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.
New European travel rules introduced late last year could impact prospective travellers hoping to get across the Atlantic Ocean.
The new rules come into full-effect on April 10th.
These new travel regulations impact European countries in different ways, based on whether or not they are in the “Schengen area” or not.
The Schengen area includes 29 European countries. Basically, because these countries have common entry and exit requirements, they are removing the need for internal borders as part of the new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES).
The EES will allow travellers to move more freely between these countries without needing to go through border checks or get separate visas.
The Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The common trait these countries share is that there are typically no border controls between them; however, countries may be able to reintroduce border controls during exceptional circumstances.
To enter or exit a Schengen area country, one’s passport has to be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Where before, border officers would stamp a passport if travellers were entering or exiting Schengen area countries, the new EES is a completely digital system.
This system registers all non-EU nationals, including Canadian citizens, who are travelling to countries in the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The EES is designed to track overstays, denials of entry and traveller movements and will involve the collection of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images.
The Canadian government notes that each European country can decide who can enter or exit through its borders—they cannot intervene if a traveller does not meet a destination’s entry or exit requirements.
What to expect within the Schengen area?
When Canadian travellers arrive in a Schengen country with their Canadian passport, they may be asked to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and a photo of your face.
Travellers need not worry about doing this in advance, as this processing will happen when they arrive.
Canadian travellers with ePassports can use a self-service kiosk at the border, and can then proceed to go through border control.
Then, a passport control officer will review the traveller’s information and may ask further questions before deciding whether to grant or refuse access to the country.
Travellers’ biometric data — fingerprints and facial photos — will be stored for three years and those who return to the Schengen area within that time will not have to provide this information again until the three years has expired.
Canadians can visit Schengen area countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; anything beyond this 90-day allowance requires a visa.
Further travel rules will eventually be introduced for Schengen area countries called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
An exact start date for the ETIAS has yet to be determined, but it will require Canadians to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering countries in the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days.
The Canadian government notes that ETIAS is not yet live.
They added that travellers should be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorizations.
Other European countries
The above Schengen area travel rules do not apply to 12 other European countries who have their own rules regarding entry, exit and travel regulation.
These countries include: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Ireland, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
Most notably on this list, the United Kingdom requires electronic travel authorisation (ETA) in order to enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
As of February 25th, those travelling to the UK must apply for an ETA before they travel, using the same passport they will be going to the UK with.
Once an ETA is acquired, it is valid for two years, allowing travellers unfettered access to the United Kingdom within that timeframe.
Those who need to get a new passport will need to apply for a new ETA.
There are a handful of situations in which travellers do not need an ETA. These include if someone is travelling through a UK airport without going through border control, if they are a dual citizen travelling on a British, Irish or British overseas territories citizen passport.
Furthermore, an ETA is not required if one has a visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK, or for those who live in Ireland, and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
One tricky scenario may arise for those who are technically UK nationals with dual citizenships.
Because citizens of the UK are technically not foreign travellers, they are ineligible to be approved for an ETA, so they are required to travel with both a UK-based passport, and potentially a Canadian one.
The Canadian government notes that travellers should also be cautious of fraudulent or overpriced websites offering ETAs.
ETAs can only be applied for through the official UK government website. They only cost £16 to apply for, which is around $29.50 CAD.
More travel advice for navigating all of Europe’s travel rules and finding a specific country’s regulations can be found online here.
A downtown government building was briefly evacuated Thursday morning after VicPD received reports of a bomb threat.
According to police, officers were called to the 1500 block of Blanshard Street on March 26th after receiving information about a potential threat involving the Ministry of Health building on Blanshard Street.
Police attended the scene and, in consultation with property management, evacuated the building as a precaution.
Specialized units, including the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), explosive technicians and a K9 explosive detection dog, were deployed to assist with the investigation.
Police said there was no imminent risk to the public, as a suspect had already been taken into custody.
Employees were allowed to return to the building shortly after noon, and the scene was cleared.
The City of Victoria is warning residents about a parking fine scam currently circulating in the community, urging people to be cautious when receiving unexpected payment requests.
According to the city, fraudulent messages—often sent by text—may appear to be legitimate parking fine notices, prompting recipients to make quick payments.
These scams can look convincing, but there are key differences between real tickets and fake ones. The city is reminding residents that legitimate parking fines follow a specific process.
Tickets can be paid online, in person at the Public Service Centre, or by mail, and fines are reduced if they are paid within the first two weeks.
If a ticket goes unpaid, the city issues reminder letters at 45 days and again at 60 days.
After six months, any outstanding fines are transferred to ARO, a Canadian collection agency, which may then contact individuals by text message, phone call or letter.
However, the city notes that residents should be wary of any unexpected or suspicious communication asking for immediate payment, particularly if it includes unfamiliar links or requests for personal information.
Anyone who receives a notification about a parking fine and is unsure whether it is legitimate is encouraged to contact Parking Services at (250) 361-0260 before making a payment.
Map of intersections where collisions occurred (ICBC)
ICBC crash statistics data from 2020 to 2024 highlights the intersections in cities across BC that saw the most collisions over the five-year span.
In Victoria, as many may be able to guess, the intersection where Gorge Road East, Government Street, Hillside Avenue and Douglas Street converge saw the most collisions, with 263 recorded since 2020.
The second worst intersection for crashes over the last five years was Douglas and Finlayson Street with 207 collisions, and tied for third with 195 incidents was Blanshard Street and Douglas, as well as Blanshard and Bay Street.
In Saanich, the worst intersection was determined to be Douglas and McKenzie Avenue, with 373 collisions since 2020. This intersection also proved to be the worst intersection on Vancouver Island as a whole with 87 incidents happening in 2024 alone.
The intersection with the second most incidents was Blanshard and Saanich Road at 264 and the third worst was where the Patricia Bay Highway meets Sayward Road at 237.
Langford’s worst intersection involves all turning ramps connected to the Trans-Canada Highway, Veteran’s Memorial Highway and Millstream Road where there were 286 collisions.
Goldstream Avenue and Veteran’s Memorial HIghway was also up there with 218 crashes and the intersection of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Kelly Road and Goldstream saw 197 incidents.
In one-year’s time, there were 11,612 crashes on Vancouver Island as a whole. Of those, 5,365 incidents involved injuries.
ICBC has detailed information and interactive maps available for all municipalities of Greater Victoria and beyond. Click here to see the web portal.
The organization also shared statistics on fatalities resulting from collisions over the last five years ending in June 2025.
Through the last full year of statistics, 2024, BC saw a total of 265 fatalities as a result of vehicular collisions, and 31 of those occurred on Vancouver Island.
The leading cause in all collisions in 2024 was determined to have been speed, which was found to be a factor in 32% of the incidents.
ICBC also found that 28% of the incidents involved distractions and 23% involved impairment of some kind.
When it comes to vehicular collisions with cyclists on Vancouver Island, there were 523 incidents in 2024, with 336 of those involving injured victims and just one ending in a death.
Kick off your Friday with something fun, Victoria!
From hands-on creative workshops and community events to live performances and comedy shows, there’s plenty happening around the city to help you ease into the weekend.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, get a little creative or simply sit back and be entertained, there are lots of great options to choose from.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, March 27th:
Join International students from UWC Pearson College as they share reflections, artistic pursuits and personal stories developed during an experiential learning week on lək̓ʷəŋən Territory.
The showcase will celebrate process, community and the vital role art plays in bringing people together on our collective journeys of (un)learning towards climate justice and land back.
This event is a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraiser for RAVEN.
Admission is available on a sliding scale and includes chai and other refreshments—get your tickets here!
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.
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.
“I love films about creativity and what happens inside an artist, how you live a creative life, what does it all look like,” Strom told Victoria Buzz.
Her film’s subject, Hughes, was born in North Vancouver in 1913, but was raised primarily in Nanaimo.
After going to art school in Vancouver and graduating during the Depression in 1933, he struggled financially and would eventually join the war effort in 1943 serving as one of Canada’s only official Second World War artists.
He would eventually move back to Vancouver Island and take up residence in Shawnigan lake before moving to Duncan for the latter days of his life. Hughes passed away in Duncan in 2007 at 93-years-old.
Strom says that she knew there would be an audience for a film on Hughes, his art, his life and his legacy, because of his strong BC roots and his love for depicting the province’s splendor.
“People really love his work because it’s about their home and it seemed like a great way to start conversations about BC that would unite people a bit in ‘love-of-place,’” said Strom.
“[The film] covers his life from childhood, through until his death. He had quite an interesting life.”
Strom says that Hughes was famously a very shy person and was often labelled a recluse because of it, but at the same time he had many fascinating experiences. She says this dichotomy is part of what makes him such a fascinating subject for a film biography.
Crew gets footage of the site where Hughes painted one of his works (Jenn Strom)
One aspect of Strom’s film is that Hughes was never a rich man, nor was he really well-known in his prime, but that did not stop him from doing what he loved.
“E.J. Hughes worked in poverty—he graduated in the Depression, he tried a whole bunch of ways to make a living and really, really struggled financially for many decades,” Strom explained.
In his final few years, his paintings began to break records at auction and have since continued to do so.
Most recently, in November 2025, his painting Entrance to Howe Sound sold at auction for $4.8 million. This broke the record for the highest price ever paid for an artwork by a BC artist, and also became the fourth most expensive piece of Canadian artwork sold at auction.
Strom says that her favourite piece by Hughes is a painting called Taylor Bay (1952), which was inspired by the bay of the same name on Gabriola Island.
“Taylor Bay” by E.J. Hughes
The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes is coming to several independent theatres on Vancouver Island beginning this weekend.
First, the film will be shown at The Vic Theatre from March 28th to April 1st.
After The Vic Theatre screenings are over, there will also be screenings at Star Cinema in Sidney, Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt, Duncan Cinemas, the Shawnigan Lake Museum and Campbell River Cinemas.
The dates for these cinemas have yet to be finalized but should be available soon. Keep an eye on your closest Vancouver Island cinema to find out when it will be showing.
“I really worked hard to make it a great theatrical experience,” said Strom. “It’s 4K, its surround sound, it’s a nice big theatre.”
“E.J. Hughes is known for the extremely meticulous detail of his drawings and paintings… For me, the chance to put them up on the big screen and film some of the paintings with nice macro lenses and put it up on a screen to show all that detail, was a whole new way to experience his art.”
Following the film’s theatrical release on Vancouver Island, it will be available to stream for free via the Knowledge Network. Even though it will be available for free soon, Strom insists that The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes is a must-see in theatres if possible.
Two vehicles have been impounded following an incident of alleged street racing in Saanich that was caught on dashcam footage earlier this year.
According to Saanich Police, the incident took place on February 12th, just after 11 a.m., in the 4100 block of Quadra Street.
Police say a witness captured video of two vehicles weaving in and out of traffic before submitting the footage to officers.
The video was reviewed by Saanich Police’s Traffic Safety Unit, which determined the driving behaviour met the threshold for street racing and posed a risk to other road users.
Because the licence plates were clearly visible in the footage, investigators were able to identify the registered owners of both vehicles.
When contacted by police, neither owner identified who had been driving at the time of the incident.
As a result, both vehicles were impounded for seven days. Each owner was also issued tickets for driving without due care and attention, as well as failing to provide driver information.
Police say the case highlights the growing role dashcam footage can play in helping investigators hold dangerous drivers accountable.
Drivers who witness unsafe behaviour on the road are encouraged to report it to police, as submitted footage can support investigations and contribute to safer streets across Saanich.
Despite spring-like weather in Victoria, a large territory of central Vancouver Island has been issued a “considerable” avalanche warning this week.
On Wednesday, March 25th, the warning was issued and, as of this publication, will be valid through until Saturday.
The warning is specifically for alpine regions. Areas in the treeline or below the treeline are currently at moderate and low risk levels for avalanche.
Though no avalanches have been reported, Avalanche Canada has determined that a small-to-medium avalanche is very likely to occur.
On Thursday, some central regions of the island can expect between 10 to 20 centimetres of snow. There may be more snow in store for the north and west island.
“Stormy weather continues to drop significantly more snow on the north and west island, but the deepest zones may be away from regularly travelled recreation areas,” said Avalanche Canada.
“Any fresh snow should fall on settling dry or moist snow in most places.”
This warning includes Mount Arrowsmith, the Sutton Pass and Mount Washington.
Just this week, a massive avalanche was felled on Mount Hector in Banff National Park which buried a 250-metre section of Highway 93N between Lake Louise and Banff.
Toronto Blue Jays fans will have a tasty reason to celebrate the start of the season this week.
Chipotle Canada is stepping up to the plate with a buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) entree promotion on Friday, March 27th, to mark the Blue Jays’ home opener in Toronto.
From 3 p.m. until close, customers who visit any Chipotle location across Canada wearing Toronto baseball apparel can receive a second entree for free with the purchase of one.
The deal applies to all main menu items, including burritos, bowls, salads, tacos and quesadillas. It also includes fan-favourite options like Chicken al Pastor, which is currently available for a limited time.
The promotion comes as excitement builds around the Blue Jays, who are coming off a massive 2025 campaign that saw the team nearly win the World Series.
With a strong core returning, expectations are high heading into the 2026 season, and opening day is expected to bring plenty of energy both inside the stadium and across the country.
Local fans won’t have to travel far to take advantage of the deal, with multiple Chipotle locations across Greater Victoria:
Downtown Victoria – 1070 Douglas Street (10:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
Westshore Town Centre in Langford – 2945 Jacklin Road (10:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
University Heights (Saanich) – 11510 McKenzie Avenue (opened March 6)
All three locations are participating in the promotion, giving Vancouver Island residents a chance to take part in the opening day fun.
A free Olympic talent search coming to Victoria will give young athletes the opportunity to get scouted for 15 winter and summer Olympic sports.
RBC Training Ground takes place on Saturday, April 11th from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., inviting athletes aged 14 to 25 to the CARSA Field House at the University of Victoria.
There, participants will meet National Sport Organization partners and current Olympians while competing in speed, strength, power and endurance tests.
The top 100 athletes will advance to the National Final, where 35 of them will earn RBC Future Olympian status and receive funding and resources to support development of their sport.
Now in its 11th year, RBC Training Ground has identified more than 20,000 athletes—28 of whom have gone on to become Canadian Olympians.
At the recent Milano Cortina, 11 RBC Training Ground graduates competed for Canada.
This is a unique opportunity for young athletes to pursue a future in sports, connect with experts in the field and maybe even discover a talent in a sport they never considered.
Just ahead of spring, Harbour Air has announced the company will be expanding its services with new routes that will better serve travellers throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Some new destinations include Ucluelet, Campbell River, and for the first time, Vancouver Island travellers will have access to direct a cross-border seaplane service without routing through Vancouver.
Because Vancouver to Seattle flights have been one of Harbour Air’s strongest seasonal routes, the company is also launching a Victoria to Seattle route for the first time ever.
“This is our biggest seasonal expansion yet, and it reflects what we’re hearing from our guests and communities,” said Chris Fordyce, chief commercial officer, Harbour Air.
The inaugural Victoria to Seattle service will launch on June 11th, connecting Victoria’s Inner Harbour with Lake Union in Seattle in under an hour.
This marks the first time Vancouver Island travellers will have access to a non-stop link to Seattle, simplifying cross-border travel.
One-way fares for this route start from $149 CAD with one daily departure.
The new routes that will connect Ucluelet and Campbell River are also a part of the seasonal expansion and are set to begin on June 25th and July 6th, respectively.
Harbour Air will be offering Ucluelet to Vancouver flights with one-way fares starting at $209, while the new Campbell River service to Vancouver will be available for $139.
The Vancouver to Seattle flight is also making a return for the busy season on April 13th with two daily departures connecting Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver with Lake Union in Seattle in approximately one hour.
One-way fares start from $149. This route has operated as a seasonal spring and summer service since 2018.
If you’re thinking about travelling across the border, up-island or to Vancouver this summer, there are now more options than ever for how to get there.
Easter is just around the corner, Victoria, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate across the region.
From family-friendly egg hunts and community festivals to scenic brunches and hands-on spring activities, there are plenty of events popping up for all ages to enjoy.
Whether you’re planning a fun day out with the kids, gathering with loved ones over a delicious meal, or simply looking to soak up the spring atmosphere, there’s something happening in every corner of Greater Victoria.
Here are 11 Easter events to happening in and around Victoria:
Spring has arrived in the orchard, and Easter is a wonderful time to visit Merridale.
Families can take part in their Easter colouring contest, which starts Wednesday, April 1st, where kids are invited to show off their creativity with prizes awarded to the top artists.
The Farmhouse Eatery will also be featuring seasonal dishes, perfect for sharing around the table, so bring the family, breathe in the fresh spring air and enjoy a little time on the farm.
The Butchart Gardens’ Easter Bunny Hunt is back from April 3rd to 6th!
Children 17-year-old 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.
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 4 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 photo booth, 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!
Visit Bliston Creek Farm for a weekend filled with Easter fun!
Their family-friendly activities include a kids bunny hunt, a spring seed planting station and their popular “Hunt for the Golden Egg” for the chance to win a fantastic prize!
Plus, Sea Salt Chocolate will be on site Saturday and Sunday selling an incredible variety of Easter chocolates for you to enjoy while at the farm or to take home for friends and family.
General admission to the farm is free but the activities cost $5 per child.
Where: Bliston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road
When: Saturday, April 4th & Sunday, April 5th– 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Royal Bay’s annual Easter egg hunt with two age groups, four hidden golden eggs, bouncy obstacles, music, cookie decorating, snacks and so much more.
The Esquimalt Lions Club, in partnership with Esquimalt Parks & Recreation, is hosting their annual Easter Family Fun Event on Saturday, April 4th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This free community event takes place at Bullen Park and includes a food concession, family games, relay races, crafts and an Easter egg hunt by age.
Parking is limited, so participants are encouraged to walk, bike or bus to the event if possible!
Join Fairfield United for their annual, fun-filled and family-friendly Easter egg hunt!
They will be hosting multiple egg hunts on church grounds (inside the gym if it is raining and in the courtyard if it is sunny) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 4th.
It’ll be a day filled with celebration, joy and community—register here!
Where: First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Road
Celebrate the return of spring with those you love at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel with their iconic Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, April 5th.
The experience, set against the backdrop of the Salish Sea, will feature a live pianist and a spread of freshly baked pastries, lemon ricotta and blueberry pancakes, eggs benedict, BC salmon and so much more.
Plus, each guest will take home a special gift from their pastry chef!
Adults dine for $129 per person and children between four and 12 for $59 per child.
Seatings start at 10 a.m. and reservations are required—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!
A Victoria-based chiropractor has received punishment from the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) for falsifying insurance claims.
Dr. Jennifer McNeill, who works out of Raven Spirit Health and Healing on Pandora Avenue, had a complaint filed with the CCHPBC in May 2025 for the alleged falsified claims.
This February, she has entered into an agreement with the CCHPBC that comes with several conditions, but allows her to continue practicing as a chiropractor.
Dr. McNeill had to receive a formal reprimand from the College, agree not to submit false insurance claims, she received a suspension of her registration with the College for five days and she had to complete a learning course on professional ethics.
Additionally, Dr. McNeill agreed to cooperate with random audits of her billing and clinical records for one year, she will have to meet with an advisor to discuss the conduct issues and she must cover a portion of the costs of the investigation.
OPCC headquarters in Victoria on Fort Street (Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner)
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) has announced a new systemic investigation being launched, specifically looking into how municipal police address workplace sexualized conduct.
This will be the first systemic investigation of its kind in BC.
Police Complaint Commissioner Prabhu Rajan seeks to analyze how municipal police agencies in BC currently prevent, investigate and address workplace-related sexualized conduct by police officers.
“Sexualized conduct in the workplace is fundamentally incompatible with the high ethical standards expected of police officers,” said Commissioner Rajan.
“Such conduct can compromise operational effectiveness, perpetuate systemic barriers to gender equality in policing, and erode public trust.”
Rajan believes that sexualized conduct within police workplaces can undermine how police interact with members of the public, specifically impacting survivors of sexual or gender-based violence.
The OPCC noted this is a recurring issue for police throughout BC.
Whether police officers are engaging in inappropriate communications or sexual assault, this behaviour can create significant power imbalances.
Some of these cases point to a systemic problem of predatory behaviours by officers in roles of authority or power over their colleagues.
One recent example of such behaviour saw a former Royal Roads instructor and police officer for the Vancouver Police who engaged in sexual misconduct with several female officers working under him. He also engaged in sexual misconduct with his students at Royal Roads.
Another saw a Central Saanich officer be victimized by lewd, sexual comments.
In total, since 2016, there have been as many as 17 OPCC investigations into some kind of sexual misconduct in the workplace for police organizations.
It is worth noting that according to Statistics Canada, workplace sexual misconduct is extremely underreported, and when it comes to police situations, that figure is even lower.
Furthermore, most formal OPCC complaints are a mere fraction of the true number of incidents.
Police officers, or civilians working in police environments, who are victimized by workplace sexual misconduct are often found to stay silent due to perceived damage to their career, stalled promotions, retaliation, being labeled “difficult” and fear of being blacklisted within a tight-knit culture.
Specifically, the OPCC says this systemic investigation will examine and make recommendations for change on the following matters:
Policies, procedures and practices for preventing, reporting, investigating and addressing sexualized conduct in workplace settings
Access to supports and protections for individuals who experience sexualized conduct
Potential barriers to reporting sexualized conduct
Availability of safe, impartial and effective complaint pathways
Risks taken on by individuals who report sexualized conduct
Assess training for officers in all roles relating to sexualized conduct
Impacts of organizational culture, such as norms or practices that may normalize or minimize sexualized conduct, or create barriers for identifying and addressing it
The OPCC will publicly release a report with their findings and any recommendations following the conclusion of this systemic investigation.
Whether you’re heading out with friends and family, or flying solo, Victoria has plenty of events to check out—from creative sessions to live entertainment.
Without further ado, here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Thursday, March 26th:
Enjoy a spectacular performance by The Dimes Trio with Dine & Delight: ABBA Tribute in The Platinum Room at Elements Casino Victoria on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
This high-energy one-hour ABBA tribute delivers wall-to-wall hits audiences know and love, performed by a trio of powerhouse vocalists.
Expect iconic ABBA songs brought to life with beautiful three-part harmony, gorgeous costuming, and choreographed dance moves straight from ABBA’s golden years.
Plus, enjoy a delicious roast beef carvery buffet featuring baked maple chili salmon, linguine with pesto cream sauce and many other guest favourites.
After his mother dies under mysterious circumstances, a Turkish university professor and a gardener embark on a quest for vengeance.
This critically acclaimed mystery—one of TIFF’s Top Ten Canadian films of 2025—was Canada’s nominee in the race for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.
West Shore RCMP have released surveillance video of four suspects alleged to be involved in two reports of bike theft from a building storage area.
The thefts took place near the 2600 block of Wilfred Road in Colwood on March 9th and 13th, where at least three bicycles and a tool set were stolen.
The suspects were caught on surveillance, and police are working to identify them.
The first theft occurred on March 9th at approximately 11 p.m. and involved two suspects who stole two bikes.
Suspect one was wearing a white and red Adidas brand track suit with a black hood, black gloves, black shoes and a black and white patterned bandanna covering on their face.
Suspect two was wearing a green or grey cargo style jacket with the hood up, blue jeans, black shoes, black gloves and a black and white patterned bandanna covering on their face.
The second theft occurred on March 13th at approximately 3:50 a.m., and also involved two suspects who stole one bike and a tool set.
The third suspect was wearing a blue hoodie underneath a black vest, black helmet, tan coloured gloves and black pants, with a black backpack and red bandanna on their face.
The final suspect was wearing a blue/black/grey plaid jacket with a grey hoodie and grey toque, black pants, black gloves and a grey backpack.
If anyone has any information on these suspects, they can call the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264, or anonymously report through Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
A fundraiser has been launched for a Victoria man who has died following a serious workplace incident in Saanich earlier this week.
According to family, Chuck Spence was critically injured after being crushed beneath a collapsing masonry wall while working at a home in the 1700 block of Ash Road on March 23rd.
Spence was inside a trench installing piping with his employer when the retaining wall beside the trench suddenly gave way, burying both men.
His employer called 911 and remained with him until emergency crews arrived.
In a statement shared through a GoFundMe created by his stepson Maxx, Spence was initially pulled from the debris after an extensive rescue effort involving firefighters and paramedics.
His heart had stopped for approximately 20 minutes before first responders were able to revive him.
He was transported to hospital with severe injuries, including broken ribs, lung damage and internal bleeding, and underwent multiple surgeries while in intensive care.
Shortly after the fundraiser was launched, the family shared an update confirming that Spence had died from his injuries.
“Despite everything, the internal bleeding could not be stopped and we were by his side when he passed,” the update reads.
The family described Spence as a hardworking man, a skilled handyman and a devoted partner and father figure.
“He meant everything to our family… an incredible partner and a father figure who gave so much of himself to the people he loved,” they said.
The GoFundMe campaign will continue to support the family as they navigate the sudden loss, helping to cover living expenses and other unexpected costs.
In an email statement, WorkSafeBC confirmed to Victoria Buzz it was notified of the incident at approximately 12:30 p.m. on March 23rd and has launched an investigation.
“The purpose of our investigation is to identify and understand the occupational health and safety factors that contributed to the incident, so that similar incidents can be prevented in the future,” the agency said, noting no further details are available at this time.
The fundraiser remains active, with the family asking for continued support through donations or by sharing their story.
VicPD says it will be changing how it handles weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations in the city after more than two years of regular deployments.
Starting April 4th, police will no longer provide traffic control or related resources for the street portion of the demonstrations.
The announcement was made on Wednesday morning, with VicPD saying the shift is intended to protect officer well-being while maintaining public safety and the right to peaceful assembly.
Police say more than 10,000 hours of officer time have been dedicated to managing the marches since they began. There have been 126 consecutive demonstrations.
“This decision is not a judgment on the merits of their cause, but a necessary step to ensure sustainable policing and protect the long-term health of our officers,” said Chief Constable Fiona Wilson.
Beginning March 28th, VicPD says it will begin informing participants and nearby businesses about the change.
The department has also notified community partners, including the City of Victoria, as well as leaders within local Muslim and Jewish communities and demonstration organizers.
VicPD says it remains committed to protecting the right to peaceful assembly, but is urging participants not to march on roadways, citing safety concerns.
The department added it plans to continue engaging with organizers and the broader community to support a smooth transition.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to VicPD for additional details, including a cost breakdown of policing the marches and how the department plans to respond if demonstrations continue to take place on downtown streets.
Looking for your next go-to dining spot, Greater Victoria?
Saanich’s Laila Laila Hot Potoffers a one-of-a-kind experience as Greater Victoria’s only all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant, with over 65 options to choose from—including meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and more.
The experience is simple and fun with unlimited choices at an affordable price, it’s the perfect place to dine at with your family and friends while exploring new food combinations and flavours.
Start with your soup base, then pick from a large selection of freshly prepared meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, mushrooms and noodles. Once your broth is boiling, simply add your ingredients, let them cook, and dig in.
It’s interactive, quick, and most importantly, delicious!
A self-serve sauce bar with over 16 sauces and seasonings lets guests create their own signature dipping sauces to match their personal taste.
Plus, take advantage of their unlimited ice cream option—the perfect way to finish your hot pot experience.
While offering a wide variety of tasty foods, Laila Laila is also committed to providing great value. Children five and under eat free, while adults start at $26.99 per person and seniors 65 and up at $19.99.
The restaurant also offers a membership program where guests can earn points and redeem discounts. New members receive a $20 discount per table upon signing up—learn more here.
Located at 1540 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Laila Laila Hot Pot is a solid choice for family dinners, birthday celebrations, or a fun night out, delivering delicious options at an affordable price.
Ready to try it for yourself? Learn more about their menu and plan your visit here.
As of Thursday, March 26th, Arts On View has announced the goal of $450,000 in pledges has been met. Now the society is working to verify the pledges and ensure they will be able to garner the funds to meet their goal from the community.
The $450,000 was raised in less than 48 hours.
—original:
After the announcement that Hermann’s Jazz Club and View Street Social would permanently close, a public outcry to save the two clubs has sparked a renewed effort to keep them alive.
However, some members of the staff at these venues have come forward saying that they, and their coworkers were not informed of the closures, or this new effort to save the venues.
Last week, Arts On View Society, the organization that oversees the two spaces preservation, announced that “financial challenges we inherited from previous leadership” was the reason for the clubs closing.
Since that time, the people of Victoria and their support for keeping the venues afloat have inspired Arts On View to launch a campaign to raise $450,000—the amount needed to stabilize both spaces.
“For 45 years, Hermann’s has been a home for music, culture, and connection in this city,” said Al Smith, board chair and acting executive director.
“The number of emails and messages we’ve received has been incredible.”
Smith says the funds will be used to pay off the inherited financial obligations, address long-standing deferred maintenance in the facility and repair aging/neglected equipment.
The campaign Smith has launched is structured as a “pledge model.” This means that no funds would be collected by the organization until the entire goal was met by pledges. Only then will Arts On View ask those who pledged funds to fulfill their promises.
“This is not about building something new,” Smith added.
“This is about preserving something that already means so much to this community. Without immediate action, it’s [sic] current form will be lost.”
Pledges can be made online, here. As of this publication, the campaign has raised over $300,000 of their $450,000 goal.
Staff left in the dark about closures
While many have been making donations to try to preserve the legacy of Hermann’s and the View Street Social, the staff of the two clubs have been left in the dark.
Smith claims to have held a mandatory staff meeting before last week’s closure announcement, but an anonymous employee told Victoria Buzz that several members of the staff had to find out from reading the news.
“That’s a lie,” said the employee. “As far as I know, there was no staff meeting called.”
They said that a staff meeting wasn’t held until the day after the announcement, and the purpose of that meeting was to give employees their notice of termination.
Furthermore, the staff member says they were not informed of this fundraiser which aims to keep their places of work open.
Now, staff are left wondering if they will have a job if the pledge goal is met, or if Arts On View Society is going to terminate them anyway and hire anew.
As of this publication, it appears that the clubs will be saved by the community considering the organization has raised the majority of their goal already. The staff member just wishes they and their colleagues could be kept in the loop more than they have been.
A man jumped into the water below the Johnson Street Bridge while fleeing from VicPD officers last week.
The incident unfolded on Friday, March 20th, on the Esquimalt side of the bridge and was witnessed by several people in the area.
A video circulating online shows multiple officers pursuing the man on foot before he reaches the edge of the bridge and jumps into the water below in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.
Prior to the police response, a witness account shared online describes the man allegedly acting aggressively toward members of the public on the bridge.
According to VicPD, officers were called around 11:12 p.m. after receiving reports of a man acting aggressively toward the public on the Johnson Street Bridge.
Police say when officers arrived, they located a suspect matching the description, but when they attempted to engage him, the man fled.
He then climbed over the railing on the north side of the bridge and entered the water below.
Officers responded immediately, with one entering the harbour and securing the individual within minutes. That officer then began swimming to shore, assisted by three other VicPD members who also entered the water to help with the rescue.
With assistance from partner agencies, the man was safely recovered, assessed by paramedics, and transported to hospital for further care.
It is not yet known if charges are being considered.
March 24th marks the 35th anniversary of Michael Dunahee’s disappearance and to commemorate the tragic event, Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers are once again asking for information.
For those unfamiliar, on Sunday, March 24th, 1991, then-4-year-old Dunahee disappeared from the area of the former site of Blanshard School playground, located at 950 Kings Road in Quadra Village. The school was closed down in 2003.
Police say that at the time of Dunahee’s disappearance, the boy was just a short distance from his family and many people were in the area at the time.
In 2021, to mark the 30th year of him being missing, BC RCMP forensic sketch artist Cpl. Virginia Bernier made a sketch of what Dunahee might look like now.
Michael Dunahee with photo rendering of what he might look like today.
At the same time as the age-enhanced sketch was released, VicPD created a dedicated portal for tips on what may have happened to the 4-year-old.
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’s and the public’s minds.
All the money they raise yearly goes toward Child Find BC, an organization Dunahee’s parents Crystal and Bruce help run to try and make sure no parent ever has to deal with the pain they’ve been put through.
This year, the 35th annual Michael Dunahee Keep the Hope Alive 5 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.
Anyone with information about Michael Dunahee’s disappearance should contact their local police or share an anonymous tip by calling Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A fast-moving windstorm sweeping across Vancouver Island Tuesday afternoon continues to knock out power to tens of thousands, with outages still climbing in both southern and northern regions.
According to BC Hydro data, more than 25,000 customers in northern Vancouver Island are now without power as of late afternoon, with widespread outages reported from Campbell River, through the Comox Valley, Parksville, Nanaimo and Port Alberni.
In Parksville alone, multiple outages have left thousands in the dark, including one affecting over 3,000 customers, while another has impacted nearly 1,900.
Large outages have also been reported in the Comox Valley, including more than 2,400 customers near the Island Highway.
Across many northern regions, causes range from tree down across wires to wind-related damage, with several outages still under investigation.
Meanwhile on southern Vancouver Island, outages began shortly after 3 p.m., with Duncan among the hardest hit.
More than 2,100 customers lost power east of Lovers Lane, while another 2,000 were impacted west of Telegraph Road.
Additional outages in the area include nearly 900 customers south of Sparewood Road, where BC Hydro has confirmed a tree down across power lines.
On the Gulf Islands, outages continue to expand, with hundreds affected on Galiano Island and more than 1,600 customers impacted in multiple outages around Ganges on Salt Spring Island.
Many outages across the region remain under investigation, though strong winds appear to be the primary cause in most cases.
BC Hydro crews have been dispatched to several locations, while others are still awaiting assessment as the situation continues to evolve.
Residents are being reminded to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages directly to BC Hydro.
There were no wind warnings issued for Vancouver Island today.
Another private island off the coast of Salt Spring Island has hit the market, and this one comes in at a price point that may surprise a few dreamers.
Twilight Island, a small private island property just off Salt Spring, is currently listed for $965,000, offering a rare chance to own a slice of west coast paradise without venturing into ultra-luxury territory.
The property includes a modest 896-square-foot home with one bedroom and one bathroom, designed for simple, laid-back island living.
Heated by propane and wood, and featuring a fireplace, the home leans into that cozy cabin feel rather than anything overly polished.
Set on just under 20,000 square feet of land, the island is described as “manageable in scale,” making it more accessible for those who want the private island experience without the upkeep that often comes with larger properties.
One of the standout features is its ease of access, with marina docking and a private dock already in place. And while it may feel remote, the listing notes excellent cell service, blending off-grid vibes with a connection to the outside world.
The shoreline is another major draw, with private beaches and oceanfront exposure, offering the kind of quiet, nature-filled setting that’s hard to come by—especially this close to amenities on Salt Spring Island.
Annual property taxes are listed at just over $2,100, adding to the appeal for buyers looking for a relatively low-maintenance getaway.
Private islands in the Gulf Islands don’t come up every day, and when they do, they often carry multi-million dollar price tags.
Join Wentworth Villa Architectural Heritage Museum for the opening of their new feature exhibit, Fort Street: The Story of Victoria’s First Street.
Curator Ben Clinton-Baker will guide visitors through the development of historic Fort Street, from its origins as a cart track to its role today as a vibrant cultural, commercial and transportation corridor.
Tickets are $10 and include access to the opening and exhibit—get yours here!
From March 16th to 29th, take part in fun workshops designed to inspire participants to unleash their creativity while learning something new. Here are the two workshops that are happening today.
Collage Letter: A-Z for All Ages
Create your own initial using magazines, text, patterns, paper and more. This all-ages activity is a fun way to express your interests and unleash your creativity.
This workshop takes place on Wednesday, March 25th at 10 a.m. and is $35—secure your spot here!
Flower Paper Petals
Create beautiful floral paper arrangements in this all-ages workshop where you’ll transform simple materials into elegant handmade flowers to take home and display.
This workshop takes place on Wednesday, March 25th at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. and is $24—secure your spot here!
An outspoken and insightful writer, Clifton Joseph, is one of the founders of the dub poetry movement in Canada, with performances across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the West Indies.
He’s written for The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Contrast and many other publications, and has experience in both radio and television.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see him perform his poetry live at The Coda—tickets are $20 and available here.
Where: The Coda, 743 View Street
When: Wednesday, March 25th – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Volunteers cleaning up invasives in Cuthbert Holmes Park (District of Saanich)
A successful environmental grant has given Saanich youth and new residents the opportunity to connect with local parks and ecosystems.
Specifically, Cuthbert Holmes Park has seen dozens of native trees and shrubs planted by volunteers and District of Saanich staff through the the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation grant.
The grant was won in 2025 on the condition that the funding would go towards Saanich’s Pulling Together Program.
This ecological restoration program has community members organize to remove invasive plants in their neighbourhood parks, restore natural areas and enhance local biodiversity.
Volunteer opportunities were given to students from Colquitz Middle School, as well as new residents of the capital region through the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA).
Together, these students and new Saanich residents were encouraged to exchange knowledge from their unique backgrounds and lived experiences, learn about Indigenous cultural practices that shape and sustain ecosystems, planted native trees and shrubs and removed invasive plants at Cuthbert Holmes Park.
“Providing community members of all backgrounds with a chance to care for nature where they live, through hands-on stewardship, was a tangible way to help people connect with the land and build a sense of empowerment and belonging,” said Renee Cenerini, Saanich Parks Environmental Education Coordinator.
“I was struck by the gratitude that participants expressed and was deeply moved by the stories they shared about plants and gardening in their homelands. By planting trees and shrubs in their new, adopted home, participants strengthened their connection to the future well-being of the place they now call home.”
Thanks to the efforts of these volunteers, and this successful program, over 100 native trees and 60 native shrubs and ferns were planted in an area previously overrun with invasive plant species.
“Our partnership with the District of Saanich at Cuthbert Holmes Park has been invaluable for ICA,” said Todd Kitzler, Associate Director of Adult Learning, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria.
“It provides our newcomers and refugee clients with hands-on opportunities to explore and connect with nature, which supports their learning, emotional and mental well-being, and helps them develop meaningful interactions with the larger community.”
He added that opportunities like this fosters a sense of belonging for the ICA’s clients.
One lucky Victoria man has won over a half-million dollars while killing time, waiting for a friend.
According to BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the lucky winner, Curtis R., was waiting for a friend at Elements Casino Victoria when he struck metaphorical gold.
Curtis reportedly placed a $2 wager on MegaJackpots Cash Eruption via PlayNow, BCLC’s gambling website, and watched as his bet became a $550,690 prize.
“I was playing poker at the casino and I called my buddy to ask him to come out and join me,” said Curtis. “While I was waiting for him, I played some slots on my phone.”
The lucky winner says his friend was buying chips at the cash cage when he told him he won. After briefly celebrating with his friend, Curtis went home to tell his wife.
“When I got [home], she thought I woke her up for only $5,000 but got very excited when I said ‘no, way more than that.’”
Curtis plans on putting the winnings towards a family trip to Disneyland. The trip was only tentative for a while, but with these winnings, he and his family will be able to make the vacation happen a lot sooner.
He also says he wants to buy a new truck with the money.
Spring is in the air, Victoria—and one of the city’s most iconic events is almost here!
On April 26th, the 37th annual TC10K returns to downtown, inviting Victorians to run, walk, or roll alongside thousands of community members.
This year’s theme, “Together, We Soar,” highlights the strength of moving together, so if you’re aiming to beat your personal best or looking to cross the finish line, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
As part of this year’s experience, Indigenous artist Jamin Zuroski has designed the second medal in the TC10K’s three-year series, giving participants a meaningful keepsake to take home.
Open to all ages and fitness levels, the TC10K is more than just a race—it’s a chance to connect, reflect, and be part of something bigger, all while enjoying an energizing morning in the city.
With registration already up 30% compared to this time last year, the event is on track to welcome more than 10,000 participants this year.
Registration starts at $65 plus fees for TC10K individual participants and the RE/MAX Team Experience, $59 plus fees for school teams, and $30 for the Thrifty Foods Family Run.
Planning to join as a team? The team registration deadline is quickly approaching. To qualify as an official team, teams have until March 30 at 11 a.m. to reach at least 10 registered members.
This is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends, family or colleagues, spend time outdoors, and move together as a community. Plus, teams can feature their team logo or name on the back of their shirts!
Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up! Start preparing for race day and secure your spotin the 2026 TC10K today.
