Western Speedway is excited to announce that one of their great partners Seawings Express has stepped up to sponsor Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 8th.
All fans will be admitted FREE to the nights events courtesy of Seawings Express.
See Wilson Transportation Stock Cars, SDL Bins MIni Stocks, OTRA Old Time Stock Cars, Island Dwarf Cars and LORDCO Bombers. Front Gate opens at 4:30, Qualifying 5:30, Racing 6:30.
Looking for things to do this weekend? Here are 9 events happening around town . For even more fun things to do, head over to the Victoria Buzz Events Calendar.
Free-B Film Festival
What: Bring a blanket, flashlight and snacks to enjoy a great line-up of wonderful outdoor movies.
Where: BATMAN • AUG 7 (Location: Legislative Lawn)
PRINCESS BRIDE • AUG 8 ( (Location: Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park)
When: 9pm
Butchart Gardens Summer Festival presents: Jann Arden
What: The Butchart Gardens’ summer festival presents Jann Arden. Funny, heartwarming…the one and only, Jann! This open air concert takes place on the Concert Lawn stage. Come sit on a bench, or bring a blanket and sit on the lawn.
Where: Butchart Gardens – 800 Benvenuto Avenue
When: Friday, August 7th, 2015 7:30 PM
Corks and Canvas-Outside!
What: Join local, loved artist Kimberly Dean, Robert Bateman Centre staff and volunteers to paint your own canvas outside while overlooking the incredible Inner Harbour.
Where: The Robert Bateman Centre
When: August 7 at 7pm
Touch-A-Truck
What: Children of ALL AGES! Bring the whole family for a day filled with tons of fun. Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Food, Balloons and More! In support of the Vancouver Island Family Child Care Association
Where: Western Speedway
When: August 8th 9:30am – 2:30pm
Pet-A-Palooza
What: West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival, PET-A-PALOOZA is coming back! Taking place on over 35,000 sq ft of ocean front property in Victoria B.C
Where: Ogden Point
When: August 8 and 9
James Bay Market
What: You will be amazed at the variety of products available at the James Bay Market. Whether you’re a local in need of some fresh produce, or a visitor looking for that unique something from Victoria, they’ve got it.
Where: 494 Superior St
When: August 8, 2015 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday Night Fireworks at the Butchart Gardens
What: Our Firework shows began in 1977 and continue to be one of The Gardens’ most popular draws.
Where: The Butchart Gardens
When: August 8, 2015 @ 9:30 pm
Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow
What: A fun community night market with food, crafts, art, entertainment and much more.
Where: Lochside Drive between Martindale & Island View Road at Michell’s Air Field
When: August 8 & 9th @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cadboro Bay Festival
What: Enjoy an afternoon at the picturesque Gyro Park, with a variety of hands-on activities, bouncy castles, face painting, band performances, information displays, interactive games, kids treasure map, arts & craft stations, and food and fun for the entire family. World-class sand sculptors will be creating giant works of art from just sand, water and a lot of imagination.
Where: Cadboro Bay – Gyro Park
When: Sunday, August 9, 2015 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below!
After more than seven hours, VicPD officers alongside the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team have brought an incident to a peaceful close after a 49-year-old man barricaded himself in his suite.
Officers were first called to the 500-block of Johnson Street around noon today after a resident of a multi-person community facility reportedly facing a parole revocation, made concerning statements. These statements indicated the man had an improvised explosive device.
Patrol officers and GVERT evacuated the building and surrounding area, closing both Johnson and Wharf streets to traffic, and began the process of negotiating with the man. Once it was determined to be safe to do so, officers reopened streets to traffic.
After seven hours the man agreed to disarm the device and surrendered to officers. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to hospital for psychological assessment.
During the incident, Our Place offered to feed the displaced residents of the facility, and officers on scene appreciated the support of local businesses and residents to help minimize the disruptions caused.
Last week, we told you about local developer, Sakura, putting a helicopter inside a building on Fort St! Most of you probably didn’t believe us, and we don’t blame you! Thankfully, a Victoria Buzz fan, who helped move the helicopter in, has submitted a few photos for proof!
It is just the shell of the helicopter and will be used for meetings.
It’s like an extra meeting space in an open concept office. Need to make a private call? Go in the chopper. Want to take a nap? To the chopper. Have a meeting and don’t want to disturb your coworkers? The Chopper. It’s actually awesome. I worked in a different building owned by the same people and we had vans and trailers in the space and a bus out back for these same reasons. I used them daily. It’s innovative, fun, creative, and completely functional… with a twist. – Serena De Castro
Photo Credit: I ♥ Downtown Victoria
Do you have photos to add to this article? Send to: tips@victoriabuzz.com
Long Beach Airport will receive $1.27 million in funding from the new B.C. Air Access Program, part of B.C. on the Move, the Government of B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan.
“Providing funding to the Long Beach Airport is a perfect example of how the B.C. Air Access Program will help smaller and regional airports make crucial improvements to their infrastructure,” said MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Jordan Sturdy, on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Safety is a key component for these projects and the Long Beach Airport runway lighting project provides a good example of the type of safety improvements we are seeing through the program.”
Tofino, Ucuelet, Long Beach and the surrounding areas are known for their world-class tourism attractions and experiences. Adding new runway lighting will allow the airport to expand its services, especially with the expected increase in tourists visiting the area, and ultimately encouraging further economic growth in the region, read the statement.
The improvements will also allow for enhanced emergency health care services to the area. Without runway lighting, access was limited, especially during the winter months. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, which owns and operates the airport, will contribute just over $424,000 toward the project.
“The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District welcomes the provincial funding support for the Long Beach Airport (CYAZ) airfield lighting project,” said ACRD chair Josie Osborne. “The airport continues to grow and prosper as a critical transportation link for the west coast of Vancouver Island. This funding will help us provide a more reliable and accessible transportation link to the rest of the province, and a foundation for ongoing safety enhancements at the airport.”
The ministry is investing $24 million over the next three years for the B.C. Air Access Program.
Nothing to do? We’ve got you covered. Check out these events happening in Victoria today. For even more fun things to do, head over to the Victoria Buzz Events Calendar.
Sidney Street Market
What: This fabulous outdoor street market has been a wonderful destination event on your “summer things to do” list for over 15 years.
You will find beautiful creations from artisans of every kind. Enjoy amazing entertainment every week.
Where: Beacon Avenue in downtown Sidney by the Sea.
When: Every Thursday, 5:30pm-83:30pm
Ghostly Walks
What: Dare to discover why Victoria is BC’s most haunted city on one of our famous 90-minute walking tours through Victoria’s most haunted streets, alleys and parks.
Where: Start outside Visitor Info Centre 812 Wharf St. at corner of Government St.
When: 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Live Music at the Ross Bay Pub
What: Pop, Rock & Blues style live music every Thursday at the Ross Bay Pub.
Where: 1516 Fairfield Rd
When: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sooke Night Market
What: A fun community night market with food, crafts, art, entertainment and much more.
Where: Sooke Region Museum – 2070 Phillips Rd
When: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Synagogue Tours
What: Explore Canada’s oldest surviving synagogue. Learn about this remarkable structure’s vibrant history through its unique architecture, artifacts, restoration and stories.
On July 23, part of Floyd’s iconic Marilyn Monroe mural was stolen – the second time in 12 months! She’s since been reunited with the diner, but not without enduring quite the ordeal…
The section depicting Marilyn’s face disappeared causing an online storm. The remaining pieces, which were damaged in the theft, were taken down and placed in storage, said Joel O’Rourke, a server at the restaurant.
“It was kind of torn off the wall a bit,” O’Rourke said of the stolen piece. “The back piece where we had it connected is a bit torn up, but really nothing that affects the esthetics of the front.”
As reported by Victoria Buzz on Monday, the mural showed up outside Royal Athletic Park during the Victoria HarbourCats games.
According to The Times Colonist the missing piece was found by none other than HarbourCats assistant general manager Brad Norris-Jones.
Floyd’s staff members who also operate a food venue at HarbourCats games, were excited when it was reported that Marilyn’s face was back.
The mural, of a Marilyn Monroe wrapped in silk bed sheets and cracking an egg into a glass, is a 3.5 metre-long plywood-mounted painting. It had been attached to an exterior wall at the Floyd’s for only a few months when it first went missing in August 2014. It was found a few weeks later behind a garbage bin in an alley.
With this second disappearance comments and concerns flooded in, with even offers to create a new painted mural on the diner’s Facebook group.
According to O’Rourke, people have been asking about the mural. “Once all is said and done, we can laugh about it. When it happens second time, it kind of gets a bit old. We don’t want this to become an annual affair.”
He believes the mural’s high profile as a result of the thefts increased the likelihood that the stolen piece would be returned.
“People knew too much about it already for it to go unnoticed. We’re all happy to get it back, but I don’t think any one of us was too surprised,” he said.
The mural could be reinstalled in about a week, complete with a few needed touch-ups by artist Paul Archer.
UPDATED: The pair of YouTube pranksters who were thought to have destroyed Hitchbot have admitted to faking a surveillance video that purported to show the destruction of the hitchhiking Canadian robot hitchBOT.
YouTube star Jesse Wellens of PrankvsPrank and his friend Ed Bassmaster revealed in a new video how they faked the footage. However, Wellens denies that they were the ones who destroyed hitchBOT.
A lone 22 year old man found himself off the beaten trails on Mount Finlayson just before midnight on July 29, after he spotted a cougar and attempted to get away from it. The man, who feared for his safety as the cougar appeared to be stalking him, was able to call for help.
Based on those circumstances, two West Shore RCMP officers undertook an immediate search and kept in contact with the man via cellphone.
After 3 hours of hiking in the dark, police located the man who had run out of food and water. He was escorted back down the mountain without sustaining any injuries.
“We would like to remind the public to be sufficiently equipped and prepared when going for hikes”, states Cpl. Bryson Hill of the West Shore RCMP. “We encourage hikers to travel in pairs. This is especially true when hiking at night where there is a greater chance of sustaining injuries or having negative wildlife encounters”.
The view from cedar patio at Spinnakers - Photo courtesy of ItkasanImages
Summertime means patio time is well and truly upon us! These languid long warm days invite us to relax, meet with friends and family and perhaps grab a drink while watching the world go by. We asked Victoria Buzz fans to tell us their favorite Greater Victoria patios, and naturally we had to try them out ourselves! Here are a handful of the amazing restaurants, pubs and cafes with patios to visit this summer!
Canoe Brewpub
Canoe Brewpub – Photo courtesy of Canoe Club
Canoe features waterfront patios and the best western exposure along Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Enjoy a vibrant and relaxing environment any time of day from 11:30am. Soak up the afternoon sun, watch the sunset and enjoy the summer nights late into the evening. Canoe has recently installed a new patio bar to help quench your thirst even faster with their handcrafted beers. Open Sun – Wed 11:30am to 11pm; Thu – Sat 11:30am to 12am.
Darcy’s Pub
Darcy’s Pub – Photo courtesy of ItkasanImages
Since 2003 Darcy’s has been the hotspot every night of the week for live music and nightlife, but during the day is when Darcy’s (and the sun) really shine. With 20 taps of ice-cold beer and cider, fresh inspired in-house made food, the best view of Victoria’s gorgeous inner harbor AND great staff, Darcy’s Pub downtown is the place to be. Located on the waterfront in historic Bastion Square – that boasts a seasonal artisan’s market as well as frequent outdoor live entertainment. All of your bases are covered. Come to The “Darc” Side! Open daily 11am-1am.
Irish Times Pub
Irish Times Pub – Photo courtesy of ItkasanImages
The Irish Times Pub patio is one of the best ‘people watching’ spots in the city. The Bastion Square Market attracts many visitors and so there is always something to see. They often have local buskers performing right in front of both patios for added entertainment. There is also live music 7 nights a week which can be heard and enjoyed from both patios. Servers and bartenders all wear traditional Irish kilts to add to the overall experience. The patio is open all year round from 11am until 11:30 pm.
The Rooftop Surfclub
The Rooftop Surfclub – Photo courtesy of The Rooftop Surfclub
The unique Rooftop Surfclub has a rugged Vancouver Island surf theme that includes two full-sized volleyball courts, delicious West Coast Fare, a signature cocktail menu, and magnificent city views! Rooftop offers an unforgettable patio experience with weekly events and that social summer atmosphere! The 300 seat rooftop patio at the Strathcona Hotel is open daily 11:30am-11:30pm for lunch, dinner and late night parties.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Spinnakers – Photo courtesy of ItkasanImages
Spinnakers has an array of patio options! There are two southwest-facing family-friendly, waterfront patios on the main level, with a beautiful breeze and lovely morning and afternoon sunshine. Hours for the main level patio are 9am-9pm (closing time depending on reservations and weather), May through the summer.
The newly-renovated upper-level cedar patio (pictured in introduction) features 7 round tables with a glass wind guard and over-head HEATED shelter, to be enjoyed in rain or shine, almost year-round! This patio, as well as the adjacent tap room, is a 19+ area where patrons can enjoy the house made ales. Hours are 11:30am to 11pm which allow for spectacular sunset and twilight views of the harbour.
Both areas offer one-of-a-kind views, as this is the only patio restaurant on this side of the Harbour!
Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro
Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro – Photo courtesy of Lido Waterfront Bistro
Looking for huge patio to enjoy some ice cold drinks and share some amazing fresh pizza and tapas on the Inner Harbour? Try the Lido Deck! Enjoy panoramic views of the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings and Historic Old Towne on this 52-seat patio surrounded by water. A large range of local beers on tap, local wines and distilled spirits, and a full bar of all the usual suspects along with many unusual ones. A little tricky to find, located on the water side of the Victoria Regent Hotel down on the harbour level, right on the harbour below Bastion Square. Come on down to the Lido Deck, kick back and relax! Open Thurs- Sat, 11:30 until 10 and often later. Sun-Wed, 11:30 until 9 and often later.
AURA waterfront restaurant + patio
AURA waterfront restaurant + patio – Photo Courtesy of AURA
A true gem of the Inner Harbour, AURA waterfront restaurant + patio is a premiere dining destination for Pacific Rim inspired cuisine. Executive Chef Takashi Ito is lauded for his long-standing culinary excellence and meticulously prepared dishes. With seasonal menus, of local and organic foods rather than those from afar. Featuring an eclectic winelist, island microbrews and handcrafted cocktails, enjoy spectacular harbour views from the dining room, bask in the glow of the underlit onyx bar, or relax on the waterfront patio. Open 7am – 9pm.
Jack’s Place and Kuma Sushi
Jack’s Place and Kuma Sushi – Photo courtesy of ItkasanImages
Jack’s Place and Kuma Sushi has a patio that seats over 200 patrons off the second hole of the Bear Mountain Golf Course. Free of charge, customers can play on the beach volleyball court or grab a game of pool in the cabana. Customers can enjoy among sushi, local craft beers, and incredible views of Mount Finlayson. Whether with family or friends, all are sure to have a great time on the Jack’s patio where the sun never stops shining! Open Monday-Sunday from 11am-midnight.
Caffe Fantastico Dockside Green
Caffe Fantastico Dockside Green – Photo courtesy of Caffe Fantastico
Overlooking the popular Gorge Waterway and Point Hope Shipyard, Caffe Fantastico at Dockside Green offers a patio unlike any other found in the city. Located at the head of the Galloping Goose cycle network, right next to a stop for the popular harbour ferry, Fantastico Dockside attracts people on foot and bike from far and wide. Open since 2008, it has become a cafe at the heart of the flourishing Dockside and Vic West Community. Fine specialty coffee and espresso beverages pair perfectly with pasties from neighbouring Fol Epi Bakery. The atmosphere is inviting and bustling, with families mingled with groups of cyclists, mingled with working professionals. Open daily 7:30am – 5:30pm.
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Bin 4 Saanich – Photo courtesy of ItkasanImages
The patio of the Saanich location at Bin 4 Burger Lounge is a great spot to enjoy their gourmet burgers, fresh salads, local beers and handcrafted cocktails. A stone’s throw from Mayfair Mall, the relaxed atmosphere welcomes those who wish to take a break from shopping, unwind after work, catch up with friends, dine out with family, or impress a first date. Enjoy a cold pint from a local craft brewery, savor a glass of vino from the feature wine list or try one of their refreshing cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices and house made syrups. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri&Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-10pm.
The 2015 Harvest Moon rises above Victoria, British Columbia, and the distant mountains of Washington State. Courtesy Gary Seronik
The September 19, 2013 Harvest Moon rises above Victoria, British Columbia, and the distant mountains of Washington State. Photo by Gary Seronik
Make sure to step outside tonight at sunset to check out the blue moon. A blue moon occurs when it’s the second full moon of the month, an event that only happens every three or four years. The first full moon was on July 2.
What’s even better, it’s the perfect evening for a full moon, with Environment Canada reporting perfectly clear skies tonight and into the weekend.
A “blue moon” actually has nothing to do with the colour. In fact there is a possibility tonight’s moon will be a very deep red. The term has more to do with how rare it is. Once in a “blue moon” however, a truly blue colored moon can occur, with most being spotted after volcanic eruptions.
“Often, when the Moon is hanging low, it looks red for the same reason that sunsets are red, NASA explains. “The atmosphere is full of aerosols much smaller than the ones injected by volcanoes. These aerosols scatter blue light, while leaving the red behind.”
Two earthquakes have struck off the coast of Vancouver Island within 48 hours of each other. A 4.2-magnitude earthquake hit around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, according to Natural Resources Canada. The agency said the epicentre was 191 kilometres west of Port Hardy.
The first earthquake struck Wednesday afternoon, 183 kilometres west of Port Hardy. It was measured at a magnitude of 4.8.
The agency said there were no reports of damage and that none would have been expected as a result of either incident.
It added that nothing could felt on the surface in both cases.
It is the BC long weekend and the weather is going to be very beautiful! Still not sure what to do? We have compiled some photos taken this week on Instgram using the hashtag #victoriabuzz and #yyj to help you with some ideas!
We hope you have a great long weekend! keep in mind this weekend is the worst for accidents, so drive with extra caution! Use hashtag #victoriabuzz when snapping photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured in our next photo article.
Featured photo credit: Sun kiss by Doug Clement Photography
So you aren’t able to make it down to Westhills Stadium to enjoy some exciting football. Not to worry, because for the first time ever, the Westshore Rebels will showcase 5 home games on streaming Pay-Per-View beginning with the Vancouver Island (Nanaimo) Raiders this Saturday August 1 @ 7pm.
Team President Elise Pastro commented on the decision for Pay-Per-View, “we want to encourage as many fans to come down to Westhills Stadium as possible and cheer on our Rebels and enjoy the in game experience, but we also want to provide the games to the parents, friends and families across North America.”
In addition to this announcement, Rebels alumni and band member with ‘One Night Stand’, Nevil Meyer will be the on air announcer during the game. He is joined by our game day videographer Scott Earle from Scott Earle Video Solutions.
You can purchase the games by visiting www.westshorerebels.ca and clicking the Pay-Per-View graphic
Jesse's grandfather's glasses donned by Ella and Charlie
Ella, Jesse and Charlie – Photo by ItkasanImages
A Victoria wedding photographer’s album documenting her baby Ella and dog Charlie in matching poses, has gone viral. Jesse Holland‘s adorable side-by-side photos of her daughter and dog, have been featured this week by BuzzFeed and Huffington Post. Victoria Buzz caught up with the local celebrities!
The owl hat that started it all…
It all began with an owl hat, “Well, I got this hat from my father and step-mother for my daughter Ella’s first birthday and I put it on the dog, because I thought it would be entertaining to dress my dog up like a child. And he was not impressed with this choice.”
Jesse’s grandfather’s glasses donned by Ella and Charlie
However, a couple of days later while she was digging through a drawer, Jesse found these glasses that used to belong to her grandfather, “I have pictures of a whole bunch of family members putting on these glasses, so I had to do it again with my kid and my dog. And then I kind of got hooked on coming up with different scenarios to put them in, where they sort of mirrored each other. And off it went.”
Getting ready for school
At first she posted them to her Instagram and Facebook as a way to keep her family and friends, who live in California, updated.
Enjoying the great outdoors
“But I kept getting comments from my circle of friends and so later down the road I decided to post some of them to Bored Panda and that’s when things just exploded.”
Dealing with the paparazzi
Within 24hrs the Huffington Post and Buzz Feed had contacted her and her inbox has been buzzing ever since!
The Victoria Hand Project is a non-profit organization working to provide low-cost, 3D printed upper-limb prostheses for people in the developing world. Right now they are focusing on getting their hand prosthesis to amputees in Guatemala and Nepal. Most amputees in these countries have no access to prosthetic care due to financial circumstance and lack of infrastructure. Their team is working to provide a prosthesis solution that’s affordable, and produced within the communities where it’s needed. Their unique approach uses 3D printing, and 3D scanning to create a fully custom prosthesis for each amputee.
We aim to empower amputees with a tool that will improve their quality of life. ~ Dr. Nikolai Dechev, director of the Victoria Hand Project
They have just launched an Indiegogo campaign, to help fund their initiative in Guatemala and Nepal. Their goal is to raise $94,000, which will fund new prostheses for 100 amputees, 50 in Guatemala and 50 in Nepal. They will also set up 3D printing locations in each country which will employ locals to 3D print and fit amputees of Guatemala and Nepal with the Victoria Hand Prosthesis.
Our goal is to provide an affordable prosthesis to amputees in Guatemala and Nepal, who would otherwise go without prosthetic care.” Michael Richards, Engineering Assistant with the Victoria Hand Project. ~ Michael Richards, Engineering Assistant with the Victoria Hand Project.
The first ever 3D printed socket to be made in Nepal, during our clinical trial happening right now in Kathmandu.
A participant in the clinical trials which just concluded in Zacapa, Guatemala.
A participant in the clinical trials which just concluded in Zacapa, Guatemala.
VicPD are seeking any witnesses to a late-night stabbing that occurred last weekend. Police were called to the 1100-block of Wharf Street just after midnight on Sunday.
They arrived to find the 32-year-old Saanich man with a stab wound to his side. Staff at Darcy’s Pub were alerted and started first aid.
The victim was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
During the police investigation, officers learned that the victim spoke to two women on the corner of Wharf and Fort streets after the alleged stabbing. The pair were described as South-Asian women, in their 20’s, and wearing dresses. Detectives would like to speak to these women in hopes that they may shed more light on what occurred.
If you have any information about this crime, or know the two women, please call VicPD on the non-emergency line at . Information on this, or any crime, can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (8477).
When was the last time you played tourist in your hometown? Inspired by the beautiful summery weather, we set out to explore our little gem of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Harbour Ferry
A lovely scenic 10-minute walk from the Inner Harbour or a fun quick cruise on a Victoria Harbour Ferry and you are there.
Barb’s Fish and Chips
Pick up lunch at the many eateries, such as the famous Barb’s Fish and Chips.
Barb’s Fish and Chips
This iconic shop has been in operation for over 30 years and featured on The Food Network.
Barb’s Fish and Chips – Burger
Not just fish and chips, but also great burgers!
Rockn’ Rolls – Crispy Crunch rolls
Or the eclectic Brazilian-inspired Japanese fusion sushi from Rockn’ Rolls, that is not only delicious but also 100% sustainably and locally sourced.
Jackson’s Ice Cream
For dessert you can’t go wrong with some of the best ice-cream in town, from Jackson’s Ice Cream.
Jackson’s Ice Cream
16 flavours, plus gelato, frozen yogurt and of course soft ice cream. All locally made of course!
Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tour
If you’re feeling adventurous you can hop aboard a whale watching tour, or perhaps go kayaking.
Quaint hanging baskets of Fisherman’s Wharf
For the more leisurely minded, just stroll around the quaint float homes, which are fully functioning residences.
From the end of the Second World War to about 1990 was the heyday of the fishing fleet at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Fishing vessels were tied to every dock, except for two docks at the east end. These two “live aboard” docks were home to a diverse, and often eccentric, community from the 1970s right up until 2000.
Many colourful characters roamed the docks and rubbed shoulders with the fishermen. People would appear from nowhere and make the wharf their new home. Suddenly, they would move on and quickly be replaced by other, equally eccentric types.
This meant there was never a dull moment on the wharf. Local police were often kept busy breaking up fights and cross-checking their list of outstanding arrest warrants with the roster of wharf inhabitants.
(*Extract courtesy of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority)
VicPD are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a marijuana dispensary in Victoria, and have released the video of the robbery in hopes of identifying the person responsible.
On Thursday, July 23rd, at approximately 9 p.m., a lone male entered the “Farmacy”, located at 3055 Scott Street, and pointed what appeared to be a hand gun and a knife at the clerk. The suspect gave the clerk a black garbage bag and ordered them to fill it with drugs and cash. Once the clerk had filled the bag, the suspect ran to his idling vehicle and sped away. He was last seen near North Dairy and Shelbourne streets.
VicPD Detectives have been investigating since the robbery occurred and are hoping the release of the video will aid in identifying the suspect and the vehicle.
The suspect is believed to be a Caucasian man, approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall with a tattoo around his right eye.
His get-away vehicle appears to be a 2006 to 2009 tan-coloured Pontiac Torrent with no license plates.
If you have any information on the suspect, the vehicle or this crime, please call VicPD’s non-emergency number at 250-995-7654. You can also report information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS FREE (8477).
A magnitude 9.0 earthquake has just occurred off the BC coast. A massive tsunami races towards land at the speed of a commercial jet.
On October 18 at 10:18 am, drop, cover, and hold on!
ShakeOutBC simulates this hypothetical, but realistic disaster scenario and looks at what damage can be expected and what people can do to prepare themselves.
On October 18 at 10:18 am, drop, cover, and hold on!
This is your invite to join hundreds of thousands of British Columbians (and over 18.9 million people worldwide) in the largest earthquake drill in the province.
Once again, the Great British Columbia ShakeOut Drillwill be on the third Thursday of October, which is officially proclaimed ShakeOutBC Day by the Province of British Columbia – and therefore by the Queen!
The province-wide drill, with its oddly specific start time, hopes to get British Columbians more prepared for dangerous earthquakes.
How to participate
Register yourself, family members, or a business. Even if you enrolled last year, you’ll need to renew your registration for 2018.
Last year, 898,000 people from B.C. registered and participated, and this year Shake Out’s hoping to surpass 1 million participants.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps offered a public apology this morning on Cfax1070 for the lack of consultation with neighbours, about the proposal to allow a cluster of temporary homeless shelters in Topaz Park. City Hall has been under severe criticism, and the mayor says she and council are listening. “We have been talking about it for months…it’s been on the public agenda for months…Topas has been mentioned for months. Um, but until we’ve made a decision to do something, um, we didn’t engage residents, and that’s probably not best practice.” Helps insists the Topaz decision is not final. Coucil did vote to allow a so-called “tent city” somewhere, and Topaz is a recommended location
If you have been hearing air horns blasting in the Saanich Peninsula area, everything is okay!
Just this morning alone, it went off three different times, flooding our inbox. Matter of fact, Victoria Buzz founder, Mike Kelly, who lives in the area was also questioning the sirens.
After some digging, we found the source!
North Saanich Fire Department fire chief, Gary Wilton, tells Victoria Buzz the the air horns you are hearing is from the fire hall on McTavish Road. This is a temporary measure during water main construction in the area. The sirens will only be used during construction hours, until the construction is complete.
This letter was sent out to the residents in the general area:
Effective Monday. July 6. 2015. for approximately six (6) weeks, the CRD water main replacement crews will be in the area replacing water mains on McTavish and East Saanich Roads. Traffic control personnel will be on site, however there will be delays.
In order to ensure a timely response to the McTavish Fire Hall, we will be reactivating the emergency call sirens at the McTavish Road Fire Hall during the construction period. This will alert the traffic control personnel that fire crews via personal vehicles will be proceeding to fire hall, and that lire trucks will be leaving for an emergency situation thus allowing for priority through the construction zone.
In addition to the sirens being activated. both the upper and lower Cresswell Fire Gates will be open to be used by lire department responders to expedite access to the fire hall. We will attempt to synchronize the siren and open gates to the construction work hours.
An advisory was posted at Langford Lake on July 22. According to the CRD website, the advisory was put up due to high bacterial counts. The sign reads: “Unsafe for swimming and other water contact activities. Water tests indicate high levels of bacteria which may pose a risk to your health.”
It is also highly recommended to keep your dogs out of the water at this time.
Several other locations also have the same advisory:
[blockquote cite=”Andrew Irving” float=”left” align=”left”]This began when the walk way was constructed at the end of the lake and the road put in blocking all of the run off. Instead of having an outflow consistent with a lake this size it was vastly reduced. I grew up on this lake and at one time it was the cleanest. Now, so much development all around it has turned it into a polluted mess. Enjoy the view of your untouchable lake. Hope the destruction of the environment is worth it.[/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”James Drew” float=”left” align=”left”]That’s what happens when you build 2500 houses in West Hills next door to the lake and everyone goes swimming at same time[/blockquote]
Saanich Police are currently investigating a sexual assault that occurred shortly after midnight on Friday (July 18th). The incident happened in the 3600 block of Quadra St, between Falmouth Road and Tattersall Drive in Saanich.
A Saanich woman, in her early 20’s, was walking on the west side of Quadra St. when she was grabbed from behind and forced into a nearby yard. The woman sustained minor injuries. She is working with Detectives and was able to provide the following description of her attacker:
Male
Approx 5’10” to 6’0 tall
25-45 years old
Wearing all black clothing
His face was covered
Wearing a brimmed hat
This investigation is ongoing. Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to help solve this crime. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Saanich Police at 250-475-4321, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) and refer to Saanich Police file 15-15365.
“She cried often, which tore at our hearts, but as the tide came up there were many cheers as this whale was finally free,” said in a Facebook post from the group The Cetacean Lab.
Early Wednesday morning, the group received a call from a colleague about the beached orca, which was stuck on some rocks at low tide.
“We decided the best thing to do would be to keep her cool, that meant to put water on her body and we used blankets and sheets,” said Hermann Meuter, a co-founder of Cetacean Lab.
If you looked up in the sky on Canada Day, you likely saw several planes and helicopters flying in close formation. While we weren’t sure what was happening in the early goings, we later found out this was for the 50th anniversary of the Twin Otter aircraft, now manufactured by Viking at the airport, and they were filming for a documentary. Above video is just a teaser!
Related stories: Planes and helicopters flying in close formation on Canada Day, mystery solved.
Save the date! This is an event you and the family wont want to miss! If you haven’t seen them before, it’s a spectacular air show not to be missed on a summer’s night in Victoria.
The Canadian Snowbirds are coming to Clover Point (along the Dallas Road waterfront) on Wednesday, August 12 from 6-7 p.m.; pre-show starts at 5 p.m. Bring a blanket, claim your spot and grab a bite to eat from one of Victoria’s local food trucks.
Dallas Road will be closed from Cook Street to Memorial Street to all traffic. All residential streets between Fairfield and Dallas road will also be closed for the event and will be accessible to residents only. Event organizers are encouraging families to walk, take public transit or bike to the event.
A bike lock up will be available at the Cook and Dallas Rd intersection. Additional parking will also be available at Ogden Point.
Due to expected large crowds and traffic congestion, all BC transit bus has developed a detour plan:
All Route 3 buses will be on detour from approximately 4-8:00 p.m. via: Fairfield Rd. in both directions.
Two shuttle buses will be servicing the Cook, May, Memorial loop and passengers can transfer to and from these shuttle buses at Fairfield @ Cook and Fairfield @ Memorial Cres.
There will be free parking for at least 500 vehicles at Ogden Point with a free shuttle running to the corner of Cook Street and Dallas Road from 4pm-9pm.
Food truck vendors will be serving food along Dallas Road between 5-8 p.m.
All proceeds for the event will be benefiting the CH.I.L.D, the foundation for Children with Intestinal & Liver Disorders. More information on the foundation, please visit www.child.ca
The Snowbirds aerobatics team is scheduled to continue thrilling audiences across the country with their close-formation flying. Nearly 30 Canadian destinations are on the agenda this year including Victoria on Aug 12th and Comox on August 15!!
This year, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain as well as the courageous airmen and hardworking ground crew who sacrificed so much during this difficult time in history. The Battle was waged over a period of just over three months from July 11 until October 31, 1940.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron) is a Canadian icon comprised of serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Their pilots and technicians work as a team to bring thrilling performances to the North American public. Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the Skill, Professionalism and Teamwork inherent in the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Other Canadian locations where the team will visit:
July 25 / Lethbridge, Alta.
July 29 / Fort St. John, B.C.
Aug. 1-2 / Quesnel, B.C.
Aug. 5 / Penticton, B.C.
Aug. 8-9 / Abbotsford, B.C.
Aug. 15 / Comox, B.C.
Aug. 22-23 / Atlantic Canada International Airshow
It’s official: McKenzie interchange funding announced. Minister of State and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, John Duncan, was joined today by Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as Stewart Young, mayor of the City of Langford, to announce federal-provincial funding for the construction of an interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway at the intersection of Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenue. Furthermore to announce federal, provincial and municipal funding for the extension of the Westshore Parkway, which will connect the Trans-Canada Highway to Highway 14 in Langford.
The Highway 1 Admirals Road/McKenzie Avenue Interchange project will include the construction of a new interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway, at the intersection of Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenue.
The Westshore Parkway extension project will involve the construction of a two-lane road, approximately 3.5 kilometres long connecting Highway 1 to Highway 14. Upgrades will include the integration of a middle turning lane where required, new bike lanes on both sides of the roadway, sidewalks in the residential areas, the installation of sewer and stormwater infrastructure, as well as streetlights, transit stops and boulevard medians.
Collectively, these upgrades and enhancements will help improve traffic flow between two of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia, while reducing collision rates and improving pedestrian/cyclist safety throughout the Capital Regional District. Press Release from Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure:
The New Building Canada Plan is the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in Canada’s history. This unprecedented commitment is providing $53 billion to support provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure between 2014 and 2024.
Quick Facts:
The Government of Canada has selected the Highway 1 Admirals Road/McKenzie Avenue Interchange project for funding consideration of up to one half of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $32,647,500 under the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the New Building Canada Fund and on the signing of a contribution agreement.
The Government of British Columbia will be contributing approximately $52,352,500 towards the Highway 1 Admirals Road/McKenzie Avenue Interchange project. Approval of this funding is pending final provincial government approval. The total estimated cost of this project is $85,000,000.
The Government of Canada will be contributing up to $7,450,856 to the extension of the Westshore Parkway project under the New Building Canada Fund’s Small Communities Fund. The Government of British Columbia will also be contributing up to $7,450,856 to the project. The City of Langford will be responsible for the remaining costs of the project, which has a total estimated cost of $22,352,570.
The Province’s B.C. on the Move plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network provides a comprehensive road map for transportation investments and strategic policy actions over the next decade, and is supported by a $2.5 billion provincial investment over the next three years alone.
The $53 billion New Building Canada Plan provides stable funding for a 10-year period, and includes:
The Community Improvement Fund, consisting of the Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax Rebate for Municipalities, which will provide over $32 billion to municipalities for projects such as roads, public transit and recreational facilities, and other community infrastructure.
The $14-billion New Building Canada Fund, which consists of:
The $4-billion National Infrastructure Component that will support projects of national significance; and
The $10-billion Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component for projects of national, regional and local significance. Of this amount, $1billion for projects in communities with fewer than 100,000residents through the Small Communities Fund.
An additional $1.25 billion in funding for the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Canada Fund administered by PPP Canada.
[blockquote cite=”John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North” float=”left” align=”left”]Our Government’s support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. We are pleased to work with the Province of British Columbia to approve projects under the New Building Canada Fund, to ensure that infrastructure funding continues to flow in British Columbia as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada. We are proud to invest in these two transportation projects. Once completed, they will contribute to increased commuter safety and improve the flow of traffic within the Capital Regional District.[/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ” float=”left” align=”left”]With so many people relying on this corridor, these projects were made a priority in “B.C. on the Move”, our 10-year transportation plan for the province. We have worked hard with our partners to make this a reality and deliver on the commitment our government made to the people of Vancouver Island. Both of these important projects will help ensure traffic moves as safely and efficiently as possible, well into the future.[/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”Mayor Stewart Young, City of Langford” float=”left” align=”left”]The City of Langford is grateful for the funding support of the federal and provincial governments for this project. The connection of Highway 1 and Highway 14 provides an important transportation link for the whole region and will provide for future economic growth and jobs in the area.[/blockquote]
BC Transit says it plans to install Trekker Breeze + automated voice annunciation device on every bus in the Victoria Regional Transit System starting this fall. 25 buses will be equipped with the devices in August for testing, and if all goes well, the remainder of buses will be outfitted with the device throughout September.
“This product supports the needs of our visually-impaired customers and our operators while also respecting taxpayers,” said Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit. “I thank the Canadian Federation of the Blind and Unifor 333 for working with us to find a cost effective product.”
“Members of the Canadian Federation of the Blind are very pleased that BC Transit is taking concrete steps to equip our buses with automated GPS stop annunciation devices,” said representative Oriano Belusic. “Five of us had an opportunity to test drive a demonstration bus that worked very well and with some fine tuning the new system will definitely make public transit more accessible for blind riders and many others.”
“This product will allow our operators to focus on safe driving while still providing good customer service,” said Ben Williams, President of Unifor Local 333.
“Trekker Breeze + provides a cost-effective, readily available and proven voice annunciation product that is used by visually-impaired persons around the world. The key benefits of this device are its simplicity, affordable price, reliability when used in moving vehicles, minimum amount of programming and low maintenance,” states the release.
Today we met with the staff of Our Place Society and handed over the cheque for $4000, raised by YOU the wonderful people of Victoria and Victoria Buzz fans. We want to thank the community for being behind us, helping us along the way, and for all the kind words that we have received.
Our Place Director of Communications, Grant McKenzie, “It’s an exciting donation, especially as it comes from someone who obviously knows everything that Our Place does and what it means to the community. And for this gentleman to want to help as many people as possible, by donating the money he could have used, to Our Place, I think that’s the biggest thing. We see about 600 to 800 people a day and serve up to 2000 meals a day, so this money will go a long way to helping so many.”
Ken, Our Place visitor, “That’s a wonderful thing that he and everybody did. It’s pretty good that there are people out there that want to give in that way. It sure will help out. This place does quite a bit, but you don’t see the work that they do, because it goes on behind the scenes.”
It was an honour to be a part of this. Our next step will be to meet with the homeless man and we have steps in place regarding how we will do that. We plan to get him a pay-as-you-go cellphone so we, as well as potential employers, can reach him. We have some money tucked away for him for any future use that will be easily accessible to him and one other family member.
Inspired by the donation, local philanthropist Andrew Beckerman contributed $5000 today. The total now given is at $9000 with the two cheques combined. We are calling out to other companies to match that donation.
“I was moved by this man’s honesty and generosity,” said Beckerman. “Living on the street, he understands how important Our Place is to the community, and I challenge other business owners and individuals to support this fantastic organization with a donation. When you witness the care and compassion that Our Place delivers on a daily basis, you can’t help but want to be a part of it.”
“We are thrilled by the donations,” says Don Evans, executive director of Our Place. “Not only does it reinforce how vital Our Place is to this vulnerable population, but the money is arriving at a very important time for us. Donations tend to slow down in the summer, but the need doesn’t. This generosity from these two disparate individuals not only helps fund our summer services, but it also helps us prepare for evening openings as we move into winter.”
This story reached into the wider world and has really put Victoria on the map. We have this hidden hero in Langford, as well as a tremendous community. It has also highlighted that we need to do away with stereotypes about homeless people. Never judge a book by its cover.
[blockquote cite=”Angela Hughes-nee Green” float=”left” align=”left”]Love where we live, Just watched these two river otters frolicking around on the lawn for about half an hour. North Saanich, Beautiful BC.[/blockquote]
The locals and tourist on this whale watching exploration got quite an amazing show yesterday. The group were looking way off in the distance for humpback whales when suddenly two appeared in front of them and performed a synchronized show! The whales were so spot on, it looked as though they practiced for years!
[blockquote cite=”Love Sooke” float=”left” align=”left”]This was a pretty sweet moment on the water today with Sooke Coastal Explorations. We were floating, engines off, looking for some humpbacks in the distance, when two came out of nowhere and gave us a synchronized double fluke show! Spectacular![/blockquote]
The Victoria Royals today announced the release of the Five Game Fan Pack, which is a brand new mini-pack that allows fans to experience five popular home games during the 2015-16 season in celebration of the club’s fifth year on Vancouver Island.
To help celebrate this new mini-pack, they have two all-weekend Rock The Shore passes to give away!
The five special event games included in the mini-pack are the Home Opener, Turn Back the Clock Night, Teddy Bear Toss, Pink in the Rink and Fan Appreciation Night. All of these contests have traditionally been popular nights for spectators.
Fans who purchase the new mini-pack will be guaranteed specifically allocated seats at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The Five Game Fan Pack is available at four different price points that range from $60 for upper level corners and ends to $135 for club seating. Discounts are available for seniors, students and children.
The mini-pack allows for fans to attend the best games in priority seating, along with the right of first refusal on the same locations for the playoffs. As an added bonus, each pack will include a Royals’ hat, puck and program.
Be a part of the action this year and guarantee the best seats available by purchasing a season ticket or a mini-pack. Call 250-220-7889 or visit the Select Your Tickets Box-Office to pick your seats today.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”19882″ background=”1″]
Prize:
Two all weekend general admission passes for Rock The Shores.
It was well-known in police circles that Russell was scheduled to shuffle out of the communications department at VicPD in the new year, but the announcement of the move to BC Transit surprised some. He has been an outspoken advocate for alternative transportation in the past.
School might be out for summer, but that didn’t stop a few Oak Bay students from joining Education Minister Peter Fassbender on a tour of the new Oak Bay High school. The new $51.6 million, 151,000 square foot Oak Bay High is scheduled to open in September 2015.
The state-of-the-art school will be a showcase of 21st Century education where students are active and engaged, doing work that matters in full partnership with local and global communities. Inspiring and flexible learning environments will be technologically connected, equipping students for leadership and success in their communities and increasingly sophisticated job markets.
Oak Bay High embodies a partnership and ongoing relationship with the Oak Bay community. The Neighbourhood Learning Centre and the performing arts theatre serve as a reminder that this is truly a school shared by students, families and seniors.
Throughout Oak Bay High, students have high-speed Wi-Fi access and the ability to broadcast their assignments to wireless projectors and Apple TVs found in most every classroom.
Features of the new school:
Construction of the new $51.6 million Oak Bay High began on July 5, 2013.
Built to LEED Gold Standard which reduces operating costs and carbon output.
Has a student capacity of 1,300; which allows for anticipated future enrolment growth.
School size:
New building is 17,700 square metres (more than 190,000 square feet)
Neighbourhood Learning Centre is 1,766 square metres (about 19,000 square feet)
School features:
Multi-level building which supports many different types of spaces for personalized learning.
Use of natural light and smart lights reduce energy costs and while smart sinks and water stations reduce water consumption.
Integrates best practices team learning areas with group work spaces designed into common features like stair wells and hallways.
Moveable walls enable adaptable programing and instruction; gymnasium includes a technically advanced sprung floor, which absorbs shocks, giving it a softer feel and is considered the best available for indoor sports and P.E. classes and is equipped to double as an auditorium with modern projectors and sound systems.
The state-of-the-art community performing arts theatre features a 420-seat capacity, proscenium stage (archway above), orchestra area and rehearsal space.
New soccer pitch will feature artifical turf.
Computer labs on every floor of the school to complement the digital research learning centre and library to support emerging high-technology learning.
The school district is funding 100 additional spaces for international students from its local capital reserve.
The District of Oak Bay has pledged $1 million to the development of the community performing arts theatre.
Langford will soon have 36 new homes for low-income aboriginal families. The project will provide 36 homes – 30 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom units – and is situated where residents will have easy access to health services, a number of schools and parks, and community centre and recreation centre. The apartment homes will be above ground-level commercial space, another bonus for future residents who will benefit from a variety of new and existing nearby stores.
The building, located in the 500 Goldstream Ave., will feature Energy Star rated appliances and windows, water-efficient landscaping, low-flow fixtures and high-efficiency maintenance systems. Construction is expected to be complete by February 2016.
Quick facts:
The governments of Canada and British Columbia will provide a combined investment of almost $4.9 million through the Affordable Rental Housing initiative
The B.C. government will provide almost $6.3 million in construction financing.
The City of Langford is providing $263,600 in municipal grants and reductions.
Aboriginal Housing Management Association will provide a yearly operating subsidy of $43,868.
M’akola Development Services will provide approximately $1.9 million of equity.
The project will be jointly owned by M’akola Development Services and M’akola Housing Society. Once complete, both enterprises will move their provincial operations into the commercial component of the development.
[blockquote cite=”John Duncan, Minister of State, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)” float=”left” align=”left”]“It is a pleasure to see that the new development will help improve the lives of people in Langford. Our government is proud to invest in housing in this city and across the country and to help families access affordable housing that meets their needs. [/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ” float=”left” align=”left”]We are committed to working with our partners to improve access to affordable housing for Aboriginal families. Having stable housing is the first step in building healthy, safe neighbourhoods, and supporting the well-being of families is a top priority for the Province.[/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”Mayor Stewart Young, City of Langford” float=”left” align=”left”]This development contributes to our goals as a municipality to address the issue of affordable housing in Langford. We continually seek ways to collaborate with different levels of government and the private sector to deliver high quality housing solutions. It’s tremendously rewarding to see years of advocacy and hard-working coming together right in front of our eyes. We can’t wait to see the completed building, and to meet the families who will be living here. [/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”Ray Gerow, ceo, Aboriginal Housing Management Association” float=”left” align=”left”]AHMA is proud to be a partner in initiatives that increase the number of affordable housing options available to low- to moderate-income families. Soon, this development will provide safe and affordable housing for 36 families in Langford. Its ideal location near schools and amenities will help these families better engage with their community. We look forward to continuing our work with the Province and our municipal partners to meet the social housing needs of aboriginal and non-aboriginal families in B.C.[/blockquote]
[blockquote cite=”Kevin Albers, ceo, M’akola Group of Societies” float=”left” align=”left”]We are thrilled to move our provincial head office to the City of Langford, while also being able to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for families in this community. The City of Langford has been a constant supporter of the M’akola Group and this project further demonstrates what can be achieved by working with strong municipal partners. Both the City and the Province worked tirelessly with us to achieve this mixed-use development, which will house 36 families and nearly 20 staff. This development at 550 Goldstream marks another major milestone for our society, that will set in motion our next 30 years of providing, safe, affordable, and suitable housing to aboriginal and non-aboriginal families throughout B.C.[/blockquote]
Formed in 1973, in San Fransisco CA. Journey has really had quite the journey. After 42 years of rock and roll and 21 different members, they still know how to make a stadium full of people sing along, raise fists and smile. Victoria was treated to Neal Schon’s (a founding member of Journey and the band’s only original member) “Vortex” as the opening act.
As Journey took the stage, the crowd of fans raised to their feet and cheered them on in pure delight. Lead singer Arnel Pineda (2007 – present) ran from stage right, to stage left, shaking hands, giving high fives and fist bumping with the folks in the front row almost all night.
It’s my belief that by the last song and after the last note was played, not a single person in that building was able to stop believing.
Recycling and composting options are now available downtown, with the introduction of new waste bins with separate areas for recyclables, food waste and garbage. The new bins make it easy to sort waste and help keep items that can be recycled or composted from being sent to the landfill.
Building on the success of household organics and recycling programs, the new public waste bins collect containers, bottles, paper and food waste, in a user-friendly way that reflect how residents already separate their waste at home. Currently, only single purpose garbage cans are in place on city streets.
Sixteen bins are being introduced in high-traffic areas throughout the downtown on a trial basis, and will remain in place until October. Throughout the season, the volume, type of materials collected and the effectiveness of the instructions in avoiding cross-contamination of materials, will be measured. Recommendations will then be made on whether to expand the program in 2016.
The bins are being placed in the following in strategic, high-traffic areas:
• Nine along Government Street between Fort Street and Wharf Street
• Four at the intersection of Blanshard Street and Fort Street
• Two near the entrance to Chinatown; and
• One along the Dallas Waterfront Road Trail near Cook Street
Check out what happened recently when City employee Wendel L., operating the street sweeper, came across a chalk art masterpiece. ~City of Courtenay
The artist’s mom, Kristen Pronick, says, “The timing was uncanny as my husband was just taking pictures of my daughter’s art when the street sweeper came around the corner. Please pass on my thanks to the driver, he made her day and she still talks about it.”
Watch what happens when a City of Courtenay employee operating the street sweeper, came across a chalk art masterpiece
After the recent drowning death of a 17-year-old student and rugby player Abdul-Jamal Ottun at Shawnigan Lake, one Victoria buzz fan suggested we share how to recognize a drowning person.
So, here are some basic tips.
Of course, this article can’t act as a lifeguard and won’t be able to cover all of the possible drowning situations. However, we hope it acts to raise awareness and helps readers to prevent future tragic events.
First, we suggest watching this video of a real life drowning and lifeguard rescue.
The Instinctive Drowning Response
Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., described what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water as “The Instinctive Drowning Response”. It doesn’t look how you might expect. There’s very little splashing, waving, yelling, or calls for help.
In ten percent of drownings, an onlooker will actually watch on, having no idea what is happening. Events in real life aren’t always portrayed the same in movies.
Dr. Pia, in an article in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine, described the instinctive drowning response like this:
Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing and speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled before speech occurs.
Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.
Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.
Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.
From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs. (Source: On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006)
This doesn’t mean that a person thrashing and yelling for help isn’t in real trouble. They’re still experiencing what’s called “Aquatic Distress”.
Not always present before the Instinctive Drowning Response, Aquatic Distress doesn’t last long – but unlike people in the midst of drowning, these victims can still assist in their own rescue. They can grab lifelines, throw rings, etc.
A List of Potential Drowning Symptoms
Instead of judging someone’s wellbeing based on the appearance of Aquatic Distress, try looking for these other signs:
Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder.
Head low in the water, while their mouth is at water level
Picture from left to right: Shan Brindle, William Smith, Beverley Todd, Shelagh De Sousa, Bryan Evans
Picture from left to right: Shan Brindle, William Smith, Beverley Todd, Shelagh De Sousa, Bryan Evans
Five co-workers from Victoria are celebrating after winning a $1 million Maxmillion prize on the June 26, 2015 Lotto Max draw.
The group of travel agents say their win continues to feel surreal after learning they matched 7/7 numbers, winning $1 million.
Beverley Todd, spokesperson for the group, says purchasing a Lotto Max ticket on behalf of the group has been her Friday ritual for 10 years.
“All of us have been playing the lottery together for about nine years and we always choose our own numbers – our favourite numbers,” explained Todd. “About two years ago we added in a fifth co-worker, Bryan, and that changed up our playing numbers.”
It was a regular day at work when the group checked their winning ticket on a break and that’s when everything changed.
“No one else in the group could believe the win – we had to put the cashier on the phone to explain we had a winning ticket,” said Todd. “The best part was phoning my colleagues and sharing the exciting news.”
Everyone has different plans for their $200,000 portion of the prize including paying off debts, sharing some of the wealth with family, and of course, travelling!
The winning ticket was purchased at the Pharmasave in Oak Bay.
This first ever Color Vibe 5k in Victoria happened this past Sunday. Over 3,000 runners and walkers took part. The event kicked off with a Zumba warm up before proceeding to the 5K course through Esquimalt’s stunning Saxe and Macaulay Point Parks. The event culminated in a vibrant dance-party at Bullen Park filled color throws and hosted by a local DJ.
This weekend Esquimalt was blasted with a rainbow of colours and threw a great party in Bullen Park after the 3,000 people ran & walked the Color Vibe 5K. So much fun! Thanks to everyone that came out and made it such a blast & see you there next year! ~ Mel Z
UPDATE – Mr. Holly was found deceased last night by Sooke RCMP and Search and Rescue. His death is not being deemed suspicious. Thank you all for your help in trying to locate Mr. Holly. Our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Western Speedway is excited to announce that one of their great partners Seawings Express has stepped up to sponsor Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 8th. 
