Rishi Sharma was a candidate for Saanich council, but he was just 11 votes shy of winning a seat.
Eight councillors were elected on October 15th, and Teale Phelps Bondaroff beat out Sharma for the eighth seat by a very slim margin.
Of the almost 91,000 eligible voters in Saanich, nearly 28,000 votes were cast. Phelps Bondaroff had a total of 9,218 and Sharma had 9,207.
“I’m of course very disappointed with the results of election night,” Sharma told Victoria Buzz. “We were ahead most of the night until the last three polls closed and we were down 11.”
“A recount was just a common-sense next step.”
Sharma’s team and lawyer had to put in an affidavit with the BC court system to get a recount permitted through official government channels.
Now that those papers have been served, a judge must determine if a recount is necessary and achievable.
Sharma found out on Monday that Phelps Bondaroff has hired a lawyer to fight against the recount that he wants, hoping to keep his council seat.
“He’s not happy with the recount going forward, so he’s hired a lawyer. His lawyer is suggesting I pay the cost for everything,” said Sharma. “His lawyer cost, the recount cost, the staff cost, everything.”
Some Saanich residents have been encouraging Sharma to go ahead with the recount as he would be the first Indo-Canadian or South-Asian Canadian elected in Saanich since 1906.
With that in mind, Sharma has been continuing his fight for a recount; but as the set-backs continue to stack against his cause he is losing steam with every passing day.
“I’m tired! It’s exhausting,” exclaimed Sharma. “We had a huge, steep hill to climb in the beginning because I’m not getting any endorsements and there’s never been a South-Asian elected.”
“We knew it was really really tough and to come within 11 we were so proud.”
“It’s just becoming very burdensome and I just want to get back to my life with my kids and coaching.”
A court date was set for a decision to be made on the morning of October 24th, but the judge had not yet made a decision. The judge decided to defer their decision to 9:30 a.m.Tuesday, October 25th.
With food prices on the rise and highest they’ve been in years, the Competition Bureau of Canada is undertaking a market study into grocery store competition.
Inflation rates recently decreased by a decimal of a percentage in BC, but remain at its highest in history.
The spike has gotten to the point where the Competition Bureau has decided to review how governments could combat grocery price increases through more competition in the sector.
According to the bureau, Canadian consumers have been seeing their purchasing power decline in recent months.
Grocery prices in Canada are growing at the fastest rate seen in 40 years.
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency with the purpose of ensuring healthy competition—this is an important aspect of the economy because it is intended to drive prices lower and create space for innovation while fuelling growth.
The agency protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Their most recent study is meant to find ways that governments can increase competition between grocery retailers.
“We might not have enough information to draw firm conclusions. But we do expect to recommend measures that governments can take to help to improve competition. That is what we do best.,” said the Competition Bureau in a media release.
It will be a long term study that goes from October 2022 until June 2023, at which point a report will be published with their findings.
The study will focus on these three questions:
To what extent are higher grocery prices a result of changing competitive dynamics?
What can we learn from steps that other countries have taken to increase competition in the sector?
How can governments lower barriers to entry and expansion to stimulate competition for consumers?
Canadians who want to provide input to the Competition Bureau on the matter can share their thoughts online. The deadline to do so is December 16th.
In early October, Loblaw Companies Ltd. announced that they would be putting a temporary freeze on the prices of their ‘no name’ branded goods.
Following this announcement the company came under scrutiny because they could have frozen all their prices instead of just the prices of one of their brands.
The Competition Bureau is the same agency that found Loblaw Companies Ltd., among others, guilty of price-fixing over the course of 14 years.
To remedy their price-fixing of bread, they gave back to consumers in the form of a $25 gift card.
A 5-month-old German shepherd cross puppy suffering from mange, a painful skin disease caused by an infestation of mites is under the care of the BC SPCA in Nanaimo.
According to the animal shelter, Ladybug arrived at their Nanaimo location with severe crusting around her eyes and snout.
She had hair loss on her lower legs and the skin on the inside of her back legs was red.
“The vet clinic did a skin scraping confirming Ladybug had demodex mange. They also found bacteria and yeast on her skin. She had enlarged lymph nodes because of her skin issues and conjunctivitis and discharge in both eyes,” said Bonnie Pequin, manager of the BC SPCA animal centre, Nanaimo and District.
Pequin said the dog was prescribed five medications and given a Cytopoint injection to help control its itching. It is also receiving medicated baths twice a week to help with the skin issues.
“Unfortunately, Ladybug’s itching is so severe, we had to take her back to the vet for further treatment,” Pequin said.
Ladybug, described as “gentle and loving and warms the hearts of everyone it meets”, is currently receiving foster care.
Once her skin issues have been resolved she will be scheduled for spay surgery and vaccinations and will be available for adoption following recovery.
“She is initially very shy and is still reluctant to go on leash-walks, but she gives lots of kisses and happy tail-wags,” Pequin said.
“Once she gets outside, she loves to play and will do this adorable little ‘bunny-hop’ while galloping and chasing balls around. We are truly wishing the best for our little Ladybug.”
If you would like to help cover the costs of Ladybug’s treatment and the care of other animals in need, visit http://medical.spca.bc.ca to donate.
The vigil will be held no matter what the weather has in store, so the organizers recommend dressing for the weather and they ask that you bring your own candle.
Judy Elk encourages friends of her daughter’s to share their precious memories and photos online and at the ceremony in Rutledge Park.
Elk’s mother Judy will be flying with her two granddaughters to Manitoba for a traditional funeral with the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in the coming weeks.
Financial contributions are welcome by the family to assist with the cost of the funeral.
As of this publication, the second victim has not been positively identified, and Saanich Police said they’re still working to link the connection to the second death.
Looking for the perfect spot to host your next group date, party, or even holiday gathering?
Look no further than LURE Restaurant & Bar, nestled within Victoria’s inner harbour and offering stunning waterfront views, an expansive menu and locally sourced ingredients.
At LURE, patio season lasts all year long—cozy up next to your loved ones beside their unique outdoor fireplaces and enjoy everything the incredible ambience has to offer.
With the holidays on the horizon, many Victorians are on the hunt for restaurants who take reservations for large parties—if you’re one of them, you’re in luck!
We’ve also partnered with LURE to give away a $200 gift card to one lucky winner, and you’ll find those contest details below.
LURE not only hosts large groups, they also have the perfect menu to accommodate them, including many shared plates to choose from.
(LURE Restaurant & Bar)
They offer lunch AND dinner bookings for the holiday season, but don’t delay on securing your spot—they’re booking up fast!
With fan favourites like their Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites, Charred Brussel Sprouts and Dirty Almonds, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
You can also score complimentary parking for the whole group!
Henry Kitchell was found last night and is now safe.
According to Saanich Police, Kitchell became lost while hiking in the Campbell River area.
He is a bit tired but looking forward to returning to his home.
Police say that the pictures of Kitchell that were shared online were instrumental in locating him.
— original:
Saanich Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing camper who failed to return home from a trip on Friday, October 21st.
Henry (Hank) Kitchell is a 61-year-old man who ventured out on a camping trip by himself on Tuesday, October 18th. He was supposed to return home last Friday.
His plan was to camp at Fairy Lake near Port Renfrew on the first night before heading into Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.
Investigators say they do not know if he made it to Fairy Lake on Tuesday.
Kitchell is described as a Caucasian man standing 6’2″ tall, with a slim build, short grey beard and wearing glasses. He was last seen wearing a red rain jacket, blue jeans, a black ball camp and hiking boots.
The provided photos of Kitchell and his camper are recent:
(Saanich Police)(Saanich Police)
“The family is very concerned for his well-being and this is extremely out of character for Mr. Kitchell, who has camping experience and researched the area before he left,” said Constable Markus Anastasiades.
“We are hoping that someone has either seen Mr. Kitchell or his vehicle and camper over the weekend as we have not had any sightings of either since he left for his trip last Tuesday.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321.
A section of the Galloping Goose Trail in Metchosin is getting a much needed update to keep walkers, joggers, cyclists and equestrians safe.
According to Island Health, there is a notorious section of the Goose where those who use the trail have to cross a street where drivers have low visibility.
The intersection in question is where the Galloping Goose crosses Happy Valley Road and Glen Forest Way near Cedar Vista Stables.
(Google Maps)
The updated intersection is getting updated thanks to a $10,000 provincial grant from the Road Safety Grant Program’s Vision Zero initiative and Island Health.
The Happy Valley Road intersection will now feature solar-powered pedestrian and cyclist-activated crossing signs along with vivid pedestrian crosswalk markings. These things are simple and effective in improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on roadways.
The Goose crosses over roadways at three points in Metchosin. This intersection has been determined the most detrimental to the safety of those who use it.
Happy Valley Road is becoming more of a major traffic artery with every year. Especially considering the growth of Langford in recent years.
“I have walked the trail with my dog and travelled on it on my bike and on horseback and that spot in particular has been a scary and dangerous place to cross,” said Councillor Sharie Epp, District of Metchosin.
“We are so thrilled to have received the grant, and people are loving the new crosswalk. It makes a huge difference. Just having the crosswalk there makes drivers more cautious and encourages them to go a bit slower.”
(Andrew Leyne/Island Health)
BC’s Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program provides funding to municipalities, Indigenous governments and non-governmental organizations for projects that improve safety on roads in their communities.
The program is meant to reduce the number of road deaths and injuries.
Funding for the initiative is provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and delivered through regional health authorities such as Island Health.
Trick or treat, smell my feet. Now give me something good to eat.
The chills are in the air and Halloween is around the corner. If your little ones are ready to go, Victoria Buzz has compiled a list of locations in and around Victoria that will be handing out candy this Halloween.
From community events to candy session at the legislature, here are 7 locations handing out treats for the kids this Halloween:
Westshore Town Centre is opening its doors to little ghouls and goblins for in-
centre trick-or-treating at participating retailers on Monday, October 31 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
When: Monday, October 31st, Trick or treat between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Downtown Sidney will be closed to traffic and invites little ghosts, goblins and princesses to enjoy a family trick-or-treat event on Halloween! Visit various Treat Stations around Sidney as well as at some of the local merchants. Free fun for the whole family!
When: Monday, October 31st, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Businesses along Beacon Avenue, as well as side streets
Every Halloween, Oak Bay Village merchants host a giant community trick or treat! Participating merchants offer trick or treat in the stores from Foul Bay Road to Monterey Avenue. A complete list of participating merchants, identified by the pumpkin poster in their window, will be posted a week before Halloween.
Enjoy live music throughout the event as well as a variety of entertainment including jugglers, stilt walkers, hula hoopers, magic, balloon twisting and more.
Following the trick or treat, the annual community bonfire will celebrate Halloween in Fireman’s Park, next to the fire hall (1703 Monterey Avenue). The ceremonial lighting of the bonfire will take place at 6 p.m. Children are invited to help manage the bonfire throughout the evening, with firefighter assistance, by spraying water onto the fire with a real fire hose. The Kiwanis children’s costume parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs, pop, popcorn and candy are provided for children in costume courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay.
When:
Monday, October 31st, Trick or treat between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ceremonial lighting of the bonfire will take place at 6 p.m.
Costume parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where:
Trick or treat: Foul Bay Road to Monterey Avenue
Bonfire and other activities: 1703 Monterey Avenue
Hosted by the Langford Fire Department, bring your little superheroes and skeletons, pirates and princesses to the Langford Station for a free family trick-or-treat experience.
When: Monday, October 31st, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Experience a Magic Show by Jordano the Great of Tricky Magic, a renowned local Magician who has many tricks up his sleeve.
And get ready to experience the wonder of Magic Mixies, presented by Toys R Us. But it won’t be just tricks! Mayfair will be giving out treats after the show finished.
When: Monday, October 31st, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
Are you ready for a weekend full of delicious food, fun, and family events?
The Langford Station’s got you covered for all of the above and then some, with a massive food truck festival featuring tons of delicious eats spanning across both days this upcoming weekend.
Then the fun continues into Monday when The Langford Station will host their first ever Treat Street, an evening full of Halloween events.
This weekend, the two-day food truck festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 29th, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 30th, at The Langford Station Arts and Culture District.
There you’ll find a long list of some of the city’s favourite food trucks, including:
Beaver Tails
Bird and Basket
Candytime Victoria
Country Crepes
Greek on the Street
Hazel’s Ice Cream
Kattia’s Kitchen
L’Authentique
The Banana Bus
BABKA Bakery House
BruBike (Sunday only)
The Victoria Beer Society will also be hosting a beer garden featuring mulled wine, hot apple cider, and a variety of seasonal, local, and exclusive beers, including:
Passionfruit Gose Townsite Brewing
An Equatorial Detour Trial & Ale
Crookeder Tooth Phillips Brewing
Cunning of Hand Blood Brothers
Blood Light Blood Brothers
Weekend Warrior Winterlong
Yuzu Godspeed
Maibock Lager Rafer R
Farmer’s Tap Barnside Brewing
Czech Pilsner Rafer R
Oyster Stout Dandy Brewing Co.
Oud Bruin LTM
Crème Brûlée Vanilla Stout Salt Spring Brewing
Red Yeti Dog Mountain Brewing
Dry Irish Nitro Stout Persephone Brewing
Live music includes The Bankes Brothers, Noah and the Flood, Skyla J and Oz, Dj Mike Devlin, and Dj Bonnie Takahashi!
In addition to the above, there will also be live professional pumpkin carving, facepainting, balloon art, crafts and of course, all of the great The Langford Station artists and businesses.
And don’t forget to bring a donation for the Goldstream Food Bank to support local families! Donations will be collected at the Creepy Craft House, located beside the washrooms.
Bring your little superheroes and skeletons, pirates and princesses down to The Langford Station for a free family trick-or-treat experience on Halloween night!
On October 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., City of Langford and Langford Fire Rescue have partnered to bring you Treat Street—there will be free hot dogs and treats, live music, photo opportunities, games, professionally carved pumpkins, balloon art and more!
In support of the Team Pumpkin Project, non-food treats will also be available.
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to $50 to spend at The Langford Station, complete at least one of the following:
FOLLOW City of Langfordon Instagram and comment below to let us know you have (1 entry)
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or comment below to let us know you have (1 entry)
COMMENT below what you’re most excited to check out at The Langford Station this weekend!
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. on October 27th, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Lots going on this Monday! You could do yoga to calm the brain, trivia to stretch it out and make it work or Magic the Gathering to fill it up with fantasy!
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Monday, October 17th:
Diwali, the festival of lights, is nearly upon us. It’s celebrated in a big way in India.
On this auspicious day, people clean their houses, cook delicious food, wear colorful clothes, and light lamps with family friends, and the community.
Diwali has a rich spiritual meaning – the rows of lights represent not just the essence of light in our lives but also give us time to reflect on all that is good in life. The stories
told all point to the importance of knowledge, self-inquiry, and seeking the right path in life.
When: Monday, October 24th, 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Okay you braniacs! Put on your smart people hats and your thinking shoes!
Gather your ideal teaHalloween Trivia at 5th Streetm with an assortment of general knowledge and get out here! Their trivia night covers everything from Blockbuster films, the Will Smith slap heard round the world, the actual “shot” heard round the world (that’s sports), rivers in Nigeria and the scientific name for bad breath. They cover it all!!
“MTG” stands for Magic the Gathering and Gauntlet games and is one of the best places in town to play. This event is open to all players of any experience level. You just have to have your own deck.
Join other Prime Timers Victoria members for dinner and/or drinks and some social conversation. Non-Prime Timer Victoria members thinking about joining are welcome to attend.
Prime Timers is a membership=based social group for adult gay, bisexual and trans men who enjoy friendship with other Prime Timers in Victoria and around the world.
VicPD are searching for a hit and run driver after they fled the scene of a crash in Fairfield just before midnight Friday.
In addition, the occupants in the vehicle are wanted for an earlier stabbing and theft of vehicle.
Witnesses were able to capture the suspected vehicle as its tires screeched during the speedy exit.
As the driver fled past a group filming the aftermath, the airbags can be seen deployed on the passenger side of the heavily damaged car.
Video shows the aftermath of a hit and run incident in Fairfield late Friday night. The dramatic video shows the suspected driver fleeing the scene plus the extensive damage it caused to one vehicle. @vicpdcanada are still searching for the driver.
Holly Snippa told Victoria Buzz they heard a crash around 11:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. followed by what she described as “a destroyed vehicle barrelling down the road”.
“We ran out to see what was happening and we saw this person (looked almost like a female) flying down the road with the air bags blown, entire right side of her car was totalled and her wheels were damaged, fleeing the scene of an accident we assumed,” said Snippa.
Snippa said they went down the road to make sure their cars were okay when they found a tire in the middle of the road belonging to a heavily damaged truck.
In a media release Saturday, VicPD said they were investigating a series of incidents that include a robbery, the hit and run in Fairfield and a stabbing—all which are connected.
Police said at around 11:30 p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to Simcoe Street for a report that a man had been attacked by two other men, who had then stolen his vehicle.
Patrol officers arrived and located a man suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.
“The man told officers that he had arrived at a nearby residence in his vehicle when he was confronted by two men he did not know,” said VicPD.
An altercation occurred in which the victim was stabbed by the two men who then stole his car and fled the area at a high rate of speed, police said.
The man was transported to hospital for treatment for his wounds.
VicPD began to search for the vehicle and suspects.
A short time later, the suspects crashed the car in the 1300-block of Fairfield Road.
Police were called and located evidence of a significant collision involving the stolen vehicle and a parked truck.
Witnesses in the area confirmed with police the car seen in the video collided with the parked truck and flee the scene.
Officers eventually located the stolen vehicle and towed it for examination.
While the suspects remain at large, investigators say they do not believe there is risk to the general public.
Anyone with information about this incident, or who have surveillance video from the area of the attack, or the hit and run, are asked to call the VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
VicPD are searching for surveillance footage after a group of vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage to parked vehicles in the Vic West area this morning.
According to police, officers were dispatched to the 700-block of Craigflower Road just after midnight on Friday October 21st, after receiving a report that a group of people were damaging vehicles.
Responding officers located several vehicles that had been damaged on multiple streets, including Craigflower Road, Pine Street and Arm Street.
Police say majority of the damaged vehicles had the passenger or driver side mirrors broken off, causing over $5,000 in damage.
VicPD are requesting anyone with a vehicle, home or business-based surveillance in the area of 900-block of Arm Street to Craigflower Road and along Craigflower Road to Russell Street, to save their footage and call the VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
Specifically, police are looking for footage between 11:30 p.m. Thursday night and 1 a.m. Friday morning.
Additionally, anyone who has information about this incident, or who discovered damage to their vehicle in the area but has not yet spoken to an officer are also asked to call VicPD. If prefer to remain anonymous, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
VicPD officers are reaching out to several hair salons downtown warning them of a string of break-ins and robberies they believe to be connected.
The first known report in connection to this series of robberies occurred on August 31st.
Police say those responsible broke into a salon in the 700-block of Bay Street through the front door, damaging the lock in the process. VicPD believes this incident targeted the cash box.
Since that first break in, VicPD’s Analysis and Intelligence Section (AIS) Crime Analysts identified eight incidents that are similar in who they target, their methods of entry and the items they choose to steal.
The suspect(s) are gaining access to these businesses primarily by prying open the front doors.
Commonly stolen items in these nine robberies are tablets/iPads and laptops, cash and cash boxes, camera and stereo equipment and Dyson hair tools.
Over $10,000 in losses have been reported.
Officers are reaching out to downtown #yyj spas & hair salons, after a series of B&Es resulted in over $10,000 of loses. Thieves are targeting tablets, iPads, laptops, cash boxes, cameras, stereo equipment & Dyson hair tools. https://t.co/qBR8SG3JHw
Officers are encouraging similar businesses in the downtown area to remove any items of value and not having cash in the till overnight.
VicPD ask that if you are the victim of a break and enter, an attempted break and enter, or a suspicious circumstance where someone appears to be casing or taking stock of items in your business to notify them.
Anyone with information about these incidents, should call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Want to explore a career with BC Transit? They’re hosting a career fair this weekend at the Victoria Transit Centre.
They will have People & Culture, Operations, and Safety & Training representatives for you to speak to on site. Jump on a bus and learn about what it is like to sit behind the driver’s seat!
Current Transit Operators will also be available to answer your questions about what a career with BC Transit all about is!
Transit Operator interviews will be taking place on a first come first serve basis! Bring your resume, drivers abstract, and insurance claims history to get started!
When: Saturday, October 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Victoria Transit Centre, 520 Gorge Road East
As Halloween approaches, when the barrier between the world of the living and the dead is thinnest, we are more likely to experience sightings and ghostly energies. Experience the dark and twisted past of Victoria’s most-infamous haunted buildings and hear spine-tingling tales of their resident ghosts!
When:
October 20th to 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
October 27th to 31st, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:
Victoria tours depart from the corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets, beside the Parliament Buildings
Central Saanich tours depart from outside the Central Saanich Municipal Hall
October is the best time of year to pop by one of Victoria’s most haunted locations and this year a one-man show of Frankenstein will be an added bonus to your visit.
The production of Frankenstein is set to haunt the dance hall within Craigdarroch Castle on Friday and Saturday nights beginning on October 14th.
When: October 14th to 29th, every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
All tickets include a train ride. Hop aboard and enjoy the 1.8km of track around the perimeter of our crop-producing fields and along Blenkinsop Creek. You will go past the pumpkin patch and thru our spooktacular displays decorated for Halloween.
After your train ride you will enter our two-hectare corn maze which winds you thru our sphink, graveyard, pirates island, dino town, a ghost town and our family-friendly haunted house. You are then invited to our pumpkin patch, you can either take a leisurely stroll or you’re welcome to ride on one of our haywagons upon availability to get there.
When: Saturday October 22nd and 23rd, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (other weekends as well)
Galey Farms is the place to be this October with their corn maze, pumpkin patch and highly anticipated Carnevil!
If you’re looking for some real scares, mark your calendar for the Carnevil and Festival of Fear events.
The 5,000 square foot Haunted House will be ready to spook you every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting October 13th until October 31st. The PG13 haunted house has three “chicken exits” for those that need it.
When: Starting October 13th until Halloween, check website for times
For those who didn’t know, Victoria is considered one of most haunted cities in British Columbia. Almost every building in the downtown core has a ghost story.
Some say it’s a result of our Wild West beginnings during the Gold Rush, when the streets were full of fortune hunters, pleasure houses, saloons, public hangings, and opium dens – back when vice was around every corner.
So, in anticipation of Halloween, we’ve compiled some of the most famous active locations of paranormal activity in the city. Click here to see the full list.
Many Greater Victorians have dressed their houses up with cobwebs, skeletons, jack-o lanterns and so much more!
If you know of a house that scared you out of your socks, or put you in the Halloween spirit, send Victoria Buzz a picture along with the address and we can add it to this list.
The North Park Multicultural Festival is a new initiative hosted by the North Park Neighbourhood Association in collaboration with Here Magazine, South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association, Fernwood NRG, and the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque.
This is a FREE quarterly family-friendly event at Royal Athletic Park where diverse communities gather and share culture through performances, arts, food, kids activities, and much more!
When: Sunday, October 23rd, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The leaves are changing, and the air is getting a little cooler, which can only mean one thing—one of Victoria’s favourite fall activities has returned!
As of October 1st, Ocean View Estates has officially reopened their corn maze and pumpkin patch, and you won’t want to miss it!
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday-Sunday for the month of October
The cult classic returns to the Vic Theatre! The Rocky Horror Show is made for outcasts, weirdos and freaks, so you know it’s awesome! And that’s why we love this event.
Stopped at a gas station, 30-year-old Lorne Eldridge was viciously attacked last week and needs financial help to make ends meet.
On Friday, October 14th, Edridge was stabbed by a group of intoxicated teens at a gas station in Langford.
Elridge and his friend Zach Evans were on their way home from a friend’s birthday party when they stopped at an Esso in Langford to gas up their vehicle.
The group of youths attacked the two friends, beating Eldridge over the head with a metal pipe and stabbing him in the abdomen with what Evans claims was a kitchen knife.
The attack left Eldridge with a punctured lung and several other non-life threatening injuries.
Evans has since started a GoFundMe page for his friend while he recovers in the hospital as he is out of work and his wife has had to step away from her job to care for the families young children.
Eldridge is the father of 4-year-old twins, a 2-year-old and a 1-year old.
Evans says the fundraising campaign is meant to ease any stress that comes along with his friend’s healing process, doctors appointments and general needs to help support him and his family while he is unable to work.
The fundraiser page launched this Friday and has a modest goal of $3,000.
Evans also wants to co-ordinate a way that people can donate gift cards for groceries and other necessities so the family won’t have to stress about finances during Eldridge’s recovery.
Evans specified that he’d like donations to be sent to him and he will ensure the family receives them.
On Thursday, the West Shore RCMP released photos of two of the teenagers who were believed responsible for the stabbing.
Since then the teens have been identified and police are continuing their investigation.
According to BCLC, someone in the Cowichan Valley area is one million dollars richer after matching one of the ‘MaxMillions’ prizes on Tuesday’s Lotto Max draw.
The winning numbers are: 5 15 23 24 26 30 32.
There were no winners for the $70-million jackpot in the October 18th draw, so the $1-million ticket sold in the Cowichan Valley area was the night’s top prize.
The numbers for the grand prize was: 12 14 23 25 39 40 44 Bonus Number: 24.
November 2021 flooding on the Malahat (Emcon/Facebook)
The rains have finally arrived in Victoria to break an over 90 day dry spell in the city.
With rain in the forecast for the next week, it’s beginning to feel much more like fall in Victoria.
However, with rain, comes the risk of atmospheric rivers and flooding as we learnt last year around this time.
Last November, the Malahat was among many highways that were washed out due to heavy rainfall.
In addition to road closures, some areas of the lower mainland were so badly flooded that the province declared a state of emergency.
With all of that still fresh in the minds of British Columbians, the government is helping some communities prepare for the worst case scenario.
When rains return after a prolonged period of dry conditions, the River Forecast Centre monitors the forecast closely.
Dry soil can increase water runoff and river flows in most watersheds. The ground will start to absorb the rainfall, but the initial transition to heavy rainfall can cause extensive flooding.
The province is encouraging people who live near rivers and streams that have flooded in the past to monitor weather and river conditions closely during this transition time.
Weather conditions such as last November’s are rare in the grand scheme of BC’s weather patterns, but given unpredictable weather patterns, are still a possibility.
To prepare for the worst, Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is taking action by:
Deploying four million sandbags to local governments to protect homes and public infrastructure.
Deploying or pre-position sandbag machines to areas of flood concern or potential flood concern throughout the province.
Deploying 10 kilometres of gabions, which are wall-like structures filled with sand, and 32 kilometres of tiger dams, which are stackable orange tubes filled with water.
Extending its use of Alert Ready to issue broadcast intrusive alerts on behalf of communities to warn British Columbians of imminent threats due to flooding.
In 2020, EMBC launched a digital registration system for Emergency Support Services (ESS) to provide timely access to support. Earlier this year, ESS was expanded to include direct payment to evacuees through Interac e-Transfer.
Holding regular regional co-ordination calls with First Nations and communities to assist with preparedness.
The River Forecast Centre is monitoring weather patterns and river conditions, and remains vigilant for a potential rapid transition toward extreme wet weather that could contribute to increased flood hazard.
EMBC recommends people who live in flood zones develop a household plan, put together emergency kits, connect with neighbours regarding flood plans and learn about local government emergency response plans for their area.
The province says recognition of danger signs are the most important thing residents of flood prone areas can have. Common signs of an incoming flood include a rapid change in water level and a change in colour.
It’s also important that residents steer clear of shorelines in case they collapse. Don’t go near the water because the risk of a landslide is high.
PreparedBC’s website has more information in their Flood Preparedness Guide. The guide contains useful information to help people better protect themselves and their homes.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food especially encourages farmers, ranchers and food producers who face flood-related risks to make sure they have an emergency plan in place.
After an “exhaustive investigation” Port Alberni RCMP say the reported attempted abduction of a 10-year-old girl on October 10th did not happen.
Police said they reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed potential witnesses and Port Alberni residents living in the area.
“Given the nature of the report, all available resources were utilized,” said Const. Richard Johns. “Officers believed it was important to ensure the public was advised of any possibility of risk to children.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and continued vigilance over the last several days. We are confident there is no risk to the public.”
The investigation was launched after police received a report that an unknown man had grabbed a girl near an elementary school and a teenage boy intervened.
The colouring sheets were available at voting places during election day on October 15th. Currently, they can be picked up at Victoria City Hall and the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.
The colouring sheet is also available online in two sizes for printing.
The deadline to enter the colouring contest is November 25th. Entries must be dropped off at city hall or Crystal Pool.
They can also be mailed to city hall at 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6.
It may not be Halloween yet, but one wig-wearing suspect was captured on camera during a break-and-enter in Saanich in late August.
Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers and Saanich Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying two individuals in connection with a break and enter on Quadra Street.
“We can see that you went for the old trusted wig and hat disguise in hopes that you would get away with the break and enter you committed. Shame you forgot to cover your faces,” Crime Stoppers said in their post.
Dear SuspectsWe can see that you went for the old trusted wig and hat disguise in hopes that you would get away with…
Studio 106, an arts hub and gallery in James Bay, was host to a sculpture of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that was recently sold for a charitable cause.
Local artist and sculptor, Tanya Bub created the driftwood sculpture of Zenlenskyy called Portrait of a Hero with the intention of raising awareness for the ongoing war and strife in Ukraine.
She has worked with driftwood as her main art medium for four years and has created many high profile pieces including the driftwood animals seen at the Malahat Skywalk.
Bub’s latest piece is a nine foot sculpture that has been displayed in front of Studio 106 on Superior Street in James Bay since the gallery opened its doors this summer.
The sculpture was well known to locals and tourists alike and had a reputation for drawing people in and being a conversation starter.
Bub made Portrait of a Hero back in February when the war in Ukraine was in its beginning stages.
“There was an urgent feeling of wanting to do something,” Bub told Victoria Buzz. “Beyond making a donation to a humanitarian fundraiser I made a sculpture in that three week block.”
Bub said she is not Ukrainian and has no immediate ties to the country under siege, but she was really moved by the President’s character.
“Zelenskyy became not only a person and a leader but a symbol for the people of Ukraine’s courage.”
“He seemed to be almost a personification of the strength, resilience and resolve of his people.”
The sculpture of Zelenskyy features a nightingale – Ukraine’s national animal – held to the President’s heart and the blue and yellow colours of the country’s flag inside the sculpture’s head.
The sculpture featured a QR code so people could directly donate to the Ukrainian cause and was always meant to be a fixture of goodwill toward Ukrainian refugees.
A local lawyer and appreciator of art in many forms, Kate Kempton, was especially moved by the piece. Kempton inquired with the gallery and the artist about purchasing the sculpture.
Bub was glad to have her art appreciated but hadn’t initially intended on selling the sculpture.
She and the owner of the gallery, Marlene Madsen, discussed how they could sell the piece in a way that could benefit the Ukrainian refugee community.
“We decided that the three of us could each make a donation of $1000 each, then the sculpture would fulfill its legacy,” said Madsen.
“It felt really nice to have three women that could come together and make this donation possible.”
Their donation of $3,000 was given to Ukraine Vancouver Island Society, who house and provide for Ukrainian refugees who come to Canada with absolutely nothing.
The sculpture is no longer displayed in front of the gallery. It is to be suspended inside Kempton’s home until it can be utilized in an ongoing project she has—opening a theatre called Theatre Skam with and for local playwright, Matthew Payne.
The space the sculpture inhabited is intended to host more art with purpose in the future. Madsen wants to always have art on display that can move people to give awareness and donate to worthy causes.
“Now that the piece is sold, we’re brainstorming about what should go there next,” said Bub.
“We’d love to do something that people are really interested in, which draws a crowd and creates conversation so we invite the community to come and give input on what they’d like to see next.”
If you currently share your Netflix password with a friend or a significant other, you might need to have a difficult conversation with them.
In 2023, Netflix will officially start cracking down on password sharing and plans on introducing extra charges to curb the issue.
The streaming giant had already tested the feature in March— first in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru.
Although streaming giant has yet to release exactly when and which regions will be affected by this measure in early 2023, it began testing the feature back in March in select areas— first in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru.
The cost for the “add an extra member” feature ranged between $2.68 and $3.78 in those regions.
When the feature rolls out next year, Netflix will give users who are borrowing someone else’s account the ability to transfer their existing profile information—including viewing history and personalized recommendations—to their own account.
Subscribers who want to keep sharing with family or friends outside of their household will also have the ability to pay for sub-accounts for extra members.
So, with this extra fee, will you be having a difficult talk with your piggy backer?
Christopher Cathcart, of no fixed address, was charged Thursday in the double homicide and is being held in custody.
“Investigators are satisfied that the two homicides had no connection to any of the residents of this neighbourhood, and that the occupants of the residence connected to the investigation were not involved in this tragic incident,” said Detective Sergeant Damian Kowalewich.
Cathcart appeared in court today and will return tomorrow. While police have yet to release the names of the victims, sources have identified Stephanie Elk as one of the two people killed yesterday.
Police believe that there is a relationship between Cathcart and one of the victims and continue to investigate the circumstances of the other homicide.
“We recognize and appreciate that this is a deeply disturbing event for Saanich residents and families, particularly the people directly involved and who live in this area,” said Chief Constable Dean Duthie.
“I want to reassure all Saanich residents, that the immediate, professional, and coordinated response from SPD’s frontline officers addressed and controlled the threat in a very quick, effective, and safe manner. Your safety is our highest priority, and we will continue to report for duty every day and night to ensure that residents and families of Saanich feel safe,” added Duthie.
At around 1 p.m. on October 19th, several areas near Uptown were seen cordoned off with police tape.
This included a home in the 3400 block of Bethune Avenue.
A median dividing both directions of Blanshard Street was taped off as police combed through the brush, and a large area around Bethune Park was blocked off.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit continues to lead the investigation.
As Halloween approaches, when the barrier between the world of the living and the dead is thinnest, we are more likely to experience sightings and ghostly energies. Experience the dark and twisted past of Victoria’s most-infamous haunted buildings and hear spine-tingling tales of their resident ghosts!
When:
October 20th to 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
October 27th to 31st, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:
Victoria tours depart from the corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets, beside the Parliament Buildings
Central Saanich tours depart from outside the Central Saanich Municipal Hall
October is the best time of year to pop by one of Victoria’s most haunted locations and this year a one-man show of Frankenstein will be an added bonus to your visit.
The production of Frankenstein is set to haunt the dance hall within Craigdarroch Castle on Friday and Saturday nights beginning on October 14th.
When: October 14th to 29th, every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Galey Farms is the place to be this October with their corn maze, pumpkin patch and highly anticipated Carnevil!
If you’re looking for some real scares, mark your calendar for the Carnevil and Festival of Fear events.
The 5,000 square foot Haunted House will be ready to spook you every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting October 13th until October 31st. The PG13 haunted house has three “chicken exits” for those that need it.
When: Starting October 13th until Halloween, check website for times
The cult classic has returned to the Vic Theatre. The Rocky Horror Show is made for outcasts, weirdos and freaks, so you know it’s awesome! And that’s why we love this event. Have you experienced audience participation?
Dennis Stacey’s life changed forever when he went for a casual walk on October 9th up PKOLS (Mount Douglas) and ended up in the hospital with devastating news.
Stacey’s sister, Stephany Aulenback, started a GoFundMe to help her brother after he was given a diagnosis for incredibly aggressive, terminal cancer.
It all started when Stacey felt breathless from his PKOLS hike and decided it warranted a trip to the Royal Jubilee Hospital. There, doctors discovered a massive blockage near his pulmonary artery which they thought must be an immense blood clot.
Surgeons determined there was a mass inside the artery blocking 98% of the blood flow. Doctors were astounded to find this out and it left them wondering how he had not suffered a cardiac arrest.
The initial plan was to put him on a medi-jet that was Toronto bound so he could receive surgery on October 10th. Stacey was made a priority, as his heart could give out at any moment. He opted to remain in Victoria at the Royal Jubilee.
After a series of tests were sent to the best cardiac teams in Canada, it was determined that the mass was most likely a primary angiosarcoma tumour. The tumour was responsible for the artery blockage but also had a secondary mass on one of his lungs.
Stacey’s medical team decided that surgery would be too risky and would most likely result in his demise on the operating table, so he was placed in palliative care.
At this time Stacey and his partner Nicala decided it best that Stacey’s four children say their goodbyes.
On October 12th, more scan results came back and they determined that the doctors were right in their diagnosis of angiosarcoma cancer.
Stacey’s doctor worked on a plan to extend his life as long as possible with a risky surgery that would clear out most of the tumour.
With a newfound opportunity to see his children grow into adults, Stacey accepted the risk of surgery.
The next day, Stacey and his partner Nicala married one another after 14 years together in a grove of magnolia’s located at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
The newly married couple found out soon after their impromptu wedding that Stacey’s surgery would be on Thursday, October 20th.
In a Facebook post made on Thursday morning, Stacey’s sister Stephany said, “Dr. Thomas just came out to tell us that we are halfway through surgery. They’ve removed the tumour! Dennis is stable and the amazing surgical team is working tirelessly to put the pieces back together!”
“We are hugely grateful to these incredibly talented and capable people. Please keep the prayers, positive thoughts, and good vibes coming for Den and the rockstar surgical team.”
A GoFundMe page was started on the families behalf because Stacey and his wife Nicala will be unable to return to work for the foreseeable future following this surgery.
At the time of this publication, the campaign has raised over $25,000 of their $50,000 goal. There have been 200 donors to the campaign.
“He says that for him this experience is perfectly distilling the one lesson we are all here on this planet to learn: nothing really matters but love and relationships,” said Stephany on her Facebook page while calling for positive stories to lift her brother’s spirits.
“Of course he would never choose to go through this. But he says, while the past week has been terrifying for him as he must confront the void, it has also been a week of overwhelming beauty and love.”
On Friday, the BC NDP will have a new leader in David Eby who has won the race for leadership following Premier John Horgan’s resignation.
BC NDP party members would have had to vote between Eby and Anjali Appadurai to take over leadership of the BC NDP.
A leaked document surfaced earlier this week. In it, the chief electoral official for the BC NDP, Elizabeth Cull, recommended Appadurai be disqualified from leadership consideration.
In the leaked document, Appadurai was accused of colluding with third party organizations for membership drives, specifically an environmental non-profit based in Victoria called Dogwood.
Dogwood, alongside her campaign, allegedly solicited fraudulent party members by signing on people with ties to other parties and convincing them to vote for her.
She signed on thousands of new members to the party but after taking a closer look at who these members were, it was revealed that many of them were already members of the Green Party, which is not allowed.
Cull’s report concluded that Appadurai’s misconduct warranted disqualification from the leadership race.
Appadurai was officially ejected from the leadership race on Wednesday night and it was announced Thursday morning that Eby would officially be the new leader of the BC NDP—he will now be Horgan’s replacement.
Elections BC would have had the responsibility of investigating the Appadurai campaign’s finances, but they are closing their review.
They say this is due to Anjali Appadurai not becoming an approved leadership contestant.
The BC NDP would have to approve a leadership contestant for the Election Act’s campaign finance rules to apply to their campaign.
The Act requires approved leadership contestants – which Appadurai is not – to only accept political contributions from eligible individuals and file financing reports with Elections BC.
Many Greater Victorians have dressed their houses up with cobwebs, skeletons, jack-o lanterns and so much more!
If you know of a house that scared you out of your socks, or put you in the Halloween spirit, send Victoria Buzz a picture along with the address and we can add it to this list.
Here’s Victoria’s scariest, best dressed class of Halloween 2022:
Depending on how you look at it, Victoria is moving up a rather dubious list.
Orkin Canada has released its list of the ‘rattiest cities’ in the country and the province, and once again, Victoria has made it to both lists.
Victoria has moved to number four in BC and to number seven in the country.
According to Orkin Canada pest control, COVID-19 lockdowns and the temporary closures of non-essential businesses resulted in rodent “hotspots” popping up across the province.
When restaurants and other commercial structures were shut down due to the pandemic, it was more difficult for rats to find food in their usual spots.
As pandemic fears wane, and Canadian cities return to business, food sources are abundantly available in urban and commercial areas again for rats and mice.
“With food more abundantly available in commercial areas, some of the aggressive behaviours among rats and mice that were noted during the lockdowns, such as cannibalism, “street fights” and territorialism, will likely lessen,” said Orkin Canada.
Toronto is the rattiest city in Canada, followed by Vancouver.
However, with population growth, there will also be increased rodent activity and sightings.
Cities are ranked based on the number of rodent treatments Orkin performed between August 1st, 2021, through July 31st, 2022.
Our very own Victoria ranked number three on the list, behind Burnaby in second place and Vancouver topping the list in first.
The top 10 rattiest cities in Canada in 2022 are:
Toronto
Vancouver
Burnaby
Kelowna
Mississauga
Calgary (mice only)
Victoria
Richmond
Edmonton (mice only)
St. John’s
As Winter approaches, Orkin Canada reminds residents to take precautions to help keep rodents out of their homes and businesses.
When there is an increase in rats, there is also an increase in rodent fleas, mites and ticks that are found on rodents. These have the potential to infest areas and buildings and can migrate to other areas as rodent populations spread.
Orkin provided the following tips on how to deal with and prevent recurring rodent run-ins:
Close the gap: Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation with weather-resistant sealant. Install weather stripping around windows and doors, as well as door sweeps.
Trim the trees: Landscaping can be a big-rodent attractant. Keep shrubbery cut back at least one meter from the exterior walls of your home to eliminate any hiding spots for rodents.
Cut off the water: Eliminate any moisture sources necessary for pests’ survival, such as clogged gutters or water gathering in trash or recycling bins.
Inspect the interior and exterior of your home: Keep an eye out for rodent droppings, burrows, and rub marks along baseboards and walls — the faster that rodents are detected, the better.
It’s no secret that prices are on the rise in the capital region, and we’re all feeling it.
Grocery shopping is one big part of our spending where there are plenty of opportunities for savings, and one bonus to shopping smarter? Less food waste!
Did you know the average Canadian household wastes 140kg of food per year? That adds up to roughly $1,300!
Reducing food waste not only saves you money at the grocery store, but it also reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and saves vital airspace at Hartland Landfill.
Are you ready to waste less food and save more money? Here are 7 tips to help you do just that!
1. Design your meal plan based on what is on sale
Take a look at grocery store flyers before you meal plan for the week to see which foods are on special. Two for one cauliflower is on sale? Be sure to include multiple recipes that use cauliflower so it doesn‘t go to waste.
2. Make a list, and stick to it
Write your shopping list in conjunction with your meal plan. You’ll be less likely to forget anything and you’ll also find that you’re less likely to go off-plan with impulse buys.
3. Create a food shopping routine
Whether that’s planning meals and your shopping list on the same day each week, keeping a list handy on your phone for when things spring to mind, or booking in a regular online delivery – find a rhythm that works for you.
4. Look at the labels
Best before and expiry dates can be complicated, and when misunderstood can lead to food waste and extra spending. Take a look here to learn more about food date labels.
5. Shop at the end of the day
You might find that there are clearance bargains to be had as still perfectly good fresh food approaches the date on the label. Even if you can’t use it straight away, it’s still great for freezing. Pro tip: you can freeze right up to the use by date!
6. Buy one or two products that help you use leftovers
Invest in one or two inexpensive items to help make the most of your leftovers. For example, tasty stock cubes or pastes can turn leftover veg into a lovely soup, and rice or potatoes will help you make a meal out of leftover chili or curry.
7. Store your food properly
To ensure what you bought from the grocery store doesn’t spoil remember to store it in the correct section of your fridge and learn how long food items typically last.
Interested in even more tips on how to save money and reduce food waste? Visit CRD online.
The O’Neill’s stand outside the Root Cellar Green Grocer with their eviction notice in hand. /
Travis Devonport)
It’s a crisp fall afternoon in the Cook Street village when Michelle O’Neill hears a knock on the door. Assuming it’s her building manager coming to repair a set of broken hinges, O’Neill answers and is greeted by disappointment – she’s been served eviction papers.
Michelle and her husband Matthew say the eviction came as a shock and has left them scrambling to find a home for their children, one of which has autism and requires the support of their service dog, Stella.
“We’re working on a single income so I can stay home and support my son. Trying to enter the rental market right now, let alone find a place in Victoria. It’s hard to imagine starting from scratch all over again,” says Michelle.
The family of four was first served an eviction notice in early May from Devon Properties, a property management company that oversees more than 10,000 residences throughout British Columbia.
To their surprise, the O’Neill’s say they received the eviction notice two weeks after their property manager, Terry Jones held a meeting with Daisy and Adam Orser, the owners of Root Cellar. The meeting in April was set to address several noise complaints reported by tenants living above the grocery store.
According to the family’s eviction notice, the landlord plans on moving their child or spouse into O’Neill’s home of 22 years, using Landlord Use.
Landlord Use is a clause that allows a property owner the ability to evict a tenant if the landlord intends on allowing a close family member the opportunity to live in the rental unit. Close family includes a father, mother or child of the landlord or the landlord’s spouse. Additionally, if a landlord is to sell their property to a new owner, the new owner is allowed to invoke Landlord Use, if they intend on renting to a family or moving in themselves.
Doug King, a lawyer and Executive Director of Together Against Poverty (TAPS) says, Landlords Use is being applied on a regular basis by landlords in Victoria and the legal measures imposed through the Residential Tenancy Branch are not designed to support tenants.
“The landlord really just needs to make a statement that they or a host family member as defined by the act are moving in and there’s not a whole lot you can do to refute that. Even if you have reason to believe there might be an alternative motive, you need pretty strong evidence to show they are acting in bad faith and it’s really difficult to go through that process,” says King.
Since May, the O’Neill’s have been fighting the terms of their eviction through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). With an attestation set on September 29th between the lawyers representing Devon Properties and the O’Neills, today their greatest fear has come true. The RTB ruled in favour of evicting the family, leaving Michelle and Matthew homeless by October 31st.
In an email statement, Murray Rankin the Minister of Housing says the provincial government has taken steps to support tenants by requiring “landlords to prove they used the property for the stated purpose for at least six months and increased the compensation for tenants whose landlords were not acting in good faith.”
King says tenants that choose to bring the eviction to a hearing face significant risk if they lose the decision.
“With these two-month notices, if a tenant contests it, then they’re ultimately unsuccessful. Because it takes so long to get a hearing at the tenancy branch, usually the hearing date is past the effective date of the eviction. If they lose it’s really high stakes. They’re often given an order that means they have to leave within 48 hours,” says King.
In spite of the high stakes surrounding their battle, the O’Neills say that they felt it was important to voice concerns not only for themselves but for other tenants being ignored by Devon Properties. Their frustration stems from a slew of issues including ignored requests for property repairs, noise violations requiring police presence, and a lack of transparency concerning the identity of their official landlord.
In 2020, the Root Cellar replaced Oxford Foods, a longstanding Cook Street staple. Upon Ed Louie’s retirement, this marked the end of a family business spanning 69 years.
According to a land title record obtained by Victoria Buzz, the Louie family currently still own the property on 271 Cook Street. The O’Neill’s say they feel misled by Devon Properties who informed the tenants living above Oxford Foods that the property managers would be representing new property owners as of December 1st, 2020.
(A tenancy update was sent to renters in December 2020, notifying residents, Devon Properties would be representing a new owner after Root Cellar took over Oxford Foods. / Travis Devonport)
The O’Neills are not alone in their concern. A tenant living on the same floor as the O’Neill’s has expressed complaints to their property manager and is now fearful they could face a similar fate as the family. Out of concerns of retaliation, the tenant has requested anonymity.
“I’ve expressed my problems with the property management and it’s just to the point, who do you talk to now? Who do you go to? It’s just like, am I next on the chopping block with these people? If they can do what they can do to my neighbour, am I next? I can’t afford to move, I can’t afford $1,700 for a one-bedroom.”
Noise & safety violations
Since 2020, various tenants including the O’Neill’s have reported noise complaints coming from the Root Cellar between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. With occasional disturbances around 10 p.m. to midnight.
After living above a grocery store for more than 20 years, the O’Neills say they know how noisy a grocery operation can be. To their surprise, they’ve noticed an increase in noise and dangerous working conditions that have disturbed their way of life.
“We’ve never dealt with this before. It’s just the inconsistencies, it wasn’t elevator music, it’s like club music and live performances. Every single day we hear them rolling bins and it sounds like an earthquake. I actually jumped and ran to the kids the first time I heard it because I literally thought it was an earthquake,” says Michelle.
(A forklift operated by a Root Cellar employee maneuvers around pedestrians on a public sidewalk. / Travis Devonport)
Upon receiving their eviction in May, the O’Neills ended their attempts to contact their property manager about the issue and began reporting noise violations to Victoria Police and Bylaw officers.
According to residential noise bylaws in Victoria, a business is allowed to play music through an amplified playback device between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in a residential area. After this time, the person responsible could be fined a minimum of $200 if a bylaw officer is called.
In an email statement, the Root Cellar says music is played in the store from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day with occasional live music performances, all of which are played at an appropriate level.
After officially being evicted, Michelle and Matthew have yet to tell their two sons, who spent their childhood living on Cook Street. Disheartened and uncertain about where they are going to go, the O’Neills say they are speaking out because more needs to be done to protect vulnerable tenants.
“Families with disabilities already face discrimination when it comes to housing. Right now, Landlord Use is being abused across BC and it’s such a big concern for me because it doesn’t matter where we move, we’re going to encounter this problem over and over again,” says Michelle.
Victoria Buzz reached out to Devon properties’ Terry Jones and Jordan Dodd, Root Cellar’s Daisy and Adam Orser, and Ed Louie. At the time of publication, these individuals declined to comment or were unavailable.
West Shore RCMP have confirmed that both suspects have now been identified. On Thursday, police sought the public’s help in identifying two teenagers who allegedly assaulted two gas station employees and randomly stabbed a stranger.
– original:
West Shore RCMP are seeking the public’s help in identifying two teenagers who allegedly assaulted two gas station employees and randomly stabbed a stranger.
At around 9 p.m. on October 14th, police responded to a report of a stabbing at the Esso gas station at 2953 Jacklin Road in Langford.
According to the RCMP, officers were initially called to the 7-Eleven across the street from the Esso.
Police say there was a report of an intoxicated group of teens between the ages of 13 and 18-years-old threatening passersby and employees of the 7-Eleven while brandishing knives.
According to police, the youth suspects allegedly assaulted two customers of the convenience store before leaving.
While police were at the 7-Eleven investigating, they were alerted to a stabbing across the street at the Esso.
Police say one victim, who is a 30-year-old man, was struck with a baton and stabbed in his upper body.
He was immediately transported to hospital where his wounds are still being assessed, police said.
Police say all three victims have no apparent relation to the young suspects.
Officers are actively trying to identify the group of teens responsible. Two of the teen suspects police specifically want to identify are the ones believed responsible for the series of assaults.
(West Shore RCMP)
The first suspect is described as a Caucasian male between the ages of 15 and 17-years-old, wearing a dark coloured zip-up hoodie and white shirt underneath and lighter coloured shoes.
The second suspect is described as a Caucasian female between the ages of 14 and 17-years-old with long blonde hair, wearing an oversized hoodie and multiple backpacks.
(West Shore RCMP)
“We are appealing to the public and media to help us identify these youth suspects,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.
“Our investigation into this assault causing bodily harm is ongoing.”
If you know who these suspects are, West Shore RCMP ask that you call them directly at 250-474-2264.
Since May of 2022, the VicPD’s budget has been in limbo.
The Township of Esquimalt refused to sign off on their proposed 2022 operating budget of $1,342,525. Specifically, VicPD determined they needed to hire 10 new positions and Esquimalt did not sign off on the decision.
VicPD requires Esquimalt’s city council to sign off on budgetary issues and matters of importance like this ever since the Amalgamation Act of 2002.
The Amalgamation Act effectively combined the two municipalities police forces and determined how much each would be responsible to pay into annual budgets.
The current framework of the amalgamated police force’s budget expires in December, 2023.
Of the $1,342,525 that requires approval, Esquimalt is responsible for $183,523.
The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board has since made an official appeal to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General for approval of their budget.
A decision was made on Wednesday and the Ministry approved the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board’s appeal.
Now that the province has stepped in, the Township of Esquimalt has had their hand forced, and have no choice but to pay their share into the now approved budget.
Victoria will be responsible for $1,159,002 of the total while Esquimalt’s share remains $183,523.
“I am fully aware that funding for policing represents a significant portion of every municipality’s core budget and that tough choices have to be made by elected officials at budget time,” said VicPD’s Chief Constable Del Manak.
“This decision by the province, however, confirms to me that public safety cannot be compromised and communities must be protected by adequate and effective policing services in order to thrive.”
Part of this newly approved money will be going towards 10 new positions within VicPD.
Those positions are:
2 Co-Responder Team officers (with Island Health)
2 Assertive Community Treatment Officers
1 Cybercrime Officer
1 Cultural Liaison Officer
2 Front Desk Specialists
1 Records Specialist
1 Business Intelligence Analyst
Chief Constable Del Manak also stated that he and officers within VicPD remain committed to providing the best possible community-based policing service to both Victoria and Esquimalt.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is warning British Columbians that someone is using monkeypox in an attempt to scam the public.
In a media release, the BCCDC said there have been reports of scam calls about monkeypox test results or exposures.
The scam starts with an automated call claiming to have test results or exposure information regarding the virus, however, public health say they do not use automated messages to notify individuals of infections or possible exposures.
Additionally, the centre says it would never ask individuals to provide financial information during contact tracing.
“Public health does not use automated messages to notify individuals of infections or possible exposures (i.e. case and contact tracing),” the BCCDC warned in a news release.
“You will never be asked to provide financial information during case and contact tracing.”
To date, 173 people in British Columbia have tested positive with the monkeypox virus.
Those eligible are encouraged to get vaccinated with a first and second dose of the monkeypox vaccine.
While most, but not all, recent global infections are among men who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have had sex with other men, the virus can affect anyone through close person-to-person contact.
Vaccinations are being provided to high-risk contacts identified through contact tracing.
Symptoms for monkeypox usually appear one to two weeks after exposure but can take anywhere from five to 21 days to appear.
The disease can occur in two stages, with flu-like symptoms appearing first, followed by a rash usually with sores/blisters. However, many people only get the rash.
People are considered to be infectious from when symptoms first appear until the sores crust over, are dry, and new skin is visible.
Island Health said most people with monkeypox have mild symptoms and do not require any specific interventions.
The new artwork by artist Eliska Liska is called Feeling Fuzzy Inside and it dons the west wall of the Youth Empowerment building on the 500-block of Yates Street.
The wall it’s on is part of what’s known as Commercial Alley which is in its 10th year of showcasing local artists to add colour and vibrancy to the area.
(Google Maps)
Every year a new artist’s work is selected to be in Commercial Alley. Previous installations have featured artwork by Other, Roy Green, Liz P. Dempsey, Daniel Ellingsen, Kai Choufour, Austin Clay Willis and Fern Long.
Liska’s art was selected for 2022-23 through a juried Call to Artists for emerging artists.
She wants her art to invoke a feeling in young people that anything is possible–their passions can move mountains.
The art pieces portray four activities: thoughts and words, music, art and movement.
(Commercial Alley – City of Victoria)
“Creating in public spaces where art talks to the wider public and also influences the visual side of the city has always been the most appealing art form for me,” says Liska.
“Each of the panels show different activities that have the ability to completely consume us and help us to learn who we are and where we stand, as well as simply to make us feel good.”
“Eliska’s art is a cheerful meditation on things that bring joy to young people in our community,” said Nichola Reddington, Senior Cultural Planner with the City of Victoria.
“We invite residents and visitors alike to pop by Commercial Alley when downtown to spend a few minutes connecting with this art, that is free for all to enjoy.”
(Eliska Liska – City of Victoria)
Liska is originally from the Czech Republic but has also spent time touring Mexico and Europe, leaving murals behind as evidence of her being there.
In addition to being a skilled canvas painter, she also practices pottery, printing, drawing, digital illustration, felting and murals.
After completing her Master’s degree in Contemporary Art and New Media from Ostrava University in 2008, she now lives in Victoria.
Liska also runs Full Sink Pottery, a business which produces imaginative hand-painted pottery products and works as an art designer and teacher for the McTavish Academy of Art.
Several areas of Saanich remain closed Wednesday following two homicides that police believe are related.
At around 1 p.m. on October 19th, several areas near Uptown were seen cordoned off with police tape.
This included a home in the 3400 block of Bethune Avenue.
A median diving both directions of Blanshard Street was taped off as police combed through the brush, and currently, a large area around Bethune Park remains blocked off.
“Saanich Police and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit are investigating two homicides that appear to be related,” said D/Sgt. Damian Kowalewich.
Police confirmed that one man is in custody.
“At this time investigators feel there is no risk to the public. More information is expected to be released later,” stated Kowalewich.
Police are warning motorists to expect traffic delays and a police presence in the 3400 block of Bethune Avenue, as well as on Blanshard Street at Saanich Road as the investigation continues.
There are unconfirmed reports that both victims were stabbed to death.
Last Friday, a GoFundMe was started by the Mackness family to help them take on the cost that comes with an unexpected death in the family.
“His death came very unexpectedly and has left us with a hole in our hearts. Tim was a gentle, kind soul that will be remembered by many,” said the Mackness family in a statement on the GoFundMe page.
“He left an enormous positive impact on the lives of everybody he encountered during his time on Earth.”
The goal of the fundraiser is set at $10,000 and as of this publication, the money raised stands at $9,690.
The family also stated on their GoFundMe page that a run will be held in memory of Timothy James Mackness in the future at a presently undetermined date.
An immersive cocktail adventure! Enjoy a 90-minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland. Brought to you by the interactive team behind The Wizard’s Den, Beyond Cinema, and A.K Wregg.
For those both curious and curiouser – this will be the tea party to end all tea parties.
Join us for a theatrical, alternate reality experience that will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass! Across 90 minutes you will:
Narrated by internationally acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, Everest is the story of the world’s tallest mountain and one of the greatest human adventures ever filmed for IMAX® and giant screen theatres.
A dramatic, true account of dizzying achievement, Everest follows the expedition of four climbers on their journey to the summit of Everest, just days after the infamous 1996 tragedy in which eight climbers lost their lives in a deadly storm.
Featuring the first-ever IMAX images brought back from the mountain’s summit, Everest is also the fascinating story of how this iconic mountain was formed, how high altitude challenges a climber’s mental and physical capabilities and how Sherpa culture and tradition permeates the Everest experience.
When: Thursday, October 20th, starts at 6 p.m.
Where: Imax Victoria in the RBCM, 675 Belleville Street
The Ghostly Walk Halloween tours are said to be the best way to experience Halloween in Victoria. These 90 minute tours include locations such as Bastion Square, Parliament Building, Pendray Inn, St. Andrews Cathedral, James bay and Bent Mast, Trounce Alley and more!
When: October 4th to October 31st, multiple tours in the evening
Where: The tours begin at the archway entrance to Market Square (560 Johnson Street)
VicPD officers with the Special Victims Unit (SVU) are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted and robbed last night.
At around 11:50 on Tuesday night, police say they received a call reporting a woman being attacked near St. Ann’s Academy in the 800-block of Humboldt Street.
According to police, officers arrived on the scene and located the woman who had been attacked. She provided a detailed account of the attack and a description of the suspect.
Police say the woman suffered non-life threatening injuries in the incident and will have access to support and care.
VicPD said officers began looking for the suspect after getting the suspects description.
About three hours later, at around 2:50 a.m. police say patrol officers located and arrested a suspect in relation to the attack.
He was transported to VicPD cells where he remains at this time.
This incident remains under active investigation.
Investigators are asking anyone with information, including those who have surveillance video from the Beacon Hill Park area along Douglas, Blanshard, Southgate and Quadra streets, to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
Saanich Police and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit are investigating two homicides that appear to be related. More details here.
— original:
While details are slim, Saanich Police are investigating an undisclosed incident near Uptown Shopping Centre Wednesday afternoon.
There are unconfirmed reports the incident occurred at a home on Bethune Avenue. Police officers could be seen outside the home, along with an ambulance.
The stretch of road runs between Saanich and Cloverdale roads and police tape can be seen blocking access to the area.
The median located between Blanshard Street and Bethune Avenue has also been taped off by Saanich Police.
Witnesses who live in the area said they heard screaming followed by officers ordering a man to drop a weapon.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Saanich Police for more details.
Half our Street and the strip between Blanshard and Sannich road closed down and cordoned off after a intense police stand off and take down of a suspect with a weapon near my home at 11:30 am this morning.We heard the police yelling for the individual to drop their weapon repeatedly before ambulance arrived on the scene and area was closed.Very Scary , we hope no one was hurt**Update , 2 people were killed in this incident , our hearts go out to the familys
The Victoria International Airport has a new addition to help the pollinator population of the Peninsula grow and thrive.
The pollinator garden is a collaborative project between the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) and Pollinator Partnership Canada.
The space used for the garden is along Willingdon Road next to a digital billboard in an area that was once home to a thriving Garry oak meadow. The meadow hosted a teeming, rich biodiversity that has since faded.
This specific area of land held significant importance to the W̱SÁNEĆ People. With that in mind, this new garden will pay homage to the importance of native plant species and the areas original ecosystem.
“When we released our Sustainability Plan in 2021, one of the highlighted initiatives was to work towards meeting the Aichi Biodiversity targets adopted by the United Nations,” said Ken Gallant, Vice President of the Victoria Airport Authority.
“We have worked with non-profit, government, industry, business, and First Nations partners to develop projects that will enhance and align with the rest of the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Goals.”
Bees boast the title of ‘most effective pollinators’ and BC has over 450 species of the friendly insects.
Without them pollination would not occur on the same scale as it does now, plants would die off and the entire food chain would be detrimentally affected.
This new pollinator garden will assist the ecosystem, plant-life cycles and local food chains by having native plants support native bee populations.
Over 2,000 plants will be planted within the pollinator garden space, almost a quarter acre. Being that the garden is still so young and fresh, many plants will remain dormant until the springtime.
Canadian and German cultures will mingle in the most beautiful way possible this Saturday at the annual Victoria Royals Hocktoberfest!
What do the two cultures have in common? Well the obvious answer is beer.
There will be a beer garden set up at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre prior to the game against the Vancouver Giants that starts at 6:05 p.m. on October 22nd.
For those who don’t partake or aren’t old enough for beer, there will also be classic German cuisine like pretzels and bratwurst.
The night will also include:
Trick-or-Treating
Halloween Costume Contest
Snow Cone Machine
Interactive Games
Photo Booths
Halloween/Bavarian Décor
Bouncy Castle
We got one more game this home stand before the Eastern Conference road swing!
Cheer on the Royals against the Giants on Saturday October 22nd for our Hocktoberfest game!
Plans to construct an interchange at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) and Shawnigan Lake Road are underway.
As of now, motorist have the ability to turn left either onto the TCH or Shawnigan Lake Road
In an email statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation confirmed with Victoria Buzz that the province is looking at an interchange for that section of the highway.
“The ministry is doing preliminary planning and design for a possible Shawnigan Lake Road Separation and Mobility Hub project as identified in the South Island Transportation Strategy,” the spokesperson said.
According to the document, the project would see the left-hand turn onto Shawnigan Lake Road eliminated, extending Whittaker Road and Holker Place just north of the interchange site, a transit hub and a pedestrian bridge crossing the highway at the intersection of Whittaker and the highway.
According to the province, this work is looking at options for the Shawnigan Lake Road intersection to improve safety and mobility as well as potential options to support transit services on the corridor.
The request for qualifications is open until October 27th and the province hopes to have
The province hopes to have a contract in place by the end of January and a detailed design completed by March 2024.
A bill known as the Cost of Living Relief Act was passed and now life will be made slightly more affordable for eligible Canadians.
The federal bill’s aim was the doubling of the Goods and Services Tax credit for six months and it received Royal Assent on Wednesday morning.
Those who already receive a GST credit will automatically receive their first payment as soon as November.
Good news for roughly 11 million Canadians across the country: Our legislation to double the GST Tax Credit for six months has received Royal Assent. Here’s what that means: https://t.co/pxUqj7TmEmpic.twitter.com/VFU8FrgBV4
“With the Royal Assent of Bill C-30, our government is delivering on our promise to support Canadians who are most affected by inflation,” said Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
“By doubling the GST Credit for six months we’re ensuring our support is compassionate, targeted, and fiscally responsible, while not adding fuel to the fire of inflation. And, this support is coming right when it is needed—eligible Canadians will receive their payments starting in early November.”
On average, Canadians without children will receive up to an extra $234, couples with two children will receive up to an extra $467 and seniors will receive an extra $225 on average.
Already those who are eligible will notice the upcoming payment on their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account.
This bill is the first of two pieces of legislation to be introduced that will help support Canadians as the cost of living continues to rise.
A recently released report by BC Coroners Service shows deaths of homeless people soared in 2021.
According to the numbers released by the coroner last Wednesday, there were 247 deaths in the province last year within the homeless community. That’s a 75% increase over a year.
Of those deaths, 44 occurred on Vancouver Island, 18 of those were in the Victoria area.
Since the coroner began tracking deaths in the homeless community in 2012, there have been 99 deaths in total on Vancouver Island.
“This report reflects the risks and realities that people experiencing homelessness face every day,” Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe wrote in a statement.
“We know that many are facing significant health concerns, including physical disabilities, mental-health challenges and substance-use issues.”
According to the data, 74% of the deaths were classified as accidental, followed by natural causes at 13% and deaths by suicide at 7%.
Of the accidental deaths, 87% were found to have been caused by illicit drug toxicity.
For the purposes of the reporting, an individual experiencing homelessness was defined as “a person living outdoors, in a makeshift shelter, a parked vehicle, or any other structure not intended for habitation; or a person staying at an emergency shelter (overnight) or temporarily sheltered (suspected to be for less than 30 days) by friends or family, in a short-term shelter, temporary modular housing, safe house for youth, or transition house for women and children fleeing violence.”
People residing in short-term shelters, safe houses or transition houses for an unknown length of time were included.
The communities with the highest number of deaths are Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria.
According to the report, men made up the vast majority of those who died while experiencing homelessness, at 83%, and the most common age was between 30 and 59, at 72% of all reported deaths.
Held at the Mary Winspear Centre in beautiful Sidney by the sea, this event showcases the best of the best of modern and vintage goods from local-makers in Victoria.
The event kicks off on Friday, October 28th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and also runs all day on Saturday, October 29th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Along with the over 60 local handmade and vintage exhibitors, you can enjoy delicious eats from a selection of Victoria’s finest food trucks such as Taco Revolution, sweet treats from places like the famed Sidney Scones, and Hoyne Brewing and Deep Cove Winery will even be there—so you can sip while you shop!
To attend the event, it’s $5 cash admission—and kids are free!
If those affordable prices aren’t enough to sway you, the first 10 people through the door EACH DAY will receive a free swag bag stuffed with vendor goodies! After that every 25th person will receive one, while supplies last.
The Crafted Farmhouse Market will also be doing a massive grand prize giveaway on-site with a basket full of vendor products.
And new this year, on Saturday, October 29th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Enchanted Fables YYJ will be on-site with a special visit from Spiderman and Elsa!
Not able to attend the event in person? You can connect with vendors directly, using the vendor directory online throughout the market weekend.
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to win a pair of weekend passes to the Crafted Farmhouse Market AND $25 in vendor gift bucks, complete at least one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or and comment below to let us know (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on October 26th, 2022. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
The ongoing drought is rearing its head and affecting an annual Halloween celebration put on by Central Saanich.
Fireworks and open burning (i.e. campfires and bonfires) have been prohibited by Central Saanich until further notice amid record setting dry conditions.
Because of this fire prohibition, it was decided that the Centennial Park Halloween celebration will be postponed until later this year or early 2023.
Rain will be gracing Greater Victoria’s forecast later this week, but it is unclear whether that rain will be enough to lift the temporary fire ban.
“At this time, even with rain in the forecast between now and Halloween, the fire risk is expected to remain too high for open flames,” said Central Saanich Fire Chief Kenn Mount.
“While this is hugely disappointing for the community, the Fire Department intends to reschedule the fireworks and bonfire celebration soon.”
“The risk to our community is too great, and we ask all citizens to act responsibly, and spread the message about why it’s imperative to adjust celebrations this year.”
Due to the extreme fire risk posed by dry weather conditions, Central Saanich is extending the suspension of fireworks & open burning, including campfires, until further notice. The Halloween celebration at Centennial Park will be rescheduled.
The firework displays are a mainstay of the annual celebration and coordinated safely by Central Saanich Fire Department volunteers. The dazzling display was spearheaded by Forrest Owens, who recently passed away.
In Owens’ memory, it was decided that the firework display will be renamed the Forrest Owens Memorial Fireworks going forward.
The drought conditions Vancouver Islanders are dealing with right now are unprecedented. Victoria itself has had the lowest amount of precipitation since weather records began to be recorded in 1898.
According to Central Saanich, the open-fire suspension is meant to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
If you have a question about the open-fire suspension or wish to report non-compliance, call the Central Saanich Fire Department at (250) 544-4238 or email fdadmin@csaanich.ca.
According to the forecast, we’ve got two more days of clear skies before the weather switches to rain for nearly a week, so get out and enjoy it while you can.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, October 19th:
Piers is a group exhibition showing contemporary artwork ranging across media by 18 artists spanning generations, nationalities, and backgrounds, exploring how artists’ practices change through teaching, learning, and mentorship.
October is the best time of year to pop by one of Victoria’s most haunted locations and this year a one-man show of Frankenstein will be an added bonus to your visit.
The production of Frankenstein is set to haunt the dance hall within Craigdarroch Castle on Friday and Saturday nights beginning in October 14th.
When: October 14th to 29th, every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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!
Seating is limited, be sure to book your table early! There are options for 2, 4 and 6.
When: Wednesday, October 19th, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mcrae’s Bistro and Sixty Watt Trivia are joining forces to bring you a great Wednesday Night Trivia Event! Gather a team of eight max and battle other teams in four rounds of trivia to see who reigns supreme. Prizes awarded each round to the winning team.
When: Wednesday October 12th, starting at 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Free open mic in the Upstairs lounge. Singles, duos, trios…. We have a beautiful grand piano, PA provided for vocals.. Acoustic instruments only. ANY GENRE OF MUSIC. Sit in with or be supported by Kelly or come as an individual, a duo or group to showcase songs or first time on stage in a supportive environment, Great way for singer songwriters to try new songs.
When: Wednesday October 12th, starting at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Greater Victoria police detachments are taking to social media offering their condolences after a Burnaby RCMP officer was killed in the line of duty today.
The slain officer has been identified as Constable Shaelyn (Tzu-Hsin) Yang.
“She died bravely,” said BC RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
“She answered the call to duty today and she paid the ultimate price.”
Cst. Yang lived in Richmond and was an active volunteer, according to BC RCMP. She started her career volunteering part time with the Richmond RCMP’s Victim Services unit later as a full-time volunteer.
In 2019, she decided to become a police officer and entered training at Depot in June of that same year. Cst. Yang graduated in December as a member of Troop 8 and was posted to Burnaby Detachment.
“She was a loving wife, sister and daughter,” said McDonald of Yang.
“Those she worked with before joining the RCMP and her police colleagues today, describe Cst. Yang as a kind and compassionate person, which makes her death even more difficult to accept.”
According to Burnaby RCMP, officers were dispatched to a complaint near the intersection of Canada Way and Curle Avenue in Broadview Park.
We are all saddened to hear of the tragic murder of a @BurnabyRCMP officer earlier today. Our thoughts are with her family, co-workers, and the entire @BCRCMP team. Thank you to all those who are assisting in supporting those who are directly impacted. pic.twitter.com/UYMcI3Rrsg
Police say that while there, Constable Yang became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in her being stabbed and the man being shot.
Paramedics reportedly transported both Yang and the man she shot to hospital, but she has since succumbed to her stab wounds.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth revealed in a press conference at the BC Legislature that the officer who was slain was a female officer of the Burnaby RCMP.
Today one of our own police officers sacrificed her life in the course of duty.
Our thoughts as well as our hearts go to the everyone affected.
Police chiefs and their departments from across Vancouver Island and the lower mainland have been tweeting their condolences to the Burnaby RCMP and the fallen officer’s family and friends.
Today marks another absolute tragedy as a @BurnabyRCMP officer’s life is taken while serving her community and providing care & public safety to all. The hearts of all @SaanichPolice officers and staff are hurting. Sending love & prayers to her family and all RCMP ????#yyj
Local, provincial and federal leaders are also among those who give their condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of the officer who was killed.
I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the killing of a @BurnabyRCMP officer. My thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer – I am keeping you in my thoughts during this terrible time. https://t.co/E2xdbYOvI1
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has since assumed control of the investigation of Constable Yang’s death.
The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia will concurrently investigate the actions of police.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues of the Burnaby RCMP officer killed in the line of duty today. Our thoughts are with the @BurnabyRCMP. We Stand together with you during this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/RB9rdIs441
A cat missing for two years has been reunited with its family after getting trapped in the engine compartment of a parked car in Central Saanich.
On Saturday, October 15th, a young girl and her family were concerned after hearing frantic meows from a vehicle parked in the McDonalds parking lot at Mount Newton Cross.
After inspecting under the vehicle, the family determined the feline named Pickles was trapped in the car’s engine compartment. It’s believed the orange tabby cat crawled into the engine area to stay warm before becoming stuck.
Central Saanich Fire Department and Central Saanich Police Service came to the rescue of a cat trapped in the engine compartment of a parked car in Saanichton today! Happy ending for all!
In a Facebook post, the shelter confirmed the owners of the cat had been found and thanked the family for their help.
“This fellow’s name is Pickles and has been missing for over two years. We cannot stress the importance of permanent identification for cats. Please consider having your cats chipped.”
