This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Ross Bay Cemetery and to commemorate the sesquicentennial year, the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria is having a new gate put in.
The new memorial gate would adorn the Stannard Street entrance and would also have a brass plaque installed with the cemetery name and a short history of the land it occupies.
Old Cemetery Society of Victoria
The Old Cemeteries Society had been working with the CIty of Victoria for numerous years to have a new gate installed and finally received a Heritage Alteration Permit and authorization from the city.
Construction will be carried out by the City of Victoria in conjunction with the Old Cemeteries Society and is set to be finished by January 2023.
The Ross Bay Cemetery is named after Isabella Ross, an Indigenous woman who was the first woman to be a registered landowner in BC.
Her land was named Foul Bay Farm while she lived. However, her farm was not successful and she sold off individual plots slowly.
When Ross died in 1885 at the age of 77, she was buried in an unmarked grave on the land that is now the Ross Bay Cemetery.
The City of Victoria bought the land for use as a cemetery in 1872 and in 1994, the Old Cemetery Society of Victoria installed an interpretive plaque at her gravesite.
The cemetery boasts a number of notable people in BC’s history who are buried there, including British Columbia’s first governor, Sir James Douglas, Billy Barker who was the man responsible for the Cariboo Gold rush and renowned artist Emily Carr.
Throughout the pandemic, Girl Guides of Canada had to put their cookie production and sales on hold but a sign that the end is in sight is that their iconic minty sweet treat is back!
The cookie fan favourite was on a two-year hiatus due to circumstances involving COVID-19.
The Girl Guides only had their classic vanilla and chocolate cookie sandwiches that resemble Oreos available for the last two years, while the thin mint was on hiatus.
As of this autumn, the Girl Guides are returning to the cookie schedule they were on prior to the unforeseen pandemic.
The mint chocolate cookies will be available this upcoming fall, while the chocolate and vanilla sandwich cookies will be available in the spring.
The proceeds of all cookie sales go toward making young girls have brighter futures. School supplies, camping trips, art supplies and so much more are made accessible to young women directly from the sales of these cookies.
The cookies are always priced at $5 a box, and that money directly helps girls in your community.
The thin mint cookie’s triumphant return will hugely help the Girl Guides first full return to overnight adventures, travel, special gatherings, and other adventurous opportunities.
Once their cookies are available you’ll be able to find a troop selling them in person or online, here.
Victoria Royals single game tickets are now on sale as the team gears up for the new season!
The Royals are starting off their 12th season with a team made up of some veterans and some fresh faces.
San Jose Sharks draft pick, Gannon Laraque is the team’s new captain following Tarun Fizer aging out of the WHL and moving on to play in the American Hockey League for the Colorado Eagles.
Austin Zemlak, Brayden Schuurman and Kalem Parker are another three players who will bring their collective experiences into leadership roles with the team this year.
Shuurman and Parker both represented Canada at the IIHF U18 World Hockey Championships this summer while Zemlak was named to Team Canada’s Selection Camp roster for the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The official roster for the pre-season or the regular season has not yet been released or announced by the team.
A two game homestand against the Spokane Chiefs will open the regular season for the Royals this year. The first home game of the season kicks off on Friday September 23rd.
After their home opener they have 15 promotional nights and other themed games including their annual Canadian Forces Appreciation night on November 19th, Pink in the Rink on February 10th and Star Wars Day on March 26th.
Tickets to see the Royals play at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre will start at $25 for students, seniors and corner seats, $30 for sides and the ring, and will go up to $39 for Premium Club seating.
VicPD are searching for a 47-year-old Victoria man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant after he failed to return to his community-based residential facility in Victoria.
In a media release, police said Michael Lund is serving a more than one-year provincial sentence for break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime, theft, mischief, and failure to comply with an undertaking.
Lund is described as Caucasian, standing 6’1” tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
If you see Lund, you are asked to not approach him and call 911.
Anyone with information on where Michael Lund may be is asked to contact the VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
This past weekend, Mayfair Shopping Centre hosted their third instalment of the popular Scan, Shop and Play event with resounding success!
Thousands of customers visited the shopping centre for the back-to-school themed event, which took place on on Saturday, September 3rd.
The day was filled with free gift cards, live entertainment, mini-games and more.
Customers simply had to scan the advertised QR Code and were entered to redeem a free $10 Mayfair gift card, as well as a chance to win even more grand prizes.
Shoppers could increase their chances of winning even more if they spent more than $100 during the event at game stations located across the shopping centre.
“The wide range of back to school promotions in the shopping centre and the giveaway event have encouraged customers to shop more with us. The more they spend, the more discounts and $10 gift cards they will get; which is our purpose for the Scan, Shop & Play to Win event – to give back to our frequent shoppers who always choose us as their shopping destination,” says Central Walk, the company who owns Mayfair Shopping Centre.
“We have attracted over 14,000 customers during the event date, and this has broken the traffic record in the long weekend over the year. The traffic has increased 15% compared to last Saturday and has significantly drove the total sales volume for our tenants in the shopping centre.”
Customers enjoyed live dance performances by Raino Dance and lots of family-friendly activities, like the FREE bouncy castle!
Check out some photos of the fabulously fun event below:
(Mayfair Shopping Centre)(Mayfair customers enjoying their free gift cards!)(Mayfair Shopping Centre)(Mayfair Shopping Centre)(Mayfair Shopping Centre)(Mayfair Shopping Centre)
Mayfair has given away thousands of dollars in free gift cards and grand prizes over their past three Scan, Shop and Play events—over $85,000, in fact!
If you missed the last Scan, Shop & Play to Win this year at Mayfair, there’s still time to join one more instalment of the event at Nanaimo’s Woodgrove Centre on September 24th.
Keep your eyes on Mayfair’s website and social media for even more fun giveaway events happening for the rest of the year!
On top of all of the above, we’ve also partnered with Mayfair Shopping Centre to give away a $100 gift card! You’ll find steps on how to enter to win that below.
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a $100 gift card to a Mayfair Shopping Centre, complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, September 15th, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
Esquimalt Ribfest is back, running Friday, September 9th to Sunday September 11th.
There will be live music every night, beer and cider from local breweries and cideries, deep fried onions for the vegetarian attendees and the best ribs you can get your slippery, saucy little hands on.
You can check out the entertainment, ‘ribber’ teams and drink line up here.
Cheese and Meat Festival, a Victoria’s favourite, returns this weekend!
Grab your friends, get ready to taste, smell, and sip the best artisanal bites and beverages the Pacific Northwest and beyond has to offer. Walk into the festival and receive your own personal charcuterie board (your gift to keep) and a tasting glass for sipping.
Once you’re ready to mingle, wander through and enjoy over 40 artisanal food and beverage vendors—and yes there will be vegan friendly options—showcasing multiple samples of their finest creations.
Should you sample something that was so good you wanted to take it home with you, you’ll be able to purchase the product they have tasted directly from the vendor.
The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th
Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown.
Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
Summer 2022 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.
Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October
Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.
Shawarma is a bit different from gyro (a similar Greek dish) or donair (a Canadian delicacy). While all three dishes are served on pita and they’re all cooked on a vertical rotisserie, they are spiced differently, garnished differently and feature different proteins.
Shawarma is usually lamb, beef and/or chicken served in a pita wrap with pickled/preserved vegetables and a sauce that is yogurt, citrus, oil and tahini based.
If you haven’t tried shawarma for yourself yet, you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a list of some of the finest eateries in the city to sample the dish.
You can check out our list of best spots in town to get your shawarma fix here.
The festival may be over, but there are five new murals that are welcome additions to the already diverse and beautiful street art scene that exists in Esquimalt.
Esquimalt Community Arts Hub (ECAH) organized the painting of five brand new murals throughout Esquimalt for East West Mural Fest.
You can read our list to learn more about the murals here.
September may seem a little early for coffee shops to begin rolling out their fall drink menus, but the change from August to September always sparks a tangible excitement for the fall season that can be felt across Victoria.
Saanich Police have released surveillance photos of a young woman responsible for multiple thefts from a liquor store in late June.
Police believe the pictured suspect is part of a group that stole from a liquor store in the 3200-block of Shelbourne Street on four separate occasions.
The suspect was caught on CCTV stealing bottles of liquor on more than one occasion and is a suspect in two other instances of theft from the same liquor store.
In one of the thefts, staff tried to stop the theft and the employee that intervened was assaulted and on another occasion, bear spray was used unsuccessfully on the liquor store’s staff.
In total, 11 bottles of liquor have been stolen by the group that she is thought to be a part of.
Saanich Police are hopeful that by identifying this suspect, they might identify the rest of her co-conspirators.
Anyone with information on these thefts or that can identify the suspect pictured below is asked to call Saanich Police at (250) 475-4321. You can also report what you know anonymously through the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The country is now in an official period of mourning as Canadians grieve the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
She had a long standing relationship with Canadians and specifically the City of Victoria.
Of all her official royal tours, she visited Greater Victoria the second most outside the nation’s capital in Ottawa.
“The impact of the reign of Her Majesty cannot be overstated; the passing of this Queen represents the end of an era defined by its longevity and her ceaseless service,” said the Hounorable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor in a media release on Thursday.
“On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend my heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family and to all members of the Commonwealth for the loss of our most beloved Queen,” added Austin.
Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin also announced that Victorians will be able to give their condolences to the Royal Family in one of three official condolences books.
One will be at the Parliament Building, another will be located at the Government House and a third is an online condolences book that BC residents can go to if they cannot get to one of the other two.
Last night the Legislature had its bright white lights that usually adorn the building turned off and in their place, the entry of the building and the fountain were lit up blue in honour of the late Queen.
Tonight Victoria’s City Hall will also be lit up blue as buildings and landmarks across the country are honouring her memory in solidarity.
Tonight Victoria City Hall will light up blue in honour of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We join landmarks across Canada illuminating royal blue during the 10-day period of mourning. Learn more: https://t.co/wxvescZWEZpic.twitter.com/Ohbfk2dCx8
They are choosing royal-blue hues because in her last official portrait for her seventh decade as monarch, Her Majesty wore blue jewelry.
Government buildings will also be flying their flags at half mast for the remainder of the mourning period which will last from now until sunset on the day of the memorial service of Queen Elizabeth II according to the National Flag of Canada half-masting notices.
The federal government said the hike in GST rebate was done in a bid to ease some of the hurt of inflation for lower income Canadians.
During a speech, Trudeau said parents with two kids could receive up to an extra $467 this fall to help with the cost of living.
The next GST rebate cheque is expected to arrive on Wednesday, October 5th, and the hike is expected to be in place for the next six months.
Those who don’t receive GST are expected to receive a small amount as well, some reporting as much as $257.
Log on CRA account
Go to Benefits and Credits
Scroll down to GST/HST Credit and your amount should be there
In addition to that announcement, Trudeau confirmed plans for a new national dental care program for kids and topping up housing benefits to help low-income Canadians pay their rent.
According to reports, the dental care program will allow parents of children under the age of 12 to apply for a $650 payment to cover dental expenses this year and again next year while a more formalized program is developed.
While the funds for GST are already set in motion, it’s unclear when Trudeau will reschedule the official announcement.
Two intoxicated boaters were arrested early Monday morning after they drew the attention of Nanaimo Mounties off the coast of Saysutshun Island, formerly known as Newcastle Island.
At about 2:30 a.m., on September 5th, a security officer reported seeing a small dinghy being paddled up the channel by two unknown persons. The caller reported they did not see any lights or life jackets being worn.
The caller was suspicious of the boaters as there had recently been some thefts from boats moored in the area and worried for their safety.
Officers responded and yelled at the two to stop what they were doing and to paddle to shore.
After a barrage of alcohol fueled responses directed at the officers, the two boaters began a slow and frantic attempt at paddling away.
Police vehicle lights were strategically positioned from the shore to capture the boaters movements and they were easily tracked to a nearby boat where they were seen crawling onboard.
Officers ran the short distance along the dock to where the boat was moored to intercept the boaters.
The two sailors were found hiding onboard, extremely intoxicated.
They were identified and arrested for causing a disturbance and public intoxication.
They were transferred to the Nanaimo RCMP detachment where they spent the night sobering up.
West Shore RCMP are warning the public after receiving multiple reports of online firewood fraud.
According to police, an investigation is underway after at least two reports where victims were defrauded of their money after responding to an online Facebook Marketplace ad.
The ad, claiming to sell firewood, attracted interested buyers, who sent money to an account via e-transfer and did not receive the wood that was supposed to be delivered.
“Investigators are currently working to identify the suspect and we want to warn potential buyers to beware of this scam,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, media relations officer of the West Shore RCMP.
“Buying items from a private seller online always carries an element of risk. It’s a good idea to only pay upon delivery or pick-up to avoid such scams.”
This year, the highly-anticipated event will take place from September 23rd and 24th, and it will feature nearly 400 wines from 14 different countries.
There will be three tasting sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours, along with four seminars. In addition to that, there will be three wine dinners taking place September 19th to the 22nd.
The highly anticipated Victoria International Wine Festival is back for it’s ninth year and, this time, will be taking place in Victoria’s historic rail roundhouse—the Car Shop at Bayview Place.
The two-day event is expanding this year with the addition of Washington State wineries being added to the mix—making it the most extensive international wine tasting event to date.
With that in mind, here are 7 things you might not know about Washington wines:
Born of Fire and Ice
The geology of Washington Wine country features water-deposited alluvial and wind-blown soil over a bedrock of volcanic basalt. Ancient eruptions and glacier floods carved the wine country of Washington from the bedrock.
In a shadow- a rain shadow
The wet western portion and the sunny eastern portion of Washington couldn’t be more
different. The vast majority of wine grapes grown in Washington are grown on the sunny
eastern portion of the state. The Cascade Mountains keep all the rain in Seattle.
Has big temperature swings
Referred to as Diurnal Shift, this temperature swings allows the grapes to ripen slowly. Cool
nights let the grapes recover from the long sunny days of the summer. This slow ripening
process allows grapes to get ripe in balance. This daily swing can be as much as 40 degrees during the growing season.
The state can grow almost any grape
From classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to more exotic varietals like Madeleine
Angevine and Nebbiolo, Washington State can grow so many grapes it’s hard top know where to begin. Washington always has a new surprise around the corner.
Cooperative competition
Perhaps it is because Washington has so many boutique wineries, but whatever the reason
Washington works together. Everyone pitches in for the betterment of the entire industry.
Some of the best in the world
Critics, winemakers, and consumers agree. Washington outperforms dollar for dollar almost
every other wine region. Washington wine gets higher scores for a lower price. Score for score, Washington wine costs half of what a premium French wine costs.
The best is yet to come
While the Washington wine industry is almost 100 years old, it was really 50 years ago that
Premium wine was first produced. Only in the last 20 years has the region really exploded.
Considering France has been growing wine grapes for 2000 years, Washington has a lot of room to grow!
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChQ39QfNPRa/
Festival Director David Bain told Victoria Buzz the goal behind the Victoria International Wine Festival said the event was created with a focus on creating an environment that is a welcoming place to sample wine for everyone
“We want people to be able to gain knowledge about new wines in a format that isn’t intimidating; we then match this experience with another, where wines selected by a panel of sommeliers will impress even the most experienced wine enthusiast,” added Bain.
Moving to the beautiful industrial heritage surroundings of the Car Shop at Bayview Place, Victoria International Wine Festival guests will be treated to a tour of the historic buildings while sipping and learning about everything from tasting to terroir.
Organizers said the Victoria International Wine Festival welcomes all types of wine connoisseurs and strives to include something for everyone!
Being a first for Victoria, Washington State Wines will be a part of this year’s event where a dedicated section at the festival will highlight wines poured by principals from this region with two seminars showcasing three generations of Washington State wines.
Tickets are already on sale and the festival has sold out every year—well in advance of the
event, so make sure to grab your tickets today!
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN two tickets to Friday nights grand tasting and let your taste buds explore the world of wine, complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on September 20th, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
September may seem a little early for coffee shops to begin rolling out their fall drink menus, but the change from August to September always sparks a tangible excitement for the fall season that can be felt across Victoria.
So without further ado, here are 10 Victoria coffee shops to get your cozy drinks this fall:
The Allenby’s fall menu will feature pumpkin spice lattes and vegan and gluten free pumpkin minis.
They also sell their very own homemade pumpkin spice sauce made with real pumpkin, coconut milk, spices and brown sugar and maple syrup for sweetener. It’s also vegan and gluten free!
Location: 2865A Foul Bay Road
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday
Starting September 15th, Rhino Coffee’s menu will include pumpkin spice lattes and a gluten free dirty chai donut! The donut will only be available until the end of the month, so be sure to stop in to try it for yourself while you can!
Location: Unit 111 2840 Peatt Road
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Coffee Shack Westshore is launching their fall menu on September 22nd (the first day of fall) and do they have a line-up for you!
Their drink menu will include a pumpkin pie cold foam, pumpkin pie latte, pumpkin chai latte, brown sugar cinnamon latte and a buttered pecan latte. Talk about festive!
They will also be serving up apple pecan coffee cake, apple crumble muffins, apple crumble scones, maple pecan scones, pumpkin pie scones and pumpkin crumble muffins.
Moka House is already serving up the fall favourites, with their pumpkin spice latte, spiced moka, harvest fog (chai tea and hazelnut) and fall fog (earl grey and caramel) available now!
Locations: 345 Cook Street and 3849b Cadboro Bay Road
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Sunday (Cook) and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Sunday (Carboro)
Hide + Seek’s fall menu will be out late September. Keep an eye out for their butterscotch pumpkin spice latte, cardamom tea latte and more to be announced!
Location: 2207 Oak Bay Avenue
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Discovery Coffee will celebrate the start of pumpkin season on October 1st with the launch of their pumpkin spice latte.
Locations: 664 Discovery Street, 1001 Blanshard Street, 1964 Oak Bay Avenue and 281 Menzies Street.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday (Discovery), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday (Blanshard), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday (Oak Bay and Menzies)
Iluka Espresso will be launching their collection of fall favourites mid September!
Their menu will include a Pumpkin Pie latte as well as some pumpkin inspired baked goods throughout the fall (using the Blume pumpkin spice blend), mini pumpkin pies and pumpkin cinnamon buns!
Location: 101 Island Highway #100
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday
Former Victoria City Councillor Sonya Gracey announced her intent to run for Mayor of Esquimalt on Thursday, after resigning from council 12 years ago.
Gracey says she loves Esquimalt and wants to deliver what the community needs.
She has a background as a registered nurse and Victoria City Councillor that has given her experience and perspective that she plans on bringing to the table as Mayor of Esquimalt.
To Gracey, Esquimalt is changing and she says, “there is an excitement in our community for what is possible.”
“I don’t have all the answers, but I have a deep curiosity, and a belief that together we make Esquimalt even better for today, and for future generations.”
Gracey’s main priorities if elected are affordable housing, fair dealings with developers, climate action, building relationships with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and investing in community services.
Sonya Gracey – previously Sonya Chandler – resigned from Victoria’s city council in 2010 during her second term in office to pursue her Master’s degree in Sustainable Health Systems after receiving a full scholarship in the European Union.
As Victoria City Councillor, Gracey helped to create one of Canada’s first comprehensive municipal resident engagement programs.
Current Mayor of Esquimalt, Barb Desjardins has served four terms as Mayor and is seeking her fifth in the coming election. In the township of close to 20,000, she won the 2018 bid for mayor by 4,000 votes.
This upcoming Wednesday, we’re inviting you to set aside some time in your busy schedule to grab some lunch—on us!
Join us at the Bay Centre’s new Food Terrace on Level 4 on Wednesday, September 14th, where we’ll be giving away $10 Bay Centre gift cards to the first 400 people that come say hi to us.
Victoria Buzz will be on site with Bay Centre staff from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. handing out one $10 gift card to each person (aged 16+ years) that drops by while supplies last.
These gift cards are valid at any one of the Bay Centre’s food terrace eateries, including
A&W, Big Orange, Edo Japan, New York Fries, OPA! of Greece, Sizzling Wok and Umi Sushi Express.
The event will officially kick-off the grand opening of downtown Victoria’s newest patio—the Bay Centre’s brand new Food Terrace.
Centrally located and convenient for all of those needing a quick bite, it will now be the go-to spot to meet up with friends for affordable dining with skyline views.
The Bubble Bus Co. will be joining in on the fun, pouring complimentary Babes Honey Farm Sparklin’ Beeline drink samples from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m with Mermaid Tears and Currantly Hip on tap.
Where: Level 4 Food Terrace, Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
*Disclaimer: Distribution starts at 12 p.m. One $10 Bay Centre gift card per person. Must be 16+ and present to receive gift card. Not open to Bay Centre mall employees. While quantities last.
After 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch.
It was announced by Buckingham Palace this morning that she passed away peacefully at Balmoral castle in Scotland with the company of her family.
During her reign as Queen, Elizabeth II had visited BC on six royal trips to Canada.
Prior to her being Queen, in October 1951 Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Edinburgh went on a coast-to-coast tour of Canada. They visited Victoria on this journey.
Canadian Geograpghic
In 1959 on her first official visit to Canada as Queen, she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited several cities on their journey through BC on the royal train. They stopped in Victoria and Nanaimo on this royal tour.
Royal Historian
In May 1971 Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne visited BC on the Royal Yacht Britannia to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of BC’s entry into confederation.
Bill Croke/The Canadian Press
During the 80s, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited Vancouver Island twice.
In 1983 they traveled to Victoria on the Royal Yacht Britannia during another royal tour. The royal couple also took the Royal Yacht to Nanaimo and Vancouver.
Nick Didlick/The Canadian Press
Then in 1987, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip went to a luxurious retreat in Qualicum Beach before spending time in Greater Victoria. During this visit they attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and Queen Elizabeth II unveiled BC’s newly updated coat of arms.
In 1994, The Queen and Prince Philip opened the 15th Commonwealth Games in Victoria and paid a visit to CFB Comox.
Gregory Williams/flickr
The last time she was in BC on an official tour was in 2002. The Queen was celebrating her Golden Jubilee and she unveiled a stained-glass window in the BC legislature. She also dropped the puck at an NHL exhibition game in Vancouver.
BC government
“British Columbians are deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” said Premier John Horgan in a media release. “The Queen will be remembered for her full-hearted service to her people, and her steadfast commitment to her duties as the sovereign and head of the Commonwealth.”
“Our thoughts are with all members of The Royal Family.”
In a media release Thursday, Stew Young confirmed he would seek re-election for mayor of Langford in the upcoming municipal election this October.
Young will run along with a team of experienced community leaders under the banner Community First Langford.
Young was first elected Mayor of Langford in December 1993, meaning this could be his 31st year in office if elected.
“I’m so proud of our community and how far we have come. It is a testament to the hard work we have put in, through the good times and the tough times, such as the pandemic, that Langford continues to grow and prosper,” Young said.
“It is thanks to our dedicated city staff, community members who devote their free time to committees, the businesses, investors and other committed stakeholders working together that Langford is the best community in this province.”
Young’s platform aims to keep taxes low, investment high and improve education, while improving liveability, developing multifaceted housing options and providing innovative climate action policies.
“We know that the key to our continued success is creating opportunities in the community that will keep families together,” Young continues.
“Creating jobs right here in Langford for Langford residents, offering affordable and attainable housing, building on community services, amenities and recreation opportunities, supporting our police and fire officials in their work to keep us all safe and working to address a health care crisis in new and innovative ways are just some of the ways we are doing that.”
The next General Local Elections will take place on October 15th, and one mayor and six councillors will be elected for a four-year term.
CFB Esquimalt is coming to Victoria’s inner harbour next week to give civilians a peek into the military lifestyle.
The family-friendly event, dubbed Defence on the Dock, will be held at Ship Point on Saturday September 17th. The event will feature tours of two ORCA class vessels and one Defender that are going to make the trek into the harbour.
Non-navy personnel are rarely allowed on-board these types of ships so this may be your only chance to have a tour and see all there is to see on an ORCA or Defender class vessel.
There will also be boat rides, military band performances, panoramic views of Victoria from a 157-foot Navy supply crane, temporary historic naval tattoos, a barbeque operated by the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and many other activities and demonstrations.
This is the first time the Defence on the Dock event has taken place since 2018, when it was located at Ogden Point rather than Victoria’s inner harbour.
CFB Esquimalt decided to put Defence on the Dock on hold during the pandemic due to safety issues surrounding COVID-19.
A little relief is on the way for British Columbians.
With rising inflation, the province announced that BC landlords will only be able to raise rent for existing residential tenants by 2% in 2023.
During a press conference on Vancouver Island Wednesday, Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Selina Robinson announced the cap as well as boosting the next Climate Action Tax Credit and BC Family Benefit in an attempt to help address cost increases caused by rising inflation.
“Everyone is feeling the squeeze of global inflation, which is driving up the cost of groceries, gas, and other goods and services,” said Premier John Horgan.
“Our next support measures will help bring down costs for renters, put money back into people’s pockets and offer families a cushion during challenging times.”
According to the BC Government’s website, when issuing a new notice of rent increase a landlord must use an approved notice of rent increase form, use the maximum amount for 2023 which is set at 2% and they must give the tenant no less than three full months before the rent increase takes effect.
No one will need to apply for the Climate Action Tax Credit and BC Family Benefit. They will be automatically increased if income tax filing is up-to-date.
In October, the province said maximum amount for the Climate Action Tax Credit for low- and moderate-income British Columbians will be increased by up to an additional $164 per adult and $41 per child.
This means a family with two children can receive up to an additional $410.
In the new year, the BC Family Benefit will rise by as much as $58.33 per child, for each month. A family with two children will receive up to $350 from this top-up.
The BC government is also working with BC Hydro to reduce the impact of the global high rate of inflation and improve the cost-of-living for BC residents.
Today, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family stated in a media release that Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral castle in Scotland this afternoon.
She was the longest reigning British monarch, sitting on the throne from 1952 to 2022.
Earlier today it was announced that she was ill but comfortable at Balmoral where she spent her summer.
Her children Charles the Prince of Wales, Anne the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew the Duke of York and Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex were with her at the castle.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
Her late husband, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinbrugh passed away peacefully of old age in April 2021.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” said the Palace.
The last time she was in BC on an official visit was in 2002 when she was celebrating her Golden Jubilee (50 years reigning).
In BC, she and Prince Phillip visited Victoria, where The Queen unveiled a stained-glass window in the BC Parliament Buildings. She also dropped the puck at an NHL exhibition game in Vancouver.
It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
Her death immediately triggered an intricate plan to crown her heir, Prince Charles, and prepare for her funeral, which is expected to draw world leaders from Canada and many other countries, both in and outside the Commonwealth.
Buckingham Palace said The Queen devoted her reign to a wide range of issues including opportunities for young people, preservation of wildlife, and the environment.
The City of Victoria said it would be lowering all Canadian flag to half-mast at all city facilities to mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
It will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral and memorial service.
The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast on all City facilities until further notice to mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The flag will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral and memorial service. pic.twitter.com/hwjCJ5xdCh
Incumbent Councilor Ben Isitt announced yesterday his intention to run for re-election on Victoria’s city council and the Capital Region District board of directors.
Isitt says he can bring experience to the table, especially considering that he could be sitting on a city council that is entirely new and inexperienced.
“My top priority is affordable housing,” Isitt told Victoria Buzz.
“To achieve this we need to acquire land and create partnerships with co-ops, non-profits and government agencies.”
His second priority is to give a voice to climate action on the city council. Specifically, he wants the City of Victoria to implement fare-free transit.
Youths below the age of 19 ride transit for free in the city. Ben Isitt plans to bring that same opportunity for free transit to senior citizens and low-income residents.
In a media release, Isitt stated that he strongly considered running for mayor, but he decided that he could more easily balance his role as City Councilor with his professional work in law focused on social justice and environmental issues.
For this election, councilors Sharmarke Dubow, Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Jeremy Loveday and Geoff Young said they would not be seeking re-election.
Isitt’s colleague Sarah Potts has not yet declared her intentions in the coming election.
Mayor Lisa Helps will also not be running in the coming election.
Current Councilors Marianne Alto and Stephen Andrew are running to be the city’s next mayor.
West Shore RCMP are seeking the public’s help in identifying a sexual assault suspect in an incident that occured in View Royal yesterday.
On Tuesday, September 6th at View Royal Park located at 60 Pheasant Lane a sexual assault was reported to the Westshore RCMP.
A young female, aged between 14 and 16 years-old was alone in the park between midnight and 2 a.m. when she was approached by a male suspect who sexually assaulted her.
Police say the victim sustained injuries but will recover.
Officers are currently investigating and looking to identify the suspect.
The suspect is described as being a Caucasian man in his early 20s. He is about 6 feet tall with a slim build, appeared to be underweight, had facial stubble and possibly dirty blonde hair.
At the time of the incident, he was carrying a blue Gatorade bottle and was wearing a blue zip-up hoodie, dark coloured sweat pants and white shoes.
As of this publication, police have not received similar reports and believe this to be an isolated crime.
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264. Call CrimeStoppers to remain anonymous.
A group of transient orcas graced southern Vancouver Islanders with their presence along the coastline between Cordova Bay to Metchosin over the long weekend.
Their beauty and grace makes us humans drop what we’re doing and reach for our phones to grab a photo or a video — for other oceanic residents though, their presence can cause quite a fright.
On Monday afternoon at around 2:30 p.m. a group of Biggs orcas were trying to catch a 1,500 pound sea lion near Pedder Bay in Metchosin.
When the sea lion saw the orcas, it panicked and leapt out of the water so quickly that it was airborne and landed on the edge of a small fishing boat, nearly capsizing it.
The couple aboard the vessel were almost thrown from their boat from the sudden weight of the sea lion coming aboard uninvited, but the sea lion fell back into the water and the boaters were able to stay in their vessel.
“I’ve seen seals and sea lions try to get out of the water before but I’ve never seen it that dramatic,” Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales Guide told Victoria Buzz.
The ordeal was caught on camera by a few passengers of the Prince of Whales.
Prince of Whales
As of this publication, the two aboard the fishing boat have still not been tracked down—do you know who they are? Send us a tip!
The last remaining police officer who was seriously injured in a shootout at a Saanich bank more than two months ago was released from hospital today.
On June 28th at approximately 11 a.m., officers with Saanich Police, Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), and VicPD responded to a call from the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street in Saanich.
Two armed men entered the bank and engaged in a shootout with police outside the building.
The shootout injured three officers from VicPD and three officers from Saanich Police who were transported to hospital following the shootout.
(Saanich Police)
On July 11th, the Saanich Police stated in a news release that of the six members of the GVERT injured, two remained in hospital care for surgery due to the nature of their injuries
Today, the last of the officers injured has been released from hospital care 71 days after the shootout and just over a month since the last officer was released.
The officer had a crowd of family, friends, fellow police officers, firefighters and health care workers show up to Victoria General Hospital to send him off.
Family, friends, police officers, and many others lined the road outside Victoria General Hospital today as the final officer injured in a fatal Saanich bank shootout was released from care.
The identities of the officers involved were not released to protect their privacy and safety following the shootout.
SPD is beaming as our final officer is released from #VGH after 71 days. This hero took a few steps on his own – pure drive and resilience. Embraced by family, @SaanichPolice, #GVERT, #PAS, @islandhealth, and many more. So grateful for all the care and ongoing support! #yyjpic.twitter.com/IqBfte7BkD
During their recovery time several initiatives were started to raise money for the injured officers and their families to aid their recovery.
The Victoria Shamrocks junior lacrosse team hosted their “Stronger Together” game in July to raise money for the officers. Over 60 items and packages were donated to their silent auction that went from July 22nd to July 26th.
A GoFundMe was started as well by the The Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union. They raised $277,752 with a total of over 1,500 donations.
“On behalf of all the Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union members, we would like to express our sincerest thank you to everyone who has donated, shared and promoted this fundraiser. The kind and generous support from the community has been overwhelming and extremely valued during this difficult time,” VicPD and Saanich Police said in a statement on the GoFundMe page.
Langford council has finally acquired a massive chunk of land its been working to purchase for nearly 30 years.
In a big announcement Wednesday, the City of Langford announced it has purchased 13-acres of land at 2955 Sooke Lake Road with the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Capital Regional District’s Regional Water Supply Commission.
The CRD property is currently zoned as residential but had previously been used for industrial uses, both as a source of gravel and for construction fill.
Since 2017, the land has not been used for operational purposes and is considered surplus to the CRD’s future needs.
The land, which has been unused since 2017, will become Langford’s 139th park and adds to the approximately 2,400 acres of existing green space and parks.
According to the City of Langford, the proposed concept for the newly acquired land includes baseball fields, a spray park, a playground, and parking.
Further public consultation will follow at the Parks and Recreation Open House on Saturday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to the 2 p.m. at Eagle Ridge Arena located at City Centre Park, 1089 Langford Parkway.
“The additional 13-acres of land will provide Langford residents with more space to get outside and enjoy Langford’s parks and recreation facilities. We are grateful to the developers who have been investing in Langford as it allows us to purchase this land at no cost to the taxpayer,” said Langford Mayor, Stew Young.
“Council has been trying to acquire this land for the last 30-years and we are pleased to make this announcement today.”
In a statement, the City of Langford said it heard the need for additional programmable ball fields from the public during the parks and recreation needs assessment process.
In the last five years, Langford has continued to grow with a population increase from 35,342 (2016) to 46,584 (2021), an increase of 31.8%. It’s the fastest growing city in BC and the 3rd fastest in Canada during that time.
“This proposed use will support the growing demand for youth ball who, on many occasions, must leave the city due to the lack of fields suitable for their skill and age level,” the City of Langford said.
This land transfer includes a covenant to limit future land-use to community parks and recreation uses.
Statutory rights-of-way will be in place to enable the CRD to retain, manage and protect the existing underground CRD infrastructure on the site.
“Transferring this land to the City of Langford allows us to create community value, in the form of recreational green space, from out-of-service land,” said Lillian Szpak, Chair of Regional Water Supply Commission.
“The funds from the sale will be used to offset the costs of construction of a new watershed field office facility in Goldstream.”
“Triangle Baseball is excited for the opportunities this proposed facility offers to help meet our current and future field requirements. This concept of new fields and facilities will give us flexibility to continue growing our membership, enhance our grassroots baseball programs, and provide us opportunities to retain higher performance athletes in the Westshore,” said Darren MacDonald, Future Fields Committee, Triangle Baseball.
The City said it has applied for a $6 million dollar grant from the Canada Community Building Fund – Strategic Priorities Stream administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to assist with improvement costs.
Langford said it purchased the land for $5 million dollars, with funds from Parks Development Cost Charges, funded by development, at no cost to the Langford taxpayer.
West Shore RCMP are searching for two suspects who shoplifted thousands of dollars worth of electronics in late August.
At around 7:30 p.m. on August 26th, a man and woman entered the London Drugs located at 1907 Island Highway in Colwood.
The male suspect pried open the lock on the electronic cabinet and the suspects stole approximately $16,000 worth of electronics.
He is described as a light skinned male, wearing a blue t-shirt and black pants with black baseball cap and black sneakers.
The woman is described as light skinned with brown hair styled in a braid. At the time of the incident she was wearing a white cap-sleeved shirt, white baseball cap, dark face mask and black pants.
Anyone who may know the identity of these suspects is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264.
To report what you know anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online.
Esquimalt Ribfest goes from Friday, September 9th to Sunday September 11th.
There will be live music every night, beer and cider from local breweries and cideries, deep fried onions for the vegetarian attendees and the best ribs you can get your slippery, saucy little hands on.
Get to know the six “ribber” teams that you’ll be lining up for:
Pit Crew BBQ is new this year! They’re from the Maritimes and have a great supportive crew from Ontario, to Vancouver Island & everywhere in between! They have formed a great team and we look forward to serving the best customers all over this beautiful country of ours.
House of Q is known for winning BBQ awards in Canada, USA and beyond. The BBQ Pitmaster team led by BBQ Brian Misko are some of the world’s best and they are 100% Canadian. Crowned with the first place ribs at the World Food Championships in Las Vegas their line of BBQ sauces and spices are tested by judges. And they win awards.
Prairie Smoke & Spice BBQ, the home of genuine pit-smoked BBQ catering in Southern Saskatchewan. What started with a sample of real barbeque in Texas eight years ago has turned into a consuming passion to produce the best, most authentic ‘Q available in the prairies. This dream is now a reality as Prairie Smoke & Spice has won many awards on the competition circuit.
Gator BBQ, for 30 years has been delivering mouth watering chicken, pulled pork and ribs to the hungry crowds of Rib Fests all across North America. Touring Canada and the Northern United States, the Smith family of Port Dover continue to win countless awards and events with their signature southern BBQ cuisine.
Grizzly Ribs, a local BBQ joint. Chef Ollie is a fifth-generation Vancouver Islander with a knack for finding just the right mix of smoke, service, spice and sass that keeps people coming back.
Boss Hog’s, with “Taste the Smokin’ Difference” being their team’s motto, it is their utmost goal to provide our patrons with the ultimate barbeque experience. Season after season they become even more successful through consistency, atmosphere and a customer service that is next-to-none.
What are you gonna be doing when you aren’t eating your body weight in delicious BBQ though? Well, you’ll be dancing to the live music of course!
Here’s the schedule for the Ribfest Stage:
Friday, September 9th:
12 p.m. – Vintage Funk
1:15 p.m. – Demographix
2:30 p.m. – Scotty Mac and the Cheese
3:45 p.m. – The Lost Talkers
5 p.m. – Brickhouse
6:30 p.m. – Iris
8:30 p.m. – Nautical Disaster
Saturday, September 10th:
12 p.m. – Curl
1:15 p.m. – Soul shakers
3 p.m. – Rock Steady
4 p.m. – Rib Contest Judging
5 p.m. – Paul Black
6:30 p.m. – BiPolar Bear
8:30 p.m. – Barracuda (Heart Tribute)
Sunday, September 11th
12: p.m. – Rewind
1:15 p.m. – Lust Life Blues Band
2:30 p.m. – R&B King Pins
3:45 p.m. – Shagster
4:45 p.m. – 50/50
5 p.m. – Push
6:15 p.m. – The Tumblin Dice
7:45 p.m. – Love Cats
All set times are approximate and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
You’re going to need something to wash the ribs down and try not to spill while you bop to the music too.
What’s on the drink menu:
All beverages are provided by local businesses!
Driftwood Brewery
Lighthouse Brewing Company
Howl Brewing
Vancouver Island Brewery
Category 12
Merridale Cidery
Junction Orchard and Cidery
Prospect Winery
All beverages will be $7 or 3 for $20.
Here’s the parking situation:
This year the Esquimalt Ribfest has a new and improved system for parking.
Every 20 minutes there will be a shuttle bus going from Ribfest’s location at Bullen Park to a parking lot at Canteen Road and Lyall Street.
The shuttle bus will be running Friday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Esquimalt Ribfest is free to enter. All proceeds from the festival (outside operating costs) will go to Esquimalt Firefighters Charitable Foundation, local charities and school-sponsored activities.
Craving a Slurpee and also looking for a way to support a good cause?
On September 14th, Slurpee fans can pay what they want for a large Slurpee at any 7-Eleven locations and 100% of the donations will go to Food Banks Canada in support of local food banks.
Now that’s something to feel good about!
Whether it’s $2, $5, or $20, your Slurpee purchase will help Canadians living with food insecurity. For every $1 donated, Food Banks Canada is able to provide two meals to those in need.
“Being a good neighbour and supporting the communities we operate in is one of our core values, and it’s a sentiment shared by our customers too,” says Marc Goodman, VP & GM of 7-Eleven Canada.
“Our customers have been so supportive the past 8 years of Slurpee Name Your Price Day, and this year, we hope they’ll join us again in the quest to make this our biggest donation event yet.”
According to Food Banks Canada, visits to food banks have increased over 20% since 2019. In March 2021 alone, Canadians made over 1.3 million visits.
“We are grateful for our partnership with 7-Eleven® Canada and to everyone who takes the time to purchase a Slurpee® on September 14th,” said Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer of Food Banks Canada.
“These donations come at an important time, when food banks in every region of Canada are stretched to their limits, reporting increased demand, which is expected to remain high as more and more people count on food banks to help them cope with rising inflation.”
The BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) says it has reached a tentative agreement in the public service negotiations with the province.
The agreement comes following more than seven months of negotiations and job action that lasted almost two weeks, covering 33,000 unit members working in direct government service.
“The members of this bargaining unit have been clear from the day we started preparing for bargaining last fall that their top priorities were wage increases and meaningful wage protections and our committee took that message to the PSA,” said Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU and chair of the bargaining committee.
“The 95% strike vote we got in June and actioned in August was our members’ response to an offer that showed their employer had not gotten the message,” said Smith.
“After almost two weeks of job action and nine consecutive days at the table, enough progress was made that the committee decided it was time to let our members see what’s on offer and have their say.”
The union is the province’s largest public sector union representing employees in an array of fields including wildfire fighters, social workers, sheriffs and correctional officers.
The most recent collective agreement between the union and PSA expired on April 1st and while discussions began earlier this year, talks stalled in July.
In June, 95% of the union members voted in favour of job action.
BCGEU are asking for a 5% pay boost each year for two years or a raise to match the cost of living, whichever is higher.
The PSA sent an offer directly to members in July, a deal that included a nearly 11% increase over three years, plus a $2,500-per-member signing bonus.
In August, picket lines went up outside BC Liquor Distribution Branch centres in Delta, Richmond and Kamloops, as well as the wholesale customer centre here in Victoria.
Later the same month, the BCGEU agreed to return to the bargaining table with the BC government.
Timelines for the ratification vote will be confirmed in the coming days.
Oak Bay Police released a photo of a suspect they say stole a betta fish and food from a local pet store.
The owner of Bosley’s pet store on Oak Bay Avenue reported the robbery to police after catching the suspect on camera.
The theft occurred between 1 and 1:15 p.m. on August 31st when an unidentified man entered the store and stole a beta fish as well as two food packages totaling $70.
The incident, which was caught on surveillance video, shows the suspect is a white male between 50 and 60 years-old, with a hunched back that is distinctive and at the time of the robbery he was wearing a black over-the-shoulder messenger bag.
Oak Bay Police released the photos of the suspect in hopes anyone with information will call them at 250-592-2424 or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(Credit: Central Island Veterinary Hospital / Facebook)
A Nanaimo veterinarian clinic is searching for the owner of a dog that passed away while in its care over the weekend.
On Friday evening at around 7 p.m. two good samaritans brought a dog who was hanging onto life by a thread in into the Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital.
She was an older Wheaten Terrier the hikers had found at the bottom of a cliff trapped beneath a log in Campbell River.
“Her hair was severely matted. To the point Veterinarians could not tell her gender,” said Teresa Fraser, Practice Manager.
Nanaimo’s VI Raiders have been robbed of over $50,000 in football equipment.
In the past few years, the Jr football team has had to deal with several significant off-field incidents.
Last September, the team had their changeroom at Comox Field broken into with damages and some equipment theft estimated at $15,000.
In early August, a fire was deliberately set at their facility at Caledonia Park, charring the outside of their building and causing significant smoke damage to the interior.
Now, sometime overnight on August 31st, thieves broke into their equipment building at their Caledonia practice facility and stole an estimated $50,000 in practice and game equipment.
Police attended and noted significant pry marks to the metal door.
Once inside, thieves made off with a significant amount of equipment ranging from helmets, jerseys, pads, footballs, tents, compressors, head sets and various other pieces of equipment and tools.
“I am beyond frustrated. We’re trying our best to provide a positive development experience for these kids but it seems that just as we get past one setback, we’re hit with another one,” said Josh Williams, VP and General Manager of the Raiders.
“There is no sugar coating or minimizing the impact this theft will have on our team moving forward. Right now, I really don’t know how were going to recover from it”.
Investigators believe it would have taken thieves approximately 30 to 45 minutes to break in, haul the equipment off and take it away in waiting vehicles.
“At least two people with two or more vehicles had to be involved”, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
The Raiders are registered as a non-profit organization and rely solely on community sponsorships, and game day operations to fund their program.
Anyone with information, or who may have heard or seen something is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at (250)-754-2345.
Sometimes there is nothing in the world that can satisfy your hunger itch except the Ottoman empire originated dish – shawarma.
Shawarma is a bit different from gyro (a similar Greek dish) or donair (a Canadian delicacy). While all three dishes are served on pita and they’re all cooked on a vertical rotisserie, they are spiced differently, garnished differently and feature different proteins.
Shawarma is usually lamb, beef and/or chicken served in a pita wrap with pickled/preserved vegetables and a sauce that is yogurt, citrus, oil and tahini based.
If you haven’t tried shawarma for yourself yet, you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a list of some of the finest eateries in the city to sample the dish.
Here are some of the best spots in town to get your shawarma fix:
Yalla is a family owned restaurant bringing great flavors of Middle Eastern food from many different countries. Gluten-free (celiac) and nut allergies can be accommodated.
RCMP are investigating a “suspicious” incident involving a commercial van in Metchosin on Saturday.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m., on September 3rd. Police said three women were walking along Matheson Lake Park Road toward Pedder Bay Road when a white commercial van pulled over.
According to the women, the lone male driver said “we were just going to take you around the corner.”
Police said they responded to the driver with “no” and the van drove away.
“Though no criminal activity took place in this incident and the women are unharmed, they were alarmed by the driver’s behaviour,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations.
“We don’t know what the intentions of the driver were and would like to speak to him or any witnesses who may have information on this incident.”
The commercial van is described as white, with back sliding doors with tinted windows. The make and model are unknown.
The driver is described as Caucasian, in his late 30s to early 40s with balding blonde hair and light coloured eyes.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at (250)-474-2264.
UPDATE: According to VicPD, Brandon White was arrested on Wednesday morning.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. on September 7th, officers located white in a vehicle in a parking lot in the 2600-block of Fifth Street.
White did not follow police direction and officers deployed a loud distraction device and oleoresin capsicum spray to remove him from the vehicle and take him into custody.
No one was injured during the arrest.
Officers transported Brandon White to VicPD cells where he will be returned to the custody of the Correctional Service of Canada.
White is serving a more than three-year federal sentence for robbery, arson, break and enter, and disguise with intent.
— original:
Once again, VicPD are searching for a 39-year-old man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.
Brandon White is serving a more than three-year federal sentence for robbery, arson, break and enter and disguise with intent.
After failing to return to his community-based residential facility in Victoria a warrant was issued for his arrest. He also failed to return to his facility back in June.
White is described as Caucasian, standing 5’10” tall and weighing approximately 170 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
He may be driving a white Toyota Corolla with British Columbia licence plate BV8 67C.
Anyone who sees Brandon White is advised to not approach and call 911 immediately.
If you have any information regarding his whereabouts you are asked to contact the VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With schools open again and autumn right around the corner, BC is rolling out their COVID-19 booster shot plan.
Much like how the flu-shot has a booster every year to keep us all healthy through the winter months, COVID-19 booster shots will soon be available.
The province announced today that BC residents will soon begin to receive invitations to book fall 2022 booster shots, and are being urged to make an appointment as soon as the invitation arrives.
Parents and guardians are being asked by the BC Provincial Medical Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry to make sure their children’s vaccines are up to date and they receive a fall booster, if appropriate.
With students returning to school, the province said it is important to make sure they are protected against COVID-19 by having an up-to-date vaccination.
The updated vaccine that will be available is a “bivalent” vaccine – a combination of protection against different variants of a virus. In this case, the bivalent vaccines will protect against COVID-19 and its Omicron variant.
Moderna and Pfizer both have bivalent vaccines developed and BC will start to receive doses for administration by September 6th.
Health Canada approved the use of this updated vaccine on September 1st. It is proven to be effective and safe for everyone eligible for the vaccination.
Residents will be eligible if it’s been six months since their last vaccine. If they’ve been infected with COVID-19 since their last vaccination, they will have to wait three months minimum since that infection to receive the booster.
The invitations for the booster vaccine are being prioritized accordingly:
Health care workers
Risk groups (vulnerable, immuno-suppressed and chronically ill groups, indigenous communities and those aged 60+)
Those with a long interval since their last vaccination
Co-administration with the influenza vaccine booster shot will be available when the flu shot arrives in early October.
Here are your steps to ensuring you get a vaccination invitation:
Ensure registration in Get Vaccinated BC – online or through Provincial Call Centre 1-833-838-2323
Update email or mobile number in Get Vaccinated BC if it has changed
If you recently arrived to BC , submit COVID-19 vaccination records here, so you will get your invitation
Wait for invitation for Fall Booster – by mobile or email from Get Vaccinated BC
Canadians experiencing a mental health crisis will soon have a new way to reach out for help starting next year.
In a statement last week, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) said starting at the end of November 2023, Canadians will be able to call 988— 24/7—to be connected to a mental health crisis or suicide prevention service, free of charge.
The United States launched its 988 services last month.
According to the CRTC, prior to launching, it must first transition to 10-digit local dialling across the country.
While several provinces have already transitioned to the new format, including BC, seven-digit local dialling is still the norm in Newfoundland and Labrador, northern Ontario and the Yellowknife area.
Service providers will be required to complete the transition by May 31st, 2023.
“The implementation of 988 as an easy-to-remember three-digit number will help reduce barriers to mental health and suicide prevention resources,” the CRTC said.
Once the transition is complete, service providers will have six months to make the necessary changes to their networks to enable callers to dial or text 988.
“We are taking a significant step in making mental health and suicide prevention resources more accessible to everyone in Canada,” CRTC chairperson and CEO Ian Scott said in a statement.
“A single, easy to remember point of contact will provide much-needed help to those in crisis and will be crucial to saving lives.”
Currently, people in Canada who are experiencing mental health distress can obtain help through Talk Suicide Canada by dialing toll-free 1-833-456-4566.
Victoria Women’s Basketball League’s fall season kicks off on September 18th, but they’re holding a FREE pre-season practice on September 11th so you can check it out for yourself.
And if you’re interested in signing up? We’ve got your back with 3 free registrations! You’ll find those contest details below.
VWBL is a 3 vs. 3 basketball league for women over 18—with two levels of play (recreational and competitive) women of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to join.
Half court 3 vs. 3 is a fun, fast-paced style of basketball that involves less running, less injuries and more shooting.
Games take place on Sunday night in the PISE gym, which is located on Camosun’s Interurban campus.
VWBL is volunteer run and donates all league proceeds to support female athletes in our community.
You can register for the fall season online—registration is $150 and includes 11 nights of league play, four games per night, and a league jersey.
On September 11th, VWBL’s pre-season practice is open to everyone interested in joining the league. It will take place from 5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.—those interested are asked to bring a water bottle and their own ball if they have one!
CONTEST
For your chance to win a FREE registration for Victoria Women’s Basketball League’s fall season ($150 value!), complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until Friday, September 15th, 2022. Three winners will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
Nanaimo RCMP have arrested one adult and one youth as a result of a fatal overnight stabbing on Monday.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m., on September 5th, at Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown Nanaimo.
Police were initially called to a report of a group of youths who were intimidating a security guard along the waterfront in downtown Nanaimo.
The suspects fled and, while officers were conducting patrols, an officer came upon the stabbing victim and his friend who had been bear sprayed.
The victims were located prior to being able to call 911 for assistance.
Paramedics transported the injured man, a 29-year-old from Nanaimo, to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The other man, aged 22, was treated for the effects of the bear spray and did not require hospitalization.
Officers located and arrested a 19-year-old man nearby without incident.
With the assistance of a police dog, a 17-year-old man was also located shortly after.
Both suspects remain in custody. A third individual has been identified but has not yet been located.
The investigation is ongoing.
“Investigators do not believe there was any connection between the victim and suspects prior to the incident,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
As a result of the investigation, the playground, walking bridge, and beach area at Maffeo Sutton Park is currently closed to the public.
This closure will allow investigators time to search and examine the area for any forensic evidence related to the investigation.
The washrooms will remain open and the day ferry to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) has been temporarily relocated to the public crab dock.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
Sarah Jim, an artist of Coast Salish, Mexican and Russian-Jewish ancestry has been selected to take on the second mural in the District of Saanich’s Community Canvas Mural Project.
The mural is now underway and being painted by Sarah at Beckwith Park near the 4100-block of Quadra Street.
Through her art, she shows the connections between native plant food systems, coastal traditional medicines and their relations with the ecosystem. All through the lens of the W̱SÁNEĆ culture.
Although this new mural will be at Beckwith Park, her art has been a mainstay of Greater Victoria’s mural scene for some time now.
Her newest additions to Victoria’s murals are under the east side of the Johnson Street Bridge, The Community Fridge in the Rock Bay area and the basketball court at Hampton Park.
In the Beckwith Park mural, Sarah wants to bring two nearby ecosystems to life and create awareness to their protection for future generations—the wetland and camas meadows.
“Expression motivates me to create art, I feel as though it’s my responsibility to tell stories in a visual way,” said Sarah.
“This not only helps the viewer to understand certain concepts, but it helps me in my own well-being as art is medicine.”
The Beckwith Park mural is to be completed by September 23rd if weather permits.
While Sarah works on her project, Claire Crawford, another artist chosen for the project, is working on her project at the Cedar Hill Recreation and Arts Centre.
The third and final art installation for the District of Saanich’s Community Canvas Mural Project will be Layritz Park and is expected to be completed in mid-October.
A Vancouver Island dog owner is asking the public to be mindful when disposing of their left over joints after his dog ingested a small amount of weed.
In late August a mini-Australian shepard, Jefferson, went on a hike near Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park with owner Ian Ward and his teenage son.
In a Facebook post, Ward said that during their hike through the park, Jefferson found and ingested about ⅓ of a marijuana cigarette someone had disposed of on the trail.
Jefferson was completely incapacitated shortly after eating the joint and had to be carried down Sugarloaf Mountain in a Fido-Pro harness designed for emergencies like this one; a hiking essential Ward recommends for any hiking enthusiast dog owner.
The first few hours were worrisome for Ward and his family.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “a small amount may affect one pet more than another, so there is no official safe level of exposure”.
Thankfully, Jefferson was able to make a full recovery and is now back to his happy and healthy self.
After the crisis, Ward made a post on a hiking enthusiasts Facebook group in which he asked hikers who “enjoy a puff of the “herb” out on the trails and at viewpoints…the pack it in, pack it out rule also applies to your roaches etc! Doggos like mine will eat ‘em and the result is not happy.”
The Capital Region District (CRD) clearly states on their website to “leave no trace and carry out litter” and Ward echoes that sentiment in his post where he stated, “pack out anything you pack in. How hard is that really?”
Ladysmith RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who assaulted an employee at a store in July.
At approximately 8 p.m., on July 25th, officers responded to a call at a local food market in the 10000 block of Chemainus Road.
The employee of the store called 911 to request police assistance before disconnecting.
Upon arrival, officers met with the employee who said they had just been robbed by a man who allegedly wanted to buy cigarettes, providing an ID, indicating the person was a minor.
When the employee denied service, an altercation ensued and the suspect walked behind the counter and assaulted the clerk.
The suspect has not been located and is described as being in theirlate teens, wearing a black hoodie, dark pants and multi-coloured sunglasses.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Ladysmith RCMP at (250)-245-2215.
The Offspring are coming to Victoria this November as part of their Let the Bad Times Roll tour in Canada.
The American rock band from Garden Grove, California, will perform at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on November 27th.
“Frequently regarded as one of the best punk rock bands of all time, The Offspring have garnered a reputation for their unmistakable sound and social comment,” said a media release promoting the show.
Canada, we didn't forget about you! ????????
We're bringing the LET THE BAD TIMES ROLL TOUR to 18 cities across Canada this fall with @simpleplan! Get presale tickets Wed Sept 7 at 10am – Thurs Sept 8 at 10pm local time. Public on sale begins this Fri Sept 9 at 10am local time. pic.twitter.com/lUUoSF3vKb
“Throughout their career, they’ve sold over a staggering 40 million albums, and toured arenas, and built a global fan base.”
Joining them is Montreal band Simple Plan, who have also sold millions of albums and won the 2005 Teen Choice Award, a 2006 JUNO Fan Choice Award, and the 2012 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award.
“We are so excited to finally be able to announce this Canadian tour with The Offspring,” said Chuck Comeau of Simple Plan.
“We know a lot of our Canadian fans have been waiting for a very long time for this and we’re absolutely thrilled to play for them all over the country. Canada is a very special place for our band, and we know these shows are gonna be amazing.”
Tickets for the tour go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, September 9th.
Update: Blanshard Street has fully reopened to traffic following a crash involving a Saanich Police cruiser Monday afternoon.
— original:
A portion of Blanshard Street is closed Monday afternoon following a multi-vehicle crash involving a police cruiser.
In a media release, Sannich Police said the southbound lanes of Blanshard Street at Ravine Way are closed due to a traffic incident.
Traffic is being diverted at Pat Bay Highway and McKenzie Avenue.
Photos from the scene show that a Saanich Police cruiser was involved in the crash.
“The lady in the silver suv was going through a solid green and told me she didn’t hear the sirens of the marked cruiser,” Rob Charlton told Victoria Buzz.
“She said she noticed that all traffic had stopped but didn’t hear anything and proceded through the intersection,” added Charton.
He also confirmed the police cruiser had emergency sirens lights activated.
No other details were available at the time of publication. Witnesses say drivers of both vehicles appeared to only suffer minor injuries.
A house fire in Victoria’s Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood in the early hours Saturday has been deemed suspicious.
The fire broke out in an occupied home just after 4 a.m. in the 500-block of Sumas Street, which caused extensive damage.
Investigators are searching for possible witnesses and anyone with surveillance footage to come forward.
The home was fully-engulfed when officers arrived. Fortunately, the residents who had been in the house at the time were able safely escape.
Once officers knew the home had been safely evacuated, Police assisted in evacuating nearby homes as fire fighters with Victoria Fire Department battled the blaze.
“Despite the extensive damage to the home, no one was physically hurt,” said VicPD.
VicPD says the preliminary investigation indicates the fire is suspicious.
This latest fire comes just days after a fire at an Island Health-operated supportive houseon Princess Avenue displaced four people. The cause of the house fire is still under investigation.
Video of house fire on Sumas Street in Victoria’s Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood in the early hours Saturday. The fire has been deemed suspicious. Four people escaped the blaze. See link below for more.
A local hot dog gem is looking for a new owner and a new place to call home.
Mr. Tube Steak has been an iconic late night snack and shopping companion to downtown Victoria’s Capital Iron for what feels like an eternity.
The former owner and operator of those carts is now retiring and there are two Mr. Tube Steak carts up for sale on Facebook Marketplace for only $5,000 a piece.
Both stands come with everything you’d need to operate the cart including on-board refrigeration, storage bins and a working sink.
However, the carts do not come with permission to operate where Mr. Tube Steak operated and whoever is lucky enough to get their hands on these carts will not be allowed to operate under the name Mr. Tube Steak.
Currently the listing for the carts is still up on Facebook Marketplace, but that likely won’t be for much longer. Serious inquiries only.
Chris Coleman wants to steer Victoria city council toward governance and away from politics, which is why he plans to make a comeback this year.
Coleman is no stranger to municipal government. He served six consecutive terms for a combined 19 years as a city councilor and before that chaired the Downtown Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee within the City of Victoria.
With the upcoming municipal election, Coleman knew that the city would need guidance in governance considering the council may be made up of entirely new councilors who are focused on a political agenda.
“Politics is about dividing the community into groups, and you end up usually pitting them against each other. Governing is actually about binding those groups together for a noble communal purpose,”said Coleman.
When asked why he decided to throw his hat in the ring for a seat on city council, he said, “For the last four years, I’ve seen it no longer matters what topic you bring up, they’re all incendiary and people are becoming more and more angry and saying council isn’t listening. So that breaks the trust factor.”
“Governance is complex. You need to take some time to learn.” Coleman told Victoria Buzz.
“Most people don’t like to talk about governance until trust is shattered.”
According to Coleman, the breach of trust with the public doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of city council, it is also in part due to the isolation from the public that COVID-19 brought to the table.
Guiding the soon to be elected city council and mayor in good governance is the cornerstone of what Chris Coleman believes can help the City of Victoria grow and heal from the scars left behind by a global pandemic.
The announcement comes after Mayor Lisa Helps, councillors Sharmarke Dubow, Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Jeremy Loveday and Geoff Young said they would not be seeking re-election.
Councillors Marianne Alto and Stephen Andrew are running to be the city’s next Mayor.
The municipal election takes place on Saturday, October 15th
It’s back-to-school and back to 30 km/h for Victorians starting next week.
The kids are back to school next week, which means speeds in school zones will be back in effect starting Tuesday, September 6th.
The Greater Victoria School District and the Victoria Police Department are reminding drivers to slow down and exercise caution as students return to school.
School zones will be in effect across the Greater Victoria region on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VicPD Speed Watch volunteers will be conducting a back-to-school speed watch blitz across Victoria and Esquimalt, in an attempt to keep everyone safe.
“Every school day for the month of September, teams of VicPD Speed Watch volunteers wearing reflective vests will be at highly-visible locations near schools reminding drivers that students are heading back to class,” Chief Del Manak said.
“Their presence will provide plenty of advance warning to drivers to slow down and look out for students before they get to our officers conducting school zone enforcement.”
