A petition has been launched calling on Rogers Media to bring back two well-known Victoria radio personalities after they were swept up in this week’s nationwide layoffs.

Rogers Sports & Media announced Tuesday that it was cutting 230 jobs across Canada and closing six radio stations in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax and Kitchener.

AJ Cruze and Mira Laurence, the longtime morning hosts on Ocean 98.5, were among the employees affected.

For years, the pair helped listeners start their weekday mornings beginning at 6 a.m. with local news, conversation and music. 

Their final show aired Thursday, and according to information shared publicly, they were informed their positions had been eliminated after they signed off, leaving them without the opportunity to say goodbye to listeners.

Now, a Change.org petition is urging Rogers Media to reverse the decision.

Created by Tracey Barry, the petition describes Cruze and Laurence as “beloved figures in the Victoria community” whose morning show had become part of many residents’ daily routines.

“When AJ and Mira are on air, we feel a sense of community. They are not just voices on the radio; they are part of our daily lives, like friends we look forward to catching up with each day,” the petition reads.

It goes on to argue that the duo’s chemistry and connection with local listeners helped make Ocean 98.5’s morning show unique, adding that bringing them back would “restore the station’s unique touch and honour the wishes of countless loyal listeners.”

As of publication, the petition had gathered 58 signatures.

The petition comes in the wake of widespread cuts across Rogers’ radio division. In a statement, Rogers Sports & Media said the decision followed a review of its radio operations.

“After a thorough review of our radio stations, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close six radio stations in four markets due to declining audience and revenue trends,” said Charmine Khan, a spokesperson for Rogers.

“We continue to own and operate 44 radio stations in nearly 30 communities across the country and to invest in local news in the impacted markets.”

Victoria Buzz has also asked Rogers to confirm how many positions were eliminated across Vancouver Island but has not yet received a response.

The layoffs began one day after Rogers completed its $4.35-billion purchase of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the company that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Marlies, Raptors 905, TFC II and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club.

The petition remains open for anyone wishing to support the campaign to bring Cruze and Laurence back to Victoria’s airwaves.

The cause of Thursday’s major Malahat closure has now been confirmed.

According to Shawnigan Lake RCMP, a commercial truck travelling with its crane extended struck overhead power lines, bringing down multiple hydro poles and forcing the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) near Shawnigan Lake Road for several hours.

The incident happened at approximately 3:40 p.m. on July 9th.

Police say the northbound crane truck was turning left from the TCH onto South Shawnigan Lake Road when the extended crane snagged overhead lines, pulling them down across both the highway and Shawnigan Lake Road.

The impact broke or compromised a total of five BC Hydro poles, leaving power lines draped across both roadways.

The incident also sparked a small brush fire along the highway shoulder, which RCMP say was quickly extinguished by a civilian using a fire extinguisher before it could spread.

Two other commercial trucks became entangled in the downed power lines, though police say no injuries were reported.

The Malahat and Shawnigan Lake Road remained closed for several hours while emergency crews, including BC Hydro, worked to secure the scene and remove the damaged infrastructure.

Photos from the scene showed a hydro pole lying across the northbound lanes of the highway, causing major traffic disruptions during the afternoon commute.

RCMP say the cause of the incident remains under investigation. The Malahat has since reopened in both directions.

UPDATE: West Shore RCMP have confirmed the Malahat has reopened in both directions.

—original:
The Malahat is closed in both directions Thursday afternoon as emergency crews respond to a collision near the Shawnigan Lake Road exit.

West Shore RCMP are assisting Shawnigan Lake RCMP with the incident in the 600-block of the Trans-Canada Highway at Shawnigan Lake Road.

Police say the highway is closed in both directions, with traffic being redirected away from the area.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area if possible and expect significant delays.

Downed power lines have also been reported in the vicinity, contributing to the closure.

Photos from the scene show a BC Hydro pole lying across the northbound lanes of the Malahat, suggesting the vehicle may have struck the pole.

The extent of any injuries has not been released. There are reports the incident sparked a brush fire in the area.

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes and follow directions from emergency crews at the scene.

More to come.

Another motorcyclist has lost their life on a Vancouver Island highway.

A man died Saturday night following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near Chemainus, according to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.

Police say they were called shortly after 9 p.m. on July 4th to reports of a crash near the Mount Sicker Road intersection.

Investigators say the motorcycle was travelling southbound on the highway just south of Mount Sicker Road when it apparently lost control before overturning into the ditch.

Other motorists stopped to provide immediate first aid until emergency crews arrived. Despite their efforts, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s identity has not been released.

RCMP say the investigation remains in its early stages and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around the time of the crash, and who has not yet spoken with police, to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.

Victoria has received even more recognition as a fantastic place to live!

The popular website CanadaLocalGuide.ca has graded Victoria as one of the best places to live in Canada in an updated 2026 ranking.

Victoria ranked number three in the website’s overall rankings, just under Ottawa and Calgary.

The city was given a score of 89, with Calgary at 90 and the country’s capital taking the top spot with a score of 91.

Lethbridge, Alberta also scored very high on the list; however, was given an asterisk. While the city scored high (95) in wealth-building metrics, the overall livability score was low, at 77.

The website’s rankings take into account several different factors, including affordability, job market, safety, schools, healthcare, climate and lifestyle.

The website had a lot to rave about when it came to Garden City.

“Victoria is Canada’s mildest city and arguably its most livable — a small city with quality of life usually associated with cities three times its size,” a statement on the website read.

“The Inner Harbour — Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, whale watching — is one of Canada’s most beautiful urban waterfronts. At $920K average homes, Victoria is $430K cheaper than Vancouver while sharing the mild coastal climate and BC lifestyle.”

The website went on to mention Victoria’s mild winters, which make for year-round cycling, running and gardening, and ranked the city as one of Canada’s most cycling-friendly.

Victoria also scored highly in quality of life for remote workers and in safety.

The website stressed that an individual’s priorities will differ greatly and ratings may be different for each person, but Victoria’s high performance in major categories meant the city ranked very well overall.

While it’s always nice to get a little validation, Victorians already know that it is an incredible place to live.

For the website’s full list of rankings, click here.

What’s your favourite thing about living in Victoria? Let us know in the comments below!

Once again the Fairmont Empress in downtown Victoria received a massive accolade as the hotel was ranked as the number one city hotel in Canada. 

This distinction was given to the Empress at the 2026 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure, a notable travel news and lifestyle magazine and media company.  

Winning this award marked the second consecutive year the Empress has earned the top city hotel honour.

The Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are held annually to recognize the leading hotels, operators, destinations and travel experiences across the globe. 

The awards are given out based on readers’ votes in the magazine’s annual survey. 

“It is an honour to be recognized as the #1 City Hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers for a second consecutive year,” said Dan McGowan, general manager of Fairmont Empress. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to have our valued guests return time and time again, and to vote for us as their hotel of choice once more.”

The Fairmont Empress was built in 1908, and since its completion, has often been referred to as “Canada’s Castle on the Coast.”

It is a National Historic Site with a distinguished past, a tourist hot spot and a notable architectural feature of the city. The Empress is best known for its impressive gardens, refined accommodations and its iconic Tea at the Empress. 

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and our visionary owner, Nat Bosa, whose passion and continual investment ensure Fairmont Empress remains a source of pride for our community and a world-class experience for international travelers,” McGowan continued.  

“We are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, our supporters, our team and Mr. Bosa for making this recognition possible.”

In the past year, the hotel has taken some steps forward in how they serve guests and the surrounding community. 

Two of these improvements include the Bengal reopening as the hotel’s breakfast room and Q at the Empress restaurant and bar undergoing a renovation and transformation.  

Since 2014, the hotel’s owner, Nat Bosa, has put in over $60 million into the renovation and revitalization of the Empress, retaining its heritage while introducing contemporary design and amenities. 

The Fairmont Empress won the best city award with a rating of 96.08. 

Following the Empress was the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver with a rating of 95.62, the Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City with a rating of 95.13 and the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal with a rating of 92.80. 

See the full list of ratings online here.

A motorcyclist suffered serious but non-life-altering injuries following a collision with an SUV on the Pat Bay Highway in Saanich on Monday evening.

The crash occurred just before 6 p.m. on July 6th in the northbound lanes of Highway 17 near the 4400 block, prompting a large emergency response and the closure of the highway between Quadra Street and Royal Oak Drive for several hours.

According to Saanich Police, who responded to the crash, said the collision involved two northbound vehicles — a motorcycle and an SUV.

They said the motorcycle rider sustained serious but not life-altering injuries and was taken to hospital.

BC Emergency Health Services said paramedics responded at 5:47 p.m. with both a primary care ambulance and an advanced care ambulance.

“Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to one patient who was transported to hospital in serious but stable condition,” said BCEHS paramedic public information officer Brian Twaites.

While the investigation remains in its early stages, Saanich Police say there are some initial indications of what may have led to the crash.

“The incident is still being investigated, but there appears to have been a sudden stop in the flow of traffic which may have played a role in the collision,” Saanich Police said in an email statement to Victoria Buzz.

Police say it is too early to determine whether any charges or penalties will result from the incident.

The northbound lanes of the Patricia Bay Highway reopened just after 10 p.m. Monday night after officers completed their investigation at the scene.

Police continue to investigate the collision.

The federal government has announced highlights of their plan to tackle food security challenges impacting people across Canada. 

The National Food Security Strategy is being launched in an effort to build a stronger economy while making life more affordable for Canadians. 

To achieve these goals, over $3 billion will be invested in the strategy over the next 10 years. The funding is being aimed at driving productivity and innovation, supporting independent grocers and creating greater competition across Canada’s food system.

The hope is that these efforts result in lower grocery prices. 

“The National Food Security Strategy is about giving Canadians greater choice, control and access to affordable, locally produced food,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

“Through this made-in-Canada approach, we will be able to process more of what our farmers grow, creating new jobs, economic opportunity and more food self-sufficiency.”

On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship outlined the strategy’s four main objectives during its launch. 

The first is to spur grocery store competition, creating more choices for Canadians. 

To this end, $1 billion is being dedicated to “new and expanded food terminals and hubs.” The Canadian government says this will help independent grocers buy more competitively priced products without relying on larger chains’ networks. 

Furthermore, additional funding will provide the Competition Bureau and Competition Tribunal with more resources to investigate, prevent and take action against unfair business practices.

The second main objective is to boost domestic food production across Canada.

According to the Canadian government, for years the country has been in a cycle of exporting raw agricultural products to other countries, where they are then processed and sold back to us as finished food products. This objective of the strategy aims to cut out the middle man with a $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund. 

Additionally, a $150 million Food Security Fund to help Canadian businesses grow, produce and process more food in Canada and a $100 million Collaborative Food Innovation Fund will support more food processing in Canada. 

The third main objective of the plan is to grow fruits and vegetables year-round.

The federal government is investing $750 million in expanded year-round production of fruits and vegetables in Canada. This will be done through funding greenhouses, vertical farms and other enclosed growing spaces across the country. 

This objective aims to reduce reliance on long, costly supply chains by expanding local food production.

The fourth and final objective is to cut red tape across the agricultural supply chain.

The federal government’s goal is to modernize key regulations, speed up approvals for seeds, feed, fertilizers and veterinary products, thus reducing backlogs in the system. 

Provincially licensed food businesses will also be supported to meet federal requirements so that food produced and processed under provincial licences can be sold more easily across Canada.

On the whole, these four objectives’ goals are to help Canada gain more control of its own food system and decrease the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers. 

This National Food Security Strategy was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in early June, but is now being put into action throughout Canada.

A woman waiting for a bus in downtown Victoria was randomly assaulted Sunday night in what police are describing as an unprovoked attack.

According to VicPD, the alleged assault happened on July 5th at approximately 10:30 p.m. in the 600 block of Johnson Street.

Police say the woman was waiting at a bus stop when she was suddenly struck in the head by an unknown man. The suspect then fled the area on foot, heading south.

Police believe there may have been witnesses nearby and are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

The suspect is described as a man in his 30s or 40s with a medium build. He was wearing pants, a baseball cap and a dark hoodie or jacket.

VicPD are also seeking dashcam footage or CCTV video that may have captured activity in the area around 10:30 p.m. on July 5th. Investigators say even footage that appears unrelated could help establish the suspect’s movements before or after the assault.

Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654, and reference file number 26-27746.

The incident comes just days after another serious assault in Greater Victoria, though the circumstances were very different and unrelated.

On Friday, July 3rd, just before 5 p.m., Saanich Police responded to a serious assault in the 4000 block of Quadra Street. The victim remains in hospital in critical condition.

Police have charged 30-year-old Suleyman Budak with one count of aggravated assault. He was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.

Unlike the downtown Victoria assault, police say the victim and the suspect were known to each other.

The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit continues to investigate and is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or captured video in the area to email them.

The two investigations also follow another violent incident that drew significant public attention over the weekend, when a group of people was reportedly attacked near Dallas Road.

Three people were injured in that incident. Two suspects were arrested, charged and remain in police custody. That investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about either the Victoria or Saanich investigations is encouraged to contact either VicPD or Saanich Police.

UPDATE: The northbound lanes of the Pat Bay highway have reopened following a serious multi-vehicle crash. The highway was closed for several hours Monday night due to the collision.

— Original:

A serious multi-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle has closed the northbound lanes of the Patricia Bay Highway in Saanich Monday evening.

Saanich Police are on scene investigating the collision which occured around 6:30 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Highway 17 north of Quadra Street.

Police have closed the highway between Quadra Street and Royal Oak Drive while officers investigate the scene.

In a media release, Saanich Police said the northbound lanes will be closed between Quadra Street and Royal Oak Drive for the foreseeable future.

At this time, it is unclear how many vehicles were involved or whether anyone was injured. Witnesses report that a motorcycle was among the vehicles involved.

According to DriveBC, the incident is affecting northbound traffic south of Royal Oak Drive, with crews responding to assist.

Police say the closure is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area, use alternate routes and expect significant delays while the investigation continues.

Injuries are currently unknown. More to come.

A man from Courtenay received what may be one of the best Father’s Day gifts he will ever receive: winning $250,000 from a $20 Gold III Scratch & Win lottery ticket.

According to BCLC, Edward G. was enjoying a relaxing day and watching the England versus Ghana game when he scratched his ticket, revealing the $250,000 win.

“I scratched the ticket during halftime,” recalled Edward.

“I noticed the number 46 matched for a prize but assumed there was a mistake and set it aside. When my daughter looked at it later with the [BCLC] Lotto! app, she confirmed it was a winner!”

The ticket was given to him by his daughter, in what may be the best way to get in her dad’s good books on Father’s Day!

Edward says he plans to use the winnings on an upgrade for his vehicle, complete some renovations on his home and purchase some new electronics.

His winning ticket was purchased at the Shoppers Drug Mart in the Comox Shopping Centre on Guthrie Road.

This is bound to be a Father’s Day that Edward will never forget, all thanks to a simple gift from his daughter.

Two people have now been charged in connection with a violent assault on Dallas Road over the weekend that left three people injured.

The incident occurred on the night of July 3rd near Beacon Hill Park.

One of the accused, 20-year-old Hussein Saadedeen, has been charged with aggravated assault and two counts of assault with a weapon.

The second accused is a youth whose identity is protected under the law. They face charges of aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

According to VicPD, officers responded just after 10 p.m. to reports of a confrontation involving multiple people.

Three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, with two transported to hospital before later being released. Both suspects were arrested at the scene.

Victoria Buzz previously spoke with a member of the group that was attacked. For the purposes of this article, she will be identified only by her first name, Abigail, due to safety concerns.

Abigail said approximately 25 friends had gathered at Dallas Road for what she described as a relaxed evening when a separate group of about 10 young men began watching them from a nearby hill.

She said the confrontation escalated near the Mile Zero monument after one of the men allegedly approached her group with a knife before another suspect allegedly produced what appeared to be a machete.

One member of Abigail’s group suffered a serious hand injury requiring surgery, while two others were also injured during the attack.

Abigail said neither she nor anyone else in her group recognized the suspects or had any previous interaction with them before the incident.

VicPD says the investigation remains ongoing and both suspects have been remanded in custody.

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 and reference file number 26-27379.

A family from Calgary, Alberta is currently in Victoria in an effort to honour their deceased son who passed away in early June of brain cancer. 

Easton Beatch was 12 years old when he passed, and had been battling cancer for three years up to that point. 

He was an avid bird watcher and had previously visited Victoria while sick in an effort to complete a ‘Big Year’ in birding by seeing 250 species of bird. 

Easton and his mother came out to Greater Victoria to complete this goal at the end of the year when he was stuck at 240 in December 2025. 

“We flew out to Victoria for the weekend to try and achieve his goal in between radiation treatments,” said Amanda Moppett-Beatch, Easton’s mother. 

“We reached out to the local Victoria bird watching group and were floored with the response. So many tips, so much support, local birders came out to help us and Easton achieved his goal quickly and ended up with 261 birds last year.”

She noted the family even had a book made to honor her son’s achievement, Easton’s Big Year of 2025.

After finding success in birding around Victoria, Easton was determined to return and bring along his father Jeff and sister Ellie. 

Amanda says her son wanted to show them his favourite spots to see birds, including Esquimalt Lagoon, Clover Point, Beacon Hill Park. 

Unfortunately, the family was unable to return after Easton’s health took a turn for the worse in March. 

“As he unfortunately passed away in our arms, Easton’s sister Ellie promised him she’d finish his ‘Big Year’ for him,” Amanda explained. 

Before he passed, Easton had set an ambitious goal of seeing 300 species of birds throughout 2026. At the time of his death, he had seen 136 bird species, and now his family is continuing his efforts as a way to honour his memory and love of birding. 

“Ellie said in her Eulogy speech ‘that’s a lot of birds to see,’ but we are all determined to continue to look for the birds, see Easton in the birds, and find joy and memories as we do so,” Amanda continued. 

“We are now at 147 birds.”

The family is going to be in Victoria until Tuesday, July 7th to bird watch around the capital region and hope that will get them nearer to their goal of 300 while also remembering their son and brother.