Breakfast food can be enjoyed any time of day. 

And when it comes to waffles, there are plenty of options that can take your favourite breakfast dish to the next level. 

They don’t have to be sweet, restaurants all around Victoria offer delicious savoury options!

Here are 7 restaurants in and around Victoria with must try waffles

West Coast Waffles

West Coast Waffles is a Victoria classic, serving sweet and savoury waffle dishes late into the night. The perfect stop after a night out!

• Location: 1235 Broad Street

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

Jam Cafe

Jam Cafe serves both sweet and savoury options, including fried chicken and waffles and apple cinnamon waffles. Yum!

• Location: 542 Herald Street

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

The Ruby

If you love rotisserie chicken and waffles, The Ruby is the place for you.

• Location: 3110 Douglas Street and 642A Johnson Street

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday (Douglas), 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Johnson)

Wanna Wafel

Although Wanna Wafel is closed until the end of August for vacation, you will want to be sure to stop by when the doors reopen to try some of their famous, delicious waffles.

• Location: 560 Johnson Street

• Hours: Closed until the end of August.

Spoons Diner

Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth? Spoons Diner’s Dulce De Leche Waffles are smothered in an espresso caramel cheesecake mousse and topped with seasonal fruit.

• Location: 2915 Douglas Street

• Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Johns Place

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXfVYKDwFP/

Pandora’s Johns Place serves creative breakfast options and Canadian comfort fare. Try their Belgian Waffle (which can be made regular or gluten free) or one of their breakfast dishes that also include a waffle.

• Location: 723 Pandora Avenue

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Thunderbird Korean Fried Chicken

Have you ever had a crowaffle? If not, be sure to stop by Thunderbird to try their megan & crow-waffle with boneless fried chicken thigh with megan sauce, cro-waffle, honey butter with applesaw and french fries.

• Location: 253 Cook Street
• Hours: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m

Those heading to the mainland should prepare for significant delays if travelling by BC Ferries.

According to BC Ferries, a police incident onboard the Coastal Inspiration Thursday night has caused significant delays for the Friday sailings for those travelling or planning to travel from Tsawwassen terminal.

#ServiceNotice #SwartzBay #Tsawwassen #QueenOfNewWestminster is holding in dock at Tsawwassen due to delays from a police incident and traffic volumes. The 6:00am ex Tsawwassen will be delayed as we try to load as many vehicles as possible. Info here: https://t.co/lv7SqSvODD ^cm

— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) August 26, 2022

Sailings are expected to be impacted throughout the day throughout the after the 10:45 p.m. sailing to Duke Point was cancelled last night as a result of the incident.

No details have been released as of this publication on the incident.

More to come.

#ServiceNotice #Tsawwassen – #DukePoint #CoastalInsp #CoastalRen The following sailings are at risk of cancellation:

10:15am ex Duke Point
12:45 pm ex Tsawwassen

3:15/5:45/8:15/10:45pm ex Tsawwassen & Duke Point

More info here: https://t.co/nrQa4UCJlQ ^cm

— BC Ferries | Reconnecting BC (@BCFerries) August 26, 2022

The Paper Mill Dam Park area in Port Alberni has reopened to the public after bones were discovered in the Somass River Thursday morning.

Earlier today, authorities asked people to avoid the area after a diver discovered bones they believed to be human.

According to Port Alberni RCMP, divers from the RCMP underwater recovery team were called in to recover the bones.

RCMP worked with Tseshaht First Nation and the City of Port Alberni on the investigation to determine if the bones had any relation to any historic or current investigations.

After with forensic pathologists to determine the origin of the bones, it was later confirmed the bones were in fact to be of animal origin.

The area has since been reopened to the public.

Fort Rodd Hill was temporarily closed today after a brush fire near Esquimalt Lagoon in the late afternoon yesterday.

Colwood and View Royal firefighters were called to the brushfire just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Within an hour of the fire being reported, it had grown to about one acre in size and was being fanned by heavy winds.

Fortunately, fire crews were able to contain the fire quickly and no damage to structures in the area.

BC Wildfire Services dispatched a helicopter to the area  to assist with the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Due to the fire, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites temporarily closed today from 10 a.m. to noon today as Parks Canada staff took the morning to wrap up the area and monitor the situation for visitor safety.

The tourist attraction will reopen from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Just as the hospitality industry in BC was feeling optimism, another hurdle has been thrown their way.

It’s been over a week since BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) served strike notice and initiated job action outside four key BC Liquor Distribution Centres, including one location in Victoria.

The impact has already begun for the hospitality industry, forcing 19 collective associations representing the province’s hospitality, tourism, liquor and cannabis retail businesses to press the union and province to come to a swift resolution.

The group penned an open letter to Premier John Horgan and BCGEU, stating the strike has caused product shortages “with severe impacts” on revenue.

The group includes the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC), BC Craft Brewers Guild, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, and many other notable associations.

The open letter addressed on August 24th, comes a day after the BCGEU announced it would accept the government’s offer to return to the bargaining table, however, that strike action would continue until further notice.

“This is a significant development, and it is the direct result of the pressure BCGEU members have applied, which includes the current job action and shows solidarity from BCGEU members and allies,” BCGEU said on Tuesday.

In order to maintain that pressure, the union said it would continue with the current job action.

Since the BCGEU commenced job action on August 15th, BC’s hospitality, liquor, and cannabis businesses said they have already begun to experience product shortages with severe impacts on their revenue.

“We have been cut off from vital inventory needed to maintain the viability of our businesses and the jobs we support and create,” the open the letter read.

“We support the right of government employees to bargain collectively, but the decision by the BCGEU to target liquor distribution centres drags the province’s hospitality, tourism, liquor and cannabis industries into a dispute that has nothing to do with us,” it reads.

The open letter goes on to say these industries “will unfairly bear the brunt of serious economic consequences including business closures and layoffs, cancelled events such as concerts and weddings, loss of consumer confidence, and damage to BC’s reputation among tourists and consumers.”

The BCGEU represents nearly 33,000 public service workers who are fighting for wage protection against inflation and rising costs of living.

Both the BCGEU and BC Government declined to comment after agreeing to a media blackout while negotiations resume.

With the ongoing doctor shortage crisis in BC, the province has announced it is committing $118 million in funding to help ensure clinics remain open.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by Health Minister Adrian Dix who was joined by Doctors of BC president Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh.

They say the funding will help ensure patients have ongoing access to primary care.

The “stabilization funding” will go toward family doctors throughout BC to ensure British Columbians have continued access to primary care services.

“Rising operational costs are affecting their ability to provide patient care, and we’ve been working closely with Doctors of BC to find solutions. This interim stabilization funding to family doctors is a key action in supporting their care to patients as we work to finalize a long-term solution this fall,” said Dix.

During the announcement, Dix also revealed the funding is one phase in an expansion of a new primary care compensation model that will be revealed this fall.

The funding announced today will be distributed over four months, from October 1st to January 31st of next year, and will support family doctors and medical clinics with their operational business costs.

Of the $118-million fund, $75 million will come from the Ministry of Health and $43 million will come from the General Practices Services Committee, a group co-chaired by the ministry and Doctors of BC.

“This is an important first step to help doctors keep their practices open for patients over a four-month period until we have a longer-term solution to the very real problems in primary care,” said Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, president of Doctors of BC.

“There is still hard work ahead of us to achieve a new payment model that recognizes the pressures of rising business costs and that recognizes the value of family physicians and the time and complexity of providing longitudinal patient care.”

According to the province, around 3,480 family physicians in the province have their own practices, while 1,110 work in walk-in clinics, and all will be eligible for funding.

That represents more than 70% of family doctors working in the province.

The funding is available to family doctors who provide ongoing services to patients and pay overhead costs.

Primary care clinics, including walk-in clinics, committing to remaining open and maintaining consistent clinic hours can also apply for funding on behalf of the clinic and its doctors.

Currently, nearly one million people in BC don’t have a family doctor.

Is your furry friend in need of a check-up?

TELUS Health has launched a new virtual veterinary care service app in British Columbia, connecting pet owners with provincially-licenced vets. 

According to TELUS Health MyPet, 75% of virtual vet consults can fully resolve concerns without booking a trip to a vet clinic in person. 

TELUS Health has now leveraged its technology and expertise in virtual care to launch a convenient, easy-to-use veterinary care service you can access via your smartphone. 

The new, TELUS Health MyPet app connects dog and cat owners with non-urgent issues to provincially-licensed vets.

TELUS Health MyPet vets provide care for anything from nutritional management and parasite control to behavioural challenges, and can prescribe certain medications.

The service is currently only available in BC, but the app plans on launching across Canada by the end of the year. 

The app is free to download, allowing you to add your pet (or multiple) as a patient, and consultations are $85. 

TELUS Health MyPet aims to reduce the number of non-urgent visits to emergency clinics, and to ensure pet parents who live in remote areas, or whose pets don’t travel well in vehicles, still have access to care.

“A service like TELUS Health MyPet is a fantastic tool for pet parents to avoid long wait times at some vet clinics, and to avoid some of the extra expenses and stresses associated with in-person care for non-emergency situations,” said Dr. Ko Arman, Lead Veterinarian, TELUS Health MyPet.

“TELUS Health MyPet consultation notes can be accessed within the app and medical records can be shared with regular family veterinarians to ensure seamless continuity of care.”

A Sidney staple announced it is closing its doors for good and the business is up for sale.

In 2017, Boondocks, a much-loved Sidney pub were forced to relocate to their current location after learning the building they resided in for 26 years was being torn down.

The owners at the time, Sean and Jenn McNeill, relocated the business to the former location of Theos Restaurant on Fifth Street.

In 2019, prior to the pandemic, the McNeill’s were ready to retire and the business was sold to Andrew Hansen.

Not long after, in 2020, the business was rocked by COVID-19 and had to find ways to navigate through the unknown.

“I wanted to make a short post thanking each and every one of you that have visited Boondocks over the years. I purchased Boondocks from Jen and Sean McNeill 3 years ago. Little did I know COVID, staffing issues, and rising food prices would be some of the very hard challenges I would face,” said Hansen in a Facebook post.

“We did it though, all of us, from my great regulars that sat at the bar having a cold one, the regulars that came every day to enjoy a meal and conversation, to the dancers that came and saw the live music,” the post continued.

Hansen went on to thank the landlords of the building for “their understanding and big hearts, Boons would never have lasted as long as we did.”

“I have made the hard choice to shut down the establishment, and I want to thank everyone I met, hired, and chatted with over the last 3 years,” Hansen said.

“There are a lot of great people in Sidney, and great support during the toughest of times, I just wish we could have made a bigger difference in the community.”

While the future of Hansen and Boondocks is unknown, he did end the post stating the business is up for sale.

“Boondocks is up for sale, and I hope it continues to be a place people come to, to enjoy a great atmosphere and dinner, and of course LIVE music,” said Hansen.

A long-time Victoria business will be closing its doors at one of their locations in October, to make way for a U-Haul expansion. 

The Finishing Store & Millworks 780 Topaz Avenue location, which has served the community for 37 years, will be closing on October 29th of this year. 

In a Facebook post, written by owners George and Suzette Linger, it was explained that U-Haul, the landlord of their location, requires the space and will not renew The Finishing Store’s lease. 

In addition, their search for an alternate location to accommodate their parking and inventory management needs has not been successful.

“We’ve loved serving Victoria from this location since the mid-1980s, and we would like to thank all our customers for their support over the years,” the Lingers wrote. 

“We are not closing our business. We are transferring our Contract Division to our other location—FS Millworks at 486 Cecelia Road., also in Victoria—where we’ve been manufacturing locally since 1987.”

Operation at the business’ 4128 Mostar Road location in Nanaimo will also continue. Service to Island and Mainland customers will continue from both locations.

“We’ve been very fortunate as owners to have had very dependable and dedicated staff over the years. We appreciate and value the years spent with all who have come to work with us,” the post continues. 

“Our people have been a great part of our success. Some are moving to our Contract Division, while a few are moving on to other endeavours. To those leaving us, we wish them the best in their future jobs.”

As they transition to a contractor-based business, The Finishing Store will be selling off their inventory from their Topaz Avenue location. 

“We hope you will take the opportunity to come in and see us and stock up on any products you may need.”

A new rural development grant, supported by the StrongerBC Economic Plan, will benefit Indigenous communities and local governments on Hornby Island and northern Vancouver Island. 

The grants, totalling more than $2.5 million, will help to boost tourism and local food production, assisting those hit hard by the effects of COVID-19, pandemic, floods, fires and extreme weather. 

“Jobs and economic opportunities flourish in communities that have the tools they need to adapt and grow,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. 

“With the help of rural development grants and our StrongerBC Economic Plan, we are providing rural communities with more resources to attract visitors and build important infrastructure to help create a more sustainable economy for all British Columbians.”

According to a release by the provincial government, the Hornby Island Farmland Trust Society’s food-processing facility is a project that demonstrates community stability. 

The society has been awarded more than $625,000 for the construction of a facility that will aid in the creation of jobs for entrepreneurial food businesses and increase food security for people living on the island.

“Hornby Islanders are proud of their way of life and their goals to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient island,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. 

“With the help of this rural development grant, the Hornby Island Farmland Trust Society will be able to develop a new food-processing facility that is open for any Hornby Island resident to use. This project will significantly contribute to community health and local food security.”

Additional rural development grants provided to northern Vancouver Island communities are:

• Kwakiutl First Nation: almost $440,000 for economic development on the Klickseewy 7 reserve.
• Homalco First Nation: almost $1 million for the Aupe (Church House) community pier replacement.
• Village of Cumberland: more than $480,000 for water service to undeveloped land along Union Road.

“North Vancouver Island is one of the most rugged, remote and beautiful regions in B.C., a place where tourists come to escape city life and be surrounded by nature,” said Leslie Baird, mayor, Village of Cumberland.

“Through these rural development grants, local and Indigenous communities can benefit from much-needed infrastructure upgrades that will add more employment opportunities, increase tourism and create a better way of life for many people in the region.”

You can learn more about the StrongerBC Economic Plan here.

Have things been louder in your neighbourhood?

According to a new study by Research Co., nearly half of Canadians have reported that their city or town is much louder in 2022 than in 2021. 

In an online survey of a representative national sample of 1000 adult Canadians, 49% of Canadians said they believe their city or town has become noisier over the past year. 

When asked about specific disturbances that have bothered them at home over the past year, more than a third (36%) of Canadians mentioned unnecessary noises from vehicles. 

Other disturbances included construction related noise (29%), loud people outside their home (28%), dogs barking (27%), car alarms (25%) and yard work (25%). 

Despite the reports of noisier neighbourhoods, there were a few noises that were reported less in 2022.

These included reports of music playing inside a vehicle (21%), power tools (21%), drivers honking the horn excessively (20%), yelling or screaming at a nearby home (19%), loud music playing at a nearby home (18%), fireworks (18%), a loud gathering or party at a nearby home (17%), a home alarm (10%) and cats meowing (7%). 

“Compared to 2021, there is significant growth in the proportion of Canadians who have been bothered at home by drivers honking the horn excessively,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. 

“In British Columbia, three-in-ten residents (30%) have experienced this nuisance.”

You can see the full report here.

The BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) says it has accepted an offer to return to negotiations with the province.

BCs largest public-sector union said bargaining is expected to resume soon, but details are still being confirmed.

Both parties have agreed to a media blackout and no further comment will be made.

The union, which represents 3,000 members, escalated job action on Monday by banning non-emergency overtime for BCGEU members working in the BC Public Service Agency (PSA).

“This is a significant development, and it is the direct result of the pressure BCGEU members have applied, which includes the current job action and shows solidarity from BCGEU members and allies,” BCGEU said.

In order to maintain that pressure, the union said it would continue with the current job action until further notice.

In a statement last week, BCGEU president Stephanie Smith said wage protection is the workers’ top concern amid high inflation.

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 last month, a deal that included a nearly 11 per cent increase over three years, plus a $2,500-per-member signing bonus.

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 last Monday.

A prolonged strike at the liquor distribution sites would impact the flow of imported beer, wine and spirits, since bars and restaurants can only buy directly from wineries and craft breweries in BC.

According to the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, the province’s 670 private liquor stores and 8,000 pubs, bars and restaurants will begin to see shortages if the strike action hits three days.

“Targeting the liquor distribution centres is unfair to restaurants already struggling to get back on their feet after the pandemic,” the association said in a statement.

“Business owners will start to feel the pressure by the end of the week if a strike lasts.”

BCGEU accepts government offer to return to the bargaining table.
Job action remains in effect.#StandWithPublicSectorWorkers #FightForCOLA #bcpoli https://t.co/ty68fbcGl9

— BCGEU (@bcgeu) August 23, 2022

Summer’s not quite over yet, and there’s one hidden gem in town serving up a treat that’s sure to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Oni-Oni is a Japanese treat shop tucked away at 585 Johnson Street, and houses an incredible selection of specialty snacks—including their very own shaved ice!

The icy dessert—called Kakigori—comes in 5 flavours including strawberry, melon, blue Hawaiian, yuzu and Oni-Oni’s housemade matcha.

On top of the above, the confectionary also features a great selection of fresh-made Onigiri (rice balls), Okashi (Japanese candy and snacks), and Nomimono (soft drinks).

If you’re looking for a treat in beverage form, they also serve Oni Floats—
refreshing soda topped with delicious vanilla ice cream in melon, strawberry, yuzu, rootbeer and cola.

They also carry unique and authentic imports all of the way from Japan—things you can’t find anywhere else like fans, chopsticks, toys, key rings, novelty lamps, and posters.

Oni-Oni Victoria

• Where: 585 Johnson Street
• When: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

There’s a brand new themed Airbnb Downtown Victoria, and it is sure to have fans excited!

‘The One with the Purple Apartment’, a Friends themed Airbnb, has just launched, and the interior is right out of the 90s sitcom. 

The 350 square feet condo is painted the signature Friends purple, stocked up with signature memorabilia such as a Central Perk sign, umbrellas and even a ‘Pivot!’ painting hanging on the wall.

The condo includes a loft bedroom, a pull out couch, high ceilings, large windows and a skylight. 

This is not the first themed Airbnb that has launched in the city. In 2020, a Harry Potter ‘Common Room’ rental opened in downtown Victoria.

Ready to book and enter the world of ‘Friends’?

Prices vary per night, with weekend pricing up to $265 per night (not including a cleaning fee, service fee and taxes), and weekday prices as low as $175 per night. 

‘The One with the Purple Apartment’ Airbnb has just launched, which means there are no reviews yet.

Why not be the first?

You can check out the themed Airbnb and book here!

Check out some photos of the space below: 

There are currently several new wildfires burning on Vancouver Island, including one that has grown to at least 25 hectares in size.

The BC Wildfire Service said the largest of the fires near the Nimpkish River south of Woss is being monitored via helicopters and remote cameras.

A series of lightning strikes over the past few days have caused at least eight wildfires on the island—most of the fires are considered spot fires, or under a hectare in size.

There are currently 192 wildfires burning across the province, of those, 48% are classified as being held or under control and 73% are less than four hectares in size.

While the the Nimpkish River fire has been ruled the largest out of control fire on Vancouver Island this year, no crews are directly battling the fire because no structures or human activity are near the area.

A perimeter has been set up to observe the fire’s behavior but if it does exceed the calculated perimeter, more firefighting resources will be assigned to tackle the blaze.

Of the 11 wildfires currently burning on Vancouver Island, three are considered under control, one is “being held,” and six are considered out of control.

Hot weather is expected to continue to soar this week with temperatures reaching nearly 30 degrees for Greater Victoria by Wednesday.

Conditions have been extremely dry since late July and campfire bans remain in place.

To report a wildfire, you can call *5555 or call 1 800 663-5555.

Don’t be alarmed if you live in Oak Bay and hear sounds of ongoing military exercises tomorrow evening.

In a media release, the Canadian Arm Forces are alerting Oak Bay and Cadboro Bay residents of the exercises, taking place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., on Tuesday, August 23rd.

The Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) will be exercising with a simulated ammunition system onboard a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel.

The NTOG is a full-time dedicated unit that specializes in advanced boarding operations at sea.

NTOG’s primary roles include, intercepting suspect vessels in order to prevent the movement of illicit cargo and contraband at sea, and protecting naval vessels, maritime infrastructure and personnel. 

Since 2016, as a part of the Government of Canada’s contribution to improving maritime safety and security across the globe, NTOG’s role has expanded to include supporting international capacity building activities with numerous partner nations.

Employment in Canada rose in the second quarter of 2022, showing a promising trend in employment rates across the country.

According to a new report by Immigration.ca, both employment and wages are up throughout Canada as every province struggles with labour market shortages.

Every single province, with the exception of Quebec, saw job growth during this quarter, showing a promising trend in employment.

The report also ranked the best cities in the country for job seekers: 

1. St. Catharines
2. Saskatoon
3. Guelph
4. Halifax
5. Oshawa
6. Calgary
7. Ottawa
8. Edmonton
9. Kelowna
10. St. John’s

In addition, the report listed the worst cities across Canada  for job seekers and, unfortunately, Victoria made the list:

1. Saint John
2. Peterborough
3. Trois-Rivieres
4. Sherbrooke
5. Thunder Bay
6. Regina
7. Montreal
8. Abbotsford
9. Kitchener
10. Victoria

You can see the full report here.

Inflation has been on the mind of many Canadians these days, and one recent survey shows that the majority are cutting back on spending to counteract just that.

A poll by Angus Reid tells us that prices across the country have risen by a massive 7.6% since July of last year, which means the Bank of Canada is pretty far off from its target rate of 2%.

Because of this, the majority of Canadians are battling price increases with spending decreases—like cutting back on their “discretionary budget”, putting off major purchases, driving less, scaling back travel and charitable donations, or even delaying saving for the future.

In fact, more than half (56%) of Canadians say they can’t keep up with the cost of living—while a whopping 61% of British Columbians feel the same way.

The survey also notes that 22% Canadians who say they are never really stressed about money are currently in the minority, while 76% say the opposite.

Additionally, many believe there’s more to rising grocery bills than just inflation—78% say they feel that grocery stores are taking advantage of inflation to boost profits.

Representatives for some of the larger Canadian grocery store companies have denied profiting off of inflation, saying efficiency gains and increased sales of high-margin profits, rather than price gouging, is an explanation for their growth.

Are you pinching pennies due to the current state of Canada’s financial landscape? Let us know in the comment section!

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from August 8th-10th, 2022 among a representative randomized sample of 2,279 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding

The ongoing General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) job action has escalated, with a ban of non-emergency overtime for BCGEU members working in the BC Public Service effective immediately on Monday.

The bargaining committee represents 33,000 BCGEU members.

See more: Nearly 1,200 District of Saanich workers prepared to strike if agreement not reached

“BC’s public service has been reliant on our members’ overtime for far too long and dealing with the systemic issues behind that reliance is part of what we’re trying to achieve in this round of bargaining,” said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president and chair of the union’s public service bargaining committee. 

“In this job action our members are the vanguard of the broader public sector in our province. We hope this escalation gives government the incentive they need to invite us back to the bargaining table and negotiate a deal that will ensure robust, sustainable public services for our province and a fair deal for BCGEU members and all public sector workers.”

The overtime ban will not apply to members employed in BC Wildfire Service for the duration of the current wildfire season. 

In addition to the overtime ban, targeted job action at BC Liquor Distribution Branch distribution and wholesale centres remains in effect.

The most recent collective agreement between the union and the Public Service Agency (PSA) expired on April 1st 2022. 

Negotiations for a new collective agreement started on February 8th.

On August 18th, a union representing District of Saanich workers also voted in favour of holding a strike after failing to reach an agreement in negotiations.

A majority (94%) of the 1,200 District of Saanich workers represented by CUPE Local 2011 voted in favour of strike action.

The decision came after the union rejected what its president Ryan Graham called a “rollover agreement” that does not address the needs of workers struggling with cost-of-living.

Public services provided by CUPE Local 2011 members includes water, wastewater, sanitation, roads, parks, planning, recreation centres, and support police and fire services.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has announced they will be moving forward with needed repairs to the Broughton Street Pier facility and walkway. 

The repairs, which will begin in late October, will include replacing some original wood piles, mechanical and electrical repairs, and other structural components.

The repairs will ensure the continued use and enjoyment of Broughton Street Pier by locals, tourists and commercial vendors.

According to the GVHA, approximately 250,000 people access the pier annually, connecting the David Foster pathway between the causeway and Hyack Marina, located near Red Fish Blue Fish. 

GVHA also anticipates periodic disruptions to land and water access to maintain public safety during construction, however, crews will work to minimize these disruptions during the project. 

Victoria Harbour Ferry pick-up and drop-off will temporarily relocate to Hyack Terminal.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of March 2023.