Hosted by Alistair Ogden (CBC Comedy, Halifax Comedy Fest) this one-of-a-kind comedy showcase returns to Victoria!
Featuring some of the best stand-ups, touring headliners, and sketch performances in British Columbia, Comedy Pants is the Vancouver comedy scene’s hidden gem, and now – for one night only – it’s Victoria’s too!
These tickets are selling fast so you’re going to want to get yours asap!
Come get your glow on and light up the night in this FREE Silent Disco Glow Party with DJ 3 BAGS (aka Jason Lamb from the Morning Zone @91.3), SISTR DJ from Silent DJ Victoria, & a Mystery DJ!
100 headsets will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. All ages are welcome.
Headset pickup opens at 3:40 p.m. at Centennial Square.
Explore the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world captured through the lenses of award-winning photographers.
Now in its 58th year, the esteemed Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcases a global selection of photojournalism, from glimpses into amazing animal behaviours to extraordinary natural landscapes.
Each photo is presented in a huge backlit display with a caption exploring the image’s story.
Join your Royals as they take on the visiting Tri-City Americans on Friday and Saturday, with the puck dropping at 7:05 p.m.–and bring your fuzzy friends, too.
If you’re looking to bring the family out to a game or share a night with that special person in your life, you can purchase tickets to either game on the Victoria Royals website.
Where: Save-On-Food Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
Join local artist Deborah van Hattem and a live male model from Ruby Entertainments for a Naughty Holiday Art Night.
Deborah will be teaching guests how to draw a live male model
Camp Hoo-Ha is a series of skill-building events for like-minded women. Every event includes food, wine, an engaging guest speaker, a simple craft and badges of course.
The folks at Farm + Field currently have fresh and ethically sourced turkeys ready for pickup.
In case you were wondering, these folks take their protein seriously, meaning everything is naturally raised with no antibiotics or hormones, free range, pastured and fed a biologically appropriate diet. Whole animal butchery means nothing is wasted.
Where: Farm + Field Butchers, 1003 Blanshard Street
If you’re looking to mix it up this year, the folks at Island meat and Seafood are currently offering Christmas goose. With only a few left in stock, you’re going to want to order asap!
A seasonal Christmas staple returns to Victoria this weekend at the Christ Church Cathedral.
On Sunday, December 18th, the Cathedral’s talented choir will perform a newly commissioned arrangement of the Ukrainian traditional “Carol of the Bells” by Polish Canadian composer Robert Busiakiewicz.
This year’s performance pays tribute to Ukrainian Christmas music that was first heard in North America exactly 100 years ago, at a time when Ukrainians were fighting for freedom – just as they are today.
In addition to the musical performances, every year the Cathedral invites people from different walks of public life to read the short lessons from the Bible.
This year, municipal, provincial, and federal representatives will take part as readers.
The special guests joining this weekend will include, Marie Térèse Little, Mayor of Metchosin, Maja Tait, Mayor of Sooke , Sid Tobias, Mayor of View Royal , Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford, Grace Lore, MLA, Victoria-Beacon Hill, Marianne Alto, Mayor of Victoria, Doug Kobayashi, Mayor of Colwood, Chris Coleman, Councillor, City of Victoria, The Rev’d Ross Bliss, Vicar, Christ Church Cathedral.
For those looking to attend, admission is free and guests are recommended to arrive 15 minutes before the 4 p.m. show.
Carols at Christ Church Cathedral
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue
When: Sunday, December 18th at 4 p.m. – guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior
Drug users can now receive a text message when the supply in their area is determined to be toxic on Vancouver Island.
Island Health set up the text alert subscription to alert the community when there is an influx of drug-poisonings in their area.
Anyone can subscribe to the system anonymously by texting “JOIN” to 253787.
Whenever Island Health issues a warning of drug-poisonings to specific regions and communities, subscribers will receive a text message.
The notifications will also provide guidance to drug users in the form of tips for safer drug use.
“Separating people from the toxic drug supply is one of the most important ways we can prevent drug poisonings and death,” said Jennifer Whiteside, minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“This new alert system is one more critical tool available as the province expands harm reduction measures, while connecting people to lifesaving supports.”
The system was developed by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in partnership with Toward the Heart and the Office of Virtual Health at the Provincial Health Services Authority.
Island Health is the third health Authority in BC to launch the system following in the footsteps of Interior Health and Fraser Health. Eventually, the system will be live in all regions of the province.
“The alerts system is now providing vital information to people who use substances and community partners in Interior, Fraser and now Island Health,” says Dr. Alexis Crabtree, public health physician, substance use and harm reduction with BCCDC’s Public Health Response team.
“Until people who use substances have access to a regulated drug supply, this is one way people can quickly receive information to reduce drug poisoning events and deaths.”
Last year there were 2,224 deaths due to drug-poisoning due to the illicit drug supply, BC’s highest recorded death toll for overdoses.
So far in 2022, preliminary numbers suggest the death toll due to drug-poisoning is 1,827 in the first 10 months in BC.
This is just the latest tool in combating the drug-poisoning crisis. More resources are available to those who need them via Island Health’s overdose prevention services webpage.
One man will spend the next five years in jail after multiple arrests in the region.
Over the last two years, Paulo Murphy-O’Neill of the West Shore has been arrested five times and now, he has been sentenced to jail time for his crimes.
Between December of 2020 and June of 2022, Murphy-O’Neill was charged multiple times for several counts of possession with the purpose of trafficking.
Police say he has been caught with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and both powder and crack cocaine and Murphy-O’Neill intended on selling these illicit drugs he had in his possession.
On December 6th, Murphy-O’Neill was convicted of these five counts of possession with the intent of trafficking and sentenced to five and a half years in jail.
Upon Murphy-O’Neill’s release five and a half years from now, he will have a lifetime prohibition from possessing any firearm or restricted weapons, ammunition and explosive substances.
“This sentence is the direct result of a thorough and complex investigation conducted by West Shore RCMP officers,” said Stephen Rose, the Inspector in Charge of Operations at West Shore RCMP.
“Officers from General Duty, the Crime Reduction Unit as well as the Drugs and Organized Crime Unit collaborated to disrupt drug trafficking in the West Shore and to remove this drug dealer from the community.”
Murphy-O’Neill is currently incarcerated and is serving his time.
The holidays are upon us and if you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, chances are it’s because you are dreading the price tag attached to your loved ones’ desired gifts.
Inflation is on the rise, groceries seem to cost a small fortune and retail goods are also at a record high cost.
A personal finance firm, HelloSafe Canada, conducted a survey to see how Canadians’ spending behaviour would change given the current financial landscape.
According to HelloSafe, 66.2% of BC residents are changing their spending intentions due to inflation with 48.4% of British Columbians said they’re planning on spending less money.
Most notably, British Columbians say their average gift budget is $490 per household this year.
The national average total spending on gifts per household was $444, so BC residents are still planning to spend more than their neighbouring provinces despite the amount of people saying they will spend less.
Ontario’s Christmas gift budget – $503 per family
Alberta’s Christmas gift budget – $447 per family
Quebec’s Christmas gift budget – $390 per family
(Average Christmas gifts budget forecast per household in BC via HelloSafe)
When asked, “Will inflation have an impact on your Christmas purchases this year,” 66.2% of British Columbians said yes on HelloSafe’s survey.
This was the lowest among all provinces’ answers to that same question with the national average being 72.5%.
When asked “What are you willing to do for Christmas to face inflation,” only 20.1% of British Columbians said that they would change nothing, while 38.7% said they’d give less expensive gifts and 22.6% said they’d give less gifts.
(What are you willing to do for Christmas to face the inflation via HelloSafe)
Christmas is less than two weeks away now and the financial burden is clearly being felt by BC as well as the rest of the country.
HelloSafe say they conducted the survey that produced these statistics from November 11th to November 30th with 821 Canadians who were representative of the demographic and geographic diversity of each province.
Murray's Pond Park viewing platform (photo by the City of Colwood).
Nature enthusiasts of Colwood, rejoice!
The City of Colwood announced that Murray’s Pond Park has a brand new viewing platform for trail enthusiasts to enjoy.
Tucked away in the woods near the Royal Bay neighbourhood in Colwood, the new viewing platform allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
The new viewing platform is one of many park improvements that have been made by the Royal Bay development, according to the City of Colwood.
Murray’s Pond is home to a woodland ecosystem that hosts a diverse range of wildlife. It was once part of a farm owned by the Murray family.
According to Colwood Pioneer Cemetery records, Robert Bertram Murray was born circa1858 and died January 30th, 1935. His wife Mary Murray was born circa 1878 and died December 23, 1977.
The pond itself is described as a “kettle pond” meaning it was formed when a chunk of a receding glacier broke off and settled in place. The sediment-rich ice block gradually deposited sand, clay, grit and rocks around and on top of it, solidifying. Years later, as the underground ice block melted, the sediment layer caved in to form a large depression that filled with groundwater, creating the pond.
The new platform will give students and families a closer look at the flora, fauna, and the cycle of life that takes place throughout the seasons.
(Reena Virk, 14, is shown in this undated handout photo)
WARNING: This article contains graphic details which may be disturbing to some readers.
The heinous 1997 Saanich murder of Reena Virk is going to be depicted in a limited series on Hulu as the show is already in production.
The show entitled Under the Bridge is based on a book by the same name by the Victorian born author, Rebecca Godfrey.
In her book, Godfrey brought the story into mainstream popular culture and Reena Virk’s tragic death launched her career along with it.
What happened to Reena Virk
Reena Virk,14, met with a group of teenagers underneath the Craigflower Bridge. She was beaten viciously by a few in the group until one of the youths stopped the beating.
She then tried to flee the group, badly beaten and was followed by two teens who broke off from the group.
Virk was then beaten once again by Warren Paul Glowatski and Kelly Marie Ellard who proceeded to drown her while she was unconscious.
16-year old Glowatski was convicted of second degree murder and given a life sentence.
However, he was still a minor at the time and through a long parole hearing process was granted full parole in 2010.
Ellard had a long, drawn out sentencing as well going through three trials as results of hung juries and judgment errors but was eventually given a life sentence in 2005 with possibility of parole in seven years.
She changed her name to Kelly Marie Sim and was granted conditional day parole in 2017. In May 2022, now 39-years-old, Sim (Ellard) waived her right to a parole hearing as she did not feel ready to return to society on a full time basis.
The limited-series
Not much has been revealed about the series, Under the Bridge based on the book by the same name, but it is known that it will focus on author Rebecca Godrey.
Riley Keough, who is best known for her roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and American Honey, will star and executive produce the series, according to IMdB.
The series will be released on Hulu and is expected to air on the streaming service in 2023.
Some of the show’s episodes will be headed up by Indo-American director, producer and writer, Geeta Patel.
According to Variety Magazine, the series is being adapted to screen by Quinn Shepard, who is best known for writing, directing and starring in the Tribeca Film Festival’s 2017 film, Blame.
The series has the rights to the story via Rebecca Godfrey’s book but it is unclear at this time whether or not the production team making the limited-series consulted with Virk’s family for permission in making the show.
Late Betty Swift (middle) with daughter Hally and son-in-law Eric on Link Island (photo by Islands Trust Conservancy)
This week an island formerly owned by a Seattle woman was donated to the Island Trust Conservancy, marking the largest land donation the conservancy has ever received.
Betty Swift, who passed away in 2021, left instructions that Link Island will be transferred to the Islands Trust Conservancy in hopes that the location can be used for climate-change research in the Salish Sea.
“This gift is about the future, it is a gift for us all,” said Barbara Swift, Betty Swift’s daughter, in a press release.
Located Southeast of Nanaimo, the landmass spans 52.5 acres and is valued at $3.73 million.
Nestled between Mudge Island and DeCourcy Island, Link Island is home to a wealth of biodiversity.
With over three kilometres of undeveloped shoreline, coastal cliffs, wetlands, tidal flats and mixed forest ecosystems including threatened coastal Douglas-fir, arbutus, and prairie oak meadows.
While the island will remain closed to the public, providing sanctuary to the rare and threatened ecosystems, Swift’s gift to the conservancy reserves the right to use Link Island for her children and grandchildren for the duration of their lives.
“We feel so honoured that Betty and her family have entrusted us with this island,” says Linda Adams, Islands Trust Conservancy Chair. “It is our intent to manage Link Island in a way that recognizes and protects both its cultural and ecological values.”
Link Island is located within the territories of several First Nations including the Cowichan Tribes, Xeláltxw (Halalt) First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Spune’luxutth’ (Penelakut Tribe), SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) First Nation, Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo) First Nation, Stz’uminus (Chemainus) First Nation, and Ts’uubaa-asatx (Lake Cowichan) First Nation.
In recent years, the Island Trust Conservancy has been working alongside the First Nations to establish a management plan that respects the needs and values of unceded territory and environmental research.
Before the land title to Link Island was transferred to the Islands Trust Conservancy, Gabriola Land & Trails Trust President, Brockley, met the Swift family, to express his appreciation for their generosity.
“Many of us aspire to show generosity when opportunities arise, but the Swift family has actually done it, and on such a grand scale,” said Brockley in a press release.
Hosted by Cassandra Togneri, Carol-Lynne Michaels, and a half-dozen fabulous storytellers for a night of all-true stories told by the people that lived them – inspired by the theme “Family Stories”
Expect stories about being together or apart, functioning dysfunction, and moments you’ll never forget. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m.
Hear stories from Victoria’s Christmas past, or listen in on a rendition of the classic 19th-century poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Try out our annual Golden Walnut Hunt: explore each room of the historic house to find all the hidden golden walnuts, or enjoy hot cocoa and the glow of lights as you stroll around our heritage gardens.
Where: Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, 2616 Pleasant Street
When: Thursday, December 15th, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On the 125th anniversary of the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Lawyers on Stage Theatre Society (LOST) will present its 2022 annual fundraiser- Dracula: A Radio Play.
Each year talented lawyers and other members of the Victoria legal community go on stage to raise awareness of and support for those in need in our community. This year proceeds will go to support Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) and Need2: Suicide Prevention, Education, and Support.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the mysterious murder of a 47-year-old man from Tofino.
On December 30th, 2020, Tofino RCMP conducted a wellness check on a man living in the 1300-block of Chesterman Beach Road. There they found the man dead.
“Based on observations at the scene the death was deemed to be suspicious and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit assumed conduct of the investigation,” said Insp. Kevin O’Donnell the District Senior Investigating Officer of the BC RCMP Major Crime Unit at the time of the murder.
The same day, an individual was taken into custody in Nanaimo and was released without charge.
Nearly two years later, on December 12th, 2022, Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) investigators, with assistance from Nanaimo RCMP, arrested Luke Priddle, 25, who will go before court on Thursday December 13th on one charge of second degree murder.
Cpl. Alex Bérubé of the BC RCMP confirmed with Victoria Buzz that Priddle was the same person the VIIMCU took into custody initially back in 2020.
Priddle also faces charges of robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. He will remain in custody until he faces his charges in court.
Police ask that anyone with information about this incident, call the VIIMCU information line at (250) 380-6211.
Those experiencing homelessness in Port Alberni will soon have a new option for sheltering themselves from the coastal elements.
With housing costs on the rise there are more vulnerable people needing access to shelter than ever—those who are experiencing homelessness for a number of reasons.
The Walyaqil Tiny Shelter Village will add to the options people needing shelter have.
“The price of houses have gone up, rent has increased a lot, there’s definitely less housing available and so we have noticed there are a lot of people needing to live with family or they’re living in their cars or they’re living in tents.”
“It’s a lot of people you would never think would be doing that, but have no other solutions for housing.”
The site, located along the 3600-block of 4th Avenue in Port Alberni will have 30 temporary modular housing pods, shared washroom facilities, amenity spaces, an office for administration and facilitation, a bicycle parking area and two outdoor gathering spaces.
Students from North Island College even got the opportunity to help their community by building the bases for the tiny shelters that are prefabricated and being sent over from the mainland.
(NIC helping during construction via Cyndi Stevens/PAFC)(NIC helping during construction via Cyndi Stevens/PAFC)
The new shelter site will be operated by PAFC and will have staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We’ll have two staff per shift, every day,” Stevens told Victoria Buzz. “There won’t be actual security but our staff will take on that role.”
“It’ll be more support than it will be security.”
They will provide supports such as life-skills training, health and wellness support, three nutritious meals per day and other support that will be culturally inclusive for Indiginous Peoples using the facilities.
The village will be a temporary measure until more permanent supportive housing can be built and currently has a two year lease, although Stevens, hopes that lease will be extended.
“It was a long haul to get this to where it is today,” Stevens told Victoria Buzz. “At one point we were concerned it may not happen after we had put all that work into it.”
“We’re really excited that BC Housing was able to come to the table and help us with the funding gap that we had and be able to move forward with this project in a timely way.”
Funding for the new shelters is coming from BC Housing in part. They are providing $726,000 for the project which includes $75,000 in start up costs.
Additionally, BC Housing will be providing approximately $850,000 in annual operating funding.
The City of Port Alberni is providing the land in which the project will occupy and will be providing all utility services to the site. They have also committed a $165,000 grant to the project.
The PAFC is also paying into the project with $226,000
The Walyaqil Tiny Shelter Village is set to be finished in early 2023.
BC’s favourite lottery still has tickets available, and you know that means?
Even more chances to win one of 10 incredible Grand Prizes!
This year’s VGH Millionaire Lottery offers the chance to be the proud owner of your choice of 9 stunning pieces of BC real estate—and the 10th option?
A cool tax-free $2.7 million in your pocket.
The deadline to grab your tickets is on Thursday, January 12th and the Grand Prize Draw will happen on February 1st—what better way to kick off the New Year?
When it comes to the Grand Prize homes, you’re in for a treat—two are right here on Vancouver Island!
Aside from the luxurious local Grand Prize choice in Sooke, this year’s lottery features homes in Langley, South Surrey, White Rock, Kelowna, Oakridge, Olympic Village, West Kelowna and the Island’s own Courtenay.
Check out more info including photos of all nine Grand Prize homes here!
When you buy a VGH Millionaire Lottery ticket, you’re supporting life-saving care at British Columbia’s largest hospital and helping our doctors, nurses, staff, health care workers, and all the patients who visit VGH every day.
Your Millionaire Lottery tickets support specialized adult health care and research at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital and GF Strong Rehab Centre.
There is also one last Bonus Draw up for grabs—the Early Bird Draw features a brand new Audi, or a private jet travel experience from Travel Best Bets plus $20,000 cash, OR just $125,000—the choice is yours!
Deadlines to enter the final draws are:
Early Bird Draw Deadline: Midnight, Friday, December 23rd, 2022
Main Draws and Grand Prize Deadline: Midnight, Thursday, January 12th, 2023
Know your limit, play within it. Must be 19+ to play.
Victoria’s beloved kosher bakery, the Bikery, has announced that they are closing up shop in order to pursue matters close to their heart.
Owner and self-proclaimed bakerman, Markus Spodzieja announced on the Bikery’s website early in December that he is closing up on December 23rd. Until then, it’ll be business as usual for Spodzieja, taking orders for both pickup and delivery until their last day.
He announced on his website that the bakery will open once more in the new year under new ownership and a new name.
“I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, honestly I’m still processing it myself,” Spodzieja wrote in a farewell address to his customers.
He and his wife have contemplated all options but at the end of the day they have opted to prioritize their loved ones and will be moving across the country to Nova Scotia to care for an elderly member of their family.
“This has been many months of decision making and planning, but with so many unknown variables we waited to announce this until we were sure that all of the pieces fit,” wrote Spodzieja.
“Especially as we wanted to pass the torch on to someone who shared our values.”
The Bikery began in 2017 as a mobile bike vending pilot project through the City of Victoria. Spodzieja rented a kitchen space and delivered baked goods from his bicycle.
“I just kind of noodled around and sold pretzels from the back of my bike as a side gig,” Spodzieja told Victoria Buzz.
In 2019, he was able to make the Bikery a full-time endeavour baking, delivering and doing farmers markets.
“I believe I did Wednesday to Sunday doing office trips while still just making pretzels at that time,” said Spodzieja.
“Then when the pandemic hit, that’s when it all started to really take off.”
He developed and expanded his menu in 2020 to include bread and challah, pita and bagels. Through the challah he made, Spodzieja connected with the Jewish community and realized there was no certified kosher bakery on Vancouver Island.
His business that started as a pilot project to make minimal effect on the environment grew over the years and wound up being the first and only kosher bakery on Vancouver island with thousands of customers salivating over his baked goods.
Spodzieja says to date he has sold over 7,000 loaves of challah, which is braided bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat, and over 25,000 each of both pretzels and bagels.
The Bikery has now sent their challahs all over the country and they say their products have even made their way all the way to Hawaii.
Despite the move to leave Victoria, Spodzieja did have some good news for the Jewish community and lovers of baked bread. In his announcement of the Bikery’s last days, he announced another kosher bakery called My Way Bakery would be taking over the business and its space at 1701 Douglas Street.
My Way Bakery’s owners Moshe and Leah will be taking over and the Bikery’s space will provide them with their first brick and mortar location. They will be running their new space as a family-run operation.
“They were actually one of my first customers when we opened in the market as a kosher bakery,” Spodzieja told Victoria Buzz.
The couple were trying to open their own kosher bakery and were seeking Spodzieja’s advice when he told them that he was planning on selling.
They came to a mutual agreement and Spodzieja is now passing the reins on to them.
Moshe and Leah will be bringing some new products to the bakery and Spodzieja is even passing along some of his most iconic recipes to the new ownership duo, including the vegan, kosher bagel.
They’ve even decided to combine their bakery’s name with current name of the business to create what will be the ‘My Way Bikery.’
Moshe and Leah have agreed to honour any and all gift cards that still retain the Bikery’s name from their business.
“It’s been a journey,” Spodzieja said as a last message to his loyal customers. “I didn’t know where the road would take me when I got on this bike, but I’m extremely happy for where we ended up.”
“I look forward to seeing My Way Bikery take off in the same fashion, and to see some of your smiling faces in the bakery over the next few weeks.”
My Way Bikery will be opening their doors to customers beginning on January 3rd.
“When a family faces loneliness and loss of faith, Mrs. Miracle swoops in to renew their Christmas Spirit, and they experience a holiday of heavenly proportions.”
“Kaleigh is fired as popular column writer by the new editor at The Globe in NYC. She heads to her sister near Tahoe, CA, and helps in her bakery the weeks before Xmas. The single editor shows up – to right a wrong.”
“A psychology professor’s offered her dream job at Yale incl. her thesis published and is proposed to by her BFF on the same day. She gets a glimpse of her life 3 years in a future where she said yes to the job and no to the BFF’s proposal.”
Year: 2015
Filming Locations: Downtown Victoria, Munro’s Book Store
“Samantha “Emilie Ullerup” is a freelance photographer. She is on her way to Cape Cod to celebrate her father’s Christmas Eve wedding. She enlists the help of an old childhood friend Mike to meet a deadline for a big Christmas spread that could very well ignite her career. Along the way she falls in love and realizes that Christmas is wherever your family is.”
Year: 2018
Filming Locations: Downtown Victoria, Bastion Square, Union Club, Oak Bay, Sidney
“Molly meets Josh, a widower who recently moved to town with his young son. At the same time she is charmed by a mysterious client of her bakery whom she’s never met in person. In the end, he was the one and the same man.”
“Andy’s family has built Rose Parade floats for generations. When her Dad gets sick, Andy’s forced to supervise the construction and decoration of their client’s float and deal with a demanding businessman whose company commissioned it.”
Year: 2017
Filming Locations: Downtown Victoria, Johnson Street
“A song-filled new Air Bud ‘Pup Star’ movie that introduces four new pups to the family, who stow away on Santa’s sleigh and find themselves trapped at the North Pole, trying to save the world’s Christmas spirit.”
Year: 2018
Filming Locations: Victoria, E&N Roundhouse, Esquimalt, and Heritage Acres
“It tells the story of Sarah, a children’s book author who returns to her hometown where she reconnects with her family and her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a family legend might actually be true.”
Year: 2022
Filming Locations: Sidney, Oak Bay, Victoria
Did we miss one of your favourites filmed in Victoria? Let us know by emailing tips@victoriabuzz.com.
Children and families of Colwood should keep their eyes out for a special guest passing through town on Sunday, December 18th.
This weekend Santa will take to the streets alongside the Colwood Fire Department.
While they might not make it through Colwood’s smaller streets, if you hear the sirens, come on out and cheer on Santa who will be sharing treats.
Sunday’s route will start at 9 a.m. at Belmont park making its way through the following streets:
Route #1
Belmont Park, Goldstream Avenue, Wale Road, Gamble Drive, Gamble Place, Tamarack Road and Loiacono Place
Route #2
Aldeane Avenue to Kelley Road between Sooke Road to Veterans Memorial Parkway
Route #3
Kelly Road to Lynlark between VMP and Sooke
Route #4
Brittany to Jacklin (Colwood creek park) Sooke to Afriston Place
Route # 5
Triangle Mountain
After taking a lunch break to spend time snapping photos with local fans, Santa and his crew will continue their tour in the afternoon, starting at 12:30 p.m. along the following streets:
Route #6
Wishart south Allendale to Delora between Wishart to VMP
Route #7
Lagoon Area, Lagoon Rd to Metchosin between Metchosin to Ocean Blvd
Route #8
Painter to Metchosin to Cotlow and Ledsham to Metchosin between Sooke and Wishart
Residents are encouraged to share food items with those in need. This year’s donations will support the Goldstream Food Bank.
Fill your cup with some hot chocolate and enjoy some family fun this weekend in Colwood!
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to mix things up and don your very own ugly Christmas sweater this year.
Whether it’s for a festive holiday party, or when you open up your gifts on the big day, these five stores in Victoria are stocked up with the funkiest Christmas sweaters you’ll find on Vancouver Island.
Without further ado, here are 5 places to snatch up the latest Christmas sweater:
The remains of a missing 82-year-old Nanaimo woman have been located, according to RCMP.
On Tuesday, December 13th, Nanaimo RCMP put out a media release requesting the public’s help in locating Elizabeth Gilchrist.
Gilchrist’s daughter arrived at her mother’s home in the Stephenson Point area before 11 a.m. that day to discover the front door of the home open.
After not being able to locate her mom inside the home, Gilchrist’s daughter called police to report her missing.
Due to the weather and Gilchrist’s health, there were significant concerns for her well-being.
“RCMP offers its condolences to the family of the woman and would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance,” Alex Berube said in a media release.
“As of respect for the family, no further details will be shared.”
WIN (Women In Need) Resale Shops is opening a brand new location in Saanich.
This will be their fourth storefront location, with the other three being located in Victoria. The new location will be in Saanich Centre on the corner of Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue.
This WIN Shop will focus on carrying high quality fashion for all genders, including shoes and accessories and it opened its doors to the public on December 3rd.
The other three WIN locations specialize in different types of essentials.
Their Home Shop on Cook Street has furniture and home decor, beside the Home Shop they have a Resale Shop location that has a wide range of clothing and accessories.
In addition, the non-profit have a boutique shop in Vic West at their Westside location with a little mix of everything including childrens clothes and toys and they have a shop on Pandora that has a wide array of clothes, household items and entertainment.
Like all WIN Shops, the new Saanich storefront will be open seven days a week.
“We are so thrilled to be opening this weekend,” exclaimed Clare Yazganoglu, WIN’s Executive Director.
“This new shop joins our other locations in being a crucial part of how we provide our five empowerment programs in the community.”
WIN is a non-profit that operates their four resale storefronts, a pop-up location and an online store in order to fund their several women’s empowerment programs and fund their non-profit.
They provide women, trans, non-binary and Two Spirit people with crisis, financial, wellness and self-sufficiency supports.
Each year WIN is able to support over 2,000 community members through their programming.
Their five programs are:
Crisis and Referral program: provides program participants with access to immediate needs, such as emergency funding, food gift certificates or gift cards for their resale locations.
Gift Card program: provides access to WIN gift cards for their 4 resale locations so participants can get clothes, shoes, seasonal goods and household items. By using these gift cards, participants have a level of discretion and anonymity while shopping in the stores.
New Start program: helps those who are leaving transitional housing and crisis situations, often fleeing violence. This program provides participants with essentials such as furniture, bedding and kitchenwares.
Self-Sufficiency program: this helps participants gain a sense of self-sufficiency in their lives in unique ways meant to help them on their individual journeys. WIN achieves this by providing access to courses, training, education and development initiatives.
Transformative program: helps participants to achieve growth through communication, recognizing and changing behaviour patterns, fostering positive relationships, setting boundaries and learning to take on more responsibility.
— Victoria Women In Need (WIN Co-op) (@WINResaleShops) February 10, 2022
WIN has been serving women, trans, non-binary and Two Spirit people for over 15 years and have become an essential non-profit for the people of Greater Victoria through their empowerment work.
After 19 years of slinging beers and bites to Victorians, Canoe Brewpub served its last pint in October of last year.
The Victoria harbour location of CRAFT Beer Market at 450 Swift Street is the ninth of its name as CRAFT’s parent company celebrates its 11th anniversary this year.
Victoria’s CRAFT features 110 taps of ice-cold beer, creative cocktails, covered patio that patrons can comfortably sit year round, a designated bocce ball area, an indoor and outdoor bar and fireplaces to warm your bones in the winter. Dogs are also permitted at one of their outdoor patios!
Location: 450 Swift Street
Hours: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday
In 2022, Mary Browns, a Canadian owned fried chicken franchise, set their sights on two locations, Nelson Square in View Royal and the developing Colwood Corners.
Mary Browns began in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1969. Soon, its reputation for delicious food and Eastern Canada hospitality spread, leading to stores in Ontario and Alberta. Now, more than 50 years later, the chicken franchise has over 200 locations across Canada.
Their menu features signature Canada grade A chicken and taters made from fresh potatoes as well as a variety of other items such as pickle chips, buffalo twists and even some plant based options.
Small Gods Brewing Co., a family-owned and operated brewery, opened its doors on August 5th, welcoming guests to enjoy the new literary-themed space.
The brewery is designed to fit into the surrounding community, providing a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy a beer, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and a good book. Small Gods Brewing Co., is offering craft beers, local wines, cider and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Location: 9835 Third Street, Sidney
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
There’s a brand new Hawaiian-themed grill at Fisherman’s Wharf serving up just that, which means you can pretend you’re in Hawaii for a day, anytime you like.
Coco Grill, a hidden gem at Fisherman’s Wharf, is ready to transport you to a tropical paradise, with an extensive menu of south pacific inspired food, cold drinks and fresh seafood.
It’s always a good day when we hear there’s a new hot spot for baked goods in the city.
Frickin’ Delights Donuts, originally from Alberta, are now open in YYJ—in their sweet little spot on Yates Street.
The confectionery company, founded in 2013 by a husband and wife duo, began selling from a converted laundry room in Devon, Alberta. In 2017, they opened a brick and mortar location which saw people driving from all over just to get their hands on the delicious baked goods.
Frickin’ Delights donuts not only look delicious, they’re also 100% vegan, made fresh daily, and come in a large variety of different flavours.
Location: 632 Yates Street
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
BC’s newest location of the Canadian Brewhouse, a Canadian themed sports bar, opened at Uptown this June, marking the sixth location in the province and the first on Vancouver Island.
The Uptown location is a two-storey restaurant with seating for over 600 people, encompassing dining and bar seating, bowling lanes, billiards and batting cages. There is also a rooftop patio!
Location: 3500 Uptown Boulevard #117
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday
Jones BBQ,, the Texan BBQ joint, opened its original location in 2016 and has been blessing Victoria with the delicious smells of its brisket and ribs ever since.
Now, they have opened a second location in Langford!
Jones Bar-B-Que uses 100% southern techniques learned in the smokehouses of Texas and local woods such as oak and maple in their stick burner smoker, which they built themselves. They sell meat plates, platters, sandwiches, fried chicken and more. Smoked meats include brisket, pork ribs, house made sausage and sides include potato salad, slaw, pit beans, cornbread and tater tots.
In February, Tofino’s favourite coffee shop expanded, with a brand new location in West Shore!
Rhino Coffee opened their original location in 2013, introducing their local brews to the salty air of Tofino. Ever since, locals and tourists have flocked to Rhino to enjoy their homemade donuts, all day breakfast, sandwiches, wraps and more.
They even have a Mommy Happy Hour on Wednesday!
Location: 2840 Peatt Road Unit 111
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
A mysterious and unique cocktail bar has opened its doors downtown Victoria. Although their website and Instagram do not have a lot of information to go off of, the photos and experiences from happy customers have said it all. You’ll have to check it out and decide for yourself!
Location: 1802 Government Street
Hours: 5 p.m. to ‘bedtime’, Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday
After 43 years in business, Sassy Restaurant in Brentwood Bay closed their doors. Shortly after, locals began to notice the building transforming with a recognizable pink paint. A Floyds Diner representative confirmed the new location with Victoria Buzz, which would be the businesses’ fourth brunch location in Victoria! They currently have locations in West Shore, James Bay and West Saanich.
Location: 6719 W Saanich Road
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Sunday
We are also eagerly awaiting the grand opening of MeeT on Blanshard, an already established chain from the Mainland.
Although we were lucky enough to welcome ten new restaurants to our city in 2022, a few favourites closed their doors forever this year as well.
We all have a least favourite intersection to turn left on, whether we admit it or not.
There are several intersections throughout Greater Victoria, as well as southern Vancouver Island, that could certainly use some work to become safer with the implementation of an advanced turn light or one way traffic flow at a time.
According to ICBC, based on reports from 2021, only four of the most dangerous intersections are in the Greater Victoria area. Three of those intersections are in Saanich and one is in Langford.
According to ICBC, five of the top 10 collision prone intersections involve a turning lane, ramp or access turn.
Vancouver Island only has a five year average of approximately 6,000, which is about 14.7% of the amount of collisions that occur on the Lower Mainland.
According to ICBC, 14 collisions on Vancouver Island in 2021 ended with a fatality and the island has a five year average of five fatalities per year due to a collision.
Also of note, ICBC says that Vancouver Island has almost twice the amount of collisions with animals as the Lower Mainland that result in twice the number of injured victims.
Vancouver Island’s five year average of animal collisions is 2,200 with 180 injured victims and the Lower Mainland’s average stands at 1,200 with an equally proportionate 99 injured victims.
What is your least favourite intersection in Greater Victoria? Let us know in the comments.
The Township of Esquimalt is doubling down on Saanich’s latest steps to improve cyclist safety along Tillicum Road, but is still determining the best way to do so.
Both Lampson Street and Tillicum Road have proposed designs for new pedestrian, driver and cyclists safety measures.
Esquimalt says it is aiming to fill in the gaps in pedestrian and existing cyclist networks in the municipality and have identified that there are five major sections in which cyclists and pedestrians are at more risk of collision and danger.
The two main sections of contention are along Tillicum Road and Lampson Street, however there are two other sections that have been identified as candidates for bike lanes which are along Head Street and on Esquimalt Road, west of Admirals Road.
Esquimalt is calling the design of the proposed bike lanes a, “Quick-Build Cycling Network.”
This is because the quick-build network can be treated as a temporary pilot project, the quick-build model allows for the Township to provide increased safety relatively inexpensively and it allows for Esquimalt to make adjustments to the cycling network as needed.
None of the proposed bike lanes will create the need for the removal of existing infrastructure, changing the layout of the streets for which they’re intended and they won’t impact utilities, drainage or transit.
The project has now entered phase two, which includes public feedback from local residents and businesses.
The ATP also aims to lower the speed limits along all major roads in Esquimalt to 40 km/h and all localized roads to 30 km/h, fill in gaps in the sidewalk network and improve certain intersections to improve accessibility as well as pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety.
(Township of Esquimalt)
As the ATP progresses from stage two, to stage three and then into implementation, Esquimalt’s councillors debated whether to do another public outreach campaign regarding the implementation of the ATP in a council meeting on Monday, December 12th.
“Everybody sitting at this table, part of our individual platforms was implementation of the Active Transportation Plan,” said Councillor Tim Morrison in Monday’s council meeting.
“I guess we can assume that part of the reason why we’re sitting here is because the voters supported that vision in getting that done.”
“I’m fine with doing more public consultation, but it’s just kind of repeating the public consultation that we’ve already done, quite some time ago and it just seems now that we’re delaying implementing something we all promised we’d be doing as a new council,” said Councillor Morrison.
A survey can be filled out online to allow the public another opportunity to share their voice on the matter of how the ATP is implemented.
Santa Claus is starting his Canada tour early this year as he stops by six of Vancouver Island’s hospitals today to cheer up the children..
In partnership with BCEHS and Helijet, the 18th annual “Santa Flights” is in full swing delivering toys and Christmas cheer to children currently receiving medical treatment at Victoria General, Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian, Nanaimo Regional General, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, BC Children’s Hospital, and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.
“Santa’s visits are magical as they lift the spirits of children receiving care in our hospitals. At the same time, the Santa visits also celebrate the dedication of our front-line workers, including specialized paramedics who provide such crucial medical care,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix in a press release.
Santa is visiting children at Victoria General Hospital this morning, thanks to the generosity of @Helijet. Santa and our critical care #paramedic are flying to 5 other hospitals today bringing pre-Christmas cheer to young patients and front-line health care workers. @APBC873pic.twitter.com/VBYGPQJ38A
This year Joanna Stefani, an Infant Transport Team (ITT) paramedic will join Santa for the air ambulance flights out of commemoration for her work transporting critically ill babies and young children to the hospital.
“Often, we meet patients and their families in medical emergencies. Today’s Santa flight is incredibly special, as we get to bring smiles to young patients in less stressful conditions. I am honoured to represent all paramedics in this wonderful holiday tradition,” said Stefani in a press release.
It's a special time for children at 6 hospitals today, as Santa delivers joys and gifts. #BCEHS Infant Transport Team #paramedic Joanna Stefani is honoured to be part of Santa's flight crew and to join in this holiday tradition courtesy of @Helijet. @APBC873pic.twitter.com/Gnq4yBClKk
Danny Sitnam, President and CEO of Helijet will also be joining Stefani and Santa with pride, serving children and their families in a cheerful way.
“All of us at Helijet are happy to have this opportunity to help make the holiday season special for these courageous kids and their families who find themselves in hospital instead of at home as Christmas approaches,” said Sitnam in a press release.
After stopping by the Victoria General Hospital this morning, the team headed off to the Nanaimo General Hospital to spread holiday cheer, with four more stops left before the end of the day.
Santa's arrival at @BCChildrensHosp. Today, Santa accompanied by a cheerful elf, our critical care #paramedic and flight crew, is visiting 6 hospitals to lift the spirits of young children in hospital. Thanks to @Helijet for making this holiday tradition possible. @APBC873pic.twitter.com/Jr0UD6Nxd5
We’re halfway through another chilly work week and what better way to shake off the seasonal slumps than attending a local event in Victoria!
From hockey games featuring local rivalries to hilarious improv shows, here are five things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, December 14th:
After two recent wins against the Kamloops Blazers and Kelowna Rockets, the Royals will face off against their mainland rivals, the Vancouver Giants in what’s expected to be an exciting game.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the puck dropping at 7:05 p.m.
Where: Save on Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
When: Wednesday, December 14th, puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
This workshop will be a textile focused workshop that covers the basics of punch needling, and the process of tufting. Participants will get to create their own punch needle pieces as well as try out two types of tufting guns to get the feel of the machinery used to make large scale textile pieces.
Where: Oaklands Community Association, 2827 Belmont Avenue
When: Wednesday, December 14th, starts at 6:30 p.m.
This course focuses on the process of working from an idea to a finished painting.
Students start with notes and sketches or other source material such as photographs or previous work and learn some methods to transform their initial ideas into a meaningful painting.
Where: Vancouver Island School of Art, 733 Johnson Street
When: Wednesday, December 14th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The road. That special place between places. The place where we cease to be inhabitants, and instead become travellers. Where we are no longer burdened with practicality and are finally able to ask deep questions.
The road is where we all become philosophers and poets. So buckle up, and come watch Dave Morris and Byron Kjeldsen in an improv show that takes place entirely in a car.
Like any road trip, there will be a lively conversation, awkward silence, some jokes, and, of course, snacks.
Where: Intrepid Theatre, 1609 Blanshard Street
When: Wednesday, December 14th, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Hey Victoria, it’s time to bust out your dancing shoes and your sweetest moves!
There’s a silent disco coming to town this weekend, and you’re invited.
This Friday, December 16th, you can join others under the twinkling display of Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square for a unique experience like no other.
From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can light up the night in this FREE 3-channel Silent Disco Glow Party featuring @dj_loblova (House, Techno, Downtempo), SISTR DJ (Global Fusion/High Vibes Dance Hits) and 16 year-old Help Fill A Dream Recipient Sage Stubbe, who is a huge Classic Rock fan and got to see the band Queen in London, England.
The Downtown Victoria Business Association along with Silent DJ Victoria will supply 100 headsets, first come first serve. All ages welcome, but headset rental will require a security deposit (Driver’s Licence, Passport, Government-issued ID, or $60 cash per adult—which you’ll get back when you return your headset! No exceptions.)
Headset pickup opens at 3:40 p.m. at Centennial Square. Mark your calendars, wear some LED glow, and join in on a glowing good time!
As Christmas inches closer, the temperatures are dropping and snow is in the forecast for Victoria.
According to the latest weather update from Environment Canada, another snow fall is on the way for the Greater Victoria area this weekend.
Temperatures will hover above 5°C during the day while dropping to freezing levels overnight.
On Saturday, temperatures will begin shifting to even colder temperatures potentially bringing snow along with it.
As of this publication, there is a 30% chance of snow Saturday night, followed by a 60% possibility of flurries on Sunday and Monday.
For the long-term forecast, according to the Weather Network, Greater Victoria is about to shift into a deep freeze next week with temperatures falling into the negative double digits.
The cooler temperatures are being generated by a severe artic outflow that will deliver a below normal conditions, also known as a polar vortex.
The coastal areas of Vancouver Island will see some of the coldest temperatures, with Victoria dipping as low as -12°C next week. Further up island, Campbell River could see -15°C weather.
Last year some parts of Greater Victoria were blessed with a healthy enough amount of snow on the ground to go tobogganing, have snowball fights and struggle on their road trip to a family dinner on Christmas Day.
However, the last true ‘white Christmas’ with fresh snowfall was in 2017.
This year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, we may indeed have another white Christmas in BC’s capital region.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been making long-range predictions with reasonable accuracy since 1792 in Canada and the United States.
The longest running publication in North American History contains planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, lifestyle articles and weather forecast predictions for the coming year and seasons.
The south end of Vancouver Island and the rest of southern BC may just be the only regions in all of Western Canada that can look forward to fresh snow for a white Christmas.
“In Canada, snow will be on the ground (or at least in the air) for Christmas Day in Southern Ontario, Southern Quebec, the Prairies, and Southern British Columbia, as well as way up north in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.”
Mild weather and snow are predicted for the week leading up to Christmas Day this year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
‘Tis the season for reflection, and some stats are more eye-opening than others.
It’s also the time of year we receive our Spotify and Google search wraps, and in particular, one online service has joined the fun in airing out our dirty laundry—literally.
In 2022, Canada now holds the eighth place in Pornhub traffic globally, falling three spots from the top five in 2021.
In North America, Canadians most viewed category was Lesbian videos, while the Ebony category took control over Americans in 2022.
While in popular demand throughout the year in North America, Canadian porn lovers have turned their back on the site over the holidays, with a significant drop in Canadian traffic on Christmas Eve (-28%), Christmas Day (-20%) and New Years’ Eve (-22%).
For 2022, “milf” took over the top search result for Canada, followed by lesbian, hentai, Asian, and threesome.
For viewing pleasure, 84% of Canadians used their phones, 13% sat at a desktop computer, and 3% used tablets to watch porn.
This year female viewership increased from 26% in 2021 to 29% in 2022. Though to no surprise, male viewership is currently the majority at 71% for Canadian males.
According to the online porn site, Canadians came and went 20 seconds faster, with an average time spent of around nine minutes and twenty-eight seconds.
Falling to 17th place for time spent per visit, Canada is nearing the bottom of the rankings as Egypt takes the top spot with an average of 11 minutes spent on the website.
Overall, Canadians appear to be in the middle of the pack compared to other countries globally.
The R&B and hip hop trendsetter has just announced a North American tour kicking off this spring.
Spanning 17 cities, Vancouver will host SZA’s second last performance on Sunday, March 19th at the Rogers Arena.
After releasing her long-awaited second album ‘SOS’, SZA will embark on a highly anticipated arena tour this spring with Grammy-nominated artist Omar Apollo.
This tour marks the first time the Grammy-award-winning artist is playing venues of this size and debuting her latest album live to fans.
Born in St. Louis and raised in Maplewood, NJ, genre-defying, and Grammy Award winning recording artist SZA released her major label debut album Ctrl (TDE/RCA) in 2017.
Upon its release, RZA’s debut album landed at number one on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, number two on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, capping off at the third spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ctrl remains on the Billboard 200 chart since its release in 2017 and holds the record for the longest run for any Black female artist’s debut album.
Since 2017, the singer-songwriter has been on fire, claiming accolades along the way, gaining one Grammy Award from fourteen nominations, as well as Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.
What is expected to sell out in minutes, this electrifying performance is one you’re not going to want to miss!
Tickets go on sale starting Friday, December 16th at 12 p.m. local time. You can grab yoursonline here!
(Most recent photos of Carmel Gilmour via CCTV and Facebook/Oceanside RCMP)
Oceanside RCMP are continuing their search for a missing Parksville mother who was last seen five years ago, but have no new evidence to lean on in their search.
On November 15th, 2017, Carmel Gilmour, 36, was reported missing by her boyfriend who had last seen her the night before between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Little Mountain in Parksville.
Prior to that, Gilmour was seen on November 14th at a Liquor Depot in the 100-block of Alberni Highway. Those who saw her there reported to police that she seemed to be “acting confused and paranoid.”
Police located her vehicle seven days later on November 21st, along the waterfront on Highway 19A in Qualicum Beach. The vehicle had reportedly been parked in that location since November 15th, according to police. It was only flagged as suspicious because it had not moved in six days.
Police say they searched the van and found no signs of struggle or violence within the van. In their observations they determined that Gilmour had been living in the vehicle. They did not find keys, a cell phone or a wallet in the vehicle in their search.
According to police, officers canvassed the area and retrieved all video surveillance footage they could find, but none of it showed Gilmour or her van entering or leaving the area.
In their efforts to understand her disappearance and do their due diligence, police inquired with government private agencies regarding Gilmour which did not result in any new information.
Since her disappearance in 2017, Gilmour has not had any contact with her family, friends or acquaintances, she hasn’t been active on social media and she hasn’t had any interactions with police in Canada.
Little Mountain, the area in which Gilmour was last seen, has been thoroughly canvassed and searched without any evidence as to her whereabouts being revealed.
Police say that their investigation has determined that her boyfriend in 2017 was not responsible for her disappearance–they believe that he has no knowledge as to where she may have gone.
At the time of her disappearance, Gilmour was described as a Caucasian woman, standing 5’ 6” tall, weighing roughly 150 pounds. She has brown hair, hazel eyes, and medium build.
She would now be 41-years-old, and police say she left behind children that she loved and it is completely out of character for her to leave them.
“The Oceanside RCMP do not know the whereabouts of Carmel Gilmour and are hoping someone in the community has information about her disappearance and are asking for assistance in locating her,” said Sgt. Shane Worth of Oceanside RCMP.
Police ask that anyone who has any information about Carmel Gilmour’s disappearance, contact Oceanside RCMP at (250) 248-6111.
Old-growth activists in BC are looking forward to Premier David Eby’s lofty goals of eco-conservation within the province.
With Premier Eby’s new cabinet officially sworn-in, their intentions and goals have been receiving some attention from activists throughout BC.
Specifically, the Ancient Forest Alliance is commending the newly elected premier on his mandate letter to Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in which he outlines the expectation for the creation of new Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and committing to the protection of 30% of lands the in BC by 2030.
Protection of 30% of BC’s land would double the total current protected land.
Partnering with the federal government, industry, and communities, and working with Indigenous Peoples, lead the work to achieve the Nature Agreement’s goals of 30% protection of BC’s land base by 2030, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
“The commitment to double legislated protected areas in BC has the potential to be a major step towards protecting endangered old-growth forests, ecosystems, and species across British Columbia,” said Ancient Forest Alliance Campaigner & Photographer, TJ Watt.
“The new premier should be commended for this. To ensure these promises can be made a reality, it’s imperative that major conservation funding is secured through the much anticipated BC-Canada Nature Agreement.”
“We have the framework, now we just need the funding to implement it.”
In addition to committing to this goal of protecting 30% of BC lands, the province has also acknowledged the need for conservation financing in order to protect areas with the most ecological diversity.
To achieve this, Minister Cullen says he will work with Indigenous communities as well as the government to establish stewardship programs and prioritize economic development for the conservation of old-growth.
“For years we have been pushing for the province to commit to conservation financing that links protecting endangered old-growth forests through Indigenous Protected Areas with First Nations’ sustainable economic development,” said Watt.
“Creating conservation economies that allow new, sustainable jobs and businesses to flourish while preserving imperiled ecosystems is a win-win for humans and nature. None of this happens for free, though.”
Now, the Ancient Forest Alliance is calling on the Province to fund the protection of these areas through federal funding that is to come with the passing of the BC-Canada Nature Agreement.
When it comes to funding the protection of old-growth forests in BC there are plenty of funds available.
The federal government has committed $3.3 billion over five years to protected areas, both on land and underwater. They also have provided several billion more, dedicated to “natural climate solutions.”
BC’s piece of that pie is estimated by Ancient Forest Alliance to be between $200 to $400+ million.
“These latest commitments from Premier Eby appear to signal that the province is willing to move in the right direction,” said Watt.
“Ancient temperate forests in BC, and the communities and cultures that evolved amongst them for millennia, are counting on Eby to do the right thing.”
RCMP officers apprehended a man believed to be responsible for a violent stabbing that occurred over the weekend.
At around 10:15 a.m. on Monday, December 12th, Nanaimo RCMP and the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a search warrant at a residence well-known to law enforcement for crime, drugs and disorder.
The house is located in the 400-block of Murray Street and had been contained as evidence pertaining to the Saturday stabbing. .
The stabbing
At around 7:40 a.m. on Saturday, December 10th, police say two suspects wearing masks allegedly broke into an apartment in the 600-block of Albert Street. There they stabbed a man several times before fleeing the scene.
The victim was taken to Nanaimo hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Since then he has been released from hospital.
According to police, later on Saturday, while surveilling a neighborhood in Nanaimo, officers located one of the suspects in a stolen vehicle.
The arrest
Jordan White, 26, was taken into police custody the next day and charges have since been formally laid against him.
Police say White has been charged with one count of break and enter, aggravated assault and disguise with intent. He remains in custody and Nanaimo RCMP continue are still searching for the second suspect.
The search warrant
During the Murray Street search warrant, the ERT say they found and detained 11 adults inside who have since been released.
“ERT is utilized for situations where investigators believe there is a strong possibility of firearms being present and if the individuals involved are extremely violent”, said R/Constable Gary O’Brien.
According to police, the residence that was searched has created a tension amongst neighbours who have had to endure noise, disturbance, general unrest at all hours of the day and numerous police visits.
“The home is being considered as a nuisance property but has yet to receive that designation. The search warrant carried out today will certainly add more substance to our recommendation that it be declared a nuisance,” said O’Brien.
Nanaimo RCMP are done gathering evidence from the home as of Monday afternoon and the residence is no longer being held.
Police ask that anyone who has information on the stabbing incident, call Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.
Have you ever felt undeserving of a job you are qualified for or frequently undermining your skills around friends or colleagues?
If so, you could be struggling with the impostor phenomenon.
Approximately 70% of people throughout North America will face impostor-related feelings at one or more stages of their lives.
First identified by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Clance in 1971 as the impostor phenomenon, the term has been used more frequently since 2015 in both research papers and Google searches.
What commonly goes undetected as anxiety, the impostor phenomenon is a psychological pattern which causes chronic self-doubt and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, often despite repeated success and accomplishments.
Today, new research conducted by LifeWorks finds 32% of Canadians have a high mental health risk, 45% have a moderate mental health risk, and 24% have a low mental health risk as a result of workplace-related stress.
Victoria based life coach, public speaker and author ofSpeak Kindly, You’re Listening, Dr. Jessica Metcalfe has spent over two years supporting other working professionals in developing strategies to help overcome workplace insecurity, perfectionism and the risk of burnout.
What’s the link between impostor syndrome and burnout? Are you overextending yourself because you think the only way to be better is to sacrifice yourself time and time again? You are more likely to overwork, striving for perfection because of the pressure you put on yourself and that can lead to burnout #burnout#impostersyndrome#impostorsyndrone#quietquitting#highperformers
Most commonly known as impostor syndrome, Metcalfe says the way in which employers and employees acknowledge work-induced anxiety starts with the terminology we use to address it.
“If you automatically start classifying it as a syndrome, then you can look inwards and think, okay, well something’s wrong with me. A phenomenon takes it one step further, giving you that bird’s eye view and says, you know what? This is an experience. It’s an exceptional experience that I am having at this moment in time,” Metcalfe tells Victoria Buzz.
In recent years, publications includingTime magazine have reported on research attributing impostor syndrome to enhanced focus on interpersonal skills and alertness within a workplace setting.
Metcalfe says although there are some positive aspects of the impostor phenomenon such as producing quality work and maintaining dedicated attention to a job, the long-lasting effects can severely impact a person’s mental health if unchecked.
In the absence of acknowledging one’s own abilities and accomplishments, those who are suffering succumb to a cycle of self-doubt.
“It’s as if you think you actually don’t know anything. When you feel like you’re alone in this aspect of it, what ends up happening is you just keep repeating the exact same patterns over and over again,” says Metcalfe.
Metcalfe advises those that are struggling to overcome impostor-related doubts, to pay attention to the six phases of the impostor cycle.
(Courtesy of Jessica Metcalfe)
The initial feeling of “I don’t know,” should be met with a pause, allowing those struggling to figure out what questions they need to ask to overcome that feeling of confusion.
Followed by body discomfort, one should ask themselves, “what am I actually experiencing in my body right now and do I need to be afraid of it?” says Metcalfe.
Setting time locks and implementing boundaries is Metcalfe’s third step to holding oneself accountable for completing tasks in a healthy manner.
“For the person who feels they avoid and they step into doom scrolling on social media or binge watching TV giving yourself the opportunity. I’m going to take a look and focus on this (certain task) for two hours on a specific date,” says Metcalfe.
For those with a strong drive for perfection, acknowledging and savouring your success is the most pivotal step in overcoming impostor related feelings, even if it sounds as if you’re bragging.
“If you’re someone who already thinks about the fact that your head’s gonna get too big, you will always stop yourself. You’re allowed to brag a little bit about what you just achieved. You get to savor that,” says Metcalfe.
For those that are currently struggling with the emotional weight of the impostor phenomenon, Metcalfe’s new book, Speak Kindly, You’re Listening delves deeper into this topic and can be purchased at Indigo Books as well as Barnes & Noble.
VicPD handed over the investigation of a missing 38-year-old woman to Sooke RCMP which began on Saturday.
On Saturday, December 10th, Melissa McDevitt’s vehicle was found in Sooke at the Charters River/Hatchery parking lot on Sooke Road.
Immediately after finding McDevitt’s vehicle, the Juan De Fuca Search and Rescue began a ground search in the surrounding area. Sooke RCMP, RCMP Air Services and Police Dog Services aided in the search.
The search for high-risk missing woman Melissa McDevitt continues today. Our @SookeRCMP partners are leading the search near the potholes w @JdFSAR expert assistance, while we follow up here. If you saw Melissa or her vehicle, call (250) 995-7654 ext 1. #yyjhttps://t.co/RpSdRCSd51
According to police, on Sunday, December 11th, CCTV footage of McDevitt entering the trails from the parking lot was found. In the video, McDevitt is wearing a burgundy coloured long sleeved top, blue pants, and carrying what appears to be two hiking poles.
Police say that search efforts are ongoing.
According to police, McDevitt is a 38-year-old Caucasian woman who is described as neuro-divergent and she may initially show signs of cognitive delay.
She is described as standing five feet tall, with a slim build, weighing approximately 105 pounds. McDevitt has alopecia but occasionally wears wigs or has short, dyed, rainbow coloured hair.
Over the weekend her family became increasingly concerned when McDevitt failed to board a scheduled flight out of Vancouver to visit family in North Carolina.
Police ask that anyone who sees McDevitt or who saw McDevitt through the weekend, call Sooke RCMP at (250) 642-5241.
Drivers will be saving some money as ICBC is filing to freeze rate increases for two more years.
This move by ICBC, who is filing their application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), to not increase basic insurance rates for the next two years will mark five years without any increases, according to the Province.
“Our government is committed to keeping costs down for all British Columbians,” said Premier David Eby.
“Holding firm on ICBC’s basic insurance rate for two more years will help millions of drivers with their monthly bills amid global inflation.”
Today we announced we will file an application with the @BCUtilitiesCom for no increase to Basic insurance rates for the next two years.
If approved, this will mark five years of no increases to Basic insurance rates.
BC insurance rates have gone from some of the highest to some of the most affordable in Canada over the last few years.
In May 2021, the Province changed the way ICBC does auto-insurance in order to make rates more affordable for customers.
In October 2022, an independent company, Ernst & Young, did a study to compare 30 different driver profiles from across nine provinces and found BC to have the lowest overall auto-insurance rates.
According to the Ernst & Young study an 18-year-old man with a novice licence and a 2012 Honda Civic LX would pay annually:
BC – $2,551
Alberta – $5,936
Saskatchewan – $1,129
Ontario – $5,199
Nova Scotia – $4,861
PEI – $2,988
A 40-year-old woman with 24 years driving experience and a 2017 Ford Escape SE would pay annually:
BC – $1,049
Alberta – $1,895
Saskatchewan – $1,207
Ontario – $1,509
Nova Scotia – $1,318
Newfoundland – $1,191
“A key priority with Enhanced Care was to make insurance rates more affordable and to keep them that way, and this rate application continues to deliver on that,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“We are pleased that, during this time of rising inflation and the cost of everyday life increasing, ICBC is able to keep basic insurance rates stable for British Columbians for another two years.”
Now that the application is filed, if the BCUC approves the application, British Columbians will continue to benefit from the rate freeze.
Hero sandwiches are a side hustle that came to fruition via one government worker’s passion for sandwiches. They became known as Victoria’s best meal between bread after just three sold-out pop-ups.
At her last pop-up on November 28th, Julie, Hero’s self proclaimed “Sandwich Mommy,” sold out of 252 Hero sandwiches in less than 10 minutes.
She was initially planning on having her fourth pop-up in December but after an exhaustive third endeavor, decided to wait until the new year for another sandwich pop-up.
Julie decided that in the stead of her now expected monthly pop-ups, she’d do something for the community.
On Monday, December 12th, Julie will be in the Standard Pizza space, just off Pandora Avenue on Cook Street, collecting donations for Victoria Community Fridge.
In addition to collecting donations and giving out delicious cookies for people and their dogs to those who drop off food, she’ll be going all out to donate a ‘VIP access code’ to get first dibs on a Hero sandwich next time she does a pop-up in the new year.
Given that her last three pop-ups have all been sell-out affairs, this may likely be the only way people will be able to get a sandwich at Hero’s January pop-up.
“People can come with food donations or monetary donations,” Julie told Victoria Buzz.
“Anyone that drops off a donation will get an advanced, VIP pre-order link for the next pop-up.”
“So technically, there may not even be a ‘public’ pop-up in January if enough people donate,” said Julie.
Julie has also confirmed that she will also be live auctioning off eight of the “fat-stacked” sandwiches that Victoria has been salivating over since September.
She’ll surely be auctioning the sandwiches off to a room full of drooling, hungry Victorians at 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. on Monday night.
Bean Juice a cabaret of sorts is a fundraiser for the Bean Juice camp for Otherworld. In this show, you may see some stuff you never knew you needed to see. whether you are going to Otherworld or not you won’t want to miss it.
IQ 2000 Trivia is one of the funniest quiz nights in Victoria!! Round up some friends to prove your intellectual excellence, mental mettle, and cerebral superiority!!
Holiday movie nights return to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel!
For Tuesday’s viewing of A White Christmas, guests can enjoy this holiday film with food and snacks including alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, pizza, salad, a dessert of the day or freshly popped popcorn.
Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive
When: Tuesday, December 13th, 5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre officially kicked off for the holiday season in November!
Until January 3rd, the Bay Centre’s halls will be decorated with a lush forest of beautifully decorated, one of a kind trees by local sponsors, businesses, organizations and individuals.
Grab some hot chocolate and take a walk through and enjoy over 75 trees and vote for your favourite!
Medical staff and researchers at the BC Children’s Hospital have spent years working tirelessly in search of a cure for diabetes. Votes can be made by donation. All the proceeds from this year’s festival will go toward furthering the progress of this research.
If you’re looking for another way to support mental health programs offered through BC Children’s Hospital you can also bid in the Festival of Trees’ online auction, which closes this Thursday, December 15th.
Some of the prizes include a Vancouver hotel getaway, a getaway in the Okanagan, gift cards to local restaurants, spas and much more!
With Christmas dinners and treats in full swing, those who adhere to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle can feel left out of the fun sometimes.
That being said, there are plenty of options in and around Victoria that take those diets into consideration while still offering an array of tasty choices.
If turkey and stuffing isn’t your thing, these eight local vegan and vegetarian restaurants are sure to mix up your holiday dining options.
Be Love uses 95% organic plant-based ingredients, mindfully sourced according to local and seasonal availability. Everything we serve is wheat, gluten, dairy and processed sugar free.
Where: Be Love, 1019 Blanshard Street
When: Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., excluding Tuesdays
Since 1988, Rebar has been one of Victoria’s favourite restaurants and juice bars, featuring fresh, healthy, predominantly vegetarian fare.
The upbeat atmosphere and vibrant, tasty food have led critics to describe Rebar as inventive, hip, and visionary. Rebar is for everyone – strict vegans, vegetarians (full and part-time!)
Where: Rebar, 50 Bastion Square
When: Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Expect to be thrown back in time with some childhood classics, or be able to spot some of your old favourites you haven’t had in years.
The Fern bakery loves to shake things up with its famous cinnamon buns and donuts on the daily!
The Fern Cafe features an array of vegan comfort food consisting of housemade burgers, hand-cut fries, sandwiches, mac n cheese, fried chicken, and more!
Where: Fern Cafe and Bakery, 1115 North Park Street
When: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A fight between two 17-year-old students at a Langford high school on Friday ended with an arrest and a West Shore RCMP investigation.
At around 10:55 a.m. on Friday, December 9th, at Belmont Secondary School, the two teenage students fought near the school, just off the property at the far end of the main parking lot.
Police say that the principal called them to investigate after the two youths fought.
At the end of the fight one of the two students reportedly kicked the other student in the head several times, breaking their nose and his cheekbone.
The student who kicked the other student in the head also suffered minor injuries during the brawl, but has since been arrested for assault causing bodily harm.
That student was placed on conditions to not have any contact with the victim and has a court appearance scheduled for February 2023.
“This crime is still under investigation. We are aware that there were several youths who witnessed this fight take place and only some have come forward to speak to police,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.
“We are requesting the remaining youth witnesses to please come forward and speak to us.”
Anyone who has information or was present for the fight can reach West Shore RCMP by calling (250) 474-2264.
The holiday season is about to get a little more merry and a lot more bright—Lights of Wonder is returning to downtown Victoria this week!
Victoria’s largest free outdoor light display will illuminate Centennial Square this Thursday, December 15th—and we’ll be on site to celebrate the official kick-off with you.
The switch will be flipped at 4 p.m., and Victoria Buzz will be there from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.—make sure you stop by our tent and say hi for your chance to ‘spin to win’—we’re giving away thousands of dollars in Bay Centre gift cards and prizes from downtown Victoria businesses!
During the evening, you can enjoy a performance by Songhees Nation Dancers along with Vinyl Wave.
There will also be Mr. Photo Experience’s 360-degree camera on-site, as well as Martha’s Delectables!
The light installation brought over 75,000 people to Victoria’s epicentre in its first year.
After missing a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festive event returned last year, transforming Centennial Square into a holiday wonderland.
The spectacle features four interactive light tunnels, a 40-foot festive tree, and other themed light displays.
From December 15th until December 31st, the free, accessible, and all-ages outdoor light display will welcome guests to experience a variety of activities and entertainment each day.
This year, Lights of Wonder will also include nightly performances every night except for on Christmas Day.
You can find a schedule of events for each night online via the Downtown Victoria Business Association.
The Lights of Wonder display kicks off at 4 p.m. daily, and runs nightly until December 31st—including on Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
Scottish singer-songwriter and rock ‘n’ roll hall-of-famer Annie Lennox recently praised a Nanaimo dance duo for a choreographed routine posted on Tik Tok.
Jacksun Fryer and Carlow Rush also known as Funkanometry shared their snazzy dance moves in a Tik Tok dance video posted on November 16th, featuring one of Lennox’s most iconic songs, Sweet Dreams.
Less than two weeks after the video hit the web, the duo caught Lennox’s eye, who has since praised their work.
“Wowza! I just saw this incredible interpretation of Sweet Dreams … Gentlemen, you’re amazing! Thanks for choosing our song! P.S. Who are you?” asked Lennox.
Followers of Funkanometry helped identify the dancing duo, who recently thanked Lennox for sharing her kind words.
The notable mention from Lennox has since gifted the Island artists nearly 50,000 new followers on Twitter.
The recent mention from Lennox marks a growing list of success for the local artists who are coming off a run on the show America’s Got Talent in which they made it to the semifinals.
Wowza!! I just saw this incredible interpretation of SWEET DREAMS… Gentlemen..You’re AMAZING!!! Thanks for choosing our song! ps.. Who ARE you???? pic.twitter.com/uQFLUYZ5iI
(Rendering of future school by Greater Victoria School District)
Cedar Hill Middle School is set to be replaced by a low-carbon, seismically safe building.
With seismic activity a growing concern to parents on the Juan De Fuca tectonic plate, the existing school had an H-1 seismical rating which means it has the highest vulnerability rating and needs to be replaced.
The nearly 100-year-old current school was in need of a glow-up, so the Greater Victoria School District has approved a $46.5 million new building that will include a “green” design to make its carbon footprint the lowest in Greater Victoria.
The new school will reduce the carbon emissions of the current building by 90%.
The new school will occupy the same land as the current school by being built on the fields that are behind and adjacent to the existing building.
The new “purposefully built” school will also aim to collaborate and connect students with Indigenous education and the traditional lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
“The seismic replacement of Cedar Hill Middle School supports modern-day learning in a safe space for all students and staff,” said Board Chair Nicole Duncan.
“Through student, staff, and community engagement, we have heard the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible school that is welcoming for all learners. We recognize that learning practices and requirements continue to evolve, and we must build a school that will inspire and provide amenities that support future generations.”
“Looking to the immediate future need to demonstrate our commitment to address climate change, we must also consider environmental factors. The new build will set a new standard for sustainability in the School District.”
The new building will be two-storeys and it will include 21 classrooms, all with natural light elements and sinks for proper health and hygiene amongst the students. The classrooms are organized so they are clustered around open spaces to provide students with a collaborative space to work together.
“Students have been at the centre of the decisions in this design process,” said Superintendent Deb Whitten.
“The building has been designed embedding the core competencies for middle school in order to deliver unique programs that engage students in their learning. We want to create enriching learning opportunities and provide a space that fosters creativity, connectivity, and collaboration.”
According to the school district, there will be designated spaces to help students explore their creativity in art, drama, music, cooking, creating and technologies.
Students will have counselling accessible through an “inclusive education hub” located at the new building’s core on the ground level with counselling offices adjacent, along with a sensory room and a braille room for students with sensory impairment.
The new gymnasium will also include an all-gender bathroom, the library will include an Indigenous welcome space and the exterior of the property will have two sports fields, a basketball court and outdoor learning spaces where students will gather.
“It’s a top priority for our government to provide students with safe, modern classrooms,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“It’s great to see that the Greater Victoria School District has approved a thoughtful and innovative design for the replacement Cedar Hill Middle School. This is an important step forward in the process and I look forward to construction starting in summer 2023.”
The Province is footing the bill for $42.9 million of the replacement school and the Greater Victoria School District is chipping in $3.6 million.
Construction is set to start this coming summer and the school is expected to be finished by fall of 2025.
The school district says that until it is finished, the students will continue their learning in the existing building.
In anticipation of holiday travel, BC Ferries is adding over 150 additional sailings to their schedule this month for various routes.
The extra sailings aim to ease the flow of traffic during the most popular travel times this holiday.
Between December 22nd and January 2nd, BC Ferries will be adding 110 sailings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay), 35 sailings between Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) and Nanaimo (Departure Bay) and six sailings between Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) and the Sunshine Coast (Langdale).
BC Ferries’ says the most popular travel time over the holidays before Christmas Day is December 23rd for traffic moving from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The most popular travel days over the holidays after Christmas Day will be December 26th
and 27th, with traffic returning from the Departure Bay, Duke Point, Swartz Bay and Langdale terminals.
“Due to traditionally low demand on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, BC Ferries reminds
customers sailing schedules are reduced on some routes. Please check individual schedules online while making your holiday travel plans,” the transportation service said in a media release.
BC Ferries released the following travel tips over the holiday:
Book in advance. Ferries will be extremely busy this holiday season, especially on peak travel days. Many will also be taking advantage of Saver fares on select sailings to reduce travel costs. You can book online on the BC Ferries website.
Arrive early. Plan to arrive at the terminal 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled sailing. If you have not booked your route in advance, be prepared for sailing waits.These are very common during popular travel periods.
Consider other parking options as major terminals fill up quickly at peak periods.
For more information on schedule information, current conditions, bookings and more visit the BC Ferries website.
Recently, you might have noticed vibrant graphic novel-like portraits of your friends shared on Instagram and Facebook.
At first glance, they look professionally designed by an illustrator.
Well, you’ll be surprised to know these popular portraits are actually created by AI software.
Launched in 2018, Lensa AI, a brainchild of Prisma Labs, has now gone viral for its new feature called “magic avatars,” offering creative portraits for cheap.
Using a new and experimental software called Stable Diffusion, the program produces funky images by scraping the internet for related photos and designs based on a text description submitted by the user.
Those that sign up for Lensa AI, are asked to upload between 10 to 20 selfies. After paying a small service fee of $8.99, users receive 50 unique avatars at a fraction of the cost an illustrator would charge.
With Lensa now at the top of the charts in the app store, the service has recently faced public criticism from illustrators and content creators accusing stable diffusion of using their art without legal consent.
The rise in popularity of the app’s services is an exchange local illustrators in Victoria say devalue the worth of artists that rely on illustration as a career.
“The reason why people are jumping on this trend is because it’s simple and you get your results quickly. Only artists know that real art takes time and passion. In the future, I fear that I would have to depend on AI because that’s what the customers would want,” says Victoria-based Illustrator, Bernice Steven.
In a Twitter thread posted by Prisma Labs on December 6th, the tech company defended its service by addressing concerns about AI replacing art by actual artists.
Seeing plenty of thoughts online about the future of digital art in connection with AI generations, we decided to share some information on how AI generates images and why it will not replace digital artists. ????????????
“As cinema didn’t kill theatre and accounting software hasn’t eradicated the profession, AI won’t replace artists but can become a great assisting tool,” the companytweeted.
Media Editor, Danzie McOrmond says while she wants to believe Lensai AI has good intentions. The influence of Prisma Labs’ popular release risks greatly affecting an industry already fighting to establish its worth.
“I’m definitely an optimist but I think it’s a little bit naive, and I think they’re coming from a place where they’re programmers, not artists. They’re not really understanding the impact it’s gonna have on a lot of people in the short term. Especially smaller, less established artists who are trying to get going.”
To combat privacy and copyright violations, a group of artists have taken it into their own hands byreleasing a website that allows artists to find out if their work has been used to train AI.
While Lensai AI continues to grow in popularity for its fun and easy-to-use design features, there are additional concerns regarding the service which is currently unregulated and unchecked.
“I think that where the problem comes from is that at its worst, it can be used to create things like revenge porn or deep fakes, and it’s all kind of at the hands of the user. History has shown us that if something can be used maliciously, it absolutely will,” says McOrmond.
In an age where content is constantly being shared, art-based industries such as illustration continue to evolve and face exploitation. McOrmond says the best solution is to support local illustrators, designers and photographers instead of third-party apps.
“Artists are putting a lot of time and effort into their craft and are understandably worried about losing their livelihoods. If you have artist friends that you are worried about, I think one of the best things you can do is support their work,” says McOrmond.
An incident last Saturday involving an RCMP check stop in Duncan left one man with a broken arm, so the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC.
On December 3rd, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP set up a check stop for impaired drivers on Highway 1 near Green Road in North Cowichan.
Police say at around 10 p.m., a vehicle was stopped and the driver admitted to having consumed alcohol, however, he would not comply with the officers commands.
According to police, an altercation occurred between the officer and the driver which ended in the driver’s arm being broken.
Police say he was transported to hospital following the incident and had to undergo surgery there.
Given that the driver was injured in a police incident, they automatically open a case to determine if police officers played a role in his injury through actions or inactions.
A 38-year-old woman remains missing after her she failed to board a scheduled flight out of Vancouver Friday to visit family in North Carolina.
A large ground and air search by Sooke RCMP and Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue has yet to locate Melissa McDevitt after her car was discovered in the Sooke Potholes on Saturday.
VicPD issued a media released Saturday afternoon after her family had significant concerns for her well-being and reported her missing.
McDevitt last spoke to her family on Thursday, December 8th, then missed her flight on, which her family says is extremely out of the ordinary for her.
A search was launched in the Sooke Potholes area after McDevit’s grey 2015 Subaru Forester with a North Carolina plate was found in the vicinity.
According to police, McDevitt enjoys hiking near the Sooke Potholes and the neighbouring trails like John Stick Peak, Malcolm, The Donald, Mike Hill, the Three Amigos, and Tony’s Triumph.
She is described as being 5’ tall, weighing about 105 pounds, has a very small build, and has alopecia. She might be wearing a wig or have short rainbow-coloured hair. McDevitt is also neuro-divergent.
Crews from VicPD, Sooke RCMP, Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue, local, provincial and international agencies are helping to search for her.
“The circumstances under which she has gone missing are considered very high-risk,” VicPD said in a news release.
“Investigators are asking anyone who saw Melissa or her vehicle from Thursday, December 8, 2022 to today, to come forward.”
Anyone who finds McDevitt is asked to stay with her and call 911 immediately.
If you think you might have seen her or the vehicle in the last few days or if you know where she may be, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
One of Victoria’s most anticipated holiday gatherings returned to downtown Victoria this weekend after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic.
On Saturday, December 10th, the 44th annual Tuba Christmas packed Market Square for its first in-person music spectacle since 2019.
Worldwide, dating back to 1974 where Tuba Christmas originated in New York City, this year marks the 48th anniversary for the festive Tuba performances. Today, these unique concerts perform in over 200 cities worldwide.
Conductor, Paul Beauchesne, returned this year to bring a unified vision to the holiday performance in Victoria.
In case you couldn’t make it, we’ve got you covered with 17 stunning captures from the front row!
(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)(Photo by Travis Devonport)
Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City certification program’s aim is to slow down and address decreasing bird populations due to human activity and habitat disruption.
According to Nature Canada, a ‘bird friendly’ city, is one that:
Addresses threats to birds and mitigates them proportionately
Restores ecosystems in which native bird populations can grow and thrive
Engages residents in the joys of birding and bird admiration
Creates events and programming to protect birds
Creates municipal policies that can protect bird populations and their ecosystems
Creates a ‘bird team’ to oversee and lead these initiatives
Common active threats to local, native bird populations can be things like predation by domestic cats, disrupting natural ecosystems, eating food not meant for their diets as well as window and car collisions. Passive threats can also be a bird-killer too though–pollution, tainted watersheds as well as noise and light pollution are just some examples.
The District of Saanich is pleased to have this honour bestowed upon them through the work of conservationists within the community and will continue to work to preserve and restore ecosystems alongside the SLCHNS.
The SLCHNS prides itself on being an accessible greenspace in Saanich. The SLCHNS Society is responsible for stewarding the lands and waters they occupy as a non-profit organization.
Much of their work is in preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, which includes this latest initiative to work for bird safety and protection.
Two big issues in achieving and retaining their Bird Friendly City certification is working to reduce light pollution and working in their community to make windows less perilous to the bird population.
Reducing light pollution
The SLCHNS is working to raise awareness for the issue of light pollution within Saanich by encouraging residents to reduce their impact.
Small things such as turning off outdoor and indoor lights when not using them can help bird migratory patterns in the fall and spring when birds are on the move.
Window safety for birds
The SLCHNS is opening a new exhibit soon that will teach people how to treat their windows and protect the bird population in their area.
Learn more about birds and Saanich’s natural ecosystems at the SLCHNS.
