CFAX 1070 | Parked outside Victoria city hall, there’s an example of the type of micro-housing unit that city council is considering for homeless people.The unit is about the size of a large garden shed and was brought up from Oregon. Portland already uses this type of housing for homeless people, who can stay if they follow the rules and contribute to the community. Councilors are considering mico-housing as a way to get people off the streets, and to stop them from camping in parks.

https://twitter.com/lisahelps/status/597955573716492288

Comment below! Let us know what you think!

Source: CFAX 1070 – An option for homeless housing? Micro-housing example parked outside city hall – Victoria’s News Authority

REALTOR® Tasha Noble speaks to Mayor Ken Williams about the stunning district of the Highlands and gets a sneak peek of their new community hall!

The Apple Box is proud to present an innovative food shop collaborative The Farmers’ City Market – and they need your support!

Located in energetic Fan Tan Alley, this petite, yet mighty space is dedicated to showcasing and promoting start-up growers and producers strictly based, in and around, the Victoria area. Doors will open June 1^st!

Aiming to elevate the community and local food inventors, The Farmers’ City Market has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise initial start up costs. This unique collaborative has a goal of $7,500 and a mere 8 days to go!

Fun pledge rewards range from tasty treats to a Hall of Fame opportunity and the chance to star in an exclusive music video. More importantly, the support from generous backers will assist with transforming the tiny space into a bustling shop that will provide affordable organic milk, eggs, cheese, frozen local meals and a revolving showcase of new and exciting items, made by local producers, growers and food inventors. Some of the producers that will be featured in the space, include Saltspring Sunrise Edibles, The Happy Goat Cheese, The Apple Box Frozen Local Meals on Cook Street, Skog handcrafted cheese boards, Avalon Dairy, Cured Local Meats & New Food Inventions to come!

100% of the profits made in The Farmers’ City Market shop will go directly to the producers themselves; making this space the only shop of it’s kind in Victoria.

“We are thrilled to create such a bountiful space for local growers, producers and artisans. We firmly believe that by giving small businesses a place to sell their wares, it will empower, inspire and elevate the whole community,” says Christa Atherton, Owner & Inventor.

With the help of the local community, The Farmers’ City Market can pioneer a new way to bring consumers the local food products they love at a price they can afford.

Doors open June 1^st, trading 7 days a week. Fan Tan Alley, downtown Victoria, BC.

On Mothers Day, Sunday, May 10, Saanich Police received a report of possible stranded ducklings in the side of Highway #1 near Helmcken Road.

A Saanich Police Officer responded to the area and located a mother Mallard duck that appeared to be in distress.  The officer heard what sounded like young ducklings in a nearby storm drain.  Investigation located 11 ducklings that were stranded inside the storm drain basin, approximately six feet down from the road level.

Saanich Fire Department personnel were requested to assist with the recovery of the animals.  All 11 ducklings were successfully plucked from the depths of storm drain.

Unfortunately, during the rescue session, the mother Mallard duck was struck by a passing vehicle and did not survive.  Her efforts to alert someone to the location of her ducklings allowed all 11 to be saved and survive.

The ducklings were transported to a local veterinary hospital and turned over to the Wild Arc Recovery Center the following day.  All of the ducklings are expected to make a full recovery.

See more at:  http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=611863

Lowe’s home improvement chain will be taking over the former two-storey Target location at Tillicum Shopping Centre.

Press Release from Lowe’s Canada:

Lowe’s Canada announced today it has reached agreement to acquire the leases of 13 former Target Canada locations and to purchase Target’s Milton, Ontario distribution centre for a total purchase price of approximately C$151 million.  This acquisition came as part of a real estate auction following Target’s decision to cease operations in Canada.

The store sites are located across Canada, many in markets where Lowe’s is underpenetrated.  The distribution centre in Milton, Ontario is strategically located to serve Lowe’s current and future stores.  As a result of the transaction, approximately 2,000 jobs will be created in Canada.

The proposed acquisitions are subject to court approval in Target Canada’s proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and certain other customary conditions. The court run process is expected to be completed by June 30, 2015.

About Lowe’s Canada

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico through its stores and online. With fiscal year 2014 sales of $56.2 billion, Lowe’s has 1,840 home improvement and hardware stores and more than 265,000 employees. In Canada, Lowe’s opened its first stores in December 2007 and now operates 38 stores in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia with more than 6,000 employees. For more information, visit Lowes.ca.

On May 12th, 2015, shortly before 4 p.m., 35 year old Nathan MYLES was arrested on a Warrant of Arrest for multiple criminal charges.

Acting on information received, police identified a residence in the 3000 block of Sprott Road, near Duncan, BC, where MYLES was believed to be located. Information was received this morning that alleged additional violent offenses had been committed by MYLES at that home on Sprott Road today.

“Given the violent history of the individual involved in this case, we deployed the Island District RCMP Emergency Response Team to assist us with this arrest”, states Cpl. Darren Lagan with the Island. District RCMP. “Their expertise ensures that arrests of this nature are conducted efficiently and safely, increasing the likelihood of a peaceful resolution for all involved.”

MYLES was taken into police custody without incident, where he remains at this time. He will appear before the Courts on outstanding charges of harassment, unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, 2 counts of assault, and 4 counts of uttering threats. An appearance date has not been set.

Out of an abundance of caution, the occupants of a nearby daycare facility were moved to a safe location away from this property, prior to
officers making contact with the suspect.

Original story:
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 35 year old Nathan MYLES, a resident of the Cowichan Valley. Nathan Myles is wanted in connection with a series of violent offences, including the serious assault of an 18 year old Duncan woman who was known to him. Nathan Myles is currently charged with harassment, unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, 2 counts of assault, and 4 counts of uttering threats.

Nathan Myles is described as:

6 feet 1 inch tall
Weighing 166 pounds
Brown hair and blue eyes
It is believed that he has recently cut his hair short

Nathan Myles is well known to police and has a criminal history of violent offences. Police consider him dangerous, and caution the public on approaching him. Anyone who knows where he is should contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that their annual prospects development camp will take place from July 3rd to 9th in Shawnigan Lake, B.C.

Prospects will partake in a variety of training sessions starting July 3rd at Shawnigan Lake School. All on-ice practices will be open to the public. The group will then return to Vancouver on July 9th to visit BC Children’s Hospital and participate in a Grouse Grind hike the following day. Media interested in attending either development camp in Shawnigan Lake or the photo opportunity at BC Children’s Hospital are asked to RSVP to a member of the Canucks Media Relations staff.

2015 Prospects Summer Development Camp SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

DATE      TIME   LOCATION                          EVENT
July 3-9   TBD    Shawnigan Lake School     On-ice practice
July 9      TBD    BC Children’s Hospital       Visit & media/photo opportunity
July 10    TBD    Grouse Mountain                Grouse Grind hike

A full schedule for development camp and a preliminary roster will be announced at a later date. The team’s roster will be comprised primarily of players drafted by Vancouver, including select choices made by the team at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft as well as undrafted collegiate free agents.

Shawnigan Lake School
1975 Renfrew Rd,
Shawnigan Lake, B.C.
250-743-5516

BC Children’s Hospital
4480 Oak Street
Vancouver, B.C.
604-875-2345

Two months ago today, Artor, Vic, and Tim Gashi opened Brothers Barbershop on Fort St., in a location that had been the former home to Oscar and Libby’s, before a fire damaged the building in November of 2013.

And with full-service cuts priced at $13, they’ve been busy every day.  If that price sounds familiar, it might be a carry-over from Jimmy’s Barber Shop, just down Fort Street.  Artor was the manager there, and Vic worked alongside too.

The brothers have an interesting back-story.   From Kosovo, Tim worked at the Canadian embassy when the 18-month Kosovo conflict was particularly intense in 1999.  Embassy staff arranged for his family to emigrate to Canada, and a family connection in the embassy suggested Victoria.

Sixteen years later, Tim can’t be happier with how his shop looks, after the brothers did all the interior work themselves, after taking possession of the blank space in January.   “We had a couple contractors bid on the finishing and when we looked at the quoted prices, we figured we’d have to cut hair for seven months straight just to pay for it”.   So the brothers took on the job themselves, work that included removing several layers of flooring to remove a lingering smoke odor from the fire.

BC Ferries unveiled the name of its newest vessel, Baynes Sound Connector, at a special ceremony at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver today. The brand new cable ferry will join the BC Ferries’ fleet on the Buckley Bay – Denman Island route later this summer and will be a welcome addition to the coastal ferry service.

The name “Baynes Sound Connector” reflects the channel that the ferry will be crossing. Following with marine tradition for the majority of cable ferries around the world, BC Ferries’ newest ship is named after the specific geographic area in which it will operate.

“Today marks a special milestone in our vessel replacement program as we honour maritime tradition with the naming ceremony and thank the workers at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards who have produced a fine vessel for us,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.   “As we continue to invest in the long-term sustainability of British Columbia’s ferry system, we celebrate this new ship today which will carry our passengers and their vehicles safely and efficiently for many years to come.”

“Seaspan has a deep-rooted and established relationship working with BC Ferries to build and repair ships for the people of British Columbia, and we are proud to construct, and officially christen its first-ever Cable Ferry,” said Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards. “Today’s celebration is an exciting and important step in our longstanding commitment to BC Ferries and its customers, and we look forward to continuing that role and being a key contributor to B.C.’s economy for many years to come.”

Baynes Sound Connector will be towed to Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island late May, where it will be connected to the three cables that were laid last month. In June and July, BC Ferries’ crews will undergo extensive training and familiarization on the cable ferry in preparation for passenger and vehicle service. After receiving certification from Transport Canada and classification society Lloyd’s Register, the cable ferry will enter service by late summer.

This cable ferry provides BC Ferries with projected cost savings of over $80 million over the 40-year life of the project compared to the current service, and these significant cost savings of $2 million per year will help with fare affordability across the coastal ferry system.

An alert citizen helped West Shore RCMP arrest a man last night at around 8:00 pm, after they received a report of a break and enter in progress at a vacant home on Helmcken Rd, near Watkiss Way in View Royal. Initial reports stated the suspect, a man dressed in black, kicked-in the back door of the house.

West Shore RCMP responded quickly and arrested a known prolific offender of no fixed address.

The man was held in custody and set for telebail on May 8, 2015. He is facing charges of Unlawfully in a Dwelling house and Possession of Methamphetamine.

“Prolific offenders remain a priority for the RCMP. Public awareness is key is helping us identifying and arrest those prolific offenders,” states Cst. Alex BERUBE, spokesperson for the West Shore RCMP Detachment.

Anyone with information are asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIP.

With the 2015 HOME OPENER a month away, the Victoria HarbourCats are unveiling their grand plans for the season’s first game at Sports Traders Diamond at Royal Athletic Park, a 6:35pm start on June 5 against our Canadian rivals, the Kelowna Falcons.

Press release:

Think about Dimaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. Cy Young’s 511 wins. Even Gretzky’s 92-goal season. All are records that will never be broken, right?

Well, the HarbourCats want to set a West Coast League attendance mark that could only be broken one way – if we proud Victorians break it ourselves!

THE DRIVE FOR 5,000 – Our opening night objective. June 5, we invite you to be there, be part of it.

We will have skydivers wowing the crowd. We will have local guitarist Josh Boudreau doing his best Hendrix imitation on the national anthems. We will have dignitaries there for the ceremonial first pitch, and to get this party started right, with new features all through Sports Traders Diamond at RAP.

We will have baseball – very good baseball, and the debut of our new Head Coach, Graig Merritt, who gained notoriety with his recent stint in the cast of Big Brother Canada.

We will have Greater Victoria Baseball Association players, coaches and parents there by the hundreds because GVBA is operating the 50-50 that night – and GVBA has shut down its programming on June 5 to allow all members to attend the game.

And, Victoria, we make you this promise – we will add FIREWORKS for the Home Opener if pre-sales show we are going to get to that number. (Fireworks are already planned for the next night, June 6 – we can go ahead and add them if you, our fans, tell us you want them.)

“The announced attendance at the all-star game in Victoria in 2013 was 4,210, and the Bend Elks announced a crowd last year that topped it by a couple of fans,” said General Manager Jim Swanson.

“Our facility, the biggest in our league, in the best market in the West Coast League, allows us to put those numbers in the dust behind us. This has been our internal goal for the season and we’ve put a lot of planning into the concepts and logistics behind it. Our staff have been fired up for this news, this objective, to be put out in the public, so today is a great day.

“Last summer, in an event sponsored by Peninsula Co-op, we had a world-record 5,253 ceremonial first pitches thrown by the people of Victoria in one of those magical events. Our home opener this year, June 5 against our Canadian league partners, the Kelowna Falcons, is set up for that major season start in 2015. With local ownership now in place, we’re asking the community to stand behind us and help get the season off to a great debut.”

TICKETS!!!!

Want to secure your seats for our exhibition games (May 31, June 2-3)? Home Opener? Fireworks? The first day game? Father’s Day? Or, how about the MacGregor Sock Toss for Anawim House on June 20 (details to come!)? Come to the office, 1814 Vancouver Street, or buy on-line at www.harbourcats.com/tickets. Season tickets and 10-packs are available.

It is anyone’s guess where such a 1,000 foot (305 metre) long slide, equivalent to the length of three FIFA soccer fields, could be located. Such a street would also need to be on a hill and within a centralized location near public transit.

Make sure to get added the Slide The City mailing list for updates.

Slide The City 2014 Salt Lake City

A cyclist is in hospital facing life-threatening injuries after a collision with a vehicle.

Just after 11 p.m. last night officers responded to a report of an MVI involving a vehicle and a bicycle at Blanshard and Finlayson Streets.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the cyclist appeared to have been thrown a significant distance. Evidence on the scene indicates that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, did not have a light on his bike and was wearing dark clothing. Early indications are that the cyclist also may have failed to stop for a red light at the intersection.

The cyclist was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with police.

VicPD’s traffic section continues to investigate.

https://soundcloud.com/vicpdcanada/cyclist-suffers-life-threatening-injuries-in-collision

It’s hungry work discovering our province’s past!

But don’t worry, the Royal BC Museum has you covered, as it rolls out its first ever Food Truck Festival! This summer-long event is sure to be a hit.

Starting with a half-festival May 1 and full slate of food trucks May 8, the Royal BC Museum’s back courtyard will be transformed into an international food fair, featuring some of the finest food trucks in Victoria.

Pick up some of your favourite grub from local food trucks including DeadBeetz, Pig BBQ Joint, A Streetcar Named New Orleans, Puerto Vallarta Amigos, The Love Perogy and Wild West BBQ Salmon, and stop by our Truffles Catering station for a local beer or wine. Then stay to enjoy the warm and welcoming eating area featuring recycled and reused furniture and décor.

May – October
Daily 11 am – 6 pm

Who’s Who

Deadbeetz Food Truck first rolled out onto the greater Victoria streets in 2013 and we haven’t looked back since!

Serving up imaginative twists on burgers and curries with fresh, from-scratch recipes and local island product. Our enthusiasm to serve up good vibes and freshness is evident every time we hand an order out the window to our valued customers. We are all about fun, vibrant street food that’s bound to make you smile!

Pig BBQ Joint proudly pulling pork for the people since 2007!!!

A Streetcar Named New Orleans is a New Orleans style food truck specializing in traditional favourites such as Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice, Po-boys, Jambalaya and Bread Pudding. Our Chef, Billy Rieger was born and raised in New Orleans and worked as a chef there for 15 years before moving to British Columbia. We pride ourselves on creating authentic New Orleans style food and serving it with true southern hospitality.

Puerto Vallarta Amigos Ltd is a family business that specializes in authentic Mexican food for locals and visitors, using old Espinoza family recipes, which have proven to be successful in the family’s restaurants in Acapulco, Morelia and Puerto Vallarta. Pioneers of the food truck industry in Victoria, PV Amigos have now three food trucks around the city and two fixed locations at Fisherman’s Wharf and Uptown Mall.

Our chef Angelina will help you to discover the flavour of all the ingredients, cooked to perfection so that you can enjoy a unique food experience. Creating delicious traditional Mexican food by using the highest quality ingredients and family recipes that have been passed down through the generations, preserving the originality and quality that brings and authentic taste of Mexico here in Victoria, BC. Our customer’s satisfaction is of the upmost importance to us, we are also pleased to present vegetarian and vegan options on our menu.

The Love Perogy, originally located in Colwood, has gained a strong following of foodies throughout Victoria. The Love Perogy offers a variety of popular homemade perogies, such as cheddar, onion & garlic, and jalapeno. The Love Perogy recently shut down the long running Victoria Burger Blog. In his words, ‘six years ago nobody knew where the hell to get a really great burger in Victoria. A search was necessary. I feel like the search is kinda over. Love Perogy is better than everything else in Victoria I’ve tried.’ The Love Perogy burgers are known for their unique fried cheese skirts, and are made with fresh daily lean ground beef.

Wild West BBQ Salmon burgers are made from high quality locally caught sockeye salmon. In addition to burgers we also offer a grilled sockeye salmon salad .We pride ourselves on the freshest ingredients and supporting local food purveyors.

Canadian Tire announced it has finalized an agreement to acquire 12 leases, formerly held by Target Canada, for  $17.7M. The transaction is subject to the approval of the court in connection with Target Canada’s CCAA proceedings.

“We’re always on the lookout for great opportunities. We’ve been tracking certain Target properties for some time and when the opportunity came up, we moved quickly and secured virtually all of them. We chose 12 properties that fit strategically and financially into our store network,” said Michael Medline, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation.

The 12 new locations across Canada will add approximately 400,000 square feet of retail space to Canadian Tire Retail’s store network and includes two former Target locations on Vancouver Island.

The locations include:

• Hillside Centre in Victoria, BC
• Driftwood Mall in Courtenay, BC
• Tamarack Shopping Centre in Cranbrook, BC
• Village Green Mall in Vernon, BC
• Bayers Lake Power Centre in Halifax, NS
• Northwest Centre in Moncton, NB
• Place Alexis Nihon in Montreal, QC
• Place Versailles in Montreal, QC
• Les Carrefours Rimouski in Rimouski, QC
• Aurora Centre in Aurora, ON
• Sudbury Super Mall in Sudbury, ON
• Grant Park Shopping Centre in Winnipeg, MB

Building on recent improvements to how the City provides parking services, a new on-street parking ambassador model is being introduced, bringing what has traditionally been a contracted enforcement model, in-house under the City’s customer service fold. Parking availability and a positive parking experience is essential to supporting an active and vibrant downtown, and specifically the needs of Victoria’s downtown businesses and the tourism sector.

Starting January 1, Parking Ambassadors will be customer-focused City representatives and advocates for encouraging high parking turnover to support downtown businesses, at the same time providing directions, answering questions and providing additional eyes and ears on the street. An in-house model provides the City greater ability to offer a parking experience consistent with customer service objectives and stakeholder needs, while still regulating parking to ensure there is high turnover of parking spaces downtown.

“We have developed a business model and determined the in-house service can be provided at close to the same cost, while offering exceptional parking services and enhancing the vitality of downtown,” noted Mayor Lisa Helps.

Parking ambassadors will be unionized staff, represented by the Local 50 Chapter of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The model will include full-time and part-time positions.

Ambassadors will participate in a comprehensive customer service training program, in cooperation with downtown businesses. Timed with the new Ambassadors, the Parking Review Office will also move into City Hall, making it easier for customers to pay their tickets, or have tickets reviewed.

“CUPE members take pride in our work and look forward to improving and better integrating these important services,” said John Burrows, President of the Local 50 Chapter of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. “We are very pleased at the cooperative approach we have been able to establish with our new Mayor Lisa Helps and the City Manager Jason Johnson.”

During consultation in the spring of 2014, over 1,000 citizens provided input to the City on parking changes and perceptions, including a lot of feedback about the downtown parking experience and specifically enforcement.  There was a noted desire from respondents to see an increased customer service approach applied.

In June 2014, Council endorsed a series of recommendations regarding parking services, including directing staff to develop an in-house business plan for providing parking enforcement services. In September, a number of changes were made to on-street and parkade rates, as well as the customer service experience. Since making the rate changes and customer service improvements, early results indicate overall perceptions about parking in downtown Victoria appear to be improving. Parking data suggests these efforts have had a positive effect on parking behaviour and customer experience, with fewer tickets written and fewer customer complaints/concerns about parking.

Since September, parkade usage has increased every month. In March 2015, there were 40,000 more transactions in parkades than in March 2014. On-street parking has increased outside of the downtown core, creating more space on-street in the highest demand areas. Use of the City’s new parking app also continues to grow at a steady pace.

The contract with the Commissionaires has been extended to December 31, 2015 to allow for transition. During that time, the City will be hiring for approximately 20-25 ambassador positions. Commissionaires continue to provide security services to several City properties.

Source: City of Victoria

The city did not disclose the increased cost of unionized staff covering this responsibility, but some estimates peg the cost at an additional $300,000 to $400,000 per year, when benefit and pension obligations are factored in.

Here is video of Humpback Whales Breaching on the Sunshine Coast BC:

Starting on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 through to Friday July 10, 2015 there will be a full road closure on Tillicum Road between the Trans-Canada Highway and Carey Road. Access will be limited to local residents only. Saanich will implement bicycle detours and maintain pedestrian access to the route to keep active transportation options open for the community.

The road closure will facilitate the timely and safe completion of underground sanitary sewer and storm water systems in conjunction with the installation of new sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping and parking areas.

This section of Tillicum Road is within the Carey Local Area Plan – a plan that will help guide the future of this neighbourhood. Based on this plan, the overall “community vision” is one that utilizes social and environmental criteria for major roads in the neighbourhood. This includes providing safe access to pedestrian and cycling facilities. At the same time, underground utilities will be upgraded.

The new design of Tillicum Road will meet the needs of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of all ages, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving storm water quality.

“To prevent delays and unnecessary traffic congestion, we ask that drivers plan alternates routes and avoid this section of Tillicum Road for this phase of the project,” said Harley Machielse, Director of Engineering.

Project information, construction updates and information about alternative routes will be posted at: http://www.saanich.ca/services/engineering/projects/completestreets/tillicum-road.html

The District of Saanich recognizes the impact that this project will have on the neighbourhood and we appreciate your understanding as we undertake this important infrastructure project.

A Burnaby landlord has circulated to letters to residents of a rental building, asking that all tenants submit a sample of their dog’s feces, for laboratory testing.

CTV Vancouver Island reports the landlord delivered letters to dog owners in the building after someone’s pooch pooped in the stairwell, twice, and no one cleaned it up.

The landlord says tenants who refuse to provide a sample from their pet are admitting guilt, and could be evicted immediately.

  Phillips Backyard Weekender have announced the 2015 line up :

Talib Kweli • USS [UBIQUITOUS SYNERGY SEEKER] • Dan Mangan + Blacksmith • BADBADNOTGOOD • Watsky • Jon and Roy • Built to Spill • Easy Star All Stars • DāM-FunK (Live) • BLISS N ESO • Kuba Oms • Northcote • Weird Party • BESTiE • Little India • Plus Djs Bellyfish, Bill Stuart & St. Christopher!

A limited amount of 3-Day Early Bird Passes specially priced at $75.00 are only available exclusively online at backyardweekender.com until Thursday, May 7th @ 10pm PT.

Comment below! Let us know what you think of this years line up!

West Shore RCMP are currently investigating an attempted robbery that occurred at around 10:20 pm on May 1st, 2015 on Atkins Avenue near Crystal View Drive in Langford, B.C.

The victim, a 19 year old Langford woman, was walking along a dark portion of Atkins Avenue when a male suspect approached her and attempted to steal her purse. She defended herself and sustained minor wounds from an edged weapon the suspect had in his possession. No further description of the weapon is known.

The suspect was unsuccessful in stealing the woman’s purse, and fled the scene on foot. The victim immediately ran towards the West Shore RCMP Detachment while calling police from her cell phone.

BC Ambulance Service and multiple police officers were on the scene very quickly, including the West Shore RCMP Police Dog unit. All efforts to locate the suspect were unsuccessful, and he remains at large.

The victim was taken to hospital with minor non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect, who is not known to the victim, is described as:

• ·5’8’’ to 6’0’’ tall
• Caucasian male
• Short brown hair
• Wearing a black hoodie
• Triangular shaped face
• Wearing dark jeans

This appears to be a random event, and there is no apparent connection to any previous cases, states Cst. Alex BERUBE, spokesperson for the West Shore RCMP Detachment, Robbery of this type is a rare occurrence for the West Shore, and has the full attention of our investigators.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact the West Shore RCMP at or CRIMESTOPPERS at .

Langford Mayor Stew Young has suggested that his region needs a larger police force.

The West Shore is policed by an RCMP detachment that consists of 57 officers and 18 civilian employees, according to Langford’s website, although the Times-Colonist cites higher numbers.  The detachment typically handles 19,000 files per year.  Langford also employs security guards for some tasks, such as park patrols.

Young told CTV Vancouver Island he wants more boots on the ground in response to a report that crime is up in that community, “crime is up 16% So maybe I better go hire 20 more police officers.”

A staffing increase would likely have to be agreed to by officials in Metchosin, View Royal, Highlands, Colwood, and Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.  Both Colwood Mayor Carol Hamilton and View Royal Mayor David Screech suggested that they have no funding in place for additional resources any time in the next year, as their budgets are set.

The Times-Colonist reports that each new RCMP officer costs about $120,000 to $130,000 per year.

Enjoy the video:

The Boys of Summer, and the Gladiators of Winter, wrapped into one.

The Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League, and the Victoria Grizzlies of the B.C. Hockey League, have combined to offer a limited-time season ticket package – good only until May 21 – and available by calling or visiting one of the teams’ offices.

The package includes two premium season tickets for 32 HarbourCats home games, and two Grizzlies regular-season tickets.  The package is priced at $999.99.

According to the Grizzlies and HarbourCats websites, the savings as opposed to individual ticket sets is just over $300.

HarbourCats press release

As part of B.C. on the Move, the Province’s new 10-year transportation plan, improvements will be made to reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on Highway 1 in Langford.

This access improvement project is a result of partnership between the Province and the City of Langford, where each partner is contributing up to $2.5 million for a total project cost of $5 million.

Construction will be centred on a new southbound off-ramp at the Leigh Road Interchange on Highway 1, in addition to a new southbound acceleration lane from the Westshore Parkway onto Highway 1. Both upgrades will significantly improve reliability and safety for all commuters traveling on this critical Langford to Victoria route.

To further reduce traffic through residential and recreational areas, the Goldstream Avenue exit for southbound traffic and southbound Spencer Road access to Highway 1 will be closed, once the project is completed. Construction of the full project is anticipated to run from summer to fall 2015.

This work is part of approximately $1 billion that the Province has committed over the next three years to improve the capacity and reliability of our highways. Additional projects to ensure the Vancouver Island highways network has the capacity and reliability to meet transport and trade needs will be announced as they are finalized.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone:

“I am pleased to announce our partnership with the City of Langford to fund this priority project which will make the drive between Langford and Victoria safer and more pleasant for all motorists. This project is just one of many improvements included in B.C. on the Move aimed at reducing congestion and improving mobility on Highway 1 on Vancouver Island.”

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae:

“Partnering on this project will reduce congestion in this key corridor, making travel safer for commuters, tourists and residents – priorities identified by Island communities during the development of our new 10-year transportation plan, B.C. on the Move.”

Mayor of the City of Langford Stewart Young: 

“We are pleased to partner with the Provincial Government on the Leigh Road southbound off-ramp enabling residents and visitors better access to our community. This government recognizes the importance of infrastructure and the positive economic opportunities created by this announcement.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. on the Move is government’s new 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. It provides a comprehensive road map for transportation investments and strategic policy actions over the next decade. The actions prioritized in B.C. on the Move will enhance safety, grow the economy, maintain and replace aging infrastructure, and support trade for B.C.’s expanding resource sectors through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway.
• B.C. on the Move was developed incorporating feedback received from a wide-ranging public engagement, during which over 12,500 survey responses were received from British Columbians around the province, and the B.C. on the Move website was visited over 44,000 times.
• 73% of survey respondents agreed that expanding and improving highway, bridge and side road capacity was important.

Learn More:

Find out more about B.C. on the Move, the Province’s 10-year transportation plan, at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

It’s being billed as the “fight of the century”, and as the clock counts down towards tonight’s welterweight championship bout between the undefeated Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao, Victoria fans seem to agree.

Manager Clarissa Haider at the Strathcona Hotel said, “last night the phone was ringing off the hook with people looking for tickets”.  When the fight was announced weeks ago, she did not hesitate in securing the rights for the Games Room at the Sticky Wicket to show it.  “I knew that we needed to have this, and that we would likely be the only venue with the foresight to order it, downtown”.  The fight does not come cheap, media reports suggest Canadian bars must pay about $20 per head for the rights to show it.

At press time this morning, Haider said the Strathcona was trying to find a way to increase capacity beyond the 130 tickets that were sold out days ago.

Further up Douglas St., Tally Ho General Manager Sean Poole is preparing for an extra busy day at his sports pub.  Today is also the first of the big three “triple crown” horse races, the Kentucky Derby, and the Tally Ho is the off-track betting centre in Victoria.   “We’ll be full all afternoon with horse racing fans, and then after that (the main race is 3:26pm) we’ll turn the 351 seats over and fill again with a new set of boxing fans”.  Reserved seating for the match has been sold out for some time, but walk-ups might find space if they arrive very early.

In Saanich, the Fox Showroom Pub expects its 225 seats to be full well before 5pm.  Manager Loran Werrun said, “this is the biggest fight ever, and it cost a fair amount to bring it in”.  Werrun also promises exotic dancers on stage right after the main event and, “between fights if we can squeeze one or two songs in”.

On the Peninsula, a senior bartender at the Waddling Dog says they are showing the fight – with no cover charge – as a way to show customer appreciation, and to remind fans that they do many pay-per-view boxing events at that venue.  He says customers ought to be there before the 4pm-6pm “happy hour” if they expect to find a seat.

On the West Shore, the only venue showing the fight has been sold out for more than a week.  Kris Schill at the 17-Mile Pub says they combined the fight with a prime rib dinner, and tickets were enthusiastically snapped up by their “regulars”.

As of Thursday, distributor CanadaStar Boxing reported that the fight can also be seen locally at the Shark Club, and Boston Pizza at 3510 Blanshard.

The fight can of course be ordered for home viewing.  Shaw TV customers can order a standard definition broadcast for $89, or hi-def for $94 plus taxes.

A familiar face had decided once again to take up residence in a large tree adjacent to Victoria City Hall, in Centennial Square.

Lyle Barrette, 50, climbed the tree Friday afternoon, and says he plans to stay for three days.

Barrette was convicted of assault in 2012 when he dropped urine onto a city parks worker (video) that attempted to remove a bicycle hanging in the tree.

Yesterday, according to news reports, police and mental health officials attempted to talk Barrette down, to no avail.  Police decided it was in the best interest of all parties to allow him to stay, monitored by security guards that are already stationed in Centennial Square 24 hours a day.

This morning the area continues to be cordoned off, and under watch by a solo security guard.

Additional photos from Saturday morning

With these warmer and longer days, it’s time to relax, meet with friends and family and grab a burger downtown!

That ubiquitous summer meal –  juicy beef patties finished with the simplest of toppings or dressed up to satisfy the cravings of the gourmet.

We visited five local restaurants and asked them to present us with their favourite burger. Here are FIVE BURGERS TO TRY this season!

1 – The Pink Bicycle – “Blue Flame Beef Burger

The original gourmet: named after the dragster car of the 70’s “The Blue Flame.” Spicy chilli mayo, blue cheese, and Springford Farms beef on a Bond Bonds bun. Using all natural, locally sourced ingredients, it’s the original gourmet burger joint in town, going strong for over 6 years.

www.pinkbicycleburger.com

2 – Big Wheel – “Bacon Cheeseburger”

The classic Canadian cheeseburger: in-house ground organic hormone-free and antibiotic-free beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and secret sauce on a lightly toasted locally-made bun. “Fast food” that’s actually “real food.” On Tuesdays, those in uniform get 15% off! www.bigwheelburger.com

3 – DeadBeetz food truck – “The Beatrice beef burger”

Take out delight: local grass- fed beef patty from Carnivore meats, with Vancouver Island truck-made sauce, lettuce, real cheddar, truck-made pickled beets, and locally made buns. The exceptional quality and to-die-for harmony of flavours will have you coming back! Follow on Facebook, Twitter or get the Street Food App to find the daily location of the truck. www.deadbeetz.com

4 – Bin 4 – “Pre-Season Favorite”

Guaranteed gourmet winner: locally and ethically sourced antibiotic-free and hormone-free beef, Fraser Valley back bacon, house-made roasted jalapeno guacamole, Parmigiano cheese, roasted garlic aioli, and butter lettuce on bruschetta. Pair it with the big chunky onion rings! After 9pm all burgers are half price with the purchase of a drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic! www.bin4burgerlounge.com

5 – John’s Place – “The Black n Blue Burger”

Flavor explosion at iconic local spot: 6oz house-made beef patty grilled with melted Danish Rosenborg blue cheese and thick sliced Applewood bacon on a fresh Kaiser bun with BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and mayo. This one hits all the taste buds! It’s found on the daily special sheet and can always be ordered any time of the year! www.johnsplace.ca

Think we missed a burger? Comment below! Do you want us to add your burger?

The date has been set! Kraft Hockeyville 2015 NHL ® Pre Season game between the Vancouver Canucks® and the San Jose Sharks ® will be on Monday, September 21, 2015.

Panorama Recreation are still waiting to hear about where the game will be played but are promising to create an unforgettable community experience no matter where the game takes place!!

One of the best-known members of the local media will be a key piece of the organizational efforts of both the Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League, and the Victoria Grizzlies of the B.C. Hockey League.

Mira Laurence, a familiar face at events all over Vancouver Island and a veteran Victoria sportscaster, will serve in Community Relations and Marketing for both the HarbourCats and Grizzlies. The HarbourCats have also added Laurence to the team’s Community Advisory Board.

The West Shore RCMP is aware of reports that a Devils Army clubhouse is being constructed in Langford. This news is concerning and under close scrutiny by your local RCMP and city officials.

Maintaining public safety remains the top priority of the West Shore RCMP Detachment. We will work closely with our neighbouring RCMP, Municipal Police Forces and partner agencies to identify, investigate and disrupt criminal activity and organized crime in our communities, states Inspector Larry Chomyn, West Shore RCMP Detachment Commander.

At this point, there is no evidence to suggest that criminal activity is occurring at the location on Spencer Road, in Langford. Significant resources from local and regional RCMP units are closely monitoring the situation and will take immediate and legally appropriate action in response to any alleged criminal activity.

Langford Mayor Stewart Young states, We will continue to work closely with the RCMP and commit to pursuing all available avenues to maintain the safety of our community.

As always, we encourage anyone in the community who has information relating to criminal activity to contact the West Shore RCMP Detachment at or anonymously through CRIMESTOPPERS at (8477).

West Shore RCMP Press Release

Photo by CFAX 1070

Romeo’s Langford location in the Westshore Town Centre (2945 Jacklin Rd)  has completed months of renovations and is back open for business!

Romeos has five locations on Vancouver Island, with the completion of the Langford location renovation,  all four of their Lower Island restaurants have a similar modern look and contemporary feel.

Romeo’s says, the feedback and response has been overwhelming.

Photo source:  Romeo’s Facebook Page

A 29-year-old Victoria man is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries after an early morning shooting.

Officers were at an unrelated call at approximately 12:30 a.m. m at the Royal Jubilee Hospital when the victim arrived in Emergency with a gunshot wound.  The victim told officers that he had been shot in a suite in the 2800-block of Kiwanis Way.

Officers immediately went to the suite and continued the investigation.

VicPD Detectives are investigating and have been searching for evidence and continuing to search for the suspects. Investigators do not believe that this is a random event, and as such, do not believe the public to be at risk.

If you have any information for officers that you think may assist the investigation, please call VicPD on the non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, or report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Victoria Police Press Release

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit and VicPD detectives have now been able to confirm that the suspicious death of Shaun Alexander McGregor was indeed a homicide.

McGregor was discovered on Thursday, April 9 shortly after 7:30 p.m. in an apartment in the 1500-block of Begbie Street. The 34-year-old man was pronounced dead on scene.

The building and a large section of the 1500-block of Begbie Street were cordoned off as officers investigated.

The autopsy, which took place on April 16th, was able to determine his death was a homicide. Investigators are not releasing the cause of death at this time.

Investigators have also located, and spoken to, Chelse Burns, a person of interest who officers believed may have had information to assist the investigation.

If you do have any information about this investigation, please call VicPD on the non-emergency line at 250-995-7294 or report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Victoria Police Press Release

Francis “Paddy” Clancy was taken into custody by VicPD officers just before 11 a.m. this morning.

Clancy, a 68-year-old man whom authorities were looking to return to custody after his parole was suspended, was arrested without incident at an apartment in the 1300-block of Lyall Street.

Original Story:

VicPD is asking the public to be on the lookout for a federal offender who is unlawfully at-large.

Authorities are looking to return 68-year-old Francis Patrick Clancy to custody after his parole was suspended. Clancy, who goes by the name “Paddy”, is described as a Caucasian man, five feet, eight inches tall; with a slender build of about 150 lbs. Clancy has thinning, grey hair and wears glasses. Clancy also often wears a short beard.

Clancy is a four-time federal offender who is serving a life sentence for murder, but who also has an extensive criminal history going back to 1969, which includes frauds and property thefts. Clancy is interested in computers and often collects bottles for money.

VicPD has information that Clancy could possibly be in the Victoria area.

If you know where Francis Patrick “Paddy” Clancy may be, you are asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. If you see Clancy, you are asked to not approach him, and instead call 911.

The Sooke Lake Reservoir is nearly full, but right on schedule, as of  May 1, stage 1 water restrictions will kick in this Friday throughout the CRD.

As of April 26 of this year, the reservoir was at 99.3% of full capacity.

The restrictions apply to any customer of CRD Integrated Water Services receiving drinking water from the Sooke Lake Reservoir, including residents, businesses and municipalities in the Greater Victoria area.  They are in place until at least September 30.

Trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens may be watered by hand using a hose with a shut-off device or hand held container, or micro/drip irrigation system, on any day at any time.  But sprinkler watering is restricted to certain times and days.

Victoria’s own Jamie Broder speaks to Global News about her recent beach volleyball win in China and what it means for the Canadian team on the world stage. It’s the first event of the 2016 Olympic qualification period.

From Times Colonist:

Jamie Broder of Victoria and Kristina Valjas of Toronto have written their names large in the sand of the FIVB World Tour, which is the NHL of beach volleyball.

Saanich Police are warning area residents of a recent scam that has been reported numerous times in recent weeks. The scam could potentially result in identity and financial theft from individuals.

Emails, claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) have been circulating, advising individuals that they have been sent an INTERAC e-Transfer for a designated amount.

Please be reminded that the CRA will only send payments by direct deposit or by cheque, never by email money transfer.

The notification provides a website link for the recipient. When the link is followed, a website that appears to be legitimate prompts the person to enter personal information, which could potentially be used for a malicious purpose.

Occasionally, taxpayers may receive, either by telephone, mail, or email, a communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) but is NOT. In all these cases, the communication requests personal information, such as a social insurance, credit card, bank account, and passport numbers, from the taxpayer. These fraudulent communications are also referred to as scams or phishing.

The CRA has confirmed that these emails do not originate from them; the website is not linked to them; and that these communications are in fact a scam. CRA has posted information on their website at:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

The CRA does not do the following:

•    will not request personal information of any kind from a taxpayer by email
•   will not divulge taxpayer information to another person unless formal authorization is provided by the    taxpayer
• will not leave any personal information on an answering machine

When in doubt, ask yourself the following:

•  Am I expecting additional money from the CRA?
• Does this sound too good to be true?
• Is the requester asking for information I would not include with my tax return?
• Is the requester asking for information I know the CRA already has on file for me?
• How did the requester get my email address?
• Am I confident I know who is asking for the information?

For information on scams, to report deceptive telemarketing, or if you have given personal or financial information unwittingly, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca  or toll free at 1-888-495-8501.

If you have received a telephone call from CRA and wish to confirm the authenticity of the CRA telephone number, you can contact 1-800-959-8281.

A video of a fox taking food from RFE/RL Ukrainian Service journalists in the Chornobyl exclusion zone has gone viral, with more than 1 million hits on social and news media sites. The fox shows no fear of humans, stacking up meat and bread like a sandwich, which it carries off for later. The area was abandoned by humans after the Chornobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. There now appears to be an increasing number of foxes, wolves, and bears in the zone.

There will be a decidedly familiar “pink” look to the third base deck at Sports Trader’s Diamond at RAP this season – and the familiar smile of Marilyn Monroe, to boot.

The Victoria HarbourCats are excited to announce Floyd’s Diner will be providing the burger/food options on the third base side for 2015, and both sides couldn’t be happier.

“Our brand is so well-known in Victoria and this is a perfect match for us to be offering our signature burgers and poutine for HarbourCats games this season,” said Petr Prusa, owner of Floyd’s Diner – the famous landmark on the corner of Yates and Quadra being the best-known. There is also a location in Langford.

“That area of the ballpark, with the picnic tables and the perfect sightlines, is always teaming with people and we look forward to the challenge of making their mouths water and adding to the enjoyment of the games. This is an exciting project for us – who doesn’t have fun at baseball games?”

Floyd’s stepped to the plate for the area that had Bin 4 Burger Lounge last season. With Bin 4, a valued partner, recently opening another great location (beside HarbourCats partner Accent Inns on Blanshard), owners Mike Ringland, and Dan and Sarah Blackmore, were regretfully unable to return after a successful 2014 season. Floyd’s was more than happy to step into the place that became a buzz of activity in 2014.

Also returning to the food service lineup – considered by many the best in the West Coast League, from feedback from other teams/officials – is Romeo’s Pizza, a quality slice from the great local food chain. The city’s tried-and-true concession faire, including traditional hot dogs, popcorn and beverages, also helps assure every taste is satisfied.

And added to the mix this year is another new option – Fat Daddy’s Catering, providing a plated-meal offering and located near a new picnic section by Section 7 and the main ticket booths.

The variety does not stop there. Various local food trucks will be spotted from time-to-time along the first-base side concourse.

“We think these options will give everyone a chance to find something they really like, and we clearly heard the feedback last year that the burgers were a hit, the pizza was outstanding, and the variety from night-to-night added to a great ballpark experience,” said General Manager Jim Swanson.

“The beer is already getting cold – we’re that excited to start the season with this franchise’s first true exhibition game on May 31, and then games on June 2-3-4 before our Home Opener against Kelowna on June 5. It’s not far away!”

Continue reading:  Douglas Street plan in downtown Victoria leaves cars for last