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Sooke road is down to single-alternating traffic west of Veterans Memorial Pkwy, following a two vehicle crash.
Emergency crews are on scene.
There is currently no estimated time of when the road will fully reopen.
A witnesses told Victoria Buzz they spoke with both drivers and both suffered minor injuries.
“I was talking to both drivers, one was heading into town and one was heading out, the truck driver said he swerved to avoid an animal and the one driving the car got hit on the passengers side door,” Arielle Blair told Victoria Buzz.
“The driver of the truck did seen a little impaired, he had an iv hanging out of his hand like he had just ripped it out (I’m not sure of course, that was just was I saw),” Blair added.
Lasting only a few magical hours, the annual impromptu all-white picnic – Le Dîner en Blanc – appeared on the lawns of St. Ann’s Academy Friday night.
As in previous years, attendees learned of the secret location at the last minute.
Bringing their own immaculate white linens, tables, chairs, china and glassware, there were countless settings fit for a king and queen! Many brought their gourmet treats, while Toque Catering provided decadent picnic boxes for others.
Ending in the famous sparkler send-off, revelers then took to the Capital Ball Room to party the night away!
Here are 24 of our favourite photos of the night, taken by ItkasanImages.
When you look up at the night sky this weekend, don’t be surprised to see a bright red addition to the usual collection of stars.
According to NASA, Mars is now quite close to us, as it reaches the part of its orbit called ‘opposition’, where it’s exactly opposite the Sun in the Earth’s sky.
(NASA)
The Red Planet shines its brightest between July 27th and 30th as the Sun, Earth, and Mars all line up, with Earth sandwiched in the middle of the other two.
However it will be closest to Earth this Tuesday, July 31st, when the planet will be at a distance of 57.6 million kilometres – this phenomenon is called Mars Close Approach.
The last time we saw the Red Planet up close was in 2003, when it was 55.8 million kilometres away from Earth – its closest venture to us in 60,000 years.
(NASA)
On the 31st, Mars will reach its highest point around midnight, and will be visible roughly 35 degrees above the southern horizon, or one-third of the distance between the horizon and overhead.
But just in case you miss Mars Close Approach this year, the next one is scheduled to take place on Oct. 6, 2020.
Bicycles are first and foremost an environmentally friendly way to get around town – but they’ve got a few other interesting uses too.
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get some cardio in, and stationery bikes have even been known to generate electricity. But in Victoria, they’ve got one more purpose: creating music!
Come join Victoria’s second annual Bicycle Music Festival: a unique event where pedal-powered generator bikes make the music flow, and audience participation is highly encouraged.
The first half of the performances will take place in Topaz Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with the remainder of the show happening in Stadacona Park from 4 pm to 6 pm. In between, there will be a group bike ride featuring, you guessed it, live music!
Just watch German tourist, Gunter Kiphard’s new high-definition video of his experience getting up close and personal with the island’s largest inhabitants.
Kiphard travelled to Vancouver Island from Frankfurt, Germany and part of his mission was to capture the beauty of the west coast in 4K definition – and upload it all on YouTube!
Last week, he shared Part I of his trip to the island, using mostly drone footage of Ucluelet and Tofino.
This time, Kiphard’s video takes his viewers on a trip to meet the orcas and humpback whales off the coast of Ucluelet, BC.
When you’re out and about next week, prepare to be treated to a vibrant new piece of artwork outside popular local watering hole, Darcy’s Pub!
This downtown Victoria institution is about to add a gorgeous and thought-provoking painting to their patio wall, so everyone visiting Bastion Square or strolling down Wharf Street can appreciate it.
Dave Bain from the Frontier Group says that the idea behind the mural is to support the budding talent of artists in Victoria who want to liven up the city’s landscape by adding street art to our walls.
“We are very lucky to have Darcy’s Pub as a staple of the Victoria bar scene. We feel honoured to have such an amazing location and clientele. We felt that one of the major elements that is missing in the Victoria landscape is accessible artwork that is reprkesented by artists who represent the best in what street art has to offer,” says Bain.
“We wanted to commission this art to allow this landscape to grow throughout Victoria and show everyone how amazing this form of art is. There is a real lack of artistic support in Victoria for artists who represent this form of art. Most of it is done illegally.”
“Our hope is that this will provide an example to support these artists while creating an amazing interactive piece of art from an acclaimed artist. Vibrant cities like Berlin who are at the forefront of artistic movements have encouraged this form of art through government initiatives for decades.”
“We hope Victoria will take small steps to support this same type of government encouragement.”
(Mural in Vancouver painted by artist Peter Ricq, who will be painting the one in Victoria/peterricq.com)
Artwork that really POPS
Artist Peter Ricq talked to Victoria Buzz about some of the concepts, ideas, and inspiration behind his fascinating mural.
“The venue and sponsors gave me the challenge to do something interactive, fun and positive,” says Ricq.
“We wanted the mural to exude the idea of a great time, letting loose, remembering the good moments in life and the beauty of Victoria.”
Some of the features that really pop out are the colour scheme, the rose, and the myriad tattoos adorning the 50s server who is the main feature of the painting – and Peter explains it all!
“The colours are very light, bright and positive to me. I wanted the viewers to feel comfort when observing the painting,” says Ricq.
“The rose is a symbol of love…but I also wanted it to look like she’s pouring life from it. When I think of Victoria, I think of flowers, mountains, plants and nature. It worked well with the theme and idea.”
As for the tattoos – like most other body art – they’re open to interpretation and each one tells a different story.
Peter will be starting work on the mural on Sunday, July 29th, and it will take about four days for him to finish.
We’ve had a sneak peek of what’s to come, and you’re going to love it! So don’t forget to drop by and say hi to Peter while he works on his latest masterpiece.
Oak Bay Fire Department and police are working together to investigate three small fires that broke out over the past week, all in the same neighbourhood.
The incidents occurred on Tuesday, July 24th and Thursday, July 26th in the 2000 block of Frederick Norris Rd, and at least two of the three fires have been deemed suspicious.
On Tuesday, at around 10:30 a.m., fire crews attended to a call about a vehicle fire in a car port, and were able to quickly extinguish the flames.
On Thursday, just before 12:30 p.m., a wood pile was on fire in front of a car port at another residence on the same street. Because it was a small fire, residents were able to put it out with a garden hose.
Again on Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., a wooden compost box was on fire in the backyard of the same residence where the car fire had taken place. Again, a neighbour put out the flames with a garden hose.
Although all three fires were small, the fire department attended each site to determine their cause, and believe that at least two of them were set on purpose.
Authorities are working closely together to investigate the incidents and have briefed the residents of Frederick Norris Rd on the situation. General fire safety practices are in place.
Police have stated that they have a strong lead into the investigation and are asking the public to report any suspicious activity, and to keep an eye on each other’s properties.
What: Grab your friends and spend a Saturday watching the Victoria HarbourCats and jamming out to some great live music! Finish the evening off with a Juno award-winning performance by Canadian rockers Chilliwack.
When: July 28, 2018, 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
Admission: Tickets range from $30-$75. All concert tickets will get you a free General Admission ticket to the baseball game. Purchase online here.
What: Head over to Westshore Town Centre from now until October 15th and discover beautiful art and fashion pieces to suit every mood. Bonus point: the air-conditioned mall will cool you off in no time!
What: The Jaguar Car Club of Victoria (JCCV) is once again hosting the largest Jaguar car show in North America: Jaguars on the Island 2018 (JOTI), which marks the 15th anniversary of the JCCV. Come and enjoy the sight of about 120 Jaguar automobiles of all ages on the field at Windsor Park/Oak Bay on July 28, 9 am to 3 pm.
What: The James Bay Market is a vibrant community farmers market located at the corner of Menzies and Superior Street in the heart of James Bay. You will still find yourself surrounded by a bounty of fresh local produce and farm goods, beautiful and unique artisan crafts and fresh ready-to-eat foods.
What: Paper Street Theatre presents an eclectic evening of improvised theatre. The first half of the show features students from our Master’s Program and the second half consists of a feature set from the Faculty of Paper Street Theatre’s Improv Classes.
What: Victoria’s second annual pedal-powered, mobile music festival
Where: Topaz Park & Stadacona Park
When: Sunday, July 29, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Schedule of Performers:
Topaz Park (south end near Topaz Ave. and Glasgow St., west of the off-leash area)
1:00 pm – Looelle
2:00 pm – Myriam Parent
3:00 pm – Group bike ride with live music by Kate Romain
Stadacona Park (west of the tennis courts, just north of Pandora Ave.)
4:00 pm – Kara Taylor
4:25 pm – Eva Louise Grant
5:00 pm – The Half Moon Shine
What: A weekly summer event, located in front of the Juan de Fuca Library in Colwood. A market filled with local Artisans, Local Goods, Food Trucks, sweet treats, musicians and more! Where: Juan De Fuca Library
1759 Island Hwy When: 11 am – 3 pm
Gladys Barman has been missing since July 5. (Oak Bay Police)
RCMP have concluded the search for missing 82-year-old Oak Bay woman, Gladys Barman.
Barman went missing over three weeks ago, and was last seen fuelling her 2002 dark green Honda Civic at the Petro-Canada on West Saanich Road at 10 a.m. on July 5.
On the morning of July 22nd, RCMP recovered the vehicle that belonged to Barman after it was identified by a off road motorcyclist on a remote logging road behind Lake Cowichan.
Since then, coordinated search efforts included engaging up to 25 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) per day, Police Dog Services, RCMP helicopter and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS aka UAV), local area experts, Oak Bay Police and Lake Cowichan RCMP.
However, despite extensive efforts, Barman was not located and on Thursday, July 26th, the search was officially concluded.
But the investigation into the disappearance of Gladys Barman remains open with the Oak Bay Police Department, and anyone who has information is requested to contact them (250-592-2424) or call their local police department.
“We know that not having a definitive outcome must be horrible for the family and our thoughts are with them,” says Oak Bay Police Chief Constable, Andy Brinton in a release.
Barman’s family has asked for privacy at this time.
West Shore RCMP on scene at Esquimalt Lagoon where it was thought someone was carrying a firearm. (Doug Clement Photography)
A number of West Shore RCMP officers were called out to Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood Wednesday evening after reports of a man carrying what appeared to be a firearm.
Police were called at around 6:45 p.m. Witnesses reported that several officers were heavily armed.
Officers found a man and woman sitting on the beach with not a firearm, but a crossbow. Investigations determined that the man was target shooting along the waterfront.
There were several cans of beer found around the pair, as well as a target block down the beach from their location.
The pair, a 32-year-old man and 31-year-old woman both from Colwood, were issued a $230 ticket for open liquor.
The crossbow was seized, and police are still investigating.
People making a trip to Vancouver this summer are in for a surprise when they take public transit, as Seth Rogen will be lending his voice to TransLink’s transit announcements.
The Vancouver-born comedian and actor will provide public announcements on SkyTrain platforms, SkyTrains, and buses across the Metro Vancouver region through the summer and into the fall.
And in the true spirit of Canadian generosity, he’s offering his services free of charge.
“Any opportunity to enrich the lives of the Canadian people is an opportunity I will take,” Rogen said in a video released Thursday.
Watch the announcement below:
Announcement comes after significant social media support
TransLink said they have their followers on social media to thank for bringing Rogen on board.
It all started in May when Vancouver Sun/The Province reporter Stephanie Ip suggested on Twitter that Rogen fill the guest spot after news broke that Morgan Freeman would be making the announcements.
Lots of emails today were along the lines of: "What, there wasn't a Canadian actor who could've done the job?" After some thought, I do have a suggestion: @Sethrogen. I would happily listen to him announce my transit stops all day, every day BUT ONLY IF IT COMES WITH THE LAUGH. https://t.co/o0v5FWlocj
Rogen, who’s known for his roles in such films as Superbad, Knocked Up, and This Is the End, says he used public transit all the time when growing up in Vancouver, and still uses it whenever he visits today.
TransLink says riders can expect to hear Rogen—and his distinctive laugh—in the coming weeks.
(Coast Collective Art and Fashion Pop-up at the West Shore Town Centre)
Whether you’re done with the sun, or just looking too cool down before you head back out, we’ve got the perfect outing for you!
Head over to Westshore Town Centre from now until October 15th and discover beautiful art and fashion pieces to suit every mood. Bonus point: the air-conditioned mall will cool you off in no time!
The Coast Collective Art & Fashion pop-up has brought paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, clothes, and more designed by local artists to the Westshore Town Centre for all to view, admire, and purchase.
Which means YOU could be the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind art piece created right here in BC!
The YWCA-YMCA of Vancouver Island has seven years to relocate after selling its Broughton Street property. (Google Maps)
The downtown Victoria YMCA-YWCA (The Y) will be relocating within the next seven years after the property was sold to Vancouver-based Concert Real Estate Corporation (Concert).
The Y Board of Directors announced on Thursday that the facility will be moving after the 851 Broughton St. property was sold.
“The sale enables the Y to move forward and pursue opportunities to relocate and build a new, modern Y in partnership with a yet-to-be-determined development partner in Victoria’s downtown core,” the Y said in a press release.
They did not disclose how much the property sold for, but the Times Colonist reported that the deal closed at nearly $22 million.
Per the purchasing agreement, the Y will remain in operation for up to seven years, which will allow it to plan for the relocation without interrupting any business operations.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Y participants and the Victoria community,” said Christine Gleed, YWCA-YMCA of Vancouver Island board of directors chairperson.
“As we look to the future with a desire to remain relevant, viable, and accessible to all citizens, we are exploring our options for a new facility in the downtown core. We have an exciting future ahead and a responsible path forward.”
“While our plans for this site are yet to be confirmed, we are committed to thoughtful planning and engagement that reflects Concert’s commitment to be a community-builder,” said Brian McCauley, Concert president and CEO.
The Y has provided various health and wellness services to Victorians for 140 years, and has been located at the Broughton Street facility for more than 50 years.
Several divisions of the Victoria Police Department joined forces with Reserve Constables and members of the general public on Thursday night to track down and arrest a man who was wanted in connection with a home invasion.
At around 9 p.m., officers from the community services division spotted the man in a vehicle at Cook and Bay Streets. This individual was wanted by Victoria Police for his role in a home invasion that involved knives and a firearm.
When officers followed the man and told him to stop, he exited his vehicle and fled the scene.
That is when officers from various VicPD divisions (Patrol, Investigative Services, K9), an off-duty Reserve Constable, and several citizens united in the Quadra Village neighbourhood to give chase on foot.
The manhunt lasted about an hour, and the suspect was arrested at around 10 p.m. near Vancouver and Empress streets, all thanks to this humongous team effort!
Fewer people in Greater Victoria are unsheltered and sleeping outdoors, but the number of people experiencing homelessness is still growing compared to two years ago, according to the 2018 Greater Victoria Point-in-Time (PiT) Count.
The Capital Regional District (CRD), in partnership with the Community Social Planning Council (CSPC) and the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, released a report on the count’s findings on Tuesday.
150 registered volunteers conducted the survey over 40 locations in one night, including day programs, emergency and transitional housing, treatment facilities, and domestic violence shelters. The count is intended to provide information about who is experiencing homelessness and why, rather than primarily focus on raw numbers.
“On behalf of the Coalition, I’d like to express deep appreciation for the time, effort and commitment that individuals and agencies gave to this important research,” said Mayor Lisa Helps, who also sits as co-chair of Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness.
“We especially wish to acknowledge those who participated in the survey and had the courage to share their stories with us. It is with this level of collaboration and dedication that we will see an end to homelessness in the region.”
A total of 1,525 individuals were counted and more than 906 participated in the survey. The number is an increase from the count in 2016, which found 1,387 people experiencing homelessness.
The report state, however, that the two counts are not directly comparable due to difference in their methodologies.
“While the total number of the 2018 enumeration may be higher, this is largely reflective of the success of the 2018 PiT Count’s intentional outreach strategy to connect with populations that may be, for a variety of reasons, harder to reach,” the report says.
People experiencing homelessness include various demographics
Of the survey respondents, one-fifth (19.4%) were aged 55 and up, and 17.4% were under the age of 25. One-third (33%) of respondents identified as Indigenous, which is far higher than the proportion of Indigenous people among the broader population (4.7%).
Volunteers found 158 unsheltered people when conducting the count—18 per cent fewer than two years ago. The decrease is notable for the very fact that volunteers were counting in more communities than last time.
(2018 Greater Victoria Point-in-Time Count)
The count also found that there are more people experiencing homelessness who are receiving assistance, whether its in emergency or transitional shelters, but still need permanent homes.
“Although the Point in Time Count process has limitations and can’t track trends over time, it provides a minimum estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night,” said Stefanie Hardman, Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria research manager.
“We thank the many volunteers who helped administer the survey as it provides valuable information that will support service planning and delivery in the region.”
To read the full report, click here. An infographic showing more of the counts’ findings is included below:
Oceanside RCMP apprehended a man in Parksville who used a machete to leave a trail fo destruction in his wake.
On the morning of Thursday, July 26th, a 44-year-old man carrying a large machete walked into a business on Allsbrook Road in Parksville and was allegedly acting “crazy”.
He slammed his machete down on the counter and proceeded to exit the establishment on a motorbike. He then turned up at a neighbouring business and broke into a travel trailer.
When he was finished with destroying that, he smashed his way through the sliding glass door of a home on the property that was occupied by a woman and her two young children.
While the inhabitants of the home fled out the front door, the man continued to destroy their property and eventually ended up on the roof of the home, from where he was summoned down and arrested by police.
According to RCMP, the suspect did not know any of the business owners, or the occupants of the home he broke into. It appears that he was mentally unstable due to excessive drug use.
He has been taken for psychiatric assessment and will then be held on several charges for court.
BC Ferries issued Requests for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) on Thursday for the procurement of five new vessels to replace some of the fleet’s older assets.
Two RFEOIs were issued: the first for construction of four 81-metre Island Class ferries; and the second for the construction of one 107-metre Salish Class vessel.
The competitive bidding process is open to local, national, and international shipyards.
The first two Island Class ferries are expected to be delivered in 2020, with the following two delivered in 2021. The Salish Class vessel is expected to be delivered in 2021.
Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ vice president of strategy and community engagement, said the new vessels will help the company lower its carbon emissions and improve environmental performance and resiliency.
“The Island Class ships will be electric hybrid propulsion, including batteries, and the Salish Class will be fuelled with natural gas,” said Wilson. “These new clean-tech vessels will reduce our carbon emissions, helping the province achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets, and have the added benefit of reducing the amount of underwater radiated noise we produce.”
The procurement of the new vessels is part of BC Ferries’ ongoing process to modernize its fleet; according to a CBC News report, roughly half the major vessels used on its main routes are between 37 and 42 years old.
BC Ferries said the five new ships will replace the Bowen Queen, Mayne Queen and Powell River Queen. One older vessel will be replaced with two new smaller vessels on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route and the Campbell River-Quadra Island route, which will increase passenger carrying capacity on those runs from 400 to 900 passengers per hour, and vehicle capacity from approximately 60 to 94 vehicles per hour.
Two Island Class vessels are currently under construction, and three Salish Class ships joined the fleet last year.
Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood from above
(@vsmcablester/ Instagram)
Earlier this week, a five-year-old American Bulldog killed a smaller terrier-type dog in the off-leash area of Esquimalt Lagoon.
Victoria Buzz has learned that the bulldog has since been euthanized.
According to CRD Chief Bylaw Officer Don Brown, the bulldog was playing fetch with its owner’s father on Tuesday, July 24 when a terrier approached him and tried to take the ball.
The person then put a leash on the bulldog and took him further down the beach without realizing that the terrier was following them.
When the smaller dog tried to take the ball again, the bulldog took it in his jaws and shook it to death.
According to Brown, the incident happened so quickly that no one was able to stop it. The five-year-old bulldog had no prior history of attacking other dogs.
The dog was euthanized the same day. No charges have been laid as the incident occurred in an off-leash area and the owner was co-operative with authorities.
“Esquimalt Lagoon is very confusing if people don’t know what areas are on-or-off leash,” Brown told Victoria Buzz.
Anyone looking for a reprieve from this week’s hot weather should continue to take precautions, as Greater Victoria heads into a weekend of higher than average temperatures.
Environment Canada has extended the heat advisory released earlier this week as a summertime ridge of high pressure remains anchored offshore.
Friday’s temperatures are forecast to reach 30℃, with Saturday and Sunday reaching 28℃ and 27℃, respectively.
“This period of hot weather will persist through the weekend,” the advisory states.
The advisory is in effect due to persistent high daytime temperatures, warm overnight low temperatures, and the warm period’s extended duration.
Environment Canada is reminding people to take the following precautions:
Stay hydrated by drinking cold beverages, preferably water
Spend time in an air-conditioned facility for at least several hours every day
Avoid sunburn, stay in the shade, and use sunscreen with SPF-30 or
more
Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car
What: Join your Victoria Shamrocks at they take on the Coquitlam Adanacs for BEACH NIGHT presented by Peninsula Co-op. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt to be entered for some great prizes before and during the game. Where: The Q Centre
1767 Island Hwy When: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm Cost: Get your tickets here!
What: Snuggle up under the stars every Friday night in July and catch our feature film series! Bring your blankets, pillows, favourite snacks and a buddy! Arrive at 8:45 PM to get your seats and play to win some prizes, movies start when the sun goes down!
Tonight you can watch, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Where: Uptown
3440 Saanich Rd When: 8:45 pm – 11 pm Cost: Free
What: Each week Victoria Public Market offers free Cooking Demonstrations brought to you by Mike Haddow from GoodLife Fitness. Cooking demos begin at noon in the Community Kitchen, and are open for everyone to attend!
Today you’ll learn how to make Tomato and Beet Salad. Where: Victoria Public Market
1701 Douglas Street #6 When: 12 pm – 12:30 pm Cost: Free
What: If you love the 80s and hanging out, come and bring your friends! The last one was such a blast, and we have even more games and video games now (more Super Nintendo games and an N64 which isn’t 80’s but we can’t leave it out!) Where: Victoria Event Centre
1415 Broad St When: 8 pm – late Cost: $8
What: This is, without a doubt, one of the COOLEST events of the summer! Come for popcorn and stay for the thrills and adventure of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK – and then sleepover in a tent (advance registration required). No tent? No problem! Bring your own blankets and chairs and just stay only for the movie. Where: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd When: 8 pm – 12 am Cost: Regular site admission of $3.90/person apply for those 18 and older. Youth is free. Annual passes are also available for $9.80.
Additional fees apply for tents, there are three options:
– 4-men tent rental $55;
– 6-men tent $70;
– Bring your own tent $17.60.
For more things to do, check out our events today!
Another week, another slick video showing off Vancouver Island’s beautiful scenery!
A YouTube video by Sid Roth posted on July 22 features landscapes from up and down Vancouver Island, including the Goldstream Trestle and downtown Victoria—all filmed in 4K resolution, of course.
Watch the video below:
Roth isn’t the first person to highlight the landscapes of Vancouver Island, of course. Just last week, a German tourist posted his own video that featured some incredible drone footage of Tofino and Ucluelet. That video blew up, and now has almost 39,000 views.
With so many awesome sights to see, we expect another video of Vancouver Island scenery to pop up in the near future!
The Victoria Spartans midget (pictured) and bantam divisions may not have enough players for a full team this season. (Midget Spartans Football/Facebook)
A local minor football league is getting ready to kick off a new season this September, but dwindling player registrations might end up holding things back.
Nick Lajoie, a coach for the Victoria Spartans, says both the midget and bantam divisions are struggling to recruit enough players for the upcoming football season.
Lajoie, who coaches the midget division, says there’s about 15 players registered so far—but they need 43. The bantam division is in a similar situation.
“It’s quite a drop-off this year,” he says.
While he isn’t sure exactly what’s behind the low numbers, Lajoie suggested that having the option of playing in a high school league, or fear of concussion-related injuries, could be factors.
Right now, there are enough players to field a nine-man team, but not enough for a full 12-man team.
Practices have already started, with midget and bantam teams playing together. Lajoie says that both teams will need to commit by the beginning of August in order to play in September, though there might be some leeway if they can get numbers up by mid-month.
Lajoie says kids of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to register—no experience or equipment necessary. “Everything is supplied with the exception of football cleats,” he says. “We only practice two nights as well as one game a week.”
Players who are interested can register online at the Victoria Spartans registration page.
On Wednesday afternoon, a visitor at Saanich’s Uptown Shopping Centre witnessed three security guards physically restraining a man who was collecting cans from a garbage bin.
Kristy Westendorp posted a video of the incident on Facebook, commenting that the guards were “restraining him by the back of his shirt to the point it was choking him”, and that the man on the ground was bleeding from multiple places.
The security company that employs the three guards shown in the video, GuardTeck, issued a statement after the footage went viral on Thursday morning, stating that “there was much more to the situation than what is shown in the video”
According to GuardTeck’s release, the person who was being physically restrained was legally banned from the premises as he had a history of violent action in the mall, including assault, theft, damage to property and mischief.
“When he was approached by our staff, he immediately became agitated and assaulted one of our officers,” reads the statement.
It remains unclear what is meant by ‘assault’ in this context. However online reports suggest that the man spat in a security guard’s face.
“We apologize to those guests who witnessed an unfortunate incident on Thursday evening at Uptown. An individual who is legally banned from our site was asked to leave by Security and subsequently assaulted the security officer and was detained until police arrived,” said Kristy Lowes, General Manager at Uptown.
“Our number one priority is creating a safe and friendly environment for all our guests. We will conduct a thorough interval review into this incident and appreciate the level of concern shown by our community.”
Sgt. Jereme Leslie of Saanich Police told Victoria Buzz that police arrived at Uptown Shopping Centre at about 5:15 p.m. on July 25th regarding this incident, and this video is in their possession as well.
“The matter is under investigation and, as part of the investigation, we’re attempting to determine exactly what occurred prior to this video starting,” said Leslie.
No further information has been provided at this time.
A screenshot of a video posted on Facebook showing a woman trying to hit a pit bull on Dallas Beach on July 26. (Max Honeyman/Facebook)
A video that shows a woman threatening to hit someone’s pit bull with a log on Dallas Beach near Clover Point has gone viral on Facebook.
The video, posted by user Max Honeyman, shows a woman who is walking her own dog lift a log and swing it at Honeyman’s dog, Louie.
Honeyman and his friend Carly Gregory, who also posted video of the incident, are heard yelling at the woman to stop what she’s doing.
“What the f*ck are you doing?” Honeyman yells.
In response, the woman asks Honeyman to “keep that dog away from me.”
“It kills people, they kill dogs,” she says, referring to the pit bull.
Gregory told Victoria Buzz that Louie had no interaction with the woman prior to the shouting match in the video, and that he is always friendly.
She also said the woman continued to yell at them after video was filmed. The pair stood by until Victoria police arrived and they were able to file a report.
VicPD confirmed with Victoria Buzz that they attended the scene and will be following up with the parties involved, but no charges are being brought forth at this time.
As of Thursday afternoon, the altercation has been viewed almost 40,000 times. (WARNING: some strong language):
People all over Victoria, from Sidney to Saanich, have been filing reports of an unusual email scam that sounds quite serious and threatening.
A Victoria Buzz follower sent us a copy of the email, in which the sender correctly states the victim’s password, and then goes on to inform them that their webcam has been hacked.
The scammer then claims to be in possession of videos that were taken of the victim watching porn, and threatens to publish them unless the victim makes a Bitcoin payment of $1,400.
According to Sidney/North Saanich RCMP Cpl. Chris Manseau, the detachment has received a dozen or so complaints about this particular scam over the past few days.
As far as police know, so far no one in Victoria has lost any money to this fraud. However, its occurrence has been reported throughout the province. Authorities are advising individuals not to buy into anything the scammers are saying, and not to send them any money.
If you receive the following email, change your password and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police detachment right away.
The contents of the email:
Sent to us by an anonymous Victoria Buzz follower:
“I’m aware that XXXXXXX is your password.
You don’t know me and you’re thinking why you received this e mail, right?
Well, I actually placed a malware on the porn website and guess what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching the video, your web browser acted as a RDP (Remote Desktop) and a keylogger which provided me access to your display screen and webcam. Right after that, my software gathered all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook account, and email account.
What exactly did I do?
I made a split-screen video. First part recorded the video you were viewing (you’ve got a fine taste haha), and next part recorded your webcam (Yep! It’s you doing nasty things!).
What should you do?
Well, I believe, $1400 is a fair price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment via Bitcoin to the below address (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google) .
BTC Address: 1Dvd7Wb72JBTbAcfTrxSJCZZuf4tsT8V72
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)
Important:
You have 24 hours in order to make the payment. (I have an unique pixel within this email message, and right now I know that you have read this email). If I don’t get the payment, I will send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so forth. Nonetheless, if I do get paid, I will erase the video immidiately. If you want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video recording to your 5 friends. This is a non-negotiable offer, so don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this email.“
A screenshot of a live feed of the Regina Park tent city. (Victoria Drains/YouTube)
A 24-hour surveillance camera that was installed by a Saanich business next to the tent city in Regina Park has been disabled.
The camera was installed for Victoria Drain Services by Bullet Security so that they could monitor a staff parking area after a number of vehicle break-ins and discarded needles were found in the area.
A YouTube stream of the camera footage had been live since July 20, but an archived version of the stream cuts to black during a press conference that took place at the camp on Wednesday afternoon.
Scott Sheldrake of Bullet Security told Victoria Buzz that they were asked by Victoria Drain Services to temporarily pause the stream, but could not confirm why.
Michelle Mitchell, a communications officer at the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC, confirmed to Victoria Buzz that they contacted Victoria Drain Services, but could not confirm the nature of the discussion.
Victoria Buzz has reached out Victoria Drain Services for comment and will update when they respond.
Concerns raised around Regina Park camper’s privacy
The surveillance camera was criticized by camp supporters who said Victoria Drain Services wasn’t respecting the privacy and dignity of campers.
Victoria Buzz previously reported that the surveillance camera may have broken provincial privacy laws, based on guidelines for private businesses that were provided by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC.
It was not clear at the time whether or not Victoria Drain Services obtained prior consent from the campers to be recorded.
But while many people criticized Victoria Drain Services for its actions, even more appeared to be supportive of the surveillance, particularly those who live next to the park.
Some even took to the company’s Facebook page to leave positive reviews.
On Wednesday evening, Camp Namegans thanked its supporters in a Facebook post for calling Victoria Drain Services with requests to take the camera down.
“The strongest power is community power and when we fight together, we can move mountains,” the post said.
The camp is now focusing its efforts on fighting a court injunction filed by the District of Saanich requiring the campers to vacate the park.
A video involving three security guards and a man collecting cans from the garbage at Uptown Shopping Centre in Saanich has gone viral locally on Facebook.
The video was posted on Wednesday evening and portrays three people wearing the GuardTeck Security uniforms physically restraining and possibly injuring a man who had been collecting cans from the garbage.
Kristy Westendorp, the woman filming the incident, added that the guards began “restraining him by the back of his shirt to the point it was choking him” right after he grabbed a bag of recycled cans from the bin.
According to Westendorp, the man on the ground was bleeding from multiple places, and the video shows him crying and begging to be let go.
Police and social media respond
Sgt. Jereme Leslie of Saanich Police told Victoria Buzz that police arrived at Uptown Shopping Centre at about 5:15 p.m. on July 25th regarding this incident, and this video is in their possession as well.
“The matter is under investigation and, as part of the investigation, we’re attempting to determine exactly what occurred prior to this video starting,” said Leslie. No further information has been provided at this time.
The video has since been shared over 1,500 times on Facebook at the time of publication, and social media users have taken to the GuardTeck Security Corp Facebook page to lodge their complaints against the guards’ actions.
“My parents collected cans to feed me and we lived in a renovated school bus. They managed to work their way up to owning an oceanside acerage [sic] worth a million dollars and watch orcas and eagles every day in the summer,” writes Sooke Councillor Ebony Logins.
“If they had been treated like this, like the scum of the earth, when they had been collecting bottles, I doubt they would have had the confidence they needed to get my family where it is today. Plus, I wouldn’t have been able to eat dinner. GuardTeck needs to provide better training. This amount of force in his detainment was uncalled for and unacceptable.”
'So You Think You Can Dance Canada' season two winner Tara-Jean Popowich is coming to Langford for a series of master classes in August.
So you think you can dance? …Maybe? Well, now’s your chance to learn.
So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) Canada season two winner Tara-Jean Popowich is coming to Langford for a series of master classes on Sunday, August 12 at Elevate Dance Centre’s Lakeside Village location .
She’ll be hosting two classes: one for dancers ages eight to 10 (or 12+ with less than four years of training), and a second for dancers age 12 and up (with four or more years of training.)
Watch a video of one of Popowich’s master classes below:
Popowich was crowned Canada’s favourite dancer on SYTYCD Canada in 2009, and has made a career since then working out of New York City and now Los Angeles.
She’s choreographed routines for Carly Rae Jepsen, danced in Pharrell’s video for “Happy,” and is a yearly performer with SYTYCD US All-Stars in China, among plenty of other endeavours.
Space for the classes is limited, so make sure to register early! All participants must wear appropriate dance wear, with hair pulled back. No street clothing or shoes are allowed, and make sure to bring a water bottle.
What: Come to Fernwood Square and enjoy live music and the artistic talents of our many vendors. Each week there will be different food trucks, drink stands, and a wide variety of local small businesses ranging from pottery, skincare, textiles, home decor, clothing and more. These curated markets have been a vibrant social scene for the neighborhood and they are so excited to bring them back! Where: Fernwood Square
Fernwood and Gladstone When: 4 pm – 9 pm Cost: free
What: The Victoria Flamenco Festival is a dynamic and diverse community festival with ever-increasing local support and involvement. It is a venue for Vancouver Island Flamenco artists and students to develop their art through workshops and to share their passion with the greater community through performance opportunities. We envision the VFF as a thriving Flamenco destination where national and international artists, students, and aficionados will develop connections through artistic collaborations. Where: Centennial Square When: 12 pm – 6 pm Cost: Free!
What: Drink, eat, meet and explore. Enjoy one-night-only themed events and activities for adults only in one of our core galleries. Drinks and light fare available for purchase.
On July 26th bring the animals in the Natural History gallery to life with poetry, music and games. Where: Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville Street When: 5 pm – 7 pm Cost: $10
What: Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture is excited to announce another season of free concerts in Willows Beach Park (Beach Drive at Dalhousie Street) this summer! Join us for the 3rd concert of our season featuring Genevieve and the Wild Sundays.
Soaring harmonies, catchy original songs, foot-stomping fiddling: Genevieve and the Wild Sundays is an all-female quintet that feature the award-winning songs of Vancouver-Island homesteading, guitar playing mama Genevieve Charbonneau . With songs that run from insightful love ballads to rollicking political hootenannies, the music of the Wild Sundays is
rooted in old-time country, incorporating Eastern European folk, Americana, and indi-pop. Where: Willows Beach
Stanley Ave When: 6:30 pm – 8 pm Cost: Free
What: Join for an evening event at Patagonia Victoria with the crew from eXXpedition voyages to talk about their North Pacific mission!
Their sailing voyage focusing on microplastic pollution, and links to environmental and human health.
There will be a screening of a short film and photos from the voyage and informal networking with the crew! Beer by VIB! Where: Patagonia Victoria
616 Yates Street When: 6:30 pm – 9 pm
A staff member at a residential care facility has been arrested and charged with several counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
According to Victoria Police, 39-year-old Amado Ceniza was a Health Care Aide at a residential care facility located in the 1400-block of Hillside Avenue, when he allegedly committed the offences.
Ceniza has been charged with four counts of sexual assault as well as four counts of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability.
Detectives with the Investigative Services Division’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) have thus far identified three victims, but have reason to believe that there may be others.
Further details
When other staff members were made aware of the assaults, they immediately contacted police, and Ceniza was suspended.
Since the allegations were made, he has not had any contact with patients thanks to the staff at the facility, Island Health, Ministry of Health, and SVU investigators.
Online reports from CTV News suggest that the incident took place at the Aberdeen Hospital on Hillside Avenue.
Ceniza has already appeared before a Judicial Justice of the Peace and was released on bail with the following conditions:
no contact or communications with the alleged victims,
he is not to be within a 200 meter radius of the Hillside Avenue facility,
he is not to be alone in the presence of anyone in a vulnerable population, including the elderly, anyone under the age of 18 year, or anyone who is physically or mentally disabled,
he must not work, volunteer, or engage in any activity in a care aide or nursing capacity, or in any position of trust involving anyone in a vulnerable population, including the elderly anyone under the age of 18 year, or anyone who is physically or mentally disabled,
he must not be in any care facility or home for a vulnerable population, including the elderly, anyone under the age of 18 years or anyone who is physically or mentally disabled,
to report to a bail supervisor and advise of changes of employment or residence
If you know something, say something
At this time, police are asking any other victims of assault to call Victoria Police’s non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
Sexual assault or exploitation can also be reported to a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider, at an emergency room, or through the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre by calling (250) 383-3232 or through the Men’s Trauma Centre by calling (250) 381-6367
Officers also want any and all witnesses to inappropriate interactions between Amado Ceniza and patients to come forward by calling the VicPD detective tip line at 250-995-7444.
Ceniza’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 1st, 2018.
The BC NDP government is taking further steps to close loopholes that allow real estate buyers and speculators to evade taxes.
In a press release on Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Finance announced that property buyers and speculators will have to disclose additional information while purchasing real estate through a corporation or trust.
The move is a part of the Province’s 30-Point plan to increase housing affordability, and will require property buyers to provide personal details, like their name, date of birth, citizenship information, and Social Insurance Number, while making the purchase.
This new rule will take effect starting September 17th, 2018, allowing the government to identify people purchasing property and ensuring that they pay the right amount of tax.
“Our government has been clear that the days of skirting tax laws and hiding property ownership behind numbered companies and trusts are over. Not only is tax evasion in real estate fundamentally unfair, but it’s driving up the cost of housing for people who live and work in our communities,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance.
“These changes give authorities another tool to make sure people are paying the taxes they owe.”
Last month, BC established a publicly accessible registry of people who own property in the province. The purpose of having it in place is to provide tax auditors and law enforcement agencies with enough information to be able to combat foreign and domestic tax evasion.
Jeremy Daniel Oakley has not made contact with anyone since June 22. (Salt Spring Island RCMP)
Salt Spring Island RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 46-year-old Jeremy Daniel Oakley.
Police received a report from Oakley’s ex-girlfriend saying that she had not heard from him in several days. The last contact made with Oakley was on June 22.
Oakley may have moved to Salt Spring Island to work on a construction site on the south end of the Island, but police say that has not been confirmed.
There have been numerous inquiries into Oakley’s location, and police are looking to confirm he is safe.
Any information about Oakley’s whereabouts can be directed to the Salt Spring Island RCMP at 250-537-7250.
Ospreys spend the winter months migrating to warmer climates, but every year, this pair returns to their nest sometime during the first two weeks of April to lay their eggs.
The baby ospreys usually hatch about 37 days later, and will take another 50 days after they hatch before taking their first flight.
Since the Osprey Nest Project began tracking the birds, there have been 13 birds hatched from the nest.
While the camera angle might make it tough to see the hatchling up close, the angle was chosen to give viewers a more comprehensive view everything that goes on in and around the nesting site.
Daniel Rondeau, a local photographer, shared a photo of the fledgling on Victoria Buzz’s Facebook page.
Have you seen this boat? It was stolen from Maple Ridge on Tuesday afternoon. (Heather Lee/Facebook)
A Vancouver Island couple is asking the public for help after their boat was stolen from their Maple Ridge home on Tuesday afternoon.
In a Facebook post, Heather Lee said that the boat, a 2015 Tige Z3, was stolen from their driveway at around 3 p.m.
A photo from a security camera overlooking their driveway shows the boat being pulled away by an unidentified suspect with a black pickup truck.
(Heather Lee/Facebook)
Lee told Victoria Buzz that the missing boat has been spotted in Nanaimo and Victoria by several witnesses today, but no solid leads have been established yet.
The trailer has the plate number UYL47W. The boat’s ID number is BC4800442, and has the HIN number TIX0652AC515.
A police report has been filed with Maple Ridge and Saanich police.
Hi everyone, would it be possible for anyone with contacts on the island to share? Specifically in the Victoria and…
The BC Wildfire Service is reminding drone enthusiasts that the use of drones near any active wildfire is strictly prohibited after air operations on a wildfire in the province’s interior were halted on Sunday, July 22.
A helicopter that was supporting ground crews was grounded, and additional firefighting aircraft had to be diverted to avoid the air space around the Little Wilson Lake area 19 kilometres east of Nakusp because people were operating drones above the fire.
The use of drones near a wildfire is illegal, and can carry a fine of $25,000 or jail time up to 18 months under federal regulations.
Their use near a wildfire is also considered to be “interference,” as defined in Section 56 of the provincial Wildfire Act. Operators could be subject to a violation ticket fine of $1,150, and if convicted, they could be fined up to $100,000 and even face imprisonment of over a year.
Drones are restricted from coming within five nautical miles around a fire, or within an altitude of 3,000 above ground level.
“The presence of drones near an active wildfire can slow down, or completely shut down, aerial firefighting efforts, due to safety concerns,” BC Wildfire Service states. “If a drone collides with firefighting aircraft, the consequences could be deadly.”
The RCMP is working with the BC Wildfire Service to investigate the incident at Little Wilson Lake.
Saanich Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect who sexually assaulted a woman on the Lochside Regional Trail.
The victim, a 21-year-old woman, was walking east on McKenzie Ave towards Borden Street on Saturday, July 21st, at 2:30 a.m. when the suspect tackled her to the ground and attempted to remove her shorts.
She was able to fight him off and escape. The assault was reported to the police on Tuesday night.
“The survivor of the attack is an incredibly brave woman and she even managed to fight off the assailant” said Sgt. Jereme Leslie.
“Officers are currently investigating the sexual assault and we’re asking for anyone who may have seen the assault, or knows who the suspect is, to come forward and talk with police.”
The suspect has been identified as a 25-35 year old white man with dark, tanned skin that made him appear almost Hispanic or First Nations.
He is around 5’10” tall, with a heavy build and a light stubble on his face. At the time of the attack, he was wearing a dark long sleeve shirt with a chest length zipper and a black baseball hat with an unknown white insignia.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect, or has information about this crime, is asked to call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A screenshot of a live feed of the Regina Park tent city. (Victoria Drains/YouTube)
A 24-hour surveillance camera that was installed by a Saanich business next to the tent city in Regina Park may not meet legal privacy requirements outlined in B.C’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
The surveillance camera was installed by Victoria Drain Services on Regina Avenue on July 19, and looks onto the tent city known as Camp Namegans.
According to Scott Sheldrake of Bullet Security, they were contracted to install the surveillance camera in an area where the Victoria Drains employees park after a spike in break-ins and other problems.
“The area where the video camera is aimed at happens to also cover a portion of the new Saanich tent city—and Victoria Drain is allowing the public to access it via YouTube as a public service,” Sheldrake told Victoria Buzz on Monday.
A YouTube stream of the camera footage has been live since July 20.
PIPA guidelines state prior consent must be obtained
Any organization in B.C. that collects, uses, and discloses personal information falls under the rules outlined in PIPA.
Contrary to popular belief, individuals do not lose their right to privacy when they are in a public space, such as a park. PIPA does not apply to individuals acting in their domestic capacity, such as when somebody records video of someone else on their cell phone and keeps the video for personal use.
Under PIPA, organizations generally need to get consent before collecting someone’s personal information, which includes an individual’s image gathered from video surveillance. This true whether or not the information is obtained in a public space.
In addition to consent, individuals must be notified that their image is being is collected prior to or at the time of collection. (Most businesses will do this with a sign telling customers upon entry that they are being recorded.) An individual must also provide consent for their personal information to be disclosed publicly, such as on social media.
In short: a private business cannot film people without their consent, and cannot disclose that information to a third party.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Victoria Drain Services to ask if they informed any residents of the camp about the surveillance camera prior to having it installed, but did not hear back in time for publication. We’ll update when we do.
A post on the Camp Namegans Facebook page dated July 23 suggests that residents did not know about the camera until Monday, days after it was put in place.
“Homeless people have enough surveillance in their lives being forced to live in the public eye! The camp will be contacting them to ask them to remove the live feed, but you can help by calling or emailing them to do the same,” the post said.
In the case where a business determines video surveillance to be necessary and meets the requirements under PIPA, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC states that businesses should limit the time their surveillance is active.
According to the Office’s guidelines on overt video surveillance, that means only turning on cameras at certain times, rather than 24 hours a day.
“For instance, if you operate a retail store and have experienced break-ins after hours, only use your cameras when the store is closed so that you are not capturing images of employees and customers during business hours,” the guidelines state.
Furthermore, the guidelines warn that cameras may capture images of people who are not the intended subjects, which is not authorized under PIPA.
To ensure surveillance is lawful, the office advises cameras should only capture the least amount of information that is needed, and that it should avoid areas where people have a “heightened expectation of privacy, such as change rooms, washrooms, or into windows.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the camera is predominantly focused on the tent city, including two portable washrooms and a public walking path.
A screenshot of a live feed of the Regina Park tent city at around 2:30 p.m. on July 24. (Victoria Drains/YouTube)
Saanich police say “nothing criminal” about surveillance on private property
When asked for comment on Tuesday whether the installed camera is legal, or if campers have any recourse should they want it removed, Saanich police said there is “nothing criminal” about a business installing a surveillance camera on private property.
They then directed Victoria Buzz to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC. Victoria Buzz contacted the Office, which provided the guidelines included in this article, but declined to comment on the specific case of Victoria Drain Services.
Victoria Buzz followed up with Saanich police, specifically asking for comment on the Office’s guidelines around 24-hour surveillance, obtaining prior consent, and avoiding filming areas with an expectation of privacy.
Saanich police would not comment on those guidelines.
When asked if Bullet Security has any policies in place to ensure customers follow PIPA guidelines when setting up surveillance, Sheldrake told Victoria Buzz on Tuesday that they “leave that up to the customer.”
You’re half way through this week, and there’s just so much to do to take advantage of this beautiful weather we’ve been having! Whether you want to cuddle under the stars or listen to music at sunset – we know today is gunna be great!
Here are 5 things happening in and around Victoria today!
What: Each week there will be live music from local musicians, a free all ages beverage garden with beer from Hoyne Brewing Company and cider from Salt Spring Wild Cider and Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, kids activities in the Kids Tent, local farmers, artisans, and of course – food trucks! Bring your reusable shopping bags to stock up on fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Where: Oaklands Sunset Market
1-2827 Belmont Avenue When: 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm Cost: Free
What: You are invited into the Circle in July to chat about our ‘fast’ life, and the effect it is having on our relationships, our work, and our wellbeing, in a world that is focused more on doing and less on being.
Discover together, what it might take to ‘slow’ down and ‘unplug’, long enough to reconnect with what we have lost along the way – our creativity, our sense of self, our heath, our connection to nature and to each other. Where: 18A 26 Bastion Square When: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Cost: Free!
What: Come introduce yourself to the world’s most popular programming language: JavaScript! They’ll be hosting a workshop covering the basics of JS for people with little to no coding experience, where you’ll get the chance to explore the fundamentals of web development by building a web-based chatroom in the same vein as Twitch or Slack. Where: MetaLab Design Ltd.
524 Yates Street, Suite 101 When: 6 pm – 9 pm Cost: Free
What: Another season of outdoor movie going is upon us. Bring a camping chair and/or blanket and enjoy an outdoor movie experience! The Esquimalt Lions concession will be open with all proceeds supporting their community fundraising efforts . Admission is free.
This week film is, The Lego Batman Movie! Where: Esquimalt Parks and Recreation
527 Fraser Street When: 9 pm – 11 pm Cost: Free!
What: Each week Victoria Public Market offers free Cooking Demonstrations brought to you by Mike Haddow from GoodLife Fitness. Cooking demos begin at noon in the Community Kitchen, and are open for everyone to attend!
Today you’ll be learning how to make 3-Ingredient Cookies ! Where: Victoria Public Market
6 – 1701 Douglas St When: 12 pm – 12:30 pm Cost: Free
Sunrise from Taylor Beach - Photo by Ian Terris Photography
In recent news that we’re sure won’t shock anyone who lives here, Vancouver Island has been named the second-best island in Canada for travel, according to Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards.
The annual list was compiled by the New York-based travel magazine and research firm M&RR. Approximately four million readers voted on the nominations.
According to Travel + Leisure, “Vancouver Island embodies the best of leisure activities, whether you prefer browsing in one-of-a-kind boutiques, hopping a boat for whale watching, or hiking in search of cougars, black bears, and wolves.”
In its travel guide, the magazine mentions the Island’s hiking trails, wineries, and ski hills as prime attractions for tourists. More locally, the magazine also gives a shoutout to Victoria’s own Empress Hotel and Inner Harbour.
The top three islands in Canada were ranked as follows:
3. Prince Edward Island
2. Vancouver Island, British Columbia 1. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
On Monday, there were reports of a dog who died after being left in a hot car for an extended period of time in Langford.
Today, West Shore RCMP have confirmed that on July 23rd, they responded to the call in a parking lot on the 2700-block of Veterans Memorial Parkway, and found a woman trying to resuscitate her dog but to no avail.
The pet had been left in her vehicle for several hours on a hot day, which resulted in its death. According to a release from the RCMP, the woman was upset and being comforted by bystanders when police arrived.
Earlier reports suggested that she had been intoxicated but RCMP stated that she was not.
“We recognize this is a difficult time for the dog’s owner and certainly empathise with her, we hope this tragedy may be a reminder to other owners the importance of leaving your pets at home when and wherever possible,” says Cst. Matt Baker of West Shore RCMP.
The case has been turned over to the BC SPCA who have launched an investigation into the incident. No charges have been laid against the woman at this time.
“Currently the last thing we want to do is provide information to rile up the public to take vigilante justice action against this woman,” Cst. Matt Baker told Victoria Buzz.
We have reached out to the SPCA for further comment.
The District of Saanich has officially filed a lawsuit to seek an injunction against the tent city encampment at Regina Park.
According to a press release on Tuesday morning, legal proceedings have commenced at the BC Supreme Court, through which the District plans to seek an injunction to force residents of Regina Park to vacate the premises.
A court hearing for the injunction is currently scheduled to take place during the week of August 13th.
The encampment responds
Prior to the commencement of legal action, authorities issued two notices – on July 8th and July 12th – to camp residents to vacate the premises on the grounds that campers’ continued occupation of the park was unlawful.
Following the July 12th notice, both Audrey Moffatt (camp resident and member of Camp Namegans Leadership Committee) and Listen Chen (organizer with the grassroots group Alliance Against Displacement) told Victoria Buzz that their plan was for campers to stay put until a court injunction is filed.
After this morning’s announcement, Camp Namegans has issued a statement promising to stand their ground “to defend their homes”.
“City bylaws that limit camping to night time hours force homeless people into cycles of daily displacement where they suffer police and bylaw harassment and theft of their belongings, which exacerbates their physical, mental, and emotional stress,” reads their release.
The organizers of the encampment plan to host a press conference on Wednesday morning to answer further questions.
Saanich lists reasons for seeking injunction
In their press release, the District of Saanich provided a list of reasons why the occupation of Regina Park cannot be allowed to continue:
The continued occupation is contrary to Saanich’s bylaws
Saanich has been unable to successfully manage life safety in the park due to ongoing fire hazards, and the encampment remains unsafe for the occupants, first responders and others who may visit the park
Saanich has been unable to achieve compliance with fire orders issued pursuant to the Fire Services Act
The encampment has and continues to negatively impact the local residential and business community
The occupation of the park is not an intended use of the property, and has prevented other members of the public from using the park
The encampment has placed an enormous burden on Saanich’s financial resources, including required support from the Police, Fire and Parks Departments.
Mayor Richard Atwell speaks out
Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell spoke to Victoria Buzz after the announcement of the lawsuit, about the additional costs of the encampment to the city, and what the District is doing to address the demands of the residents of Camp Namegans.
The legal fees for the city to pursue the Supreme Court injunction won’t be insignificant, says Atwell, and will likely run into the six figures. This is on top of the $700,000 from Saanich’s operational contingency funds that have been allotted to the camp to cover costs for extra policing and the establishment of a sanitation station.
When asked about housing solutions for the campers at Regina Park, Atwell says the District is working with organizations like BC Housing and Island Health to meet their demands.
They have, in the past, found temporary housing for a few of the inhabitants at the tent city in Cuthbert Holmes Park and are looking to do the same for those living in Regina Park.
“Housing takes some time to construct but we are working on solutions in partnership with agencies like BC Housing because we don’t have the capacity or mandate to fund and provide housing for the homeless on our own,” stated Mayor Atwell.
The District of Saanich is therefore looking to the courts to help them maintain fire risks and “restore the neighbourhood back to a more balanced state”.
Car enthusiasts, start your engines! The 18th annual Oak Bay Collector Car Festival is pulling in to Oak Bay Avenue once again this Sunday.
With nearly 300 vintage cars on display, the Collector Car Festival is a celebration of vintage and collector cars of all makes and models for thousands of spectators and aficionados.
From vintage Minis to Cadillacs, Fords to Jaguars, there’s something for car fans of all stripes.
If you have a vehicle you’d like to show off, you can register on the day of for $15. The non-profit event is free to spectators.
Visitors can also enjoy a legendary BBQ in front of the Oak Bay Municipal Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A free BBQ drink coupon and a special coupon for breakfast at The Oaks Restaurant will be provided.
And from noon to 3 p.m., don’t miss some entertainment courtesy of Virtual Elvis!
A motorcyclist was killed following a collision on the Pacific Marine Route near Lake Cowichan on Sunday.
Investigations determined that the motorcyclist was travelling south near the 18 kilometre marker and drove off the roadway after failing to navigate a corner, falling down a steep embankment. Speed is believed to be a determining factor.
The British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) responded to the call at around 3 p.m. after another motorcyclist witnessed the collision. The witness performed CPR until the BCAS arrived, but the motorcyclist succumbed to their injuries.
Lake Cowichan RCMP, the Island District Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service, and the BC Coroner’s Service are investigating the collision. The motorcyclist’s next-of-kin have been notified.
The police are releasing no further information, such as the motorcyclist’s age and gender, as the investigation continues. Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact the Lake Cowichan RCMP at 250-749-6668.
The new Johnson Street Bridge (flying.niimbus/Instagram)
If you’re out and about late on Tuesday night and happen to be in the downtown area, make plans to avoid crossing the Johnson Street Bridge.
According to a City of Victoria advisory, our newest bridge will be closed for four hours on Tuesday, July 24th, starting at 10 p.m.
It will stand upright and be closed to all traffic in order to allow PCL (the construction company) to conduct a scheduled inspection of the structure.
All traffic – drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians – will be redirected to the Bay Street bridge between approximately 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. tonight.
Pepperidge Farm brand Goldfish Flavour Blasted Xtreme Cheddar Crackers have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued its fifth food recall due to salmonella contamination in two weeks—this time, for Pepperidge Farm brand Goldfish Flavour Blasted Xtreme Cheddar Crackers.
Campbell Company Canada has recalled 180 gram packages of crackers with the following product codes:
20/JAN/19
24/JAN/19
31/JAN/19
2/FEB/19
11/FEB/19
18/FEB/19
69 gram packages with the product codes ’25/JAN/19′ and ’26/JAN/19′ have also been recalled.
(Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
The CFIA advises that the recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but can still cause illness. Symptoms of salmonella often occur six to 72 hours after exposure to or consumption of the contaminated product, and can include fever, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Infants, children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at the most risk of contracting the illness, but anyone is susceptible to it.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the Pepperidge Farm products as of yet.
A screenshot of a live feed of the Regina Park tent city. (Victoria Drains/YouTube)
A live stream on YouTube has popped up next to the Regina Park tent city in Saanich.
It shows the backside of the encampment near Regina Avenue with the Trans Canada Highway in the foreground.
According to YouTube, the stream went live on July 20th. The surveillance camera was installed by Victoria Drains Service which is located near the tent city on Regina Avenue.
According to Scott Sheldrake of Bullet Security, they were contracted to install the surveillance camera in an area where the Victoria Drains employees park after a spike in break-ins and other problems.
“The area where the video camera is aimed at happens to also cover a portion of the new Saanich tent city – and Victoria Drains is allowing the public to access it via YouTube as a public service,” Sheldrake told Victoria Buzz.
The Facebook page representing the Regina Park encampment – called Camp Namegans – responded to the setup of the live feed, arguing that “homeless people have enough surveillance in their lives being forced to live in the public eye”.
They have since asked Victoria Drains to remove the video from YouTube, and are asking the public to call and email the company and do the same.
We've just been notified that Victoria Drain Services has installed a camera with a live video feed of the back side of…
Sunrise at Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood. (Danica Katrina Bird)
There’s just so much to do today, whether your wanting to learn about the environment or laugh and cry at live theare – there’s something for everyone!
Here are 5 things happening in and around Victoria today!
What: This free, guardian involved drop in program is specifically focused on teaching children to be ecologically focused and aware while providing a fun and inclusive learning environment. Learning will happen through hands-on activities, presentations, speakers and sometimes, artistic expression, or just hanging out and learning about the Parks in our community. Where: Highrock Park V9A 6J9 When: 10 am – 12 pm Cost: Free
What: From the world-renowned creators behind the Mom’s the Word series comes a new chapter.
Their kids are grown, their marriages have “evolved,” and their bodies are backfiring. Life doesn’t get any prettier, but it never strays far from the ludicrous, the ribald and the poignant, as the moms continue to mine their personal history for every embarrassing detail. Where: Belfry Theatre
1291 Gladstone Avenue, When: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: Get your tickets here!
What: Bring your lawnchairs, sunglasses and dancing shoes and join us for an evening of FREE, family friendly music! Different artists each week Where: Memorial Park
1230 Esquimalt Rd When: 6:30 pm – 8 pm Cost: Free
What: And now the warrior pose! Join this Free outdoor Yoga session held at Willows Beach Park every Tuesday evening. Where: Willows Beach When: 6 pm – 7 pm Cost: Free
What: Learn 3 Simple Secrets Succesful, and Mindful, Female Marketers Use to Successfully:
✓ Stop feeling uneasy or awkward about Sales
✓ Dissolve inner doubts about your Strategy Recommendations
✓ Let go of uncertainty about what to do next (and learn tactics to create breakthrough results consistently)
Growing your career as a mindful woman in this over-scheduled mania that is the world of marketing can be exhausting: We’re sandwiched between the pressure to stay current, and the need to innovate and create results for clients (oh, and yourself too!). How are we Ambitious and Blue-Sky-Thinkers supposed to avoid the confusion and anxiety this very important question causes so many of us: “What’s the next best step that will help grow my career and help me create impact?” Where: The Dock Victoria – Coworking Centre for Social Impact
722 Cormorant Street, Suite 300 When: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Cost: Free!
A dog has reportedly passed away after being left in a car by itself.
According to scanner reports posted by Howie Allan, a woman in Langford left her dog in a hot vehicle and returned to find him dead.
She was allegedly intoxicated when she discovered her dog and attempted to perform CPR to try and revive him.
Police were called to the scene near Feel Good Yoga studio on Veterans Memorial Parkway, and have reportedly taken the woman into custody. The SPCA has been called in as well.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to West Shore RCMP and the SPCA for comment.
Earlier today, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Greater Victoria, as an “extended stretch of very warm weather” is currently hitting BC’s south coast.
According to the statement, temperatures will reach the mid-to-high twenties near the water and low-to-mid thirties inland.
