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.
Major changes could soon reshape how Canadians receive their mail, as Canada Post moves forward with a federally mandated transformation plan that could end door-to-door delivery and significantly alter services nationwide.
In a recent statement, the Crown corporation confirmed it has begun consultations with unions on proposed changes, following direction from the federal government to modernize operations and improve financial sustainability.
Among the most notable proposals are converting remaining door-to-door delivery addresses to community mailboxes, closing some rural post offices, and updating delivery standards for letter mail.
Canada Post says the changes are part of a broader effort to “meet the evolving needs of Canadians without becoming a recurring burden on taxpayers.”
The push for reform comes after the federal government sounded the alarm last fall.
In September 2025, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joel Lightbound said Canada Post was facing an “existential crisis,” citing billions in accumulated losses since 2018 and describing the situation as unsustainable.
Canada Post has since been directed to implement sweeping changes to stabilize its finances and modernize its services.
However, the proposed overhaul is already facing strong opposition from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents postal employees across the country.
In a March 30th bulletin, the union said it is concerned about the timing and transparency of the process, arguing the changes could have significant impacts on workers and communities.
“The proposed changes include replacing door-to-door delivery with community mailboxes, closing rural post offices, and changing delivery standards for letter mail,” the union stated.
CUPW also criticized the consultation process, saying it comes as members prepare for upcoming contract ratification votes.
“This is not the right time to consult. We are fully focused on the upcoming ratification votes,” the union said, adding that the move appears to interfere with ongoing negotiations.
The union further raised concerns about a lack of transparency, noting that a transformation plan submitted to the federal government months ago has not been shared publicly or with labour representatives.
“We have repeatedly requested access to it, yet neither the Government nor Canada Post has shared the plan with us,” the statement reads .
Canada Post, meanwhile, says consultations are just the first step, with plans to engage municipalities and other stakeholders before any changes are finalized.
The corporation also emphasized that it intends to maintain access to postal services in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, while working toward a financially self-sustaining model.
The debate comes after a turbulent period for the postal service, including strike action by CUPW following last year’s announcement. While a tentative agreement was reached in November, it has not yet been ratified.
If approved, the changes would mark one of the biggest shifts to Canada’s mail system in decades.
An advocacy group for transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit (2S/TNB) people are calling on the BC government for better legislation and supports on Trans Day of Visibility.
The Society for Advocacy and Gender-Affirming Healthcare (SAGAH) wants to see meaningful change for the 2S/TNB community in BC with specific demands for the Province.
First, SAGAH wants to see healthcare coverage and access expanded to meet international standards, as well as the reverse of imminent cuts to surgical pathways.
SAGAH points specifically to the fact that there are just two surgeons available in BC through the Gender Surgery Program (GSP), and those two surgeons have long wait times.
Furthermore, where BC residents used to have access to a Quebec-based program through the GrS Montreal facility, that pathway has been recently scrapped by the BC government which puts additional pressure on the limited surgeons in British Columbia.
The organization is also calling on the Province to reverse the GrS Montreal pathway closure and commit to further funding for surgeries in the province.
Second, the organization wants to see the Province repeal the harmful Name Act amendment. They say the amendment prevents Indigenous people, 2S/TNB individuals, survivors of violence and sex workers with criminal records from changing their names.
“News of the pathway closure comes on the heels of the legislated ban on name changes for vulnerabilized [sic] trans people who rely on accurate ID to access housing, education, employment, as well as safety and social inclusion in all areas of life,” wrote SAGAH in a media release.
“Activists are calling on the BC government to change course on both fronts and stand up for trans rights in the province.”
In order to get the BC government’s attention, a group of advocates and activists attended the south lawn of the BC legislature on Tuesday, March 31st in protest of these recent limitations to their autonomy.
This protest was held coinciding with the FIFA 2026 celebration on the legislature lawn, but on a different part of the building’s grounds.
Despite the recent changes the government has made to policies impacting 2S/TNB people, Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, made a statement in honour of the achievements this community has contributed to BC.
Blatherwick also revealed that 2026 marks a milestone for the 2S/TNB community.
“This is the first year that BC is officially proclaiming March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in honour of more than 18,000 transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people living in our province,” she said.
“In recognition of the significant contributions of the transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit people to the province, I am proud to stand firmly with them and to affirm my belief in a British Columbia that values diversity, recognizes strengths and upholds dignity and belonging for all.”
She noted that visibility is important and that everyone benefits from British Columbians having the opportunity to show up as their most authentic selves.
Blatherwick also noted that she recognizes not all 2S/TNB people feel safe to show up in society as their most true-selves.
“Today is also a reminder that not all transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people are free to live their lives safely,” she continued.
“Many still face hate and discrimination, and struggle to access the life-saving health care and supports they need.”
Blatherwick concluded by affirming a commitment to the 2S/TNB community to remove systemic barriers, addressing transphobia, delivering inclusive programs and supports and upholding the rights of trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people.
A growing number of Cowichan Valley residents are voicing frustration over a proposed zoning bylaw they say could have long-lasting impacts on rural living, housing and small businesses.
A petition circulating in the region is calling on the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to delay adoption of Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw No. 4710 and hold a formal public hearing before moving forward.
The proposed bylaw is a sweeping document that would regulate land use, buildings and development across all CVRD electoral areas, but many residents say they don’t yet understand how the changes could affect their own properties.
Petition organizers are asking the regional district to pause the process until residents are properly informed and consulted.
Among the key concerns raised are potential impacts to:
Secondary dwellings and housing flexibility
Rural and Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land use
Agricultural activities
Future building and development potential
The petition also calls for clearer, property-specific explanations so residents can see exactly how zoning changes would apply to their land before any adoption.
There are also concerns about property rights, with some residents worried the bylaw could introduce new restrictions without explicit public consent.
Public concern is expected to be visible Tuesday evening, with a rally planned for 5 p.m. outside the CVRD building on Ingram Street.
Organizers say the goal is to bring attention to the issue and push for greater public engagement before any decisions are made.
Local business Cobble Hill-based Drifters Creamery says proposed rules around food trucks could threaten its future.
Under the draft bylaw, food trucks would be limited to operating on a single parcel for no more than eight hours in a 24-hour period and would need to be removed from the site at the end of each day.
Owner Reana Borthwick says those restrictions could make it difficult for small, seasonal businesses to remain viable.
The company, known for its organic soft serve and community-focused presence, is encouraging customers to contact local officials in support of more flexible rules.
The CVRD Board Chair Kate Segall acknowledged the concerns, saying the district has been flooded with emails from residents and is actively reviewing feedback.
According to Segall, more than 185 emails have already received responses.
She emphasized that the bylaw is still in its early stages and has not yet reached first reading.
Segall said they are in the early stages of the process and that the document is not even ready for first reading.
The CVRD board is set to discuss the bylaw at a public meeting this week, with additional public input sessions planned throughout May.
Still, for many residents, the concern remains the same, that changes of this scale should not move forward without broader awareness and meaningful consultation.
Don’t miss an evening of genre-blending, boundary-pushing music as Vancouver-based harpist and vocalist Elisa Thorn takes the stage.
Known for her dreamy, immersive sound, Thorn’s music drifts between folk, pop, jazz, post-rock, and experimental styles—creating a warm, atmospheric experience she describes as “good bath-time listening.”
Joining her is local artist Pesewa, who blends afrofuturist sounds with Indigenous Ghanaian instruments, electronic beats and ambient textures. Pesewa creates music that invites both movement and reflection while honouring his Ewe heritage.
Together, the two artists promise a captivating night of innovative and deeply expressive live music.
Three magicians, plus a special guest appearance by a young apprentice magician, will be performing jaw-dropping tricks and illusions at this free event for all ages.
Magic tricks and books will be available for budding magicians who want to keep the magic going at home!
Brass Monkey Taproom is hosting a night of stand-up comedy!
With headliner Dylan Williams and a comedy lineup featuring Vancouver Island’s best including Henok Meresa, Paola Beneras, Jon David and Darren Millar Dylan Williams you won’t want to miss this hilarious night.
Williams has performed all over Western Canada including at Just for Laughs Vancouver, as well as at the Rifflandia Music Festival Music for the last four years.
A night dedicated to house music, community and movement!
Expect a carefully curated selection of house music throughout the night, great energy from start to finish and a space where everyone can come together to celebrate music.
Come early, stay late, and be part of the experience—tickets are available here starting at $10.
A Canada-wide recall was issued for various cheese products in HelloFresh meal kits due to potential Listeria contamination.
The affected products include shredded parmesan cheese, cheese curds, feta cheese, goat cheese and mozzarella cheese—view the list of contaminated product codes here.
If you’ve recently received a HelloFresh meal kit, you’re advised to check whether any of the recalled products are included. If so, they should be thrown out or returned to the place of purchase.
Food contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause illness.
Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness.
Anyone who believes they may have become sick after consuming the recalled cheese products should contact their healthcare provider.
Destroyed playground at Stadacona Park (Victoria Buzz)
Last night a fire destroyed the playground at Stadacona Park which is believed to have been human-caused.
On Tuesday, March 31st, at around 1:15 a.m., Victoria Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a significant fire at Stadacona Park.
Fire Chief Dan Atkinson said that initially, one crew was sent to the blaze, but the call was quickly upgraded.
“We initially responded with a single engine company, as would be normal to a response like that, but while enroute, given the amount of smoke and flames that were showing on arrival we upgraded that to a second alarm,” said Chief Atkinson.
“I’m happy to report that we were on scene in minutes and we had the fire under control and knocked down approximately 10 minutes after the first 911 call was received—so very fast response, very effective response, which helped prevent further damage and spread.”
Despite the rapid response, the entirety of the playground area was destroyed and will have to be torn down, except for the specialized accessible swing set.
A City of Victoria spokesperson told Victoria Buzz the playground structures that were destroyed cost the City around $600,000 to install.
VicPD says that evidence has been gathered from the scene of the blaze and an investigative team is looking into the matter.
Though police would not say what the cause of the fire may have been, Chief Atkinson confirmed the fire was suspicious in nature and believed to have been caused by humans.
The City says that early talks have begun with insurance providers, and for the time being, the playground will remain fenced off and unusable, though the tennis courts and remainder of the park are still accessible
Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators should contact the VicPD at (250) 995-7654, citing file number 26-12901.
More information to come as the investigation progresses.
Travellers heading between Vancouver Island and the mainland are facing delays Tuesday after BC Ferries cancelled several sailings on its busiest route due to a mechanical issue.
According to a service notice issued March 31st, the disruption is tied to a problem with the starboard generator on one of the vessels operating between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.
As a result, multiple sailings throughout the day have been cancelled, including:
11 a.m. departing Swartz Bay
1 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
3 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
5 pm departing Tsawwassen
7 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
9 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
To help manage demand, BC Ferries has added several supplemental sailings later in the day, including departures at 4 p.m. from Tsawwassen and additional evening sailings from both terminals.
A revised schedule is now in effect for the remainder of Tuesday, with sailings running at adjusted times throughout the afternoon and evening.
(BC Ferries)
Customers with reservations on cancelled sailings are being contacted directly by BC Ferries. The corporation says affected travellers may be accommodated on later sailings where space allows, or issued refunds if rebooking is not possible.
Those already at the terminal may also be eligible for compensation, depending on the circumstances, with receipts required for consideration.
BC Ferries says it is continuing to investigate the issue and will provide updates as they become available. As of now, there has been no mention of any service changes or continued disruptions for Wednesday.
Travellers are encouraged to check current sailing conditions before heading to the terminal.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) studio’s spring classes and summer camps are now open for registration, offering one-of-a-kind art experiences led by professional artists.
With programs for toddlers, youth ages 11 to 17, and adults, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re just getting started or looking to build on your artistic skills.
It’s the perfect opportunity to use your imagination, try something new and create a unique piece to take home.
From Little Art Explorers, a class designed for children aged two to five to explore colours and shapes, to Art Experimentations for youth looking to enhance their artistic techniques and ideas, there’s no shortage of creative experiences to choose from.
Families can also take part in Fantasy Flowers, a hands-on workshop where participants design and create large-scale paper blooms inspired by nature motifs featured in AGGV exhibitions, including Fifty Shades of Ink: Ink Paintings from the AGGV Collection, ਸ਼ੀਸ਼ੇ ‘ਚ ਤਰੇੜ | sheeshe ‘ch thareŗ | a crack in the mirror, and the Permanent Collection Galleries, A View From Here: Reimaging the AGGV Collection.
Classes range from single sessions to multi-week programs, making them a flexible and fun way to keep kids engaged during the weekends, evenings, or school breaks.
AGGV Studio classes are intentionally kept small, allowing participants to receive individualized guidance and support from experienced instructors in a welcoming, creative environment.
While spring class registration is already underway, summer camps officially open for registration as of today.
Ready to get creative? Explore the full class lineup and secure your spot before classes fill up.
Once again, the City of Victoria has opened submissions for this year’s Victoria Book Prizes to recognize the talents of local authors and poets.
There are three prizes of $5,000 available for the three categories, which are the City of Victoria Book Prize for fiction or non-fiction, the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize and the DC Reid Poetry Prize.
The Victoria Book Prize Society has now been around for more than 20 years to celebrate creativity and bring local literary works to wider audiences.
The City has served as a long-time sponsor of the prizes, providing support in recognizing the vital role of the literary arts.
“The Victoria Book Prizes highlight the depth of literary talent in our community. The City is proud to support local writers and the cultural contributions they make in Victoria,” said Nichola Reddington, assistant director of business and community relations with the City of Victoria.
In 2025, there were over 40 books that were considered in the three categories.
The winners of last year’s Victoria Book Prizes were:
City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize – Uma Krishnaswami, Birds on the Brain
City of Victoria Book Prize – Barbara Black, Little Fortified Stories
DC Reid Poetry Book Prize – Melanie Siebert, Signal Infinities
“Victoria’s writing community continues to astonish us with the range and quality of work being produced here,” said Christina Haska, president of the Victoria Book Prize Society.
“These prizes are our way of ensuring that talent receives the recognition it deserves, while connecting readers with the richness of our region’s literary voices.”
According to the City of Victoria, authors and publishers may submit titles that were published between April 1st, 2025, and March 31st, 2026. The deadline for submissions will be May 31st, 2026.
Following submissions closing, a shortlist of three titles in each category will be announced in September. Prize winners will then be announced in November.
This week, Greater Victoria’s forecast brings with it a mixed-bag of weather.
Following Monday’s mix of cloud and sun, Tuesday, March 31st’s forecast brings the same conditions to the region.
Environment Canada is calling for both sun and cloud throughout the day on Tuesday, with a daily high of around 10°C. Heading into the evening conditions will become increasingly cloudy and the temperature is expected to drop down to around 5°C. Some overnight showers are expected.
Moving into Wednesday, the showers are expected to continue throughout both the day and night. The high is predicted to reach 10°C, while the overnight low will be around 4°C. Wind is expected to pick up through the day, gusting up to 80 km/h near the Haro Strait.
The sun is expected to come out in full-force on Thursday, with no clouds in the forecast. The high is expected to reach up to 14°C before some clouds move into the region in the evening. The overnight low will drop down to around 6°C.
Moving on to Good Friday, and the beginning of the long weekend for some—the cloudy conditions of Thursday night are expected to linger with a high of 13°C. Overnight the skies are expected to clear and the temperature will be as low as 4°C.
Now for the weekend. Saturday’s forecast is calling for nothing but sun and a more-than-welcome high of 15°C in Greater Victoria. On Sunday, there is some cloud coverage that will move into the region, but there will still be plenty of sun, according to Environment Canada. Sunday’s high will reach around 17°C.
For those who have Easter Monday off of work, another day of both sun and cloud is to be expected with a high of 17°C.
BC Transit and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission are making slight changes to the bus schedule this spring, beginning on Monday, April 13th.
As per the West Shore transit plan, Route 57 servicing Thetis Heights/Langford Exchange will be re-routed in the Thetis Heights area. Buses will be running on Hansen Avenue instead of Phelps Avenue when the change occurs.
The growing development along Constellation Avenue in Westhills will be serviced by Route 58, Goldstream Meadows/Langford Exchange, with some changes to peak time schedules. This route will then connect to PEXSISEN Elementary and Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School.
For ferry-goers, as the springtime BC Ferries schedule comes into effect, the BC Transit schedule will be adapted as well.
Changes will be implemented for Route 70 servicing Swartz Bay/Downtown daily service and Sunday service on Route 72, Swartz Bay/Downtown.
As tourists begin to flock to Victoria, some changes will also be made to Route 75 servicing Keating Cross/Downtown/Butchart Gardens to accommodate the increased tourism demand.
Route 76 servicing Swartz Bay/UVic will be discontinued until the fall. On top of this, some other seasonal reductions will be made to routes that serve post-secondary schools in the region.
On top of these changes, some additional minor changes will be made to the following routes:
Route 11 – Tillicum Centre/UVic
Route 27 – Gordon Head/Downtown
Route 28 – Majestic/Downtown
Route 32 – Cordova Bay/Royal Oak Exchange
Route 70 – Swartz Bay/Downtown
Route 71 – Swartz Bay/Downtown
Route 72 – Swartz Bay/Downtown
Route 75 – Saanichton/Royal Oak/Downtown
BC Transit encourages customers to utilize the Umo app, Google Transit or any other app of their choice for real-time bus tracking and planning.
Three Vancouver Islanders were recognized for their musical talent at the 2026 Juno Awards Gala which took place over the weekend.
Two of the three, Cameron Whitcomb and Alex Cuba won Juno Awards for music released last year, while Victoria-born Nelly Furtado was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the ceremony.
Whitcomb won two of the five awards he was nominated for: Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year and Country Album of the Year.
Whitcomb is originally from Nanaimo, initially gaining national attention for his performances on American Idol. He is known for his gritty vocals and emotionally driven songwriting that blends folk, rock and Americana influences.
His debut album, The Hard Way, covered themes of Whitcomb’s struggle with mental health issues and addictions from a young age.
“I’ve been asking myself why—why I get to do this, why I’ve been blessed with this opportunity—and honestly, I still don’t know,” said Whitcomb in his acceptance speech.
“What I do know is that I will not squander this opportunity, I love you guys and thank you so much.”
Alex Cuba is a Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter who settled in Victoria when his family immigrated to Canada in 1999.
At the 2026 Juno Awards, he won the inaugural Latin Music Recording of the Year. Before this Juno he had won two other Juno Awards in 2006 and 2008 in the world music category.
In a video he made to share how it felt to win this third Juno, he noted that it was his birthday on the day of the ceremony and that he has been fighting for a category for Latin music for a long time.
“I always felt that the world music category, what went on later to be Global Music Album of the Year, wasn’t really that fitting for Latin music,” said Cuba.
“So winning this isn’t, ‘hey, Alex won the Latin music Juno,’ it’s Latin music won in Canada and Latin music won recognition in Canada.”
Last, but certainly not least, mega-star Nelly Furtado was in attendance as she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
This portion of the ceremony celebrated her career spanning over 25 years and her global impact as a Canadian pop icon.
Furtado was inducted by Drake and in her speech, she called herself “the product of the Canadian dream,” recognized the influence of Black musicians who welcomed her and supported her early career in Canada.
A medley performance featuring Alessia Cara singing “I’m Like a Bird,” Lido Pimienta covering “Say It Right,” Tanya Tagaq reimagining “Powerless” and Shawn Desman performing “Do It.”
(Photo by Joel Appugliese / Victoria Jazz Society)
Organizers have announced that there will be no Harbour Roots ‘n Blues Festival in 2026 citing financial challenges as the reason for the hiatus.
The festival began in 1994, and was originally called the Vancouver Island Blues Bash.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Victoria Jazz Society rebranded the annual event to be called the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival to make the event more inclusive of additional genres.
Notable artists who have played the festival include Shemekia Copeland, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, Bywater Call, Fantastic Negrito, Alex Cuba and Wide Mouth Mason.
This year, the Victoria Jazz Society has revealed that financial constraints have forced them to pause the annual event.
“The loss of vital corporate sponsorships and increasing logistics, supplier and labour costs since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a concerning financial situation for many BC festivals, and sadly, the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival is among them,” wrote the Victoria Jazz Society in a media release.
In years past, the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival took over Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour in August and has drawn out more than 20,000 attendees annually.
Though the event will not take place this year, the organizers say they hope to bring it back in 2027.
“We will take this hiatus year to reassess the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival, seek new sponsors and other sources of funding, and plan to bring the festival back better than ever next year.”
This announcement follows the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group cancelling this year’s FernFest and the indefinite hiatus of the Great Canadian Beer Festival.
Furthermore, up-island, Laketown Rock and Laketown Shakedown have also been cancelled indefinitely.
Looking for a fun way to wrap up the month? The city has no shortage of events to choose from.
Whether you’re cheering on your favourite teams at a World Cup watch party downtown, putting your knowledge to the test at a Dawson’s Creek trivia night, or getting creative at a plant workshop, there’s something for everyone.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Tuesday, March 31st:
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., a special fan celebration—part of a nationwide program designed to bring World Cup festivities to communities across Canada—is happening on the BC Legislature lawns.
The free public event will include live match screenings, soccer-themed activities, cultural programming, music and food—don’t miss out!
Come support Team Black from the 13U AA Victoria Seawolves!
Through a fun game of music bingo, they’re raising funds to offset travel for regular season games on Vancouver Island, travel to the mainland for tournaments, uniform and equipment costs.
Tickets are available online for $30 here—limited amount available!
Got Pop? Concerts is bringing a Dawson’s Creek-themed trivia night to the Mint!
Trivia starts at 7 p.m. and invites teams of up to 6—or solo players—to compete across three rounds of Dawson’s Creek questions, including special video cameos from the late James Van Der Beek.
Tickets are $15 in advance and available here, or $20 at the door—partial proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Join the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association for a chat with Andrew Gardner, a local AI chatbot engineer.
Across his 15-year career in software engineering, he has worked with web, automation and AI technologies, and believes the role of automation in our lives is to offload the monotonous and laborious tasks, freeing up our time for creation and community.
There will be time to ask questions, mingle with other attendees and enjoy some tasty snacks!
This event is free to attend.
Where: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre – Activity Room, 3220 Cedar Hill Road
In this steampunk-themed Sip & Plant workshop, the Woodland Charm Studio will guide you through mounting a staghorn fern on a cedar board or a drift wood, step-by-step from start to finish—no experience is needed!
They’ll also provide a selection of steampunk-inspired décor pieces, such as old-style water taps, nuts, gear wheels, mini water pipes and more, so you can decorate your board and bring the theme to life.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a finished staghorn fern mount that’s not only alive but also a stylish statement décor piece for your home.
Tickets are $73.75 per person and include a pint of beer—grab yours here!
Where: Herald Street Brew Works, 506 Herald Street
A Sooke teenager is facing a criminal charge following an international investigation into alleged school shooting threats made through an online gaming platform.
According to RCMP, the case began on July 19th, 2025, when the Homeland Security Unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky received reports that a 15-year-old boy had allegedly made threats of a school shooting over Discord.
US investigators determined the teen had been in regular communication with another individual in Canada. That person was later identified as a youth living in the Sooke area and attending Edward Milne Community School.
On March 13th, the Vancouver Island RCMP General Investigation Section was notified and launched a criminal investigation into the Canadian connection.
The BC Prosecution Service has since approved a charge of conveying threats, and a warrant was issued for the teen’s arrest.
Police say the teen was taken into custody without incident on March 28th. A search warrant was also executed at a residence in Sooke, where officers seized electronic devices as part of the ongoing investigation.
The teen remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing. Due to provisions under the Criminal Code and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a publication ban is in place and no identifying information can be released.
In a statement, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alex Berube said the investigation highlights the importance of international cooperation when responding to threats involving online platforms.
The incident comes amid heightened concern around school safety in BC following a recent mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, where eight people were killed in one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history.
Police continue to remind the public that all threats, whether made online or in person, are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Construction is set to resume next week on a major infrastructure project in Central Saanich, with crews returning to the Highway 17 Keating Cross Road overpass.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit says work is restarting Wednesday, April 1st, following a short winter pause, with the project now entering its final stretch ahead of a planned spring 2026 completion.
Drivers travelling along the Pat Bay Highway should expect to see increased activity in the area and are being reminded that it remains an active construction zone.
While the Keating Cross Road on- and off-ramps at Exit 18 are expected to stay open during daytime hours, overnight disruptions are on the way as crews complete remaining work.
Nightly lane closures will be in effect along Highway 17 between Tanner Road and Island View Road, including:
Single-lane northbound traffic from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Single-lane southbound traffic from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The ministry says these closures will be periodic but necessary to safely complete the project.
The Keating overpass project has been closely watched by residents and commuters alike, particularly after weather-related delays earlier this year temporarily paused construction and increased traffic pressure on nearby roads.
With more than 52,000 vehicles travelling this stretch of Highway 17 daily, the $76.8 million project has been identified as a key improvement aimed at enhancing safety and traffic flow through the busy corridor.
Drivers are being asked to slow down, watch for crews and equipment and follow all posted signage while travelling through the area.
Updates on closures and traffic pattern changes will be shared through DriveBC and the province’s project webpage as work continues.
Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney is bringing his stand-up tour Mister Whatever to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre this November.
Currently on the road, Mulaney recently announced an additional 25 North American tour dates, including a stop in Victoria on November 12th.
Across Canada, he will also perform in Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon and Kelowna.
Mister Whatever blends comedy with themes of fatherhood, life and everyday observations, with Mulaney captivating audiences through his signature witty storytelling.
His last solo tour, From Scratch, ran from 2021 to 2023 and explored more personal material, including his struggles with addiction, rehab and fame.
Alongside the tour, Mulaney currently hosts Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, a Netflix series featuring monologues, guests, pre-taped sketches and musical segments. The show continues the format of his previous fan-favourite series, Everybody’s in LA.
Tickets start at $93 and are available now—learn more about the tour and tickets 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 72 New Music Monday features published through this collaboration.
Standard Issue Pleasure Model is a four-piece psych-rock band from Victoria that was originally formed by Raine Balson and Shea Morgan back in 2017.
The band has seen a couple different lineup renditions in their rhythm section, but now features the talents of Ben DeCicco on drums and Wilson Kyne on bass, with Balson on rhythm guitar and vocals while Morgan handles lead guitar and also sings.
Since Victoria Buzz last spoke with Standard Issue Pleasure Model for their 2024 single, “Call Me Tomorrow,” DeCicco says the band has been playing as much as possible and has been working towards the release of their full-length album Tripsitter, which was just released on Thursday, March 26th.
“We did a little tour on the island that summer,” DeCicco told Victoria Buzz. “Then we immediately got back to writing the bulk of what is on this album after that and we just spent all summer jamming.”
In 2025, the group was no less busy, playing lots of local Victoria shows, playing at the Capital Ballroom and touring across the country with the Earth Freaks, another local psych-rock band.
Once back from tour, Standard Issue Pleasure Model jumped back into the studio and began recording Tripsitter.
DeCicco says that since joining the band and heading into writing and recording Tripsitter, he feels Stand Issue Pleasure Model has leaned even further into a psychedelic sound.
Though the first few tracks on the record are previously released singles, he noted that throughout the album there has been a lot of growth in embracing dynamics and experimentation.
The album touches on themes of addiction, self-discovery, psychedelic experiences and more.
“Those are kind of the main themes, and if you actually do sit down and listen to the words and everything, you will understand why this album is the way it is,” said DeCicco.
“Because our lives have so many aspects to them, so we’re trying to touch on all those.”
Highlight Track – “Biig Triip”
The band chose “Biig Triip” as the highlight song for New Music Monday, because they feel it captures the essence of the record.
“We do have a title track, ‘Tripsitter,’ but this one is definitely the most representative of a tripsitter — someone who is there when you’re going through this psychedelic trip, or some induced state of mind,” DeCicco explained. “Someone that can help guide you, make you feel calm and safe.”
He added that this was one song on the record that started out with rhythm and then had 18 guitar tracks layered over it along with synth to make the sound feel big, epic and trippy.
Balson agreed with DeCicco that the song is about going through an intense psychedelic experience with someone to help keep you safe.
“In a metaphorical sense, it’s about having a person to brave the storm with,” she said.
“Someone you can rely on to be by your side and hold you through all of the trials and tribulations; the high and lows of life.”
She noted that musically, she wanted it to feel like riding the waves of a psychedelic storm on the ocean in a big, sturdy, wooden sail boat.
Check out “Biig Triip” from Standard Issue Pleasure Model’s new album Tripsitter below:
To listen to “Biig Triip,” and the rest of Tripsitter, check out Standard Issue Pleasure Model on Bandcamp, Tidal, Spotify and Apple Music.
The band just played a big release show for Tripsitter at Capital Ballroom alongside Ghost Darling and Blush. last week on the day it was released.
Following the release, there are two big shows that Standard Issue Pleasure Model is looking forward to.
The first is a show at Wicket Hall on April 17th opening for Montreal-based punks NoBro, who won the 2025 Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year.
Then, DeCicco says they are playing an all-ages show at Influence Skate Shop in the halfpipe on May 21st. He added that this will serve as an album release for their all-ages fans who couldn’t come to the Lucky Bar show.
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.
“We’re big fans of CFUV — they do so much to help local bands and how to push them or support them in any way they can,” said DeCicco.
“They do it in such a way that feels so welcoming and that they genuinely care.”
Canada’s NDP has elected its new leader following a party-wide election and the winner of the leadership race is documentary filmmaker Avi Lewis.
Lewis won the leadership race with 56% of the vote over his four competitors.
The candidate with the next most votes was Edmonton’s Heather McPherson, who had 29% of the vote.
Lewis was born in Toronto in 1967 and has long been involved with politics. As the party’s ninth leader, he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, David Lewis who was the leader of the NDP from 1971 to 1975.
David was the NDP’s second leader, taking over the party’s reins from Tommy Douglas.
The newest NDP leader began his career in broadcasting as the host of The NewMusic, a music magazine show on MuchMusic and Citytv.
He then went on to work for CBC in the late 90s and the 2000s before working for Al Jazeera.
As a filmmaker, Lewis has written, directed, produced and/or hosted six films.
Politically, Lewis has been a candidate for the NDP in both the 2021 and 2025 elections and on both occasions did not win a seat. He ran in the West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country riding in 2021 and the Vancouver Centre riding in 2025.
Lewis has become the leader of the NDP at a particularly difficult time in the party’s history.
During the 2025 election, under the leadership of former leader Jagmeet Singh, the party lost 17 seats and currently only has seven elected MPs in parliament. This loss of seats meant that technically, the NDP lost official party status which cost them a considerable amount in funding.
In a brief social media post following his win, Lewis stated that he plans to “rebuild the foundation” of the party.
(BC Lions preseason in Langford - Gord Rufh Photography / Victoria Buzz)
Football fans on Vancouver Island will want to set a reminder, as tickets for the BC Lions pre-season game in Langford go on sale to the general public Tuesday morning.
Single-game tickets become available at 10 a.m. for the highly anticipated matchup against the Edmonton Elks, set for Saturday, May 23rd at Starlight Stadium.
Following last year’s demand, which saw tickets sell out within minutes, fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their seats for the team’s first live game action of the 2026 season.
The excitement begins the night before, with a kickoff party taking place on Friday, May 22nd at Starlight Stadium.
The event will feature live music from Victoria acts Born Reckless and Jaxxee, along with a DJ, outdoor games and opportunities for fans to meet Lions players and grab autographs.
Fans who purchase tickets to Saturday’s game can also add access to the Friday night celebration for $15.
For those looking to guarantee their spot before tickets open to the public, 2026 season ticket packages remain available.
The game is being held in Langford as BC Place is expected to be unavailable for portions of the season due to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Starlight Stadium will be temporarily adapted to meet CFL requirements, with capacity set at approximately 6,100 spectators.
A motion put forward by council members Matt Dell and Krista Loughton seeks to provide funding to the Victoria Curling Club so they can afford a new ice making plant which is crucial to the operation of the facility.
The Victoria Curling Club (VCC) has been an important part of the community since it was first incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1949 and constructed on Quadra Street in 1953.
In its 73 years of operation, the VCC has hosted champions at all levels of curling and has even hosted numerous Olympic champions.
In addition to hosting curling events and programs for all-ages, the VCC has worked to serve the community by hosting numerous non-profit events and fundraisers.
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.
In an effort to be self-sufficient, the VCC launched a grassroots campaign to raise $850,000 for a new ice making plant.
According to Loughton and Dell’s motion, the plant itself will cost $650,000, while an additional $200,000 is needed for design, consultation, electrical upgrades and building modification.
“The new ice-plant will ensure the VCC remains a hub for curling in Victoria, and that workers and members will be not harmed by toxic ammonia gas,” wrote the city councillors in their motion.
“Their plan is to order and install equipment in Summer 2026, so that members can resume curling in Fall 2026. Failure to replace it immediately would end curling at VCC and terminate the club’s community programs and partnerships.”
Dell and Loughton’s motion seeks that city council authorize a one-time grant of $175,000 to the club for the replacement of its ice-making plant, drawing funds from the 2026 contingency budget.
In addition to securing funds for the ice making plant, this motion notes that the VCC is well-positioned to serve as a replacement facility for North Park Neighbourhood Association (NPNA) meetings, which is about to be displaced from the United Commons.
However, in order to serve as a new home to the NPNA, the lower level of the VCC will need to undergo an accessibility upgrade.
Roughly $110,000 is needed to install a commercial lift for lower-floor access, upgrade electrical and retrofit an accessible washroom on the lower level.
Councillor Loughton has agreed to champion a fundraiser to help the VCC meet their goal to complete these accessibility upgrades while the facility also upgrades their ice making plant.
Included in the motion for funding to be provided for the ice making plant is a stipulation that the funds will only be disbursed to the club after at least $75,000 has been raised for the accessibility upgrades.
A three-day international tango event is coming to Esquimalt’s da Vinci Centre this Friday, April 10th to Sunday, April 12th.
The Island Embrace Tango Marathon is a non-competitive event welcoming over 200 dancers from around the world, ranging in age from 25 to 90-years-old.
The event celebrates Argentine tango, known for its musicality, emotional expression and connections it fostsers—both off and on the dance floor.
“Beyond the dancing, this event is about the connection between people, cultures and communities,” say organizers Ingrid Love, Rasanga Weerasinghe and Kathryn Stone.
“We’re excited to welcome the world to Victoria while also opening the doors for local residents to experience tango firsthand.”
Island Embrace also offers a “Taste of the Tango” program, perfect for dancers of all skill levels.
On Sunday, April 12th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Jorge Olguin will lead a one-hour introductory lesson covering tango basics and etiquette—no partner required.
Following the lesson, attendees can enjoy an afternoon milonga with snacks from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The full marathon includes Chacarera workshops, five milongas (Argentine tango social events) featuring snacks, tango poetry projects, brunches and more—promising an unforgettable weekend of dance, culture and connection.
Registration is open at $195 per person with a brunch add-on available for $20. Learn more about the event and registration here.
BC Transit has announced its newly redesigned website will launch early this week, on Tuesday, March 31st.
According to the transit company, their new website design focuses on the information riders use most, including routes, schedules, fares and service alerts.
The redesign includes a more modern look and simplified navigation that will help customers find transit information with fewer clicks.
BC Transit says they took rider feedback into consideration when designing the new website.
“The redesign reflects feedback from both frequent and infrequent riders to help ensure the website makes it easy for anyone, whether they ride every day or are new to transit, to quickly learn how much the bus costs, how to pay and where to catch it,” said the company in a media release.
“The site was also designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring a consistent look across phones, tablets and desktop computers.”
Not only will the look be improved upon, but the new site will also improve upon site performance and enhanced user-experiences.
“While we aim for the highest level of quality at launch, we will continue enhancing the website as we learn and improve the experience for customers. Some features may behave unexpectedly, and BC Transit will resolve issues as they arise,” BC Transit continued.
Following the new site’s launch, BC Transit invites customers and transit-users to share their feedback and suggestions about the new website.
In May, the company will be conducting another round of public engagement through their ‘Voice of the Rider’ platform.
The total cost for the website redesign project was $3.8 million, and was paid for by the Province along with local government partners.
This project was completed in two phases: re-platforming the website to a new content management system, then acquiring a new hosting provider and redesigning the website.
A major name in the fast food world is officially making its way to Vancouver Island, with Five Guys set to open its first Island location in Colwood.
The popular American burger chain will be joining Colwood’s fast-growing Royal Bay community, adding to a wave of new businesses setting up shop in the area.
The restaurant is set to open within the Arbutus Landing commercial hub, a development that continues to draw a mix of retail, dining and service-based tenants as the neighbourhood expands.
Other confirmed tenants for the site include Teriyaki Express, Firehouse Subs, Bosley’s, Rexall, a Pilates studio and a nail salon.
While the Colwood location will mark the first for Vancouver Island, it may not be the only one for long.
Plans are already in motion for additional locations, including one at Uptown in Saanich. There is also interest in expanding further, with potential future restaurants being explored for downtown Victoria and Nanaimo.
Founded in the Washington, DC area in the late 1980s, Five Guys has grown into a global brand with more than 1,800 locations worldwide and over 1,500 more in development.
(CBRE Victoria)
The chain is best known for its simple but highly customizable menu. Customers can choose from a wide range of toppings at no extra cost, building burgers exactly how they want.
Menu pricing from existing BC locations shows:
Little Hamburger (single patty): $7.99
Hamburger (double patty): $11.09
Little Cheeseburger: $9.69
Cheeseburger: $12.99
Bacon Cheeseburger: $13.99
Fries are another standout, with the chain’s hand-cut servings often filling an entire bag—even with a “small” order.
An official opening date for the Colwood location has not yet been announced, but with development underway at Royal Bay, it is expected to be a highly anticipated addition for burger fans across the region.
For many on Vancouver Island, the arrival of Five Guys marks the end of years of speculation and signals the start of a new go-to spot for burgers and fries.
Whether you’re looking to explore a unique exhibition, catch a thought-provoking film, or enjoy a night of comedy, music or trivia, there’s something happening for everyone.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Monday, March 30th:
This documentary travels from Halifax to Vancouver, following Canadian feminist storytellers of the 1970s to 1990s who took hold of cutting-edge media technology to document everything from violence towards women to how to insert a diaphragm.
There are 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. showings, with the second show followed by a post-screening discussion with Director Marusya Bociurkiw.
Admission is $8 for UVSS students and $10 for the general public—tickets are available at the theater.
Don’t miss this weekly comedy open mic night hosted by Willem Roelants!
Watch as comics test out new material and find out in real time whether their jokes land—or need a little more work. Feeling bold? You can even try your hand at stand-up yourself!
The cover cost is $5 per person, but comics are free—get there early to secure your spot!
Benji’s Pub Quiz is live at the Fernwood Inn this Monday!
Each week, Benji delivers a mind-bending mix of engaging trivia, awesome visuals and a lively soundtrack—all hosted with his signature comedic style. It’s also the longest running show in Victoria!
Tickets are $14 per person and sold online in tables of four, five, six, or eight people—grab yours here!
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is first come first serve by table size.
Don’t miss the Victoria Conservatory of Music/Camosun College Postsecondary program’s contemporary combos as they perform their end-of-term sets.
Expect dynamic soloists and high-energy ensembles performing everything from blues and jazz to classic rock, as well as experimental sounds and improv, under the direction of Damian Graham, Danuel Tate and Joey Smith.
Admission is by donation!
Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street
Abbotsford Police Department has issued a public safety notification in the interest of public safety that a convicted sexual offender will be released into the community.
The 46-year-old man from Port Alberni, Stephen Bradley Ewing, is scheduled for release from Vancouver Island’s William Head Institution on March 30th.
Police did not reveal where he would be living, only that he will be residing in the Abbotsford area.
Ewing’s criminal history includes convictions for sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm — including an offence involving a victim under 16 — and overcoming resistance by choking in 2021 and 2023.
Residents should be aware that Ewing’s release comes with numerous conditions, including that he must not be in the presence of children under 16-years-old unless accompanied by an adult and he must not attend or be near places where children under 16-years-old are likely to gather, including daycares, schools, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and recreational centres.
Furthermore, he cannot be employed or volunteer at places where he may be in a position of trust or authority over persons under 16-years-old, he must not be in the presence of sex trade workers, he must not buy, do or have any drugs, alcohol.
Lastly, Ewing is not to possess any cellphone, computer or any other technological device that would allow access to the internet unless authorized by his parole supervisor.
Anyone who sees Stephen Ewing violating any of these conditions is urged to contact local police immediately.
The Victoria Royals saw their season come to a heartbreaking end last Saturday night, falling 2-1 to the Prince George Cougars in a must-win game at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
Heading into the final weekend, Victoria needed both a win and a loss by the Portland Winterhawks to secure a playoff berth. While Portland did lose, it came in overtime, earning them the single point needed to stay ahead of the Royals in the standings.
In front of 5,229 fans, Victoria’s season ended with the club finishing ninth in the Western Conference with 66 points, narrowly missing the playoffs. The Winterhawks claimed the eighth and final spot with 68 points, while the Seattle Thunderbirds secured seventh with 72.
The result marked a stunning shift from expectations entering the year.
Fresh off a strong 2024/25 campaign that saw the Royals advance to the second round of the playoffs, many believed the team was poised to take another step forward, with some even projecting a run to the 2026 WHL final.
Instead, the season took an early and unexpected turn.
Six key returning players departed for the NCAA ahead of the season, including Calgary Flames first-round pick Cole Reschny and projected top-five 2026 NHL Draft selection Keaton Verhoeff. Both players have since joined the University of North Dakota and captured bronze with Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship.
The sudden loss of top-end talent forced Victoria into a quick retool, and while the team managed to remain competitive, the challenge was compounded by a string of injuries down the stretch.
Despite the disappointment, the Royals showed promising signs for the years ahead.
17-year-old Nolan Stewart emerged as one of the team’s top offensive threats, finishing second in team scoring with 50 points and earning attention ahead of this year’s NHL Draft.
The club also saw strong development from its younger core.
16-year-old Ludovic Perreault impressed with 20 goals, showcasing a pro-style shot and stride, while Mill Bay product Eli McKamey, a projected 2027 NHL first-round pick and University of North Dakota commit, continued his progression and is expected to spend at least another season in the WHL.
On the blue line, defenceman Tim Runtso proved to be one of the biggest surprises of the season. The California native arrived largely unheralded but climbed to number 53 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting rankings.
Like several others, he is also committed to the NCAA, set to join Miami of Ohio.
The Royals will also say goodbye to several veteran players graduating from junior hockey.
Roan Woodward, the team’s leading scorer with 32 goals and 56 points, will move on alongside captain Reggie Newman and defenceman Cosmo Wilson. Victoria product Seth Fryer is also set to continue his career in the NCAA with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Replacing that leadership and production will be a key challenge heading into next season.
There was some optimism off the ice Thursday night as the WHL Prospects Draft Lottery unfolded.
Victoria will hold two first-round selections in the upcoming draft, picking fifth overall (via Moose Jaw) and seventh overall.
The lottery ultimately saw the Kelowna Rockets secure the first overall pick, followed by the Vancouver Giants at number two and the Wenatchee Wild at number three .
Victoria entered the lottery with four balls in the hopper, including additional odds acquired through a previous trade with the Moose Jaw Warriors. While the Royals were unable to move up into the top three, holding two picks inside the top seven provides a significant opportunity to add high-end talent.
Top prospects expected to be selected early include forwards Parker McMillan and Madden Danault, both highly regarded U-15 players.
The Royals’ season also highlighted a growing challenge across the WHL.
Recent rule changes allowing players to move to the NCAA have introduced a new layer of uncertainty for teams. High draft picks and developed players can now leave for US college programs, as seen with both Reschny and Verhoeff.
It’s a shift that is forcing WHL clubs to adapt their roster-building strategies, placing greater importance on depth, scouting, and development.
While missing the playoffs stings, the Royals appear to have a foundation to build on.
With a strong group of young players, valuable draft capital, and lessons learned from a season filled with adversity, the focus now shifts to retooling for a return to contention.
If Victoria can find more hidden gems like Runtso and continue developing its emerging core, the setback of 2025/26 could prove to be just a temporary detour.
Vancouver was the top-performing Canadian hotel market in 2025 according to a new reportfrom Avison Young, which is good news for Victoria’s tourism industry heading into 2026.
The report stated that Vancouver had a 78.4% occupancy rate, which means nearly eight in 10 rooms in Vancouver were filled on any given night. The average daily rate (ADR) was $284, with a revenue per available room (RevPAR) of $223—this measures how much revenue a hotel generates per room, occupied or not.
Compared to 2024, these numbers have barely moved for Vancouver, which reveals the market has stabilized at this high level rather than declined.
While the market has stabilized in Vancouver, the rest of Canada is trying to catch up. Nationally, the average occupancy rate sits at 66.1% with a RevPAR of $143—a stark contrast to Vancouver’s numbers.
Toronto, Canada’s second strongest market, had a 75.6% occupancy rate, an average daily rate of $261 and revenue per room at $197, which are still noticeably lower than Vancouver’s metrics.
Across Canada, luxury hotels saw an 8.7% RevPAR growth compared to the national average of 4.2%, with an ADR of $415.
This reflects a trend that travellers are opting for a more premium experience when they travel.
Since Victoria’s hotel market skews heavily towards travellers searching for a high-end getaway experience, this surge in luxury hotel demand is a promising sign for the city.
Last summer, Destination Greater Victoria reported the strongest summer for hotels in the region over the last decade.
Greater Victoria had a 79.9% occupancy rate in 2025. The busiest month for hotels in Victoria was August, with 94.% of the city’s rooms filled, an increase of more than 4% compared to August 2024.
With options like the Delta Victoria and Fairmont Empress, complete with boutique harbour views and upscale dining options, and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel which offers stunning coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere, Victoria is already well-positioned to capture exactly what is trending in travel for 2026.
You’re in luck—there’s a packed lineup of events happening across the region!
From creative workshops and community festivals to live comedy, theatre and concerts, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Spend your day browsing markets, learning a new skill or exploring local exhibits, then head out in the evening for live performances, music or comedy. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the weekend.
Here are 17 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—March 27th to 29th:
From March 16th to 29th, take part in fun workshops designed to inspire participants to unleash their creativity while learning something new. Here are two workshops that are happening this weekend.
Build & Bloom: Cardboard Flower Workshop
Join Birdhouse Creative Studio for a one-hour creative burst where kids transform cardboard and recycled materials into bold, larger-than-life blooms!
Experiment with shape, balance, and stability as we engineer our flowers to stand tall, then bring them to life with bright paint, colour, and playful mixed media details.
This workshop takes place on Friday, March 27th at 4 p.m. and is $31.50—secure your spot here!
Paint & Chat: Layered Wood Art
Get creative and bring a stunning multi-layered mountain scene to life!
In this fun, hands-on class, you’ll paint and assemble your own three-dimensional wood art piece to show off in your home or give as a unique gift. No experience needed, just a love for creativity.
This workshop takes place on Saturday, March 28th at 10 a.m. and is $89—secure your spot here!
Beginner Cookie Decorating
Come learn how to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing!
This class includes all supplies and five spring-themed sugar cookies, and even the opportunity to bring home your decorated cookies, plus any extra icing and a few tips and tricks learned in class.
This workshop takes place on Sunday, March 29th at 10 a.m. and is $60—secure your spot here!
Where: Westshore Town Centre, 2945 Jacklin Road
When: Friday, March 27th to Sunday, March 29th – various times
Bruce McCulloch’s Dark Purple Slice is a one-man show that moves brilliantly between funny, relatable and uplifting by combining touching and hilarious stories with poetic observations on life and the things we do.
As the “dark purple slice” of the Kids in the Hall, Bruce explores the lengths we go to to cope, using his favourite method—gallows humour.
This show features new great songs and old favourites while Bruce makes an agreement with the audience to take care of each other and to embrace the beauty and joy of life.
Beloved Canadian music icon Alan Doyle is coming to the Royal Theatre!
Alan Doyle is a multifaceted singer-songwriter, going on three decades strong as a musician – first as a member of the much-celebrated band Great Big Sea and now as an internationally acclaimed solo artist.
Playing songs like “Nancy” from his recently released EP “Already Dancing,” you won’t want to miss seeing this Canadian legend on stage!
The Spring Market, hosted by the Handmade Village Craft Market, features over 50 local vendors and takes place on Saturday, March 28th in the North Douglas Church gym.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., browse spring crafts, baked goods, jewelry, candles, clothing and more while enjoying tasty bites from attending food vendors.
Food donations will be collected for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
Where: North Douglas Church – Gym, 675 Jolly Place
New York Times bestselling author Heather Fawcett is coming to Munro’s Books to celebrate her recently released novel Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter is a cozy, fantastical tale full of cats, magic and romance.
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter follows a woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montreal who turns to a grouchy but charming wizard to help save the shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy series.
Sheng Wang is a comedian, actor and writer originally from Houston, TX who’s now taking the stage at McPherson Playhouse during his current stand-up comedy tour.
Wang’s first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy (2022), produced and directed by Ali Wong, was praised for his laid-back delivery and sharp observations on everyday life.
Don’t miss this hilarious night at McPherson Playhouse—tickets are available here and start at $52.25!
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.
It’ll be shown at The Vic Theatre from March 28th to April 1st, so catch it this Saturday and Sunday!
Improv: the Musical is a fully improvised musical theatre experience with songs, stories and characters made up entirely on the spot based on audience suggestions.
No scripts. No safety net.
This show features three of Victoria’s best improvisers: Kevin Matviw (Just for Laughs Toronto), Claire Pollock (Improv Centre Vancouver) and Andrew Gardner (winner of best of Montreal Sketch Fest).
The 35th annual Michael Dunahee “Keep the Hope Alive” five kilometre walk/run will be held on Sunday, March 29th, from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning near the Esquimalt Recreation Centre on Lyall Street.
To honour the hope they have in locating their son, the Dunahee family holds the Michael Dunahee “Keep the Hope Alive” Run annually—an event that’s become a fixture of the community throughout Greater Victoria.
Every year, families and individuals from throughout the region gather in Esquimalt to run and walk in order to keep Michael’s name on the forefront of the police and public’s minds.
All the money they raise yearly goes toward Child Find BC.
Where: Esquimalt Parks and Recreation, 527 Fraser Street
Join Junction Orchard & Cidery this Sunday for a family and pet-friendly market!
Shop local makers, bakers and creators while sipping on delicious Junction cider and grabbing a bite from Bicycle Pizza + Picnic and other local food vendors.
Each market brings something new, so be sure to mark your calendar and experience the best of Victoria’s vibrant community!
Where: Junction Orchard & Cidery, 273 Prospect Lake Road
Take part in a specially priced drop-in swimming session to support kidsFUNd in helping low-income Saanich families participate in camps, lessons, social activities, and more.
Single admission is $3.50, and family admission is $10.
All admission proceeds benefit kidsFUNd directly.
Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive
The Island Big Band is a 40-year-old Victoria, BC-based non-profit organization focused on music styles from the 1930s to the present—and on Saturday night, they’re playing at Hermann’s Jazz Club.
Over the years, the library has expanded to include contemporary Jazz works, primarily for the enjoyment of both players and the audience, performed by professionals and semi-professionals.
Experience the thrill of live entertainment with The Barr Brothers!
Whether it’s a night out with friends or a moment you’ve waited for, this is your time to be part of something special.
The Barr Brothers are a group out of Montreal fronted by the poly-rhythmic, jocular drumming of Andrew Barr and the songs and guitar playing of brother Brad Barr.
Equally at home in solemn Arcadian ballads, swampy North African improvs, or classic rock and roll revelry, The Barr Brothers continue to embrace and enchant audiences with their methodical-yet-whimsical approach to music making.
