(Triple Threat Performing Arts Society / Instagram)
Get ready to travel back in time to the ‘50s!
Triple Threat Performing Arts Society is bringing Grease to the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre for six shows this April 23rd to 26th.
Watch 30 young local performers, ages of 13 to 18, take the stage in this beloved musical from 1978.
Leading the cast are Jamien Prittie as Danny Zuko and Kyla Clarke as Sandy Olsson, alongside a talented group bringing iconic characters to life, including Tayte McLeod as Rizzo, Sadie Ralph as Frenchie and Cooper Hunt as Kenickie.
The Saturday matinee will feature a slightly different cast, with Prittie as Danny but Isabella Koopmans stepping in as Sandy, joined by William Taber as Kenickie, Ana Wuwcharuk as Rizzo and Aiyla Taal as Frenchie.
Triple Threat Performing Arts Society is a non-profit youth musical theatre company for performers ages 6-18, offering valuable opportunities for young local talent.
Since its founding in 2019, the group has staged dozens of productions, including The Spongebob Musical,Legally Blonde and Newsies.
Don’t miss out on this classic show with iconic tunes and a feel-good story—tickets are available here for $29.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) and Island Health are advising the public that a blue-green algae advisory has been declared for the Brookleigh Boat Launch at Elk Lake.
An advisory also remains in place for all of Beaver Lake, which has had a blue-green algae warning in place since October 2023.
According to Island Health and the CRD, blue-green algae is dangerous because it can produce cyanotoxins.
These harmful algae blooms are common in nutrient-rich, warm water and pose serious health risks to humans and animals.
Swimming in water affected with a blue-green algae bloom can cause skin irritation, gastroenteritis, liver damage and neurotoxicity.
“Visitors are advised to avoid contact with blue green algae and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the lake until the advisory has been lifted,” said the CRD in a media release.
The algae can be hard to detect by sight, but usually produces a blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum on the water.
Haley Leeworthy's memorial on Pandora and Quadra (Victoria Buzz)
Many Victorians may have seen the beautiful memorial set up at the corner of Pandora Avenue and Quadra Street and found themselves wondering who it might have been for.
The memorial was made to remember the life of Haley Leeworthy, and was set up on the corner by her boyfriend who tends to the upkeep of the shrine.
Leeworthy passed away while unhoused along Pandora Avenue in December of last year.
According to Tasha Sanders and Ashley Spears, team members of SOLID Outreach Society, she was known along the avenue to be a light in the darkness.
Sanders and Spears say that she will be remembered for “her smile, happy energy, how she was friendly to everyone.”
Leeworthy and her boyfriend lived on the corner of Pandora and Quadra and had for some time, which was why the light standard on that corner was chosen for her memorial site.
Over time, the memorial became larger and became a place community members along the avenue could remember their friends who had passed as well.
“Her partner started it as that is where she lived,” said Sanders and Spears, “and [it] grew to include more community members as more passed.”
According to SOLID Outreach, at least 16 members of the unhoused community have died untimely deaths since November 2025.
Their names were: Haley Leeworthy, Jonah Brown, Nox MacDougall, Kyle Bell, Fred Leonard, Brianna Brooks, Amanda Visona, Stephanie Heyhoe, Jacob Vance, Cam Bruce, Jay Christie Legatt, Dokk Chipera, Rene Vaillancourt, Thomas Hawkins, Carrie-Anne Wishart and Tia Thomas.
Every month, SOLID hosts a memorial ceremony with an open door policy in order to find time to remember and grieve those who have passed in the unhoused community.
“The memorials begin with shares from an Elder and the Incumbent at St. Johns, who provides the space for the memorials, followed by drumming,” Sanders and Spears explained.
“Afterwards, there is an open forum portion where anyone can share about the people who have passed or any other grief they may be experiencing. These memorials are open to all and especially welcome our street family members.”
The next memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19th.
It will honour the lives of six of the 16 lives lost since last November.
The service will be held at St. John The Divine at 1611 Quadra Street at 1 p.m. and is open to anyone.
When asked what Victorians can do to brighten someone’s day who happens to be unhoused, the SOLID team members say that it never hurts to offer a bit of kindness.
Sanders says that the best thing to do is to smile and say hi to unhoused people while recognizing them as our neighbours instead of an issue.
“I would like people to remember to fight complacency and check on the unhoused folks they see on the sidewalk who are looking unwell,” said Spears, “Even calling an ambulance for them could save a life.”
A longtime member of View Royal council will soon be stepping away from municipal politics as he prepares to take on a senior leadership role in policing.
The Town of View Royal announced Tuesday that Councillor Damian Kowalewich will step down from council effective March 31st.
His resignation comes as he transitions into a new position as deputy chief with the Saanich Police Department.
Kowalewich was first elected in a 2017 by-election and went on to be re-elected in both the 2018 and 2022 municipal elections, serving nearly a decade on council.
Mayor Sid Tobias says Kowalewich’s impact on the community will be lasting, pointing to his leadership and commitment to local initiatives.
During his time on council, Kowalewich supported efforts aimed at balancing growth with neighbourhood character and long-term planning.
He also played a key role in regional recreation initiatives, including serving as chair of the West Shore Parks and Recreation Society.
Beyond council, Kowalewich has been active in the community through volunteer work, including coaching minor hockey and supporting Special Olympics events.
His departure comes as he takes on an expanded role with the Saanich Police Department, where he has served since 2005. Kowalewich will be promoted from inspector to deputy chief, overseeing the department’s operations portfolio.
According to Saanich Police, Kowalewich has held a range of leadership roles throughout his policing career, including most recently serving as officer in charge of the Professional Standards Division and the Integrated Canine Service.
Under the local government act, View Royal council is not required to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy, as the resignation falls within the same year as a general local election.
As a result, the seat is expected to remain vacant until the next municipal election scheduled for October 17th.
Kowalewich said serving on council has been a privilege and emphasized the importance of community-focused leadership, encouraging others to consider getting involved in local government.
Need Wednesday plans, Victoria? We got you covered!
Whether you’re in the mood to tap into your creative side, enjoy some live music or connect with the community, Victoria has plenty going on this Wednesday.
From a nostalgic LEGO exhibition to jazz jams and open mic performances, get ready for a hump day of fun!
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, March 18th:
The Sidney Museum is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its LEGO Brick Exhibition, running now through April 6th, which showcases a wide variety of fan-favourite displays from over the years.
Admission by donation.
Where: The Sidney Museum and Archives, 2423 Beacon Avenue
Do you need a safe space to showcase your talent, find community, and network with other queer artists? Then bring your performance to the Queer Open Stage at the Dock!
Whether it’s music, drag, poetry, dance, comedy, or magic, if you can do it in 10 minutes or less, this is the place to do it. Plus, come see this month’s featured artist is singer-songwriter Zofah!
This is a free event. However, cash donations will be collected for the Lekwungen Community Toolshed.
Where: The Dock, 722 Cormorant Street
When: Wednesday, March 18th – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join Victoria Truth Centre for Elevate Wednesday—an uplifting evening of meditation, music, inspiration and connection led by Rev. Lesia and the Elevate Trio.
Wherever you are on your spiritual path, Elevate is a welcoming space to open your heart, expand your awareness and recharge mid-week.
Where: Victoria Truth Centre, 2815 Cedar Hill Road
St. Patrick’s Day is here, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate across Vancouver Island!
From lively pubs in Victoria to all-day parties in Nanaimo and Courtenay, you’ll find plenty of live music, Irish dancers, festive drinks and great company.
Whether you’re looking to sip on a pint of green beer, catch traditional performances or simply soak up the energy, you’ve got your pick of Irish pubs and spots with strong Irish vibes.
Here are 7 Irish pubs and Irish-inspired spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any day for that matter, across Vancouver Island:
Kelly & Carlos O’Bryan’s in Nanaimo going all out for St. Patrick’s Day with their epic parking lot bash—an all-day outside with tables and music, giveaways , food and drink specials.
Plus, don’t forget to grab a pint of green beer!
Where: Kelly & Carlos O’Bryan’s Neighbourhood Pub, 1724 Stewart Avenue
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a full lineup of Irish cheer at the Penny Farthing!
Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy live music from Max Mackrill, Calvin + Fintan and Second Fiddle, plus performances from O’Brien’s Irish Dancers throughout the day.
This Olde English pub offers a cozy atmosphere—perfect for enjoying some pints and live Irish music.
While rooted in English heritage, the Bard & Banker is still a go-to spot for a full day of Irish-themed celebration, great drinks and non-stop entertainment.
Live music kicks off at 12 p.m. and runs all day, featuring Q + Charlie, Araen and St. Cecelia, along with a performance by O’Brien’s Irish Dancers.
After 3 p.m., there will be a cover charge of $10!
Join Bartholomew’s Pub for the final day of Five Days of Craic filled with Irish whiskey cocktails, featured drams, Irish snacks and plenty of creamy pints of the black stuff.
With its Old-English charm and Irish-inspired sips, it’s set to be a fun and festive night.
A St. Patrick’s Day tradition that has quickly gained traction in Victoria is still set to go ahead today, despite last-minute hurdles that forced organizers to pivot away from planned locations.
The so-called “Ginger Run,” exactly what it sounds like, brings together redheads from across the region to sprint across a field before the event turns into a larger social gathering.
“A ginger run is as simple as it sounds: a bunch of gingers run down a field to celebrate the holiday,” said organizer Ben Longo, who is running the event for the second year.
He added that the run itself is just the starting point.
“It gives people something to come watch before it disperses into a general social gathering.”
Originally, the event was expected to take place at the University of Victoria, but those plans changed less than two weeks before St. Patrick’s Day.
According to Longo, UVic informed him he needed to formally book campus space, but the request came too late to meet the university’s timelines for events of that scale.
While he says he understands the policy, the short notice made it difficult to adjust.
A second attempt to relocate the event to Cadboro Bay also fell through after organizers were told a permit could not be issued in time.
Despite the setbacks, the event is still going ahead, with a twist.
The final location will be shared last minute through the event’s social media, with participants told to be ready to move and check for updates ahead of the 4:30 p.m. start time.
Even with the uncertainty, Longo expects a strong turnout, anticipating around 1,000 people could still take part.
Participants are being asked to respect both each other and whichever space ultimately hosts the event.
“There’s no tolerance for any sort of negative behaviour,” Longo said. “I trust the participants and the spectators will be respectful.”
The event appears to be striking a chord locally, with strong engagement online and growing community interest.
“I’ve been really pleased with the community and their engagement,” he added. “The people who actively comment, nominate, and interact with the account are what makes it special.”
While this year’s run may look a little different than planned, Longo is already looking ahead.
“I would love to work with UVic and the city in the future. Maybe we can think of a really creative way to combine the two next year.”
Victoria Buzz reached out to the University of Victoria for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Keith Urban at Sunfest (Photo by Rob Porter/RMS Media)
Laketown Ranch has revealed the lineup for this year’s much-anticipated Sunfest with some of the biggest names in country music making their way to Vancouver Island between Thursday, July 30th, and Monday, August 2nd.
The big-name headliners for this year’s Sunfest Country Music Festival include Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Riley Green and Tim & the Glory Boys.
On Thursday, Tim & The Glory Boys will be the headliners, heating things up on day one. They are a Canadian country-bluegrass outfit who put on high-energy performances. Inspired by their faith, Tim & The Glory Boys’ music features elements of country, bluegrass and gospel.
Tyler Hubbard, a country artist and singer-songwriter who came to fame as one half of the duo Florida Georgia Line, is headlining Friday night. When performing solo, he delivers upbeat, melodic country-pop songs, with hits like “5 Foot 9.”
California-born Jon Pardi is playing on the Saturday night known for blending traditional honky-tonk sounds with modern country energy. He gained international fame with songs like “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt on My Boots. ”
Lastly, Riley Green is headlining Sunday. Hailing from Alabama, Green’s music reflects small-town life, Southern roots and blue-collar values.
Along with these big headliners are plenty of other talented and renowned musicians. Some of these include Elli Hart, JJ Shiplett, Tyler Joe Miller, Nate Smith, Teigan Gayse and many, many more.
Furthermore, there will be several BC Country Music Association-affiliated artists.
Laketown Ranch is one of the largest outdoor stages in Canada and is known for producing Sunfest, among other past festivals and concerts.
The massive stage has put on shows to over 15,000 fans and features a 250-acre site for camping and amenities.
This year, Laketown Ranch promises a full festival village with food, other vendors, activities, multiple full-service bars, a dynamic VIP area, flush toilets, showers and much, much more.
New additions to the site also include new glamping options and premium seating areas.
Tickets are on sale now for camping, full festival passes and single day passes.
Comox Valley RCMP are renewing their search for a missing man, Michael Gazetas, who was last seen on January 31st, 2020.
Six years ago, Gazetas disappeared in his red 2011 Ford Ranger pickup truck and hasn’t been seen since. The truck’s BC licence plate read HX4109.
Police say that despite extensive searches following his disappearance neither Gazetas, nor his vehicle have been located.
Gazetas and his missing truck (Comox Valley RCMP)
This new plea for information on his disappearance comes due to many new hikers, hunters, campers, photographers and mushroom pickers exploring Vancouver Island’s backcountry.
Police are asking those in the back country to remain observant in remote areas, especially surrounding northern Vancouver Island.
Comox Valley RCMP pose that it remains possible that Gazetas’ vehicle may be in a location not visible from the road or in terrain that is difficult to reach.
The hope is that if this theory is true, natural changes in the landscape over time may reveal areas that were previously obscured.
“We’re not expecting a miracle, but we want to keep the door open to hope — hope that one day we will know what happened to our brother. We’re asking anyone exploring the backcountry to keep their eyes open,” said Gazetas’ sisters, Calliope and Sophie.
“The landscape changes over time, and something that wasn’t visible before may be visible now.”
RCMP says that even the smallest detail could be significant, whether it’s a vehicle part, disturbed terrain, an abandoned truck in a difficult-to-access area, or otherwise.
“Our commitment to Michael’s family has not changed,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.
“We will follow up on every piece of information provided, and we remain determined to find answers.”
Police ask that anyone who has information on Gazetas’ disappearance, or who sees a red Ford Ranger with licence plate HX4109, call Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321, citing file number 2020-1779.
From Friday, June 19th to Sunday, June 28th, the festival will feature 50 performances and three workshops across nine stages in downtown Victoria and Esquimalt.
Across the 10-day festival, more than 200 musicians and 42 bands from around the world will take the stage, along with three featured series including Funk N’ Soul in the Township Series, Marquee Series and Presentation Series.
Headliners for these series include GeminiCrab, Miles Electric Band: M.E.B., DJABE and more.
Ticketed performances will be held at Hermann’s Jazz Club, Studio 919, Fathom Lounge and The Coda.
In addition to ticketed shows, the festival will offer free performances on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st starting at 1 p.m. at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, as well as on Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th at 1 p.m. at Bullen Park.
Plus, three free workshops and clinics will take place at The Lounge at Archie Browning Sports Centre, hosted by Denmark-based bassist Kristin Korb, Chicago saxophonist and composer Isaiah Collier and GRAMMY-winning guitarist Mark Lettieri.
Organizers hope to attract an audience of more than 40,000 people, this 10-day celebration of jazz is expected to be one of the biggest music events of the summer on Vancouver Island.
Single ticket and package options go on sale March 27th—learn more here.
(Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena / Roll. Focus. Productions)
Victoria hockey fans are in for something they’ve never seen before!
The Victoria Royals have announced a special two-game showcase series against the London Knights, dubbed the “Clash of the Kingdoms,” set to take place this September at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
The series will run Friday, September 4th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 5th at 4 p.m., bringing together the Western Hockey League’s Royals and the Ontario Hockey League’s defending Memorial Cup champion Knights.
According to the team, the event marks the first-ever inter-league matchup between WHL and OHL clubs outside of the Memorial Cup, offering fans a rare early-season look at two of the Canadian Hockey League’s top programs going head-to-head.
“This event will give our community a great platform to celebrate junior hockey and experience something truly unique,” said Royals Vice-President of Hockey Operations Joey Poljanowski.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Knights and for a very entertaining series.”
The London Knights are set to arrive in Victoria following back-to-back championship seasons in 2024 and 2025, adding even more intrigue to the matchup.
Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter said the series will serve as a valuable opportunity for his team ahead of the upcoming season.
“It will be a unique challenge for our players and staff facing off against the Royals, a team we haven’t played before,” he said.
“It will be a great way for our players and staff to bond heading into the 2026–27 regular season.”
Beyond the on-ice action, the weekend will also feature an outdoor fan fest around the arena, including live music, games and other activities.
The series is expected to draw significant interest from fans across Vancouver Island and beyond, with several top NHL prospects and a high-profile coaching matchup between James Patrick and Dale Hunter also expected to highlight the event.
In response to the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, a Victoria mother has launched a petition to the BC government calling for more standardized safety protocols in BC schools.
Leslie Lovatt says that she sees certain gaps in the safety measures schools have in place and she wants there to be consistency throughout the province’s schools.
Specifically, Lovatt wants to see three practices become standard: keeping exterior doors locked during school hours, installing secure video intercom systems at main entrances and standardizing visitor check-in procedures.
She says that these issues are implemented at some schools, but not all.
“I honed in on the three issues because many schools across Canada, and even BC already keep the doors locked during school hours and have intercom systems to screen visitors,” Lovatt told Victoria Buzz.
“It doesn’t seem right to have this safety precaution in place for some kids, but not others.”
She added that if these practices were standardized, parents could breathe easier, knowing that their kids are safe.
“I compare it to locking my doors at home and checking the peephole or through the window before answering the door — such a simple step.”
On the matter of locked doors, Lovatt says that on several occasions, she has walked right into her kid’s Victoria school, only to find no one in the front office, and that worried her.
“After the Tumbler Ridge incident, as well as some other concerning incidents within BC — Central Middle School, Victoria 2024 — I became more concerned about how easy it is to enter some schools unnoticed,” she explained.
“I was also concerned that nothing would be done to address this, so I decided to try to gather support regarding this simple idea.”
Lovatt has emailed some members of the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) and some of the leaders in her kids’ school. Additionally, her partner has discussed the initiative with the principal at their kids’ school.
However, so far she has only received an email reply from the vice principal of the school and SD61 board members have yet to reply to her.
Thus far, the petition has received 357 signatures.
Lovatt is hopeful that more parents will sign the petition and that it will catch the eye of BC legislators.
“I’m not sure how many signatures I need to inspire change, but I feel like a number in the thousands would definitely help,” she concluded.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for something fun to do, the city is packed with events for every interest.
From rowdy Irish music and dancing at Langham Court Theatre to cheering on the Victoria Royals at their St. Patties Party, there’s plenty of festive fun to enjoy.
If you’re not feeling the luck of the Irish, there are still hands-on workshops, comedy and even ballet to keep your day lively.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Tuesday, March 17th:
From March 16th to 29th, take part in fun workshops designed to inspire participants to unleash their creativity while learning something new. Here are two workshops that are happening today.
Light It Up: Make a Twinkling Art Display Garland
In this fun and easy workshop, kids will design their very own light-up art display using colourful yarn and a strand of fairy lights; then add mini clothespins for hanging artwork, photos or special notes.
This workshop takes place at 10 a.m. and is $30—secure your spot here!
Lucky Charms
Gather up your pals and come create a lucky spring-inspired charm bracelet to keep or give away! Plus, participate in their quiz during the session to discover which lucky charms are a perfect match for your individuality.
This workshop takes place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and is $30—secure your spot here!
Spend your St. Patrick’s Day the authentic way: rowdy pub songs and shanties, driving ballads and ripping reels.
There’ll be authentic music performed by The Hounds of Cuchulain, a full band of traditional instruments in the straight-ahead style of folk greats such as the Dubliners and Pogues—tied together with engaging storytelling to bring the history of the music to life.
The night will also feature star performers from the Victoria School of Irish Dance lending their percussive talent to the music.
Come prepared to dance, sing, drink and be merry all night long—grab your tickets here for $25!
Check out our list of St. Patrick’s Day activities here.
Rise from the ashes every Tuesday night at Phoenix Bar & Grill!
Whether you’re a seasoned comic working out new material or someone who’s never touched a mic before, this show is all about trying, learning and having fun.
Ballet Étoile presents ‘Cleopatra’, a compelling portrayal of the most powerful and notorious woman of the ancient world.
A legend even in her own time, Cleopatra’s legacy is timeless. Premiered in 2015 to audience acclaim, Ballet Étoile’s Cleopatra brings the opulence, intrigue and drama of the ancient world to life. Cleopatra dazzles with rich costumes, virtuosic dances and highlights Ballet Étoile’s skill of engaging storytelling.
Like all Ballet Étoile performances this production is suitable for audiences of all ages.
The City of Victoria is inviting the public to a free documentary screening that explores Indigenous food sovereignty, resilience and the revival of agricultural knowledge.
Presented by Victoria Urban Food Table, the Mustard Seed, City Victoria and Story Money Impact, the screening will take place at Victoria City Hall in the Council Antechamber from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, April 1st, with food and refreshments provided by the Mustard Seed.
Tea Creek follows Indigenous food sovereignty activist Jacob Beaton, who spent three years transforming his family farm into Tea Creek—a training centre that aims to rediscover Indigenous agriculture practices and expertise.
For Beaton, going back to Indigenous food autonomy offers resilience in the face of an uncertain future shaped by the climate crisis, while also moving towards healing the harms of colonization.
Throughout the documentary, Beaton works to reintegrate traditional agricultural knowledge into this modern world while navigating the ongoing impacts of colonization.
It’s an educational and inspiring story of a passionate leader and his vision for a future that creates space for healing, learning and abundance.
After the screening, a moderated Q&A with local panelists will explore topics including regenerative practices and Indigenous food and architecture, giving attendees the chance to engage with the ideas presented in the film.
Pre-registration is required, so be sure to reserve your spot for free and join this inspiring evening that highlights resilience, Indigenous knowledge and the future of sustainable food systems.
The City of Victoria has issued a warning to motorists that Blanshard Street will see “significant traffic impacts” in the coming days.
From Saturday, March 21st, to Tuesday, March 24th, Blanshard Street construction crews will begin milling and paving work along the corridor between Caledonia Avenue and Bay Street.
Both northbound and southbound traffic will be affected.
However, this work is weather dependent, so it may go longer than expected if rain impacts the project’s progress.
The City warns Victorians to expect major traffic delays and some sections of sidewalk to be closed with accessible detours.
Access to private homes and businesses will be maintained, but there may be delays.
(City of Victoria)
Those who travel by bus along the corridor can find updates to their bus route via BC Transit’s website.
The goal of the Blanshard Street construction is to establish new street upgrades along the corridor between Caledonia Avenue to Kings Road.
These improvements will connect to recently completed improvements south of Caledonia Avenue.
Blanshard Street is one of the highest collision corridors in the city. The hope is that by building out protected bike lanes and improving pedestrian safety measures, Victoria will continue to see progress in its goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
Victoria and Vancouver Island have a lot of musical talent, and Victoria Buzz wants to highlight some of the best and brightest local artists and bands.
Every Monday, there will be a fresh ‘New Music Monday’ article to help people find and support local artists and bands that are up-and-coming, well established or hidden gems!
For this endeavour, Victoria Buzz has partnered with our good friends at CFUV 101.9 FM, UVic’s campus radio station, to find and select the musicians and bands for this regular column.
To date, there have been 70 New Music Monday features published through this collaboration.
This week, Sluggeris the New Music Monday highlight!
Slugger started back in 2023, but after a couple years and the release of their first EP, Chumps & Suckers, the band decided to go on hiatus and prioritize other projects.
Despite the band deciding to take a break, frontman Matt Watton decided he had more to say and wanted to resuscitate the project with a new lineup.
Former members Matt Engelsman and Gunnar Byres have since been replaced by new members Harry Breeze and Alex Mendes, but before they went their separate ways, they recorded everything the band had written up to that point.
“Gunnar left to travel in Asia indefinitely, and Matt E got busy with life and his other bands—Hose, A Recorded Dawn,” Watton told Victoria Buzz.
“I wanted to continue the Slugger project but it was emotionally tough at first to think about playing these songs and new ones with new folks, so I waited a while and had to find a good fit.”
To Watton, Breeze already felt like the unofficial fourth member of the band, as he had recorded and produced all of their music thus far. As for Mendes, he was between bands at the time, liked Slugger’s vibe and shared musical tastes with Watton and Breeze, so he was also a shoo-in.
Watton says that since bringing on the new members, the band’s sound has pretty much stayed true-to-heart, but as they write new songs, the new members have been adding their own distinct flair.
“That’s what I like about playing with people — I have ideas or preconceptions of how a song should go, but in jamming and playing with others it evolves and the other guys add their own flare and sensibilities,” Watton explained.
“So just as Matt and Gunnar are unique players that pushed the songs in cool directions, so too do Harry and Alex put their own stamp on them.”
Slugger’s newest release, My Corporate Uncle, is a seven-track album that was released on November 28th, 2025.
Though this album is brand new, it was written and recorded with Slugger’s former lineup. Watton says that for him, this record was a way to get everything they had done recorded before parting ways.
Now that there is a new edition of Slugger, the songs can see the light of day.
While writing the album, Watton tried his best to write about everyday situations that may otherwise feel monotonous, adding a bit of fun and whimsy to make them feel more relatable.
“I like to write about everyday stuff, but embellish it with poeticisms and nonsense,” he said.
“I like to have fun with words and have fun with what songs can be about — there’s a song about people who are late all the time and a song about Gunnar.”
The title track and album name, “My Corporate Uncle” stems from a phrase Watton heard when a former academic friend of his was trying to get help from his uncle while writing a resume. From there, Watton did what he is best at — he took the phrase and gave it new life by attaching a less-serious tone to an otherwise bleak situation.
Highlight Track – “Dock”
Watton says that “Dock” was actually the last song written for My Corporate Uncle.
It began with a riff that felt hard to play, which Watton says is always the goal. He and his band mates always were trying to challenge themselves in order to keep things interesting.
As for the lyrics, it all stems from a time when Watton was reading Moby Dick.
“Lyrically I was reading Moby Dick and obsessing about it a bit, while also just having some normal social life bullshit going on, and I was thinking about how nature sometimes doesn’t really fulfill me in any way — sacrilege in the PNW, I know,” said Watton. “So the lyrics are obliquely about that.”
Watton decided for this track, he wanted to put together a music video as well. This goal came to fruition after he found a treasure trove of footage of BC’s whaling industry from the 1910s.
On top of being pretty spot on for the themes of Moby Dick, Watton says he found that this footage captured that feeling of ambivalence for nature as well.
CFUV is a non-profit campus and community radio station that plays a ton of local music of all kinds across Vancouver Island. If you like to support local music they are an amazing resource with a plethora of new local tunes in their arsenal.
“CFUV rules — Troy [Lemberg] has been very helpful sharing his knowledge about college radio and promoting music, and they play cool music and throw cool shows,” said Watton. “Hard to ask for anything more!”
People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Duncan and North Cowichan will soon have access to new supportive housing, with 48 units set to open later this month.
The BC governement announced the opening of the new building at 260 White Road in Duncan, which will provide homes for people of all genders aged 19 and older.
Residents are expected to begin moving in during the week of March 23rd.
The building will offer permanent supportive housing with on-site services aimed at helping residents maintain stable housing. Tenants will be selected through the Coordinated Access and Assessment process, which matches people to housing based on their needs.
Some residents currently staying at the temporary supportive housing site known as The Village at 610 Trunk Road are expected to move into the new building.
The project is owned by the Province through BC Housing. Each of the 48 homes is a self-contained studio unit with a private bathroom and kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator, and will come fully furnished.
The building also includes shared amenities such as a dining room, common areas and office space.
Residents will pay the provincial shelter rate of $500 per month or 30% of their employment income.
The building will be operated by Connective, which will have staff on site 24 hours a day. Residents will have access to services including two meals a day, case management and health and wellness programs.
The Province provided approximately $25 million in construction funding through BC Housing, along with about $1.5 million in annual operating funding from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund.
The federal government contributed $2.4 million through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Fund, and the Province also provided the land for the project.
According to the Province, the development is part of its $19-billion housing investment that has delivered or begun work on more than 95,000 homes across BC since 2017, including 465 homes in Duncan.
Local officials say the new housing will add to the range of housing options available in the community and provide additional support for people transitioning out of homelessness or temporary housing.
Condos in Victoria have nearly doubled in value over the past decade according to a new 10-year report by Zoocasa.
Over the past 10 years, Victoria recorded some of the most consistent returns among Western Canadian markets and the strongest condo performance in the entire study.
According to the study, the average condo price rose from $334,775 in 2016 to $667,906 in 2026—an increase of 99.5%.
Meanwhile, the average detached home climbed from $696,368 in 2016 to $1,280,146 in 2026, representing an 83.8% increase.
Between 2021 and 2026, condos saw a 36.2% increase, compared to 14.8% for detached homes, highlighting a growing trend of British Columbians opting for higher-density living in more expensive regions.
As a result, Victoria is one of only two markets—along with Toronto—where condos outperformed detached homes from 2021 to 2026.
This growth stands out because many condo markets across Canada stalled in 2021 and were surpassed by detached housing, while Victoria’s condo market continued to gain momentum.
For buyers keeping an eye on the market, the report suggests condos have become an increasingly competitive option in Victoria—offering a more affordable entry point and property type that delivers strong returns.
Oak Bay Police are investigating a hit-and-run that caused significant property damage earlier this month.
According to police, officers responded on March 8th to a report of damage believed to have occurred overnight near the intersection of Townley Street and Henderson Road.
When officers arrived, they discovered a damaged fire hydrant and stop sign. Tire marks were also observed in the nearby grass, along with white paint transfer on both fixtures.
Damage to the fire hydrant alone is estimated to exceed $5,000.
A resident in the area reported hearing a loud bang late in the evening on March 7th, which investigators believe may be connected to the incident.
Police say the suspect vehicle is believed to be white and may have noticeable front or rear damage.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Oak Bay Police Department and reference file 2026-670.
Noodle Mania Fest is serving a delicious selection of noodle-based dishes from various restaurants throughout Victoria on Wednesday, March 25th.
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., attendees can try everything from Chinese dan dan noodles to Japanese ramen and Italian pasta in this four-hour global food extravaganza hosted by Tasting Plates Food Tours.
Each restaurant will be serving up its own unique tasting plates and bowls for guests to enjoy, offering the chance to explore dozens of cuisines in one event.
Like all Tasting Plates Food Tours, this tasting experience allows guests to move from one restaurant to another, travelling counter-clockwise from the restaurant they are first assigned to.
There is no strict time limit for each restaurant, but with plenty to visit on the itinerary, guests are encouraged to keep exploring throughout the evening, travelling by car or transit.
It’s the perfect date-night activity or outing for foodies looking to expand their culinary experience!
Tasting Plates Food Tours designs local food tours for curious eaters and are also the hosts of other popular culinary events, including Dumpling Fest, which took place earlier this month on March 11th.
Tickets for Noodle Mania Fest are available from now until March 22nd for $69 per person.
If you’re ready to slurp your way through a night of flavours from around the world, be sure to secure your tickets soon—spots are limited and this popular tasting event sells fast!
More than 35 creative workshops are happening at Westshore Town Centre between March 16th and 29th to celebrate spring break.
From painting, crafting and art to weaving, sewing, nature projects, and more, these workshops are designed to inspire participants to unleash their creativity while learning something new.
Each workshop is facilitated by local artists including Artisan Academy, Birdhouse Creative Studio, Platinum Floral Design, Wendy Creative, Wing Studio Art, and You Floral, giving participants a chance to learn directly from creators in the community.
Some of the classes participants can try include Flower Paper Petals, DIY Lip and Cheek Stain, and Grow It Up: Make a Macramé Potted Plant Holder. View the full list here.
It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family during the spring break, or try something new on your own.
Workshops are open to a variety of skill levels and ages, with prices ranging from $24 to $89 per class depending on the workshop.
Plus, the Easter Bunny is making a special visit to Westshore Town Centre for free photos with families!
On March 27th to 29th and April 3rd and 4th, bring your kids to Centre Court for free photos with the Easter Bunny and a chance to create some fun spring memories while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Kick off the spring season and keep the kids busy over spring break with Westshore Town Centre’s creative workshops—explore the classes and reserve your spot now!
Following a sold-out inaugural event at Royal Athletic Park in 2025, the Victoria Folk Music Festival has announced its lineup for the event’s second year.
The headliner of this year’s folk fest will be the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk.
Kreviazuk is a renowned artist who hails from Winnipeg. She is known for her emotional pop ballads and powerful piano-driven music.
Her 1997 debut album Under These Rocks and Stones, gained her widespread national recognition.
Along with Kreviazuk, The Sadies and The Deep Dark Woods were also announced as headliners for this year.
The Sadies are rock and alt-country icons who formed in Toronto in 1994 by brothers Dallas and Travis Good.
They blend country, garage rock, surf and psychedelic influences to create their unique sounds and are known for energetic live shows with distinctive guitar work.
The Deep Dark Woods are another iconic Canadian band who formed in Saskatoon back in 2005. The prairie group are known for their rich harmonies and blend of traditional folk, country and roots music.
The lineup for Victoria Folk Music Festival 2026 also features the talents of Barney Bentall, Shari Ulrich, Daniel Wesley, The Unfaithful Servants and Canadian folk icon Valdy.
According to organizers, last year’s folk fest was a sell-out event which helped establish a solid foundation on which to build in the years to come.
“The first year set such an incredible tone — we cannot wait to build on it,” says festival founder Dylan Stone.
“The response from the community was overwhelming. There’s a clear appetite here for a folk festival that stands proudly alongside those in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary, while still feeling uniquely our own.”
Because of last year’s success, this year’s event will be expanded with a new site layout, improved crowd flow and subtle sound upgrades designed to enhance clarity and comfort.
In addition to the music, this year’s festival will also feature a pop-up vintage market, surprise performances at the ‘Pickin’ Shack’ side stage, a dedicated Kids Zone and numerous local food vendors.
Victoria Folk Music Festival will take place all-day on Saturday, July 4th, at Royal Athletic Park.
The Other Guise Theatre Society in downtown Victoria has announced that the organization may be forced to sell their space if an investor does not step forward to help.
The Society purchased the building located at 716 Johnson Street for $2.4 million back in 2023 with some help from a private investor, Kate Kempton, a local philanthropist and supporter of the arts.
According to Other Guise, the original plan was to have her involved for the first 25 years to help the organization get off the ground.
However, the plan went awry when Kate Kempton stepped away from the project later in 2023.
Her health had reportedly taken a turn for the worse. Unable to find health care locally, she left Victoria for Toronto where she was able to return to good health.
Though Kempton remains supportive of the project, she is not returning to Victoria and opted to withdraw financial support.
Since that time, the Other Guise Artistic and Executive Director Matthew Payne has been working on buying out the investor, managing to raise over $1 million.
Though this effort was considerable, the Other Guise needs a lot more to be free of the initial investor.
“While we’ve raised a lot of money, we have not raised enough to complete the buy out,” says Payne.
“If we don’t find the majority of the $1.25-million we owe by the end of March this year, we anticipate a for sale sign going up.”
The Other Guise have received financial support and grants from the BC Arts Council, the City of Victoria and from several considerable private donations.
From the City alone, the Society was given $100,000 in grant funding back in 2023. In 2025, The City voted against providing a $250,000 loan to the Other Guise. Instead they opted to give another $100,000 in grants.
After completing the costly renovation with some of the funds they received, the 9000-square-foot venue, The Scene, was able to open in October 2025.
Since opening, The Scene has been host to several theatre, music, dance and visual arts events.
Furthermore, the space is home to arts groups Raino Dance and Flamenco Victoria, who rent upstairs studios.
According to the Society, Other Guise is unable to attain a loan from traditional lenders because they are still in early stages of the project without a full year’s track record to prove they will be able to pay a loan back.
Now, as a last hopeful effort, the Society is putting out a plea for an investor to come forward and help them keep their arts hub alive.
“It’s too soon to say what selling the building means for the future of the space,” said Payne.
“Perhaps we’ll get lucky and find a buyer interested in leasing back to us for a time. We’ve got contracts with renters through to June 2027, so we’d like to see those honoured.”
The Other Guise says that if they don’t have an investor by March 31st, they will have to sell.
One of Victoria’s most iconic restaurants is preparing for a new chapter.
Il Terrazzo Ristorante will change ownership on April 7th after more than three decades under the leadership of Shellie and Mike Gudgeon.
The longtime owners have announced they are stepping away from the restaurant they helped turn into a staple of Victoria’s dining scene, known for its Italian cuisine and candlelit courtyard.
The restaurant will be taken over by Parametric Properties, backed by an independent group of investors and guided by Top Shelf Management, which will oversee day-to-day operations.
Top Shelf Management is the hospitality group behind several well-known local establishments in Victoria including Boom + Batten, Glo Restaurant + Lounge, the Loghouse Pub and Med Grill in Royal Oak.
Despite the ownership change, the new group says the goal is to preserve the experience that has made Il Terrazzo a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
“Il Terrazzo is a special place for many Victorians,” said Nic Green, CEO of Parametric Properties.
“When you think of celebrating milestones, you think of Il Terrazzo. When you think of what makes Victoria’s food scene special, you think of Il Terrazzo.”
Green said the new owners are committed to maintaining the traditions and values established by the Gudgeons and their staff over the past three decades.
Shellie Gudgeon will also remain involved in the restaurant’s operations to help ensure a smooth transition for guests and staff.
Il Terrazzo has served thousands of diners from around the world each year since opening in Victoria’s downtown core.
The incoming ownership group says it hopes to build on that legacy while continuing the warm atmosphere and culinary standards the restaurant is known for.
An 81-year-old Port Alberni man has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a trailer park on Friday.
According to police, Port Alberni RCMP officers were called to a residence shortly after 9 p.m. on Friday, March 13th after receiving a 911 report that a man had been shot.
When officers arrived, they found three adult men at the scene, including the victim, who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the man died at the scene.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) has taken over the investigation and is working alongside Port Alberni RCMP.
Police say 81-year-old Herbert Crowley of Port Alberni has since been charged with alleged second-degree murder and attempted murder. He remains in custody and is awaiting future court appearances.
Investigators say the incident appears to have been isolated and involved individuals who were known to each other.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Sgt. Jason Kerr with VIIMCU.
“Investigators have worked tirelessly to advance this investigation and bring charges forward. As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released.”
From hands-on creative workshops and painting nights to live music, film screenings and trivia, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained around the city today.
Whether you’re feeling crafty, competitive or just looking for a night out, there’s something on this list for you.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Monday, March 16th:
From March 16th to 29th, take part in fun workshops designed to inspire participants to unleash their creativity while learning something new. Here are two workshops that are happening today.
Wrap It Up: Make Your Own Giftable Tray
In this hands-on workshop, kids will transform a simple wood base into a beautiful, functional catch-all tray by wrapping rope with colorful yarn to build the sides, then personalizing it with custom vinyl decals.
This workshop takes place at 10 a.m. and is $30—secure your spot here!
Flower Paper Petals
Create exquisite floral paper petal arrangements in this all ages workshop! Transform ordinary paper into elegant and sophisticated flowers. Bring art into your home and elevate your decor with these beautiful handmade creations.
This workshop takes place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and is $24—secure your spot here!
In war-torn 1916 Yorkshire, a controversial choirmaster played by Ralph Fiennes, unites a depleted town through music. To do so, he recruits unlikely voices to perform Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius.”
This poignant story, written by BAFTA winner Alan Bennett, is one of community, courage and the power of song.
A one-of-a-kind show that takes the audience through music history, trivia and memories of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Experience an energetic live band, amazing front singers and dancers and even learn something new about these popular artists while reliving three decades of music.
Soccer fans in Victoria will get an early taste of the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this month.
The lawns of the BC Legislature will host a special fan celebration as part of a nationwide program designed to bring World Cup festivities to communities across Canada.
The free public event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, will serve as a test run for Canada Celebrates, a nationwide program designed to bring World Cup festivities to communities across the country.
The celebration will feature live match screenings, soccer-themed activities, cultural programming, music and food.
Organizers say the initiative is meant to engage fans outside of Toronto and Vancouver, the two Canadian host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Victoria test event is timed to coincide with several key matches, including two European playoff finals that will determine qualification for the World Cup, along with a friendly match featuring Canada’s men’s national team against Tunisia.
“There is so much momentum and goodwill surrounding this event,” said Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the BC Legislative Assembly, in a statement.
“We are honoured to host it. Members have really come together in support of this, not to mention the community.”
Earlier this week, government and Opposition MLAs gathered on the steps of the legislature wearing FIFA World Cup Vancouver scarves to highlight their support for the event, including Premier David Eby and interim Conservative leader Trevor Halford.
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister Anne Kang said the event will give British Columbians another opportunity to celebrate the upcoming tournament.
“British Columbians are huge soccer fans, and we are absolutely thrilled to be hosting seven of the FIFA World Cup games in beautiful Vancouver,” Kang said.
“Now, we have the privilege of hosting the first Canada Celebrates fan experience here in Victoria.”
Opposition sport critic Mandeep Dhaliwal said the celebrations are expected to bring positive energy to communities across the province.
“I love soccer and I love the energy that the FIFA World Cup is bringing to our province,” he said. “FIFA’s Canada Celebrates community stops are great — good for tourism, good for business and good for the soul.”
The Victoria event is being organized through a partnership between the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the City of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Tourism Commission.
Canada Celebrates events will take place in communities across the country leading up to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in June.
Transit riders across Greater Victoria will soon start seeing new double-decker buses rolling through the region.
BC Transit has begun rolling out the first two of 39 new double-decker buses for the Victoria Regional Transit System, part of a larger effort to strengthen public transit with safer, more reliable transportation.
The buses are the Enviro 500 model built by Alexander Dennis, and they are expected to help handle growing demand on busy routes. One key route expected to benefit is the 95 Blink RapidBus, which carries more than 11,000 passengers every day connecting Langford, Colwood, View Royal and Saanich with downtown Victoria.
Each of the new buses can seat 80 passengers, with additional space for up to 24 standing riders on the lower level.
According to BC Transit, the vehicles also include several upgraded features designed to improve the passenger experience.
Riders will find USB charging ports at every seat, compatibility with the Umo fare payment system, and real-time trip information through BC Transit’s NextRide system, including audio stop announcements on both levels of the bus.
Full-colour digital screens will display upcoming stops, route details and service alerts, while a monitor near the stairs allows passengers to check upper-deck seat availability before heading upstairs.
Other features include improved wheelchair securement positions, modern easy-to-clean seating, bike racks capable of holding two bikes with wider tires, and side-mounted “docking lights” that illuminate bus stop areas to improve safety when passengers are boarding or exiting.
Of the 39 new buses, 29 will replace older vehicles nearing the end of their service life, helping maintain reliability in the system. The remaining 10 buses will expand the fleet, supporting service increases announced earlier this year.
Funding for the new buses comes from multiple levels of government and regional partners.
Twenty-nine of the buses were funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with contributions of approximately $20.99 million from the federal government, $21.89 million from the Province of BC, and $12.4 million from the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, for a total of about $55.3 million.
The remaining 10 buses were purchased through a cost-sharing agreement between the Province of BC ($8.4 million) and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission ($12 million), for a total of $20.4 million.
Officials say the investment will help support the region’s growing population while improving the overall transit experience.
“Our double-decker buses are iconic in the Victoria region,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit, noting the new buses will help maintain reliable service on some of the region’s busiest routes, including trips to the West Shore, the University of Victoria, downtown and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
The remaining buses are expected to arrive throughout the year as they are gradually added to the fleet.
Spring break is arriving with a soggy start across much of Vancouver Island, as a prolonged atmospheric river is expected to drench parts of the region for several days.
Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for multiple areas of Vancouver Island, with the heaviest rain expected along the west coast and northern sections. While Greater Victoria will see steady rain over the coming days, significantly higher rainfall totals are forecast elsewhere.
On the west coast of Vancouver Island, forecasters are calling for storm totals between 100 and 150 millimetres of rain, with some areas potentially seeing close to 200 millimetres by Wednesday morning.
The system began moving into the BC coast Sunday and is expected to linger through midweek, bringing prolonged periods of heavy rain.
Meteorologists say the event could cause enhanced river flows and possible flooding, particularly as rising freezing levels trigger snowmelt in higher elevations.
“Prolonged heavy rain on snow combined with mountain snow melt will lead to very enhanced responses in river systems and the potential for flooding,” Environment Canada said in its warning.
Officials are also cautioning residents about water pooling on roads, potential washouts and an increased risk of landslides as the ground becomes saturated.
Inland and northern areas also at risk
Further inland on Vancouver Island, rainfall totals are expected to reach 80 to 120 millimetres before the system weakens on Wednesday morning.
The heaviest rain is expected Monday and Monday night, according to Environment Canada.
Meanwhile, northern Vancouver Island is also under weather warnings for both heavy rain and strong winds as the powerful system moves through.
Coastal areas in the north could see southeasterly winds of 70 to 90 km/h with gusts up to 110 km/h, particularly Sunday afternoon into early Monday morning.
The storm may lead to power outages, travel disruptions and minor property damage, including damage to roofs, fences and trees.
In Greater Victoria, the weather will be far less intense but still very wet.
Rain is expected to begin Sunday afternoon, followed by several consecutive days of showers and steady rainfall through at least Tuesday.
Forecasts call for roughly 10 to 15 millimetres of rain both Sunday night and Monday, with additional rain continuing into Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to remain mild, with daytime highs between 10 and 12 C throughout the early part of the week.
Environment Canada is urging residents across Vancouver Island to remain cautious during the storm.
Drivers are advised to watch for pooling water, flooded roads and washouts near creeks, rivers and culverts. Landslides are also possible in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes or previously burned landscapes.
Officials also warn that fast-moving or rising water can sweep vehicles away and damage infrastructure.
The heavy rainfall is expected to gradually ease by Wednesday morning as the atmospheric river weakens and moves away from the coast.
A local Good Samaritan and business owner has helped achieve a fundraising goal to expand SOLID Outreach’s capacity at the Dowler Place transitional housing facility.
The Victoria Housing Crowdfund was originally launched in February 2025 by Mylan Clairmont, owner of Clairmont Conditioning, to raise $300,000 to build a brand new transitional housing facility, but decided to pivot to helping out SOLID.
Clairmont says that this pivot came as a result of conversations he had with community members and learning about SOLID’s funding needs.
Dowler Place opened early in 2025, around the same time as Clairmont began his endeavour of fundraising.
The SOLID-run site at 2155 Dowler began operating as a transitional care access hub with 25 beds to start. The site is, and always has been a dry site meant to help people coming out of recovery programs find permanent housing and work.
After opening in January of last year, they had yet to renovate the upper floor of the building, and needed funding to get the space finished. This would allow them to help more people navigate the difficult journey that follows recovery.
“The renovation allows for six additional spaces for individuals who have already been with us for several months on their healing journey to live semi-independently while we work with them in securing and setting up their own longer-term housing situations,” said Mark Willson, director of SOLID.
He added that Clairmont’s fundraising work through this renovation was invaluable in bringing together local businesses and community members who wanted to see effective compassionate responses to homelessness in Victoria.
“His work on this showed something really valuable, which is that many people want to see responses to homelessness that actually help people, and many are frustrated by the lack of provincial responses that reach the people we see every day who need support the most,” Willson told Victoria Buzz.
“We too often see and hear more negative responses to visible poverty and suffering, but projects like this show that there’s actually a lot more people who want to see people getting the help they need.”
Clairmont says that it is a great feeling to have been able to facilitate the fundraiser that garnered SOLID over $100,000.
He added that the fundraiser ended up teaching him a lot about himself, and the community at large in Victoria.
Having worked with at-risk youth before, he has seen what happens when people get left behind by a system that doesn’t work for them.
“There are infinite possibilities for how people might end up living on the street and painting them as monolith in terms of the supports they need doesn’t move us in the right direction,” said Clairmont.
He says that one specific heartwarming instance that took place over the last year happened at a garage sale of donated items when a stranger asked him what he was raising money for.
“When we said it was for SOLID he said that ‘he’s been off the hard stuff for over 10 years thanks [to] SOLID,’ but said he didn’t have any money on him,” Clairmont explained.
“He walked away and an hour later came back with a fist full of quarters to donate [all] that he had gotten from busking.”
Clairmont added that there were countless times where people walking by a booth or table he was working heard SOLID mentioned and immediately wanted to talk.
“The number of people who told us how much they have benefitted from or enjoyed working alongside the folks at SOLID was surprising and I think an indicator of an organization that is truly rooted in community.”
Though the transitional housing facility at 2155 Dowler Place was met at first with contempt by some members of the surrounding community, they have helped numerous people get clean, get jobs and get housing.
The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has announced that at least another 150 lives were lost to the ongoing toxic drug crisis in BC this January.
This number comes just after another year has passed, with a total of 1,826 people losing their lives in 2025 due to unregulated drug toxicity.
BC declared a public health emergency in April 2016, nearly a decade ago now, and still people are tragically losing their lives to this affliction.
More than 18,120 deaths have now been attributed to drug poisoning since the public health emergency was declared.
Still, nearly five British Columbians lose their lives each day, according to BCCS.
The 150 deaths, while still too many for such a short amount of time, represents a decrease of 10% from the total number investigated in January 2025, which was 167.
BCCS found that nearly 75% of the lives lost in January 2026 were of those between the ages of 30 and 59, and 80% were men.
Furthermore, around 80% of deaths involve fentanyl or its analogues and smoking still remains the dominant mode of consumption.
Of the 150 deaths that occurred in BC, 29 were attributed to Vancouver Island. Of the 29 drug deaths, nine occurred in Victoria, nine occurred in Nanaimo and 12 occurred in other island municipalities.
If you bought resale tickets through StubHub for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, you might be able to get your money back.
Many fans of Taylor Swift were disappointed when they arrived at the concert only to realize their seat had an obstructed or limited view of the stage.
An investigation by Consumer Protection BC found that StubHub Canada had violated transparency requirements under BC’s Ticket Sales Act. An agreement between the two was signed on February 23rd, 2026.
The investigation found problems with how ticket information was disclosed to consumers. First, the company did not clearly disclose the full cost of tickets, including additional fees, taxes and service charges.
Second, it failed to clearly state the terms and conditions, offering customers tickets that did not match their description.
“People buying tickets in BC have the right to clear, accurate information about what they are purchasing and what it will cost before they buy,” says Louise Hartland, director of public relations for Consumer Protection BC.
“This agreement is about transparency and ensuring consumers can access refunds when the law requires it.”
Concert-goers who attended the Vancouver shows from December 6th to 8th, 2024 and bought tickets in sections 219 to 236, 418 to 437 or 336 may be eligible for a refund if their tickets failed to mention an obstructed or limited view.
StubHub says it will contact those eligible for reimbursement by May 1st.
In addition to refunding attendees, the company must also pay $2,500 to the Consumer Advancement Fund and more than $6,000 in inspection costs to Consumer Protection BC.
If you purchased resale tickets for the Vancouver shows, keep an eye on your email to see if you qualify for a refund.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend, Victoria?
From lively markets and live music to theatre performances, family events and festive St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, there’s plenty happening around the city from Friday through Sunday.
Whether you want to shop local, cheer on the home team, catch a film or explore one of the many community events taking place, this weekend’s lineup offers something for just about everyone.
Gather your friends, bring the family or head out solo and discover what’s happening around Greater Victoria over the next few days.
Here are 17 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—March 13th to 15th:
Get ready for a weekend of shopping, live music and tasty eats at Crafted Farmhouse Market this Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th.
Join 60 plus local makers at the Mary Winspear Centre for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, featuring handcrafted, home décor and gourmet goodies.
As you explore, treat yourself to tasty bites and sips from Taco Revolution, Churros + Mor, Saltchuck Pies and Hoyne Brewery on Friday, and Country Crepes, Greek on the Street and Morning Star Coffee on Saturday.
Plus, there will be live music performed by Anneda, Cadence Laura Dee, and Peter McMaster and don’t miss a special appearance from Elsa and Spiderman on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is just $5 cash per person, but kids 12 and under get in for free.
This Friday, the Victoria Royals are hosting the Vancouver Giants for Indigenous Celebrations Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre!
The evening will recognize the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples on whose territory the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre stands, and celebrate local Indigenous culture while highlighting community partnerships that support ongoing reconciliation efforts.
There’ll be live performances from the Esquimalt Singers and Dancers, taking place on the concourse at gate one throughout the evening.
All proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will benefit Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services, with an additional $500 contribution from Western Coast Insurance.
A shy London parking officer, played by Harry Melling, gets swept into the leather-clad orbit of a mysterious biker, played by Alexander Skarsgård who makes him an obedient “pillion.”
Soon, Colin is clinging to the back on a kinky, comic motorcycle ride toward self-discovery.
It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your bookshelf and inspire a love of reading for all ages.
Whether you’re raising a young reader, escaping into epic fantasy worlds or diving into thought-provoking nonfiction, there’s something waiting for you.
Bring your friends, bring your curiosity—your next great read is waiting!
Reservations are available here but aren’t required.
Where: Tillicum Centre – Next to Northern Reflections, 3170 Tillicum Road
Head to G R Pearkes Recreation Centre for a specially priced drop-in skate session to support kidsFUNd in helping low-income Saanich families participate in camps, lessons, social activities and more.
Single admission with skate rentals included is $3.50 and family admission with skate rentals included is $10.
All admission proceeds benefit kidsFUNd directly.
Check out our full list of 11 spring break activities here!
Where: G R Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
When: Saturday, March 14th – 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right.
Tickets start at $49 and are available here!
Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
Each year, the Spark Festival brings a variety of captivating and inspiring events to Victoria—making it the perfect event to ignite creativity and experience the magic of the theatre.
The two main feature shows this year are Big Stuff and Benevolence.
Big Stuff, which runs from March 10th to 21st and stars comedy duo and married couple Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus. Together, they explore the emotional power of everyday objects with their unique comedy style.
Benevolence, created and performed by Kevin Matthew Wong, takes the audience on a charming journey through a Chinese-Canadian tale, intertwining a powerful personal story that spans generations with a connection to Victoria’s oldest Chinese temple, Tam Kung Temple.
Benevolence is sold out but there are a limited number of Big Stuff tickets left. Grab yours here—tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can scale!
Get ready to rewind to the early 2000s—when the beats were hot, the fashion was extra and the dance floor ruled.
Think chrome and glitter, low-rise vibes, velour, frosted gloss, flip phones and bass you can feel in your chest.
This Saturday, March 14th, Passion and Performance Arts Inc. invites you to step into a fully immersive Y2K party where dance, desire and nostalgia collide at the Saanich Fairgrounds.
The party starts at 6 p.m. Get your tickets here for $46!
Following an incredible sell out tour, Walk Right Back returns to stages in 2026.
From the producers of UK’s smash hit show That’ll Be The Day, this phenomenal production tells the story of the most successful musical duo of all time, The Everly Brothers.
Featuring hits such as “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream” and “Cathy’s Clown,” this unique concert-based musical entwines the wonderful, sad yet glorious story of The Everly Brothers.
Get ready for a powerful and unforgettable musical experience, Victoria!
This Saturday, two-time Polaris Music Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher makes his highly anticipated debut with the Victoria Symphony for two stunning performances at the Royal Theatre.
Blending classical influences with contemporary songwriting, Dutcher performs in both English and Wolastoqey, bringing the beauty, strength and resilience of the endangered Wolastoqey language to new audiences while celebrating his Indigenous roots.
Tickets are available for $29—get yours here and experience this extraordinary performance live.
The jellies are starting to stir…It’s time to float away from the depths of winter and join Swans Pub for a party celebrating the bright bouncy energy of spring!
It’ll be a night of pulsing high-voltage beats with an electric array of DJs that will light up the dance floor.
The first apartment you called your own, the theatre where you met a friend who changed your life, the cafe where you finally said goodbye.
The Place You Gave Us is about the way these places hold our stories and how these stories hold us.
Blending together movement and dance with improvised theatre, this show promises to explore all of the mundane, lived-in and heartbreakingly beautiful ways our environments become an extension of us.
The Power of Ultimate Wrestling Trivia is coming to Victoria!
Bring a team of up to six people or test your wrestling knowledge solo for a night dedicated to pro wrestling trivia.
The game features three rounds of questions focused mostly on World Wrestling Entertainment from the 1980s to today, with a few bonus questions from World Championship Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling and the independent wrestling scene.
Questions will range from easy to extremely tough for those who think they know it all, and there will be plenty of prizes up for grabs throughout the night.
Ocean Wise Vancouver Island exhibit tour (Photo by Benjamin Foucault)
Ocean Wise has launched its first mobile tour of 2026, and is bringing ocean and climate change education to Vancouver Island communities through a one-of-a-kind, immersive oceanic adventure.
The pop-up exhibit will be going from Tofino to Victoria beginning this weekend and welcomes nature lovers of all-ages to learn about ocean conservation, climate change and the fascinating creatures that call the ocean home.
According to Breanne Keil, one of the Ocean Wise education coordinators on this island-spanning journey, the show-stopper of this tour is the Ocean Wise Sea Dome—a massive planetarium-style dome projecting 360-degree, 4K cinematic footage of the ocean.
“Instead of exploring the stars and galaxies, we take you beneath the waves to experience what it’s like to live in the ocean,” Keil told Victoria Buzz.
“Visitors can expect to see incredible footage of curious Steller sea lions, thousands of schooling yellow fin tuna, majestic swimming nudibranchs and more”
She added that expert educators will narrate this innovative experience in real time, sharing their knowledge and sparking conversation about conservation throughout.
“It’s truly a once-of-a-kind adventure that helps people from all walks of life get to experience the wonders of the ocean.”
After stepping into the dome, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the wide array of ocean artifacts that educators will have on-hand like bull shark teeth, sea otter fur, green sea turtle shells and more.
Keil says the goal of this endeavour is to connect as many people as possible to the ocean through unique learning opportunities.
“At Ocean Wise our mission is to build communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean through promoting conservation choices and increasing ocean literacy,” she explained.
“We hope that participants walk away feeling a deep sense of wonder and love for the ocean, as we humans need the ocean, but the ocean also really needs us right now.”
So far, the mobile team has been visiting schools on the island before bringing the exhibit to public spaces.
Keil says that the highlights thus far have been endless.
“Students have gone out of their way to stay through their recess and afterschool so that they could continue their learning and ask more questions of how they can get involved in our work and where they can keep learning,” she said.
“Our team also got the opportunity to see three orcas on their ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo on the first day of their trip, which was the warmest welcome to the island that they could hope for!”
(More below)
Ocean Wise Vancouver Island exhibit tour (Photo by Benjamin Foucault)Ocean Wise Vancouver Island exhibit tour (Photo by Benjamin Foucault)Ocean Wise Vancouver Island exhibit tour (Photo by Benjamin Foucault)Ocean Wise Vancouver Island exhibit tour (Photo by Benjamin Foucault)
To check out the Ocean Wise Sea Dome and other features of this exhibit, see the Vancouver Island tour schedule below:
March 14th – Vancouver Island Regional Libraries
10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. — Vancouver Island Regional Library – Parksville 100 Jensen Avenue E, Parksville
1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. — Vancouver Island Regional Library – Nanaimo North 6250 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo
4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. — Vancouver Island Regional Library – Nanaimo Harbourfront 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo
March 17th — Tofino Maritime Kids Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Tofino Community Hall — 351 Arnet Road, Tofino
March 19th — Ucluelet Maritime Kids Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Ucluelet Community Hall — 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet
March 20th — Wild Tides Community Event
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — The KCC — 4090 Hollywood Street, Port Alberni
March 22th — Mayfair Shopping Centre
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3147 Douglas Street , Victoria
Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization aiming to restore and protect ocean ecosystems.
Through their work, the organization’s goal is to tackle three major ocean challenges, which are ocean pollution, overfishing and climate change.
In this week’s committee of the whole meeting, Victoria city council defeated an application for the proposed tallest building in the city’s skyline by just one vote.
The development was proposed for 1520 Blanshard Street, between Pandora Avenue and Cormorant Street.
If approved, the strata-housing building would have stood 35-storeys tall, when the current allowable maximum is set at 25.
Staff recommended council not approve the application, as there were several issues with the proposal that did not align with City policies and bylaws.
A City report notes the application is inconsistent with land use policy, the Official Community Plan (OCP) and it contradicts the urban form identified for the downtown core.
It is also inconsistent with more specific policies in the Downtown Core Area Plan (DCAP), including densities, heights and uses.
City staff noted that the applicant has been unwilling to budge on any of the identified discrepancies.
During the committee meeting, council first heard from city planners on how the application for this development is not consistent with City policies.
“The proposal departs from the intent of the OCP, the urban structure concept and contradicts other key goals of the plan,” said Miko Betanzo, senior planner for urban design with the City of Victoria.
“A high degree of flexibility is built into the OCP, including the ability to consider departures from the urban structure concept where a proposal meaningfully advances key City goals; however, this proposal does not meet the criteria for such a departure and to proceed an amendment to the OCP would be required.”
Council was faced with the decision of declining the motion outright, or sending it back to the applicant.
Councillors Jeremy Caradonna and Marg Gardiner moved the motion to deny the proposal, citing the recently updated OCP and its policies as the reason.
Councillor Krista Loughton said she would oppose shutting this motion down outright.
“I don’t want to close the door to 1520 Blanshard today,” said Loughton.
“I think instead we can direct the applicant to bring this project back in alignment with our long-term planning framework. I think the site is too important for a ‘no’ but our new OCPis also too important for a ‘yes.’”
Councillor Thompson said he too would like to see the application sent back to its source, and that he wants to see more rental and commercial space in the revised proposal.
Ultimately, council outright declined the proposal with a narrow vote of 5-4. Councillors Matt Dell, Thompson, Loughton and Mayor Marianne Alto voted to oppose the decline, hoping rather to be able to send the proposal back to developers.
The Great Canadian Bash is returning for its second year!
Vancouver Island music lovers can kick off Canada Day celebrations early with The Great Canadian Bash on Saturday, June 27th at Starlight Stadium in Langford.
This year will feature headliners Our Lady Peace, one of Canada’s most influential rock bands, along with The Tea Party, an innovative Canadian rock trio known for their distinctive sound.
The party starts with a BBQ, the Great Canadian Cookout, at 3 p.m., with DJ Devlin setting the tone as guests sample hearty BBQ favourites, traditional sausages, and slow-cooked meats from local producers and food trucks.
At 4:30 p.m., the pre-show begins with a performance by pop-rock multi-instrumentalist Darrian Gerad, followed by Victoria-based alternative pop-rock duo Cold Fame.
The Tea Party takes the main stage at 7 p.m., featuring singer/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Jeff Martin, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Stuart Chatwood, and drummer/percussionist Jeff Burrows. Their unique sound blends traditional instrumentation from around the world with cutting-edge digital technology.
Closing out the night at 8:45 p.m. is Our Lady Peace, the multi-platinum-selling band featuring lead vocalist Raine Maida, bassist Duncan Coutts, guitarist Steve Mazur, and drummer Jason Pierce.
The band has been a staple of Canadian rock for decades with hits like “Clumsy,” “Superman’s Dead,” and “Somewhere Out There.”
Tickets start at $59 for general admission and $199 for VIP—secure yours here and get ready to celebrate Canada Day weekend with an unforgettable night of live music at Starlight Stadium.
Families in the Saanich School District will once again pay to ride the school bus, though trustees say the cost will be phased in gradually to soften the impact.
The Saanich School Board has voted to reintroduce transportation fees beginning in the 2026-27 school year, setting the cost at $200 for each of the first two children in a family and $100 for a third child.
The total will be capped at $500 per family.
Those fees will double in the 2027-28 school year, bringing the annual cost to $400 for each of the first two children and $200 for a third.
District officials say the two-year rollout is intended to ease families into the change while addressing a growing financial gap.
“Bringing the fees in over two years is an attempt to balance addressing the structural deficit and acknowledging the concerns we’ve heard,” the district said.
The Saanich School District’s transportation budget currently sits at just over $2 million, representing about two per cent of the district’s overall budget.
Roughly 1,900 students out of about 8,000 in the district ride the school bus.
The district says the fees are expected to generate about $435,000 annually once fully implemented, helping offset rising costs.
Like many school districts across BC, Saanich has faced increasing expenses that have outpaced provincial funding. To balance its books, the district has relied on reserve funds in recent years, using about $2 million last year and roughly $3 million this year.
Transportation fees are not new to the district. The last time families paid for bus service was during the 2016-17 school year, when parents were charged $300 for each of the first two children in a household.
Those fees were eventually eliminated after the province introduced funding to help school districts cover some transportation costs.
More recently, the district introduced a $25 registration fee in 2024 to support a bus tracking system that allows parents to monitor where their children are during trips.
That registration fee has now been removed, though a $100 late-registration fee will remain in place.
District officials say the return of bus fees is part of a broader effort to maintain transportation service while addressing the district’s ongoing financial pressures.
VicPD are warning local business owners to stay alert after two attempted frauds targeting downtown shops earlier this week.
According to police, investigators were contacted on March 9th by two businesses in the 900 block of Government Street. Staff reported receiving suspicious phone calls asking them to bring their daily cash deposits to an unknown individual.
Police say the first call occurred on March 8th when a man phoned one of the businesses. The following day, a woman called another business on the same block.
In both cases, the caller impersonated the business owner or the owner’s partner and used the correct names while instructing staff to deliver the day’s deposit to someone waiting in the 700 block of Fort Street.
The incident is similar to a phone-based scam known as “vishing.”
“Fraudsters leverage technology such as AI or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers to trick people and try to get sensitive financial information,” said Detective Constable Vlad Filatov.
Staff at both businesses recognized that something did not seem right and refused the requests. As a result, no money was lost.
Police later determined the phone numbers used in the calls were VoIP numbers that have previously been linked to fraudulent activity.
Investigators say businesses can reduce the risk of falling victim to similar scams by requiring employees to independently verify unexpected financial requests with an owner or manager using a pre-arranged contact method.
Filatov added that employees should also be trained to recognize social engineering tactics, such as callers impersonating management and creating a sense of urgency in order to bypass normal procedures.
Police also caution that verification should not be done through email, as accounts can be compromised.
March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, and police are encouraging residents and businesses to learn more about common scams and prevention tips online. Additional resources are also available through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a scam is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
The 51st annual Greater Victoria Flower Count has officially concluded and has set a new record, doubling the number of flowers tallied in 2025.
This year’s Flower Count resulted in a total of 86,268,791,360 blooms tallied across all of Greater Victoria.
This beloved tradition called on community members throughout the capital region to count early flowers and submit their totals online.
Though it was close, this year’s champion for most early blossoms has gone to the District of Saanich, which has been dubbed 2026’s “Bloomingest Community.”
Saanich alone had a reported 43,369,515,424 flowers counted—nearly half the grand total of the entire count.
“On behalf of Saanich Council, I want to congratulate everyone in our community for earning the title of 2026 Bloomingest Community in the Greater Victoria Flower Count,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock.
“This challenge reflects something we all know to be true—Saanich residents take pride in where we live, and we show it in big and small ways, from caring for our gardens and neighbourhood green spaces to sharing the beauty of spring with friends and visitors.”
The City of Victoria was the runner-up with 15,700,067,435 blooms.
The flower count paid special heed to one individual in particular, Tina Ng, who is a Grade 5 teacher at Campus View Elementary. Her students counted 41,674,200,303 blossoms.
Ng’s classroom was thus decreed the “Bloomingest Classroom” and has won a field trip to the Butchart Gardens in a limousine.
“The Greater Victoria Flower Count is a celebration of community pride, natural beauty, and the sense of place that defines our region,” said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
“Each year, it brings people together to mark the arrival of spring while highlighting what makes Greater Victoria such a vibrant destination to live, work, and visit.”
This year’s flower count also coincided with the new Hanging Basket Donation Program—a way to help fund the City of Victoria’s iconic flower baskets which recently was dealt a budget cut.
Though the flower count has wrapped up for 2026, the donation program is ongoing. Residents, businesses and organizations are being invited to donate in order to keep the program alive and flourishing.
Donations can be made at Destination Greater Victoria’s Visitor Centre at 812 Wharf Street, at Victoria City Hall located at 1 Centennial Square or online.
A man described by police as a high-risk, violent offender is in custody after a coordinated arrest led by the Regional Domestic Violence Unit (RDVU).
According to Saanich Police, officers arrested Myles McMorran on February 11th with assistance from several law enforcement units across Greater Victoria.
The arrest involved Saanich Police, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, the Island District Emergency Response Team and Sidney/North Saanich RCMP.
Police said McMorran was wanted on multiple unendorsed warrants issued by different jurisdictions. Investigators determined he posed a significant safety risk to individuals throughout the Capital Regional District, making his arrest a priority.
The arrest was carried out without incident. McMorran remains in custody while awaiting the outcome of a bail hearing.
He faces several charges connected to a domestic violence investigation, including assault by choking, assault causing bodily harm, assault, mischief, uttering threats and theft.
According to police, the RDVU led the investigation by assessing and managing risk, coordinating the search and arrest, and providing support to the victim following the initial incident.
The Regional Domestic Violence Unit is a specialized team that works with partner agencies across the region to investigate and manage serious domestic violence cases.
The Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group (NRG) has announced that the massively popular FernFest will not be taking place this year.
After last year’s FernFest event, which saw an expanded festival grounds and over 40 performers take to the various stages, the organizers have announced this year the show will not go on.
“We have decided not to host FernFest in 2026 as we explore new ways of celebrating and welcoming neighbours from across the street and throughout our community,” wrote the Fernwood NRG in a post on their website.
“This year, Fernwood Neighbourhood House is focusing more on supporting smaller neighbourhood-level events and welcoming new neighbours moving into the community, rather than coordinating a large festival.”
Fernwood NRG assures residents of the neighbourhood who enjoy the festivities that there will still be opportunities to gather and celebrate the community, but are still seeking out how to best meet the needs of its residents.
An online survey has been launched by the organization to gather ideas on how best to celebrate.
Furthermore, Fernwood NRG says that those who want to support the organization and its events can donate.
Whether you want to cheer on the Royals, laugh at a comedy show or enjoy a relaxed night of board games with the community, there’s something happening for every kind of Friday night.
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, March 13th:
Join the Vic West Community Association for their free, monthly drop-in board game night!
Come with friends or play with a group of your neighbour’s and community members. This event is completely free and open to all ages, but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Popcorn is available by donation!
Where: Vic West Community Centre, 521 Craigflower Road
This Friday, the Victoria Royals are hosting the Vancouver Giants for Indigenous Celebrations Night, presented by Western Coast Insurance, at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre!
The evening will recognize the Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose territory the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre stands, celebrate local Indigenous culture while highlighting community partnerships that support ongoing reconciliation efforts.
There’ll be live performances from the Esquimalt Singers and Dancers, taking place on the concourse at gate one throughout the evening.
All proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will benefit Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services, with an additional $500 contribution from Western Coast Insurance.
OK, DOPE is proud to present BLIND DATES LIVE! with Alex Forman!
Looking for something to do on a Friday Night!? Well look no further—whether you are single or taken, this will be a show you won’t want to miss.
Watch singles take the stage for a live first blind date all the while Alex sits behind them attempting to help when things go south, but often making things much worse.
The first apartment you called your own, the theatre where you met a friend who changed your life, the cafe where you finally said goodbye.
The Place You Gave Us is about the way these places hold our stories and how these stories hold us.
Blending together movement and dance with improvised theatre, this show promises to explore all of the mundane, lived-in and heartbreakingly beautiful ways our environments become an extension of us.
Golf bags haven’t changed much over the decades, but one Victoria entrepreneur has built a brand designed to shake up the industry.
Victoria-based realtor Zamian Parsons has created lightweight, waterproof golf bags with bold designs to the golf world through his company Pacific Sunday.
After three years of testing and refining the product, he officially launched his golf bags in February 2025 and the brand quickly gained traction with golfers worldwide, generating $180,000 in revenue his first year.
Parsons says one of the biggest gaps he noticed was how little attention many golf brands give to women and juniors golfers.
“I thought this was an incredible opportunity because number one, there are no golf companies that advertise to women or juniors,” said Parsons.
“And secondly, golf bags all look the same. I wanted to make some fun products for golfers who wanted to express their personalities more.”
He noticed that many brands simply modify existing bags for women, often adding bedazzled details or pink accents rather than designing products specifically with them in mind.
Pacific Sunday’s bags are designed for a wide range of golfers, combining bold designs with high-quality materials built to perform in all four seasons—rain or shine. Each bag is fully waterproof while remaining lightweight enough for golfers who prefer to walk the course.
Current styles include Aurora Twilight, Garden Club, Hockey Night, and an upcoming Pacific Northwest Tour bag.
Beyond performance and design, Parsons is also focused on building a community around the brand.
Each bag includes an NFC chip that golfers can scan with their phone to create a profile and join Pacific Sunday’s virtual fantasy league launching this summer.
Despite having a high-quality product, breaking into the traditionally old-school golf industry hasn’t been easy, but Parsons says things are beginning to change after a successful first year.
“When I messaged courses last year, I got no response. Basically no support from the local community at all…But now things are changing.”
Today, Pacific Sunday bags are carried at several local courses and shops including Highland Pacific, Just Add Golf, Gorge Vale Golf Club, and Story Creek Golf Club. The brand has also begun gaining recognition beyond Vancouver Island as more golfers discover the designs online.
As the brand grows, Parsons hopes to expand Pacific Sunday into more courses and shops across the country and globe while building a strong community of golfers around the brand.
Golfers interested in his golf bags and other golf products can view them on his website here.
This week, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has approved its budget for 2026 and its 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
Along with the CRD, the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) and Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) budgets have also been approved.
Together, these three organizations that oversee much of Greater Victoria’s infrastructure and auxiliary services have a budget of $932 million.
Of this funding, the operating portion totals $489 million. This pays for a range of services that help over 460,000 people.
The combined capital portion is $443 million, which goes towards infrastructure projects.
“The approval of the 2026 budget and 2026–2030 Financial Plans reflects the CRD’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while continuing to deliver the essential and important services our communities rely on every day,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith.
“We are grateful for the dedication of our staff and express appreciation for our partners and community members whose collective contributions helped to shape the budget and financial plans that respond to today’s priorities while preparing for challenges and opportunities in the future.”
Like many municipalities, the CRD’s budget faces numerous financial pressures, which include factors such as inflation, labour costs and increasing debt servicing costs.
Because every part of the CRD has differing needs, the impact of these financial plans will impact each municipality, electoral area and First Nation differently.
The financial impact on each municipality the CRD serves is dependent on the revenues being brought in.
The CRD makes revenues by selling services like drinking water and waste management, tax revenue from municipalities and grant funding from various levels of government.
In the coming fiscal year, revenue from the sale of services comprises approximately half of the CRD’s operating revenue.
Around 25% of the combined budget is funded through requisition.
According to the CRD, the consolidated requisition is rising by an average of 5.2%. This means the average household in the capital region will be impacted by an increase of approximately $28.26.
This increase, dependent on the municipality, electoral area or First Nation, will be added to local property taxes for homeowners in the capital region.
Some projects the CRD will be putting the capital portion of their budget towards will include:
New technologies for Hartland Landfill to convert waste into usable products
Forming a new Regional Transportation Plan
Upgrading sections of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails
Strengthening the Saanich Peninsula’s water system
Upgrading the wastewater treatment plant on Salt Spring Island
Building a new long-term care home built in Colwood
Enhancing the supply of affordable, inclusive and adequate housing across the region
St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and Victoria is going all out with celebrations across the city.
From lively pub parties and live Irish music to parades and themed nights, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spirit of the holiday.
Whether you’re looking for a pint of Guinness to split the “G,” traditional Celtic tunes or a night of dancing with friends, these St. Patrick’s Day events happening around Victoria will have you covered.
Grab something green and start planning your week of celebrations!
Here are 16 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening in and around Victoria:
Join Bartholomew’s Pub from March 13th to 17th for Five Days of Craic filled with Irish whiskey cocktails, featured drams, Irish snacks and plenty of creamy pints of the black stuff.
Sláinte!
Where: Bartholomew’s Pub, 777 Douglas Street
When: Friday, March 13th to Tuesday, March 17th – starting at 5 p.m.
The Capital Ballroom is turning the city green this Saturday!
GREEN OUT is taking over downtown with lasers cutting through the smoke, full green visual packages, immersive décor, prizes and high energy all night long.
First, Lamppost is kicking things off with a St. Paddy’s pre-party bar crawl—join the crawl and end your night at Capital Ballroom for the ultimate finale or skip straight to GREEN OUT for the fun.
Join CRAFT Beer Market for their Shamrock Shindig on Saturday, March 14th at 9 p.m. for a St. Patty’s Day party to remember, featuring live entertainment, dancing and more.
Plus, they’re offering sham-rocking drink specials from Friday to Tuesday that you won’t want to miss.
Don’t miss a day filled with Irish cheer at the Penny Farthing!
Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy live music from Max Mackrill, Calvin + Fintan and Second Fiddle, plus performances from O’Brien’s Irish Dancers throughout the day.
The Other Guise Theatre is hosting a sober St. Patrick’s Day celebration full of live music, dancing and cozy corners to relax and connect.
Enjoy an evening of lively energy and good company featuring local folk band, THE ECCLESTONS.
Their non-alcoholic bar will be stocked with delicious zero-proof drinks available for purchase because you can still toast the night without the hangover.
This event is also a fundraiser to support the venue and help cover operating costs, so every ticket helps keep this community space thriving.
Wear your green, bring your friends and get ready for a St. Paddy’s party with plenty of spirit (just not the alcoholic kind)!
Spend your St. Patrick’s Day the authentic way: rowdy pub songs and shanties, driving ballads and ripping reels.
There’ll be authentic music performed by The Hounds of Cuchulain, a full band of traditional instruments in the straight-ahead style of folk greats such as the Dubliners and Pogues—tied together with engaging storytelling to bring the history of the music to life.
The night will also feature star performers from the Victoria School of Irish Dance lending their percussive talent to the music.
Come prepared to dance, sing, drink and be merry all night long!
Residents in parts of Sooke are being reminded to secure garbage and other attractants after reports of a mother black bear and her cubs roaming local neighbourhoods.
According to the Wild Wise Society, the bears have recently been spotted accessing attractants in the Brailsford and Mountain Heights areas.
The wildlife education group said when bears begin finding easy food sources in residential areas, they can quickly learn to return. This increases the risk of human-bear conflicts and can ultimately lead to the animals being destroyed.
While some people believe relocating problem bears is a solution, Wild Wise notes that relocation often comes with its own challenges and conflicts can continue in the area where the bears are moved.
“Most human–bear conflicts are preventable with human responsibility,” the organization said in a social media post.
“Removing attractants helps keep bears wild and reduces the chances they will continue visiting residential areas or that their behaviours will escalate.”
Residents are being asked to take several precautions around their properties, including storing garbage and recycling indoors or in bear-resistant containers, placing bins at the curb only on the morning of collection, and cleaning outdoor BBQs after each use.
Other recommendations include bringing pet food indoors, picking ripe fruit and removing fallen fruit from the ground, securing compost, and avoiding the use of outdoor fridges or freezers in bear country.
The District of Sooke also has a bylaw that requires attractants to be secured at all times.
Residents who notice unsecured attractants that could contribute to bear activity are encouraged to report them to Sooke Bylaw and the BC Conservation Officer Service’s RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Wild Wise Society says community cooperation is key to preventing conflicts and ensuring both people and wildlife can safely coexist in the area.
PEA members on strike alongside BCGEU in 2025 (BC Federation of Labour)
Coinciding with the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), over 1,800 government workers in the BC Public Service went on strike and have only now reached a tentative agreement.
These government licensed professionals are represented by the Professional Employees Association (PEA), who were fighting at the bargaining table to get them better pay and conditions from BC’s Public Service Agency (PSA).
The newly reached tentative agreement comes ten months after bargaining began with the PSA, during which time these workers engaged in the historic eight-week strike alongside the BCGEU.
“Our members showed extraordinary resolve during this round of bargaining,” said Melissa Moroz, PEA executive director and lead negotiator.
“For eight weeks we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the BCGEU, demanding a fair deal from the BC Government. This agreement shows what’s possible when we unite in solidarity.”
BCGEU members ratified their collective agreement on November 13th, 2025. PEA members had to wait an additional four months for their tentative agreement with PSA.
If this tentative agreement is ratified by PEA members, they will receive a general wage increase of 3% per year over the next four years, and an agreement in place until March 31st, 2029.
The union also gained important rights for their workers, including employment security, enhanced health and wellness benefits, improvements to overtime compensation and key terms for government lawyers who became part of the PEA in 2023.
“It’s been a long road to get here,” said Moroz.
“There were months of negotiations after the picket lines came down, but we didn’t walk those picket lines to settle for less. Our members were united across professions because they know the value of their work and how important it is to the people of British Columbia. This is a deal they can be proud of.”
Next steps to resolving this agreement will see union members vote on ratification.
Chief Constable Dean Duthie gives Amit Arya his award (Saanich Police)
This week, Saanich Police recognized the selfless and heroic actions of three individuals who helped save people from various harms through decisive actions.
Two of these individuals received the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Certificate of Recognition, while one was given the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Award of Valour.
The first of these three individuals was Amit Arya, a taxi driver. Arya got his award for stepping in to prevent the person he was transporting from becoming the victim of a fraud.
His actions helped save his fare from losing over $12,000. Arya was presented with the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Certificate of Recognition.
Next, Michael Maloney was recognized for stopping a person he suspected of being impaired from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Saanich Police say that by safely following and documenting the other driver, taking action and assisting officers in apprehending the suspect, he prevented the impaired individual from potentially injuring themselves or someone else.
Maloney was also given the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Certificate of Recognition.
Lastly, Steven Sankey, a BC Transit Supervisor, put himself between his passengers and a person who was reportedly suffering a mental health crisis on the bus.
He helped ensure that no passengers were harmed before they could safely get off the bus.
Sankey was presented with the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Award of Valour.
Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie gave these awards out himself on Tuesday, March 10th.
Tofino RCMP are asking for the public’s help as they search for a missing 40-year-old man who was last seen earlier this month in Tofino.
According to the Tofino and Ahousaht RCMP, Dustin Bauming was reported missing by his family on March 6th.
Investigators say Bauming was seen at the CIBC bank in Tofino on Monday, March 2nd. Later that same day, a witness reported seeing him on the Toquin Trail near the community centre.
Bauming was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
He is described as Caucasian, standing about 6’2” tall and weighing approximately 290 pounds. He has blue eyes, brown and grey hair, and was clean-shaven at the time he was last seen.
Anyone who sees Dustin Bauming or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact the Tofino RCMP at (250) 725-3242.
Picnic on the Gorge - July 5th, 1914 (Saanich Archives)
The District of Saanich’s annual online community cookbook is now available to all members of the public and consists of recipes new and old—some of which date back as far as 1936.
To recognize BC Heritage Week, the District puts out a new edition of the Saanich Community Cookbook every year, featuring newly submitted recipes from local residents alongside archival recipes from throughout the years
This year, the theme for cookbook submissions was “stir the pot.”
The Saanich Community Cookbook is 88-pages-long and includes not just recipes for delicious, cultural food, but also stories from Saanich residents.
The goal of this cookbook is always to bring all generations together at the dinner tables, picnic blankets and at other celebrations.
The Saanich Community Cookbook includes an array of recipes for main dishes, baking, desserts, drinks and preserves.
Some recipes highlighted by Saanich include:
Moroccan carrot dip – a bright, garden-forward dip with cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, herbs and optional harissa
Fruit-ade – a concentrated citrus “ade” made with oranges and lemons—both juice and rind
Stuffed butternut squash – a “set it and forget it” meal that balances the sweetness of squash with savory beef
Barry’s bourbon baste – a bold, BBQ-friendly baste/marinade with Dijon, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and vinegar
BC lentil gardner’s pie – a vegetarian comfort-food take on a traditional pie, featuring beluga lentils, herbs and a mashed potato topping
San Mateo whole seed mustard – a from-scratch whole-seed mustard using yellow and brown mustard seeds with vinegars and a touch of sweetness
Bananas with bacon – a warm dish prepared using variation of the en papillote (in paper) cooking technique
“Whether you’re exploring the cookbook for the stories, trying a new dish or revisiting a family favourite, we hope you are inspired to share a meal, swap a recipe and keep local history alive—one pot at a time,” wrote the District in a media release.
Anyone can access the Saanich Community Cookbook. It is available via the District’s archives department, and can be found online here.
