraising campaign to build a ‘home away from home’ for outpatients and their families in Campbell River.
In an announcement on Thursday, the foundation launched a $7 million fundraiser to build a 10-bedroom home for families and pregnant women.
These outpatients will consist of people mainly from the west and northern regions of Vancouver Island who need a place to stay while accessing the adjacent North Island Hospital and nearby health care services.
Already, the project has received a massive $3 million donation from an anonymous benefactor.
“I am so blown away by this incredibly generous gift that will help countless families from the North Island. We are eager to break ground with this development as we know the need is there and has been for a long time,” says Veronica Carroll, CEO at Children’s Health Foundation.
“Like the support shown by the community for Jeneece Place, we hope this large gift encourages others to give and match the $3 million gift to get us that much closer to our goal.”
The project’s lead architect Alan Lowe – who designed Jeneece Place and downtown Victoria’s mental health hub, Foundry Victoria – has also committed a sizeable contribution of $90,000 to the fundraiser.
The success of Jeneece Place – a home away from home for families and outpatients in View Royal – was the inspiration behind the decision to build this home.
The Children’s Health Foundation plans to name it Q̓ʷalayu House (pronounced kwuh-lie-you), which mixes both English and the traditional language of the home’s host community on the shared territories of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations.
“Island Health is proud to be a partner in this amazing project,” said Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health.
“Q̓ʷalayu House will reduce the burden on families during trying times and the long-term land license granted by Island Health will ensure this project benefits the community for decades to come.”