In 2023, everyone grappled with inflation, experiencing a world seemingly ablaze around us and witnessing the closure of some beloved Vancouver Island businesses.
However, amidst these challenges, there were also numerous positive things that happened.
Vancouver Island’s wildlife took the spotlight in highly-watched global documentaries, featuring footage filmed by a local, Rifflandia saw an impressive lineup with the presence of Paris Hilton and Iggy Pop and several exciting new business ventures took flight.
These were just a few highlights among many.
So, here’s a roundup of the most-read articles of the year—the good, the bad, and everything in between that Victoria Buzz covered in 2023:
January
That’s right, Conde Nast declared this spot to be one of the best in the whole world, and it was the only getaway in Canada that made the coveted list.
This one is not necessarily the happiest of news stories, as it comes with some harsh realities for many who hope to one day own a home in Greater Victoria.
This was a fun piece that kicked off the year, sharing a bit of history of the First Peoples who lived along the Gorge Waterway. The sign which tells this story still has yet to be fixed up to better tell this interesting historical story.
February
Believe it or not, one report found this to be true! One municipality even made it into the top three most economically resilient, according to last year’s BC Business City Guide.
Starbucks is always a cute spot to grab a little coffee date and one location in Victoria stood out not only across the city, but throughout BC and Canada as a whole as well.
A true tragedy for a young pup who died too young. Being a veterinarian is not an easy job and can certainly come with some trauma but this dog may have been able to live a longer life with different treatment.
March
The Phillips Backyard Music Series had their lineup announced in March and people went absolutely crazy for most of the bands booked to play one of the Victoria mainstay events of the summer.
Not a happy story to say the least. In the end the doctor owed his wife over $560,000 and is still wanted on a Canada-wide warrant. However, she did get the house and assets he left behind when he fled the country.
One of the best and brightest places to grab a tailor-made cocktail closed its doors in March and tens of thousands of Victorians were eager to know why and what was coming along next for that space. Now, Tourist Wine Bar occupies the old cocktail-focussed watering hole.
April
One of the top-read stories of April was the medieval market that came to Saanich, complete with competitions and full legs of turkey to munch on as you went back in time.
Perhaps some of the best ramen that has ever been made began being made in Esquimalt in 2023 and it remains one of the best and brightest new businesses of the year all these months later. If you haven’t had Kizuna Ramen yet, you should make it your New Year’s resolution.
A true tragedy for everyone involved. VicPD’s Major Crimes Unit was investigating and found that the infant passed away of natural causes. Results of this investigation were never released to the public.
May
Swift Brewing opened their doors in May and quickly earned themselves the reputation of having some of the best vibes in the city. They went on to win Rookie of the Year and Best Hazy IPA at the BC Beer Awards in 2023.
One of Victoria Buzz’s biggest stories of the year—what’s the deal with that giant yacht that looks like it belongs to a supervillain.
June
(Kevin Lintern Photography / Facebook)
June was kicked off with a big article written that included some of the best waterfalls from all across Vancouver Island! Have you seen them all?
Being renovicted is one of everyone’s greatest fears, and some people’s worst realities. This is just one renoviction story that happened in 2023.
An aggressive cougar encounter occurred in Campbell River in June which made some big waves. This was just one of many cougar sightings on Vancouver Island this year.
July
This summer a ton of movies were shown throughout Victoria on large outdoor screens, just like the olden days! This is your reminder to remember to keep an eye out next year as these were a big hit.
An equally eye-opening and depressing article for some to see. The article on this report simply highlights what it would take to buy the average home with the average income and its somewhat bleak findings
An amber alert was issued for two missing children in mid-July who had been taken off the grid by one disgruntled parent without consent. At the end of July, they were finally returned home.
August
When you think of Vancouver Island, lakes probably aren’t the first thing to pop into your head. But this year, the island’s Sproat Lake won top prize, lake-wise.
This article which was written about a BC-based survey and statistics firm’s findings garnered tens of thousands of reads, both in BC and across Canada. Agree or not, seems like a lot of people were curious about the poll’s findings.
The Province warned British Columbians the dire situation would worsen and it did. This article came out in the week ahead of a violent wind and lightning storm which caused and worsened fires across BC.
September
A heart wrenching story of two people being scammed and forcibly put out on the streets where they had just escaped from. VicPD has yet to open a file into the matter of who is really at fault for this situation.
Just one of a few photo wrap articles on Rifflandia 2023! This weekend saw Run The Jewels, Paris Hilton and just about every other world famous DJ on the top of their game roll through Victoria
She’s a star, and she is an angel according to hotel staff in Victoria who got to meet and chat with the Hilton heiress.
One of Australia’s best and brightest songwriters, Mallrat spent some time with a Victoria Buzz writer at Rifflandia and chatted about how she likes the city, the festival and how she wants to come back soon!
October
Everyone likes free money! This article talks a bit about the extra bonus cash given out by the BC government as part of the climate action tax credit.
Can you guess where? This was one of just a handful of awards that were doled out to some of Vancouver Island’s more remote destinations by magazines across the world. Thanks for the love on this one Macleans!
The big weird boat that had all Victorians saying, “What the heck is that thing out there?” Remember?
November
Another big prestigious award! This one from Conde Nast who said what everyone is thinking about the lovely, quaint and jaw-droppingly beautiful Tofino.
Tofino made the top headlines for a second time in November, however this time, under much different and sad circumstances.
Victoria Buzz spoke with a number of people living in the Pacifica Housing system, many of whom said they found their situations unlivable. However, oftentimes these people say they are too scared to do anything for fear of a forced eviction.
Two donut shops helping each other out during a sugar shortage which has seriously impacted the amount of product they can offer people. This one is a nice heart-warmer.
December
Victoria Buzz heard from the victim and friends of the victim who reached out and shared the story of a VicPD officer allegedly grooming and extorting a young woman into having sex with him while not coming to her aid when his own son was accused of sexually assaulting her.
Some British Columbians have been awe-struck this past week as going forward, individuals will have to specifically request lids and napkins with their take-out orders of coffee.
Just after Christmas, Vancouver Island was slapped across the face by Mother Nature herself. High waves and winds caused several cancellations for Vancouver Island-based ferry services as well as airports for a few days.
And that is a wrap on 2023!
Did we miss any big stories you remember vividly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
