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Buzz Bulletin

Premier Eby announces $230 million in funding for specialized police in BC

By
Curtis Blandy
-
David Eby
Premier David Eby (BC Gov Flickr)

David Eby announced on Wednesday afternoon that the province will be taking action to bring “stronger public safety” to communities across BC with new funding.

The $230 million in funding will help urban, rural and remote communities staff specialized units as part of the province’s Safer Communities Action Plan. The plan is meant to sustain and strengthen police’s capacity to enforce the law and prevent crime within BC.

The new funding that is being made available is particularly for rural, remote and Indigenous communities as well as  to create specialized teams for investigating complex, violent and organized crimes. 

Prosecutors and probation officers dealing with high-risk offenders will also benefit.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, and my government is working on every front to protect our communities and make them stronger,” said Premier David Eby in a press conference on Wednesday. 

“As part of our Safer Communities Action Plan, we will help ensure that the RCMP can operate to its full capability to keep people safe. 

“The actions today will help stabilize policing and provide our provincial police force with the staff resources they need to address public safety concerns head on.”

The key issues the funding is meant to tackle are:

  • Filling policing vacancies in communities with less than 5,000 people
  • Allowing provincially funded RCMP to be fully-staffed in rural communities
  • Hiring additional officers for specialized units such as:
    • Major crimes
    • Sexual exploitation of children
    • BC highway patrol
  • Meeting recommendations for dealing with anti-money-laundering in BC

The province claims that public safety will improve through this funding because police in rural areas will have more capacity to deal with investigations when foul play is suspected.

“This historic commitment to invest in core RCMP police funding is a massive undertaking that took two years to achieve,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“Sustained core funding will provide a strong foundation for police resources, enabling the police to focus on violent crimes and other pressing public safety issues, while also actioning the implementation of the Safer Communities Action Plan and other public safety initiatives.”

Through the Safer Communities Plan the province says they will continue to prevent money laundering and organized crime that fuels the toxic drug supply and the opioid crisis. 

The province will also continue to reverse cuts to sexual assault centres, increase crime prevention and support victim services funding. 

Impaired driver found passed out in car with young child in car seat: Nanaimo RCMP

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
Nanaimo man arrested
(Image / Tom Brenner)

A woman in Nanaimo was charged with impaired driving after authorities said she was found passed out inside a running car with her infant strapped into its baby seat.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, the vehicle, which was located in the parking lot of the North Town Centre Mall around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday November 17th, was in park, but the engine was still running.

Along with the child, a dog was also located inside the vehicle.

“Nanaimo RCMP is investigating an incident of suspected impaired driving in which the driver of a vehicle was found passed out in the driver’s seat,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police said they were first alerted to the vehicle, a Ford f-150 pickup, after a report was received from Oceanside RCMP that the same vehicle had been involved in a hit and run collision earlier that same day.

When officers located the vehicle, they tried to repeatedly rouse the woman by yelling and knocking on the windows but were unable to wake her.

“At this time, the officer called for EHS and Fire to respond and assist with removing the woman safely from her vehicle,” said O’Brien.

Police said with the help of EHS and fire crews, the 35-year-old woman was eventually awoken and was helped from the vehicle.

To ensure there were no medical issues at play, she, along with her child, were transported to the Nanaimo hospital for a medical assessment.

During the ride to the hospital, officers said they detected a strong odor of liquor on her breath which provided grounds to pursue an impaired driving check.

After being checked over, the child was turned over to its father and the woman was transported to the Nanaimo RCMP detachment to conduct a breathalyzer.

The woman took two breath tests, both being 2.5 times over the legal limit.

O’Brien said she was issued a 90-day Roadside Prohibition and her vehicle was impounded for 24 hours.

She was then served with an Appearance Notice to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on charges of Drive While Impaired and Drive While Over the Legal Limit of .08, both being criminal charges.

“This incident is disturbing on many levels but needless to say that we are just glad that the child was not injured in any way,” said O’Brien.

RCMP seek help locating missing 29-year-old woman from Nanaimo

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Nanaimo RCMP)

Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s help in finding 29-year-old Robyn Houle who has not been seen or heard from since November 1st.

According to police, Houle is currently of no fixed address. 

“She is believed to be sheltering in parks throughout Nanaimo,” said Constable Gary O’Brien in a media release.

Police say that to date, investigators have not been able to locate Houle in Nanimo’s parks. 

Her family told police that because of her lifestyle and her known associates, they are concerned for her safety and well-being.

Police describe Houle as a Caucasian woman, standing 5’2” tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Robyn Houle is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.

5 things to do in and around Victoria this Thursday, November 24th

By
Travis Devonport
-
Blue Rodeo is set to perform at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre this Thursday.

If you’re struggling to come up with things to do this Thursday, don’t worry, we have your back! 

From music to comedy, Victoria is jam-packed with fun things to do today. Here are 5 things to do in and around town this Thursday, November 24th:

Running in the Spirit 

Some run for fun; some run for fitness. At UVic, You’re invited to drop in for an hour-long run or jog at the UVic Centennial Stadium!

  • When: Thursday, November 24th, from 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Centennial Stadium, 1901 McKenzie Avenue

The Blue Stones

If you’re a blues and rock fan the Canadian guitar and drums pair, Tarek Jafar and Justin Tessier will be performing at the Capital Ballroom for their Pretty Monsters tour. 

  • When: Thursday,  November 24th, Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m.
  • Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street 

The Crowd Work Show

If you’re looking for a good laugh, you’re not going to want to miss Nash Park and Alex Forman’s stand-up comedy show at The Mint.

  • When: Thursday,  November 24th, doors open at 7 p.m. show starts at 8 p.m.
  • Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street

Blue Rodeo’s Many a Mile Tour

Canadian Music Hall of Famers, Blue Rodeo is set to perform tonight at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre as a part of their Many A Mile tour. Many A Mile, is Blue Rodeo’s 16th studio album, marking their first album in over five years. 

When: Thursday, November 24th, starts at 8 p.m.

Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street

Mamma 3ia: The Party

For all the Dancing queens in Victoria, Upstairs Cabaret wants to treat you to five hours of Abba bops! The night will offer Abba tracks played by DJ Jansom and DJ Doza, a greek photo wall. Not to mention professional videographers, photographers, and interviews for those interested in sharing their experience!

When: Thursday, November 24th, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Upstairs Cabaret, 15 Bastion Square 

 

Dangerous wanted man may be in Victoria’s downtown core: VicPD

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(VicPD)

VicPD are continuing their search for Victoria man, James Allin, who is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

Allin is considered to be an immediate danger to the public and he is believed to be in Victoria’s downtown core, according to VicPD.

He was released on parole after serving time for robbery with a firearm. Allin is now wanted again by police across the country but he is believed to be in Victoria.

Related:

Victoria man wanted on Canada-wide warrant could be dangerous: VicPD

Police say Allin is 52-years-old and is described as a Caucasian man, standing 5’8” tall with a large build. He has brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos on both of his arms. 

Anyone who sees Allin should not approach him and call 911 immediately. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call VicPD at (250) 995-7654. 

To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Oak Bay father who killed his daughters on Christmas Day denied appeal by courts

By
Curtis Blandy
-
Chloe, 6, and her 4 year old sister Aubrey

WARNING: This article contains graphic details which may be disturbing to some readers.

In 2017, on Christmas Day, Andrew Berry killed his two daughters, 4-year-old Aubrey and 6-year-old Chloe, in his Oak Bay apartment.

What happened in 2017

The children’s mother was supposed to have custody of their kids that day but when Berry failed to turn the kids over, she tried calling him and eventually went to his apartment when she became increasingly worried about their whereabouts and well-being.

Police were called and entered Berry’s unit to find the two children’s bodies in their beds dressed in pajamas with numerous stab wounds. 

Berry himself was found in a full bathtub with a stab wound to his neck, torso and face. 

A note was found at the scene addressed to Berry’s sister, which complained about his ex-wife and mother and was taken into evidence and considered to be a suicide note.

First responders were called and Berry was taken to the hospital where his wounds were treated. 

While the first responders pulled him from the bathtub, they reported to police that he said, “Kill me,” and, ” Leave me alone.” Berry denies saying these things. 

Once at the hospital, he underwent surgery on his neck and hand. One nurse caring for Berry following his throat surgery told investigators that he had mouthed the words, “Kill me,” to her upon waking up. Berry denies this as well.

Berry’s sister visited him in the hospital on December 27th and there he gave her a note that was worded similarly to the note that was regarded to be his suicide note at the scene of the murders. 

Also on December 27th, Berry spoke with a psychiatrist, Dr. Amanda Pitcher. In their session she said that he nodded to her when asked if he had tried to kill himself and that when asked about his stab wound he said that he, “Admitted to stabbing himself with the intent to end his life.” 

Later, Berry would deny this as well claiming to have been referring to a previous suicide attempt in their session.

On January 3rd, he was released from the hospital and arrested by Oak Bay Police for the murder of his children. 

During his trial, his defence team argued that an unknown third party had entered his apartment, killed the children and attempted to kill Berry. The crown argued that was not true and that Berry intended to kill himself after killing his two children.

In December 2019, he was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for 22 years. 

Related:

Appeal

Berry applied to the BC Court of Appeals in June of 2022. 

His legal counsel argued that what he had said to the first responders should not be used as evidence because it could lead a jury to thinking that he was suicidal whe he still claims innocence. 

Another piece of evidence was also being questioned by Berry’s legal representative such as conversations he had with Dr. Pitcher, in which he indicated he intended suicide.

The initial judge, Justice Miriam Gropper was also being scrutinized in how they conducted the trial.

Berry’s counsel was seeking a lesser charge of manslaughter for the two children because of all of these factors.

On Wednesday, November 23rd, Court of Appeals Justices Patrice Abrioux, John Hunter and Joyce DeWitt-Van Oosten released their written decision on Berry’s appeal.

Justices DeWitt-Van Oosten, Abrioux and Hunter concluded that the trial judge made no error that warrants intervention of the Court of Appeal.

Andrew Berry will remain in prison serving his life sentence for murder, without possibility of parole until 2041.

‘Education is so important’: Study says 55%of Canadians don’t understand what consent is

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(File Photo)

A recent study found that over half of Canadians don’t understand what the full scope of consent means. 

The Canadian Women’s Foundation says that 55% of people do not understand that consent has to be enthusiastically given.

According to the UVic Sexualized Violence Resource Centre, consent is defined as: The voluntary agreement to engage in a contact or sexual activity and to continue to engage in the contact or activity. Consent means that all persons involved demonstrate, through words or actions, that they freely and mutually agree to participate in a contact or activity.

Over 4.7 million women in Canada who are over 15-years-old have been sexually assaulted outside of an intimate relationship, according to Statistics Canada. 

The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) is one of many resources on sexual violence within Victoria to attempt to reduce these statistics.

They see first hand the effects of sexual violence. 

The VSAC provides education to help prevent sexual violence, they provide safe spaces to talk about sexual violence and they have numerous supports for sexual violence survivors. 

“I think that there are a lot of people seeking to learn more about consent,” said Carissa Ropponen, Media Relations for the VSAC.

“We get a lot of requests from schools, youth agencies and even adults wanting to learn more about what consent is, what it looks like and what it means.”

Despite the low percentage, the study says that the statistics of people who know what enthusiastic consent entails is improving. 

In 2015, the last time this report was done, only 33% of people knew that consent must be positive and ongoing. In 2022, those numbers have improved to 45%.

According to VSAC, destigmatization is at the forefront of these improving numbers.

“I think over the last number of years sexual assault and sexualized violence have become more of a conversation in our culture; people want to learn more,” Ropponen told Victoria Buzz.

“There’s also been a lot of highly publicized cases of sexualized violence happening in the community and when we hear about those cases we often receive more requests and higher demand for our prevention content.”

“The more that we talk about these things in community, the more that we educate ourselves, have these conversations, the more people have understanding about what that enthusiastic consent looks like.”

When it comes to next steps to further improve the number of people who fully grasp what consent is and what it entails, the VSAC is putting in the work to make sure Victorians don’t get left behind. 

“I think we need to continue to have these conversations,” said Ropponen. “I think education is so important. It’s one of the reasons we have education for youth, starting at a younger age so people understand and people can make those changes before sexualized violence happens.”

“There definitely needs to be more education for adult populations, and there seems to be more and more of a desire for that.”

The VSAC exists not only for education but also for survivors.

“It’s never their fault,” Ropponen said about the survivors the VSAC works with. “It’s a centre where people can come for support.”

Snow way: Victoria could soon see its second snowfall this month

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Photo by Jay Wallace Images)

Yes, you read the right.

Victoria could see its second snow fall of the month, according to Environment Canada’s latest weather update.

As of this publication, the Greater Victoria area has a slight chance of snow on Sunday evening, and on Monday, Environment Canada is predicting a 60% chance of flurries.

While snow is in the forecast, temperatures will remain above freezing level. Both Sunday and Monday will see a low of 1°C.

Earlier this month, after an extremely and rare warm October, on Sunday November 6th, a light but rare snowfall began. The following day, the snow picked up throughout the day. By the evening, the entire region was blanketed in snow.

(Environment Canada)

 

Similar to the last snowfall, the pretty white snowflakes won’t likely stick around as temperatures hover around the 5°C mark with rain expected the following day.

So, what do you think, snow or no snowfall?

Victoria-based docuseries find ways to make weddings more sustainable

By
Travis Devonport
-
(File Photo)

Did you know the average wedding is responsible for emitting approximately 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide which is the equivalent of burning 65,000 pounds of coal?

If you think this is a problem, you’re not alone. 

The Victoria-based video production company, Paper Heart Films is set to premiere a seven-part documentary series that speaks with over 30 wedding vendors across Vancouver Island. 

The series explores the areas in which weddings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. 

From food and drink imports to flights and everything in between, Sustainably Wed places a spotlight on the best practices to help make weddings more sustainable. 

“We kept hearing from our clients that they wanted to have a more sustainable wedding but just didn’t know where to start,” says Sustainably Wed host and producer Chelsea Kanstrup. 

“We hope this series will help people across the industry plan and host more sustainable events.” 

The first episode of the series will premiere on YouTube today with the remaining six episodes airing each Wednesday until December 26th. 

Ready to make sustainable weddings easy?

Sustainable Weddings Docuseries

23-year-old woman identified and charged with assault of elderly man in Oak Bay

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Oak Bay Police Department)

Police have identified and arrested the woman who assaulted and elderly man after trying to enter his home earlier this month.

In a media release, Oak Bay Police say a 23-year-old Victoria woman has been arrested and charged with assault.

On November 3rd at around 8:30 a.m., an 85-year-old man residing at a residence on Hall Road in Oak Bay heard a knock at his front door.

Police say the man answered his door believing it to be a newspaper delivery person. When he opened the door, he was confronted by a woman who exclaimed “I am coming in.”

The man denied her entry and after a struggle where ensued, she fled on foot and was chased by the neighbour that had rushed over when they heard what was going on.

“The neighbor was able to capture a photo of the woman before he returned to check on his neighbor and call police,” stated Oak Bay Police earlier this month.

According to police, the victim did not sustain any significant injuries, thanks in part to his neighbour.

Police released the picture of the suspect which led to several tips that helped identify the woman.

The woman was arrested and has been released with conditions to not contact the elderly man or go to the area of where the assault took place.

 

 

Here’s what you need to know about Victoria’s IEOA Truck Light Convoy this year

By
Travis Devonport
-
(IEOA Truck Light Parade / Doug Clement Photography)

The annual IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive is back and will be making its way through Victoria this December!

A fleet of commercial trucks and buses will light up the streets of Victoria for the annual truck light convoy and food drive, hosted by the Island Equipment Owners Association. 

On December 3rd, starting at around 5:40 p.m., 80 vehicles will take to the streets as the holiday parade is set to start at the Breakwater District and Ogden Point. 

This time around, there will be a few changes to the parade’s 35km route. With the closure of Government Street, the glowing convoy will now make a right onto Belleville Street off of Blanshard Street before turning right onto Douglas Street.

A map of the 2022 truck Light Convoy, hosted by the IEOA.

Additionally, with the recent closure of the Westshore Motorsport Speedway, the parade will now conclude at around 8:30 p.m. at the Bear Mountain Parkway. 

Wendy Watt, Manager of the IEOA says due to the lack of space for the convoy, this year there will not be a viewable area for the public. Parade goers will only be able to spectate from the roadside. 

Over the years, the Truck Light Convoy has donated over 165,000 pounds of food and $71,000 in fundraising in support of local food banks. 

For those that are unable to donate on the night of the parade, Watt says community partners Island Savings branches are able to take food and money donations at all their locations and online donations are welcome at the links through the IEOA website.

Donations on the night of the event can be taken to Light Up events in Oak Bay at City Hall and Langford at Veterans Memorial Park. The View Royal FD will be onsite at Helmcken Road and Colwood FD will be onsite at Westshore Recreation parking lot at JDF to receive donations in support of the food drive.

Here’s when and where you can see the IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive with approximate times below: 

  • 5:40 p.m.: Breakwater District / Ogden Point
  • 6:30 p.m.: Oak Bay Avenue
  • 7:00 p.m.: Yates Street at Blanshard Street
  • 7:30 p.m.: Burnside Road West
  • 8:00 p.m.: Goldstream Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway
  • 8:30 p.m.: Bear Mountain Parkway
(Photo by Colin Smith Takes Pics)

The IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive

  • When: Saturday, December 3rd, from 5:40 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Starts at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point and ends at Bear Mountain Parkway

Concerns over affordability arise following BC’s new housing initiatives

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(File Photo)

Victoria’s Community Social Planning Council (CSPC) announced its concerns about the new housing act announced by the province on Monday. 

Despite the CSPC’s excitement over the new initiative to help curb the housing crisis, they are concerned about the fact that affordability was not mentioned by Premier David Eby to be a part of the act’s plans.

In September 2022, the CSPC released a housing equity report that takes into account information on housing affordability starting in 2016 and looking ahead to 2026. 

The report clearly shows that there is a serious need for housing options for those who have low incomes.

“This legislation will move the needle on the housing crisis if the housing targets specify not just how much, but also who needs housing, what kind, and at what cost,” said Nicole Chaland, author of the equity report. 

“If the targets do not specify this, aiming at them will be like shooting in the dark.” 

The CSPC’s equity report shows that there is a deficit of nearly 3,500 homes that should cost $375 per month and 14,200 homes that should cost $875 monthly. 

These equitable homes in Greater Victoria will help those at risk of homelessness avoid sleeping rough on the streets. 

“We have seen that supply alone is not going to resolve the housing crisis,” says Diana Gibson, Executive Director of the Community Council.

“Housing costs were a key factor in the living wage jumping 20% this year–affordability needs to be a strong focus in any targets that are set by the government.”

Related:

The report the CSPC put together was made in collaboration with the Housing Assessment Resource Tools (HART) project that is based out of Vancouver’s University of British Columbia. 

Hart is working to advance the development of standardized ways to measure and address housing needs in order to balance the supply of housing. 

“Provincial-municipal targets will need to be linked to robust, equity-focused, data,” said Craig Jones, HART Coordinator. 

“Our tool measures housing needs by income group with intersectionality that allows us to look at housing needs for priority populations such as single parents.”

The following data compiled by the CSPC and HART shows that within Victoria, Esquimalt and Saanich specifically, the need for low income housing is the need that they’d like Premier Eby to focus on:

(Community Social Planning Council)
(Community Social Planning Council)
(City of Victoria via Community Social Planning Council)
(Township of Esquimalt via Community Social Planning Council)
(District of Saanich via Community Social Planning Council)

According to the CSPC, affordability in adequate housing is the need that must be addressed. 

“The size of these numbers should be a wake-up call,” said Chaland in the CSPC’s equity report. 

“The enormity of the challenge is more important than the precise number of homes required and should motivate local municipalities, BC Housing, and the governments of BC and Canada to work together to transform the housing system.”

We’re giving away $200 in Hillside Centre gift cards for your Black Friday shopping (CONTEST)

By
Branded Content
-
(Hillside Centre)

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping… and for many, Black Friday is the kick-off for it all!

To get you ahead of the game, Hillside Centre is releasing their Black Friday digital booklet of deals on November 23rd, so you can get your shop on in style.

Included in the booklet is an exclusive three-day ‘Bounce Back’ off—shoppers that spend $250 in the shopping centre, with receipts dated November 25th-27th, will receive either a $25 Hillside gift card or a fun holiday door mat!

(Hillside Centre)

And in the spirit of the season, we’ve partnered with Hillside to give away $200 in gift cards—you’ll find those contest details below.

Hillside Centre has a wide variety of shops and services to peruse while doing your holiday shopping!

Their 100 shops and services include Marshalls, SportChek/Atmosphere, Canadian Tire, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama, Thrifty Foods and Bolen Books.

Keep your eyes on Hillside’s website for even more info on the amazing details, sales and promotions offered during their Black Friday event!

CONTEST

For a chance to WIN a $100 gift card to Hillside Centre (we’re giving away 2!), complete one or more of the following:

  1. LIKE Hillside Centre on Facebook and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  2. FOLLOW Hillside Centre on Instagram and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  3. SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)

One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing—the winner will be drawn on November 24th. Good luck!

Black Friday at Hillside Centre

  • When: Friday, November 25th – mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Hillside Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue

13-year-old Victoria actress wins two awards for youth performers in Canada and Europe

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Chris Luttmann)

This kid has got a bright future ahead of her!

Kristy Luttmann, 13, was representing Victorian youth in the 9th annual Joey Awards this week.

The awards are the most prestigious youth acting and film awards for Canada, UK and Europe and celebrates the successes of young performers in the TV and film industries. 

Luttmann managed to win two of the esteemed awards in the ceremony held at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel and Conference Centre on November 19th.

She won for best performer in her category and for best youth filmmaker in her age group, both for the 2021 short she wrote, directed and acted in called Hey Mister.

(Chris Luttmann)

The short film was produced locally as well by a company called 29 Takes Productions, which gives local talent the opportunity to create and share films in order to gain credits and further their careers in acting, writing and directing.

The short was shot on the streets of Victoria and features Luttmann as the ‘Cookie Girl.’

“I was really happy with the first win, but I was shocked when they announced my name for the second win,” said Luttmann.

The two wins for best actress and best youth filmmaker were Luttmmann’s first awards in two years, as the Joey Awards opted to cancel their 2021 gala due to COVID-19. 

This year Luttmann and the rest of the youth honourees were happy to be able to return to in-person and celebrate each other’s successes. 

“It was really nice to see everyone happy and smiling again this year,” said Luttmann.

During her acceptance speech, young Luttmann thanked her parents and her grandmother for their support on stage at the ceremony.

In 2020, she starred in another short film called Hello?, alongside her father Chris. That role would give Luttman her first Joey Award for best young actress in her category and age group. 

“As a young actress trying to make it in this industry,” said Luttman, “I truly appreciate the recognition and all the staff at the Joeys for the opportunities it gives to kids.”

“It’s a really tough industry. You might not get all the auditions and parts that you want, but you just can’t give up. You have to keep going.” 

Luttmann’s father, Chris, told Victoria Buzz that she would be continuing on in the acting, filmmaking and modelling industry going forward.

“It’s a difficult industry, there is a lot of rejection,” Chris told Victoria Buzz.

He continued to say she would always have the support of her family in her next filmmaking ventures.

This Vancouver Island cidery is hosting a free holiday light up with thousands of twinkling lights

By
Travis Devonport
-
(Merridale Cidery and Distillery)

Ready to get into the Christmas spirit?

Vancouver Island’s own Merridale Cidery and Distillery wants you to join them for holiday fun you won’t forget!

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cowichan Valley, the Merridale Cidery and Distillery is a working orchard, cafe, and farm. This time of year, the Merridale Cidery and Distillery becomes a cozy winter retreat.

Whether you’re going on a first date, reconnecting with family or celebrating a year of hard work with your co-workers, they have a little bit of something for everyone.

With an exciting new lineup of Cowichan Spirits, the Merridale distillery is rolling out its Aura Gin this holiday season.

This is no ordinary spirit. Mixed with juniper and floral notes, guests will enjoy a bold violet colour infusion, blended with a mix of lavender, hibiscus and Thai butterfly flowers.

Beverage connoisseurs will enjoy a drink that transforms from a deep violet to a vibrant pink as the PH changes.

As dusk approaches and the blue hour cools the sky, twinkling lights will illuminate the Merridale courtyard.

Victorians may recognize the extravagant light display that is now situated on Merridale’s property, as it was purchased from a popular Saanich home on Tuxedo Drive in 2017.

The collection of over 100 pieces of Yuletide keepsakes (including a 1956 fire engine, huge inflatables like a snowman and a nutcracker more than 30 feet high, and life-sized reindeer carrying Santa’s sleigh) was moved to their new home at Merridale, after lighting up their previous spot for nearly three decades.

Janet Dochert, the Co-owner of Merridale says the light show is a way to appreciate guests that stop by and spread the word.

“We wanted to give back to our community and create an amazing atmosphere that brings people together. So, we created this enchanting light show in the courtyard and orchard for everyone to enjoy,” said Dochert.

The Merridale eatery is proud to serve farm-to-fresh meals throughout the holidays. If you have been cooking and baking your hearts out, you will be glad to know the Merridale eatery is proud to serve farm-to-fresh meals throughout the holidays.

From November 18th until January 1st, the farmhouse eatery will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. while holiday reservations are available in the eatery from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Festive lunches and brunches will serve seven days a week from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Though a little bit of a drive, this one is worth adding to your Xmas map display route!

Merridale Cidery and Distillery

  • Where: 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill
  • When: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

These two birds that frequent downtown Victoria have been given hilarious nicknames (VIDEOS)

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Jason Taylor/Reddit)

Victoria is a city that many birds call home. 

Jason Taylor and his partner Christa Fremont have a passion for the birds of Victoria. 

The city is host to bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, various owls, starlings and about one million crows. 

Lately Taylor and Fremont have been documenting these birds of Victoria on camera and giving them not only humorous names but creating whole personalities for the birds of Victoria. 

“She thought it was the right name for it because we saw it tearing apart a starling,” Taylor said as he chuckled.

“It looks like a bitey bird.”

Bite-ee McBite Face strolls down Government in slo-mo
byu/BigJayTailor inVictoriaBC

Fremont has been posting videos with an artificial intelligence (AI) voiceover applied, which is why he opted to name it Bite-ee instead of Bitey. It’s easier for the AI to say properly.  

“We work nearby and see it hunting downtown because that’s where the starlings roost, on Government Street,” Taylor told Victoria Buzz. 

“It comes in the evening and the early morning to catch them.”

@therealjohnowler

#therealjohnowlwer #johnowler #foryoupage #fyp #crow #redtailedhawk #hawk #nature #breakfast #brunch #coffee

♬ original sound – John Owler

Bite-ee calls Beacon Hill Park home when he isn’t hunting starlings downtown. According to Taylor, the colouration of its feathers is one indicator of him being a red-tailed hawk as opposed to some other hawk species. 

“The tail hasn’t totally turned red so you can tell it is a juvenile,” said Taylor.

In addition to capturing Bite-ee McBite on camera, Taylor and Fremont have found other local avian celebrities to highlight.

A crow who cannot fly that frequents Fern Street is his latest highlight of the Victorian bird landscape.

@therealjohnowler

#therealjohnowlwer #fyp #nature #urbannature #injuredbird #crow #aw #awareness #awesome #cute

♬ Paradise – Ikson

10 Victorians honoured by VicPD for aiding officer who was struck by a stolen vehicle

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(VicPD)

Chief Constable Del Manak of the VicPD honoured 10 good samaritans on Tuesday for helping out an officer after he was struck by a stolen vehicle in late September. 

On September 27th, Constable Todd Mason was on special assignment on Pandora Street and was standing near a police cruiser when he was struck from behind by another vehicle.

Witnesses at the time told Victoria Buzz that Mason was pinned between a dumpster and the vehicle when civilians stepped in to come to his aid.

Following investigation, VicPD determined the vehicle that struck Mason was stolen. 

Related:

Mason suffered significant but not life threatening injuries from the collision and the suspect was arrested and later charged with assaulting a police officer. 

On Tuesday November 22nd, VicPD held a civic service award ceremony in their hall of honour to recognize the efforts of community members who came to their aid. 

Those who were honoured in this ceremony were civillians, City of Victoria Bylaw Services officers, members of the Our Place Society family and members of the houseless community residing on Pandora Street.

“The courage and quick thinking you and your staff all displayed that morning truly showed your willingness to assist someone who needed your help,” Chief Del Manak said. 

“All of us here at VicPD are so grateful for your quick actions and bravery that morning in assisting Constable Mason. On behalf of all of us here at VicPD–thank you.”

The VicPD Civic Service Award was created in 2012. 

Police say it is a way to recognize members of the public who have stepped up and done the right thing in our community.

Victoria veteran turns to social media in hopes to receive kidney transplant and share his story

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Eric James)

Eric James is a 15 year veteran in the Canadian Armed Forces who had to go on leave due to his ongoing kidney failure. 

His struggle with kidney failure has caused him to take to social media to put his plea for a donor out to the world. 

In 2017, James was diagnosed with kidney failure which in his case is a genetic disorder in his family for three generations going all the way back to his great-great-grandfather. 

After James found out his kidneys were failing, for about a year he was able to track the decline through regular blood tests and he was able to live his life pretty regularly. However, eventually his kidneys’ failure got to the point he had to be put on dialysis which he is now in his fifth year of.

“At first it was the standard of three runs a week, so three times a week which is every other day except the ‘renal weekend’ which is when you get a two day break,” James told Victoria Buzz.

Each ‘run’ of renal dialysis is about four hours and has to be done through the Royal Jubilee Hospital.

“I was very fortunate because I was trying to work full time and go to school and live my life that here in BC at Royal Jubilee Hospital, we have a nocturnal program,” said James. “So I’m able to go in the evenings and do my runs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.”

He sleeps at the hospital through his eight hour runs which are overall better for his body than the four hour runs that are given to dialysis patients throughout the day.

“It allows me to at least have my day,” James explained. “Most people and most renal units won’t have that program.” 

BC Renal and Island Health provide the nocturnal program because they must. Victoria and Vancouver Island have over-representation of senior citizen populations as well as Indigenous populations who are two groups with a predisposition to kidney failure and renal conditions. 

James is the youngest in his renal unit at 35-years-old. He says there are other young people there but most are seniors who suffer from renal conditions that are often connected to diabetes and heart disease.

“Interestingly enough, kidney failure affects one-in-five Canadians,” James told Victoria Buzz. “Most people who have kidney failure will live their whole life not aware of the fact that they actually do have a form of kidney failure.” 

The unfortunate fact that James shared is that more often than not, when someone stops coming to the renal unit, it’s because of one of two reasons.

“You’ll go into the unit and the guy who normally sits beside you isn’t there anymore and the nurse will say, ‘Joe got a transplant,’” James explained. “Sadly though, what you hear more often than that is, ‘Joe passed away.’”

“This was a stark reality when I just started dialysis. I applied to get into the nocturnal program and was on a waiting list,” said James. “The nurse told me that the waiting list moves because here people die.”

Transplants only last so long for those lucky enough to receive one. An average kidney transplant from a live donor is viable for about 20 years. For a kidney that comes from a donor who has deceased, the viability is much less than that. 

James has been on a transplant waiting list for five years. He is unlucky in that he has a rare blood type–B+. 

“If you are a donor and pass away in a way that your organs can still be donated, they’ll start from the top of the list and they’ll work their way down,” said James. 

“It’s a matter of finding the most appropriate match. So you could be 100 down the list, but if you’re the match because of the blood type and through other detailed matching surrounding the immune system, you could get a kidney.”

He explained that it’s not a matter of where your position on the list is, it’s a matter of the viability of the match. James said the wait time on that list to receive a kidney from a donor cadaver is about five to seven years.

Most often, people suffering from kidney failure who get a transplant from someone they know. 

“A person is more likely to donate as a live donor when they are able to put a face and a name to a story,” said James. 

This is in part why he made a post on Facebook reaching out and telling a bit of his story in order to find a kidney donor and live his life a bit more normally for at least 20 years. 

(Eric James/Facebook)

“What actually prompted my post, is that the last two weeks have been really rough for me,” James told Victoria Buzz. “I started to develop congestive heart failure as a result of complications from being on the dialysis machine.”

“The first five years of being on the machine, I was very fit and healthy. But as time has gone on time has been catching up to me.” 

“We have two kidneys and you only need one,” said James. “All the donors who have given will tell you that they live perfectly normal lives after they’ve given.”

Those wishing to know more about donating a kidney can find information through St. Paul’s Hospital which is in Vancouver and handles most transplants. 

BC also has a transplant information website as a resource that has information as well as videos that dispel myths about several types of organ transplants. 

“I really need something to help me out here so I don’t continue down this path,” said James.

5 things to do in an around Victoria this Wednesday, November 23rd

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(@rupikaur_/Instagram)

Welcome to, Wednesday.

While the weather might be unpredictable, there are still things see and do in and around the city.

While tickets are limited, Rupi Kaur is in town and if that’s not your thing, perhaps a night of comedy is. So, without further ado, here are 5 things to do in an around Victoria this Wednesday, November 23rd:

Rupi Kaur: World Tour

Through the power of her voice, Rupi Kaur brings a captivating performance to the world stage in an all-new spoken word poetry experience. Audiences are taken on a journey of personal loss and love, growth, mental health, community, friendship, and strength. These universal themes take center stage as original music scores the show and projections immerse audiences.

Performing new unpublished pieces, poems from ‘home body’ and greatest hits from her iconic books ‘milk and honey’ and ‘the sun and her flowers’- join Rupi on her World Tour as we reconnect with each other and most importantly, ourselves.

  • When: Wednesday, November 23rd, starts at 8 p.m.
  • Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street

Fernwood Comedy Night

Enjoy an evening of Victoria’s funniest Stand-up Comics and Improvisers. Tickets are $15 per person and full food and drink menu available. Tables are sold in groups of 4, 5 or 6 people. Online tickets only.

Doors open 30 mins before show starts, seating is first come first serve by ticket table size.

  • When: Wednesday, November 23rd, starts at 8 p.m.
  • Where: The Fernwood Inn, 1302 Gladstone Avenue

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar plus Steve Marriner

The Canadian jack-of-all-genres/JUNO-nominated band, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, has been raking in rave reviews. Though categorized technically as blues music, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar draw influences from gospel, soul, pop and rock from many musical eras.

Opening for this performance will be Toronto-based blues multi-instrumentalist and JUNO-winning singer-songwriter Steve Marriner, of multiple JUNO-winning and Maple Blues Award-winning band MonkeyJunk. Don’t miss this thrilling performance at Hermann’s Upstairs!

  • When: Wednesday, November 23rd, starts at 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 753 View Street

Comedy Night at the Mint

The funniest way to spend a Wednesday is Phillips Comedy Night at The Mint! Each week Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance bring the most hilarious comedians in the city together for a wonderful evening of food, drink and fun!

Wildly popular and always new, Phillips Comedy Night is a hilarious night out. Come downstairs and enjoy the delicious west coast Himalayan cuisine that the Mint is famous for.

Seating is limited, be sure to book your table early!

  • When: Wednesday November 15th, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street

McRae’s Wednesday Night Trivia

Mcrae’s Bistro and Sixty Watt Trivia are joining forces to bring you a great Wednesday Night Trivia Event! Gather a team of eight max and battle other teams in four rounds of trivia to see who reigns supreme. Prizes awarded each round to the winning team.

  • When: Wednesday October 12th, starting at 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Where: McRae’s, 1652 Mcrae Avenue

BC Premier David Eby announces new provincial ministry to solely handle housing

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Province of British Columbia/Facebook)

Premier David Eby announced on Tuesday afternoon that housing would become its own ministry in BC.

The aim of giving housing its own ministry is to try to combat the current housing crisis in the province. 

Prior to this new ministry, the Minister of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing, Murray Rankin spearheaded taking on the housing crisis under former premier John Horgan.

During his swearing-in ceremony last week, Eby announced two new credits for British Columbians to ease the pressures of inflation and housing costs. 

Eby also announced on Monday in a press conference—alongside Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto—a plan for creating more housing and removing red tape in approval projects for local housing initiatives.

The new laws Eby’s BC NDPs hope to pass will reduce the amount of vacant homes, remove age restrictions for strata housing such as condos, which will allow families with children access to buildings that were previously only for those who were 19-years-old or above and creating target goals for the municipalities who need new homes the most.

Related:

“For too many British Columbians, owning or even renting a good home feels out of reach,” Premier Eby said during the announcement for the Ministry of Housing. 

“The housing crisis deserves the attention of a full ministry and the resources that come with it. As premier, I am committed to making meaningful progress to make sure everyone in BC can afford a good home.”

This announcement was made by Eby during a speech to around 1,400 people at the Housing Central Conference at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver.

The new position of minister of housing will be announced by Premier Eby when he announces the rest of his cabinet on December 7th.

The results are in: British Columbians love binge-watching on Netflix

By
Travis Devonport
-
(File Photo)

Grab the popcorn, we have some binge-worthy numbers for you.

We’ve all been there. Your friend recommends a new, must-watch tv series and five hours later you’ve already binge-watched half a season.

In a recent survey conducted by time2play, 1,000 Canadians were asked how many days it takes them to finish a 10-episode season with 45-minute episodes on Netflix.

Of the ten provinces polled, British Columbians were the second fastest binge-watchers, spending a total of five days hooked on a series.

Nearly half a day ahead, Nova Scotians and residents of PEI are tied for the top spot, at 4.3 days.

The results showed Canadians watch an average of 2.8 episodes without taking a break, which amounts to nearly two and a half hours spent behind the screen of the popular streaming provider.

The majority of Canadians agreed they prefer to binge-watch at night between 8 p.m. to midnight.

Of all the shows streaming on Netflix this year, Stranger Things (season 4) took the lead as the most streamed. The Witcher (season 2), starring Henry Cavill as the demon-slaying warrior, Geralt of Rivea came in second place with Bridgerton (season 2) coming in at third.

Let us know in the comments below what shows you recommend binge-watching these days!

The 31st annual Festival of Trees has officially kicked off at the Bay Centre

By
Travis Devonport
-
(Photo by Clickhead)

With Christmas nearly a month away, the Bay Centre has already started decorating the halls for its 31st annual Festival of Trees.

If you’re taking a stroll downtown with friends or family, you won’t want to miss this beautiful winter wonderland display. Stop by and take a peek at the beautiful trees that are bound to leave you wishing you could take one home!

From now until January 3rd, the popular downtown shopping destination will swap its pristine white walls and granite floors with over 75 lush green trees, decorated to the nines by local businesses and sponsors to support a good cause—a cure for diabetes.

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.

According to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2,500 children living in British Columbia are living with Type 1 diabetes.

Shaun Cerisano, Philanthropy Manager for the BC Children’s Hospital says the scientists working on a cure are regarded as highly skilled experts in diabetes research in North America.

With a cure in sight, Cerisano says the necessary results cannot be discovered without the continued support of donations.

“The government provides funding based on the basic needs, basic isn’t what we want for our health care, especially when it comes to the health care of our children. We want excellence and the way we get from basic to excellent is through funding,” says Cerisano.

For those interested in supporting this year’s fundraiser, festival organizers are excited to introduce a new tap-to-donate feature, through a vote-by-donation basis. Now you can simply tap your phone or card on the display podium to help show support.

If you’re unable to make it, you can also show your support by donating to the Victoria Buzz fundraising page in direct support of BCCHF.

Festival of Trees 2022

  • When: November 17th until January 3rd, during regular shopping hours.
  • Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street

 

There will be an epic concert to celebrate Santa’s arrival at Westshore Town Centre (CONTEST)

By
Branded Content
-
(Westshore Town Centre)

The big man in red is back… and he’s arriving in Langford with a bang!

This Saturday, November 26th, join Westshore Town Centre in celebrating the arrival of Santa himself—with a whole lot of fanfare, of course.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a family-friendly concert in the Cineplex parking lot in partnership with Virgin Radio Victoria, and you’re invited!

You’re invited to bring gift cards, or new, unwrapped toys to be donated to the CFAX Santa’s Anonymous toy drive, and in exchange, you’ll receive a “backstage pass” for an exclusive meet-and-greet and autograph session with the rock star of the season—Santa.

After your visit with the man of the hour, you can enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate that you can dress up to your liking with toppings like candy canes, whipped cream, marshmallows and more! The seasonal treats will be served up by the Cabinet Mobile Bar.

Then you’ll have the chance to warm up by the fire and listen to live music from local bands, Soul 62 (featuring students from Royal Bay Secondary), Posh Coat and Freshly Squeezed—and Santa may even join in for a song or two!

Also, appointments to visit Santa for professional photos at his cabin begin the same day! Still need to book your spot? You can do so online.

To celebrate the giving season, we’ve partnered with Westshore Town Centre to give one lucky winner a $100 gift card to Mastermind Toys!

CONTEST 

To enter to WIN a $100 gift card to Mastermind Toys at Westshore Town Centre, complete one or more of the following:

  1. LIKE Westshore Town Centre on Facebook, and comment below letting us know once you have (1 entry)
  2. FOLLOW Westshore Town Centre on Instagram, and comment below letting us know once you have (1 entry)
  3. SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter, and comment below letting us know once you have (1 entry)

Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on November 30th, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!

Contest Rules

Westshore Town Centre’s Jingle Bell Rock

  • When: Saturday, November 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Cineplex parking lot at Westshore Town Centre, 2945 Jacklin Road

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Saanich Police investigating church fire that is now deemed suspicious

By
Curtis Blandy
-
saanich-police-cruiser
Saanich Police (File photo/Victoria Buzz)

Saanich Police are investigating a fire at a church that is being considered suspicious.

According to police, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Mann Avenue was the site of a fire on Monday.

On November 22nd, at 10 a.m. Saanich Police responded to the call that the church had been damaged from a fire near a set of exterior doors.

“While it’s still early, we can say at this point that we are treating this fire as suspicious,” said Constable Markus Anastasiades. 

The damage includes broken glass on the doors that were damaged by the flames. The cost of the damage to the church is still unknown at this time.

Police say the cause and intention of the fire is also unknown and is being investigated. 

Anyone that has information or was witness to the fire, which likely occurred overnight or early Monday morning is asked to call the Saanich Police Department at (250) 475-4321.

Butchart Gardens’ annual Christmas lights ceremony is happening next week

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas Season
(The Butchart Gardens)

It’s what you’ve been waiting for all year!

Christmas season is officially in full swing, as Butchart Gardens flips the switch to kick off their ‘Magic of Christmas’ in front of the Rose Carousel at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 1st.

Watch Victoria’s most iconic attraction light up for the holidays, and experience a number of winter activities from December to early January, including:

  • Carousel rides
  • Tens of thousands of Christmas lights
  • The 12 days of Christmas display throughout The Gardens
  • Seasonal tea at The Dining Room Restaurant, and a special seasonal dinner menu
  • Casual, festive fare at The Blue Poppy Restaurant
  • Every evening the festive brass and traditional carollers will fill the crisp night air, alongside hot chocolate and gingerbread to warm you up at the Gardens’ Coffee Shop

Stroll the pathways dressed in boughs of greenery and enjoy the sounds of the season with live performances from traditional carollers and festive brass.

Christmas hours are from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

One policy change to take note of during the Gardens’ Christmas season is that pets will not be allowed on the premises from December 1st to January 6th between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

This annual tradition takes a host of staff setting up for two months to bring it to life – and there’s a reason why people love it so much.

Go see for yourself!

 

Butchart Gardens Lights Display

  • When: December 1st to January 6th, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily
  • Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue

Victoria Royals prepare for the first sold out game at SOFMC in three years

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Victoria Royals)

The Victoria Royals will play their first game to a sold out crowd at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC) since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last time the SOFMC sold out was in February of 2019 for their ‘Pink in the Rink’ game. 

Anticipation and excitement are at an all time high for the Royals despite being in last place in the western conference in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with a record of 3-16-3-0. 

On Saturday, November 26th, the Regina Pats who have a record of 9-11-0-0 will be coming to Victoria to take on the Royals for the first time since before the pandemic and before any of the current Royals were old enough to be in the roster. 

Connor Bedard, a player for the Pats is the reason the SOFMC sold out two weeks i advance for the upcoming game. 

Bedard is widely considered to be one of the best players in the game currently and it is all but guaranteed he will be drafted into the NHL for the 2023-24 season.

He scored 50 goals as a 16-year-old last season and to date, Bedard has 48 points in 22 games of the 2022-23 season so far. 

When Victoria Royals Head Coach and General Manager, Dan Price was asked if he and the team were feeling a bit of pressure leading up to the sold out game, he said, “zero pressure.”

“It’s just been excitement and opportunity,” Price told Victoria Buzz. “This is why we do this.”

“Everyone likes to compete, everyone loves the energy of the crowd, the energy of the game, a challenging opponent and I’m sure Regina feels the same way.”

The Victoria Royals could be going into this game with 10 key players injured or temporarily off their roster. 

“In that last game we were missing about 10 players,” said Price.

“A lot of those players are day-to-day and being assessed this week to see what their timelines will be for return to play.”

“We’re hopeful that players like Schuurman and Almquist as examples might be able to make their returns this weekend which would really help bolster the lineup that’s been missing a lot of players recently.”

Team captain, Gannon Laroque, is still out with an injury as well. Price said he is skating again but is at least a couple weeks away from playing. 

In their last game on November 19th the intensity of the matchup with the Prince George Cougars spilled over with only a few minutes left in the game and Alex Edwards was given a one game suspension.

“Edwards had been in a scrum with Eastman from Prince George and eventually Kmec which had been boiling up all game,” said Price. 

This week, the game against the Pats is the Royals only game so they have a bit of extra time to make preparations to take on Connor Bedard and his squad.

“We’ve been doing some pre-scouting, getting a sense of what systems Regina is likely to use,” Price told Victoria Buzz.

“We’re trying to build the energy so that we’re peaking for Saturday night, since we have no mid-week games and no Friday game.”

“It allows us to change the content and the structure of the training phase.”

The game is also one of the Victoria Royals highly anticipated theme nights. It’s ‘kids take over’ night at the SOFMC.

Kids have been hired to help out and learn from some of the staff. They will be helping out with announcing during the game, coaching, handling the rambunctious Marty the Marmot as well as singing the national anthem and hosting activities and games throughout the night. 

Doors are opening early for the ‘kids to take over’ night at 3:30 p.m. so kids and their parents can check out the fun. Games and activities will be happening in the concourse and a local band, the Pickups will be playing a show. 

There will also be a magician, cotton candy, a balloon artist, hot chocolate and a beer garden for the parents. 

Tickets for the game are sold out but for those who want to attend the fun and games, if weather permits much of the activities for the ‘kids take over’ night will be outdoors and they are more than welcome to attend. 

‘Kids take over’ Royals game versus the Regina Pats

  • Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
  • When: Saturday, November 26th. Doors at 3:30, puck drop at 6:05

Late night blaze destroys empty building in Port Alberni on Sunday (VIDEO)

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Port Alberni Fire Department/Facebook)

Firefighters were called to a structural fire on Sunday night in the heart of Port Alberni.

The Port Alberni Fire Department posted a video online of the massive blaze at around 9 p.m. that evening.

The building that was engulfed in flames is located on 3rd Avenue between Dunbar Street and Napier Street. 

Port Alberni fire crews had assistance from the Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the Cherry Creek Fire Department and the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department to extinguish the fire but the building still sustained heavy damage. 

The road was reopened and firefighters were off the scene by around 11:30 p.m. the same night.

The interior of the building suffered heavy smoke damage and the exterior at the building’s rear was also extensively damaged in the blaze.

Officials say the building was empty and no one was hurt during the fire as the building was a warehouse space and mostly used for storage. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

3rd Ave closed between Dunbar and Napier for a structure fire. #structurefire #portalberni

Posted by Port Alberni Fire Department on Sunday, November 20, 2022

Port Alberni highway to Tofino set to fully reopen two way traffic soon (VIDEOS)

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(BC Transportation and Infrastructure/YouTube)

Highway 4 has been the source of delays for many drivers on their way out to Tofino and Uculet for more than three years while construction was being completed.

The Kennedy Hill section of Highway 4 that connects Port Alberni to the west coast of Vancouver Island is reopening to two way traffic by early January.

The province says the timing of the full reopening is weather dependent. 

The section of highway crews were working on is now a safer, more reliable road for all those who use it, especially for truckers and commercial vehicle drivers.

The road has been straightened and flattened to improve visibility and traction when rain and snow are present. The lanes were also made wider along with the highway’s shoulders and there are new roadside barriers between the road and Kennedy Lake.

To achieve all these improvements, 180,000 cubic metres of rock had to be blasted, stabilization bolts were drilled into the hillside, water retaining structures were installed downslope to catch rainwater and the whole thing cost approximately $54 million. 

Related:

Section of highway to Tofino and Ucluelet will see three consecutive overnight closures

“The project, which is now more than 90% complete, has removed overhanging rock, which was a hazard for commercial vehicles and a source of rockfalls onto the highway,” said the province in a media release announcing the highway’s progress. 

The new section of highway also has a new rest stop area complete with new washroom facilities and a viewpoint of Kennedy Lake which will be accessible for all vehicle types. 

Road flooding and hydroplaning will no longer be a concern to drivers either because of a new drainage system that was installed during construction.

This drainage system meets new standards of resilience to survive longer given the changing climate.

“When both lanes are open, traffic impacts will be reduced to nighttime closures and minor interruptions during the day while the contractor continues to work toward final project completion in the spring,” said the province.  

Real-time conditions for any highway on Vancouver Island can be checked via DriveBC.

5 things to do in and around Victoria this Tuesday, November 22nd

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(File Photo)

Happy Tuesday, Victoria.

While it is getting darker and darker earlier each day, the events are still happening. From Natalie MacMaster to swing jazz, here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Tuesday, November 22nd:

Natalie MacMaster

Juno Award winning fiddle virtuosos Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are in Victoria to bring back their successful concert series, A Celtic Family Christmas. This intimate and unique show sold out everywhere prior to the pandemic and it will see the duo perform with their incredibly talented children playing Celtic and holiday favourites that are fun for the entire family.

  • When: Tuesday, November 22nd, starts at 8 p.m.
  • Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street

Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre

Festival of Trees is a local community event during the holiday season where local businesses and organization along with members of the Victoria community come together in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Holiday trees are spruced up and on display at the Bay Centre, downtown Victoria, for the community to vote on and enjoy for free.

  • When: Tuesday, November 22nd until January 3rd, during mall hours
  • Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street

Beacon Comedy Night

Elyott Ryan hosts another night of stand up comedy at Beacon Brewing and have they got a doozy for you! Comedians include Chris Betts, Henok Meresa, Jon Schab, Spencer Reid, and Darren Millar.

  • When: Tuesday, November 22nd, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Where: Beacon Brewing, 9829 Third Street

Vigil: A Black Comedy by Morris Panych

Kemp is a banker. When he receives a phone call from an elderly aunt on her deathbed, he rushes across the country to pay her a visit, anticipating a swift funeral. But she’s not going just yet. As the seasons change and the weather turns, she defies his expectations in this deliciously absurd, incredibly funny, and poignantly tender play. “I’m worried about your health…it seems to be improving.”Vigil premiered at the Belfry in September 1995 and has played half the world over and been translated into two dozen languages.

  • When: Tuesday, November 22nd, 7:30 p.m
  • Where:  ​Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue

Speakeasy ft. Avram McCagherty and Friends

Enjoy swing jazz and cocktail culture in a vintage, prohibition era setting. Live jazz by the city’s favourite swing jazz musicians, with rotating bands each week and occasional pop-up features. This week: Speakeasy ft. Avram McCagherty and Friends.

  • When: Tuesday, November 22nd, doors open at 7:30 p.m, show starts 8 p.m.
  • Where:  ​ Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street

Victoria radio station gears up for Christmas with one of the city’s biggest toy drives

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Dylan Willows and Jason Lamb via The Zone/Instagram)

Every kid who celebrates Christmas deserves to wake up to a present on Christmas Day. 

Local radio station, the Zone at 91.3, wants to make this a reality by putting on an annual toy drive in partnership with the Christmas Giving Network. 

The Christmas Giving network is a group of agencies that work in collaboration to create and distribute gift hampers to underprivileged families during Christmastime.

On December 9th, the Zone will set up shop in the Mayfair Shopping Centre’s southeast corner parking lot to collect the toy donations for their 13th consecutive year. 

This year’s toy drive will be done in a drive-thru fashion to allow vehicles loaded up with gifts to drop off their loads quickly and easily. 

Toys aren’t the only thing that can be donated though. Gift card donations are being taken and the radio station will even have a debit machine so electronic donations can be made for those who do not have a chance to go gift shopping, or for those who just don’t know what to get. 

“Cash donations are always appreciated because the Christmas Giving Network really knows where the holes are to fill,” said Susan Knight, the Zone’s Promotions Director. “When we put money in their hands they really know how to stretch that out.”

Knight said that the toy drive always ends up getting plenty of toy donations for young kids, but teenagers often get overlooked.

“If you want to target the teens, what really works is gift cards,” Knight told Victoria Buzz. “What kid doesn’t like getting a loaded Starbucks gift card in their stocking?”

The Zone will be broadcasting their morning show with Dylan and Jason on-site. They will be there along with other on air and off air staff and volunteers to take the donations. 

Knight said that the Layed Out car club will be coming by with all their modified classic cars loaded to the brim with gift donations as they have in past years. Also that the Claremont Secondary School is doing a gift card drive ahead of time to collect gifts for teenagers in need. 

One Touch House and the Castaway Wanderers rugby club will also be coming through with huge donations as they have done in years past.  

The Camosun Chargers will be helping out by being on hand to assist the radio station collect the gifts that are dropped off.

Prior to the day of the big drive-thru event, people can drop off toy donations with the following select Peninsula Co-op locations:

  • 6739 West Saanich Road (Brentwood)
  • 321 Wale Road (Colwood)
  • 4397 West Shore Parkway (Langford)
  • 2320 Millstream Road (Millstream)
  • 6429 Pat Bay Highway (Saanich)
  • 10350 McDonald Park Road (Sidney)

To donate a gift card or cash prior to the event, donations can be mailed to the Zone at 3rd floor, 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8.

The Zone’s toy drive-thru 

  • Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre parking lot at the corner of Blanshard and Finlayson
  • When: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., Friday December 9th

VicPD searching for missing 83-year-old man suffering from medical condition (UPDATED)

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(VicPD)

UPDATE:

Police say Thomas Pringle was found safe by VicPD officers on Monday afternoon.

—original:

VicPD are searching for a missing 83-year-old man considered ‘high risk.”

Police said Thomas Pringle suffers from a medical condition which can cause him to lose awareness of his surroundings and become confused.

Pringle was last seen at approximately 12:20 p.m. this afternoon in the 3100-block of Douglas Street.

He is described as a Caucasian man standing 6’ tall with a medium build, has short grey hair and is bald on top.

Pringle was last seen wearing a black winter bomber-style jacket with a welder logo on the front, blue jeans, black New Balance runners and a light tan Tilley hat.

https://twitter.com/vicpdcanada/status/1594831101142634497

If you see Pringle or if you have information about where he may be, please call 911.

RCMP release photo of person of interest sought in View Royal sexual assault of teen girl

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(West Shore RCMP)

West Shore RCMP have released surveillance photos of a man they say is a person of interest as they investigate a sexual assault of a teenage girl in View Royal.

The sexual assault occurred on September 6th at View Royal Park located at 60 Pheasant Lane

At the time, police said a young female, aged between 14 and 16 years-old was alone in the park between midnight and 2 a.m. when she was approached by a male suspect who sexually assaulted her.

Police say the victim sustained injuries but will recover.

The suspect is described as being a Caucasian man in his early 20s. He is about 6 feet tall with a slim build, appeared to be underweight, had facial stubble and possibly dirty blonde hair.

At the time of the incident, he was carrying a blue Gatorade bottle and was wearing a blue zip-up hoodie, dark coloured sweatpants and white shoes.

The person of interest is described as a man between the ages of 30-40 with brown hair, wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and light-coloured jogging pants and black shoes.

In a media release, RCMP said they believe this man has information that will advance the investigation and are hoping to speak with him.

Anyone with information about this person is asked to call the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.

7 ways to make the most of your holiday leftovers and save some money (CONTEST)

By
Branded Content
-
(Capital Regional District)

‘Tis the season, and many of us celebrate the holidays with festive treats and delicious meals—that means leftovers!

Thankfully, you can save food (and money) this holiday season by using up all your leftovers.

Did you know that the average Canadian household wastes 140kg of food per year? That adds up to roughly $1,300!

Reducing food waste not only saves you money at the grocery store, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

If you’re looking to save some delicious holiday eats AND save your money this season, here are 7 tips on how to use-up your leftovers:

Make room in your fridge

Before the holidays, start using up any food that needs to be eaten—leftovers, produce, scraps of bread—and clear out space in your fridge and freezer for new leftovers.

Plan your meals

Be realistic about how much food you’ll really need, and try to prepare only what you and your guests will eat. Consider buying a slightly smaller turkey.

Party favours!

Holiday leftovers are the ultimate holiday party favour. Ask your dinner guests to bring a reusable container so they can enjoy your meal for the next day—or week! No need to buy holiday crackers.

Host a cookie swap

If you find yourself with too much holiday baking or want an excuse to bake more, but worry it might go to waste if you do, invite a few friends and family over for a cookie swap.

Freeze, please

Freeze individual sized portions that you can re-heat for a quick meal.

Cook creatively

There are plenty of recipes that use up turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes and more. Search for recipes based on what you have on hand and get inspired!

Pot pie to the rescue

Use up extra meat, gravy, vegetables and mashed potatoes in pot pie, a comfort food classic. The potatoes work as a topping and can be mixed into the gravy to tighten up the filling.

For more tips on how to save money and reduce food waste, please visit Capital Regional District online!

(Capital Regional District)

The CRD’s new Solid Waste Management Plan has a target of 250 kg/capita over the next decade and includes strategies for reducing all streams of solid waste, including avoidable food waste. The CRD has partnered with Love Food Hate Waste Canada to offer tips simple steps to reduce food waste, from storing food so it stays fresh to using up leftovers to meal planning.

We’ve partnered with the CRD to give away TWO Love Food Hate Waste gift packs, which will include:

  • $100 grocery store gift card
  • Bento Box for leftovers
  • Apron
  • Bag
(CRD)

CONTEST

For your chance to win the above gift pack care of the CRD (we’re giving away two!), complete one or more of the following:

  1. LIKE Capital Regional District Facebook and comment below to let us know you have. (1 entry)
  2. FOLLOW Capital Regional District on Instagram (1 entry)
  3. SHARE this article on Facebook and comment below to let us know you have. (1 entry)

Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on November 30th 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter. Make sure to register when commenting below.

Contest Guidelines

Warrant issued for Nanaimo woman who punched victim multiple times

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Nanaimo RCMP)

A Nanaimo woman, Audrey Christopherson, missed her court date for allegedly uttering threats, mischief and assault and now police are looking for her. 

On May 9th, Chistopherson allegedly initiated a physical altercation with another woman in which she punched the victim multiple times. 

Police say later that day she was reported to have gone to the home of her victim, breaking down the door to gain entry. 

The victim of the altercation was hiding inside the residence. 

According to police, once inside, Christopherson began to threaten the victim with further violence.

Police then arrived on the scene and were able to arrest Christopherson on the charges of uttering threats, mischief and assault.

She was released following her arrest back in May of this year.. 

On Monday, November 21st, Nanaimo RCMP announced they have released a warrant for Christopherson’s arrest because she missed her court date for her charges at the Nanaimo Provincial Court.

Police describe Christopherson as being a Caucasian woman, standing 5’9” tall, weighing 170 pounds with blonde hair and green eyes. 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Audrey Christopherson, should call Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.

There will be FREE hot chocolate at the annual Marina Light Up kick-off this Friday

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Doug Clement Photography / Fairmont Empress)

Free hot chocolate and Christmas lights on boats?  Yes please!

If you’re looking for an event to get into the holiday spirit this weekend, head down to the inner harbour this Friday, for the annual light-up of the boats.

According to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, there will be approximately 25-35 boats lit up at the Causeway Marina and Fisherman’s Wharf, with the majority at the Causeway marina.

People are invited to walk the docks between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Friday, November 25th to explore the lighted vessels.

Free hot chocolate will be handed out on a first come, first served basis at the causeway Marina Dock, below the Fairmont Empress in downtown Victoria.

Most boats will already be lit up or will be lit up just before the event kicks off. The vessels will remain lit up for the duration of the holiday season.

The Annual Marina Light Up

  • When: Friday, November 25th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Inner Harbour, causeway Marina Dock, below the Fairmont Empress in downtown Victoria

The Bay Centre is offering an exclusive gift card deal this Black Friday (CONTEST)

By
Branded Content
-
(The Bay Centre)

Black Friday is nearly upon us, and the Bay Centre is offering up an exclusive deal that’s going to make your shopping a little sweeter!

On Friday, November 25th, stop by Guest Services during shopping centre hours to get yourself a BONUS $50 Winners gift card with the purchase of $150 in Bay Centre gift cards.*

*Gift card offer can be claimed in-person only starting at 10 a.m. on November 25th, 2022. Limit one (1) bonus $50 Winners gift card per customer. First 150 customers. Must be 19+ and BC resident. Winners gift card valid at the Bay Centre location only.

Victoria Buzz will also be on site this Friday spreading light and joy in the form of special treats and over $2000 in prizes to be won, so make sure to stop by centre court between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

We’ll also be giving away FREE cups of coffee to the first 400 customers, so make sure you bring your reusable mug!

While you peruse the many stores and services that the Bay Centre has to offer, don’t forget to check out the shimmering backdrop of the Bay Centre’s brand new holiday experience in centre court including a 35 foot illuminated tree.

You’ll also have the chance to take in this year’s Festival of Trees—immerse yourself in the season as you stroll through over 75 one-of-a-kind festively decorated trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital.

Festival of Trees is free and open daily during Bay Centre shopping centre hours.

On top of all of this, we’ve partnered with the Bay Centre to give away a massive $750 in gift cards to 5 lucky winners, so you can kick off your holiday shopping in style.

CONTEST

For your chance to win a $150 Bay Centre gift card (we’re giving away 5!), please do one or more of the following:

  1. LIKE the Bay Centre on Facebook and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  2. FOLLOW the Bay Centre on Instagram and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  3. COMMENT below and tell us who you’re bringing shopping with you! (1 entry)

5 winners will be drawn on November 29th. Good luck!

Contest Rules

Black Friday at the Bay Centre

  • When:
    • Friday, November 25th – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    • Victoria Buzz will be on site from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Where: Centre Court at the Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street

*Gift card offer can be claimed in-person only. Limit one (1) bonus $50 Winners gift card per customer. While quantities last. Must be 19+ and BC resident. Winners gift card valid at the Bay Centre location only.

UVic students to send satellite into space on NASA’s next launch and you can watch it live

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Provided by @dearmoonproject x SpaceX)

Two recent graduates from the University of Victoria’s engineering program will get to have their boots on the ground at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Tuesday to see their work be launched into space. 

Alex Doknjas is the tech lead on the ORCASat project which originated right here in Victoria. 

The ORCASat satellite is a groundbreaking project to aid better conditions for viewing distant stars and astronomical objects in space.

The satellite has two laser light sources that are able to provide reference to telescopes on the ground for how much light a celestial object is emitting. This will provide a clearer picture under ideal conditions to the ground telescopes viewing the object. 

(ORCASat)

The ORCASat will be put onboard NASA’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket which will liftoff on November 22nd around 1 p.m.

The Falcon 9 will rendezvous with the International Space Station where it will be deployed from. It will collect data for 18 months on its journey through space. 

The UVic made ORCASat won a national competition, the Canadian CubeSat Project (CCP) by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), to win its place in space. It is one of only two projects chosen to go into space on this voyage.  

(ORCASat)

The Falcon 9 launch will be streamed live from NASA. The launch will be weather-dependent in Florida where NASA is launching the Falcon 9 and the ORCASat.

UVic ORCASat launch

  • When: Tuesday, November 22nd at 12:54 p.m.
  • Where: Online via Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

BC government introduces two new measures to address housing crisis

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Province of British Columbia/Facebook)

On Monday, the province announced a bill that, if passed, will help bring more homes into BC and support renters.

On November 21st, David Eby’s government announced a new bill as part of StrongerBC, which has the province’s economic plan to bring jobs, homes and health care to British Columbians.

During the press conference, Premier David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Murray Rankin, Mayor Marianne Alto and a health-care worker named Omama Shoib speak about what can be done and what BC wants to do going forward regarding the housing crisis.

They talked about the steps that have been taken since 2017 to reign in the out-of-control housing costs and lack of affordable homes, why BC needs action on housing, they introduce the Housing Supply Act and they announce amendments to the Strata Property Act. 

In 2017, housing affordability was at an all time low so the government responded with ‘Homes for BC,’ a 30-point housing plan. 

In 2019, BC brought in a vacancy tax and capped rent increases to inflation in order to bring stability to the housing market. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, BC saw record amounts of migration and demand for housing increased at an unprecedented rate.

“We had more than 100,000 people move to BC last year and our housing supply is not keeping up,” said Premier David Eby.

Now, with high interest rates and variable mortgages increasing, BC has recognized that more action is needed. 

Homes for BC

From 2011 to 2021, housing projects that are under construction have more than doubled and rental construction has increased by more than 800% in BC. 

Homes for BC was an initiative passed in 2017 and it has helped bring homes and vacancies to the ever-growing population of BC, but now the government believes the time has come for further action. 

Current housing challenges

According to the government, growing demand is outpacing supply in the province. 

Since the pandemic, the growth rate of BC’s population has grown at an astronomical rate and competition for rental units and home buyers has increased alongside the population.

The province announced today they believe that approval processes for new-builds and homes that are to be redeveloped are outdated. 

“Many people in BC have a vision of a province where when you’re ready to move out of your parents house and start your life, that you can start a family, that you can move from renting to potentially owning your own place; moving up the property ladder,” said Eby. 

“It’s a vision that feels out of reach for far too many  British Columbians because of the pressure in our housing market right now.”

BC’s new ‘Housing Supply Act’

The proposed initiative will help to increase the supply of housing in the municipalities that need it the most. Cities with the highest projected population growth rate will get priority and they will set realistic housing targets. 

Local governments already create ‘Housing Needs Reports’ every five years. The new initiative will make the Ministry responsible for Housing review these reports and determine if a housing target is needed for that municipality.

According to BC, the framework for this new act is based upon successful housing targets made by cities in California and the UK. 

“This Housing Supply Act will give our city and other municipalities another critically important tool to create homes for our current and future residents,” said Mayor Alto. 

“The City of Victoria has already taken a number of very important steps to simplify building processes and to accelerate building of affordable housing, but we can’t do enough of it, fast enough alone.”

“We need the province to support and push all local governments to make building more, and more affordable homes in every neighbourhood of every municipality across BC.”

Initially, eight to 10 municipalities will be targeted and made priorities. 

Work to determine which municipalities will be high on the priority list has already begun and is based on Housing Needs Reports, community plans and census data. 

The province will help the municipalities in the most need of new housing meet their targets by aiding them in speeding up their local approval processes and improving provincial approval processes. 

If a target is not being met upon review, the newly proposed ‘Housing Supply Act’ will allow for an advisor to step in and review the municipalities efforts in meeting the targets, then the Minister Responsible for Housing can issue a directive to that local government to take action.

Help for renters

Strata homes include condominiums, duplexes and any other shared property housing unit. 

BC has determined that the ‘Strata Property Act’ will also need amendments to allow for more people to have access to homes. 

The act has restrictions that are reducing people’s housing choices in the province, so the province is going to remove some of these to aid people finding suitable homes. 

Some condos or other strata homes have age restrictions that do not allow non-seniors access to certain buildings. 

With the removal of these age-based restrictions, more townhouses and rental options will become available to those who need them. 

Housing Supply Act timeline

If the act is passed, it will come into effect in mid-2023. 

Work is already underway by the Ministry Responsible for Housing to determine which municipalities will be a priority. This is based on Housing Needs Reports and census data.

The province will begin work with eight to ten municipalities. Those cities will not be informed until the act comes into effect.

To aid renters, the Strata Property Act amendments will come into effect immediately. 

BC reveals plans to address repeat violent offenders and expansion of mental health crisis responses

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Province of British Columbia)

Over the weekend, BC’s new premier revealed plans to address violent repeat offenders and expand mental-health crisis response teams.

Just a few days in his new role, Premier David Eby announced a wide range of new public safety measures.

“Being compassionate, concerned and taking action on mental-health and addiction issues does not mean that we have to accept repeated criminal behaviour or violence,” said Eby, who was sworn in as premier two days earlier.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community.”

Residents across BC have voiced their frustration over the property and violent crime for months. On Sunday, the province released a statement that said it is launching a new Safer Communities Action Plan.

One part of the plan includes creating a repeat violent offender coordinated response team consisting of police, prosecutors, and probation officers.

In addition, the province said it would also be expanding the mental-health crisis response teams into more communities so police can focus on crime, and people in crisis are met early on by healthcare workers and community members.

“We know when a person is experiencing a mental-health or substance use crisis, what they need and want, is the support from someone who knows what they are going through,” said Jonathan Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division, Victoria branch.

“That is the heart of the Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) model. We are very excited to lead this transformation of crisis care with partners in British Columbia. Today marks a bold commitment by this government to support mental health for all. A community-led care response, informed by people with lived and living experience, operated by local organizations is part of the transformation we need.”

New measures announced include:

  • launching new repeat violent offender co-ordinated response teams, made up of police, and dedicated prosecutors and probation officers
  • expanding mental-health crisis response teams into more communities so police can focus on crime, and people in crisis are met early on by health-care workers and community members
  • taking the next steps in creating a new model of addictions care at St. Paul’s Hospital so people can seamlessly move from crisis response in the emergency room, to detox, to treatment services, in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care, with plans to expand this model in the future
  • opening 10 new Indigenous Justice Centres to provide culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Peoples involved in the justice system to address the root causes of their involvement in the system and help them break the cycle
  • going after the houses, cars and luxury goods of high-level organized criminals who profit on misery by introducing “unexplained wealth order” legislation in spring 2023
  • building public confidence in the prosecution system with new direction from the attorney general to prosecutors to implement a clear and understandable approach to bail for repeat violent offenders within the existing federal law. The new policy will take effect on November 22nd

“We are making changes to bring key groups together to keep people and communities safe — ensuring those who commit violent acts face consequences and creating as many opportunities as possible for them to address mental health and addiction issues to break the cycle of a life in and out of jail,” Eby added.

No new spending was announced for the repeat offender response teams.

Cougar followed woman out for a run in Colwood: RCMP

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
cougar file photo
(File photo)

West Shore RCMP have issued a warning after a cougar was on the prowl this evening.

Just before 6 p.m. on Friday, November 18th, West Shore RCMP received a 911 call from a woman saying she was in Latoria Creek Park and was being followed by a cougar.

According to police, the woman was out for a run on the stairs in the park when she got to the bottom, she noticed the cougar several meters from her.

When the woman called 911, the dispatcher told her to “stay calm, speak to the cougar in a gentle voice and to not turn her back on the cougar.”

The woman was directed to walk backwards up the stairs and to the nearest home.

“The Call Taker stayed on the phone with the woman who was very upset and worried about the situation,” said West Shore RCMP.

Police said the woman was wearing a head lamp which may have been what the cougar was attracted to given the darkness in the park.

The cougar followed the woman up the stairs and left once she was near homes.

“The Call Taker did an amazing job and obtained necessary details of the woman’s’ whereabouts immediately dispatching officers to the area,” said Saggar.

The woman was able to take shelter a residence in the 400 block of Pelican Dr in Colwood.

“We want to thank our partners in E-COMM 9-1-1 and the Call Taker for their swift guidance in getting this woman to safety as well as the homeowner who opened their door to someone in need,” Saggar added.

Police searched the area on foot, however, the cougar was not located.

BC Conservation Services and City of Colwood have are aware of the incident.

What the heck is Gogh-ing on: Beyond Van Gogh Experience discontinues ticket sales

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Beyond Van Gogh Victoria/Instagram)

What is Gogh-ing on?

The Beyond Van Gogh Experience has faced setback, after setback, after setback. At this point it appears their “immersive experience” will not be open on time—for a third time.

Initially, the event was announced to begin on October 14th. At that time, the production company, Paquin Entertainment Group announced setbacks through Artsbiz Public Relations and delayed the opening until November 11th. 

As that date approached, the event was delayed for a second time to November 25th, again by Artsbiz Public Relations. 

With its opening date one week away, many ticket holders to the event are anxious it will be delayed for a third time. 

Related:

Victorians beyond frustrated with Beyond Van Gogh after multiple delays

On November 18th, Victoria Buzz received the following statement from Paquin Entertainment Group producer, Justin Paquin:

“Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience was set to open this month in the Starry Night Pavilion at Victoria’s Bayview Place. We know Victoria has been excited about our event as thousands of you have committed to come to the exhibition.

Unfortunately, we are not yet able to open to the public. There are administrative & permitting details that need one final round of review. 

Our team is working closely with the City of Victoria and the Bayview team to resolve all outstanding matters and we are encouraged by everyone’s support.

Over the past two years, our team has installed exhibits in over 50 cities across 7 countries and we look forward to opening Beyond Van Gogh in the City of Victoria.

For those customers who would like to reschedule their tickets, we will be providing details on how to do so over email.

We are close to announcing a new opening date, but we want to be absolutely certain on a new date before we do.

Customers wishing for a refund on their existing tickets can email our customer service team at hello@vangoghvictoria.com. 

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this delay.”

The City of Victoria explained to Victoria Buzz that Paquin Entertainment has been in contact with the city for months in preparation for their exhibit to be held on city property located at Bayview Place, 355 Catherine Street. 

“For Paquin Entertainment to run their show there they need to apply for a Temporary Use Permit, they need to put that application into the city,” said Colleen Mycroft, Manager of Executive Operations at the City of Victoria.

“They have not submitted an application for a temporary use permit,” Mycroft told Victoria Buzz.

“The city has been in communication with them because they want to hold their event there and we’ve been clear with them for a number of months now that for this event to go forward, they need to apply for a Temporary Use Permit.”

“To date they have not done that,” explained Mycroft. 

To get one of these Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) approved involves a lengthy process in which the application must be approved by council, among several other steps, to receive approval. 

Following approval by city council, the permit has to go for an opportunity for public comment, which takes even longer.

The problem with that is the council will not meet next until Thursday November 24th, which is one day before the Beyond Van Gogh Experience was planning on opening since November 11th. 

It will be nothing short of a miracle to have the application process approved and the facilities dubbed the ‘Starry Night Pavilion’ within the timeframe of the next council meeting and its opening date.

Following this conversation with Mycroft, Victoria Buzz reached out to representatives of Paquin Entertainment Group regarding the sale of tickets on their site for a day that they could not confirm they’d be open.

John Tellem of Tellem Grady Public Relations (TGPR) replied by saying, “We are taking tickets off sale until we confirm a new opening date and will re-open sales once a new date is confirmed.”

TGPR is a public relations company known for crisis management that is working alongside Artsbiz Public Relations who initially handled Paquin Entertainments correspondence. 

As of this publication, tickets are no longer for sale for Beyond Van Gogh, Victoria.

On social media, Beyond Van Gogh Victoria continues to post every day as if the event is going on presently. The comments of these posts are filled with unanswered customers wondering if the event will take place at all. 

16 women allege harassment in the workplace at BC Ferries

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(BC Ferries / X)

Over a dozen women have filed a human rights complaint against their employer BC Ferries, citing harassment and bullying within the workplace.

In total, 16 women have collectively made a complaint to the BC Human Rights Tribunal (BC HRT) regarding bullying and harassment in their BC Ferries workplace that is based on their gender. 

The BC HRT released preliminary steps in a document on November 15th.

The group’s lawyer, Laurence Spencer has put forth the complaint with the BC HRT on behalf of the women to protect their identities. 

The women collectively made this complaint because they work in BC Ferries engineering rooms and they say there is a pattern of ongoing sex and gender-based discrimination by BC Ferries in their workplace.

Their complaints are:

  • That women are commonly referred to as ‘girls’ in their workplace
  • That women commonly deal with negative remarks related to their periods, mood changes and their separate status as women
  • That a chief engineer said, “I need to behave today because we have ‘company’ in the engine room,” in reference to women being present.
  • That there is a general climate of harassment and bullying toward women
  • That BC Ferries work environment has been subject to ongoing patterns of sexism for three decades

BC Ferries responded to these complaints by the group of women by claiming they had insufficient information and evidence to make these claims. They are also asking for the names of the women to be revealed.

BC Ferries claims to need this information in order to respond to the allegations. 

Spencer, on behalf of the 16 women, opposed the application for this additional information, which includes their names, to be released. 

He argued that the information requested by BC Ferries about the allegations is, “improper, unnecessary, impossible, overbroad and irregular.” 

Furthermore, Spencer said that revealing the groups names is, “unnecessary, impossible, contrary to the purposes of the Code, and dangerous to the complainants.” 

Kathleen Smith is the Tribunal member assigned to preside over these complaints. Smith has allowed for the application for more information to be made in part. 

“I agree with BC Ferries that they are missing the basic facts of who was involved, when the event happened, and what happened,” said Smith in a document released by the Tribunal. 

“For this reason, I am persuaded that additional details are required for BC Ferries to know the case it must meet and respond.”

Five out of the seven complaints made by the group of women refer to specific events, where two of them are more generalized. 

For the specific complaints, the Tribunal is requiring Spencer and the group of women he represents to provide information such as, names of those responsible, dates and times of the comments/correspondence and to whom the comments/correspondence were made. 

For the generalized complaints Smith is asking for some examples of discrimination they’ve experienced. 

To conclude the first steps of this complaint being made, Spencer and the 16 women were told they must provide specific particulars of the instances they are complaining about by January 10th, 2023.

Upon delivering these particulars to the BC HRT, BC Ferries will have 35 days to respond officially. 

The names of the women who have made these complaints were not included in the information required directly, although by revealing some of the particulars their identities may come to light through speculation on behalf of BC Ferries.

Large pod of dolphins surprise passengers aboard BC Ferries off Vancouver Island (VIDEO)

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Screen grab / Simone Thom)

It was a rare sighting for many travellers aboard a BC Ferries vessel when a large pod of dolphins were seen swimming alongside the vessel.

BC Ferries traveller Simone Thom captured this stunning display of dolphins swimming alongside the boat she was travelling on from Comox to Powell River.

Thom shared the video to a Facebook group with the caption “Perk of the job.” Since then, the post has garnered hundreds of comments and thousands of likes.

Those who watched the video and are familiar with the creatures confirmed the animals in the pod were Pacific white-sided dolphins.

The dolphins can be identified by their distinct shading pattern and tend to be seen in groups of 10 to 200 but can occasionally form large supergroups of over 1,000.

While there are resident dolphins in the Strait of Georgia, larger pods are more commonly seen in the open waters off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The video shows them swimming quickly with a behaviour known as ‘porpoising,’ where their bodies completely clear the water.”

Enjoy the video:

Perks of the job. Powell River ferry from Comox. A dream come true to see this ????????????????

Posted by Simone Thom on Thursday, November 17, 2022

Missing 23-year-old found man found dead in Esquimalt

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Riley Norman Jones)

A 23-year-old man who was the subject of a missing person case was found deceased Thursday in Esquimalt.

Riley Norman Jones was last seen in the Esquimalt area on November 5th and was reported missing to VicPD on Saturday, November 12th.

Police say the man’s death is not considered to be suspicious.

The family has been notified and is asking for privacy at this time.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” VicPD said in a media release.

No other details were available surrounding the missing case.

Add your home or business to the 9th annual Victoria Buzz Christmas Lights Tour Map

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
North Saanich Christmas Lights
North Saanich home (Colin Smith Takes Pics)

It’s that season again where almost everything in the city has a little twinkle or sparkle to it as holiday decorations line the homes and businesses of Greater Victoria!

Santa and his elves will be on their merry way soon, along with Frosty, Rudolph and Jack Frost nipping at your nose.

Yes, it’s one of the most wonderful times of the year when Victoria is going to be transformed into a literal winter wonderland—and we don’t want to miss one bit of it!

If you’re planning on decorating your home (or already have!) to kick off the most festive season of the year, submit your address to our 9th annual interactive Christmas Lights Tour Map.

Our map will feature all the best home light displays from across the city and will even be optimized for mobile—so your favourite co-pilot can guide you along any of the routes you choose to take!

If the entire street is lit up, please include in the message block.

To add your home or business to the map, send the address, community you’re located in (Saanich for example), and a photo or two that we can show our readers—also feel free to include a message to lightmap@victoriabuzz.com.

Or, you can add any homes or businesses where you see twinkling holiday displays to help people around the region get into the holiday spirit.

David Eby reveals two cost-of-living credits in first move as premier of BC

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(Province of British Columbia)

Not even 24 hours on the job, and David Eby revealed two cost of living credits for residents and businesses in BC.

After being sworn in as the 37th premier of British Columbia, Eby announced at his swearing-in ceremony that his government will be implementing two new cost-of-living credits to aid families and businesses.

The aim of these two credits will be to combat inflation as it continues to rise across the country. 

Families and Small businesses alike will receive a one-time credit on their BC Hydro bill this fall and the new BC Affordability Credit will be automatically deposited into eligible British Columbians bank accounts. 

“People and small businesses across BC are feeling the squeeze of global inflation,” said Premier David Eby. “It’s a time when people need their government to continue to be there for them.” 

“That’s why we’re focused on helping people most impacted by the rising costs we’re seeing around the world – giving people a bit of extra credit, especially at a time of year when expenses can be quick to add up.”

Related: 

David Eby officially sworn in as BC’s 37th premier during historic ceremony

BC Hydro bill credit

BC Hydro is implementing a $100 credit to eligible residents and businesses electricity bills before the year’s end. 

It was estimated that $100 is approximately one month of electricity for a family of four in a detached home or two months in an apartment.

FortisBC and other municipal utility customers will aso be eligible for this credit.

Small to medium businesses may also be eligible for a credit of up to $500. The amount will be based on their prior year’s energy consumption. 

This credit is being given because in the coming months energy bills may be higher due to colder temperatures and it is intended to offset those costs.

BC Hydro’s credit will be automatically applied to electricity bills of those eligible. Fortis and other municipal utility companies credits may not be seen on bills until early in the new year.

BC Affordability Credit

Families who are eligible will automatically receive the new BC Affordability Credit through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It will be given the same way the Climate Action Tax Credit was given in October. 

Low income individuals making up to $36,901 will receive the maximum amount. Those making more than $79,376 will not receive anything. Between those two amounts, eligible individuals will receive money on a sliding scale based on their income. 

The full amount of credit will be $164 per adult and $41 per child if eligible. 

(Province of British Columbia)

Eligible families of four with a household income of $43,051 will also get the full amount with the credit phasing out at a household income of $150,051. Families of four will also receive a credit on a sliding scale if their income is between those amounts. 

A family of four could receive a full credit of $410.

“Look for B.C.’s new Affordability Credit in your bank account in January 2023,” said Eby. 

“We know it won’t cover all the bills, but we hope the little bit extra helps folks out this winter.”

9 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, November 19th to 20th

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Uptown Shopping Centre)

The weekend has arrived, and sun is in the forecast.

We’re already mid-way into November and Christmas festivities are kicking in around the city. From the Uptown Christmas tree light to Festival of Trees and Victoria Royals hockey, there’s plenty to see and do.

Without further ado, here are things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, November 19th to 20th:

Victoria Royals vs Portland Winterhawks

The Royals will hope five days of rest at home will do them well in a home set against Prince George Cougars this weekend.

Puck drops Friday at 7:05 p.m., and Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

  • When:
    • Friday, November 18th, puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 19th, puck drops at 6:05 p.m.
  • Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street

Uptown Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade

You’re not going to want to miss out on this quintessentially Victorian holiday tradition!

One of the tallest Christmas trees in the region will be lit during a festive celebration happening this weekend at Uptown Shopping Centre on Saturday, November 19th.

Santa Claus will light up the 54-foot-tall following a family-friendly holiday show on Uptown Boulevard, and you’re invited to watch it happen.

  • When: Saturday, November 19th, Holiday show starts at 5 p.m. with the Christmas tree light up starting at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Uptown Shopping Centre, 3440 Saanich Rd

Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre

Bring your family and friends and be immersed in the festive season as you tour a lush forest of one-of-a-kind decorate trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. A must-see event known as Victoria’s unofficial kick-off to the holiday season

  • When: On display daily from now until January 3rd, while the mall is open
  • Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street

BALLETX

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, is “among America’s best” (The New York Times) commissioning choreographers from around the world to create dance that is “fresh, inclusive and connects to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen). Under the leadership of former Pennsylvania Ballet dancers Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan, BalletX has been hailed an “epicenter of creation” (Dance Magazine) and a “place of choreographic innovation.” (The New Yorker)

“The program showcased dancers as personable, eloquent, and technically skilled as they are versatile.” BOSTON GLOBE

  • When:
    • Friday, November 18th, starts at 7:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 19th, starts at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street

Victorian Christmas Craft Fair

Victorian Christmas Craft Fair is excited to be back as one of Victoria”s most beloved holiday market. Get an early start on holiday shopping at this annual favorite, entering its 28 seasons, and find handcrafted decor and gifts for everyone on your list.

  • When: 
    • Saturday, November 19th – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 20th – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Commonwealth Place

Bastion Square Holiday Market Series

Your Downtown Holiday Market Series, with over a dozen local artisan vendors every weekend for five weeks.

  • When: 
    • Saturday, November 19th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 20th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Bastion Square 

 

Shawn Hook in Sidney

Shawn Hook began his musical journey at a very young age, learning piano, bass, and trombone, singing in a choir, and enrolling in music composition class in high school.

Born Shawn Hlookoff in South Slocan, British Columbia, he started college as a geological engineering major before committing full-time to music.

In 2020 Shawn released his debut single ‘I Don’t Wanna Dance’ on ULTRA records. A multiple JUNO Award-nominated artist with hundreds of millions of streams to his name, Shawn has collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest hit songwriters, also sharing stages with the likes of The Weeknd , Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers and Camila Cabello amongst others.

He is best known for tracks ‘Sound of Your Heart’ and ‘Reminding Me’ with Vanessa Hudgens which have become Double Platinum and Platinum-certified.

  • When: Saturday, November 19th, starting at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue

Hillside Night of Light’s

Have you got your tickets for Hillside Centre’s Night of Lights yet? If so, you can expect an evening full of shopping, deals, food, drinks, door prizes and fun!

And if not—there’s still time to grab them. Shoppers are invited to join in on the fun. The evening includes great retailer offers and discounts available ONLY during the event.

In between all of your shopping, you’ll have the chance to fuel-up with drinks and appetizers provided by The Bubble Bus Co. and Little Piggy Catering! Tickets can be purchased from Hillside Centre Guest Services or from the list of non-profits here

  • When: Sunday, November 20th – 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hillside Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue

Transgender Day of Remembrance

An emotional day to remember those who have lost their lives to hatred, violence and suicide. Transgender Day of Remembrance is on Sunday, November 20th.

It’s a day in which people remember those who have lost their lives in acts of anti-transgender violence.

There will be three events in which Victorians can take part in this weekend:

On Sunday in Victoria, members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community, allies and a few MLAs will gather on the front lawn of BC’s parliament building to raise the transgender flag on the flagpole.

  • When:  Sunday, November 20th, starting 10:30 a.m.
  • Where: BC Parliament building front lawn

Later that day, there will be a candlelight vigil on the lawns of BC legislature at 6 p.m.

At the Vic West community centre, a small gathering will also be held to simply read the names of the trans folks who have lost their lives due to anti-trans violence.

  • When: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, November 20th
  • Where: Vic West Community Hall, 521 Craigflower Road

David Eby officially sworn in as BC’s 37th premier during historic ceremony

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(David Eby/Facebook)

John Horgan is now relieved of his duties as David Eby steps into the role of BC’s premier.

Eby was sworn in as BC’s 37th premier on Friday, November 18th in the company of his friends, family, community members and colleagues. 

The ceremony took place on the mainland in Vancouver at the Musqueam Community Centre, near Eby’s residence and constituency. 

This was a historic occasion for BC. It marks the first time a new premier has been a swearing-in ceremony has ever been hosted by a First Nations community.

Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band was host of the event. He saw it as an opportunity to strengthen government relationships to First Nations across BC. 

“Musqueam is pleased to host this historic event in our community,” said Chief Sparrow. “David Eby is the first BC premier sworn in at a First Nation—an encouraging signal that he is dedicated to reconciliation and authentic partnerships with First Nations,” 

“Musqueam wants reconciliation to be more than a buzzword. We want action that creates substantial, positive change for Musqueam and all Indigenous people in B.C. 

“We will be looking to Premier Eby to provide the leadership needed to truly implement Indigenous rights and create a prosperous future for every British Columbian.”

During the ceremony, the new premier made a commitment to tackle challenges British Columbians face every day, throughout the province.

“British Columbia is a wonderful place to call home,” said Premier Eby. “At the same time, people are feeling uncertain about the future and worried about their families.” 

“I’m proud of the work done by John Horgan and our government to put people first. And there’s so much more to do.”

“I’m ready to get to work with my team to deliver results that people will be able to see and feel in their lives and in their communities.”

Following the ceremony, Eby announced two big monetary credits that will become available to British Columbians in the coming months. 

The first is a one time $100 cost-of-living credit for BC Hydro customers that is meant to be equal to one-month’s electricity charges for the average single-family homeowner. 

The second is a new BC Affordability Credit that will help low and middle income British Columbians. It’ll provide up to $164 per adult, $41 per child or $410 for a family with two children earning $43,051, with a sliding scale of credits for families earning as much as $150,051. 

Both of these affordability initiatives were just announced at the swearing-in ceremony and more information has since been released. 

How to recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance in Victoria on Sunday

By
Curtis Blandy
-
(File Photo)

An emotional day to remember those who have lost their lives to hatred, violence and suicide. 

Transgender Day of Remembrance is on Sunday, November 20th. 

It’s a day in which people remember those who have lost their lives in acts of anti-transgender violence.

There will be three events in which Victorians can take part in this weekend: 

BC Parliament flag raising

On Sunday in Victoria, members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community, allies and a few MLAs will gather on the front lawn of BC’s parliament building to raise the transgender flag on the flagpole.

The MLAs will include Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, Grace Lore and MLA for Vancouver-West End, Spencer Chandra Herbert, will be present to raise the flag on the front lawn for all of Victoria to see.

Once the flag has been risen, there will be a moment of silence followed by brief remarks by those in attendance. 

The ceremony will be livestreamed for those wishing to observe the sombre day who do not reside in the province’s capital. 

  • Where: BC Parliament building front lawn
  • When: 10:30 a.m., Sunday, November 20th

Candlelight vigil

The flag raising will take place on Sunday morning but in the evening, some are planning a candlelight vigil. 

The small evening gathering is open to anyone, so long as they are respectful of the emotionally heavy occasion. 

At the ceremony the names of those who have lost their lives will be read aloud so they can be remembered.

  • Where: BC Parliament buildings front lawn
  • When: 6 p.m., Sunday, November 20th

Vic West reading of names ceremony

At the Vic West community centre, a small gathering will also be held to simply read the names of the trans folks who have lost their lives due to anti-trans violence.

The ceremony will be broadcasted virtually to all regions of BC for those who wish to observe the reading of names. 

This event is being planned and hosted by Te’Vine. They are a BC-wide community for everyone who self-identifies as trans, Two-Spirit and nonbinary. 

Allies, family and friends are welcome. 

  • Where: Vic West Community Hall
  • When: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, November 20th

Nearly one million bottles of Children’s Tylenol will hit Canadian shelves soon

By
Victoria Buzz Staff
-
(Saltwwire)

Relief is on the way.

According to Dr. Supriya Sharma, chief medical adviser with Health Canada, more than one million bottles of children’s pain reliever medication—including kids’ Tylenol—will arrive in the country as early as next week.

“The combination of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the flu, and COVID is hitting our country hard, and these medications can be very helpful in treating some of the symptoms caused by these viruses,” Sharma said during a press conference on Friday morning.

“Health Canada has been exploring all levers at its disposal to help alleviate the situation.”

Officials said manufacturers have ramped up production to record levels, but demand is still outpacing supply.

Sharma said the supply will be given to hospitals, community pharmacies and retailers and begin appearing on store shelves by early next week.

Since shortages began in Canada last spring, Health Canada says that it has been exploring all levers at its disposal to help alleviate the situation, including meeting with stakeholders like manufacturers, retailers, and healthcare professionals on a weekly basis to share information and strategies to minimize the impact of the shortage of medications.

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