Ancient Forest Alliance photographer and campaign director TJ Watt stands beside the fallen remains of an ancient western redcedar approximately 9 feet (3 metres) wide, cut down by BC Timber Sales in the Nahmint Valley near Port Alberni in Hupačasath, Tseshaht, and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation territory. (2024)
The Ancient Forests Alliance (AFA) are concerned that legislation changes in BC could put endangered old-growth forests at risk.
The Province’s own logging agency, BC Timber Sales (BCTS), may see an increase in logging rates with the changes brought about by Bill 14, the Forest Statutes Amendment Act.
The changes would provide BCTS with a projected increase of at least 700,000 cubic metres in timber for the 2025-26 period. This would be equivalent to approximately 15,500 to 17,700 additional truckloads.
Bill 14 was introduced in March, but has not yet been passed.
The proposed legislation seeks to modernize the logging industry in BC and is aimed at increasing mill production and sustainability within the forestry sector.
It would give BCTS an expanded mandate, streamline salvage and fibre access for mills, change the contract authorization process and encourage future stewardship.
Despite the intentions of Bill 14, old-growth advocates say it falls short of expectations.
Both the AFA and the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance (EEA) are expressing concern that the changes could set the stage for logging in conservation reserves containing old-growth under the guise of wildfire risk reduction.
“Simply ramping up the rate of logging by BC Timber Sales without also taking proactive steps to ensure at-risk old-growth forests are protected is a recipe for disaster,” said TJ Watt, campaign director and photographer with the AFA.
“BCTS has a track record of logging some of the grandest and most endangered ancient forests, including those in places like the Nahmint Valley, where numerous cutblocks are still planned.”
The AFA is now calling on Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar to unequivocally state that protected areas and conservation reserves will not be targets of any commercial logging, through BCTS or otherwise.
The organization is also calling on the Province to commit to transitioning to second-growth logging as the standard, while concurrently providing official protections to at-risk old growth forests.
“Our organizations fully support a swift transition to sustainable, value-added, and modernized second-growth forestry, while protecting endangered old-growth,” Watt continued.
“BCTS has the best opportunity to lead that second-growth transition, but continuing to log forests with 500-1000 year old trees is in no way renewable or sustainable.”
The AFA says that roughly 1.3 million hectares of old-growth forests are currently unprotected in BC, even though they have been identified as such.
The old-growth advocates concede that Bill 14 would give the government clearer authority to apply stronger licence conditions where appropriate, but they want to see protections built into the proposed legislation.
West Coast Amusement is coming to Mayfair Shopping Centre from Thursday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 26th, bringing a weekend packed with thrills and family fun.
Located in the parking lot on Finlayson and Blanshard Street, the carnival is returning bigger and better, featuring new rides alongside all your old favourites.
From family-friendly rides like the Dragon Wagon and Circus Train, to adrenaline-pumping ones like the Zipper and Vertigo that’ll test your fear of heights—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When you’re not whizzing through the air or spinning around, you can try your hand at the carnival games or indulge in delicious treats from food vendors.
For those who want to skip the lines, grab your all-day ride passnow until 11 p.m. on the day before the event for $44.20 and enjoy unlimited fun all weekend.
Don’t miss out on the fun—see you at Mayfair Shopping Centre next weekend!
Destroyed playground at Stadacona Park (Victoria Buzz)
A group of local community members have launched an online fundraiser to see that the Stadacona Park playground is rebuilt in time for summer.
The playground was destroyed in a fire that is believed to have been human-caused on Tuesday, March 31st, at around 1:15 a.m.
Since that time VicPD have arrested one individual suspected of alleged arson.
Because the playground meant so much to the Fernwood and Jubilee communities surrounding it, a GoFundMe page was created to raise $100,000 that will be put towards a replacement playground.
“We’re part of the local community that has seen first-hand the positive impact Stadacona Park playground has had for families in Victoria,” said Mark Wyatt, organizer of the fundraiser.
“It’s been a space where kids play, families gather and neighbours connect.”
In the aftermath of the blaze, the City of Victoria reported being in very early talks with insurance providers; however, the playground structure was not insured by the City.
The playground cost approximately $600,000 to build back in 2023.
City spokesperson Colleen Mycroft says that staff are looking for other ways to help pay for the playground replacement via the Capital Contingency Reserve Budget, which has approximately $350,000 in it.
If used to replace the playground, the endeavour would likely deplete the whole fund.
Mycroft says that, similar to how a fundraiser was started for Victoria’s hanging basket program, this new community fundraiser for the playground could help a great deal.
“We would obviously put this money towards a new play structure and have it reinstalled as quickly as possible,” Mycroft told Victoria Buzz.
“Every dollar helps, and we’re really thankful to residents that have stepped up and want to contribute to their community.”
Mycroft also confirmed that the City is hoping to get the playground rebuilt within a couple of months, depending on a few factors that are still up in the air.
As of this publication, the GoFundMe has raised just under $10,000 of the $100,000 goal.
Vancouver Island residents have dodged the first wave of sweeping changes to mail delivery, as Canada Post moves ahead with a major overhaul that will phase out door-to-door service in parts of the country.
The Crown corporation recently confirmed it is beginning a multi-year transformation aimed at modernizing operations and keeping the postal service financially sustainable.
While the changes will impact tens of thousands of addresses across BC and beyond, Vancouver Island was not included in this initial round.
Instead, early conversions will focus on areas around Metro Vancouver, including communities like Abbotsford, Mission and the North Shore.
Canada Post says it plans to convert millions of remaining door-to-door addresses to community mailboxes over the next five years.
The first phase alone will affect approximately 136,000 addresses nationwide, including about 40,000 in BC.
As of right now, nearly three out of four Canadian addresses already receive mail through centralized delivery, such as community mailboxes.
The move, while significant, isn’t happening overnight. Converting neighbourhoods takes months and the rollout will happen gradually across the country.
The changes come as Canada Post faces mounting financial pressure and declining use of traditional mail services.
The corporation says the transformation is aimed at modernizing both delivery and retail operations, while better aligning with how Canadians use postal services today.
It also hopes the shift will reduce long-term costs and prevent the system from becoming a burden on taxpayers.
At the same time, retail traffic has dropped significantly in recent years, with in-person visits and purchases down roughly 30% since 2021, prompting a parallel push to modernize post office locations.
While BC is seeing a notable number of early conversions, the first wave stretches across multiple provinces, including, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.
Cities like Ottawa, Winnipeg and Moncton are all part of the initial rollout.
Canada Post acknowledged that dense urban cores and certain regions pose additional challenges, meaning areas like Victoria and muuch of Vancouver Island are likely to be addressed in later phases of the program.
This latest announcement follows a turbulent period for Canada Post, including labour disruptions last year, as the organization looks to redefine its role in a rapidly changing delivery landscape.
Residents who want more details on how the changes could impact their neighbourhood can find updates directly through Canada Post as the rollout continues.
Do you agree with Canada Post ending door-to-door delivery? Let us know in the comment section below.
Karen Harper is running for mayor (karenforsaanich.ca)
District of Saanich councillor Karen Harper has announced her candidacy for the position of mayor in the upcoming municipal election this fall.
Harper announced her candidacy on April 14th, and has since launched a website to communicate with Saanich residents what she would prioritize as mayor.
“After nine years on Saanich Council, I offer my experience not only as a councillor, but as a former senior vice president and CIO of a crown corporation, to help lead Saanich through what are likely to be rather challenging times,” Harper said in a media release.
“Over the next few months I will meet with residents and local businesses in every corner of Saanich, to hear your ideas on how, together, we can build a Saanich that works for everyone.”
She says that her priorities would be to help make Saanich more affordable, sustainable and a place where opportunities can arise for residents.
Harper was born in Malden, Massachusetts, but moved to Saanich in 1967. She moved away for a time as an adult for school and work, returning in 2000.
Her education includes a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate at Simon Fraser University, and a Masters of Education from UVic.
Following post-secondary, Harper worked as a teacher and librarian for 17 years and worked for the BC Pension Corporation from 2000 to 2010 as their former chief information officer. She was also a union worker with the BC Teachers’ Federation, serving as administrative staff for 14 years.
She was first elected to the Saanich council in 2017 and has served on many District committees since.
According to Harper, when she isn’t serving as councillor, she is happiest when she is riding her bicycle, sewing, knitting and reading.
Thus far, no one else has announced their bid for the soon-to-be vacant position of mayor of Saanich.
Mayor Dean Murdock announced he would not be running for mayor again in February.
Saanich councillors Natalie Chambers, Judy Brownoff, Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Susan Brice and Colin Plant have all indicated they will very likely be running for council again.
Councillors Zac de Vries and Mena Westhaver did not indicate whether they plan to run when asked by Victoria Buzz earlier this year.
Across BC, all local elections will take place on October 17th.
What better way to celebrate Spring than with the famous Buccaneer Days in Esquimalt?
All year residents look forward to games, rides, popcorn and more fried food than you can shake a peg-leg at.
Thankfully, the wait is nearly over!
The beloved fair will run from Thursday, May 8th to Sunday, May 11th at the Archie Browning Sports Centre.
The festivities will feature a flurry of family-friendly activities, including a Mother’s Day brunch, family music bingo and a skydiving demonstration.
Little Bucc’s Olympics and the carnival are also favourites among fair-goers.
The event has deep roots in the community, dating all the way back to 1939 when the festival started as a May Queen celebration, which featured celebrations of fertility, planting and flowers.
The fair re-invented itself in 1966 and became the Buccaneer Days that we all know and love.
Now, the celebration kick-off has become a tradition, with the call of “Wakey, Wakey!” echoing through the streets of Esquimalt from a speaker on a roving firetruck, alerting residents that the festivities are about to begin.
When the message is delivered to every house in the area, the township transforms into a sea of pirate attire and calls of “shiver me timbers,” with everyone vying for the coveted prize of best costume.
Put on your eye-patch and your best set of trousers and head down to Esquimalt to enjoy the Festivities.
Tickets have not yet been put on sale, however some lucky few have been able to pick up advanced tickets, which were sold at community events like the Esquimalt 5K and the Lions Easter Extravaganza.
To stay up to date and find out where you can get tickets, visit the Buccaneer Days websitehere.
Just days after the toxic drug crisis in BC reached its 10th anniversary, the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has reported another 115 British Columbians died of toxic drug use in February.
This brings the total number of deaths since the public health crisis was declared in April 2016 up to 18,289.
This February, 38 of the 115 who died of toxic drugs were on Vancouver Island, and 11 of those 38 died within the Greater Victoria region.
According to the BCCS, deaths among those aged 30 to 59 accounted for 69% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 78% of those deceased were male.
The latest data shows that thus far in 2026, 81% of drug deaths have occurred inside in places like private residences, social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters and other locations. This figure has surged since drug decriminalization was repealed by the BC government in early 2026.
Meanwhile, just 18% were found to have occurred outside in places such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.
For the first time in a long while, stimulants, rather than fentanyl, were found to be the most common substances detected in the February drug deaths.
Examples of stimulants may be cocaine and its analogues or methamphetamine.
BCCS reported that 83% of decedents who underwent expedited testing were found to have stimulants in their systems, 80% had fentanyl or its analogues and 36% had taken benzodiazepines.
Data also shows that smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption at 71% followed by nasal insufflation and injection, both at 9%.
BCCS notes that this data is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.
Earlier this week, BC Minister of Health Josie Osborne made a statement sympathizing with those impacted by this far-reaching crisis.
“This crisis is impacting our entire province, as well as Canada and North America, and has been filled with heartbreak, fear and grief for families, friends and colleagues,” said Osborne.
“Each person lost was once a child, someone with a story and a future, a life cut short and a loss that families and communities will carry forever.”
She says the government’s main priorities after repealing the decriminalization pilot are to work on reducing stigma and increasing access to recovery beds throughout the province.
If you spot white smoke drifting through parts of downtown Victoria today, there’s no need to be alarmed.
The City of Victoria is conducting routine smoke testing of the storm drain system on Thursday, April 16th, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., in the area surrounding Johnson Street and Pandora Avenue between Douglas Street and Store Street.
As part of the testing, residents and businesses in the impacted area may see white smoke coming from maintenance holes, catch basins, roof vents or gutters.
City officials say the smoke used during testing is white in colour, odourless, and non-toxic.
The process is used to help identify leaks, breaks, or improper connections within the stormwater system, allowing crews to pinpoint issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.
However, the City is reminding the public to remain aware of the difference between testing smoke and a potential fire.
While testing smoke appears white and does not have a smell, fire-related smoke is typically dark grey or black and often carries a strong odour, such as burning wood, plastic or rubber.
If you notice smoke that appears dark or has an unusual smell, you’re advised to treat it as a possible fire and call 911.
The testing is expected to wrap up later this afternoon.
The Victoria Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has launched a new program to help those in need complete critical repairs on homes that have fallen into disrepair.
This Critical Repairs program is a new extension of the charitable organization’s main mission, which is to provide families with access to buying a home in Victoria.
Though the Critical Repairs program represents a new phase of growth for Habitat Victoria, the program is not a new idea, as the local chapter got its start in the early 90s doing repairs on derelict homes.
The program has been proven over the past six months, as Habitat Victoria has been assisting those with limited financial means to extend the life of their existing homes.
“Like many organizations, we’ve been asking how we can do more with less,” said Carmen Rempel, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
“How can we support more families and create safe, decent places to live in a challenging building environment? Critical Repairs is a powerful part of that answer.”
This program is made possible through targeted investments, it is supported by volunteers who are ready and able to work and hinges on good-faith partnerships with local trades.
Through donated building materials and volunteer power, this program is helping to ease the burden of repair costs on many in the region. As this is just the start of this program, it is expected to help many more through the years.
“We’ve already seen families move from feeling unsafe or discouraged in their homes to feeling secure and proud again,” said Rempel.
“That transformation is immediate and meaningful. Come join us as we work to ensure more local families can remain safely in the homes they love.”
VicPD have released surveillance images of a suspect believed to be involved in two armed robberies at gas stations earlier this month.
According to police, the incidents occurred on April 6th at two separate locations in the city.
Police say officers were first called to a gas station in the 3000-block of Shelbourne Street at around 9:15 p.m., after a man allegedly pointed a gun at a staff member and demanded money.
Roughly 25 minutes later, a second robbery was reported at a gas station in the 1900-block of Oak Bay Avenue.
No physical injuries were reported in either incident, though staff were left shaken.
Police believe the same suspect is responsible for both robberies, citing similarities in timing and description. Police now say a vehicle may have been used.
The suspect is described as a man around 40-years-old with a heavy build.
At the time of the incidents, he was wearing a white baseball cap, a blue sweater with a red Reebok logo, grey pants, and blue latex gloves.
VicPD’s Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual.
Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
(Coulson Aviation - Next Gen Firefighting / Facebook)
A documentary focusing on two aviation legends is set to have its world premiere in Port Alberni next Friday at the Savoy Theatre.
Fire Guardians: Final Flight was filmed over two years, following the Hawaii Martin Mars and Philippine Martin Mars—two iconic water bombers that have been saving lives for 80 years—as they are brought back to life by a team of pilots, engineers and mechanics for one final flight.
After sitting dormant on Sproat Lake in Port Alberni for years, the aircraft had to complete their final journey to new homes.
For the Hawaii Mars, that journey was a short flight to the BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich. For the Philippine Mars, the destination was much farther—the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
At a time when wildfire seasons are becoming increasingly severe around the world, the documentary arrives at a pivotal moment—highlighting resilience and hope through these legendary aircraft.
In their prime, the Hawaii Mars battled over 4,000 fires, while together the two aircraft conducted more than 8,000 water drops on wildfires.
The premiere takes place at the Savoy Theatre on Friday, April 24th at 7 p.m., with additional screenings on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Don’t miss this high-stakes journey featuring engine failures, oil leaks and unpredictable weather—tickets for the premiere are available here.
From graduating students’ art exhibitions to a one-time screening of a DIY cyberpunk indie film, this Thursday is packed with things to do around the city.
Whether you’re looking to warm up with some dancing or meet new people over mocktails, get out there and do something new!
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Thursday, April 16th:
The 2026 University of Victoria Visual Arts graduating class will be hosting an opening reception for their grand final exhibition, Say When, this Thursday.
Stop in to see the work of 33 talented artists, showcasing a variety of material and conceptual approaches to contemporary art.
The exhibit is free to enter and open to the public.
Go support local artists and this year’s graduating class!
Where: University of Victoria Visual Arts Building, 3800 Ring Road
Lucky bar will be hosting Vancouver band Chase the Bear and Saskatchewan’s The Steadies for a gig that is bound to be groovy.
The show is advertised as a place where alternative rock and island rock collide. There’s a sound for everyone and something new with each set to keep you on your toes.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here, or for $25 at the door.
Head to Cinecenta for a one-time screening of In the Glow of Darkness, courtesy of local distribution company Destroyed Cinema.
Intersecting stories unfold in the cyberpunk city of San Zokyo, where a young hacker takes on the corporation behind Meme, a drug that mines user’s psyches to deliver personalized psychedelic trips and hyper-targeted ads.
The film’s director, Tucker Bennett, will be in attendance for a Q&A following the screening. Bennett has recently been getting attention for his films at festivals around North America.
This showing and another one at The Rio Theatre in Vancouver on the 19th will be the only opportunities to see the film, as it will not be going to streaming services or getting a wider release in BC.
Tickets are $8 for students or $11 for the general public and can be purchased at the door.
A ground breaking ceremony was held today for a new purpose-built rental building in the heart of Victoria’s downtown core.
The six-storey, 43-unit building will be called the Alma, and is to be located at 837 Broughton Street, between Blanshard and Quadra Streets.
The developer, Fort Properties Ltd., says the project’s aim is to replace a surface-level parking lot with rental homes for Victorians to live in.
“The Alma is a labour of love and a commitment to creating a building for people who want to be part of this neighbourhood,” said Suzanne Bradbury, co-owner, Fort Properties.
“The Fort Common neighbourhood is an urban threshold between a residential community and downtown Victoria, and we look forward to adding key housing to this beautiful area of our city.”
According to Bradbury, the property has been in her family since 1957, and the building that will occupy the space is named for her and her sister’s paternal grandmother, Alma.
This new building will offer 42 one bedroom rental units, as well as one ground-level live/workspace.
“Purpose-built rental housing has become increasingly critical in Victoria’s housing market,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“Projects like The Alma—privately developed, centrally located, and designed for long-term rental tenure—play a key role in stabilizing supply and giving residents a genuine alternative to the ownership market.”
The Alma is expected to welcome its first residents sometime in 2028.
Two local Victoria film enthusiasts are hosting their second major screening event of a unique independent film called In the Glow of Darkness.
The duo behind this endeavour are Nicholas Workman and JP Meldrum, who just last year launched a new distribution company of small, DIY, independent films called Destroyed Distribution.
This new venture is an offshoot of their previous successful events held under the banner of Destroyed Cinema + Music, in which they hold screenings of indie films paired with live music.
“JP and I started this when we noticed that DIY cinema was not getting the same attention as DIY art was, or DIY music, or DIY writing,” Workman told Victoria Buzz.
They often operate out of smaller, DIY spaces such as Little Fernwood or Oaklands Community Centre, but every so often, a film grabs their attention and they put on a larger screening for that film.
The first of these screenings was a Canadian film called The Pee Pee Poo Poo Man, which had showings at Victoria’s Roxy Theatre and the Rio Theatre in Vancouver.
This week, Destroyed Cinema is holding another dual screening in Victoria and Vancouver for a film called In the Glow of Darkness.
This indie film follows several characters with intersecting stories, set in the fictional cyberpunk city of San Zokyo. There, a young hacker takes on the corporation behind “Meme,” a cyber-drug that mines users’ psyches to deliver personalized psychedelic trips and hyper-targeted ads.
“This is the fifth feature film from Tucker Bennett, who is a California-based filmmaker who has been operating in DIY and independent film spaces for a long time,” explained Workman.
“This film is kind of his take on a cyberpunk movie like Bladerunner or Battle Angel Alita, but it’s looking at the wackiness and the blandness of what the future actually would look like.”
Meldrum and Workman say that Bennett has recently been getting a lot of attention with his films at festivals in North America, and so they thought now would be the perfect time to show the film here in BC.
They added that this screening of the sci-fi, absurdist comedy will be the only opportunity to see the film, as it will not be going to streaming services or getting a wider release in BC.
An added bonus for those who go, is that Bennett will be in attendance for both screenings for a Q&A opportunity with the audience.
In the Glow of Darkness will be screening at Cinecenta on Thursday, April 16th, at 6:30 p.m., whereas the Vancouver screening will be at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, April 19th, at 6:30 p.m.
There are still tickets available for both screenings of the film.
A Vancouver Island-raised businessman has expanded his footprint in the region with the purchase of one of the Cowichan Valley’s most well-known golf courses.
Andrew Golin, co-founder and majority owner of Golin Cinemas, has acquired Arbutus Ridge Golf Course in Cobble Hill.
The 18-hole championship course was previously owned by Yi Jing Golf Club Inc., led by billionaire businesswoman Ruby Liu, owner of Mayfair Shopping Centre, who purchased the property in 2019.
Golin, who splits his time between Vancouver Island and Las Vegas, said the acquisition reflects his continued investment on Vancouver Island.
“I’m happy to make a further investment on Vancouver Island with the purchase of Arbutus Ridge,” he said. “This course has some of the most spectacular scenery around and is a fantastic spot to play a round.”
The purchase marks Golin’s entry into BC’s golf industry, adding to his growing list of business ventures across the Island.
His company, Golin Cinemas, operates several theatres locally, including The Capital 6 and Roxy in Victoria, Duncan Cinemas and the recently acquired Campbell River Cinemas.
Set on a 225-acre property about 40 minutes north of downtown Victoria, Arbutus Ridge Golf Course first opened in May 1988 as part of the Arbutus Ridge Active Adult Retirement Community.
The course was designed by Bill Robinson of the golf course design firm Cornish & Robinson and features coastal scenery, with nine holes running through Cobble Hill and the remainder climbing to higher ground overlooking the Satellite Channel, Salt Spring Island and Mount Baker.
The year-round course also features a full clubhouse with dining and ocean views, three indoor tennis courts and a junior golf academy.
It is surrounded by several Cowichan Valley wineries and has previously been ranked among the top golf courses in Canada for value.
No changes to operations or future plans for the course have been announced.
A familiar name in BC’s food scene is going back to where it all began!
Tacofino has announced it will open a new brick-and-mortar location in Tofino later this spring at 450 Campbell Street, right at the town’s first four-way stop.
While an exact opening date has not been shared, the new space will mark Tacofino’s 12th permanent location across the province.
The move is a full-circle moment for the brand, which started as a food truck in Tofino back in 2009.
That original truck, located just off the Pacific Rim Highway, is staying put and will continue to serve customers. It has become a go-to stop for both locals and visitors over the years.
The company says the new location is being added to help keep up with demand.
The Campbell Street restaurant will feature the largest kitchen in the Tacofino lineup. With more space, the team will be able to improve flow and consistency, while also creating room to try new menu items.
According to a media release, fans can still expect the classics, including the popular fish taco, along with burritos and other West Coast-inspired dishes. The added kitchen space will also allow for new options, including nachos and more vegan and vegetarian choices.
Tacofino has grown well beyond its Tofino roots, with locations now spread across BC, including spots in Victoria and Langford.
Still, the company says this expansion is about strengthening its connection to the community that helped build it.
With another location opening in town, Tacofino is looking to better serve the steady stream of customers in one of Vancouver Island’s busiest destinations while staying true to its laid-back coastal roots.
Rendering of 12-storey building located at 611 Speed Street (Colliers)
In this week’s committee of the whole meeting, Victoria’s city council will consider a grant application to aid in the purchase of a nearly completed apartment building that would see it operate under a cooperative housing model.
Midtown Affordable Housing Society (MAHS) are requesting $677,500 to help them purchase the new 179-unit apartment building located at 611 Speed Avenue. If approved, the funds would be taken from the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund (VHRF).
The purpose of the VHRF is to provide one-time grants that help the development and retention of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.
MAHS conditionally purchased the building in October of last year and hopes to establish a 60-year lease with Tresah West Housing Co-operative, a nonprofit cooperative that will operate the housing.
The organization says that the $677,500 they applied for would help reduce financial pressures and enhance the affordability of the project.
City staff are recommending council approve the application for the capital funds as the project aligns with Victoria’s housing priorities by increasing the supply of below-market, affordable homes.
According to the City, this application represents the first cooperative housing application to the VHRF.
Co-op housing is widely recognized for its model that helps facilitate the fostering of community, with residents all pitching in to organize events, support day-to-day maintenance and encourage active involvement in decision-making.
Residents pay monthly charges that function like paying rent and can purchase refundable membership shares.
The building, which is located near Mayfair Shopping Centre, is expected to be completed soon, with occupancy expected sometime this spring.
Victoria’s city council will discuss the merits of this co-op project during this week’s committee of the whole meeting on Thursday, April 16th.
Paper Street Theatre Improv Festival returns for its sixth year at the Intrepid Theatre next week.
Produced by the award-winning Paper Street Theatre, the festival features special guest directors Caity Curtis and Stephen Sim from Winnipeg’s The Improv Theatre and artistic director Dave Morris from Paper Street Theatre.
Each night, from Tuesday, April 21st to Saturday, April 25th, audience members can expect performances by a powerhouse ensemble of improvisers from across North America, directed by guest artists and bringing an exciting mix of creativity and live storytelling.
“What makes this festival unique is that we’re focused on the theatrical, the dramatic side of improvisation,” explains festival director Dave Morris.
“The directors we bring in, like Stephen Sim, coach our ensemble to explore the beautiful over the comedic, letting audiences experience stories that highlight the joy of improvisation.”
There will also be late night mash-up shows and public workshops with guest directors.
Paper Street Theatre is an award-winning company that has toured across Canada and Europe, delivering theatre-like improvisation that tackles genres and styles from Jane Austen to Quentin Tarantino.
Don’t miss out on this week of unforgettable improv and live performances. Tickets start at $25—secure your tickets and learn more about the schedule here.
The Salvation Army Victoria Adult Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) has added 13 new emergency shelter beds to their current stock through a partnership with the City of Victoria.
The new beds are being funded by a two-year partnership running until March 31st, 2028.
According to the organization, the new beds will be overseen by the recently launched Short-Term Engagement Program (STEP). This program is a recovery-oriented model aimed at providing unhoused Victorians immediate and safe shelter while connecting them to longer-term housing solutions.
STEP participants will have access to support staff who will aid them with accessing long-term housing, pursuing recovery options and connecting with specialized services to help break the cycle of homelessness.
“This expansion means 13 more people in our city won’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep tonight or where their next meal will come from—they’ll be welcomed into a dignified space with the support they need to move forward. A sober-living environment makes all the difference,” said Jonathan Hopkins, executive director, Victoria ARC, The Salvation Army.
“Getting sober is literally a life-or-death struggle, and our commitment is to make the ARC a refuge—a place where people can remove themselves from constant triggers and be surrounded by a community working toward the same goals.”
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto echoed Hopkins’ sentiment, stating that the emergency shelter bed expansion was much needed and supports building sustainable new paths forward for unhoused Victorians.
“This initiative, focusing on safety, stability and pathways to housing, aligns with the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, and is funded by Council’s initial $10.35 million investment in the plan,” said Alto.
With these new beds, Salvation Army ARC’s total emergency shelter capacity has been increased from 53 to 66 beds.
The Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub, organizers of i-Land Fest in Victoria, is raising concerns after becoming the target of a recent vendor scam.
The scam has also impacted other festivals, with organizers urging the community to stay vigilant.
In recent weeks, unknown individuals created a fake i-Land Festival Facebook page, then used paid advertisements to direct vendors to a fraudulent application form.
Businesses believed they were registering for i-Land Festival, but ended up giving their information and payments to the scammers.
“We’re seeing a troubling pattern where scammers are targeting cultural events and small businesses,” said Kara Randall, co-founder of the Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub.
“Vendors trust these platforms, and unfortunately, that trust is being exploited.”
At least one payment of $400 was made to the scammers from a local business, while another one stopped their payment in time.
In response to this, the Caribbean Hub has offered a complimentary space at this year’s festival to the business affected.
In an effort to address the issue, the organization has secured verification status for their official Facebook page to prevent impersonation. The fraudulent form and account have also been reported to the platform, and festival officials have requested the form’s removal.
The Caribbean Hub wants to raise awareness about the incident, noting that this type of scam may be affecting multiple local festivals.
They urge the public to make sure they are avoiding transactions through unofficial links and contacting organizations directly if unsure about anything.
“This isn’t just about our festival,” Randall said. “It’s about protecting our community and making sure people have the information they need to avoid being taken advantage of.”
The Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub hopes that increased awareness will help prevent further incidents. They are encouraging anyone who thinks they may have been affected to come forward.
For those interested in attending the festival, it will be taking place in multiple locations from July 1st to 5th. For more information visit the i-Land Festival website here.
Skip those mid-week blues with some fun events this Wednesday!
From cocktail-themed trivia to learning a new skill to helping your community remove invasive species, there are plenty of events you’ll want to check out.
Whether you want to challenge yourself or take it easy with a good movie or some exciting Jazz music, there’s lots to do this Hump Day!
Here are 5 things happening in and around Victoria this Wednesday, April 15th:
Want to hang shelves, art, mirrors or fixtures — without guessing, stressing or calling someone else to do it?
This hands on, beginner-friendly workshop introduces the power drill and drywall anchors in a supportive, pressure-free environment. It’s designed for folks who want to build real, practical skills and feel confident using basic power tools.
The Know-How Sessions is a MakeSpace workshop series for women and gender queer folks, focused on building confidence with tools and practical making skills.
Make sure to bring comfortable clothes that you can move in and safety glasses if you have them (there will be extras).
For more information and to buy tickets, head to the MakeSpace website here.
John Moulder, who records with some of the world’s most accomplished Jazz musicians, will be playing with a few of Canada’s leading players, Ryan Oliver (saxes), Nick Peck (piano/keys), Ken Lister (bass) and John Miller (drums).
Moulder has performed nationally and internationally, with artists both known and unknown. He is excited to bring his talents to Vancouver Island.
The Township of Esquimalt Parks & Recreation staff will be coordinating an Earth Day Celebration, working with local schools and community members to help raise awareness about keeping our local parks and urban forests safe and healthy.
Activities include invasive species removal, planting, trail building, stewardship awareness and exhibitors.
Celebrate National Canadian Film Day with a free screening of the masterpiece Away From Her at the Vic Theatre.
Sarah Polley’s poignant directorial debut explores the heartbreaking beauty of enduring love as a couple (Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent) face the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
The theatre will offer a second free showing of Les Furies (a favourite at this year’s Victoria Film Festival) following the first film.
Tuesday, April 14th marks 10 years since BC declared a toxic-drug public-health emergency, first declared by then-provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall—and yet, the crisis continues today.
In a joint statement, BC’s Minister of Health Josie Osborne and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry acknowledged a decade of heartbreak, grief and death as over 18,000 people have died from drug overdoses since April 2016.
The BC Green Party also marked the anniversary, calling for renewed action to address what they describe as an ongoing and preventable crisis.
Osborne stated that while deaths from toxic drugs have declined from 2,315 in 2024 to 1,826 in 2025, and an estimated 49,560 deaths were prevented through harm reduction interventions, that “even one death is one too many.”
Over the last 10 years, the province has introduced overdose prevention sites, take-home naloxone, drug checking, opioid agonist treatment, prescribed alternatives, supportive housing and more, yet despite those efforts, there is an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.
“Over the years, the increasingly toxic and unpredictable street-drug supply has turned an already serious situation into something far more dangerous, putting people at extreme and increased risk,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry.
In a statement, BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote said the province must take a more evidence-based approach moving forward.
“The government declared this an emergency—it’s time they acted like it,” said Valeriote. “More than 18,000 people have died due to the toxic drug supply in the past decade. These numbers represent far more than statistics—each death is a brother, a sister, a parent, a friend and neighbour.”
“The emergency has been exacerbated by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, gaps in the health-care system, housing instability and homelessness, poverty, the impacts of colonialism and racism, criminalization and stigma, as well as other determinants of health.”
Men, Indigenous people and trades people account for a disproportionate number of overdoses and deaths in BC—a pattern that has remained consistent throughout the crisis.
However, many of those dying are not struggling with addiction at all. Recreational users and those unknowingly exposed are losing their lives because the supply is so contaminated that even a single encounter can be fatal.
The Greens also raised concerns about recent policy changes, including the rollback of decriminalization and a shift toward involuntary treatment, while noting that voluntary treatment options remain limited.
The statement affirms that harm reduction services are saving lives and that continued investment in them is essential—with both Osborne and Dr. Henry calling for new innovative approaches that meet people where they are.
“The Province needs to be guided by evidence—not policy-by-polling,” Valeriote added. “We need to expand harm reduction measures that save lives from the unregulated drug supply.”
“Now more than ever, it is essential that we continue to enable access to these services. At the same time, recovery looks different for everybody and there is no single approach that will end this crisis,” said Henry.
The BC Greens said they will continue to push for expanded voluntary, community-based treatment, regulated alternatives and consistent standards of care across the province.
As BC marks this sobering milestone, the province remains committed to expanding what is working—but with lives being lost every day, the work is far from over.
If you haven’t tried a Montreal smoked meat sandwich yet, you’re in for a treat!
And while there aren’t a lot of spots in Victoria to grab the specialty, CNN recently released a list of the top 25 sandwiches in the world, and we’ve got some Canadian representation!
In honour of that list, we wanted to highlight some local restaurants that pay homage to the legendary Montreal smoked meat sandwich.
The sandwich is a phenomenon in Eastern Canada, with restaurants like Schwartz’s Deli and Lester’s Deli gaining worldwide recognition for their takes on it.
We’ve asked you for suggestions for where we can get our own West Coast version of this Québécois classic, and you didn’t disappoint.
Here are the best spots to get a Montreal smoked meat sandwich in and around Victoria, plus a couple of honourable mentions from the community:
Broughton Street Deli does one of the most faithful versions of this sandwich in town. The eatery is a traditional East Coast style deli, complete with that red brick aesthetic typical of Montreal and a food-court-style ordering counter.
The Montreal smoked meat sandwich is their claim to fame, served on rye bread with mustard and some coleslaw and potato chips on the side.
If you’re looking for the real deal, Broughton Street Deli is the place to be.
Known mostly for their breakfast, The Village restaurants have quickly become one of the hippest spots in town for brunch.
Their sandwich menu is under-appreciated, though. The Village Beef Dip features Montreal smoked meat, horseradish aioli, arugula, crispy fried onions, melted swiss cheese and an au jus that is to die for.
A little different from the traditional sandwich, but incredibly delicious nonetheless.
Pagliacci’s is one of Victoria’s most storied establishments and has been a pillar of the community for decades, opening their doors all the way back in 1979.
Locals know them mostly for their pasta dishes, but the restaurant has been reinventing itself lately and now features a lunch menu with a delicious “Victoria smoked meat” sandwich.
Served with mustard, swiss cheese and a pickle, the twist in this one is that it comes on a pretzel bun.
Try heading down on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for some live jazz!
Dagwood’s Cafe is beloved in Langford and the Westshore. They’ve made a name for themselves as a cozy cafe with tons of baked goods and homemade delights.
One of the longest-standing items on their menu is the Montreal smoked meat sandwich, which had some community members raving.
La Belle Patate is authentic Montreal through and through.
They’ve reduced their menu to focus primarily on poutine and not as much on sandwiches, however they still feature a Montreal smoked meat poutine that will have you nostalgic for “La Métropole.”
Why not mix two traditional Montreal dishes into one?
From fresh local produce and handmade goods to live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun, there’s nothing quite like spending a sunny day wandering through one of Greater Victoria’s many markets.
Whether you’re looking to shop local, grab a bite or simply soak up the atmosphere, this list has a market for you.
Here are 9 spring and summer markets returning across Greater Victoria:
Esquimalt Farmers Market’s 12th season is in full swing!
Peruse an amazing selection of local businesses, pick up a delicious dinner from one of their hot food vendors and enjoy nightly musical performances while the kids run wild in the onsite playground.
In addition to food, they have a fantastic selection of artisans and crafters, offering everything from soap to hand-printed tea towels, clothing, jewelry and more.
Where: Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Road
When: Every Thursday from April 2nd to September 4th – 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music while you shop, grab street food from one of the many hot food vendors, and stroll through one of Victoria’s favourite markets.
At the Moss Street Market, you’ll find fresh produce from over 30 local and organic farmers, along with goods from more than 100 vendors, including crafters, artisans, bakers, distillers and more.
The market runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May through October.
Where: Moss Street Market, 1330 Fairfield Road
When: Every Saturday from May to October – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Head down to the James Bay Market at the corner of Superior and Menzies for one of Victoria’s favourite local shopping experiences.
Just steps from the iconic BC Parliament Buildings, this vibrant market features vendors from across Vancouver Island offering handcrafted jewellery, knitting, body care products and locally sourced food and beverages.
Where: Corner of Superior and Menzies
When: Every Saturday from May 2nd to October 3rd – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Sooke Night Market is a lively outdoor market held weekly on Thursdays from June to August, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sooke Region Museum grounds.
Browse a wide variety of locally made goods, from handmade crafts and baked treats to fresh, locally grown and harvested products—all from Vancouver Island vendors.
The market follows a “make, bake or grow” philosophy, meaning all items are created, grown or harvested by the vendors themselves, with a focus on local, small-scale producers over mass-produced goods.
Where: Sooke Region Museum, 2070 Phillips Rd
When: Every Thursday from June to August – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the Peninsula Country Market every Saturday for a vibrant local shopping experience filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods and more.
Browse a wide variety of vendors, grab a bite to eat or a hot coffee and enjoy live music starting at 10 a.m. Families can also check out the Peninsula Co-op Kid Zone, featuring interactive activities each week.
The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering plenty of time to explore, shop and connect with the community.
Now in its 18th season, this market offers a welcoming space to shop locally grown, raised, baked and handmade products from community vendors.
As a proud member of the BC Farmers’ Market Association, you can expect high-quality goods made, baked or grown by the vendors themselves—supporting local small businesses and strengthening the community.
Where: North Saanich Farm Market, 10990 W Saanich Road
When: Every Saturday from June 6th to October 10th – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy live music, family activities, tasting events and nearly 100 vendors at the Oak Bay Night Market.
Held on select Wednesdays throughout the summer, Oak Bay Village transforms into a European-style market from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 10th, July 8th, August 12th and September 9th, rain or shine.
Browse a wide variety of vendors offering in-season produce from southern Vancouver Island, along with baked goods, preserves, street food and locally made crafts.
Sip and sample from local beer, wine, cider and spirits vendors, explore food trucks and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities—including games and a photo booth on the lawn of the Oak Bay Municipal Hall.
Where: Oak Bay Avenue
When: June 10th, July 8th, August 12th and September 9th – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
According to RCMP, a four-year investigation into a nationwide drug trafficking network has led to multiple charges against 29-year-old Isaac Oliveira Scott.
Federal investigators travelled to Germany to escort Scott back to Canada after he was arrested there in February.
Police say he had been the subject of a Canada-wide warrant and an Interpol Red Notice.
The investigation began in December 2022, when authorities uncovered a group allegedly using cryptocurrency, the dark web and Canada Post to distribute illegal drugs and counterfeit fentanyl pills across the country.
In February 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at a Lower Mainland residence, seizing fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, stolen firearms, ammunition, fraudulent identification documents and cash.
Scott was arrested at the time but later released as the investigation continued.
Police believe he left Canada in May 2025, before charges were officially laid.
In October 2025, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved 11 charges against Scott, including five counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking and five firearms-related offences.
“This investigation was remarkably complex,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. James Bennett.
“The suspect went to great lengths to shield identities by hiding behind the dark web. It was a sophisticated enterprise that shipped all manner of illicit drugs across the country.”
A second man charged in the same investigation, 28-year-old Treshaun Thompson of Victoria, remains missing.
Last year, VicPD issued multiple pleas to the public to help locate Thompson who disappeared.
Thompson was last seen on September 9th, 2025, in the Rockland neighbourhood, and his disappearance is still under investigation by the Victoria Police Department.
Police say there is currently no confirmed link between the drug investigation and Thompson’s disappearance.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about Thompson’s whereabouts to contact VicPD’s report desk at (250) 995-7654 and reference file number 2025-37262.
Drivers across Canada could soon see some relief at the pump, as the federal government moves to temporarily eliminate its gas tax amid rising fuel costs.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday that the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel will be suspended from April 20th through September 7th, a move expected to lower prices by 10 cents per litre for gas and four cents per litre for diesel.
The decision comes as fuel prices have climbed sharply in recent weeks, with many stations around Greater Victoria still sitting at around 209.9 cents per litre despite minor fluctuations.
“We all know that because of the war with Iran, fuel prices have increased sharply around the world, including right here in Canada,” Carney said.
“So we’re taking more action to help build that bridge over short-term pressure.”
LIVE: Cutting fuel costs in Canada • EN DIRECT : Réduire les coûts de carburant au Canada https://t.co/4tgH71OyJy
The federal excise tax, in place since 1995 for gasoline and 1987 for diesel, is a flat-rate tax applied to fuel sold for domestic use. Its temporary removal is expected to provide modest but immediate savings for Canadians.
According to federal estimates, a typical sedan owner could save about $4.90 per tank in excise tax, or roughly $5.63 when sales taxes are factored in.
The government confirmed it will suspend the excise tax on aviation fuel as well, following recent fuel surcharges introduced by major airlines.
A federal governement media release noted the move is intended to ease pressure not only for drivers but also for industries reliant on fuel, including transportation, agriculture and construction.
Gas prices remain a growing concern nationwide. According to GasBuddy, the national average hit 184 cents per litre earlier this month, the highest level seen so far this year.
A targeted road safety operation on Vancouver Island’s west coast has led to dozens of suspensions and nearly 100 tickets, as police crack down on impaired driving in smaller communities.
According to BC Highway Patrol, a Joint Force Operation with Tofino RCMP and Ucluelet RCMP removed 19 impaired drivers from the road during a coordinated enforcement effort on March 27th.
Officers checked hundreds of vehicles throughout the day, conducting breath tests and field sobriety assessments to identify drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The operation resulted in 14 alcohol-related driving suspensions ranging from 12 hours to 90 days, along with five drug-related suspensions. Police also issued 94 violation tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act and laid two charges for driving while prohibited.
Police say those caught impaired were split almost evenly between local residents and visitors.
“The impaired drivers were roughly 50/50 split between locals and visitors,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “That means everyone needs to make better decisions. Plan a safe ride home no matter who you are.”
The enforcement initiative included the use of a breathalyzer and standardized field sobriety testing, tools used to detect both alcohol and drug impairment at roadside stops.
BC Highway Patrol says specialized units will continue travelling to communities across the province where road safety concerns have been identified.
“Sometimes we find too much complacency when people live or visit our small communities,” McLaughlin added.
“You can’t take a holiday from good decisions on our roads.”
Police are reminding drivers that even short trips in quieter areas can carry serious consequences if impaired driving is involved.
Victoria artist and former Camosun College Visual Arts student Erin Berry has won the 2026 Winifred Shantz award for ceramics, a prestigious national award that recognizes excellence among emerging ceramic artists in Canada.
The award is presented by the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, and includes $10,000 to support her work at a pivotal stage in her career. It is the only national award dedicated specifically to emerging ceramics artists in Canada.
Her entry, titled Hyperprocess, was praised by the judges as being ambitious and thought-provoking.
(Hyperprocess | Erin Berry)
“It’s an amazing honour to receive this recognition,” said Erin.
“My time at Camosun helped me shape the foundation of my practice, and it means a lot to be able to continue developing my work as part of Victoria’s arts community, while inspiring future generations of artists.”
Nancy Yakimoski, department chair and instructor in Visual Arts, said that Erin’s exceptional achievement reflects her commitment to her artistic practice and her bold and ongoing exploration of ceramics.
“Erin’s work demonstrates a thoughtful and distinctive artistic voice, and we’re thrilled to see her recognized on a national stage,” said Yakimoski.
“We look forward to watching her make significant contributions to ceramics in Canada and beyond.”
Erin’s work will be featured in the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery this summer in the Emergence exhibition in Ontario. The exhibit will open on May 28th.
Erin is a graduate of the Visual Arts program at Camosun and is an occasional substitute instructor in the department.
(Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue - Station Oak Bay / Facebook)
The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Oak Bay station rescued a man in the ocean off Oak Bay on Saturday morning.
At 3:50 a.m., the rescue crew received an urgent call for a “person in water” (PIW), reporting someone calling for help about 300 feet off Gyro Park Beach.
A 36-year-old man, who had spent approximately 15 minutes in the dark, cold 9°C water following a piloting mishap, was located.
Boaters on a nearby vessel were able to hear his cries for help and pull him aboard his sailboat as rescue crews arrived.
The man was cold, wet and suffering from a dislocated shoulder, and was transferred to paramedics at 5:05 a.m. for further care.
This incident serves as a reminder to the boating community that accidents happen quickly, especially in low-visibility conditions, and to take extra caution when out on the water at night.
This week has been dubbed Tsunami Preparedness Week, and the District of Saanich is encouraging residents to plan ahead to be prepared in the event of a tsunami.
This is an important reminder to check your household plan, build or refresh your emergency kit and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency.
“Tsunami Preparedness Week is a great opportunity for residents to take action,” said Erin Stockill, Saanich Emergency Program Officer.
“Even small steps—like confirming your meeting place, reviewing evacuation routes, and restocking supplies—can make a real difference. Many people are surprised to learn that much of Saanich is outside the tsunami hazard zone. And for the areas that are within it, getting to safety is often straightforward—such as moving a few blocks inland from the beach, like at Cordova Bay.”
She added that anyone living in a tsunami hazard zone should practice their evacuation route on foot or by bike.
The District is also reminding residents about the Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal, which allows users to enter any address within the Capital Regional District to see if it is in a hazard zone. It also includes information about recent earthquakes in the region.
Community members are invited to attend a speaker series put on by the Saanich Emergency Program on May 13th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Saanich Commonwealth Place.
The program will include informative presentations to help residents build their preparedness, knowledge and confidence.
One of Victoria’s most anticipated community events is returning next month, drawing book lovers from across Vancouver Island and beyond.
The annual Times Colonist Book Sale, hosted by the Times Colonist Literacy Society, is set to take place May 2nd and 3rd, promising a weekend packed with incredible deals and a massive selection of books.
“We had the idea for the drive in 1998, when the government cut funding for school libraries,” said Dave Obee, publisher of the Times Colonist.
“That first year we raised $20,000 and thought we were heroes.”
Held at the Victoria Curling Club, 1952 Quadra Street, the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, with thousands of books available across nearly every genre.
And for those looking to contribute, there is still time to be part of it.
The annual book drive gives residents a chance to donate gently used books, helping build the inventory that fills the venue. This year’s drop-off takes place at 1952 Quadra Street on Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days.
Organizers are reminding the public to be mindful of what they donate. Items that cannot be resold, including outdated reference books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and similar materials, can end up costing the organization money to dispose of, reducing funds available for literacy programs.
Hundreds of volunteers then step in to sort, organize and prepare the books for sale, transforming those community donations into one of the largest book sales on Vancouver Island.
“Many of our volunteers have been there 20 years or more,” Obee said.
“They are an amazing group, but every year we need new volunteers. Younger people have stronger backs and more stamina, but beyond that, they bring a different perspective, which is always good.”
The event has become a must-visit for readers, with people travelling from across BC, Alberta and even Washington State to browse the selection.
Proceeds from the event go directly toward literacy programs, school libraries and community initiatives throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
The organization raises more than $300,000 annually and has contributed millions to literacy efforts over the years.
“We distribute about $300,000 each year,” Obee said, noting that some school librarians have said the funding provides up to half their annual budget for new books.
The weekend event is widely considered a can’t-miss for book lovers, often drawing long lineups before doors even open.
For many in Victoria, it has become a long-standing tradition that brings the community together while supporting a cause that continues to make a lasting impact.
“Beyond that, we help people prune their personal libraries, and rebuild those libraries two weeks later,” Obee added. “It is a win win win.”
Victoria and Vancouver Island have a lot of musical talent, and Victoria Buzz wants to highlight some of the best and brightest local artists and bands.
Every Monday, there will be a fresh ‘New Music Monday’ article to help people find and support local artists and bands that are up-and-coming, well established or hidden gems!
For this endeavour, Victoria Buzz has partnered with our good friends at CFUV 101.9 FM, UVic’s campus radio station, to find and select the musicians and bands for this regular column.
To date, there have been 74 New Music Monday features published through this collaboration.
This week, The Projectorsare the New Music Monday highlight!
The Projectors began when lead singer Dylan Rysstad wrote a song that was reminiscent of the music of The Strokes back in 2022.
From there, he decided he wanted to form a band, committing to a sound influenced by the sound of late 90s and 2000s indie-rock.
“I decided to kind of just, for the first time, just commit to sounding like somebody—which I’ve never done before,” Rysstad told Victoria Buzz.
“The songs came really easy and then I was like, ‘well what do I want to do with it?’ and started putting a band together.”
Though the band has featured different members through the years, it is currently comprised of Rysstad on vocals, Robbie Shirriff and Dustin Tiljoe on guitars, Evan Mathiesen on drums and Conor Brandt on bass.
Rysstad says that part of the magic of The Projectors comes from what these members bring to the table.
“A lot of it has to do with having a really solid band lineup where I’m writing some of the parts with people in mind,” he explained.
“Keeping in mind what their strengths are—giving them something that sparks an idea in them and they can add to it.”
He added that since bringing on Mathiesen, the drummer has taken on a lot of the recording and production responsibilities.
The band just released their sophomore album, Modern Friction.
Rysstad says that the album’s name is fitting for this second Projectors record, and stems from him thinking about modern fiction as a genre of books.
“It holds up to the narrative, just going through the day-to-day, the things that we’re all rubbing up against—literally and figuratively,” he said.
One of the singles from Modern Friction, “45 Days,” was written while Rysstad was staying down in Atlanta, Georgia, with his partner who lives there.
“It was actually written about the fact that I wouldn’t see her for 45 days after leaving.”
“I didn’t have another plane ticket booked for a month-and-a-half after that, and I was having some anxiety about leaving and [being in] a long-distance relationship.”
He says that there is a line in the second verse, “Forgetting how to breathe, my neck goes numb, it’s like my throat is being squeezed, I can’t speak but I’m calling for help,” which refers to an incident in which Rysstad thought he might be experiencing a medical issue due to feeling anxious.
“I thought I was having a stroke or something like that because my face went numb and my hands went numb and I was kind of slurring my words while I was in the car with my partner,” he said.
“We went to the emergency room to rule that out because it lasted quite a while… Basically they told me I was having a panic attack and I just need to relax.”
He added that he doesn’t always write songs so literally based on his experiences but for “45 Days,” it just felt right.
The Projectors have also released a music video for “45 Days” which shows the band meeting up outside of their jam space and performing the track.
“We’ve made the odd video and had talked about doing a concept video, but it’s really hard to get everyone together to rehearse, let alone for a music video,” explained Rysstad.
“Basically, when we do a thing like this we just do it all—we make a video, we do promo photos and we get a rehearsal in too—so this video was kind of like, how much can we do at one time.”
He said the video for The Strokes song “Someday” was an inspiration because it just featured the band hanging out.
See the music video for The Projectors song “45 Days” below:
To listen to “45 Days”and the rest of The Projectors new album, Modern Friction, check them out on Bandcamp, Tidal, Spotify and Apple Music.
The Projectors just came off a run of shows on Vancouver Island in Victoria, Cumberland and Nanaimo following the release of their new record.
They also have some shows coming up this summer at Cadboro Bay Festival on August 9th on Gyro Beach and at a City of Victoria show at Ship Point on August 18th.
CFUV is a non-profit campus and community radio station that plays a ton of local music of all kinds across Vancouver Island. If you like to support local music they are an amazing resource with a plethora of new local tunes in their arsenal.
“CFUV in particular, they do something that nobody else does in town,” Rysstad told Victoria Buzz.
“They’re fostering community which is so important, they’re highlighting and showcasing bands that no one else is playing on the radio.”
While the weather might be a little more dreary than last week, the events in town certainly are not.
Whether you’re looking to see some live music, go to a book launch or even try a free dragon boat test drive, there are plenty of community events to keep you busy.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Tuesday, April 14th:
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to paddle a dragonboat? Of course you have. Now is your opportunity!
The Fairway Gorge Paddling Club (FPGC) is inviting everyone to “test drive” a dragonboat with new beginner’s team “Blazing Dragons.” You can sign-up for two free 90-minute sessions before registering for the 2026 paddling season.
Coached by Brenda Sutton, this program will guide new paddlers in the techniques of dragon boating in a fun and relaxed environment.
The sessions do require sign-up and a completed waiver, which can both be filled out here.
A documentary on renowned Canadian artist Robert Bateman and biologist Bristol Foster will play at the Vic Theatre.
A cinematic time capsule, The Art of Adventure documents a lifelong friendship forged in the wild. The film had two sold-out screenings at the 2026 Victoria Film Festival.
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Kolby Clunas will be performing at VI Plant shop for some acoustic and country folk tunes.
The concert will be pay-what-you-can, and everyone is encouraged to chip in what they can and buy some of the artist’s merchandise if they are able to.
The Phoenix Bar & Grill will be hosting the heavy metal band Castle, with supporting local acts Dagger and Heliophage.
Castle is a must-see for metal heads. They were nominated for a Juno Award in 2012 and have been touring for years, bringing their unique sound to venues all over Canada and the world.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door, or ahead of time here.
Where: The Phoenix Bar & Grill, 3944 Quadra Street
A suspicious death in Sooke has prompted a major police investigation, with officers now asking the public for help tracking a vehicle believed to be connected to the case.
According to Sooke RCMP, officers were called to a mobile home park in the 7000 block of West Coast Road at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 11th, after a man was found deceased inside a residence.
Police say the death is being treated as suspicious.
As investigators began gathering evidence at the scene, they identified a suspect vehicle believed to be linked to the incident.
About an hour later, the vehicle was located by West Shore RCMP and two occupants were taken into custody.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has since taken conduct of the investigation, with support from both Sooke RCMP and West Shore RCMP.
Investigators are now asking anyone who may have seen a red MINI Cooper in the area to come forward.
Police are particularly interested in any sightings or dash cam footage captured between midnight and 4 a.m. on April 11th along West Coast Road in Sooke and extending to West Shore Parkway in Langford.
Anyone with information is asked to contact VIIMCU at (250) 380-6211.
A meaningful run focused on connection, remembrance, and healing is taking place at Royal Roads University this May.
The Healing Hearts Run, hosted by Pacific Perinatal Foundation, brings people together for a gentle 5 km route or a 2 km walk on Saturday, May 23rd, in support of families navigating pregnancy and infant loss.
More than anything, this event is about showing up, whether on your own or alongside friends and family. Open to all ages, abilities, and paces, it creates a welcoming space that reminds families they are not alone.
The morning begins at 11 a.m., with a light warm-up at 11:15 a.m. before participants head out at 11:20 a.m.
Afterward, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests are invited to stay and connect with the community while enjoying live music and lunch from local food truck vendors—or bring your own picnic.
This year, the event aims to raise $60,000 through registration and donations, supporting programs and services for individuals and families navigating pregnancy, infant loss, and complex reproductive journeys.
Pacific Perinatal Foundation offers compassionate counselling and peer support, so no one has to move through loss alone—learn more here.
Victoria’s cruise season is officially underway, with the first ship of 2026 arriving last Friday and marking the return of thousands of visitors to the city.
The Nieuw Amsterdam was the first to dock this season, bringing an estimated 2,106 passengers as it made its way from Astoria to Vancouver.
While the season has now begun, the upcoming week will serve as a quieter start before cruise traffic ramps up later this month.
Only one cruise ship is scheduled to visit Victoria between April 13th and 19th.
The Norwegian Jade is expected to arrive on Saturday, April 18th from San Francisco at 11 a.m. before departing later that evening at 10:30 p.m. en route to Vancouver.
The vessel can carry approximately 2,882 passengers.
Although this week is relatively light, the cruise schedule quickly picks up heading into late April, including multiple-ship days and the arrival of some of the largest vessels in the fleet.
Several ships visiting Victoria this season will be making their first-ever stops in the city, including two cruise lines that have never docked in the city before.
The 2026 cruise season is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record, with 335 expected calls and passenger numbers projected to top one million, meaning ships will once again become a near-daily sight during the peak summer months.
This week’s forecast in Greater Victoria brings with it a mixed bag of weather conditions with sunny, rainy and cloudy days expected.
According to Environment Canada, on Monday, April 13th, the week will begin with a warm and mostly sunny day. The daily high will reach up to 15°C and the day should remain mostly sunny until the evening when some cloud coverage will roll in. Overnight, some showers can be expected and the temperature will drop down to around 7°C
Those overnight showers are predicted to stick around for most of Tuesday with a 30% chance of rain in the region. The daily high is expected to be around 11°C while the overnight low will be as low as 4°C. More showers can be expected through the night, leading into Wednesday morning.
Wednesday’s forecast is calling for a 60% chance of rain in the Greater Victoria area and the high will only reach up to 9°C. The overnight low is expected to drop down to just 1°C.
The sun will return on Thursday, according to Environment Canada. Thursday’s forecast is calling for sunny conditions all day, with the daily high reaching back up to around 13°C, bringing the spring-like conditions back to the region. The overnight low will drop down to around 5°C.
The forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday is calling for some sun, cloud and rain in the capital region. Friday will be partly cloudy throughout the day with a high of 13°C, Saturday will see a 30% chance of showers and a high of 12°C and Sunday’s forecast is calling for the same conditions as Saturday, but with a high of 13°C.
A Victoria-based video game studio, Secret Plans Games is one of six BC game studios to receive $50,000 in funding from Creative BC.
The company is currently developing a multi-player bird-watching game that invites players to explore a virtual nature sanctuary with friends. In the game, users can photograph various bird species and complete a guidebook as they discover and document wildlife together.
Creative BC has just announced that Secret Plans Games are among the first six recipients selected to receive funding from their Video Games Early Stages Program.
The program, which was designed to help new studios gain a foothold in the industry, will send a total of $300,000 to video game studios in BC.
It is supported by the BC government’s $42 million investment announced in April 2023, which included $3 million to help support innovation and growth among independent BC-owned interactive digital media studios.
“We’re proud to support six emerging BC video game studios through the first intake of the Video Games Early Stage Growth Program.,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC.
“With support from the Province of British Columbia, we are enabling early‑stage studios to develop creative IP, grow sustainably, and bring new BC-made games to market in an increasingly competitive global industry.”
Secret Plans Games is set to release Flock Around at the end of April, but a demo version is available now on Steam.
The other five studios to receive funding are We Were Monkeys based in Vernon, 2TG Entertainment Inc. in Vancouver, Let Us Cook Games in Coquitlam, Dogfish Games in Port Coquitlam and Bramvale Studios in Burnaby.
For more information on the Secret Plans Games and its endeavours, visit their website here.
Royal Roads University has ranked among the 39 most stunning college campuses around the world, according to House Beautiful.
Featuring 39 campuses with ivy-covered buildings, centuries-old architecture and contemporary dorm rooms, it’s no surprise that Hatley Castle charmed the creators of this list.
Coming in at ninth place, Royal Roads University is praised for being more than a school and a pretty castle, but also a national historic site.
With 642 acres of greenery, an exotic Japanese Garden and stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, it’s hard to beat the scenery students experience here.
Located in Colwood, Royal Roads University was founded in 1995 and offers applied research programs to around 2,000 students, with over 37,000 alumni.
It’s known for its in-person and online courses which are taught through small cohorts that prioritize one-on-one learning.
Eight campuses ranked ahead of Royal Roads University, with Flagler College in Florida taking the top spot, followed by Trinity College in Dublin, the University of the South in Tennessee, Queen’s University in Belfast, Princeton University in New Jersey, Cornell University in New York , Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and University of Colorado at Boulder.
The University of British Columbia also made the list, coming in at number 22.
View the full list of ranked college campuses here.
A man is in custody after being seen walking along a Central Saanich road with a rifle on Sunday afternoon.
According to Central Saanich Police, officers were called at around 1:15 p.m. on April 12th, after a report came in of a man carrying a rifle along Lochside Drive near Martindale Road.
Multiple Central Saanich and RCMP officers quickly responded to the area and located the individual, who was still in possession of the firearm.
Police conducted what they described as a high-risk arrest and safely took the man into custody without incident.
A search of the suspect uncovered eight live rounds of rifle ammunition as well as a knife.
Investigators are recommending three charges of failing to comply with a probation order to Crown Counsel.
Police say additional firearm and property-related offences are also under investigation.
Following last week’s incident of a hazardous gas leak, Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is slated to reopen on Tuesday, April 14th.
On Friday, April 10th, a large emergency response was prompted due to a hazardous gas leak that caused the recreation facility to close indefinitely.
The gas leak was caused by the accidental mixing of chlorine with hydrochloric acid, which caused a reaction and released high concentrations of chlorine gas.
Eight people were taken to hospital as a result of the leak, but have since been discharged.
Prior to the leak, the City of Victoria’s summer camp registration was supposed to launch on Monday, April 13th, but has since been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 15th, as a result of the incident.
Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will be fully reopened at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Once reopened, the facility will operate regularly until sometime in the fall when it will close permanently while a new Crystal Pool is built in Victoria’s Central Park.
The BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit says the southbound on-ramp from Keating Cross Road to Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) will be closed for one week starting the morning of Sunday, April 12th.
During the closure, drivers will not be able to access the highway via the southbound on-ramp at exit 18. The Keating Cross Road flyover itself will remain open.
A full closure is required to allow crews to complete construction work safely and efficiently as the project enters its final phase.
Motorists will be detoured via Central Saanich Road to Tanner Road, while truck traffic will follow the existing truck route along Central Saanich Road.
The closure comes as work resumes on the Keating Cross Road flyover project following a brief pause earlier this year. Crews are now pushing toward a targeted completion ithis spring.
The $76.8 million project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow along one of the region’s busiest corridors, which sees more than 52,000 vehicles travel through the area each day.
Drivers travelling through the construction zone are being reminded to slow down, follow posted signage and watch for crews and equipment.
The ministry notes that additional short-term closures of the on-ramp may be required as work continues, with updates to be shared through DriveBC and the provincial project website.
The Sidney Museum and Archives is set to unveil a new exhibit later this month.
A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia explores Chinese immigration to BC as a story that is local and global, historical and contemporary.
Using food and restaurant culture as an entry point, the exhibit features stories that show the diversity of immigrant experiences and of the communities that immigrants help grow.
Developed by the Chinese Canadian Museum in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia, the exhibit will be on display from April 24th to November 15th.
A Seat at the Table highlights stories of separation, loss and alienation, but also of solidarity, tenacity and success.
The exhibit will include animated maps, short films and art installations which show Chinese immigrants forging social connections with other migrant and Indigenous communities in British Columbia, all while maintaining ties with relatives in China.
The stories call attention to the extent of systemic racism and its enduring impact on Chinese Canadians, while also highlighting their ability to resist, organize and thrive.
One of the goals of the exhibition is to diversify the representations of Canada and make them more inclusive. It will seek to transform the public’s understanding of Canada’s successive waves of Chinese migration, while giving fresh perspectives on migration, Chinese diaspora and cultural representation.
The exhibit will encourage museum guests to rethink what it means to be British Columbian.
To accompany the exhibit, the Sidney Museum will be presenting several displays that highlight Chinese Canadian history in Sidney, North Saanich and the surrounding islands.
From the long history of restaurants owned and operated by Chinese Canadian Sidney residents to the Chinatowns in Sidney and James Island dating back to the early 20th century, there will be plenty to learn for those interested in local Chinese Canadian history.
The exhibit is one of the largest museum projects on Chinese Canadian history in Canada to date.
There will be an opening reception on Thursday, April 30th, at 5 p.m. for those who wish to celebrate the exhibit’s launch.
A late-night crash in the Highlands has left a driver seriously injured.
According to West Shore RCMP, the man is now facing multiple charges and should not have been behind the wheel in the first place.
The single-vehicle collision occured at around 11:17 p.m. on April 9th, near the 1400 block of Millstream Road.
According to police, a grey 2018 BMW X5 slammed into a rock face and flipped, causing significant damage to the vehicle.
Investigators determined the SUV was uninsured and the 41-year-old driver was under a court-ordered driving prohibition at the time of the crash.
The driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.
Police say the man was arrested for driving while prohibited and issued violation tickets for having no insurance and for speed relative to conditions.
An impaired driving investigation is also underway, as officers believe alcohol or drugs may have played a role in the crash.
Local icon of Victoria’s music scene, restaurant industry and pub quiz night, Benji Coey is excited to be nearing the 20-year anniversary of his beloved quiz night.
There’s trivia, and then there is a “Benji Quiz,” which anyone who’s experienced one before will be quick to tell you is markedly different and unique.
To Benji, the difference lies in the production and the joy his patrons experience being prioritized over simply knowing the most about everything.
Every show takes around 10 hours to prepare for. Benji comes to each one equipped with visuals for a projector screen, a sample pad to control music and sound effects throughout, plus, the quizmaster has also introduced prizes to keep people motivated and coming back.
For those who don’t know, one of Benji’s most iconic and anticipated portions of the eight-round affair is the ‘Inky Dinky’ round. In this, the quizmaster will ask the audience a riddle, expecting back a two-word answer, where both words are two syllables and both syllables rhyme.
One example of an Inky Dinky he has used before at quiz night is: “Sweaty relaxation for all of the animals,” to which the answer could be “fauna sauna.”
Though that answer would be correct, Benji always encourages creativity and will have everyone read the answers they got so the validity of each one can be discussed as a group of “normal people.”
Inky Dinky’s are just one very small piece of the puzzle when it comes to Benji and his quiz nights, so let’s go back in time a bit to when it all began to get a better idea of how it came to be.
The origins of Benji’s Quiz
Benji moved to Victoria from England in 2006 after being convinced by a friend who had made the same move.
He and his mate had known each other since their school days and Benji had been coming out to BC to visit his friend every summer. This led him to eventually say, “Why not, let’s just get out there.”
When Benji arrived in Victoria, he had just finished spending six years working in investment analysis so he took a year off of work, opting to just play music and get the lay of the land.
After his year off, Benji and some of his friends opened the Fort Street Cafe.
“It was just a lunchtime joint and then we converted it into a live music venue and a bar,” Benji told Victoria Buzz. “Then for five nights a week, we did live music down there.”
The now defunct cafe was on Fort Street in the space that used to be more exposed, just below Russell Books.
The Fort Street Cafe is where Benji did his first Quiz Night, which was built on the same foundation of production-first as his quiz nights now, but were quite different as well.
“It used to be called the Friday Quiz, which was the birth of the quiz show,” he said.
“It was quite a raucous show. I always had a co-host, I had my drum kit next to me and he had his hammond organ next to him. We’d play all the songs and there’d be sing-a-longs and stuff.”
The cafe was open for around six years, closing in September 2012, which Benji says came about because the landlords were unhappy with the nightlife aspect of the business.
“When the business closed, I just started doing my one-man show and started doing that at Spinnakers I believe, initially, every Sunday night, and then did my Friday show at the Copper Owl once a month.”
During this time, Benji was quizzing, doing some painting on the side to make money and keeping a keen eye out for a new space to create a new venue in town.
This hope for a new venue came to fruition when he and some friends opened Northern Quarter in 2015.
The Northern Quarter was beloved and well-known while it was around, and also had a stage that frequently would have live music programming—Benji would do a quiz night every Wednesday.
After five years, Benji and his partners decided to sell the restaurant in 2019 due to rising costs, financial constraints and feeling burnt out from working so hard for so many years.
On top of this, Benji had been touring a lot with his band The Lonely, a Roy Orbison tribute band, around the time of the restaurant closure, leaving him feeling spread thin amongst his creative and business pursuits.
The evolution of Benji’s Quiz
With the closure of the Northern Quarter, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Benji decided to evolve his well-established show, and the quizmaster took on a new pursuit: creating an online quiz show.
“Once COVID came and the restaurant closed down, the touring finished and the live quizzing also finished, I was kind of like, ‘Hold on, what’re we going to do here?’”
Benji partnered with a creative agency in Victoria and developed an online show called Quiz This.
Together they built a bespoke platform where people around the world could create teams with one another to play the show live, in real time.
“I would build scenes and animations and have it all controlled from a production panel at my fingertips so I could host the show with a co-host and make all the scenes happen behind me,” Benji explained.
“It was really trippy.”
Quiz This ended around a year-and-a-half ago now, as Benji has been focussing primarily on his in-person quiz events.
In this endeavour, Benji is always working to up his game and make his quiz more engaging and entertaining—making his event stand out amongst the numerous trivia nights that take place in the city.
“I’ve got nothing against trivia, but personally when things get too trivial, it loses meaning and purpose,” said Benji.
“I like to live in a world of shared knowledge and repackaging shared knowledge, presenting it in a unique way so everyone can play.”
He says that trivia feels too general and unequivocal.
“It’s very, ‘here is the question, that is the answer, and that’s the way it is’—whereas I want conversation, I want debate, I want some give and take,” said Benji.
“I want to play with the room.”
He added he likes it when his audiences take a leap of faith on a question they are unsure about in the spirit of fun, regardless of how they do.
“Be brave in saying what you think, because it doesn’t matter—in ten minutes you’ll find out.”
Through the colder months, Benji hosts these at a number of venues, including Whistle Buoy Brewing, the Fernwood Inn, Ile Sauvage and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
He also does lots of private and corporate events, as, by nature, Benji’s Quiz lends itself perfectly to team-building fun.
Benji also makes a point to take his show on the road to smaller communities throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands—including on Cortes Island where he lives most of the year.
Plus, the quizmaster often hosts charity galas and events. One is coming up soon where Benji is hosting a quiz for the Victoria Literary Connection Society, to help provide literacy support to those who need it in the capital region.
If you haven’t experienced a Benji Quiz, he performs quiz nights through the summer months every Monday at the Fernwood Inn and the last Wednesday of every month at Ile Sauvage.
Sunny weather has arrived, and what better way to enjoy it than with a bite to eat in the sunshine at one of Vancouver Island’s many food trucks?
From staples in local food culture to contemporary ethnic delights, food trucks can offer great prices, delicious food and a sample of the growing food scene here in Greater Victoria and beyond.
Whether you’re looking for cheap eats or a charming atmosphere for lunch, the Island has some absolutely delicious food trucks that you need to try.
Here are 8 food trucks, some new and some old, that will satisfy your cravings this summer.
Original Tacofino Truck
One of the most storied food establishments on Vancouver Island (mobile or not), the Original Tacofino Food Truck has been serving up fresh, tasty Mexican food in Tofino since 2009.
Whether you’re exhausted after a morning surf and need a hearty meal or you’re grabbing a light lunch before a beach walk, Tacofino has options for everyone.
If you’re craving the Tacofino flavours and aren’t out in Tofino, try out one of their many permanent establishments in the Lower Mainland or Victoria.
Where: 1184 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino
When: Every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
East Sooke Eats
Who doesn’t love a good burger?
East Sooke Eats is doing the smash burger trend justice, with burgers like “The 1912”, which features local Berryman’s Beef and homemade pickles. The name is a reference to how long the family has been in the area. Other tasty menu items include tacos and crispy, tallow-fried french fries.
The truck uses fresh, local ingredients and celebrates the food and flavour of the area.
Get down to Sooke and support a family business and enjoy a tasty meal while you’re at it.
Victorians know that brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s a lifestyle. Unfortunately, it’s a lifestyle often accompanied by long lines and expensive meals.
Lucky for us, there’s the Morning People food truck in Cook Street Village.
Offering up delicious food at reasonable prices in a location surrounded by plants and the quaint Cook Street Village atmosphere (and the odd peacock), a slow morning at Morning People is as relaxing as it is delicious.
Where: 325 Cook Street, Victoria
When: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sip and Smash
For those in the Nanaimo area, Sip and Smash is there for all your burger-loving needs.
With options like the “In a Pickle” (filled with pickles, dill pickle chips, mozza, and garlic aioli), and the “Lei it on me” (with a pineapple ring and teriyaki sauce), this place is heaven for the most eccentric burger lovers. But don’t worry, they respect a classic too.
Be sure to support the family-owned local business on your next lunch break in Nanaimo.
Voted the best food truck in Victoria in 2025, how could we not include Greek n’ Go?
Advertising street-style gyros and vegan options alike, Greek n’ Go doesn’t disappoint. The dolmadakia’s are to die for.
We’ve also got to give an honourable mention to the truck sharing the same lot, Taco Justice. Why not give them both a try?
Where: 1580 Cook Street, Victoria
When: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Melt Truck
Ever been running behind and not had time to make your breakfast or coffee on your way to work? Of course you have, we’ve all been there. Melt Truck is the solution.
Offering fast and delicious breakfast sandwiches from $10 and coffee from $2.50, you do not want to miss out on this place.
Try it the next time you hit that snooze button one too many times!
Where: 2519 Rock Bay Avenue
When: Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tapri Food Truck
We’ve got to show our friends in the Comox Valley some love, and what better way to do that than to shout out Tapri Food Truck in Courtney?
Serving up what they call the “Soul of Indian Street Food,” Tapri’s menu features everything from Chai to Shawarma, to Chaat, to Butter Chicken Poutine.
Go out and support a family business in your community, Comox Valley locals!
Where: 2175 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay
When: Tuesday to Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Songhees Food Truck
What better way to finish off this list than with what The Songhees Food Truck calls “Traditional Indigenous Cuisine with a modern twist!”
If you’ve never tried a burger or a sandwich served on Songhees Bannock, you need to.
Supporting the local culture and community has never been tastier!
While the truck is currently closed for the season, keep an eye out for them at 1502 Admirals Road. They’re sure to be serving up good eats soon.
Get ready to sip and nibble for a good cause, Victoria!
A stylish afternoon of champagne, cake, and fashion is coming to Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University on Sunday, April 19th.
The Champagne and Cake Show takes place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., inviting attendees to savour champagne, indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury bites, and enjoy a showcase of curated fashion from The Bride’s Closet, Shades of White Bridal, Outlooks for Men, and Blush Bridal Boutique in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
When you’re not sipping champagne and sampling sweet and savoury treats, explore the beautiful castle grounds, take part in a dance class from Arthur Murray Dance Studio, enjoy live music, mingle with peacocks, and end the afternoon with a cocktail of your choice while taking in the ocean views.
Plus, don’t miss the gown sample sale with 50% off from The Bride’s Closet, along with a giveaway for a two-night stay at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.
With vibrant florals, beautifully curated tablescapes, tasty bites, and an afternoon full of entertainment, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are just $19.44 per person—so make sure to secure yours now for this one-day-only experience at Hatley Castle before it sells out.
Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre and the nearby park have been closed until further notice following a chemical incident that prompted a large emergency response Friday morning.
In a brief update posted April 10th, the City of Victoria said the facility would remain closed until further notice.
Police say officers are assisting fire crews near the 2000 block of Quadra Street.
Eight people have been taken to hospital following the incident, according to a City of Victoria spokesperson. The city says it is waiting for the Capital Regional District hazmat team to arrive before confirming what type of chemical was involved.
As a result, Quadra Street has been shut down between Bay Street and Caledonia Avenue, with traffic being diverted away from the area.
Multiple emergency vehicles, including fire crews and ambulances, were seen arriving on scene beginning around 11 a.m.
One person inside the facility at the time said patrons were asked to evacuate suddenly.
“We were asked to evacuate Crystal Pool now due to something that smelled awful. They’re still checking what and where it came from, so if you have plans to go, please have the necessary precautions,” said CB Nueva.
In an email statement, BC Emergency Health Services said it received a call about a hazmat incident in the 2200 block of Quadra Street in Victoria.
Four ambulances staffed with primary care paramedics, one with advanced care paramedics, a link and referral unit and a paramedic supervisor responded to the scene.
Paramedics assessed 10 patients and transported eight to hospital in stable condition, according to BCEHS paramedic public information officer Brian Twaites.
The City of Victoria has issued a shelter-in-place order for the area surrounding Crystal Pool as crews continue to respond to the hazardous materials incident.
The alert, issued at 1:38 p.m. on April 10th, is considered critical and remains active.
Officials are urging anyone in the immediate area to go indoors or avoid the area entirely. Those nearby are being told to close all windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems until further notice.
The city says the order will remain in place until the incident has been resolved, with another update expected within two hours.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as burning eyes or lungs is being advised to seek medical attention.
⚠️ Due to an ongoing hazardous material incident, those near the Crystal Pool are required to shelter in place for your safety. This alert will remain in effect until the incident has been resolved. Another update will be provided within 2 hours. 1/3
Residents are also being asked to follow directions from local authorities and not call 911 for information or updates.
According to Victoria Fire Chief Dan Atkinson, the incident began after two chemicals were mixed together in a mechanical room at Crystal Pool, creating chlorine gas.
It is not yet known whether the incident was caused by a mechanical failure or human error.
Atkinson said the concentration of chlorine gas is believed to be high, and the gas may have migrated beyond the initial area.
Several people had already evacuated the building prioer to fire crews arriving and were experiencing varying levels of upper respiratory distress, including coughing and difficulty breathing.
A full inspection of the facility is now underway and could take several hours. Once complete, crews will be able to isolate the chemicals and safely dispose of them.
The District of Saanich is hosting an Earth Day Festival to celebrate sustainability in our community next week.
This year’s theme, ‘Reuse, Share, Repair,’ focuses on simple ways we can divert waste from the landfill—by finding new ways to reuse things, sharing with neighbours, and repairing whenever possible.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th, attendees can enjoy live music, a vendor village, and food trucks including Greek n’ Go and Aerobic Geisha Coffee, featuring plant-based menus.
There will also be free activities like a children’s bike obstacle course at the Saanich municipal hall parking lot, just off the Lochside Regional Trail.
Live music will feature emerging local artist Steph Macpherson, acoustic stringband Long Gone Trio, Vancouver-based artist Matthew Presidente and local singer-songwriter Kele Fleming, along with a poetry reading by Jesse Holth.
Visitors can also explore interactive information booths from partner organizations like BC Hydro, Capital Bike and Electrom LEV and many more.
Plus, say hello to Curby, the little sweeper, who will be clearing bike lanes during the event.
With limited vehicle parking, attendees are encouraged to take the 70, 71, 72 or 75 bus—all of which stop just outside the Saanich municipal hall—or bike in and take advantage of the free bike valet located just off the Lochside Regional Trail.
Bring your friends, your family or your bike and head to Saanich municipal hall on April 18th for a day of music, activities and sustainable inspiration.
A trial is currently underway following an incident which saw a cyclist struck by a marked police cruiser in Central Saanich.
It has been alleged that Cpl. Phillip DiBattista was reading a text message and not paying attention to the road at the time of the collision, but the officer denied this allegation.
He faces charges of driving without due care and attention.
DiBattista says he was talking to his wife on the phone via Bluetooth connection at the time of the collision.
This incident occurred May 2024 while DiBattista was driving along Wallace Drive at around 10 p.m.
The in-car camera and audio equipment recorded what took place but did not show what DiBattista was doing in the driver’s seat.
Crown counsel has alleged that at the time of the collision, DiBattista can be heard talking and the cadence of his voice indicates that he was reading a text message from his phone.
The officer’s defense says that what is heard on the recording is actually DiBattista speaking with his wife on the phone.
To this, the Crown says that regardless of whether he was speaking with his wife or reading a text, he was not paying adequate attention to the road.
The cyclist who was struck was riding along the side of the road when he was struck from behind which sent him forward over his handlebars with great force.
He was not seriously injured, but did suffer a torn ligament in his right thumb which required surgery.
According to the defence in this case, the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, was riding on the narrow shoulder of the road and had no lights on his bike, though he did have a light on his backpack.
The presiding judge in this case will make his decision next week.
