Destroyed playground at Stadacona Park (Victoria Buzz)
VicPD have announced that a suspect has been arrested in the case of alleged arson that destroyed the Stadacona Park playground.
The fire incident occurred at around 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31st. According to Victoria Fire Department Chief Dan Atkinson, the blaze was knocked down and under control within 10 minutes of the first 911 call.
Following the fire, the case was handed off to VicPD’s Major Crime Unit, who considered the fire suspicious, and believed it to be human-caused.
According to the City of Victoria, the playground cost around $600,000 to build back in October 2023. The City is currently in talks with insurance providers to manage the Replacement of the burnt down playground.
Evidence was collected from the scene, officers canvassed the area surrounding Stadacona Park for information and many came forward with tips for police throughout the past week, which led VicPD to making the arrest this week.
As of this publication, VicPD is liaising with the BC Prosecution Service for approval of charges and the suspect has been released with conditions.
No additional information is available as the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who has information on the matter and hasn’t spoken with police are encouraged to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654, citing file number 26-12901.
Victoria’s cruise season is officially underway, but beyond the returning ships, 2026 is bringing something new to the harbour.
Six cruise ships are set to make their first-ever visits to Victoria this year, including two cruise lines that have never docked in the city before.
Both Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises making their first appearances at the port.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record. With 335 expected calls and projected passenger numbers topping one million, cruise ships will once again be a near-daily sight through the peak summer months.
Friday’s season-opening visit will also include a ceremonial welcome, with a welcome from the Songhees Nation and a performance from the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers.
Mayor Marianne Alto and other officials are expected to attend.
The first ship of the season, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, arrives Friday, April 10th at 10 a.m., marking the start of a busy stretch, after four additional visits were added this week.
While that ship is a familiar sight, the real story this year is what’s new. Here’s a closer look at the six ships visiting Victoria for the first time:
Voyager of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) – May 7th
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Carrying up to 4,000 passengers, this large-scale ship is designed for activity and entertainment. Expect features like a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, surf simulator and multiple dining venues. It will make 22 visits to Victoria this year with the first being on May 7th.
Star Princess (Princess Cruises) – May 9th
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One of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, Star Princess can accommodate around 4,300 guests. The vessel focuses on modern design, high-end dining and immersive entertainment, and is expected to make 21 calls this season with the first being on May 9th.
Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages) – May 10th
(Virgin)
Marking Virgin Voyages’ first-ever visit to Victoria, this adults-only ship carries about 2,770 passengers. Known for its boutique hotel-style design, it offers unique dining concepts, wellness-focused amenities and a more modern cruise experience. It will visit three times with the first one being on May 10th.
Silver Nova (Silversea Cruises) – May 10th
A smaller, ultra-luxury ship with just 728 passengers, Silver Nova offers an all-inclusive, high-end experience. Guests can expect spacious suites, personalized service and a quieter, more refined atmosphere. It will make a single visit on May 10th.
MSC Poesia (MSC Cruises) – May 17th
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Another first for Victoria, MSC Cruises will debut with MSC Poesia, a ship carrying just over 3,000 passengers. The vessel blends European-style cruising with live entertainment, multiple lounges and family-friendly features.
It is scheduled for 20 visits with the first happening on May 17th.
Azamara Pursuit (Azamara) – May 31st
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With capacity for around 777 passengers, Azamara Pursuit focuses on destination immersion rather than onboard attractions. Expect longer port stays and curated shore experiences. The ship will make four calls this year with the first being on May 31st.
The season is scheduled to run through October 18th, when the National Geographic Venture will make the final call of the year.
Canada’s largest youth entrepreneurship market is returning to the Bay Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11th.
Kidovate Victoria 2026 is a fun, free youth entrepreneurship initiative from UVic’s Gustavson School of Business, encouraging local children to develop products and services to sell on Kidovate Market Day.
This year, shoppers can expect more than 230 local youth participants, filling all three levels of the Bay Centre to showcase their amazing micro-businesses.
One ambitious student has participated at every Kidovate market and is returning for her sixth year. Through the program, she’s been able to test different business ideas and learn-by-doing as a young entrepreneur.
This year, shoppers can expect succulents by Corey in grade 12, dog beds by Isabella, also in high school, wooden ornaments by Gavin in grade 7, crochet chickens, frogs, and donuts by 11-year-old London, beautiful handmade jewelry by 12-year-old Anna, original artwork and cards by 14-year-old Emme, hand-sewn bags by Adria aged 15, 3D printed products from 14-year-old Jay, and so much more.
Plus, youth who sign up to participate in Kidovate receive a free graphic novel workbook to help them get started working through key business decisions and a chance to connect with UVic business student mentors.
From crafting sellable products to running their own micro-business, Kidovate creates a space for young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality and gain hands-on experience.
With over 200 young vendors, three floors of booths, and free entry, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Head to the Bay Centre this Saturday, April 11th and see it for yourself—free smiles (and even the first hour of parking) included. Learn more here.
The Belfry’s 50th anniversary season culminates with Casey and Diana, a powerful and gripping new play by Nick Green.
Playing from April 21st to May 17th, the Belfry will present Casey and Diana, which follows two figures: Casey—Casey House in Toronto, Canada’s first hospice for men dying of AIDS—and Diana—Princess Diana, who visited the house in 1991.
Residing in the Casey House is Thomas, who has spent five months waiting to die. When he hears that Princess Diana—who helped change the world’s perception of the disease—is set to visit, Thomas hopes he can stay alive long enough to meet her.
Directed by Michael Shamata, who was drawn to the play as a gay man and for its powerful message, and starring Meghan Gardiner as Diana and Morgan David Jones as Thomas, the production is described as a “powerful, gripping, funny, and hopeful” story.
Opened in 1988 during the height of the AIDS epidemic, the Casey House is a Victorian-era home in the heart of Toronto’s “gay village” on Huntley Street.
Founded by June Callwood, it was created as a safe place for men with AIDS to receive compassionate medical care and support during a time of fear and stigma.
As The Belfry’s 50th anniversary season comes to a close, Casey and Diana offers a moving, deeply human story of hope, resilience, and connection that you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-want scale—click here to reserve your spot.
The Songhees Nation is inviting Greater Victoria residents to its fifth annual South Island Powwow at Royal Athletic Park on Wednesday, September 30th.
Taking place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the event honours and recognizes survivors of Indian Residential and Day Schools, their families, the Sixties Scoop and the children who never made it home from these institutions.
The Powwow is free and open to the public, welcoming those e interested in learning, reflecting and participating in the celebration of Indigenous strength, culture and identity.
“Our South Island Powwow has become a powerful gathering for our communities to celebrate culture, strengthen relationships, and welcome people from all backgrounds to learn and share in the traditions of the Coast Salish peoples,” said Chief Ron Sam.
“As we prepare for the fifth annual Powwow, we are proud to continue creating a space where drumming, dancing, and storytelling bring generations together.”
Attendees can expect a traditional grand entry of Nations, Indigenous song and dance, guest speakers, cultural performances, food trucks, more than 90 vendors and 72 Indigenous merchants.
Gates open at 10 a.m., with the grand entry beginning at noon. The event finishes at 7 p.m.
The event offers an opportunity for the community to come together in recognition, reflection, and celebration of Indigenous cultures.
Drivers across British Columbia are still struggling to put down their phones and buckle up, according to new data from the BC Highway Patrol.
Results from March’s distracted driving campaign show little overall change compared to the same period last year, with enforcement numbers remaining largely flat across the province.
While that may suggest things are not getting worse, police say it also means they are not getting better.
“When you consider staffing changes, different enforcement techniques, weather, and other factors, these numbers are essentially flat,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin.
“Having said that, you can look around and see that too many people are still using their phones while driving.”
On Vancouver Island, officers issued 89 seatbelt or restraint tickets in March, up from 61 in 2025.
At the same time, electronic device tickets dropped to 241, down from 276 last year. That means while fewer drivers were caught using phones behind the wheel, more were found not properly using seatbelts or restraints.
Across BC, police handed out 775 seatbelt or restraint tickets in March, a slight decrease from 821 the year before, along with 2,722 electronic device tickets, down marginally from 2,738 in 2025.
Other regional trends included a spike in distracted driving tickets in Metro Vancouver, while northern BC saw one of the biggest improvements in that category.
Police say distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes in the province, alongside speeding and impaired driving.
“Distracted driving is still one of the top three things that can kill you on BC roads,” McLaughlin said.
“And seatbelts are just such an easy way to save lives in collisions.”
Despite years of enforcement campaigns and public awareness efforts, officers say too many drivers are still taking risks that could easily be avoided.
As a result, enforcement campaigns like this will continue across the province, including on Vancouver Island, in an effort to improve road safety.
Residents and visitors in the Ucluelet area are being urged to stay alert following a deadly wolf encounter involving a domestic dog.
The BC Conservation Officer Service says an off-leash dog was lured by wolves in a well-used walking area earlier today and killed.
Officials say the incident highlights a real and immediate risk to pets and raises broader safety concerns for the public.
Conservation officers are now in the area working alongside the District of Ucluelet and RCMP to investigate.
Authorities are reminding the public that wolves are intelligent predators and may use tactics such as luring domestic animals. While they typically avoid urban environments, that behaviour can change, especially when food sources are present.
The BCCOS is urging people to take precautions, including keeping dogs on leash at all times and avoiding walking pets near the proposed Wyndansea Resort area.
Visitors are also advised to stay on well-travelled paths, remain alert, avoid letting pets roam ahead and consider carrying deterrents such as noise makers.
The warning comes months after similar concerns were raised along Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Last October, Parks Canada issued a warning in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve after multiple incidents involving wolves displaying increasingly bold behaviour around people and dogs.
In those cases, wolves approached individuals on popular beaches, with officials noting signs of habituation and concern that dogs were being viewed as prey.
Anyone who witnesses aggressive or concerning wildlife behaviour is asked to report it to the Conservation Officer Service through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
Just ahead of peak tourist season in Victoria, Unifor Local 4276 union members working at the Fairmont Empress Hotel have voted 99% in favour of a strike action, if deemed necessary.
According to Unifor, the Fairmont Empress is offering insufficient wages, mental health benefits and protections for gratuity earners, which has prompted this vote to strike.
Unifor says that these members are ready and willing to strike if a resolution cannot be reached by the end of April.
“The Fairmont Empress is synonymous with great service provided by Unifor members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Local 4276 members have earned a fair contract and are prepared to stand up for what they deserve.”
Though members have determined they are ready to strike, no firm strike deadline has been set. According to provincial and federal labour laws, the union is required to give 72-hours notice of strike action.
The collective agreement between the employer and the union members working at Fairmont Empress will expire this week, as their last three-year agreement was ratified on April 12th, 2023.
Unifor says this will be the first round of negotiations involving the hotel’s spa workers, who just joined Unifor in 2024.
“World-class customer service cannot be maintained without industry-leading wages and benefits,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.
“A fair contract will avoid a disruption at one of the marquee hospitality sites in Victoria as the spring tourism season ramps up.”
A spokesperson for Fairmont Empress told Victoria Buzz that the hotel remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all throughout negotiations.
“The hotel continues to engage in the collective bargaining process in good faith, with the objective of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement that appropriately balances the interests of employees and the long-term operational sustainability of the property,” reads a statement from Fairmont Empress.
“We remain hopeful that a fair and equitable resolution can be achieved in a timely manner, allowing all parties to focus on delivering exceptional service to our guests and supporting the continued success of the hotel.”
A prominent stretch of downtown Victoria real estate—once slated to become a 20-storey hotel—is now up for sale under a court-ordered process after the project fell into receivership.
The offering includes three contiguous properties at 1114 and 1106 Blanshard Street and 780 Fort Street, forming a full city block in the heart of downtown.
Listed at $9.8 million, the package includes the historic Montrose Apartments and two adjacent commercial buildings collectively referred to as the “Wintergarden” properties.
The sale is being handled through a court-approved process and is subject to approval by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
The site sits between Fort Street and View Street, just steps from the Inner Harbour and Victoria’s financial district, making it one of the most visible and strategically located land assemblies currently available in the city.
The proposal, known as the Wintergarden Hotel, called for a 20-storey hotel at the corner of Blanshard and Fort streets, where Monk Office once resided.
Plans included a terrace, restaurant, bar and cafe, along with upgrades to the neighbouring Montrose Apartments, a heritage building with ground-floor retail and residential units above.
At the time, the project was seen as a significant addition to downtown Victoria’s growing tourism sector.
However, years later, the development has not materialized and the property has now entered receivership, forcing the sale.
The listing presents a rare three-property assembly in one of Canada’s most supply-constrained downtown markets.
In total, the site spans roughly 17,337 square feet and according to the listing, includes:
The Montrose Apartments, a heritage mixed-use building with 21 residential units and ground-floor retail
Two commercial buildings along Blanshard and Fort streets
A mix of 21 residential units and 12 commercial units across the properties
The Montrose Apartments, built in 1914, continue to generate rental income, while the adjacent properties offer significant redevelopment potential.
Despite the project’s collapse, the site’s development potential remains a key selling point, according to Colliers.
Previous ownership had already secured development permit approval for a hotel tower of roughly 175 rooms and nearly 92,500 square feet, demonstrating the scale of what could be built on the property.
According to the brochure, the location falls within Victoria’s Central Business District, where higher-density mixed-use developments are encouraged.
Future possibilities could include a hotel, residential units, retail space or a combination of uses, depending on municipal approvals.
Large, contiguous development sites in downtown Victoria are limited, particularly those covering an entire block.
The property is located near the Inner Harbour, retail corridors and government offices, and is within walking distance of transit and commercial services.
The court-ordered sale process invites offers through the listing brokerage, with final approval required by the court.
From painting spring-inspired watercolours to dancing along to big band jazz or testing your music knowledge at bingo, this Wednesday is packed with ways to get out and do something different.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, April 8th:
Walking in Two Worlds tells the story of the W̱SÁNEĆ community’s commitment to preserving the SENĆOŦEN language and cultural heritage.
Join film director and producer Emily Olsen and guests from the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board in partnership with Human-Nature Counselling Society at the Vic Theatre for a special film screening of the documentary film I,ŚETEṈ E TŦE ĆESE ŚX̱ENÁṈs TEṈEW̱ – Walking in Two Worlds.
Special guests include graduate representatives from the LENOṈET SCUL,ÁUTW – SENĆOŦEN Survival School and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School.
Tickets are $13.50 and available here. Cash donations in support of the LENOṈET SCULÁUTW̱ and W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School 2026 Graduates are encouraged.
Don’t miss this night of swinging big band tunes, carrying on the tradition of Don Leppard at Hermann’s Jazz Club!
Victoria’s 17-piece Don Leppard Big Band plays everything from Count Basie and Duke Ellington classics to contemporary jazz arrangements including works from the libraries of Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, The Boss Brass, Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.
Constable Sarah Beckett was killed in a car crash while on duty on April 5th, 2016, and to mark the 10-year anniversary of her death, West Shore RCMP have shared a video in remembrance of her.
Beckett, 32, lost her life when a pickup truck struck the marked police car she was driving at the intersection of Peatt Road and Goldstream Avenue.
She became an RCMP officer in 2005, worked for 11 years in several Vancouver Island communities and she left behind a husband and two young children.
The video shared by West Shore RCMP includes many fellow officers who knew and worked alongside her. They tell of how she carried herself and brought joy to her colleagues’ lives.
Since her passing, the City of Langford has also established the Sarah Beckett Memorial Playground in her honour and remembrance, and every year, the Sarah Beckett Memorial Run is held—a family run and walk that raises money for local non-profit organizations in Langford.
In September 2016, the 28-year-old man who was driving the truck that struck her police cruiser, Kenneth Jacob Fenton, was charged with numerous offences.
Those charges included impaired driving causing death, flight from police causing death, dangerous driving causing death, driving with a blood alcohol content in excess of 80 milligrams and refusing to provide a sample of his blood upon demand by police.
Fenton served over five years in prison—four for the Beckett case and 18 months for another impaired driving incident—and was released in 2021.
One of Victoria’s most beloved musical traditions is returning this spring.
Daniel Lapp’s Joy of LifeConcerts will take over the Alix Goolden Performance Hall at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for two nights of toe-tapping music you won’t want to miss.
Taking place on Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m., Lapp takes the stage alongside an ensemble of young fiddlers from the BC Fiddle Orchestra and the Old-Time Danceband, plus special guest Tom Taylor and members of Folkestra!, Joy of Life Choir, and Joy of Life House Band.
A celebrated Canadian fiddler, trumpeter, and mentor who has shared the stage with top folk and jazz musicians from around the world, Lapp has been a cornerstone of Victoria’s music scene and the heart of the Joy of Life Concerts for over 20 years.
Taylor is a renowned singer-songwriter known for his role in Vancouver cult band She Stole My Beer and his current group The Southern Residents, which recently received a 2026 Juno nomination.
Audiences can expect to see more than 160 performers, ranging in age from six to 86, come together for a lively concert of old-time, bluegrass, and gospel-inspired music. The setlist draws from iconic songwriters like Billy Joel, Van Morrison and Bill Monroe.
Don’t miss this annual musical tradition celebrating community, mentorship, and the joy of live music—tickets start at $28 and are available now.
Plus, we’ve partnered with Victoria Conservatory of Music to give away two tickets, so one lucky winner can experience Daniel Lapp’s Joy of Life Concerts. Find out how to enter below!
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Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until April 12th at 11:59 p.m. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will implement a free transit program for youth aged 18 and under.
This “fair, free transit program” will cover Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, aiming to make transportation more accessible while reducing environmental impact.
The decision comes from an RDN committee of the whole meeting held on Tuesday, March 17th, where the board voted to approve the program after local high school students addressed them for a second time.
Students expressed the need for fare-free transit, noting it would provide options for commuting to school and extracurricular activities.
Many highlighted that they still rely heavily on their parents for rides—meaning if transportation isn’t available, they risk being late or missing class. Making transit free would offer a more reliable and independent way to get to school and activities on time.
Currently, a 30-day bus pass for youth ages 13 to 18 costs $45 while children under 12 already ride for free—meaning the program will remove a financial barrier for families.
The program is expected to provide free bus fare for approximately 8,000 students across the region.
The City of Victoria has already implemented a similar free transit program for youth, alongside cities like Penticton and Kingston.
With the program now approved, thousands more youth across Vancouver Island will soon have greater access to reliable and affordable transportation.
VicPD are investigating two armed robberies that took place at gas stations in the city on the on Monday evening.
According to police, on April 6th, a suspect entered two separate businesses, allegedly brandishing a firearm and demanding cash before fleeing on foot.
No physical injuries were reported in either incident, though staff are being supported following what police described as distressing events.
Investigators believe the two robberies are connected due to similarities in the suspect’s description and the timing of the incidents. As a precaution, nearby businesses were notified and advised to take appropriate safety measures.
Multiple witnesses also reported a heavy police presence across parts of Victoria Monday evening.
In a social media post, one resident said several gas stations in the Jubilee and Hillside areas appeared to be temporarily closed, with officers stationed outside.
The individual also described seeing multiple police vehicles in the Oak Bay and Fort Street areas.
VicPD said officers, including patrol and Police Service Dog units, attended the scenes and conducted searches of the surrounding areas.
The suspect has not yet been located, and the investigation remains ongoing through VicPD’s Investigative Services Division.
Police say an increased presence in the area will continue as they work to identify and apprehend the individual involved.
Anyone with information are asked to contact VicPD.
Last week, the City of Victoria approved a $175,000 grant for the Victoria Curling Club (VCC) which will allow for the club to acquire crucial equipment for continuing operations next curling season.
Though this was welcomed by the VCC, the grant comes with a catch—the club must raise $75,000 on their own in order to receive this grant from the City.
When combined, this $250,000 will complete the VCC’s recent fundraising campaign goal of $850,000, which is to be used for infrastructure upgrades and, more importantly, a new ice making plant.
The VCC, like many other aging curling facilities in Canada, currently uses an old ammonia-style ice making plant. This reportedly creates significant safety risks to people inside and outside the building because of toxic gas emissions.
Furthermore, the ice plant is reportedly breaking down regularly and has become unreliable for making ice, which has caused the VCC to cancel numerous events because of malfunctions.
The motion to provide this grant to the club was brought forth by Councillor Matt Dell and Krista Loughton, who said that without a new ice making plant, the VCC would have been at risk of ceasing operations.
The VCC has until April 30th to raise the last $75,000 in funds in order to receive the grant.
“This decision by Council represents a strong vote of confidence in the Victoria Curling Club and the essential role we play in the community,” said James Keogh, General Manager of the Victoria Curling Club.
“We are deeply grateful for the City’s partnership and the leadership shown by Councillors Dell and Loughton. Now, we are calling on our members, local businesses, and the broader community to help us cross the finish line.”
Councillor Dell noted that this investment will help community building in Victoria for years to come.
“It’s important for the City of Victoria to help support the new ice-making equipment, as this is a 30-year investment in recreation and healthy living in the city,” said Dell.
“This money will help build community, keep seniors active, and ensure newcomers can learn to curl. We need to keep raising funds to support this important building, so I hope all Victorians can step up to keep curling thriving in Victoria.”
Another stipulation of the council decision to provide the club’s grant is that the VCC must provide 150 hours of free rental space annually to the North Park Neighbourhood Association for the next three years to show its commitment to being a public asset.
“Replacing the ice plant will keep the ‘heart of the building’ beating and unlock the club’s future potential,” said Loughton.
“The big-picture vision also includes modernizing systems and addressing accessibility, ensuring the VCC evolves into a vital, year-round social hub for the entire North Park neighbourhood.”
Donations can be made to the ‘Our Ice. Our Future’ campaign either online, or in person at the VCC, located at 1952 Quadra Street.
A Tofino man, Loki Tchir, has been sentenced to over nine years in prison for numerous sexual offences involving youth from Port Alberni.
Port Alberni RCMP launched an investigation into Tchir in early 2025 when police arrested him and obtained search warrants for his cellphone and a residence where the sexual offences took place.
Police say Tchir would meet minors online and travel to Port Alberni from Tofino to commit his offences.
Tchir was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material and four counts of sexual interference of a person under 16-years-old.
On Friday, March 28th, Tchir was sentenced to nearly a decade in prison for these charges.
“There were many distressing aspects to this investigation including the scope of this man’s offences and access to minors that began with online communication,” said Corporal Aaron Aasen, Port Alberni RCMP.
Some conditions included in Tchir’s sentence, following his release in nine-and-a-half years, are a 15-year restriction on his employment, communication with anyone under 16-years-old, internet and social media use and attending public spaces where anyone under 16 are expected.
One person is dead and another remains in hospital following a house fire in Sooke early Sunday morning.
According to Sooke RCMP, officers responded alongside Sooke Fire Rescue to a structure fire at a single-family home at approximately 5:21 a.m. on April 5th.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second individual was transported to hospital with serious injuries and remains in care.
Police say there is no indication of criminality at this stage of the investigation.
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed it is investigating the death. However, as the investigation remains ongoing, no further details have been released.
In a statement, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brett Urano said the incident has had a significant impact on those involved.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the person who lost their life in this tragic incident,” he said.
Family members have since identified the victim as 74-year-old Linda Stirling. Her daughter was also inside the home at the time of the fire and suffered serious injuries.
She remains in hospital as of Monday.
Neighbours in the area described a chaotic and emotional scene as the fire unfolded.
One nearby resident, Paul Keene, said he awoke around 4:50 a.m. to an orange glow coming from the neighbouring home and immediately called 911 before attempting to extinguish the flames with a garden hose.
Keene said the fire quickly intensified, spreading within seconds and turning into what they described as an inferno.
The blaze prompted road closures in the Rhodonite Drive area as emergency crews worked to bring the fire under control.
Sooke RCMP continue to work with the BC Coroners Service and Sooke Fire Rescue to determine the cause of the fire.
Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact Sooke RCMP at (250) 642-5241.
The BC Parks License Plate Program is just one year shy of marking a decade of supporting provincial parks through the sales of specialty plates.
To date, the program has seen over 630,000 plates sold since launching in 2017.
In the last year alone, 87,456 plates have been purchased, with funds going toward projects and programs in 165 of BC’s provincial parks.
“British Columbians love their parks, and they’re showing it on the road. Every BC Parks licence plate is a way for people to support the wild places that make our province so special,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.
“Through the licence plate program, we’re investing directly in the care of our parks and protected areas and enhancing the visitor experience. A BC Parks licence plate is a simple way to create lasting benefits for BC’s natural spaces.”
According to the Province, more than $10 million has been invested into over 220 projects and programs in parks supporting conservation endeavours that protect diverse species, ecosystems and cultural values.
One example BC Parks points to is the removal of an old dike in Burges James Gadsen Park near Golden.
The goal of this project is to re-establish the natural flow of the Columbia River to the floodplain of Moberly Marsh, which lies within the park.
Thus far, one of the dikes has been breached in three strategic locations. The next five years will see more dikes breached to provide more frequent flooding of marsh habitat while protecting strategic sections of the existing dike that serve as upland habitats.
“Today, we are applying lessons learned from past management approaches to restore natural hydrology and habitat,” said Matt Wilson, head of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited Canada BC.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to work together with BC Parks and other local organizations, Indigenous governments and local contractors to reconnect the river to its floodplain and create a more resilient and interconnected landscape.”
British Columbians who purchase a BC Parks licence plate actively support a wide range of important environmental initiatives across the province.
The program is managed through a partnership between the Province and ICBC, who provide with three options of specialty plate designs depicting scenes from BC’s parks and protected areas.
“It’s inspiring to see how this program, together with our partnership with BC Parks, is benefiting communities across British Columbia,” said Jason McDaniel, president and CEO, ICBC.
“By choosing a BC Parks licence plate, drivers are helping protect the parks and wild spaces that define our province, now and long into the future.”
For more on how to get a specialty BC Parks license plate, click here.
Victoria and Vancouver Island have a lot of musical talent, and Victoria Buzz wants to highlight some of the best and brightest local artists and bands.
Every Monday, there will be a fresh ‘New Music Monday’ article to help people find and support local artists and bands that are up-and-coming, well established or hidden gems!
For this endeavour, Victoria Buzz has partnered with our good friends at CFUV 101.9 FM, UVic’s campus radio station, to find and select the musicians and bands for this regular column.
To date, there have been 73 New Music Monday features published through this collaboration.
This week, Conjure Handis the New Music Monday highlight!
Conjure Hand is comprised of AJ Kovar on vocals and guitar, Victor Horne on bass, Duncan Chisholm on drums, Arin Argus on guitar and Vincent Dupuis on keys.
Since last speaking with Victoria Buzz, the 1970s blues rock inspired band has been hard at work releasing two albums, touring and recording a couple of new singles they just released in March.
“We had these two songs that we had, that were written pretty early on, near the end of the Spellbound Blues sessions,” Kovar explained.
The two songs, “Baby (I Won’t Let Go)” and “Mama I’ll Walk My Way” were both released on March 18th, and represent the last two songs with Dupuis on keys before that band transitions to a four-piece model.
While their music is often rooted in telling stories of Black history and lower class struggles throughout the Americas, Kovar and Argus say this doesn’t limit them to problems that are unique to Black peoples’ experiences.
“I think these are a glimpse of the variety we have in store as a band—we definitely have a feel-good side to our band, it’s not all doom and gloom,” said Kovar.
“I think that in not writing about something that’s exclusively Black or BIPOC, it’s to say that Black people and people of colour can just enjoy things and that’s something that people sometimes forget—it’s not all about liberation, we just want to enjoy stuff like any other human.”
“We still have normal love songs, normal girl problems or partner problems, just like anyone else,” he added.
Argus also noted that these two songs feel more spacious, which lets the elements of the song really pop and represent a taste of what is to come as the band continues to write and record.
Kovar says that “Baby (I Won’t Let You Go)” was inspired by the birth of his child, who is now two-years-old, and a couple of songs that really stuck with him.
“It was definitely influenced by a release called ‘Humble Pie’ by a man called Humble Pie, that and some early KISS,” he explained.
“And the birth of my daughter was the biggest influence behind it. I just wanted to put those two artists together and that idea, and we kind of went with it.”
Kovar added that the song began with a riff he wrote over two years ago and was waiting for something to put it to that felt right.
“I pulled the riff off my old cell phone and kind of sat on it for a while, then we were able to put it together with keys and stuff for a different vibe.”
He also noted that this song was the first collaboration with Nigerian choir singers who sang backup vocals on the track.
Argus added that this song feels more like an exploration of pop and funk, as compared to the 70s hard rock sound they are normally rooted in.
The second single released alongside this one, “Mama I’ll Walk My Way” was the first Conjure Hand track written and sung by Argus.
“The second song ‘Mama I’ll Walk My Way’ is a song about rebellion and breaking away from an abusive family, and being disillusioned about freedom and being close to ending up on the streets,” he explained.
“The song came to mind when I first moved to Victoria two years back and seeing a lot of the problems on the streets with drugs and homelessness being more visible here.”
This song aims at telling the story of how quickly one could lose everything.
Check out Conjure Hand’s “Baby (I Won’t Let You Go)” below:
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To listen to “Baby (I Won’t Let You Go),” “Mama I’ll Walk My Way”and the rest of Conjure Hand’s discography, check them out on Bandcamp, Tidal, Spotify and Apple Music.
Next up for Conjure Hand is a small Alberta tour that will follow a show in Victoria with Sludgebeg, a doom/sludge metal band from the prairies.
They’ll be playing in Victoria at the Phoenix Bar and Grill on Quadra Street on April 30th before heading out east to play in Calgary and Lethbridge.
Additionally, Conjure Hand has launched their own record label, Black Witch Records, which is aimed at bringing Canadian artists together regardless of genre.
CFUV is a non-profit campus and community radio station that plays a ton of local music of all kinds across Vancouver Island. If you like to support local music they are an amazing resource with a plethora of new local tunes in their arsenal.
“I like that they highlight a lot of local musicians here and local talent,” Argus told Victoria Buzz.
This Mother’s Day, slow down and sip, nibble, and stroll through history at Bannockburn Farm’s fourth annual Heritage Tea and Flowers.
On Sunday, May 10th, gather your family to celebrate the mothers in your life with heritage tea and farm-grown flowers, hosted at St. Stephen’s Memorial Hall.
From floral prints to frilly dresses and bow ties, guests are encouraged to dress in their best spring attire for the chance to win a basket of farm-made jams and goodies.
Attendees can expect to sip tea from real china teacups while enjoying homemade scones prepared with Queen Elizabeth II’s recipe paired with fresh, locally made jam.
After tea, stroll down to St. Stephen’s Church to learn more about the history of both the church and Bannockburn Farm, adding a meaningful touch to the afternoon.
Each heritage tea experience also includes a farm-grown flower bouquet and a handwritten card—the perfect gift to celebrate mom in a thoughtful, lasting way.
Tea-for-two tickets are $70 and include the bouquet and card, with additional seats available for $15 per person ages five and up.
There will be three 90-minute seatings at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.—but spots are limited and sell fast.
Secure your spot today and treat mom to a Mother’s Day she won’t forget!
Create a mug with real personality in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop.
Learn to hand-shape a piece that’s uniquely yours—quirky, bold, and full of character. The experience includes a return glazing session, with your finished mug ready for pickup in two to three weeks.
Classes are three hours and $85 per person—book your spot here!
Where: Eccentric Artist Studio, 829-C Admirals Road
When: Tuesday, April 7th – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Get ready for an upbeat, high-energy night as Swang Thang! brings the sounds of swing, blues, and Latin dance music to life.
Inspired by the golden era of 1940 to 1965, this vibrant ensemble delivers a lively mix of vintage gems and irresistible grooves that are as timeless as they are danceable.
The Coda is opening its doors for a special all-ages jazz night this Tuesday in support of the Stelly’s Secondary School Jazz Programs.
Enjoy a lively double bill featuring one of Vancouver Island’s longest-running big bands, The Bayside Big Band, alongside the talented Stelly’s Jazz Band.
The night will close with an unforgettable finale as both groups join forces on stage to form a 40-piece “Bigger Band”—with plenty of room left to hit the dance floor.
Join Robin Ducharme to celebrate the launch of Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational Literacy with author Robin Ducharme in conversation with local author and friend, Monique Gray Smith.
Whether you’re interested in building stronger romantic relationships, deepening your connection with family and friends, navigating parenting, or bringing more communication into your work, this conversation is for you!
A documentary on the prolific Vancouver Island artist E.J. Hughes is slated for a theatrical release in Victoria and other communities up-island.
The film, titled The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes, was produced, directed and edited by Vancouver filmmaker Jenn Strom, who has always been fascinated by making movies relating to making art.
With spring in the air, Victoria is set to welcome back one of its most visible signs of the season as cruise ships return to the Inner Harbour this weekend.
The 2026 cruise season is now officially underway, marking the start of a busy seven-month stretch that brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region.
According to the latest schedule from the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, a total of 331 cruise ship visits are expected this year, matching the strong numbers seen in recent seasons.
The first ship is scheduled to arrive Friday, April 10th, kicking off what will quickly become a steady flow of vessels through the spring and summer months.
April will see a modest start with eight ship visits, but activity ramps up quickly in May with 67 scheduled arrivals, including multiple days where several large ships will be in port at the same time.
Throughout the peak summer season, cruise ships will be a near-daily sight along Dallas Road and at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. August is expected to be one of the busiest months with 68 visits, followed closely by July with 66.
Many of the vessels arriving this year are among the largest in the world, capable of carrying between 2,000 and nearly 5,000 passengers each. Smaller expedition-style ships will also make appearances, offering a mix of tourism experiences throughout the season.
While final passenger totals will depend on sailing capacity, the numbers are expected to be in line with last year when nearly one million passengers passed through Victoria’s harbour.
The season will once again bring major economic benefits to Greater Victoria, supporting local businesses, tour operators, restaurants and transportation providers. Cruise days often see thousands of visitors exploring downtown, booking excursions or taking in local attractions.
There is also added excitement this year with new cruise lines making their debut. Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises are both scheduled for their first visits to Victoria, adding to the variety of ships and experiences arriving at the port.
The season is expected to run through mid-October, with the final scheduled arrivals taking place in the second week of the month.
For many in the region, the return of cruise ships signals more than just increased tourism. It marks the unofficial start of Victoria’s busiest and most vibrant time of year.
What’s a week without a little wind on Vancouver Island?
Greater Victoria is set to start the week with strong gusty conditions, as Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for winds up to 70 km/h beginning Monday afternoon.
The advisory, classified as minor, warns that a vigorous cold front will move across the south coast late Monday, bringing a burst of westerly winds in its wake.
According to Environment Canada, winds will begin to pick up around 4 p.m. on April 6th, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in exposed areas, particularly near the Juan de Fuca Strait.
The strongest winds are expected through the evening and overnight hours before easing Tuesday morning.
Residents are advised that these gusts could:
Toss unsecured outdoor items
Break small tree branches
Lead to isolated power outages
Cause minor travel disruptions
Despite the blustery start, the rest of the week is shaping up to be largely sunny across Greater Victoria.
Monday will see a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 18°C, though it will feel cooler near the water. Winds will remain the main story into the evening, with temperatures dropping to around 3°C overnight.
Conditions calm down Tuesday, with sunshine and lighter winds expected and a high of 14°C. That trend continues through midweek, with clear skies and daytime highs in the mid-teens.
By the weekend, cloud cover and a chance of showers begin to creep back into the forecast.
VicPD are investigating a suspicious fire that broke out early Friday morning near an industrial area off Bridge Street.
According to police, officers were called to assist the Victoria Fire Department with traffic control in the area of Bridge Street and Bay Street following reports of a fire near GFL Environmental.
Fire crews were first called just before 6 a.m., where they encountered a large garbage fire that was extinguished several hours later.
Police say the fire has since been deemed suspicious. VicPD’s Forensic Identification Section attended the scene to document evidence, and investigators are continuing to gather information. No injuries were reported.
The incident marks the second suspicious fire in Victoria within the past week, though police have not indicated whether the cases are connected.
On Tuesday, March 31st, a fire destroyed the playground at Stadacona Park, causing an estimated $600,000 in damage. That blaze, which broke out around 1:15 a.m., was also deemed suspicious and believed to have been human-caused.
Anyone with information about Friday’s fire is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 ext. 1 and reference file number 2026-13389.
A long-running community favourite with organized egg hunts by age group, plus games, crafts, and family fun. Event starts at 10 a.m, with the Easter egg hunt starting at 11 a.m.
A popular Peninsula event where kids are divided into age groups before the hunt begins. This one typically draws a strong local turnout. For kids ages 1–9. Children are grouped into ages 1–3, 4–5, and 6–8.
Join Royal Bay’s annual Easter egg hunt with two age groups, four hidden golden eggs, bouncy obstacles, music, cookie decorating, snacks and so much more.
Join Fairfield United for their annual, fun-filled and family-friendly Easter egg hunt!
They will be hosting multiple egg hunts on church grounds (inside the gym if it is raining and in the courtyard if it is sunny) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 4th.
It’ll be a day filled with celebration, joy and community—register here!
Where: First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Road
When: Saturday, April 4th – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Know of an Easter egg hunt we missed? Send it our way to info@victoriabuzz.com and we’ll keep this list updated for readers across Greater Victoria.
Travellers heading to and from Vancouver Island this Easter long weekend are being urged to plan ahead, as BC Ferries deals with significant service disruptions on two key routes.
At a press conference on Thursday, April 2nd, CEO Nicolas Jimenez confirmed that two major vessels — the Spirit of Vancouver Island and the Queen of Surrey — are currently out of service during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The Spirit of Vancouver Island, which services the busy Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Swartz Bay ferry terminal route, is dealing with a generator issue.
Meanwhile, the Queen of Surrey, which operates between Horseshoe Bay and the Sunshine Coast, has been delayed returning from its annual refit.
“A number of sailings have been cancelled this week, and it is not lost on us that this affects people’s travel plans,” Jimenez said.
He added that engineering teams are working around the clock and said he is “cautiously optimistic” the Spirit of Vancouver Island could return to service in time to support travel during the long weekend.
“We will know more about this [Friday] morning,” he said.
Water safety concerns addressed
Jimenez also addressed recent concerns surrounding potable water onboard several vessels after coliform and E. coli were detected in March.
“In all cases, we acted immediately, restricting use, notifying customers, and working closely with public health,” he said.
According to BC Ferries, none of the initial test results — including those involving E. coli, total coliform, or lead — were found to exceed acceptable levels.
The organization noted that its water systems follow industry best practices and are sourced from the same supplies used in residential communities.
Travellers urged to avoid standby
With the long weekend expected to bring a surge of travellers, BC Ferries is warning passengers without reservations to expect extremely limited standby availability.
“If you’re traveling over Easter and you don’t have a reservation, you should still expect extremely limited standby availability on the affected routes throughout the entire weekend,” Jimenez said.
He added that long waits are likely and encouraged travellers to consider walking on, using public transit, or arranging drop-offs, as terminal parking lots are expected to fill quickly.
Aging fleet part of the challenge
Jimenez acknowledged the situation highlights broader challenges facing the ferry system, including an aging fleet and limited vessel availability.
“We can’t point to one single solution,” he said, noting that major investments are underway to improve reliability.
BC Ferries is currently advancing a fleet renewal program that includes four new Island Class vessels expected to arrive in the coming months, as well as four new major vessels slated to enter service between 2029 and 2031.
Despite questions from reporters about potential fare increases amid service disruptions, Jimenez maintained the system remains reliable overall but requires significant funding to operate and modernize.
He also noted the company is preparing for increased travel demand tied to upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup.
In response to the disruptions, Harbour Air has stepped in with a limited-time offer for travellers impacted by cancellations.
The airline is offering 50% off scheduled flights between Vancouver and both Victoria and Nanaimo for those with a valid BC Ferries reservation.
Travellers can book using the promo code EASTER2026 between April 2nd and April 3rd for travel from April 3rd to April 6th.
Proof of a BC Ferries reservation is required at check-in.
A man wanted in connection with an alleged armed robbery at a grocery store in Sidney has been arrested.
According to the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, 41-year-old Mark Nathan Mulschlegel was taken into custody on April 2nd, following information provided by members of the public.
Police say Sooke RCMP were able to quickly locate and arrest Mulschlegel without incident. He remains in custody.
Mulschlegel had been the subject of an outstanding warrant out of Sidney for robbery with a firearm and possession of stolen property under $5,000.
The warrant was linked to an alleged incident at the Save-On-Foods in Sidney. At the time, police said the suspect was armed and considered dangerous.
In an earlier appeal, officers urged the public not to approach him and to report any sightings immediately.
In a media release, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP thanked the public for their assistance, noting that community tips played an important role in “bringing the situation to a safe resolution.”
A tense incident involving dangerous driving came to a dramatic end outside the Oak Bay Police detachment and fire station over the weekend.
According to the Oak Bay Police, officers responded to a report of dangerous driving shortly after 6:15 p.m. on March 29th.
The incident involved a vehicle that had been following another driver for approximately 15 minutes and allegedly attempting to collide with it.
The targeted driver made their way to the police station seeking help. While officers were on scene, they observed the suspect vehicle enter the parking lot and narrowly avoid a collision.
Police intervened immediately and arrested the driver without incident. No injuries were reported. The suspect vehicle was towed, and the investigation is ongoing.
In total, Oak Bay Police responded to 63 calls for service during the week.
Police are reminding the public that aggressive and dangerous driving can put lives at risk and are urging anyone experiencing similar situations to contact authorities when it is safe to do so.
With soccer buzz building, Pacific FC kicks off its 2026 season this weekend under what’s shaping up to be perfect spring weather.
The Tridents return to Langford’s Starlight Stadium this Easter Sunday, April 5th at 3 p.m., hosting Cavalry FC in their home opener.
Here are 6 reasons why this is the kind of outing you won’t want to miss:
A perfect spring day for soccer
After a stretch of grey skies, Greater Victoria is expected to see sunshine return just in time for the long weekend. It’s the kind of weather that makes sitting in the stands, soaking up the sun and watching live soccer, an easy choice.
Sunday is shaping up to be a highlight day for soccer with Environment Canada calling for sunny skies and a high of 18°C.
Easter fun for the whole family
This isn’t just a match, it’s a full Easter celebration. Kids can take part in an Easter egg hunt around the stadium grounds, snap photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a festive atmosphere throughout the venue.
So if you’re looking for the perfect Easter outing and a soccer match, this is a two-for-one deal.
First look at the 2026 squad
There’s plenty of intrigue heading into this season, with several new faces joining the roster including Bul Juach, Taras Gomulka, Diego Konincks, Joshua Belluz and Eleias Himaras.
The club has also added depth with the re-signing of defenders Eric Lajeunesse and Fin Tugwell, continuing a strong pipeline between university and pro soccer in Canada.
A strong opponent right out of the gate
Facing Cavalry FC to open the season is no easy task. As one of the league’s top teams, this matchup should bring playoff-level intensity right from kickoff.
A full-on family experience
Beyond the pitch, the stadium will be buzzing with activity. The Family Zone will feature inflatables, games, a balloon artist and face painting, making it an easy win for parents looking to keep kids entertained.
Food, freebies and stadium vibes
From food trucks like Kattia’s Kitchen and Greek on the Street to new stadium eats like stone-baked pizzas and Cinna Twists, there’s no shortage of options.
Every fan will also receive a pack of player cards, adding a little extra to the matchday experience.
With global soccer excitement building, including here in BC for FIFA, and a PFC new season underway, this weekend feels like the perfect time to get back into the stands and support the home team.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. this Sunday in Langford—and if the forecast holds, it might just be one of the best days of the year to take in a match.
The BC government is looking to create a province-wide, mandatory code of conduct for all municipal governments.
The introduced legislative amendments would allow the Province to establish this code of conduct to create clear processes for complaints, investigations and sanctions.
Some relevant conduct issues that are currently not aligned throughout the province include matters of bullying or harassment in meetings, harassment of staff or disrespectful behaviour between elected officials.
The Province is eyeing these changes with hopes that the code will make governing BC communities less challenging for all.
“While many local governments have conduct codes today, they are not consistent across jurisdictions and often lack clear steps to address conduct issues,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities.
“Once in place, a provincial code of conduct will ensure all local elected officials are held to the same ethical standards across BC, help avoid dysfunction at the local level and improve fairness and public trust in local governments.”
According to the Province, this initiative was taken on in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the Local Government Management Association of BC (LGMA).
Additionally the BC government says they have been consulting with Indigenous partners and First Nations.
“Local governments have been consistent in their calls for additional tools to strengthen the practice of responsible conduct,” said Cori Ramsay, president of the UBCM.
“This legislation will establish a common standard throughout the province for local elected-official conduct and the handling of complaints and will strengthen the application of sanctions when warranted.”
Under the proposed legislation, the following rules would be established for all local and regional governments:
Following the same complaint and investigation steps
Defining a range of sanctions, including a maximum 90-day suspension without pay, with clear reporting requirements
Setting a standard of behaviour for all local elected officials in BC
UBCM and the Province believe that these proposed measures will create predictable and efficient paths to resolve conduct issues while improving transparency.
Many municipalities welcome the proposed changes to their current codes.
“Strong local governments are built on public trust, transparency and accountability,” said Leonard Krog, Mayor of Nanaimo.
“Clear standards, along with a fair and transparent process for complaints, investigations and sanctions, will help strengthen public confidence and support respectful, effective decision-making in local government.”
If passed, the code of conduct would be expected to be in place for the new councils and boards following the October 17th general local elections.
Paid paternal leave
In addition to pushing for a standardized code of conduct in BC, the Province has also proposed legislation for paid parental leave for local government officials.
The changes are meant to make it easier for these officials to take paid leave when they become a parent.
“As a public office holder and a mother, I know how important it is to welcome a new child without barriers and stress,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
“Clear, consistent parental leave standards don’t just support parents, they empower more caregivers to step forward and lead.”
Parental leave rules currently differ throughout BC, as some local governments have their own policies, while others require officials to apply for approval on a case-by-case basis.
If passed, this new legislation creates the following minimum standards for all local governments:
A clear definition of parental leave for all parents for pregnancy, birth or adoption
Implementation of a minimum of 26 weeks of leave and flexible start dates
A policy that allows local elected officials to continue receiving their pay during leave
Policy protecting officials from disqualification from office for missing council or board meetings during parental leave
This policy too is aimed at strengthening local governance, while promoting gender equity and reducing barriers to public participation.
Victoria is bursting with things to do this weekend for all ages!
Kids can hop, hunt and craft their way through Easter egg hunts and festive spring activities, while adults can enjoy live music, comedy, brunches and dance sessions.
Spend the holiday weekend outdoors, exploring gardens, markets and hands-on workshops, or gather for evening entertainment that keeps the fun going.
Whatever your plans, this weekend is packed with ways to get out, have fun and make memories together.
Here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—April 3rd to 5th:
The Butchart Gardens’ Easter Bunny Hunt is back from April 3rd to 6th!
Children aged 17 and younger will be given a map at the Admission Gate or Information Centre to mark the location of 10 bunnies hiding throughout the gardens.
Completed maps may be turned in at the Information Centre for a special Easter treat!
Admission to the gardens is required.
Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue
When: Friday, April 3rd to Monday, April 6th – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This unique two-for-one show brings together live music and improv comedy for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
A cast of local improvisers will be joined by musician Tasha Cadence, creating comedy scenes inspired by her original songs. Drawing from song lyrics and on-stage conversations about her songwriting process, the performers turn music into spontaneous, laugh-out-loud moments.
It’s a creative collaboration where one art form fuels another—resulting in a one-of-a-kind show full of energy, surprises, and guaranteed laughs.
Hop on over for some egg-citing fun at Island View Farm!
Join them for their second Annual Easter celebration, filled with treats, laughter and festive activities for the whole family.
The Easter egg hunt portion of the event is registration only, ensuring your little ones have plenty of time to find some delicious treats—secure your spot here!
Where: Island View Farm & Mini Golf, 7081 Central Saanich Road
When: Saturday, April 4th – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Step back in time at the Vintage Emporium, hosted by Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum!
On April 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., browse handpicked vendors featuring vintage, antique and retro treasures in the beautiful gardens of this historic 1865 site.
Admission is free, the event is outdoors and proceeds support the Ross Bay Villa Society’s preservation efforts.
Perfect for collectors, vintage lovers or anyone hunting for unique finds!
Don’t miss the Neal Estate Group’s 27th annual Easter egg hunt!
The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4th at Elk/Beaver Lake Park with face painting, themed crafts and refreshments, and the hunt begins at 11 a.m. with over 35,000 chocolates and prizes hidden.
Donations will be collected at the event and online with all proceeds going to the BC Children’s Hospital—learn more here.
Where: Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, 665 Linnet Lane
Join Peninsula Co-op for the first-ever Easter Festival!
Celebrate spring with a fun-filled community festival at Willows Beach Park in Oak Bay on Saturday, April 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This free seaside event is designed for families, friends and neighbours to enjoy a memorable day together complete with live music, spring activities, a pancake breakfast, a photobooth, games and much more.
The highlight of the festival is the Golden Egg Hunt, which features four timed hunts by age group with spectacular prizes including the chance to win free groceries for a whole year!
You’re invited for a free Easter egg hunt at Patio Gardens!
The hunt begins at 12 p.m. sharp, with staggered age groups starting every 15 minutes to ensure everyone has a chance to participate.
Children will search throughout the nursery for chocolates, gift certificates, and discount cards—plus door prizes featuring beautiful spring planters and baskets.
Celebrate Victoria music legend Big Hank Lionhart—aka Uncle Wiggly—on his 79th birthday at Hermann’s!
Enjoy live blues and R&B with Hank’s band, featuring Steve Cross, Mick Woodhouse, Steve Ranta, James McRae, Jerry Cook and special guests, Terry Medd and Dennis Meneely.
OK, DOPE and Foxy Box are proud to present GIRLS NIGHT! at the Mint!
Don’t miss this evening of stand-up comedy featuring some of Vancouver Island’s best female comedians, including headliner Jess Lupini and host Alex Forman.
Come catch a laugh and win some prizes—tickets are available here for $25!
Join Dan Bakkedahl from VEEP, The Daily Show and The Office and Kevin Matviw from The Second City and JFL Toronto for an evening of the best improv comedy in Victoria.
Grab your tickets for $25 here and get ready to laugh!
Where: Theatre SKAM, 849 Fort Street
When: Saturday, April 4th – 8:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
Welcome the return of spring at an elegant family-friendly Easter Brunch Buffet in The Arbutus Room.
This festive experience offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for gathering with family and friends, featuring a wide variety of delicious food choices to suit every taste and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Tickets are $75 per adult and $40 for children between four and 12—secure your spot here!
The Fairmont Empress is hosting a delicious brunch on Sunday, April 5th and you don’t want to miss out.
Enter the stunning Crystal Ballroom where an extravagant buffet experience awaits featuring culinary stations with a variety of exceptional options—from the best of the West Coast’s seafood to slow-roasted specialties, seasonal produce and delicately crafted pâtisserie and desserts.
Plus, children can enjoy a sprinkle of Easter magic with a festive scavenger hunt and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny!
Adults dine for $155 and children for $75, with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this flavourful celebration of Easter—reserve your spot here!
Check out this enchanting afternoon of Argentine Tango at The Coda!
Dance to beautiful close-embrace music, curated by Khang, who is not only an exceptional tango DJ, but also a wonderful Tango lead.
Whether you’re coming to dance, enjoy the music or simply soak in the atmosphere, this afternoon promises a warm, welcoming space for both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike.
No cover charge—just bring your love of Tango and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon!
Lawyers, judges and everyone involved in the legal process are inviting all of Greater Victoria to experience the courts in a new and exciting way.
Law Day is a national event in any court system that takes place every April that celebrates the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to learn about the law, the legal profession and the legal institutions that form the cornerstones of Canadian democracy.
In Victoria, Law Day 2026 will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Victoria courthouse at 850 Burdett Avenue.
The free, all-ages event will feature a mock trial with characters from the movie Zootopia 2, a judges’ talk, a Saanich Police K-9 Unit demonstration and tours of the jailhouse.
“What I like most about this event is how it transforms the courthouse from what is normally a very formal (and to many people, intimidating) space to one that is lively, fun, and educational,” said Kirby Hayes, lawyer with Cook Roberts LLP.
On top of the activities planned for Law Day in Victoria, there will be tables and booths lining the halls of the courthouse with resources from justice-related community groups.
Additionally, there will be food trucks and prizes for those in attendance.
“This was a popular annual event in the past,” Hayes continued.
“It took a hiatus for a few years after COVID, but we’re back in action now for the first time since 2019.”
This event gives those who have not had dealings in the court system the opportunity to remove some negative stigma for the courts, and provide a learning experience to all who attend.
A Nanaimo man is facing multiple charges, including assault and firearms offences, following an early morning incident at a residence.
According to police, officers were called to a home just after midnight on March 27th, for a reported disturbance.
Police say an adult woman was allegedly assaulted during the incident but did not require medical attention.
By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already left the residence in a vehicle. While at the scene, police located and seized several firearms for safekeeping.
A short time later, officers located 46-year-old Darcy Chartrand in a parked vehicle nearby and arrested him without incident and held in custody.
Chartrand remained in custody until March 31st, when he appeared in court.
The BC Prosecution Service approved 11 charges against him, including assault and a number of firearms-related offences.
He has since been released on conditions and is scheduled to return to court on April 7th.
Support the Victoria Festival of Authors with a spicy spring fundraiser!
Unbound Desires: A Night of Heated Rivalry celebrates the iconic series Heated Rivalry to raise funds for the upcoming fall Victoria Festival of Authors.
Before the TV series took off and became one of the most-talked-about shows of the year, the characters Shane and Illya first lived on the pages of the novel by Rachel Reid.
On Friday, May 8th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Oak Bay Recreation’s Sports View Lounge, attendees can look forward to risqué readings of Heated Rivalry, accompanied by drag performances, burlesque dancers—it’s also being hosted by former Victoria Royals broadcaster and Victoria Buzz’s very own Seanna Wainman.
Snap photos with friends at the hockey-themed photo booth, take part in the 50/50 raffle and hear stories from a lineup of local residents who have broken through gender and sexuality barriers in Canadian sports.
Plus, Munro’s Books will be on-site with a curated selection of romance reads to add to your reading list while fans wait for Rachel Reid’s next book, set for release in June 2027.
The Victoria Festival of Authors is an annual literary festival that has celebrated Canada’s rich literary community since 2016, inviting writers from Vancouver Island and beyond to share their stories.
Ticket sales from this event go towards funding this year’s festival, helping bring in authors, hiring panelists and more.
Don’t miss this steamy, one-of-a-kind fundraiser in support of local literature—tickets are $30 and available now.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Victoria Festival of Authors’ social media as they release more details on performers and other additions!
Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the Lounge
The District of Saanich has launched an online portal, or dashboard, to track housing progress across the municipality.
This Housing Dashboard provides a complete view of new residential construction and approved future developments throughout the District.
Furthermore, it tracks development, building and occupancy permit approvals to show residents what housing is actually in the works.
The dashboard utilizes interactive charts and filters, allowing users to see activity by housing type, tenure and completion date at all stages through the development process.
“Saanich has been working really hard to update its planning framework and development review process to better meet the housing needs of its residents,” said Lindsay Chase, director of planning for the District of Saanich.
“This tool will let everyone see the significant progress that is being made, at all stages of the approval pipeline.”
The launch of this tool comes just after the release of the District’s annual Housing Strategy Progress Report, which was presented to Council on March 23rd.
Some of the District’s housing highlights over the past year include:
582 new units were completed — a 63% increase from 356 units in 2024
An increase in building permits issued for the Houseplex form of Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) — 99 permits in 2025, versus just four in 2024.
Progress in creating more non-market housing, with 1,146 new units currently under review or under construction.
The District says that this new housing dashboard was able to be created due to the success of the Council Voting Dashboard Tool that was launched last year.
Both endeavours were made in an effort to provide increased transparency.
This new tool being launched also coincides with the defeat of a recent council member motion that sought a reduction in Saanich’s provincial housing targets.
In 2023, Saanich was among the first BC communities to be singled out by the Province as having a significant need of additional housing.
The District was given a five-year target of 4,610 completed net new builds — meaning any homes that were demolished in that time in the district is subtracted from the total.
As of September 2025, the District had only built 780 net new units, where their two-year target was 1,041.
In the March 16th Saanich council meeting, Councillors Susan Brice and Judy Brownoff moved that Mayor Dean Murdock write to the Province to request a reduction in the District’s housing targets.
This motion was ultimately defeated in a 5-3 vote.
After weeks of unpredictable spring weather, Victoria is about to warm up just in time for the Easter long weekend.
There’s still a bit of unstable weather to get through first. Friday is expected to bring cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers and a high of around 12°C.
Overnight, temperatures will dip down to around 4°C with some cloudy periods.
But that’s where the grey skies end.
On Saturday, the weather is expected to turn a corner, with sunshine and a high of 15°C across the region. Clear skies are forecast into the evening, setting the tone for a much brighter weekend.
Sunday is shaping up to be the highlight, with Environment Canada calling for sunny skies and a high of 18°C.
It’s a noticeable jump from what Victoria has seen lately, and will likely have people heading outside to patios, parks and waterfront spots across the city.
Come Monday, the weather is expected to revert to a more mild forecast with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 17°C, before temperatures ease slightly back to the low teens by Tuesday and Wednesday.
After a stretch of stop-and-go weather, the timing couldn’t be better.
With Easter weekend ahead, it looks like Victorians will finally get a run of sunshine and maybe even a reason to break out the sunscreen.
Make sure to check out our list of Easter events happening around Greater Victoria.
Destroyed playground at Stadacona Park (Victoria Buzz)
VicPD’s Major Crime Section has taken over the investigation into the Stadacona Park playground fire, and are now looking for additional information related to the case.
On Tuesday, March 31st, at around 1:15 a.m., Victoria Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a significant fire at Stadacona Park.
The fire was put out in approximately 10 minutes, but the playground was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Police and firefighters have determined the fire to be suspicious in nature and human-caused, so the investigation has been passed off to police.
As of this publication, the playground remains fenced off and closed to the public; however, the rest of the park’s amenities are still usable.
“VicPD understands the importance of this park space to the Fernwood, North Jubilee, South Jubilee, and Rockland neighbourhoods — particularly as this play structure was redeveloped with inclusivity and accessibility in mind,” said VicPD in a media release.
Now, just two days later, VicPD are asking the public for additional information, including photos, videos, and dashcam footage that might be relevant.
Specifically, they are asking people who travelled through the corridor of the 1400 and 1500 blocks of Pandora Avenue between midnight and 1:15 a.m. on March 31st, to review any photos or footage they have.
Police ask anyone who may have photos or footage to review what they might have captured, and call VicPD if anything suspicious surfaces.
Those with content to submit can call the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654, citing file number 26-12901.
One of Victoria’s most prominent waterfront hotels is now under new ownership.
Toronto-based InnVest Hotels announced April 1st that it has acquired the Hotel Grand Pacific, a landmark property located in the heart of downtown along the Inner Harbour.
The 304-room hotel, owned by Pacific Sun since 1996, had been on the market for months and is valued at nearly $48 million, according to BC Assessment.
According to InnVest, the acquisition adds a “high-quality asset” to its growing national portfolio and aligns with its strategy of investing in well-located, high-performing properties across Canada.
“This acquisition represents an exciting milestone for InnVest as we continue to invest in high-quality assets in Canada’s most dynamic markets,” said president and CEO Lydia Chen.
“The Hotel Grand Pacific is an exceptional property with a prime Inner Harbour location, strong community ties, and significant potential.”
The property includes more than 10,000 square feet of naturally lit meeting and event space, along with outdoor reception areas commonly used for conferences, weddings, and social events.
Guests also have access to a full-service, membership-based athletic club featuring a lap pool and fitness facilities, one of the more notable wellness offerings in the region.
Dining at the hotel is anchored by Fathom, a well-known restaurant that focuses on seasonal, locally inspired cuisine.
InnVest says the acquisition reinforces its commitment to expanding in both urban and resort destinations while continuing to deliver strong guest experiences.
The company is one of Canada’s largest hotel owners and operators, with a portfolio that spans properties across the country.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP have launched an investigation into a student who allegedly made threats towards a school in Chemainus.
On March 31st, school staff called police about the alleged threats, stating they were concerned for the well-being, safety and security of students, staff and faculty.
Officers attended the school and apprehended the suspected student.
According to police, the student was taken to hospital for any medical care they might require, though RCMP claim the individual was uninjured.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are working with School District 79 to ensure appropriate support is provided to any students and families that may feel affected by this incident.
The investigation is ongoing as investigators work to determine and evaluate the nature of the alleged threat.
Police did not reveal the school in question.
Anyone with information on this incident should call North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.
This week, Victoria MP Will Greaves attended UVic to announce that two university researchers would receive a combined $5.43 million for their projects in aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
This funding comes through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) the dedicated federal agency fostering economic growth, innovation and job creation in British Columbia.
The first project PacifiCan funding will receive $4 million for aerospace-related research.
The endeavour, led by Afzal Suleman, director of the Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR), will see to the creation of a system of Western Canadian collaboration for space-enabled industries.
Once completed, the project will give small and medium-sized businesses access to satellite ground stations, spacecraft testing facilities, secure satellite data, applied research expertise and skilled personnel.
PacifiCan hopes the collaboration network, or cluster, will support clean energy, agriculture, dual-use defense, uncrewed systems, marine technology, robotics and natural resources industries.
“This investment allows us to move beyond individual projects to build a strong, inclusive space innovation community,” said Suleman.
“By connecting industry with local talent, infrastructure, and satellite data, we can bring new technologies to market and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience and sovereignty in space.”
The second project will see Homayoun Najjaran, head of UVic’s Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems Lab, receive $1.43 million for AI research.
This investment will go towards the advancement of an AI-enabled drone surveying and mapping system that is designed to improve flood and wildfire risk assessment.
This autonomous, uncrewed system will use AI-driven data collection and analysis to deliver mapping, with accuracy down to the centimetre.
The product of this research could significantly improve existing hazard maps, reduce costs and remove the need for on-site technical specialists.
This AI research could also be fit for applications regarding land-use planning, housing development, infrastructure monitoring and emergency response for smaller, rural communities.
“Accurate, affordable and sovereign solutions for data collection and analytics are increasingly critical, whether for communities managing climate risk or for operations in remote areas or extreme environments,” said Najjaran.
“This technology is designed to close that gap.”
This collective $5.43 million investment is a small part of the $13.8 million released by PacifiCan supporting five projects.
With one of the busiest travel periods of the spring approaching, BC Ferries is urging travellers to plan ahead as high demand combines with reduced capacity on key routes over the Easter long weekend.
Customers travelling between Tsawwassen and Vancouver Island are being advised to expect schedule changes and limited standby availability, particularly on the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen–Duke Point routes.
The disruptions are due to two vessels currently out of service. The Spirit of Vancouver Island is undergoing repairs related to a generator issue, while the Queen of Surrey has been delayed returning from its annual refit.
BC Ferries says revised schedules are in place and additional sailings are being added where possible, but overall capacity remains reduced. Customers with impacted bookings are being contacted directly with options to rebook or receive refunds.
At the same time, the company is introducing new and expanded digital tools aimed at helping travellers secure space during busy periods.
Beginning April 2nd, sailing alerts that notify customers when space becomes available on previously sold-out sailings will expand to include the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen–Duke Point routes.
A new waitlist pilot will also launch on the Powell River–Comox route, allowing customers to join a queue for fully booked sailings and be automatically booked if space opens up.
BC Ferries says these tools are designed to make better use of available capacity by filling cancelled reservations more quickly while giving customers more opportunities to secure their preferred sailings.
With high demand expected throughout the long weekend, travellers are being encouraged to book early, travel during off-peak times when possible, and consider alternate routes where space may be more available.
At Horseshoe Bay, vehicle travel to Nanaimo continues to require advance bookings due to ongoing construction that has reduced terminal space.
The Easter long weekend is consistently one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and BC Ferries says this year will be especially busy given the current service limitations.
Travellers are being advised to check for updates before heading to terminals and to allow extra time for their journeys.
BC Ferries also noted that passengers should expect busy terminals, limited standby space and a greater need to plan ahead when travelling over the Easter long weekend.
If you’re looking for something to do this Thursday, the city is packed with events, from a daytime improv class and the return of the Esquimalt Farmers Market, to live music, open mics and comedy.
Whether you’re in the mood to get creative, support local or enjoy a night out, there’s plenty of things to choose from.
Without further ado, here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Thursday, April 2nd:
Daytime Improv is for people who want to have fun and experience the benefits of improv in their daily lives: sharper thinking, creative confidence and a lot of laughs.
Each session brings new games, short-form scenes and character work in a welcoming and supportive environment.
All ages and abilities welcome!
This is the first of a four-week class starting every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. from April 2nd to 23rd—secure your spot here for $130.
Don’t miss the first market of the season, and the start of Esquimalt Farmers Market’s 12th season!
Peruse an amazing selection of local businesses, pick up a delicious dinner from one of their hot food vendors and enjoy nightly musical performances while the kids run wild in the onsite playground.
In addition to food, they have a fantastic selection of artisans and crafters, offering everything from soap to hand-printed tea towels, clothing, jewelry and more.
Where: Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Road
When: Thursday, April 2nd – 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Six songwriters gather in a circle and take turns sharing songs, one after another, round-robin style. Each artist plays a song, then the next and the circle keeps moving until everyone has shared several songs.
The audience sits around the outside of the circle, creating an intimate environment where the focus is on the craft of songwriting rather than a traditional stage performance.
It’s part performance, part conversation and part musical hang, featuring songwriters Felicia Harding, Claire Coupland, Daine Harding, Blake Andison, Marina Avros and Cory Owens.
Fresh off their highly successful No Refunds World Tour, comedic married duo Darcy and Jer are back with “Average at Best”—a brand-new show packed with the same old disappointments.
Join them as they riff on their neurodiverse relationship, tackle parenting and explore their life as an average middle-aged couple.
This relatable and often raunchy duo will leave you wanting more!
Vancouver Island communities are set to receive provincial funding to help bring the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 closer to home.
The BC government has announced $1.7 million in funding through its 2026 Community Event Support Fund, supporting 32 communities across the province to host free, soccer-themed events during the tournament.
That includes several Vancouver Island communities, such as Langford, the Comox Valley and Alberni Valley, which will host everything from live match viewings to multi-day celebrations highlighting local culture, food and entertainment.
The funding is designed to ensure residents don’t have to travel to major host cities to take part in the World Cup atmosphere.
“Hosting this tournament is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said BC Premier David Eby.
“It’s about sharing the love of sport, and the excitement, energy and pride in hosting the largest single-sport event in the world.”
Across BC, the funded events are expected to draw a combined attendance of up to one million people.
On Vancouver Island, communities are planning a range of celebrations that go beyond just watching matches.
In Langford, the city has already announced a month-long festival in its downtown core, featuring outdoor screenings, live entertainment, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
In the Comox Valley, residents can expect a public viewing of Canada’s opening match on June 12th, along with live music and cultural performances.
Meanwhile, the Alberni Valley will host an Indigenous-led soccer celebration in partnership with the Hupacaseth, Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations.
The funding can be used for a wide range of event costs, including large viewing screens, performers, security and promotion, helping communities create vibrant and accessible experiences.
According to Anne Kang, the goal is to make sure the energy of the tournament is felt province-wide.
“We want people to feel the excitement of the world’s largest single-sport event throughout the province,” she said. “This is about ensuring everyone can share in the energy and social benefits right in their own backyard.”
The initiative is also part of BC’s broader tourism strategy, which aims to boost local economies and showcase the province’s cultural diversity to visitors during the tournament.
With matches running from June 11th to July 19th, communities across Vancouver Island are expected to release more detailed event schedules in the months ahead.
Local advocacy group for improved access to healthcare, AccessBC, is celebrating the third anniversary of prescription contraception becoming free in British Columbia.
The grassroots campaign chaired by Saanich Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff says that the push for free access to contraception has benefitted over 400,000 people thus far.
Though the move by the BC government to implement a free prescription contraception policy was historic, as it was the first of its kind in Canada, AccessBC would like to see the Province make further improvements to reproductive justice issues.
“Free prescription contraception has helped transform lives and improve the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of British Columbians, and I am so proud that our province has become a beacon of hope for reproductive justice at a time when such hope is desperately needed,” said Teale Phelps Bondaroff, AccessBC campaign chair and co-founder.
“The increased use of prescription contraception after the policy took effect makes it clear — cost was a major barrier preventing access to this life-saving and life-changing medicine. By removing this barrier, we empower people to access the medicine they need to exercise reproductive autonomy.”
BC became Canada’s first province or territory to implement universal, free coverage for free prescription contraception on April 1st, 2023.
The Province dedicated $119 million over three years for the program that covers some oral pills, injections, hormonal rings, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants and Plan B — an emergency contraception that is also known as the morning after pill.
Though many contraceptive methods are covered by BC’s policy, some are not. Some name brands of contraceptive pills that are not fully covered are Alesse, Marvelon, Min-Ovral, Yasmin and Yaz.
Prior to this legislation, cost was a major barrier for some. AccessBC says that a hormonal IUD can cost more than $500, a contraceptive implant costs $350, oral contraceptive pills cost at least $240 per year and hormonal injections as much as $180 per year.
The advocacy group noted that in addition to helping prevent unintended pregnancies, contraceptive medications can help with medical issues, such as treating chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular cycles, hormonal acne, cyclical mood changes and gender-affirming care.
Between April, 2023, and February 28th, 2026, the BC Ministry of Health reported that 407,000 people were able to access prescription contraceptives at no cost.
Another milestone for free contraceptives in BC came with the federal government passing the Pharmacare Act (Bill C-64), which was championed by the NDP and made the cost coverage a federal responsibility.
However, thus far, only BC, Manitoba, Yukon and Prince Edward Island have signed on with the Pharmacare Act. This lack of access brings a renewed concern to AccessBC.
While the policy has been a massive success in BC, efforts to see the roll out of universal no-cost prescription contraception across Canada appear to have stalled.
Currently, only 17% of the Canadian population is covered by the Pharmacare Act.
“The success of BC’s free prescription contraception program throws into stark contrast a growing inequality across Canada, where someone’s access to this life-saving and life-changing medication now depends both on their income and their postal code,” Phelps Bondaroff explained.
“As we celebrate the 3rd anniversary of free prescription contraception in BC, we are calling on the federal government to show leadership on this issue and get back to negotiating Pharmacare agreements with outstanding jurisdictions across the country.”
The Saanich councillor added that someone’s ability to exercise reproductive autonomy should not depend on their income or postal code.
Two Victoria bars have been ranked among the top 100 best bars across North America, according to The World’s 50 Best.
With spots in Miami, Mexico City, Honolulu and fellow Canadian cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal, the list showcases the best bars across the continent—and Victoria has earned its place.
Humboldt Bar, located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites on Humboldt Street, landed at number 53 of 100 for its nature-inspired cocktails and tribute to 19th-century naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
The Tree Hugger is a standout example of its themed drinks—made with cacao butter-washed vodka, then mixed with wine aperitif, toasted amaranth and egg white.
The second bar to make the list is Citrus & Cane, which ranked 87th overall and was praised for its tropical atmosphere that provides “island escapism” through fruity and rum-based cocktails. Specific drinks include their signature daiquiri or Every Day Mai Tai.
Citrus & Cane just closed their Douglas Street location over the weekend, on March 29th, but will be relocating in downtown Victoria’s Trounce Alley. The anticipated reopening will come sometime this spring.
From historic homages to tropical getaways, Victoria clearly offers some of the best bars for any occasion.
The list released by The World’s 50 Best only covers the top 100 to 51 best bars in North America, with the remainder of the list set to be released at a live awards ceremony in Vancouver on April 22nd.
Come April 22nd, Victorians will see if any other local hotspot has made the prestigious list.
The City of Langford has announced the municipality will be hosting a free, month-long FIFA World Cup 2026 viewing celebration in the downtown core of the city.
This viewing party will run from June 11th to July 19th at the Langford Station.
The City says the Station will be transformed into a family-friendly festival throughout the month of soccer, and invite residents and visitors to collectively get excited about the World Cup matches taking place throughout North America.
Not only will fans be able to watch the games on a giant outdoor screen, but there will also be entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden and a kids zone.
Between games, there will be performances by local bands, dancers and cultural groups.
Along with the local retailers, artists and food trucks that will occupy the Station, there will also be a licensed beer and cocktail garden.
Langford says that the kids’ zone will feature soccer-themed games and interactive activities.
“Hosting a free community event throughout the World Cup is an opportunity for people to connect and share in the excitement of a global event,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford.
“We are proud to offer an inclusive space where folks can celebrate and enjoy world-class soccer.”
This World Cup viewing festival will kick off on opening day, June 11th, with a live viewing of the first match between Mexico playing against South Africa.
Langford warns motorists that a portion of Station Avenue will be pedestrian-only for the duration of the tournament in order to create a safe, walkable fan zone.
With two months to go until the World Cup begins, Langford will release a comprehensive event schedule, featuring themed days, entertainment rosters and opportunities for volunteers to get involved in the coming weeks.
Local businesses hoping to get involved through sponsorship opportunities can contact the City via email for more information.
In addition to prospective sponsorships, the event is being partially funded through BC’s 2026 Community Event Support Fund.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted in connection with an alleged armed robbery at a local grocery store.
According to the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, Mark Nathan Mulschegel is currently wanted for robbery with a firearm and possession of stolen property under $5,000.
The alleged incident took place at the Save-On-Foods in Sidney. Police say the suspect was armed at the time and is considered dangerous.
Mulschegel is described as a man standing approximately 5’10” and weighing around 176 pounds.
Police are urging the public not to approach him if he is seen.
Anyone with information that may help locate Mulschegel is asked to contact Sidney/North Saanich RCMP. Those wanting to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online.
Four family-friendly movies are hitting the big screen as part of Cineplex Canada’s Family Favourites program, a monthly series that brings movies to theatres at a budget-friendly price.
These films will play every Saturday throughout April at select theatres, including Victoria’s SilverCity, offering an easy and affordable way to keep you and family entertained.
Plus, the first movie in April’s lineup, Hop, premiers on Saturday, April 4th, over the Easter long weekend—making it the perfect holiday activity.
The other three films in the lineup are David, on April 11th, Despicable Me, on April 18th and Despicable Me 2 on April 25th.
Tickets are $3.99 when purchased in person, or online for CineClub members. Scene+ members pay $4.99 online, while general admission is $5.49 online, with the slight increase covering booking fees and taxes.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to spend Easter weekend or keep the kids entertained, Cineplex has you covered with this program.
Learn more about Family Favourites and find participating theatres here.
Still from AI-generated video of Jeremy Caradonna (Instagram)
Councillor Jeremy Caradonna has put forth a motion for this week’s committee of the whole meeting that aims at controlling the spread of disinformation through artificial intelligence (AI).
Rapid development of AI technologies poses a unique dichotomy of opportunities and challenges that Caradonna worries about—especially in regards to its potential to spread untruths.
The councillor recognizes that in many fields of industry, the technology is providing undeniable benefits, but also notes that when used with malicious intent, AI could potentially be used to destabilize democracies by confusing and manipulating citizens.
He points specifically to the emerging ability to create authentic-looking artificial images and “deepfakes.”
To demonstrate his concern for how accurate these deepfakes and computer-generated videos can be used for malice, he had a friend create one of him. The video appears to be Caradonna, sounds like him and is even complete with details like an Anian overshirt that is quintessentially Victorian.
“Bad actors, from unsophisticated online trolls to hostile foreign states, have unprecedented access to AI programs that distort reality, generate social discord and divisiveness, and potentially weaken representative democracy,” wrote Caradonna in a press release regarding his motion.
“To emphasize this point, I asked a friend to create an AI version of me to highlight just how easy it is to have authentic-looking digital creations dispense false information and fabricated content.”
Caradonna noted that oftentimes governments can be slow to react to changing technologies and he wants to see protections put in place for local governments such as Victoria’s.
His motion for council aims to bring a new resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) that could help bring this sought-after regulation into place via higher levels of government.
The end goal would see provincial and federal governments work with local governments to create reasonable and enforceable regulations of AI technologies.
These regulations would safeguard democracy and national sovereignty, mitigate social and political divisions and proactively combat misinformation and disinformation from being spread.
