Oak Bay Police are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest who was involved in a physical altercation.
The incident took place on the front porch of a residence on Hall Road in Oak Bay at around 8:30 a.m. on November 3rd.
Police say they responded after an 85-year-old man answered his door in the morning, believing it to be a newspaper delivery. He was confronted by a woman who exclaimed “I am coming in,” to the man.
According to police, the man “protested” the woman’s entry and a struggle ensued.
“The woman pushed the elderly man who was caught and steadied by a neighbor who heard the commotion and rushed to the man’s assistance,” said Oak Bay Police.
The woman then reportedly fled on foot and was chased by the neighbour who had intervened for a short distance.
Police say the woman was last seen on Beach Drive headed towards Foul Bay Road.
“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 in a statement.
According to police, the victim did not sustain any significant injuries, thanks in part to his neighbour.
Neighbourhood inquiries as to the woman’s identity have been made since then as well as extensive police patrols, but the woman has yet to be identified.
Police describe her as a 20 to 25-year-old woman who is of Caucasian or possibly Asian descent, with an average build, standing 5’6” tall, with dark brown hair.
At the time of the incident, she was wearing a black coat, long black skirt, ruffled white ankle socks, white t-shirt, black leather shoes and a yellow hat.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should phone Oak Bay Police at (250) 592-2424. To report anonymously, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Next week will mark the anniversary of the torrential flooding that hit BC, severely damaging highways across the province, including the Malahat section of the Trans-Canada Highway.
When this happened, Victoria was essentially cut off from the rest of the island. Commuters could not travel via the highway.
Throughout this time, BC Ferries was the only back-and-forth option commuters had. The name of that ferry was the Klitsa.
The Klitsa assumed the role of Vancouver Island’s emergency lifeline. Her staff, BC Ferries land-based crew and the community in which she served came together in a beautiful way for the three days the highway was fully closed.
On November 15th, 2021, the Klitsa began its day like any other. A 7:30 a.m. departure from Brentwood Bay bound for Mill Bay started its routine.
Meanwhile, conditions soured for the Saanich inlet and the Malahat’s localized destruction began. Heavy rain from an atmospheric river poured mercilessly on the Trans-Canada Highway, overwhelming commuters and putting the driver’s safety in danger. This is when the Klitsa saw an increase in its normal traffic.
“It didn’t take long to figure out what’s going on,” says Ryan East, Captain of the Klitsa. “Whenever there is an incident on the Malahat our lineups get big, real fast.”
⚠️ JUST IN: Malahat closed in both directions at Finlayson Arm Road due to extreme flooding in the area.
West Shore RCMP are advising motorists to stay off the roads if possible.
The crew of the Klitsa tightened up breaks in order to add sailings, additional crew were summoned and the vessel provided sailings throughout the night.
Communities around the two terminals led with empathy to all the stranded passengers on their streets. On both sides, residents provided sandwiches, fruit, snacks and drinks for the waiting customers.
Members of the community would walk the long lines of would-be passengers to check-in and make sure everyone had what they needed.
The next day, the Klitsa resumed its regular schedule, not knowing the extent of the Malahat’s damage and lineup.
Soon enough there were more than 250 vehicles on either side of the ferry’s route. This would mean a 15 sailing wait for those at the back of the queue.
Once again, the 50 year old Klitsa would be put to the test.
“During this time we gave priority loading to Ambulances and medical personnel,” said East.
“Emergency crews dealing with the floods in the northern portion of the Island also moved to the front of the line.”
Captain East and the Klitsa’s crew were able to add four sailings to the end of the shift. Eventually, they punched out around 2 a.m. This was the fist break the vessel and her crew saw in more than 40 hours.
On November 17th, once again the crew added four sailings to their already busy and strenuous schedule. This would be the last day they had to put in a tremendous amount of extra effort and overtime.
A year later, that storm is now considered one of the most damaging storms in BC.
The Klitsa and her crew kept an island broken by this storm connected, and for that they will always be a part of Vancouver Island’s history.
West Shore RCMP have released surveillance photos of four men accused of stealing thousands of dollars in electronics from a store in Langford last month.
The theft occurred at about 3 p.m. on October 9th at the Best Buy located at 779 Mccallum Road.
“The West Shore RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying four shoplifting suspects who committed theft at the Best Buy,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP, Media Relations Officer.
The items stolen include eight Apple brand Magic Keyboards valued at almost $4,000.
The suspects are described as the following:
Suspect #1 description:
Caucasian male about 28 years old
heavy build
6’2 tall with blonde buzz cut hair
wearing a black vest with a black t-shirt underneath, grey shorts, tan colored sneakers, carrying a black duffle bag
Suspect #2 description:
Caucasian male in his early 20’s
heavy build
approximately 5’8 tall with brown buzz cut hair
wearing a black jacket, jeans, white shoes and carrying a black duffle bag
Suspect #3 description:
male of South Asian decent in his early 20’s
slim build
approximately 5’6 tall with black hair
wearing a blue sweater, blue pants, black framed glasses and white sneakers, carrying a black duffle bag
Suspect #4 description:
Male in his early 20’s with medium colored skin, possibly South Asian decent
slim build
approximately 5’6 tall
black hair
wearing a light blue hoodie burgundy pants
Anyone with information on who these suspects are asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
The housing crisis facing Greater Victoria, record high inflation and pandemic fallout are all contributors as to why so many people have nowhere to call home aside from the streets of Victoria.
Niki Ottosen, the founder of the Backpack Project is trying to improve the lives of those who sleep rough by meeting where they are at and giving them the tools to make their day-to-day lives a bit easier.
Ottosen is a gardener by trade who used to work for the city. While she was going about her workday, which was primarily outdoors, she wound up seeing and interacting with several houseless Victorians in parks and green spaces throughout Victoria.
She graciously saw them as equals and the fact that they had so little was upsetting, so Ottosen set out to do something about it.
About 13 years ago she created the Backpack Project with the help of her husband and daughter to hand out backpacks that were filled with some essential necessities that would make life a little easier.
“I thought, ‘how can I help?’” Being a gardener, I know what it’s like to be cold and wet all day long, so I decided that a backpack full of necessities might be useful, the way I carry a backpack around when I’m working,” Ottosen told Victoria Buzz.
“I started filling backpacks with those necessities and comfort items. I started out with 10 backpacks. My husband, my daughter and I went downtown and handed them out.”
“The people that received them were just so grateful. It just made a really huge impression on my family and I.”
“The next year I did 20 and the following year I did 40. Right before COVID happened, I did 200 with the help of the community,” remarked Ottosen.
Throughout the pandemic, Ottosen began putting her focus on volunteering her time as an independent mutual aid provider for those camping in Beacon Hill Park and the Cook Street care encampment.
She pivoted to ‘boots on the ground’ outreach because according to Ottosen, at the beginning of the pandemic some shelters had to shut their doors for about two weeks while they navigated how to serve their community in a safe way in regards to COVID-19.
Grant McKenzie, Director of Communications for Our Place Society told Victoria Buzz that their drop-in services were only affected for one afternoon to implement COVID-19 safety protocols.
McKenzie says that their drop-in services were open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., 365 days a year, including throughout the pandemic.
Ottosen jumped into action during this time to help the houseless community in which she became so close to through the years.
“I started asking for donations from my supporters,” Ottosen told Victoria Buzz.
“I would take my wagon and I would go out once a week and I would hand out food in the park and on Pandora Street.”
“It was heartbreaking to see how many people were forgotten about in our city.”
This is when Ottosen transitioned from focussing her time and effort from the Christmas backpacks to outreach.
Nowadays, Ottosen focusses her time on getting supplies to the community as they are needed, rather than collecting it until the holiday season. She said they haven’t done a big Christmas backpack drop in about three years now.
Ottosen has partnered with SOLID Outreach and other local mutual aid outreach organizations to help her take on the Christmas time the Backpack Project distribution.
“It’s changed a bit, but [The Backpack Project] is a campaign I still do just at Christmas time,” said Ottosen. “SOLID is going to be making up Christmas gifts this year with my backpack donations and handing them out at Christmas time.”
SOLID handles the distribution of Christmas donations to the houseless community, but they just give them out as gift packs because backpacks are too expensive.
“The thing is backpacks are really hard to get nowadays. When I first started I could go to Staples after the back to school sales in October and I could get really nice backpacks for $3 each.”
“Now, if I have to order them off amazon, they’re $5 each and so thin that they break right away.”
Slowly but surely, Project Backpack has set up Christmas donation stations at most of the 13 municipalities in Greater Victoria.
“I just started writing emails asking them to participate and the first year I got seven municipalities on board, the next year nine, last year it was 12 and this year we’re hoping for 13.”
Currently all municipalities will have a drop-off station at their municipal hall near Christmas time except View Royal, who Ottosen is hopeful will partner with her this year now that there is a new mayor.
Here is everything you need to know about how YOU can support our friends and family who live outdoors this winter!! We…
VicPD are investigating an incident where a woman was grabbed by a man in Pioneer Park last Thursday.
The incident occurred at around 6 p.m. on Thursday November 3rd. The woman was in Pioneer Park when she was approached by a man she did not know.
He then asked her if she would like to get something to eat with him. After declining his offer, the man grabbed her as she was walking away, and told her to come with him.
Police said the woman was able to pull away from the man and seek safety. She was not physically harmed.
The suspect is described as Caucasian, 50 to 60 years old, standing 5’10” tall, with a grey beard and grey hair. He was wearing a blue rain jacket at the time.
Police are asking anyone who was near Pioneer Park in the 900-block of Quadra Street, between 6-6:15 p.m. on November 3rd to contact them at 250-995-7654, or to report it anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A similar incident occurred in Esquimalt and parts of Victoria last week when a substation also failed. During that outage, over 13,000 were without power.
VicPD are warning the public and seeking help in finding James Allin, a local man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.
Allin was released on parole for robbery with a firearm and police consider him to be an immediate threat to the public.
According to police, Allin is described as a Caucasian man, standing 5’8” tall with a large build. Allin has brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos on both arms.
Anyone who sees James Allin, should not approach. Call 911 immediately.
If you have information on Allin’s whereabouts, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Mark your calendars—Victoria is hosting a new extraordinary and inspirational event, and you’re invited!
Colourful Business 2022 is a first of its kind expo featuring racialized, Indigenous and new immigrant businesses.
The show will take place at the Victoria Conference Centre on Saturday, November 26th.
You can join many others in seeing Victoria’s most vibrant communities on display, accompanied by highly acclaimed live entertainment while you browse displays of local entrepreneurs.
All featured performers are all part of the communities that are involved with the expo, and admission to both the exhibition and the entertainment is free of charge, in keeping with the goal of Colourful Business to tear down barriers between diverse businesses and the wider Victoria community.
The expo will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and workshops for exhibitors will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Vendors and exhibitors are invited to register ASAP to reserve their spots online.
“Our city will undoubtedly benefit by working with Indigenous, racialized and new immigrant entrepreneurs, ” says Lisa Helps, former Mayor of City of Victoria, in support of Colourful Business.
“We can provide support for multi-culturally-run businesses by providing a forum where the people of Victoria can learn about and experience what they offer and by celebrating the diversity they bring to our region.”
In the morning, the participating businesses are invited to take part in a series of skill-building workshops to increase their capacity to run successful businesses. The workshops will be led by procurement, finance and marketing experts from the government and business community.
On the day of, scheduled performers include popular hip hop band Paint the Town Red, the sounds and splendour of Mariachi Tabasko, the brilliance and energy of West African dancer Sinbad, the happening Brazilian music of Pedro M. Siqueira, the captivating voices of the Anishinaabe Mitchell Sisters, and the amazing Afro-Cuban rhythms of the Pablo
Cárdenas Trio.
“Black, Indigenous and multiculturally-run businesses add wonderful energy and glamour to Greater Victoria,” says Silvia Mangue, President of Kulea Culture Society, one of the principal sponsors of Colourful Business.
“This totally free event will let the public experience their magnetism and enjoy equally colourful live entertainment. It’s a festival, celebration and exposition not to be missed.”
Colourful Business 2022 is a project of Kulea Culture Society, Songhees Development Corp., BC Black History Awareness Society, REP Here In Canada (Here Magazine) and the City of Victoria.
Funding is provided by the Victoria Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, the City of Victoria and generous public donations.
To celebrate this new event, we’ve partnered with Colourful Business to give away $100 VISA gift cards to THREE lucky winners, to spend at their BIPOC business of their choice!
CONTEST
For a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card (we’re giving away 3!), please do one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. on November 21st. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Over five years, 26 million steps and 20,000 kilometres will all come to a close on Saturday as hiker and solo adventurer Melanie Vogel finishes her hike across Canada on the Trans-Canada Trail.
Vogel will finish her journey on Saturday by arriving at Point Zero, Clover Point in Victoria.
Upon completing her epic journey, she will become the first woman to make the coast-to-coast-to-coast journey on foot, seeing the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans along the way.
She began this adventure in 2017, in Cape Spear, Newfoundland—Canada’s easternmost point.
Throughout the journey, she was only halted once, and that was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions that came along with it. During that time, she stayed in the Yukon Territories for a year and a half.
Although it is not the westernmost point on the Trans-Canada Trail, Point Zero is the southernmost part of Victoria. Her “solo walk powered by human kindness” will end there.
Vogel will cross this monumental finish line accompanied by Malo, her lab-husky she adopted along her journey in Manitoba. Malo has been her sole companion for the past three and a half years.
Although she travelled with only Malo as her companion, Vogel had the support of followers and admirers as she shared the highlights and low-points of her journey on her website and her social media.
“I never felt this [hike was] too much for me. The freedom, the peace that I have on the Trail and the beauty that I experience outweigh any struggles or suffering that I also experience on the Trail,” Vogel said while en route through Ontario in 2018.
What she thought would be a two-year adventure turned into a three-ocean, five-year spanning journey, her longest yet.
Along the way she says she was humbled and in constant awe of the pristine beauty the Canadian backcountry has to offer.
“When I set foot on the Trail in Newfoundland, I had no idea or expectation of how this walk would unfold,” said Vogel. “I did not know that kindness and my connection to nature and this land would become such major talking points.”
“People stepped up when support was needed: the repair of gear, an invitation to stay at someone’s home to rest up, a sandwich handed through a car window, encouragement from afar, or sometimes just a simple hug or high five on the roadside.”
“Those moments and the stories we shared have shown me the true soul and spirit of this country.”
(Melanie Vogel’s route/Trans-Canada Trail)
Vogel has always seen a barrier between women and outdoors exploration. One of her goals in this adventure was to tear down those barriers.
“I wanted to be someone women and young girls can relate to—a city girl who set out on an adventure to reconnect with nature.”
“I shared my experiences and emotions honestly and I talked openly about my failures and what I learnt from them, and shared moments of fears, and how fear finally moved to the back of my mind the more time I spent in nature.”
“Nature invites you to push past your comfort zone, and it made me happy when I received messages from women who felt encouraged by my walk to push theirs a little further.”
With her journey coming to a close, Vogel is feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. She is excited to start new projects and reconnect with friends she hasn’t seen in over five years. However, she is also anxious about returning to society after being isolated for so long.
“I’ve started telling myself that even though the trail ends the journey has not,” said Vogel. “What gives me the peace and strength to move forward is the thought that this or any other trail will be there for me when I need to step out, sort my thoughts and take a few deep breaths. That thought is comforting.”
In 2022, as Vogel crosses her self-made finish line, the Trans-Canada Trail is also celebrating a milestone. The longest recreational trail in the world is celebrating 30 years.
“We are so proud of Melanie and wholeheartedly celebrate this extraordinary achievement with her,” says Eleanor McMahon, President & CEO, Trans Canada Trail.
“The experience Melanie has had, of connection to nature, to self, to people and to the land, is the very ethos of the Trans Canada Trail.”
“We are all the more thrilled that her accomplishment coincides with two very special anniversaries for the Trans-Canada Trail. In 2017, when she started on her journey, we celebrated the milestone of a connected Trail.”
“We thank Melanie for her tremendous passion for the Trail, and for sharing it with us.”
Anyone and everyone is invited to welcome Vogel to Victoria as she crosses the finish line. She is expected to be arriving at Clover Point around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th.
Saanich Police have identified the man found dead near Swan Lake Sanctuary in October after issuing a plea for help from the public.
The man’s body was found on October 12th and has since been identified as a missing person sought by VicPD.
“With the next of kin notifications now complete, we offer our condolences to the family. At this point, the BC Coroners Service will assume conduct of the file,” said Det.-Sgt. Damian Kowalewich in a media release.
The body was found in the area of Haynes Road and Douglas Street, just a short distance away from the Saanich Police Department’s headquarters.
A nearby employee who wishes to remain anonymous told Victoria Buzz the area was swarmed with detectives and investigators when the incident unfolded.
About a month later, police sought out the public’s help as to who the deceased man was, or any information that may help them in their investigation.
Police say the death is not considered suspicious.
This acclaimed film is a stunning, senses-shattering plunge into the dehumanizing horrors of war.
As Nazi forces encroach on his small village in Belarus, teenage Flyora eagerly joins the Soviet resistance. Rather than the glory he envisioned, what he finds is a waking nightmare—rendered with an otherworldly intensity by Klimov’s camerawork and expressionistic sound design. Nearly suppressed by Soviet censors, Come and See is perhaps the most visceral, unforgettable antiwar film ever made.
When: Thursday, November 10th, showtimes: 4:45 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.
Where: Student Union Building – 3800 Finnerty Road, University of Victoria
Blackie, originally formed in 1996, when Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing, and Tom Wilson came together to record what was supposed to be a one-off tribute album to the great Canadian songwriter Willie P. Bennett.
At the time, all three members were deeply committed to burgeoning solo careers that they had no intentions of putting on hold, and had no plans to turn Blackie into an ongoing concern.
Now 25 years later, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings have organically evolved into one of the finest roots-oriented band in North America. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings remains one of Canada’s greatest musical treasures.
When: Thursday, November 10th, Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Experience music bingo coming alive, literally! With Rockstar Nights, the Supersauce Band plays live bingo every Thursday. Try your luck at winning bingo or test your own Rockstar skills by volunteering for the “You sing it better”. This gives audience members a chance to go on stage and test our their own vocal skills!
When: Thursday, November 10th, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Do you have a little room for improvement in your life? Would you mind being a little happier, healthier or tightening up some key relationships?
If so, it’s your lucky day because master motivator, international keynote speaker and revitalization specialist, Stephanie Staples is in the house!
Steph is multi-titled author and expert storyteller who delivers idea-packed programs proven to increase feelings of hope, happiness, empowerment and ability to apply actionable, positive change for her audiences. Plus they are pretty darn fun!
Along with her eclectic qualifications that combine learnings from her background in healthcare, journalism, fitness and communications – Steph speaks with humour and heart and she has some unique insights and tools to share that will positively impact your life.
Buckle up, we are going for a ride that you won’t soon forget!
It was announced on Wednesday that former Saanich mayor, Fred Haynes and Victoria city council hopeful Janice Williams are being fined by Elections BC.
Haynes is being fined a total of $150 for, “sponsoring election advertising without an authorization statement.”
According to a letter Haynes received from Elections BC, a complainant informed Elections BC that they had seen an advertisement in the Saanich News on August 31st encouraging votes for Haynes in the upcoming election that were missing an authorization statement.
The issue is that candidates are only legally allowed to begin their campaigning for the election on September 17th.
“The Elections BC Investigator reviewed the Saanich News E‐editions and noted that in addition to the August 31st ad, there was also a similar ad on August 24th, that likewise did not have an authorization statement. Both ads ran on page A 3 of the Saanich News,” Elections BC said in their letter to Haynes.
“When the Investigator reached out to you, you cooperatively contacted Saanich News and had the E‐Edition of the ads corrected to include the missing authorization statement.”
The investigator found that because the offence was not an egregious one and Haynes cooperated fully with Elections BC, the fine would be less than $500. Other factors had the investigator determine $150 would be an appropriate fine.
In Williams’ case, she was fined $100 by Elections BC for the same reasons as Haynes, “sponsoring election advertising without an authorization statement.”
She also received a letter informing her of the fine on Wednesday.
“On August 27, 2022, Elections BC received a complaint regarding an internet ad that promoted Janice Williams for Victoria City Council, published on the website, ‘Island Social Trends’,” stated a letter to Williams fromElections BC.
“On August 30, 2022, Elections BC received a separate complaint regarding an ad promoting Janice Williams for Victoria City Council, posted in an Elevator. Both ads lacked full authorization statements.”
Similarly to Haynes case, the offence was deemed non-egregious and the fine was set at $100.
An influencer’s dream has turned into a nightmare.
The prestigious Beyond Van Gogh Experience was supposed to be opening its exhibit in Victoria on October 14th. Now delays have pushed them back by more than 40 days.
Many Vancouver Islanders are livid about the delays, but not because of the minor inconvenience of it all.
People are angry with the event because the venue, Beyond Van Gogh co-ordinators and the public relations firm representing the event have failed to communicate with ticket buyers of the delays.
Because of their lack of communication several people told Victoria Buzz they have shown up to the venue, only to be dumb-founded that the event isn’t there and won’t be for some time.
“They cancelled the show and did not send out any notifications,” disgruntled ticket holder, Tesse Dionne, told Victoria Buzz.
“We showed up for our booking at 10 a.m. Friday October 28th to an empty lot. No signage, nothing.”
“The tickets stated it would be at the starry night pavilion at Bayview. So we go into the Bayview building where we are told that [venue staff] were told absolutely nothing.”
According to Dionne, staff on hand told them that several people had been showing up to the venue, confused to find an empty parking lot but staff was told nothing of the delay or the event itself.
The Beyond Van Gogh website had no indication of a cancellation or show delay. At a glance it seems like it is on and operating now.
“When we emailed Beyond Van Gogh Victoria directly, they sent us back an email within an hour or two stating we could not get a refund because we had till October 23rd to request one,” said Dionne.
Initially, the first delay pushed the event’s grand opening from October 14th to November 11th.
As of November 7th, the public relations firm representing the event informed Victoria Buzz they would not be opening their doors until November 25th.
On all of Beyond Van Gogh Victoria’s social media accounts, the organizers have made no attempt to post an apology to ticket holders or even to inform them of the massive show delays. They only reply to comments from angry customers to attempt an apology.
On the surface, once again, it appears as if it’s happening now as they all have pictures of the event taking place in other cities. The following is a post Beyond Van Gogh Victoria made on November 5th:
“They have postponed their tour here twice now due to what they call shipping problems,” another upset ticket holder, Gloria Egeli, told Victoria Buzz.
“I am asking for a refund on my tickets, but have doubts that will come through.”
As of this publication, the Beyond Van Gogh Victoria website makes it appear as if the event should be going on as planned, no delays are mentioned.
It is only when you click directly on the “purchase tickets” link that you can see their opening day is slated for November 25th.
Prices for Van Gogh Victoria will start at $31.99 for adults, and many are not receiving word of delays, not receiving refunds or having to fight tooth and nail to get their money back. The VIP tickets many paid for were between $73.99 and $83.99.
Marnie Wilson, a representative from Artsbiz Public Relations, who is representing the Beyond Van Gogh experience said that emails sent to customer service at hello@vangoghvictoria.com are being responded to within 48 hours.
She also told Victoria Buzz that refunds are fully available for all customers.
Victoria Buzz the Beyond team themselves, but have not received any word or statement on the issues that have been causing the delays or lack of communication.
Some people see the colonial nature of the province’s name as problematic, others see it as an important part of history.
Most BC residents are against the prospect of changing the name of the province but Research Co. conducted a poll that shows not everyone is on the same page.
BC residents aged 18 to 34-years-old show particular interest in exploring a provincial name that acknowledges and celebrates BC’s Indigenous heritage.
The survey was taken by many in an online setting. Overall Research Co. found that 53% of BC residents in their sample disagree with hinging the name British Columbia to something tied to the land’s Indigenous heritage.
(Research Co.)
“More than a third of Vancouver Island residents (37%) would welcome changing British Columbia’s name,” said Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“Support is lower in Northern BC (32%), Metro Vancouver (31%), the Fraser Valley (30%) and Southern BC (26%).”
The poll also showed that 62%, about three-in-five, are not at all bothered by the name of the province.
Nearly one-in-five, on average, are upset about the lack of Indigenous acknowledgement and the word “British” being included in the name. Only about 8% of the sampled residents are upset about the inclusion of the word “Columbia.”
(Research Co.)
The poll Research Co. conducted also wanted to test the water of people’s opinions on the inclusion of the Union Jack in the BC provincial flag.
Predictably in the context of the name change poll, about 31%, or one-third of British Columbians think the Union Jack should be removed. 46% disagree with the symbol’s removal.
Haida Gwaii was successfully renamed in 2010. Its colonial name was the Queen Charlotte Islands up until then. Polls show that 58% of BC residents believe this was the right decision, while 20% disagree with the Indigenous name and 23% were undecided.
(Research Co.)
71% of Vancouver Island poll participants who cast their opinion on this issue with Research Co. believe the renaming was the correct course of action.
Research Co. conducted these studies from October 29th to 31st, among 800 BC residents.
The research company says the data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia.
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veteran, Ferdinand Labrie, who lives in Duncan will receive the highest French honour for his service in the infamous Dieppe Raid.
On Thursday, November 17th, Labrie will be presented the rank of ‘Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour,’ from Vancouver’s Consul General of France, Mr. Nicolas Baudouin, in Duncan.
In addition to friends, family and fellow veterans, Duncan’s mayor, local councillors, MLAs and MPs will all be in attendance for the ceremony.
He is being awarded this honour because this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Jubilee Operation, better known as the Dieppe Raid which took place in 1942.
The Dieppe Raid was a failed operation led by Canadian infantry that was meant to be a morale boost to Allied forces in the Second World War.
Insufficient naval and air support as well as mounting casualties on the beach raid caused a retreat. In total about 3,700 of just over 6,000 Canadian soldiers were killed, wounded or became prisoners of war.
Labrie’s story began in April of 1940. He joined ‘Le Regiment de Maisonneuve’ on the east coast of Canada and was stationed in the United Kingdom.
He was present at the Dieppe Raid of 1942 but his Brigade Reserve Regiment never made it ashore to fight. Labrie’s role in his unit was a cipher specialist in regimental intelligence.
Labrie and his regiment did land on Juno Beach shortly after D-Day on June 12th, 1944.
He came home to Canada from the war in January, 1946. At that time he was only one of two from his original regiment to return to Canadian soil.
Now, Labrie is being given the ‘Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour,’ which is the highest national order the French have to offer. This distinction shows the impact he had and the gratitude that France wishes to pass along to him.
November evokes the duty to remember, with #RemembranceDay in just a few days.
Do you know a Canadian veteran still with us who fought on French soil to liberate our country ? Contact us, he could be eligible for the Legion of Honor, the highest distinction in France. pic.twitter.com/W4DA5TYzhU
— ????????????????France Ouest Canada ???????? (@ConsulatFRAVan) November 1, 2022
“Through Veterans like Mr. Labrie, France remembers the sacrifice of all Canadians who came to liberate it,” said Vancouver’s General Consul of France in a statement. “The people of France will never forget.”
The order was first given in 2014, which marked the 70th anniversary of the Normandy and Provence landings.
In recent years, it’s been given to veterans to show France’s deep appreciation to Canadians who gave their lives in the name of French liberation during the Second World War.
A total of 1,154 medals have been awarded to Canadian soldiers by France. This includes 232 medals for BC veterans.
France’s ‘Legion of Honour’ was actually created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Created initially to reward citizens for their merits without consideration to their hereditary or social status.
The medal awarded to a Knight of the French Legion of Hounour like Labrie, is a five-armed cross with a V-shaped cut-out at the end of each arm, generally surmounted by a wreath of laurel leaves.
Victoria International Airport will soon have a new air traffic control tower.
In a media statement Wednesday, Nav Canada, which provides air-traffic control for the airport, said that construction of a six-storey tower is expected to start in the spring and be completed by 2026.
The new tower will include a control cab with a 360-degree view of the airport and have the most up-to-date air-traffic management, communications and aviation-surveillance systems to ensure safety.
“While the new tower will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to safely and efficiently manage growing air traffic demand, it will also be LEED certified,” said Nav Canada president and CEO Raymond Bohn.
Nav Canada says the new tower is expected to be several metres higher than the existing structure, which was built in 1958.
“Aviation is a critical industry for economic prosperity and this project will help facilitate continued growth in the region,” said Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria International Airport.
Air-traffic controllers will continue working in the existing tower until the new structure is completed.
Looking for the perfect show to spice up your holiday season?
Look no further than the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show, being performed by Victoria On-Stage Musical Theatre at McPherson Playhouse.
For a limited time only, from November 25th to December 4th, you can catch the production of Richard O’Brien’s rock musical—and tickets are on salenow!
And even better than that, we’re giving away a pair to one lucky winner—you’ll find those contest details below.
One fateful night, Brad Majors and their fiancée, Janet Weiss — a wholesome, well-behaved, utterly normal young couple in love — innocently set out to visit an old professor.
Unfortunately for them, this night out is destined to be one they will never forget. A thunderstorm and a flat-tire force them to seek help at the eerie castle of Dr. Frank ’N’ Furter, an alien, moonstruck scientist with a manic genius and insatiable libido.
Brad, Janet, and Dr. Frank’ N’ Furter’s cohorts are swept up into the scientist’s latest experiment. The night’s misadventures will cause Brad and Janet to question everything they’ve known about themselves, each other, love, and lust.
The show looks to be a loving homage to the classic B sci-fi film and horror genres with an irresistible rock’n’roll score, The Rocky Horror Show is a hilarious, wild ride that no audience will soon forget.
Tickets can be purchased online, and start at $25.25.
CONTEST
For a chance to win two tickets to Rocky Horror Show at McPherson Playhouse, please do one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until November 23rd. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Are you looking for a career change and considering jumping into a new world of coding and web design, but stuck on where to start?
We might just have the right solution for you!
Renzoku, a tech school located in downtown Victoria, is the city’s first tech apprenticeship-based school with training programs that are deeply embedded in industry and, through a hands-on approach, aims to lower barriers of entry in the sector.
Established in 2021, Renzoku began with a vision of providing job ready web developers to industry through hyper-relevant education and training.
“The model for Renzoku is predicated on close, ongoing relationships with local businesses that invest in the school through consultation, mentorship and financial sponsorship,” the company said on its website.
“Our mission is to provide Victoria’s tech sector with job-ready talent in current, up-to-date technologies in business and web development and make the field of technology more accessible to all people of all backgrounds.”
The company has partnered with some of Victoria’s top software companies including Care2talk, LetHub, ChatterBlock and many more.
Right now, applications are open to their 1-year full-stack web development program. Class cohorts start in January, and each cohort would have between six and eight students.
Ready to take the next step in tech? Visit Renzoku’s website today to learn more.
Also, we’ve partnered with Renzoku to give away a $100 gift card to Browns Socialhouse. And you will find those details below.
For a chance to win a $100 gift card to Browns Socialhouse, please do one or more of the following:
1. LIKE Renzoku on Facebook and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
2. FOLLOWRenzoku on Instagram and 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)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 16th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
West Shore RCMP have released a photo of a man they say caused thoughts of dollars in damage to at least two vehicles.
On November 4th, at about 1:30 p.m., a driver was delivering packages near the 2300-block of Francis Drive in View Royal when a man carrying large bike chains struck the hood of his delivery truck.
Police said the suspect continued walking on foot and struck another vehicle that was stopped on Watkiss Way and Burnside Road.
The suspect struck the vehicle once using the bike chains, and then fled down the Galloping Goose Trail.
The damage to both vehicles is estimated to be over $5,000, according to police.
The suspect is described as Caucasian man in his 30s, standing about 5’9″ tall, light brown hair, slim build, wearing a baggy brown hoodie, baggy jeans, black running shoes.
“The drivers of both vehicles were uninjured but the vehicles themselves did sustain damage. We don’t know what the motivations of the suspect were or why he was acting in such a manner,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP, Media Relations Officer.
Anyone who can identify this suspect is asked to call the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
A three-month-old puppy was abandoned in a planter on the doorstep of the BC SPCA in Alberni-Clayoquot in October.
The BC SPCA wants to share this puppy named Poppy’s story in the hopes that she can be sent to her forever home with a loving family.
An employee of the animal care centre was getting ready to walk another dog in the SPCA’s care when they noticed movement in a nearby planter on their stoop.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time a dog has been left at our animal centre after hours,” said Sam Sattar, manager of the BC SPCA Alberni-Clayoquot community animal centre.
“We want people to know that if they are no longer able to care for their pet, for whatever reason, they can bring them to a BC SPCA animal centre during regular hours. We would be happy to take them into our care.”
Poppy the puppy was shivering, crying and clearly exhausted when she was found that morning. She is a three-month-old labrador-cross with a heart of gold, but at the time she had nothing but fear in her eyes from the staff member’s account.
(BC SPCA)
The BC SPCA reviewed security footage that showed someone pull up in the dead of night and leave Poppy at their gate.
BC SPCA employees say the most heartbreaking part was watching Poppy run after the vehicle as it drove away, abandoning her. The vehicle stopped and footage shows someone picking her up and placing her in the planter where she was found the next morning.
“It’s hard to imagine the fear she must have felt. Waiting in the darkness, not knowing when, or even if, she was going to be rescued,” said Eileen Drever of the BC SPCA. “I’m just grateful that she ended up on the right doorstep.”
Once she was found, she was instantly taken to the vet. The veterinarian clinic determined she was very thin, suffering from mange and had another secondary skin infection.
“She was also loaded with parasites, had painful ear infections and the lymph nodes in her groin were so swollen she had to be x-rayed to rule out masses and a possible hernia,” said Drever in a statement.
A foster family was found immediately for her and they stepped up to provide Poppy with a loving home environment while she recovers.
(BC SPCA)
Poppy has been prescribed several medications, antibiotics and ointments as well as two medical baths a week to mend her skin conditions and other ailments.
She has her second of three mange treatments next week, but her health has already shown great improvement according to her foster family.
They say she is building confidence and is slowly blossoming from the sad, apathetic puppy she was upon discovery.
“Poppy started out very quiet and sad, but like most sick puppies, now that she is feeling better, her demeanour has completely changed. She is super playful and full of energy, hopping and skipping about like a fawn,” said Sattar.
“She is gentle and sweet and a total people pleaser—her foster family is in love with her.”
The BC SPCA is hoping for her story to touch the hearts of BC’s animal lovers and inspire them to make a donation to Poppy’s cause.
A regular donor to the BC SPCA and animal lover, Barbara Lockyer, was touched by Poppy’s tear-jerking story and she decided she will match donations up to $5,000 to help care for Poppy and other animals who need urgent care.
Camosun’s school of business is teaching empathy and the gift of giving this week.
A group of 27 students enrolled in the hospitality management program at Camosun College are preparing a two-course lunch to feed up to 300 people in need.
They are teaming up with Our Place Society to learn about the importance of giving back to their community and its vulnerable populations.
“After a two-year break due to the pandemic, it feels good to start working again with Our Place,” explains Bradford Boisvert, an instructor in the Hospitality Management program with the School of Business.
“Students will plan, organize and serve lunch as part of a lesson in the importance of social responsibility, using hospitality as a vehicle.”
The hospitality management program has been teaming up with Our Place Society since 2011 before pausing the partnership in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lunch will consist of bangers and mash as well as coffee cake. Food will be served by the students at Our Place Society on Pandora Street, November 10th at noon.
“Our Place is reliant on community partners such as Camosun for many of the services and supports we offer to some of Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable populations,” said Julian Daly, Chief Executive Officer of Our Place.
“In addition to a tasty lunch, hopefully, the lesson learned in social responsibility continues throughout the students’ careers.”
Hospitality Management students at #Camosun are learning about the importance of giving back to the local community by preparing a two-course lunch for up to 300 neighbours in need at @ourplacesociety.
The hospitality management program has been running for nearly 40 years at Camosun College and it has always intended to teach its students applied skills they need in the industry along with a community based perspective.
They learn to cook, serve, supervise and run a restaurant through the Lansdowne campus’ Dunlop House. Unlike the culinary program at Camosun which focuses on just cooking, the hospitality management takes a broader look at the restaurant and event planning industry.
“The hands-on approach and all of the different opportunities to practice different real-world roles is challenging but I feel will prepare me for a career after I graduate,” says Hospitality Management student Kaitlyn Simons.
“Giving back to the community is important to me and giving a sense of hope and belonging to our neighbours in need is part of who I want to be in my career.”
While not a surprise to many, according to Vital Statistics’ most recent report, Victoria has scored an F for first time in 17 years, and it went to housing.
While housing received a failing grade, Victoria scored a B+ for quality of life.
The 2022 report, released by the Victoria Foundation, was collected from an annual online survey completed by just over 2,500 people and data from secondary sources—it’s the 17th annual report completed by the organization.
Majority of those who completed the survey are employed, live in Greater Victoria and are between the ages of 31 and 44, and over age 65.
The report explores how the region is doing in 12 key issue areas. Respondents provide feedback on the issue areas which include quality of life, belonging and engagement, and arts and culture to name a few.
This year’s theme focused on “What does community mean to you?”. From that, 68% said they feel connected to the community, and 57% said they were able to engage in the community the way they want.
“The past few years have been challenging for everyone, but through it all we have seen the tremendous power of community to help lift us up. When we asked the question ‘What does community mean to you?’ we heard a range of answers that not only inspired us but made us pause and think about how we can work together to make our community even better,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of Victoria Foundation.
“The report makes it clear we face significant issues in Greater Victoria, especially around housing and cost of living. With so many people struggling, it’s more important than ever to work collectively to find solutions that work for everyone.”
The report identifies housing, cost of living, and healthcare as the most pressing issues, with majority of respondents saying there is not enough affordable home ownership options or affordable rental accommodations.
Overall quality of life in Greater Victoria scored a B+ grade, which is an improvement over the 2020 and 2021 grade of B.
When asked what would make Greater Victoria an even better place to live, 44 per cent said affordable housing and more rental options.
According to the report, the median sale price for a single-family home in May 2022 was $1.25 million, up from just over $1 million the previous year. House sales were down 27% from May 2021.
Areas that scored high include sports and education, which earned a B+, arts and culture scored a B, belonging and engagement scored a B-; and education finished with a B+.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are investigating after a 72-year-old man named Michael Cridland was arrested for attempting to touch a 13-year-old girl at a Duncan McDonald’s.
On Monday, November 4th at around noon, RCMP responded to a report of sexual interference at a Duncan McDonald’s location in the 5800-block of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Sexual interference is defined by the criminal code as when a person touches any part of the body of a person who is under 16-years-old for a sexual purpose.
According to police, an officer was able to attend immediately and began their investigation. They quickly determined that Cridland attempted to touch the teenage girl in an unwanted, sexual way.
“This incident occurred during the lunch hour when many customers were present including a number of youth from the junior high school,” said Sergeant Chris Manseau, spokesperson for the BC RCMP.
“The male was arrested without incident and charged with sexual interference.”
Cridland has no fixed address in Duncan and has since been released with a court date in January 2023.
Police say he has several conditions of release to abide by, including no contact with the victim, he is not allowed in the McDonald’s located at 5883 Trans-Canada Highway and he is not to be in the presence of anyone under the age of 16-years-old without a sober adult present.
The investigation is ongoing and police are still speaking with witnesses who were present during the incident.
Police ask that anyone who was present at the time of the incident, has first hand knowledge, and hasn’t yet been contacted by the North Cowichan Duncan RCMP, contact them at (250) 748-5522.
Monday night’s snowfall falltook all of Greater Victoria by surprise.
Most Greater Victoria residents had their minds fixated on making it home on the slippery roads without a collision that evening, but for the city’s houseless population, there was much more to be concerned about.
Victoria has an Emergency Weather Response Plan (EWRP) that was implemented by the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness and the City of Victoria.
By the coalition’s recommendations, the EWRP is to be triggered and implemented under the following criteria:
Temperatures near zero with rainfall that makes it difficult or impossible for homeless people to remain dry
Sleet/freezing rain
Snow accumulation
Sustained high winds
Temperatures at or below Zero Degrees Celsius
If one or more of these circumstances are factors, an Emergency Weather Response (EWR) will be issued by a coordinator on behalf of the coalition.
They will then work with Greater Victoria’s municipalities on a case-by-case basis to ensure there are warming stations open overnight when necessary.
On Monday night, the City of Victoria managed to open the James Bay United Church as an overnight warming station and put the word out around 10:45 p.m. on twitter.
The City of Victoria announced in the early afternoon on Tuesday that the James Bay United Church and the Cool Aid Society run Rock Bay Landing shelters would be open overnight as warming shelters as per the EWRP.
❄ Due to continuing cold weather, the City will open a warming centre from 8 p.m. Nov 8 to 8 a.m. Nov 9 at the James Bay United Church at 511 Michigan St. @VicCoolAid will also be operating an overnight shelter at Rock Bay Landing, 535 Ellice S. from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. pic.twitter.com/TYfIoC2swz
Currently there is an issue of funding when it comes to warming stations and EWR in Victoria.
The city is funded by Emergency Management in BC (EMBC) for its daytime EWR/warming activations, but the EMBC does not fund overnight initiatives. The City of Victoria must apply for reimbursement for these initiatives and is only being funded for the daytime warming stations
So the city must now move forward with an official agreement with BC Housing, who will fund overnight EWR warming shelters.
On Thursday, the newly inaugurated Mayor Alto and her city council will vote on whether to move forward with ‘Emergency Weather Response Plan Funding’ through BC Housing, or to not authorize the agreement.
Given the surprisingly early snowfall and unusually low temperatures, the province made an announcement on Tuesday that more funds for warming shelters and EWR would be made available.
Permanent shelters and temporary shelters will also be provided additional funding and spaces by the provincial government via BC Housing.
“So far this season, the Province, through BC Housing, has funded approximately 2,080 temporary winter shelter spaces and more than 480 EWR shelters,” the Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing said in a statement.
“Most of these temporary spaces are open and the remainder will open in the coming weeks.”
In order to receive funding from BC Housing, they have to have the staff and the space already. Only then can the organization secure funding from the newly allotted funds from BC Housing and the province.
In addition to the warming shelters that are part of the EWRP, there are temporary and permanent shelters in Victoria operated by mostly non-profit organizations who rely on funding and volunteers. There are a total of 11 shelters total.
Grant McKenzie, Our Place Society’s Director of Communications told Victoria Buzz that their organization focuses on year-round housing to provide the houseless community they serve stability.
“We have a night shelter that’s got 30 beds that we open every night,” said McKenzie.
“We find that that is easier to staff because people have consistent hours, and also easier for the community we serve because they know where they’ll be sleeping that night, instead of it being based on weather.”
Cool Aid Society, the Salvation Army and the James Bay United Church all have opened warming shelters and will continue to do so going forward into winter.
Image: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse (Nik Dunn)
Sun, sun and more sun is in the forecast!
With that being said, it’s a great day to spend outside and if you’re looking for something to do, here are 5 things happening in and around Victoria today, Wednesday November 9th:
The original MX. is coming to Victoria, taking place the second Wednesday of every month at Friends of Dorothy Lounge!
The MX. was created as an opportunity for the 2SLGBTQ+ community to network, gather and socialize. This is also an opportunity to meet like-minded people outside of the club and off those lovely apps. Allies are encouraged to join!
Tickets are $12+GST in advance and $15 at the door – tickets include your first drink and snacks.
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 November 9th, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
During this two-hour workshop, participants will work with 100% pure beeswax, a natural, renewable resource. Beeswax candles emit a bright, healthful light within the same spectrum as the sun, generating negative ions that clean the air and invigorate the body.
Beeswax burns longer, drips less, and smells wonderful, naturally.
Although we have not finalized the details, we intend to make most of our beeswax candles using 100% pure natural beeswax in its natural yellow colour and scent, as well as one or two candles using de-aromatized white beeswax, allowing us to use some colour and scent.
Participants in this workshop will make:
four hand-dipped beeswax tapers (natural beeswax colour)
several small molded candles (pinecone, beehive, votive)
two travel tin container candles
two jam jar candles with added colour and scent, if desired
When: Wednesday November 9th, 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Where: Starlite Soap Studio Victoria, 764 Fort Street
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!
Learn some Canadian History this reading break at a 19th Century coastal artillery site and visit the oldest lighthouse in western Canada. This will be an all-day event, so bring a packed lunch and comfy shoes. The site has inside and outside exhibits, dress in layers! Carpooling is available. Sign up here.
When: Wednesday November 9th, starting at 9 a.m.
Where: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
Winter is almost upon us and with the colder weather, comes the perfect time to ponder next summer’s adventures.
The province is giving British Columbians the chance to book their camping getaways in 2023 soon.
On January 3rd at 7 a.m. sharp, BC Parks will open bookings for many provincially run campsites through their reservation service.
This year, people will be able to book up to four months ahead of their vacations, when last year they could only book two months in advance.
“Through our ongoing visitor engagement, we’ve heard the majority of campers prefer a four-month rolling window, allowing people to book a site well in advance of their visit,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
“We will continue to listen to public feedback so we can improve people’s park experiences, and everyone can easily access the many beautiful parks and backcountry areas our province has to offer.”
In the 2023 season, more campgrounds are joining the provincial run reservation service too, and every campground that uses the service maintains a balance of reservable sites and first-come-first-serve sites.
“We are fortunate to live in a province that has an abundance of spectacular parks for people to connect with nature and learn about Indigenous Peoples’ history and culture,” said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment.
“We continue to expand opportunities for camping and improve accessibility so more people can experience the natural treasures of our beautiful province.”
The reservation service was launched in March 2022 and was meant to improve user experience when booking BC Parks’ campsites.
In 2022, more than 317,000 reservations were made through the reservation service. BC Parks manages over 10,700 campsites and about half of those are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Be prepared to get on the reservation site as soon as you can when booking day rolls around. In 2022, the day the bookings opened, traffic to the booking website had a queue that went up to 90,000 customers ‘in line’ throughout the day.
British comedian Jimmy Carr is bringing The Terribly Funny tour to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on June 23rd, 2023.
The show is being presented by Just For Laughs.
The English comedian had one of the most streamed Netflix comedy specials of 2021, His Dark Material.
On this tour, Carr will deliver brand-new material while staying true to his dry, dark, and edgy brand of humour.
This is the third time that Jimmy will be back on the road in Canada following two sold out tours with Just For Laughs in 2016 and 2018.
Featuring completely new material, the Terribly Funny tour is slated to be his most successful tour to date, with ticket sales expected to exceed 480,000 by the end of the year.
Carr last performed at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium in 2018.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 10th at 10 a.m. at www.selectyourtickets.com.
The charity of choice for this one-of-a-kind exhibition game will be the Victoria City Police Athletic Association (VCPAA) who are a non-profit organization that donates over $30,000 to youth sports and scholarships every year.
Some VCPAA events include the VCPAA High School Golf Tournament, the VCPAA Basketball Tournament and other events including support for student theatre productions.
“We’re extremely grateful for the partnership we have with VicPD and the VCPAA,” said Royals General Manager and Head Coach Dan Price.
“We all have a mutual interest in serving and supporting the community in our own unique ways, and this charity event is one step in that ongoing process.”
“We’re excited to share this experience with the VicPD, the VCPAA, our great Royals fans and the community of Victoria. We look forward to a great turnout and a great day.”
Following the game, a post-game skate with players of the intra-squad match up will give fans the chance to share the ice with their favourite players as well as police officers. To participate, fans need only to bring their skates.
“I’m looking forward to this tremendous event which will give VicPD officers a chance to share the ice with Victoria Royals players in this awesome one-of-a-kind opportunity to support youth in sport across Greater Victoria,” said VicPD Chief Del Manak.
“I’m thankful to the Royals for the opportunity to deepen the connection between VicPD, the Royals and our community.”
Admission to the game will be by donation with a minimum of $5 suggested donation.
Victoria Royals and VicPD scrimmage
Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
An investigation is underway in Duncan after a man sustained “serious harm” while in police custody last week.
On Friday, November 4th at around 3:45 p.m., a man was arrested reportedly without incident and transferred to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP cells.
Shortly after a video bail hearing the following day, the man was found in medical distress in his cell, according to a media release from the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC, who are investigation the incident.
The IIO, a police oversight body for BC, were called in and are investigating the incident to determine if police action or inaction contributed to the man’s condition.
The IIO are asking any person with relevant information or video footage regarding the incident to them at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
Through every major war, there have always been Indigenous members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Tuesday, November 8th marks Indigenous Veterans Day. It was first recognized in Manitoba in 1994 and shortly thereafter the holiday was recognized by BC.
It is a day to recognize the men and women from First Nations across Canada who have served their country, a great many paying the ultimate sacrifice.
According to Veterans Affairs Canada, in the First World War, over 4,000 Indigenous men fought on behalf of Canada. The Head of the Lake Band, whose land is located near Vernon BC, saw every man between 20 and 35 years of age enlist.
Today is Indigenous Veterans' Day and we’re honouring the important contributions Indigenous Peoples have made in their service with the Canadian military.
Indigenous Peoples continue to proudly serve in operations at home and around the world. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/jqRrMoFMcF
In the Second World War more than 3,000 Indigenous men put their lives on the line in the name of freedom. Soldiers who came from First Nations were often some of their regiment’s best scouts and snipers.
British Columbian Indigenous communities were even honoured by the Crown following the war effort with the British Empire Medal to acknowledge their contributions on the home front.
“Today, we remember soldiers like Dominic ‘Dick’ Patrick, who was one among 15 Sai’kuz soldiers who volunteered for service in the Second World War,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
“He joined at least 3,000 First Nations members, including 72 women, who enlisted for duty. Patrick’s bravery at a battle in the village of Moerbrugge earned him the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished conduct.”
“Despite their service and valour, many Indigenous veterans, including Patrick, returned home to face continued prejudice and discrimination.”
“Patrick returned home to British Columbia, where he was refused restaurant service because he was Indigenous. That year, he was imprisoned 11 times for returning to that restaurant and repeatedly demanding fair and equal treatment. He is remembered by his family and community for his courage in fighting for Indigenous rights back home.”
“On this sombre day, we remember those who never came home. We also remember those who returned home forever changed by their service. Lest we forget.”
Today, there are more than 2,700 Indigenous members of the CAF. They make up 4% of the total active servicemen and servicewomen.
In contrast, the total Indigenous population of Canada was estimated at 3% by Statistics Canada in 2021.
The people of Sidney adore their independent theatre!
Star Cinema gives the people of the Saanich Peninsula a place to gather and form a community around film.
As of last weekend, the theatre is open in their brand new space which includes three screening rooms.
Star Cinema has been in business since 1998 to provide the small town of Sidney and its neighbouring communities a place to go and see a film without having to go all the way into Victoria.
They expected mostly teens to be their demographic and were surprised at how many seniors became frequent visitors of the cinema.
The now multi-generational cinema has always brought in all kinds of films for its demographic of people of all walks of life, big hits and independent art films alike.
“It’s always been our goal to provide a variety of films, not just the blockbusters but the little gems and special requests,” Sandy Oliver, owner of Star Cinema, told Victoria Buzz.
“Some people have been coming since they were kids and now they’re bringing their kids.”
After two years in construction limbo, they have just moved to their entirely new space in a condo development built by Casman Properties.
When the Town of Sidney realized that the property in which Star Cinema called home was up for sale, they tried to help secure support from a developer who could find a new space that would work for the cinema and the people of Sidney.
Casman Properties began working with the township and the theatre in 2018 to include a space for Star Cinema in their proposal for a new condo development in the heart of town on Third Street and Sidney Avenue.
The developer also helped Star Cinema to find a temporary home for the two year period that construction was underway.
“The town basically said they were going to find a developer who wanted to make sure that this cinema continued, which was incredible,” said Oliver. “I think they even passed a special requirement that this be a movie theatre in perpetuity.”
“It’s a challenging thing to do, building condos above a movie theatre. Casman has done a wonderful job.”
Two of the three screening rooms at the theatre’s new space are quite large, being able to hold 135 and 120 people respectively. They also have a third screening room that can hold 40 people they’ll utilize for private events and exclusive screenings.
On Friday, November 4th, the theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time in their new space.
“There’s things to get used to in a brand new building and we’re going to have to take the time to make it our home but we had a wonderful opening weekend.”
“We were trying to keep it quiet to sort out a few kinks as we get used to being ‘full-serve again.’”
Star Cinema still has yet to plan a proper ‘grand opening,’ but they are thinking sometime in mid-December they’ll host an event to celebrate their new space.
Another way independent, community theatres like Star Cinema separate themselves from large theatres by catering to their individual communities needs and remaining humble and affordable in comparison to mega-cinemas.
“We try and keep things simple,” Oliver told Victoria Buzz. “Our prices are what they say they are, taxes included.”
“Honestly, I think the fact that it’s very community based is what sets us apart.”
“As much as we need to make sure we cover the costs, we try to keep things affordable because we want families to still feel like they can come out.”
“I don’t know any other place you can still get a combo for $5, a small drink and popcorn.”
Even though they have not had their grand opening yet, Oliver and her staff are happy to be in their brand new theatre.
“It’s been so delightful to see our wonderful familiar faces back and hear such nice comments of how much people have been waiting to have us back in town,” said Oliver.
“It’s going to take a while to make it our home, it needs a little more colour from us but we’ll get there.”
(Snowing in Victoria / @melissa.lochhead - Instagram)
#WinterWonderland anyone?
From a warm October to a sudden snowfall, Victoria is sure keeping us on our toes.
As predicted by Environment Canada, temperatures dropped, and a band of moisture made its way through southern Vancouver Island on Monday.
While the snow did create beautiful sceneries, it also created chaos for some drivers. Saanich Police were forced to close the Pat Bay Highway for a short time Monday night as emergency crews dealt with several collisions, including a multi-vehicle collision on HWY 17 at Haliburton.
Temperatures are expected to reach +5°C today, and with the sun out in full force, the snowy scenes will melt away.
Some chose to stay snuggled up in the warmth of their homes, others braved the winter weather and whipped out their cameras to capture the gentle flakes as they accumulated on the streets of Victoria.
Without further ado, here are 19 photos from the first snowfall of the season:
— Geoff Wilmshurst 魏杰傅 ???????? (@GeoffWilmshurst) November 8, 2022
(Richmond Ave near Oak Bay Ave / Fleur Katz)(Uptown / Eveivenej Shyne)(Upper Royal Bay / Upper Royal Bay)(Langford / Alex Borsholm)(Bus stuck at Strawberry Vale / Monika Reniero)
VicPD are looking for video footage and witnesses to come forward following an altercation that left two people in the hospital with stab wounds early on Sunday morning.
At around 1 a.m. on Sunday, VicPD officers responded to an incident in the 700-block of Courtney Street.
According to police, patrol officers were flagged down and alerted by people in the area that an altercation had taken place nearby.
Officers were able to locate two people suffering from potentially life-threatening stab wounds following this altercation.
Police say they gave immediate first-aid until paramedics were able to arrive and take over medical care.
VicPD said both victims were transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries following medical treatment on scene.
“The investigation is in the early stages and remains active and ongoing,” said VicPD in a statement.
“There have not been any arrests. To date, the investigation has not shown any indication that there is any risk to the general public.”
VicPD said their Major Crimes Unit (MCU) believes there may be video footage of this incident and additional witnesses who have not yet spoken with investigators.
Police are asking that anyone who has cellphone video, surveillance video or dashcam video of the area of the 700-block of Courtney Street, or if anyone witnessed the incident and has yet to speak with an officer, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
In recognition of Indigenous Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day, IMAX Victoria at the Royal BC Museum will host two free screenings of Forgotten Warriors on November 8th and November 11th.
Tickets are free, with thanks to support from the National Film Board, and you can secure your spot by registering here.
Do you have a load of useless random knowledge like state capitals, movie quotes, company jingles and guitar solos from the 80’s, Betty White’s health secrets in how she lived to 99….
Well none of that is useless at a Sixty Watt Trivia show!
Hours stretched on like the endless open sea with nothing to stave off the boredom. And there it was! A solution to the problem: a tear in a shirt, a hole in a net, a spare piece of cloth that could be turned into something more.
Life at sea meant long periods of isolation with no one to rely on but those on board. Necessity bred both ingenuity and creativity; the skills that kept sailors alive could also keep them entertained. Out of this rose a culture of making new from old and mending what they had. Everything that was used could be repaired and reused. Scraps could be carved or embroidered, repurposed into art to be brought home to a loved one.
Visit the Maritime Museum of BC to discover just what can be done with a humble object, time, and a skilled pair of hands. Maybe you’ll even discover a new technique to repair something of your own.
After a record setting drought in Victoria, the weekend rains have brought hope for salmon and the Goldstream Park volunteers that observe them annually.
Typically, the yearly salmon run begins in mid-October.
In 2022, the salmon were forced to have a delayed start because the water levels were too low for them to make their way up the Goldstream River.
Naturalists are on hand at the Nature House Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions.
When: From now until December
Where: Goldstream River, at Goldstream Provincial Park
June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France. Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world.
Blending multiple cinematographic techniques, including animation, CGI and stunning live-action images, “D-Day: Normandy 1944” brings this monumental event to the world’s largest screens for the first time ever.
Audiences of all ages, including new generations, will discover from a new perspective in breathtaking IMAX® how this landing changed the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology and human values, the film will educate and appeal to all. Narrated by Tom Brokaw, “D-Day: Normandy 1944” pays tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom… A duty of memory, a duty of gratitude. Run Time 45 min. CC. Rated G.
An impaired driver caused significant damage to a Langford property after crashing into a stone wall last week.
The crash occurred on Thursday November 3rd near the intersection of Nicklaus Drive and Eston Place in Langford.
West Shore RCMP say the driver of a 2018 Grey Dodge Challenger SRT ran over a tree, ripping it out of the ground before crashing into the stone wall.
The crash was significant enough to cause the airbags to deploy, causing minor injuries to the driver and passenger.
Upon further investigation, police determined the driver was exhibiting symptoms of being impaired by alcohol and pursued an impaired driving investigation.
The driver, identified as a 28-year-old man, failed a roadside screening device and was over the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration.
The driver was handed a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Luckily for us, Victoria is abundant with locally owned businesses run by family, creating delicious meals that bring people together.
Over the past few years, those connections have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting the local restaurant owners ability to share their talents with us.
Thankfully, we are now seeing the world through a new lens, getting back to those intimate meals out with friends, exploring the best the city has to offer. We are also learning more about the people who run these restaurants, the amount of time, energy and passion they put into their businesses and the important stories behind their creation.
One of those restaurants is downtown’s Dumpling Drop, a Victoria favourite offering handmade, freshly fried dumplings in the restaurant, or frozen dumplings you can pick up to cook in the comfort of your home.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgt8GX2O-zH/
Dumpling Drop creates their dumplings using traditional methods with a modern flair, and also offer catering services and frozen wholesale for various Vancouver Island grocers and stores.
Which means there are plenty of ways fans of the dumpling masters can get their hands on the product.
So, how did it all begin?
The idea for Dumpling Drop was born when owner Tarn’s mother lost her job due to Alzheimers. Every Friday, the two would spend quality time making lots of dumplings to keep busy and be in each other’s company.
Soon, following an overwhelming response to the dumplings, the business was born. Dumpling Drop began to sell the delicious dumplings through Instagram and eventually moved on to offer delivery. The people of Victoria loved the product, and business flourished.
At the peak of the pandemic, in July 2020, a space on Pandora Avenue was offered to Dumpling Drop, a location which is still open to this day.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkDxExhr18u/
In the beginning, it was only the two of them, working hard to create the dumplings. Eventually, during the pandemic, Dumpling Drop was able to hire 10 of their friends and family to help run their Pandora location.
When the city was experiencing an influx of businesses closing due to the pandemic, Dumpling Drop began to grow. The people of Victoria were seeking homemade, high-quality comfort food and Dumpling Drop offered just that.
“Downtown gave me a great start and an opportunity to expand,” Tarn toldVictoria Buzz. “Foot traffic helped us expand our customers.”
And the business has grown in popularity ever since. Now, the team has expanded to twenty people, all working together to hand roll the dumplings. Dumpling Drop has also recently opened a second location at Driftwood Brewery with a dream of opening a food truck in the next few years.
Their Instagram account has also attracted quite a bit of attention, with their witty posts and pop culture references tying in humour about dumplings.
There is a snowfall warning in place for the Malahat Highway from Goldstream to Mill Bay.
According to Environment Canada’s weather warning, a low pressure centre off Vancouver Island will bring flurries along the highway route tonight.
Along the Malahat, there is potential for heavy snow along that route, especially near the summit on the Trans Canada Highway. The expected snowfall accumulation will be between five and 10 centimetres.
The snowfall is expected to last until Tuesday morning.
Conditions like these always bring with them the potential for dangerous road conditions. Roads will be slippery due to the amount of ice and snow.
⚠️❄️????️ #BC#RiderAlert – Warnings are in effect for heavy snow/wind chill/strong winds in multiple regions. #BCTransit trips may be impacted – check here:
VicPD confirmed officers were in attendance at the Victoria International Jewish Film Festival (VIJFF) Sunday afternoon after organizers of the annual event received an anti-Semitic threat.
The festival was being held at the Vic Theatre on Douglas Street from November 1st to 6th.
“Officers ensured that attendees were safe and a Jewish film festival’s events were able to take place after threats were reported this weekend,” said police spokesman Bowen Osoko.
Following the threats, VicPD launched an investigation and created a safety plan after being notified Friday that threats targeting the VIJFF, and the Jewish community at large.
Police would not release the details of the threats made; however, investigators say the threats made specific reference to the film festival’s location in the 800-block of Douglas Street. It also included additional concerning details, police said.
“Specially-trained VicPD officers responded and swept the venue and the surrounding area to ensure that it was safe,” said Osoko.
Canadians recognize Remembrance Day on November 11th every year by going to ceremonies in which we collectively remember our fallen soldiers in times of war.
In recent years, these ceremonies have been held online due to COVID-19 and the social distancing protocols that went along with the pandemic.
In 2022, Remembrance Day will be recognized as it was in years before British Columbians and all of Canada pivoted to accommodate the health care system’s burden of the global pandemic.
Here are places in and around Victoria where you can pay your respects and participate in Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Friday, November 11th:
BC Parliament Buildings
The annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the BC Legislature will begin at 10:30 a.m. on November 11th. The ceremony is organized every year by a committee of local volunteers and legion members.
Where: BC Parliament Buildings, Cenotaph, East Lawns and Driveway
When: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., November 11th
Esquimalt – Memorial Park
Esquimalt’s Remembrance Day ceremony includes a parade down Esquimalt Road and a ceremony at Memorial Park.
The parade will begin at the Tudor House (at Admirals Road and Esquimalt Road) and end at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park.
Attendees will join members of the Royal Canadian Navy, Cadets, Royal Canadian Legion, Scouts Canada and the Royal New Zealand Navy in marking the day.
Where: Tudor House to the Cenotaph in Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Road
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., November 11th
Saanich – Municipal Hall
This year, the District of Saanich’s annual Remembrance Day Ceremony will be an in-person event for the first time since 2019.
The District of Saanich asks that groups that would like to lay a wreath please contact Saanich Community Services.
Where: Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue
When: 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., November 11th
Oak Bay – War Memorial
The Oak Bay Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held in-person and virtually this year.
Spectators are able to attend the ceremony at the Oak Bay Cenotaph and Oak Bay encourages everyone to come pay their respects or watch the event streamed online if they are unable to attend in person.
Where: Oak Bay Cenotaph, 2800 Beach Drive or online
When: 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., November 11th
Colwood – Royal Roads University
Royal Roads University will hold their annual Remembrance Day ceremony in-person this year.
The ceremony is to be hosted by the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club to honour veterans and those who died in conflict in the service of Canada.
The event will be held on the Castle Terrace Lawn at Hatley Castle. Hatley Park gardens will be open to the public following the ceremony and the museum in the castle will be open from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. There will be limited parking at the service.
Where: Royal Roads University (Castle Terrace Lawn), 2005 Sooke Road
When: 10:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., November 11th
Langford – Langford Legion
A ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. A march will go from the Langford Legion Branch to the Cenotaph.
Following the service, the Langford Legion will be hosting refreshments at the Masonic Lodge located right beside the Veterans Memorial Park.
Tents and heaters will be set up for attendees to escape the cold.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Corner of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue
When: 10:30 a.m., November 11th
Chinese Canadian Museum – Fan Tan Alley
Join Chinese Canadian veteran, Gordy Quan, who will be present at the Chinese Canadian Museum to share his experiences of the Second World War.
A special display about Second World War Chinese Canadian veterans from Victoria curated by the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society will also be up.
Where: Chinese Canadian Museum – Fan Tan Alley, downtown Victoria
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November 11th
Central Saanich – Pioneer Park
The Central Saanich Remembrance Day ceremony will be held as an in-person service this year.
Central Saanich invites everyone to gather to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continued to serve our country during times of war, military conflict, and peace.
Where: Pioneer Park, 1209 Clarke Road
When: 10:45 a.m., November 11th
Sidney – Cenotaph at the Town Hall
This year, the traditional Remembrance Day Parade will proceed at 10:25 a.m. from the Mary Winspear Centre, along Beacon Avenue and Second Street and will end at the Cenotaph on Sidney Avenue.
A service of Remembrance for the fallen will begin at 10:45 a.m.The service will include laying of wreaths to honour the ultimate sacrifice of service personnel who did not return from war.
A fly past is planned during the two-minute silence at 11 a.m.
Please note, there will be temporary street closures on Beacon and Second between 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., and on Sidney, Third, Fourth and Mount Baker between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Where: Cenotaph at Sidney Town Hall, 2440 Sidney Avenue
When: 10:45 a.m., November 11th
Sooke – Sooke Legion
Sooke welcomes all to attend their Remembrance Day Service at the Sooke Legion.
The Remembrance Day Service will begin with a parade from the Evergreen Mall arriving at Sooke’s Cenotaph, where the service will take place.
After the service, adults are invited into the Legion for refreshments including chilli, chowder, sandwiches and cake.
Youth are invited to the Lions upstairs for hot dogs, hot chocolate and cake.
Where: Sooke Legion, 6726 Eustace Road
When: 10:35 a.m., November 11th
To add to our list please send to tips@victoriabuzz.com or comment below.
The City of Victoria is looking ahead to 2023 and they’re doing two ‘calls to artists’ for submissions.
Downtown kiosks need new artwork and the city’s mural artist roster needs new artists for future mural projects in the city.
Artists are invited submit artwork for display in downtown kiosks and the City's Mural Art Roster for future mural projects. For submission guidelines, application forms or to register for an information session, visit: https://t.co/OC54iR2bTG#yyjart#yyjartistpic.twitter.com/XylYfFqTQb
Artists from Victoria and all of Western Canada are being invited to throw their name in the hat for the city’s future mural endeavours.
The City of Victoria has a list of artists that have been vetted and selected to be available for mural opportunities from April 2023 to October 2025.
When an artist makes the list, local businesses and organizations can easily find them and hire them to enhance their space with a mural.
Once the artists that make this prestigious list are selected by a panel, their names and artwork will be added to the city’s mural roster page.
The selection panel will be judging artist submissions on unique visual storytelling style, their experience creating dynamic murals and collaboration with the community.
(Image from the Victoria Cool Aid Society)
Downtown art in kiosks
Douglas Street has five kiosks on the corners of View Street, Fort Street, Broughton Street, Courtney Street and Humboldt Street.
Artists who want their art displayed in one of these kiosks in 2023 is invited to submit five works of visual art such as photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, digital artwork, textile and beadworks.
The city says preference will be given to applicants who have not participated in this program in past years. Applicants have to live in the Capital Region, which includes the Gulf Islands.
(City of Victoria)
Online artist information sessions
Artists who are interested in submitting their art to either one of these initiatives will have an opportunity to meet city staff and review application requirements in an online information session for each project respectively. Opportunities to ask questions will also be provided.
Mural artist roster session
When: Wednesday, November 16th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Art in kiosks session
When: Thursday, November 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Application forms, guidelines and information session registration can be found on the City of Victoria’s public art page.
Monday, December 5th is the deadline for submissions for both of these initiatives.
What started as a sad story has ended in a happy ending.
A 16-year-old cat that was thrown from a moving vehicle has found his forever home.
Merlot was brought into a shelter after a Good Samaritan saw him being thrown from a moving car on August 23rd.
Nanaimo BCSPCA branch manager Bonnie Pequin said he was checked over thoroughly after the incident.
Fortunately, the disgusting and despicable act didn’t result in any injuries to the senior feline. However, he did receive a few bumps and scrapes and was suffering from dental disease due to his old age.
After a few weeks of healing time, Merlot was put up for adoption.
“Although they make amazing pets, senior dogs and cats are often overlooked by people looking to adopt a furry family member,” said Kim Monteith, BC SPCA’s manager of animal welfare. “There are a lot of misconceptions about senior animals that make people a little hesitant to bring them home.”
Thankfully this was not the case with Merlot when he was adopted out in mid-October by a woman named Lana who has turned her home into a “kitty retirement home.”
“Five years ago, I was helping a friend adopt a cat. When we were on the BC SPCA site, I noticed quite a few older cats were available for adoption and when we visited the animal centre, we had a conversation with one of the staff about senior animals and how difficult it can be to find them forever homes,” said Lana.
“My first senior cats were a bonded pair named Luke and Merlin who were 14-years-old,” says Lana. “I adopted them from the Victoria BC SPCA. Luke had stage two kidney disease when I adopted him. Over the next three years it progressed, and he passed away in August.”
Merlin missed Luke, so Lana went on a search for a new companion when she found Merlot on the BC SPCA website. Shen then travelled from North Vancouver to Nanaimo to adopt Merlot. “I knew he was ‘the one’,” says Lana. “When I went to meet him, he immediately got off of his cat bed in the catio to get a pet and when he gave me a head butt, it sealed the deal.”
“Merlin and Merlot both have a little kitten energy in them. Merlin still gets up and rips around the house at three am,” said Lana. “They both like to play with string and laser toys and they love to cuddle. Luke was chasing toys up until his last two weeks.”
The official kick-off to the holiday season is happening next weekend at Hillside Centre, and you and your squad are invited.
Next Sunday, November 20th, Hillside Centre’s Night of Lights will return to bring a little sparkle to your life, and tickets are available now.
You won’t want to miss this exclusive shopping evening full of holiday cheer, amazing offers and discounts, and fabulous door prizes—including five $1000 dollar shopping sprees!
And in the spirit of the giving season, we’ve partnered with Hillside Centre to give away an incredible Squad Prize Package for four people, including tickets to Night of Lights, gift cards, manicures and so much more! You’ll find those contest details below.
Tickets are available at Hillside Guest Services and at all participating non-profit organizations, including:
Burnside Gorge Community Association – Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Association – Castleview Child Care Centre – Crystal View Elementary School – Discovery School – Falcon Gymnastics Parents Association – Global Village Store – Island Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre – Island Ukuleles ‘A’ Music Society – James Bay Community – Kerry Park Minor Hockey Association – Lambrick Park Secondary School – MOVE Adapted Fitness – Our Children’s Centre Society – Peninsula Young Performers – Royal Oak Middle School Music Program – Ruth King Elementary School Pac – Saanich Skating Club of Victoria – Victoria Chinatown Lioness Lions Club – Victoria Hand Project – Victoria Minor Hockey Association – Westcoast Rhythmic Gymnastics – Not Too Late
Tickets are only $5, and every penny of that ticket supports a local charity of your choice.
Ticket proceeds from those sold at Hillside’s Guest Services (cash only) will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a Night of Lights Squad Prize Package for four, which includes 4 Night of Lights tickets, 4 manicures from Cali Nails and 4 $50 Hillside gift cards, complete one or more of the following:
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 Wednesday, November 17th. Good luck!
Veterans and active military personnel will ride for free this Friday, November 11th.
To commemorate Remembrance Day, BC Transit and BC Ferries are offering free transportation on Friday for any and all veterans, cadets and active military members.
All BC Transit and handyDART services in the Victoria Regional Transit System will be free for all riders in uniform or who carry official military identification.
On November 11th, BC Transit supports and encourages its drivers to safely stop their buses at 11 a.m. to recognize a minute of silence as is tradition on Remembrance Day in memory of everyone who gave their lives and served in times of war.
Buses will be operating on a standard Sunday schedule because Friday is a statutory holiday.
BC Ferries vessels all carry Canadian flags which will be at half mast all day on Friday out of respect for the Canadian soldiers who gave their lives for their country.
#BCFNews To commemorate #RemembranceDay and to thank retired and active military personnel, #BCFerries along with @BCTransit and @TransLink will be offering free fares for veterans and active military on Friday, November 11.
BC Ferries say two minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. on board all vessels and at terminals.
BC Ferries also recognizes that seniors who did not serve in a war, had to live through war times. All seniors will receive free passenger travel on Friday by presenting their BC Services Card, BC Driver’s License, BC Identification Card or Birth Certificate.
Seniors normally travel free as passengers on BC Ferries Monday through Thursday, but this year, Remembrance Day is being included as a free travel day as well.
Veterans and military personnel can ride BC Transit to and from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal and downtown Victoria on direct routes via the 70, 71 and 72 bus routes.
Those wishing to make walk-on reservations for the ferry can avoid sailing waits when travelling on BC Ferries’ routes connecting Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, as well as Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands online.
BC Ferries and BC Transit say they hope this will provide a transportation option for those who served their country to recognize Remembrance Day events near them.
Police are now turning to the public for insight as to who the deceased man was, or any information that may help them in their investigation.
Police say he was an adult male believed to be experiencing homelessness, he stood about 5’10” tall and was 160 pounds.
According to police, the man was living in a two-toned silver and teal tent, there were several bicycles around the tent and there were no personal items that might help identify the man.
The BC Coroner’s Office (BCCO) is also currently investigating the man’s death which is not considered to be suspicious at this time.
“We know that this is somebody’s loved one so we’re hoping anyone with information will come forward and speak with our investigators,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades.
“We are sharing a photo of the tent and sleeping bag in an effort to identify the man, as these were only a few of the identifiable items found at the scene.”
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this man’s identity to call Saanich Police at (250) 475-4321.
To report anonymously through the Greater Victoria CrimeStoppers, call 1-888-222-8477.
A Victoria woman is nearly a half a million dollars richer after winning big playing Lotto Max in early October.
In a media release, BCLC said Kerri Butterworth’s recent Lotto Max win left her shocked beyond words after discovering she landed exactly $474,526.70 from the October 4th draw.
“My head was shaking, I was speechless,” Butterworth said the moment she realized she won after scanning her ticket on BCLC’s Lotto! App.
“I still have no words… I’m trying to wrap my head around it,” Butterworth said excitedly.
The Victoria resident purchased her ticket from the Westshore Town Centre on Jacklin Road and was at home having her morning coffee when she decided to check her ticket.
“I usually look at the results first online and that’s when I saw there was a winner in Victoria. I was in shock… I didn’t think I was reading it right.”
The first person she told was her youngest daughter, who was still sleeping at the time.
“I woke her up and at first, she thought she was in trouble. I had her look at the ticket, and she freaked out,” said Butterworth.
As for what she plans on doing with the big win, Butterworth said she is a major Yankees baseball fan and plans to put part of her prize towards a trip to see them play.
In addition to the game, she plans to use her winnings to help her parents and daughters and will also pay down her mortgage.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of a potential for heavy accumulating snowfall on Vancouver Island Monday.
The weather alert, issued Sunday morning, spans across Greater Victoria to south of Courtenay.
More specifically, accumulation is expected from Parksville to the Cowichan Valley, and the Saanich Peninsula.
In addition, heavy snow could fall on east Vancouver Island, from Duncan to Fanny Bay.
According to the weather agency, localized pockets of heavy snow flurries may reach sea level Monday into Monday night, when a low pressure off the Island helps draw cold air from the BC interior.
“As it crosses the Strait of Georgia, localized pockets of heavy snow will develop across southeast Vancouver Island,” said Environment Canada in its statement.
“Snow levels will initially be near 200 metres but may drop to sea levels depending on precipitation intensity. Confidence in occurrence is medium, but confidence in exact area and snowfall accumulation is low as it will be highly variable.”
On the eastern portion of Vancouver Island, 5 to 10 cm could fall by late Monday morning, with an additional 5 cm falling from Monday night to Tuesday morning.
Thousands remain without power Saturday morning after strong winds and heavy rain battered the province the night before.
Over 330,000 BC Hydro customers on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and the Lower Mainland were without power.
The Greater Victoria area saw tens of thousands of homes without power for several hours, at one point reaching 35,000 outages.
This #BCStorm system knocked down trees and branches and as a result, crews continue to be busy repairing damaged power lines, power poles and other equipment. Here’s an update from our team. ????Report fallen power lines: 911 ????Outage updates: https://t.co/JY7BGKK8M4pic.twitter.com/4SwIRP0QPx
BC Hydro said the wind knocked down trees and branches — many of them weakened by the summer’s drought — causing them to come into contact with electrical equipment.
The utility company said all available crews were mobilized to restore power to affected customers.
Crews worked through the night to restore power as quickly as possible but some customers were without power overnight.
“Restoration work will continue through the day today, but due to the extensive damage, repairs could take some time, and continue into tomorrow, especially for customers in more remote areas,” BC Hydro said in an alert on its website.
Insane wind gusts currently blowing through Nanaimo, electricity has been on and off and street lights are off. Saw a flash of light that I presume was a power line or transformer damage. #BCStormpic.twitter.com/VOBftrz0x8
#BCStorm update: Crews worked overnight, and power has been restored to 185,000 customers. Repairs will continue through the day as crews work to restore the remaining 145,000 customers without power. Latest operational update: https://t.co/tzt0cvKsubpic.twitter.com/vR95GSGGys
Soupa Cafe is moving into the former bingo hall on Esquimalt Road after being vacant for over a year and a half.
The building is scheduled to be torn down in the future but Avi Lugassy, co-owner of Soupa Cafe, didn’t want the space to go to waste.
Following their grand opening on Thursday, the old bingo hall is now Soupa Cafe’s latest location.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity to be on the main road in a community we want to be in,” Lugassy told Victoria Buzz.
Soupa Cafe signed a lease to be in that space until December 2023 at the very least. After that time, they will move to a month-to-month lease until the building is torn down.
The building is about 5,000 square feet, leaving lots of room for the cafe’s front of house and a massive kitchen on the back end.
“The very front which is about 1,000 square feet, that’s the cafe and we can produce massive volumes of soup out of the back,” said Lugassy.
The back end is used as a commissary kitchen which allows other local companies and pop-ups without a commercial kitchen of their own to rent the space and use the facilities.
Lugassy said Casa Nova Catering, among others use the kitchen space in the back of house.
The new space had a soft-opening on Wednesday, where Lugassy just made a post on the Esquimalt Community Connection Facebook page saying they’d be open. The response was overwhelming.
“A few people came in straight away. They posted a few images. More people came in and posted a few images and it just went off the hook,” Lugassy told Victoria Buzz.
Following the soft opening, Lugassy responded to some of the people’s posts on the Esquimalt Facebook page.
“Thanking you all for coming in for an amazing soft opening today. Incredible way to open our
doors with droves of soup-port from our incredible community,” exclaimed Lugassy.
“Still ironing out a few wrinkles but the grand opening will be announced soon. In the interim, we promise to try not to ‘stir the pot too much.’”
Little did his costumes know, the grand opening would be the very next day.
The construction of the massive kitchen and cafe storefront took about five months, and they certainly needed the space. Soupa Cafe now makes soup for 22 other businesses, including Country Grocer, Urban Grocer and Red Barn.
Lugassy and his partner are the owners of Soupa Cafe and have been steering the ship since 2016 when they bought out a local Victoria business that was for sale called Souped Up.
“It had been there already, for like 15 years. It was declining I guess,” Lugassy said. “We rebranded and made it really modern.”
“We added lots of soup options. Gluten-free options, dairy-free options and vegan options.”
Pretty soon after buying the business, growth was already on their minds.
“We said right from the beginning, the plan would be to grow into many stores.”
Looking to the future, when the new space eventually has to be torn down, their plan is to stay in Esquimalt. Furthermore, Lugassy and his partner want to expand into Langford when the opportunity arises.
Now that the cafe is up and running, Lugassy will be able to focus on the annual charity drive he runs called, ‘The Gift of Music,’ in which he collects unused guitars and other instruments from Victorians and donates them to families who cannot afford to buy instruments for their children.
VicPD say investigators have identified the person of interest in an incident at a downtown Victoria nightclub on September 4th.
—original:
VicPD are asking for help in identifying a person of interest from an incident that occurred in September at a downtown nightclub.
On September 4th, police say an incident occurred at a nightclub. Police did not reveal where the incident occurred.
Police described the man they wish to identify as a 25-year-old South Asian man with a medium build, standing 5’11” tall, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Police say he has tattoos on his right forearm and during the incident, he wore a black t-shirt and black pants.
No details of the incident were released.
Anyone who recognizes this man should call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
